The Climatic End! Seth vs The Nemean Lion!
Surprised. Amazed. Terrified.
These words are a perfect representation of what the Pirates felt as the Nemean Lion came out from the forest. His massive figure would shadow over them like insects if they were standing in front of it, that is.
"AHHHHHHHH! What the fuck is that?!" Usopp screams in terror as tears and snot fall from his face.
"Incredible…" Vivi mumbled as her eyes trembled in amazement, "A real-life Nemean Lion…!"
"That's a Nemean Lion?!" Nojiko couldn't stop his jaw from falling out. "That's way too huge to be called a lion!"
"Seth! You idiot!" Nami quickly went to her boyfriend and began to shake him by his throat. "Why did you bring it here?! You should have killed it before coming here! He's going to kill us all!"
"Wait!" Seth grabs her arms to stop the shaking, "It won't kill any of you. He's just waiting for me." His words confused everyone present.
"...Seth's right." Zoro affirms his friend's words, "The animal hasn't moved one step forward."
Sure enough, the Nemean Lion stood there, glaring at them.
"Is...to be expected." Broggy, having the wax entirely removed, spoke. "The Nemean Lion is a creature of strength and power, but it has a sense of honor. It will not attack anyone except its target. But," He looks at the auburn-haired pirate with a raised eyebrow, "Is it impossible that you could escape from it, how did you manage to do it?" he asked.
Seth looks at him, "Oh, you must be the other giant that Dorry was talking about." At the mention of Dorry, Broggy's hand twitched a bit as his eyes looked away in pain. The slump form of Doggy didn't escape his sight, "More importantly, shouldn't you be helping him up?"
"...Eh?" Broggy and the pirates look at him in confusion.
"Dorry is still breathing," Seth said as he pointed at Dorry, making Broggy move to his friend and check his pulse.
Moments later, tears began to fall off his eyes, "I-Is true!" Broggy began to cry with joy. "He's alive!"
"What?!" Vivi screams in disbelief. "But how?! We saw the geyser of blood going into the sky!"
"T-The weapons!" Usopp shouted with tears as he pointed at the worn-out ax and sword, "The weapons haven't got sharpened for years! It's a miracle!"
"Bullshit. It was just bad care of weapons and two over-prideful fools."
"Shut the fuck up, Zoro!"
"GRRRRRRRRRR!" In the background, the Nemean Lion comically growls with a tick mark on his head.
"Yeah! Yeah! I'm coming, you overgrown cat!" Seth yelled at him as he pulled Nojiko out of the melted wax. "There. Everyone out?" he asked, seeing Zoro, Nami, and Vivi had managed to get out.
"Yeah. We are good." Zoro replied.
"Good." With that, Seth turns to look at NL, "Then all of you, stay back." The atmosphere around him turned dark, making spines shivered in fear. "Don't try to help me out."
"W-Wait! You are seriously going to fight it again?!" Nami screamed at him while watching the boy walk away. Attempting to stop him in his track, she grabs his arm, "No way! Look at the state you are in! You look like you barely came out of a war!"
"I agree!" Vivi jumps in as she helps her out, "Is a miracle you managed to emerge alive on the first try! We should try to get as far away from it!" The princess and the navigator pulled with their strength, but unsurprisingly they both were failing.
"Oy. Let go you two," Seth sweatdrop at what the two of them were doing. It was like two daughters trying to stop their father from leaving. "Let go. It's for the good of everyone."
"He's right," Broggy spoke in a rough voice. "Nemean Lion's have impressive stamina and are fast swimmers. Should its opponent try to escape, it will follow them and attack anyone or anything that stands between its prey."
"Eh?! You mean it would follow and kill us?!" Usopp screams in fear as he hides behind a bit of remaining wax. "Dammit, Seth! Why didn't you kill it before coming here?!"
"Because your lives are more important than this."
Usopp and Nojiko's eyes widened in shock, Nami and Vivi stopped what they were doing and stared at him in disbelief. Broggy and Zoro look at him with astonishment.
The Beast turns his eyes to the side, showing the seriousness behind the words he just said. "It doesn't matter the time nor the place...If any of you are in danger, I will come to save you. NO MATTER. WHAT."
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…
…
Nami let go of his arm, shocking Vivi. "If you fucking lose or die, I'm putting a 6 billion berry loan on your tab."
"Fine by me," Seth said as he looked at the princess, waiting for her to let go of him. "Well, your highness? Are you gonna trust me?" He asked.
Vivi began to desperately look around, trying to find anyone to tell her what she should do. Looking at the pirates, none of them did anything. Zoro simply sat on the grass, Usopp did as well but was sweating in concern. Nojiko glared at Seth, not out of anger, rather than worried.
It wasn't that they agreed with this, but it didn't mean that they didn't believe him.
That was proof of how much they trust him.
Seeing that she was the only one left. She nervously let him.
"Thanks." Seth smiled, making Vivi embarrassed at the cat-like smile he did. "Now! Sit tight, and enjoy the show!" Turning around, he went to face the NL. "Because it's going to be my win!"
…
…
…
Both Nami and Vivi join the others, the navigator sitting on the grass next to her sister.
Seth reached the opposite side of the NL, sporting a feline glare. "Sorry for the wait, and thanks for being patient." He said before placing himself in a fighting pose.
"Grr!" The NL growls as it readies itself.
