So I decided to be smart for once in my life and write some chapters in advance. Not too far ahead right now, but it'll help in the future.
Enjoy!
"Well this was just flat out disappointing," Zoro said flatly as he kicked Kuromarimo's face, the unconscious man not able to defend himself.
"They always talked big, but it seemed they couldn't back it up without Wapol's powers," Dalton said, wiping sweat from his now human brow.
"That Devil Fruit, huh?" Zoro asked as he sheathed his blades. Dalton nodded.
"You'd think it was lame, but the only limits to a Devil Fruit user are their imaginations. And despite how dull he may be, Wapol is deceivingly imaginative when it comes to hurting people." Dalton frowned. "In any case, we need to hurry to the castle. Wapol has no doubt made it there already, and I worry for the Doctor and your friends."
"Well Luffy's there, so they should be okay." Zoro said. "But yeah, we should hurry. After all, I imagine that poor guy is getting chewed like a piece of gum at this point. Heh, Gum."
"Hey! Zoro!" Making a face, Zoro looked up to see a sleigh barrelling towards them through the snow. It slowly came to a stop in front of him, and he watched as Sanji, Usopp and Vivi jumped out of it and ran for him.
"What are you guys doing here?" He asked.