The air flew right next to them, moving their fur as the sun positioned itself right above them. Seth tenses his feet, slightly moving them around. The NL growls a tiny bit while scratching the ground, preparing itself to attack.
And so they did.
Seth and the NL disappeared from the view of everyone before reappearing in the middle, fist and head colliding with each other, a shockwave going out of control.
The force caused most of the crew to cover their face, or in Usopp's case, good tight to a tree as his body was comically blown away.
Seth grit his lion fangs as he quickly swung his leg, aiming at the NL template. The animal ducks its head before doing a vertical swipe headbutt, pushing Seth I to the air where he recovered and began to spin, using his Beast Roll to homing attack several times. The NL spun and swung his giant tail, smacking the Battle Cat away and sending it crashing into a tree, which broke in half.
The spectators flinch in pain at seeing that.
Luckily, Seth's ball form made him bounce away before stopping the spin. He ran on four legs like a cat, his speed increasing. The Nemean Lion growled and raised its paw, dropping it down in where Seth would appear. Seeing the paw in his face, the auburn-haired lion boy threw himself into the ground, the grass sliding him fast enough to escape the paw smash. Being under the belly now, Seth jumped and commenced to use his Beast Barrage as strong and fast as he could. The NL cough as the fists began to hit it hard, and elevate it into the air by the force of the attack. Having it in perfect high-ground, Seth proceeded to grab its paw and spun it around several times before sending it flying into a tree, crushing it with its weight.
The white lion stood from the crash with a huff before sprinting at the Battle Cat, who answered by running at him as well.
Vivi had her jaw drop in disbelief. "Did...Did he just suplex a 7 feet tall lion after punching it off the ground?!" Even her pointed finger was trembling at what she was saying.
Her father didn't tell her about this!
"Amazing display of power from such a tiny human." Luckily, Broggy was with the princess, not in shock, rather amazed. "Such strength to lift a Nemean Lion is very rare to see, even to me and I have been living for more than 100 years." He said.
"Well, that's our resident Battle Cat for you," Zoro said, making the giant look at him with shocked eyes.
"So...He was...a Battle Cat."
They all snap their necks to the side as Dorry, grunting as he stood from the ground, holding his chest. "I had...my suspicion when I saw him."
"Dorry!" Broggy cries in joy as he hugs his friend, "I'm so happy to see you alive!"
Dorry chuckle as he tried to not flinch at the pain that was unconsciously being inflicted. "Yeah...So am I," he pushed his friend off him before turning to look at the fight. "I'll live...So, how about we enjoy the fight. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for us giants."
"Absolutely!"
The crew sweatdrop at seeing the two Hundred-year old giants look at the fight like kids in a candy store. With twinkling eyes.
"They sure are enjoying the show," Vivi said while unconsciously scratching her stomach. She turns to look at the fight, but notices Nami rubbing her feet together in worry while watching the battle.
Next to her, Nojiko was caressing her arm while biting her lips.
She could tell they are getting worried. And why wouldn't they?
Seth was bleeding in the middle of the fight with a Legendary creature to near-death!
"...You two truly care about him, huh?" Vivi asked in a whisper.
"Of course I do." Nami didn't hesitate to answer her. "This moron just came into my shitty life and made it better for my sake."
"The fact that he saved our home and brought hope to my sister is all I need to care," Nojiko responded. "He probably doesn't even know how important he has become for us." Nami nodded at that statement.
The blue princess of Alabasta couldn't help but be amazed at their words. They both had made clear that their love for the Battle Cat was real…
On another note, she felt kind of jealous of them. No idea why.
*BAM!*
"Woah?! Seth, what the hell are you doing?!" Usopp's scream of terror made Vivi look at the fight, and felt her eyes shrink in shock.
Returning to the fight, Seth headbutts with the NL's head. Followed by both animal's commencing a Battle of headbutts, making shockwaves of air burst out from their collisions.
After the 23rd head collision, both combatants jumped away. Seth acted first as he used his Wild Smash and hit the face side of the NL, who growl as it power through the attack and push Seth away, sending him airborne. It then jumped high, going for a bite to his feet, but the auburn-haired pirate managed to avoid it by placing his hands over the lion's nose and propelled himself above him.
Where he simply spun and delivered a Ground Pound to the top of the NL head. The force sending the two of them back to the ground and making a crack on it.
Seth landed a few feet away from the NL, whose eyes were close for a moment before opening them in a snap, his sun-like eyes surrounded by red veins.
To Seth's (and the others') shock, it vanished from its spot. He tries to locate the animal's position.
('Where the hell did it go?!') Seth asked as he tried to use his sharpened eyes and ears to locate any.
"SETH! BEHIND YOU!"
Usopp's warning almost came a little too late as Seth dropped down to the floor as the NL shot like a torpedo from behind him. He looked up, only to see purple colors disappearing. He didn't have time to think as his right side felt something cut through hard, a hash of blood bursting out.
Spinning around while gritting in agony, he cartwheels to the side as three slashes cut deep into the ground. Seth sprinted away as more cuts got to him, and they almost if he didn't climb a tree and jump over the attack, which mutilated the poor living organisms.
"This motherfucker is mocking me!" Seth felt a vein pop in his forehead as his pride as a quick predator was on the line. "He wants speed?! He'll have it!"
The moment Seth touched the grass he yelled out, "Max Speed!" And disappeared from view.
Everything was quiet. Nothing happened for a while, the spectators feeling tense as they looked with worry, seriousness, and excitement.
*Clash*Clash*Clash*Clash*Clash*
The sounds of sharp claws clashing like swords just appeared in front of anyone. Appearing momentarily in various places of the forest, even one to a tree that was a poor victim of the slashes.
This caught the attention of Zoro, the sound of a blade interesting him. ('What the hell? I know Seth doesn't have or uses swords. Are those his claws?') he thought, thinking back to when he met the Beast Man in Shell-Town.
Now that he thinks about it, the auburn-haired boy had used his claws one time only.
The two combatants continue clashing together, their bodies appearing from time to time.
With the power of my writing skills, we go in slow motion to see the battle.
Seth and the NL kept attacking each other. Their fists (paws in the case of the lion) and claws clashing. But even with equal speed, the NL proved to be a bit faster as several of his claws had managed to land a few hits on him. At the rate, this was going-
*BAM~*
Seth coughed in pain as the NL had headbutted him hard in the middle of the clash, somehow making Seth be on top of his snout and sending him into the air. The white lion bent down before giving a fast leap forward to Seth. The auburn-haired pirate widened his eyes as he moved to the side.
*CHOMP!*CRUNCH!*
But not all managed to evade it.
Seth stared in horror/surprise as his left arm was caught between the monster's sharpened mouth, its mouth piercing skin and bones.
The NL growls inside as it drags Seth into the ground, slamming him into the ground. He couldn't think or do anything as the lion began to slam him on the ground multiple times like a ragdoll. It then began to drag him through the dirt, grass, and mud before smashing Seth on several trees. Finishing by making a sharp swing to the side with his head, sending Seth crashing into the ground and spinning uncontrollably before bumping into a tree, his head harshly bumping into it.
Blood burst out from Seth's mouth. He gritted hard his teeth as his forehead bleed down, covering his view. The pain going through his body was burning him alive.
Even more when he felt something missing.
The NL jerk to the side, throwing away something that landed in front of the pirates and giants.
Seth's left arm.
Staring at the bleeding limb. Her voice drowned in her throat. Her face turning blue and her eyes tremble in horror at it.
She wanted to scream.
She wanted to just stand up and ran forward, get to Seth's location and pull him out of there.
She didn't want to have another nightmare entering her dreams. Of another person close to her, dying in front of her again.
But what can she even do? Compared to him, to the lion, to any of the others, she was weak!
She's always weak!
But even so…!
Her body, presumably, had moved on its own, because something intercepted her view. Looking up, she saw the back of Zoro's white shirt.
"Don't." The swordsman said in seriousness. "I know this is hard...but you cannot interfere." He looks back, hardening his gaze, "This fight is more than a battle for his pride as both this crew second-captain and one of our strongest members…It's a step to his dream! You cannot take this away from him!"
His words brought truth, as much as she hated.
Seth's dream is to become not just any strong individual, he wants to be King! King of all Beasts! His strength must be put to the test every day, for he is someone who chose to fight for what he desires! He is from a world that is either kill or get killed.
She knows that...She accepted that thought...But is it wrong that she doesn't want to lose him?
"Besides," Zoro looks back at the fight, "He hasn't thrown the towel yet."
His words made her look at the Battle Cat, and just a look at his eyes was enough to, at least, calm her down.
The look that he has no intention to lose.
She turned to the side, seeing Nojiko shaking in fear, but holding it. Looking at the other side, Vivi was on the verge of crying while Usopp looked like he was about to pass out. The giants were just enjoying the show, both in worry and excitement.
('...He better win, dammit.') With that, Nami steps back and sits on the grass again.
(Back with Seth)
('FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!') Seth screams internally as he forces his healing factor to work, closing his wound. ('Oh God! It hurts!') By the blood coming from his mouth, he might develop pain resistance.
That's good and bad if you think about it.
He began to stand up, using the tree he had crashed into as support. His dragon-like eyes watch as the NL slowly pace forward, ready to attack and high alert at anything around him. The lion sure was a monster to not mess with. ('I guess...I'm at my limit.') Seth knew he was getting tired, even without losing his arm. ('This is it...This is my last attack; either it misses it and I become its next meal, or I turn the winds of change into my favor!')
He rested against the tree, his legs shaking as his muscles screamed at him that he was forcing himself way too much.
Then, he stopped.
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…
…
Like, literally. He just stood still. Control of his body was no more.
The NL charged forward, going at the speed of a normal lion. His jaw opened as he lunged directly at where Seth was.
('What is he doing?!') Most of the crew yelled in their mind as they watch their friend, and boyfriend, do no attempt of escaping from the path of incoming murder.
"SETH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! MOVE!"
Even with Nami, Nojiko, and Vivi's shout combined, Seth did not move one bit.
It was too late for anything else as the Nemean Lion had reached him, his open mouth surrounding any escape attempt for Seth.
But just at the last second, the auburn-haired pirate vanished, causing NL to chomp on the tree and taking a big chunk of wood out. The animal widened in surprise before it began to spit the wood out from its mouth. Once it spits it all out, it looks around for the human, only to feel a presence from behind.
Turning its head, it saw the human-beast away from him, its damaged shirt getting puffed as the fur inside him expanded. His long hair grew a bit longer, the wind making it waved around like a flag.
Seth let out a breath while looking at his right hand, his still-attach, auburn-furry hand. He began to close and open it several times. He stares at it as if something new was in it.
A leaf floats right beside him by the wind. In the blink of an eye, Seth swung fast his hand at a 160-degree angle. The leaf was pushed, not harmed. It floats down to the ground. Another leaf floated close to him, and he did the same, only that he moved vertically. The leaf was split in half, floating away from one another before dropping to the ground.
Back to the sidelines, most of the crew let a relief breath out from their throat as Seth had just escaped death's jaw. However, Zoro was rather shocked than relieved.
Don't get him wrong. He is glad that his friend didn't die. It's just that he saw the way he was currently acting. ('That pose…! Those movements!') He thought as he saw how his right arm had moved. One pushing a leaf away while the other cut the other leaf in half.
As if, he moved with the choice to cut what he wanted to cut!
"Listen up, you overgrown cat," Seth turned around to face the NL, their eyes meeting one another, "I'm at my limit. So I'm ending this in one last attack."
"Grrrr!" The NL growled in response. It slowly started walking forward before it began to speed up.
Seth positioned himself. He bent his knees and stretched his right arm like a sword. Closing his eyes, everything around him disappears momentarily.
"Listen up, twerp! Anyone can cut anything, but only those that choose what to cut can become something more!"
Deep breath, exhale air out. Tensing muscles and calm mind.
"Think of yourself as a swordsman. You are (obviously) the man, but your arms are the sword."
The NL was inches away from reaching him. He didn't need to see it. His four ears could hear it. His nose could smell it. His touch could fill it.
"With these arms that you were blessed with. Ask yourself; what do you wish to protect?"
The NL was just above him. His eyes were still closed.
"And what do you wish to cut?"
Snapping them open, those red-eyes watched the gaping mouth of the NL getting close to his face.
"Dragon…"
The NL bite hard the place where Seth was. But its mouth didn't feel anything yet again. Seth had appeared behind it, his right arm stretched like a sword.
Both fighters didn't move for a while, until the NL grunted and an arc of blood gushed around its body.
"...Whisper!"
It trembles for a moment before slowly collapsing on the ground, its yellow sun eyes rolling to the back of its head.
Seth's body reverted to his human form, falling to his knees and flop on the grass like dead weight. "Body...hurts…'' he mumbled out before succumbing to his wounds and passing out.
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…
…
"He...He did it."
Vivi's words left her gaping mouth. She had witnessed a fight that few can prove to others, yet she still couldn't believe it.
He said he would win...and he did.
A burst of speed rushed past her. She only blinked once and just saw Nami already next to Seth. She had to look between her previous position and to where she was several times before accepting the sudden speed of the Navigator.
Everyone went up to their fallen Nakama, Nami grabbing his hand and checking his pulse. Her look of relief told everyone that he lives.
"This guy is fucking crazy!" Usopp shouted, his body trembling like a twig while forcing a smile on his face. "How the hell did he managed to win with one arm?!" He pointed at the cut limb far away from them.
"Sheer tenacity," Zoro spoke, crossing his arms together. "When one goes in with the desire to win, not even losing a limb can stop them."
"Speaking of tenacity," Vivi turned to stare at Seth's missing arm, almost feeling green. "What are we going to do with that?" She asked the others.
"Attached it."
The two males and princess turn to Nojiko, who even with a look of disgust, slowly picked the arm by its finger. "Seth's healing ability should still work, we can just attach it back to his body." She said.
"Oh, I see." Zoro and Usopp bump their hands.
"I feel you guys are just lost," Vivi commented with a sweatdrop.
"Gye Gye Gye Gye Gye!"
"Gaba Gaba Gaba Gaba!"
Broggy and Dorris let a hearty laugh out at the antics of the humans.
"Oy! I'm back-What the hell happened?!"
Luffy, their rubbery captain finally returned from his chase, Care right behind. His eyes shot to the side when he saw the fallen NL and his Beast on the ground with Nami, Nojiko holding an arm, and Dorry being alive!
"What the hell did I miss?!"
…
…
…
"You all owe me one!"
Everyone looked at Luffy with a disbelief expression sporting on their faces. They had informed him of what had transpired, and he just said something about them owed him.
"What do you mean we owe you one?" Usopp asked him.
"You all got to see Seth fighting an awesome lion! As the captain of the crew, I should be the one to see that first! It's common sense!" Luffy said with angry clouds coming out of him.
"YOU ARE SO SELFISH!"
"Nami-swan! Nojiko-swan! Vivi-swan!"
From the forest, Sanji, Alvida, and Gin appeared. The cook spinning his legs in love while the other two simply walk out of the forest.
"Did you girls miss me?!" Sanji asked with heart eyes, before noticing the two patch up giants. "Holy Mary Mother of Christ! Is one of you Mr. 3?!"
"Huh?" Vivi looked at him with a surprised look, "Sanji? Why do you know that name?"
"Yeah, long story short, we found a wax house in the woods-What the hell happened to Seth?!" Gin said before his eyes landed on the auburn-haired boy, who had his left arm missing.
"Oh, dear!" Alvida felt a sense of dread at seeing the missing limb. "What in the world happened?" She asked.
She was answered by several fingers pointing in a direction, which she and the two males followed, immediately seeing the NL on the ground.
They almost lose their jaw in shock.
"You guys missed an awesome battle!" Usopp had stars of excitement as he was writing in a notepad. "Allow me to tell you about it!"
(One Exaggerated Usopp story later)
"...And then Luffy came back and ruined everything by demanding that we owe him just because he left to chase after the weirdo of a man and miss the fight!" Usopp finished his story, ending by glaring at their captain who was picking his nose while staring at the sisters attaching his friend's arm.
"...Well, holy shit." Gin said with amazement in his eyes. "I never knew a creature like that even existed."
"I'm more shocked that it took his arm out and he still managed to win," Sanji said while lighting a smoke.
('I'm finding him hotter than ever.') Alvida thought as her cheeks were tiny red.
"Ah!" Vivi remembered something important, "What are we doing acting like we are going on a vacation!? We don't have a way to get out of Little Garden!" She begins to panic, "The Log pose will take a year to pick a route! What are we going to do?!"
"Oh, that's taken care of already."
"...Eh?"
The princess and the rest of the pirates look at Sanji, who blew a cloud of smoke out before taking out the Eternal Pose they 'received' from the Unluckies. "We got this as a present from Mr. 0 himself, with a delighted fake report of us 'out of the way'."
…
…
…
"No fucking way!" Everyone shouted before they all celebrated in the joy of not having the Warlord on their anymore.
Vivi hugged Saji, the blonde having a nosebleed as he felt her body squishing with his. "Thank you, Sanji!"
"It was no problem, my dear!~" Sanji responded in joy at the affection.
"Yosh! We can now leave and head to Crocodile!" Luffy proclaimed with his arms pumping into the air.
"OOOOOOOH!"
"...You guys...are too loud."
The celebration was cut short as everyone turned to the side, seeing Seth with open eyes, glaring at them with a smile. "Can't a guy...recovered in peace?"
"Seth!" Without warning, Luffy jumped and hugged his chest, taking his breath away, "Everyone told me what happened! As expected from my Beast! Shishi-ack!" He was punched in the face, sending him straight into a tree.
"You moron!" Nami yelled out with a tick mark and glared, "Can't you see he just came from a deathmatch?!"
"Your yelling isn't helping either," Seth mumbled before feeling Nami's hand grabbing his cheek and pulling it hard. "Ouch." He didn't have the strength to even yell.
"And you are in trouble, Mister!" The orange-haired was now glaring at him, before tiny tears began to form on her eyes while her hold softened a bit, "Do you have any idea how worried I was?! That I had to see you get manhandled like a ragdoll and have your bloody arm rip in front of me!?" A tiny drop of water began to fall off her cheek, "It's one thing that you get beaten to death, and another to let yourself be cut to death, dammit!"
Seth stood with a neutral expression. He reached her face with his right arm and cleared the tear away from her eye. "I know...Sorry for making you worry." he proceeded to smile at her, "Look on the bright side...I still won. Doesn't that make me awesome?"
Sniffing a little, Nami placed her hand over his, holding it tight. "...Yes." she smiled back.
Seth turns to the other side, looking at Nojiko. "I'm sorry to you as well, Nojiko." He could feel his left arm back to his body. "I worry you and bother you to attach my arm back."
The blue-haired woman simply shook her head, while having misty eyes. "Don't worry. Just be careful next time."
"Oh! The human is awake already, Dorry!"
"Is he now?! What amazing recovery!"
Nami and Seth turn to the side to see the closed eyes of both giants, staring at the Battle Cat. "Gabagaba! Human, allow us to express our thanks to not just saving us from that diabolical human, but to give us a spectacular match between a Battle Cat and a Nemean Lion!" Broggy said, making Seth chuckle.
"Gyegye! Agreed!" Dorry said before turning to Luffy, who had popped out from the tree. "And to you as well, young pirate human. For defending our honor."
"Shishishi! Don't worry about it!" Luffy was just glad that their duel didn't end with that horrible fate. He turned to his crew, "Yosh, everyone!" They all look at their captain, "Now that we got a route to Vivi's home, we must set sail!"
Agreeing with their captain, they began to pick themselves up.
"Master Broggy! It was an honor meeting you!" Usopp saluted him, "I hope someday to become a brave warrior of the sea like you and Master Dorry! To fight for my honor in the face of any danger!"
"Gabagabagaba! I wish you the best of Elbaf's luck that you succeed, Usopp!" Broggy said with a laugh. "Although, I don't know if you can become a giant like me."
"That's not what I meant!"
"Listen up, Dorry! I know you have your honor to defend, but with your current state. I asked that you both take it easy on the fights!" Nojiko shouted at the giant while pointing at his wounds.
"Gyegyegye! Worry not, human girl. I'll be careful." Dorry responded.
"Oy, moss-head!" Sanji and Zoro look at each other with hatred. "I hope you haven't forgotten our hunting contest!"
"As if! I caught a huge lizard!" Zoro said.
"So did I! I bet mine is bigger than yours!" Sanji snapped at him.
"You need help, Seth?" Gin asked as he extended his arm to the Battle Cat, who accepted.
"Appreciated." Seth thanked the Demon-Man and placed his arm over his shoulders. "My legs feel a bit off at the moment." He then felt his other arm wrapped around another shoulder. Looking to the side, Nami had made herself comfortable and wrapped her hand on his waist.
"Let's go. We have too many battles and too many wounds in one day." Nami said in a tone that made both pirates sweatdrop.
('The hell does she mean more than one? And why does she include herself?')
"Take care, you guys!" Luffy shouted. Waving his arms and walking backward. "We are surely visiting Elbaf someday!"
The giants simply wave back at the tiny pirates before they all disappear through the woods.
…
…
…
"...Hey, Dorry?"
"Hmm?"
"They are nice humans. With power, determination, trust, guts, and spirit." Broggy said.
"Agreed. It would be a disgrace to let them sail forward with that monster in their path." Dorry said.
Both giants grunt as they stood up, grabbing their respective weapons with their hands. "This ax of mine has been my second closest friend on my journey…"
"The same could be said about my sword…"
Both Dorry the Blue Ogre and Broggy the Red Ogre look at the end of the ocean of this tiny island, smiling with pride. "But to help those who fought for our honor...It would be worth the sacrifice!" They proclaimed to themselves.
All while never noticing a certain animal walking away.
(On the route to the Going Merry)
"See?! My lizard is bigger than your rhino!"
"Bullshit! Mine wins! Look at how edible it looks!"
Zoro and Sanji were arguing with one another about who bagged the bigger prey.
"Can't the two of you get along for five minutes?" Nojiko asked. A bit irritated by their stupid argument.
"Quite, witch's sister." Zoro glared at her, which made her flinch a bit. "We sail under the same flag, I don't need to get along with this moron."
"Learn to speak properly to a lady, Marimo!" Sanji was enraged by what the stupid green-haired moron at hoe he spoke to one of the ship's flowers.
"What you called me, shitty-cook!?" Zoro took the bait as he looked at Sanji with a death stare that was happily answered.
"Hahahahaha!" Luffy simply laughs at the antics of his two crewmates. "Anyways, Sanji! I'm hungry!"
"I'll cook you something once I put some manners on this moron, Luffy!" Sanji shouted.
"Eh? That's going to take forever!" Luffy pouted in annoyance.
"I do say, I am kinda getting peckish," Alvida said as she placed her hand over her smooth stomach.
"I'll serve you an exquisite meal that will help you out, Alvida-swan!" Sanji instantly went love-mode when hearing that, to which Alvida smiled.
"Tch! Pathetic." Zoro commented with a clink of his tongue.
"OY! I see Merry!" Usopp yelled as he pointed at the sheep-caravel.
As they were closed to the ship, a sudden movement of it made everyone stop. Two figures appeared on the ship, one resting on the rail while the other simply stood still.
"About time you guys return."
The Straw-Hats widened their eyes before, either taking their respective weapons or putting themselves in a fighting pose. Vivi glared at them, holding her peacock strings in her hands.
"Mr. 5! Mrs. Valentine!"
The duo of agents that Seth and Zoro faced stood aboard their ship. The lemon-clad woman was smiling down while holding her umbrella, and the bomb man had his hands on his pockets.
"I was wondering where those guys were," Zoro said while holding his Kitetsu and Yubarashi in hand.
"So these are the two from Whiskey Peak, huh," Sanji said before blushing in love at Ms. Valentine's beauty. "Wow!"
"Y-You better not had done anything to Merry!" Usopp yelled out in fear and anger, his slingshot tensing with his pellets.
"Kyahaha!" Ms. Valentine laughs, "Calm down, pirates! Can't you see we didn't come to fight?" She said.
"Oh really?" Nojiko asked with suspicion in her eyes as she held her pistol.
"We simply came to talk." Mr. 5 said. Taking his glasses off his face and showing his brownish-red eyes to them.
"And what makes you think we'll believe you?!" Vivi asked.
"I can vouch for them."
The princess' eyes widened in surprise, as well as the crew as they looked at Seth. The auburn-haired boy stops using Nami and Gin as support. "S-Seth…?"
"Trust me. Even I'm still shocked, but they are being honest." Seth explained as he looked at the two agents. "But they truly want to talk with us."
"...Alright." Luffy's simple words made everyone look at him in shock. "I'll hear them out."
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!"
"But first! Meat!" Luffy said as he stretched his arm at the rail, stretching himself to the boat while surprising the agents. "Sanji!"
"Right. Right." The blonde cook sighs as he turns to Zoro, "Oy, Marimo. Be useful and cut these rag tags." He said while pointing at the T-Rex and Triceratops.
"Don't order me around, Ero-cook," Zoro grumbles as he moves to cut the prey.
"I better check that there's nothing fishy in Merry!" Usopp quickly ran up the ship and headed to inspect the rooms.
"Check the cellar and food storage first, Usopp!" Gin suggested as he got on board. By what he was told of the fight interruption, someone had to plant the bomb from the kitchen.
"AM I SERIOUSLY THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS?!" Vivi could not, from the bottom of her spirit, understand the layback attitude of these pirates. Especially their captains.
"I mean, I would but having known Luffy for a while, I kind of got used to it," Nami said.
"I only join for only three weeks and I can tell this is something Luffy would do," Nojiko said.
"I only joined to be with Seth, but I kind of got used to seeing Luffy act like that," Alvida said.
The Alabasta Princess was in tears by the uncaring worry the women of the crew were acting.
"Besides," Nami wrapped her hand around the princess' neck. "Considering that we are in this mess because of you, your opinion is slightly at disadvantage." She teased out.
"That's not even the point, yet it's so damn true." Vivi was now crying rivers.
…
..
.
As everyone prepared the ship to sail, inside the kitchen were Luffy, Seth, Vivi (still crying), Nami, the Agents, and Sanji.
The former four on one side of the table, Luffy and Vivi sitting down with Seth and Nami standing next to them.
Mr. 5 and Ms. Valentine were sitting on the other side.
Sanji was in the kitchen, making dinner for everyone but having an open ear to the conversation.
"...You guys are a bunch of weird pirates." Mr. 5 began to say, "While I'm glad you are okay in talking with us, I suspect you all attack right there."
"Oh trust us, we will if you even try to attack," Nami said.
"We can't trust them! Can't you see that they had orders to kill me?!" Vivi recovered from her depressed state and shouted in anger. "They also kill my partner, Mr. 9, and Ms. Monday back in Whiskey Peak!"
"Who?" The pirates asked her.
"Are you guys serious?!" Vivi felt like veins were going to pop out of her brain any seconds now.
"Kyahahaha! That just shows just how little relevant they are to them, princess!" Ms. Valentine laughs at these pirates' lack of memory.
"Anyways!" Luffy looked at the agents, sporting a serious look while smiling. "What do you guys need to talk about?"
Mr. 5 let out a breath before speaking, "...To make things short for you all, we want a ride to Alabasta."
"Eh?"
"Oh, that's it? Sure." Luffy said.
"The reason why we asked you is…"
…
…
…
"Did...Did you just agree?" Mr. 5 looks at the straw-hat kid in disbelief, along with his partner and the princess.
"Yup!" Luffy replied, "We already have our route to Vivi's home, so we can take you there."
"Are you for real?!" Vivi slams her hands hard on the table while glaring at Luffy in red. "Luffy! These guys are agents of Baroque Works; the organization trying to kill my country! They attack my friends and even help with Mr. 3's plan! How can you trust them so easily?!"
"Shishi! Don't worry about it!" Luffy laughs it out as he looks at her, "If they try anything, we can kick them out. Besides," he stretched his hand at Seth's head, patting it, "Seth vouch for them. If he says they want to talk, they can talk."
"Luffy, get your hand off my head. I'm not a pet." Seth grumbled.
"Eh? But you let Nami and Nojiko do it, why can't I?"
"Nami doesn't treat my head like a lamp."
"No fair! You're favoritism our Navigator over your Captain! This is mutiny!"
"The fuck are you talking about?! How the fuck is this mutiny?!"
"I demand the right to pet you! Let me!"
"In Hell, you rubber selfish bastard!"
"Challenge accepted, you overgrown-furry cat!"
The duo and the princess watch in disbelief at the captain and the beast boy, who got themselves fighting one another, rolling the ground, and moving around the kitchen.
('We lost to these morons?') Mr. 5 and Ms. Valentine felt something die inside themselves.
"Quit it!" Nami hit both of them in the head, stopping the fight and slamming them both on the floor.
('And this one just beat them in one punch!?') They are now questioning their lives at this moment. ('Who the hell is the captain of this ship?!')
"Hey, you two." Nami looks at the pair while pushing the two boys away from each other. "You may have our captain's 'okay' but we still need the reason to why."
"...Would you believe us if we say that this is our only option?" Mr. 5 spoke, catching everyone's attention as Ms. Valentine clenched her hands. "We failed to kill you all in Whiskey Peak, and Mr. 3's plan failed, with us as accomplices." He looked at Vivi, "You should know how Mr. 0 feels about failures, especially when it is repeated."
"...So?" Vivi spoke, glaring at them. "You want to ride with us until Alabasta, where you guys can hide for a while?"
"No." Ms. Valentine spoke, her sweet demeanor switching to a serious look. "Even if we hide, there's no guarantee we will escape. Alabasta has Billions station all over the port."
"Billions?" Sanji asked.
"They are the next candidates for a codename should an agent die or be removed from the ranks." Vivi explained, "Given Crocodile's personality, he would have them keep an eye on any ex-Agent who tries to sway him or monopolize him."
"I see," Seth said, a bump on his head. "He truly doesn't want anything about his identity and goal to be leaked out. Since these two already fail once, the thought of them either trying to return to his good side or rat him out is a possibility."
"So instead of being with another agent who failed, they have more chances with a group of pirates that just enter the Grand Line." Nami deduced...before looking at the agents with a deadpan expression. "Are you guys retarded? We are the current objective of your Boss. What bright part of your mind told you that this was a good idea?"
She waited for an answer...but she just noticed the paled looks of the agents, their skins turning white as a ghost.
"C-C-Crocodile…?"
"The Warlord...of the Sea?"
"...They didn't know who was their boss, didn't they?" Nami said while her eyes twitched.
The duo fell backward and passed out, all while Vivi seated in the corner of the room while apologizing for her lack of self-control.
"Hahahahahahahaha!" Only Luffy found the good side of this predicament, "These two are funny! What a bunch of idiots! Hahahaha!"
"Says the man who is an idiot." Seth thumbs at Luffy.
"Pfft!" That earned a laugh from Nami, Sanji, and Vivi.
"Which makes this sad, 'cause to know an idiot, one must be an idiot first."
"Hahahaha!" Everyone burst laughing at that, even Luffy himself. "It's true!" He even admits it!
"Guys!" Usopp came through the doors, "We are almost out!" At his words, they exit the kitchen, leaving the unconscious agents inside.
All Straw Hats stared at the West side of the island, the 'small' river reaching the ocean. "Hey! It's the giants!"
Standing on each side of the exit were the proud warriors of Elbaf with their backs to them. To the right was Dorry and to the left was Broggy.
"My friends!" Dorry spoke, his helmet shadowing his eyes. "You have fought for our honor, and for that we are grateful!"
"That's why!" Broggy was in the same state, pointing forward. "We will make sure you all sail without trouble!"
"The hell are they talking about?" Alvida asked.
"A danger lurks in front of you at this very moment!" Dorry said as the Going Merry entered the ocean. "It will hinder your journey forward!"
"What?!" Nami shouted in fear as Usopp used his advanced goggles to look around for the danger. "Where?!"
"Even so! We ask you all to trust us, and keep sailing forward!" Broggy said as he and Dorry ready their weapons. "This is farewell, friends!"
*BOOMWICH!*
From the depth of the ocean, a giant goldfish rose, effectively destroying the size of Little Garden by a margin.
Most of the crew had terror in their eyes
"HOLY SHIT!" Usopp fell to his butt, along with Gin who fell to his knees.
"KYAAAAA! WE ARE GOING TO DIE!" Nami scream as she and Nojiko hug each other.
"There it is, the infamous Island Eater!" The giants informed them.
"Move it! We might have an opportunity if we attack together!" Seth shouted as he jumped over the rail, changing into his Beast mode.
"I'll cut it/I'll fry it up!" Zoro and Sanji said as they joined Seth.
"Men!" Luffy suddenly yelled, "Forget about the ship and focus on sailing forward!"
"Are you kidding me?!" Alvida screams at him with shark teeth. "We are about to die, you know?!"
"This is how I am going to die?" Vivi had given up as she just stared at the wood floor with a dead expression.
"The giants want us to trust them!" Luffy explained, looking forward with a serious expression. "Let's trust in them and sail forward!"
…
…
…
"Y-You heard the captain!" Usopp stood up. Snot coming out of his nose and knees shook uncontrollably, but his fear was accompanied by sheer determination. "Sail forward without stopping!"
While it was surprising for the most cowardly man in the crew to speak with some courage, they almost forgot about the giant fist in front of them.
By 'almost' I meant that they realized it when the freaking animal opened its mouth and swallowed them.
"WE ARE BEING EATEN!" The female population screamed out.
"FORWARD! PUSH FORWARD!" Usopp sobbed.
Outside, Dorry and Broggy began to glow, blue and red respectively. "It feels like old-time, eh Dorry!"
"Right you are, Broggy!"
They both swung their weapons forward, "TAKE THIS! HAKOKU SOVEREIGNTY!"
The fish could blink one time before getting cut in half by the combined power of the giants, along with the sky and sea.
The Going Merry sped through the sky like an eagle as some of the crew screamed out and most had their eyes dry out by the sheer power of the wind. Even the sheep-head of the ship had its eyes squint into tiny dots!
"GO FORWARD!" Both giants scream as they watch the little ship disappear.
…
…
…
"Hey, Dorry."
"Yeah, Broggy?"
"I remembered why we were fighting."
"Ho? What a coincidence."
Both giants drop their now broken weapons, pieces of wood and metal dispersing in the ground or the water.
"You know? It's kinds of funny." Dorry let a chuckle out, "We started all this for a small comparison of our Sea Kings."
"Agreed. Our friends must be still waiting for us to return home." Broggy said as the volcano erupted behind him. Smiling in joy, he raised his hands and looked at his rival, "What do you say? Ten more years?"
Dorry smiled back and accepted his hand without hesitation, "Sounds good to me!"
*Splash!*
A sudden sound of water made the two of them look at the ocean, seeing momentarily the waves dispersing away. "What was that?" Dorry asked.
"No idea. Must have been a tree falling." Broggy deduced before bringing back their original topic. "So, shall we start?" He raised his fist.
"Whenever you are ready!" Dorry did as well.
And so, the two giants of the once infamous Giant Pirates clashed their fist, starting their over-100 year dispute.
(With the Straw Hats)
It has been only a few minutes when the Going Merry crashed on the ocean, and everyone was recovering from the aftershock.
"Elbaf! Elbaf! Elbaf! Elbaf! Elbaf!"
Luffy and Usopp were chanting and dancing, having excitement about going to the Land of Giants.
"That was fucking amazing! Did you guys see how they just cut the fish in half along with the wind and the ocean?!"
"I can't deny it. That was pretty cool."
Seth and Gin were commenting on how awesome the giants were.
"ZZZZZZZZ!"
Zoro was sleeping.
"A-Are we the only ones who truly care about our lives?"
Resting against the mast of the ship were Nami, Nojiko, and Alvida, breathing heavily as they had survived the blast and the ship didn't have any critical injury.
"G-Got to give you guys credit," Alvida looked at the sisters, "This ship is certainly durable to be able to withstand such force and landing."
"We will...take the compliment," Nojiko said as she held tight her sister. "Seriously...I'm starting to have second thoughts on joining you guys."
"Too late for that," Nami said as she moved away from her, looking a bit red on her face. "We can now...head to Alabasta without a problem."
"Y-Yeah," Vivi said, looking like Nami.
Nojiko noticed the look on their faces, and her 'big sister' instinct kicked in. "Hey, are the two of you okay?" She said as she went to grab Nami…
Only for her to go limp in her sister's arms.
Crash!
And for Vivi to fall on to the floor, her skin turning pale.
"Nami! Vivi!"
Seth, after hearing the yelled of Nojiko, was already on the princess. He quickly placed his hand on her forehead, "Shit!" He cursed as he looked at the others. "She has a fever! A really bad fever!"
"Nami too!" Nojiko informed as well.
That's right, Straw Hats. The journey inside Little Garden is over, but now you face another predicament. With their Navigator down with sickness, along with their VIP, what will they do?
"WE NEED TO FIND A DOCTOR!"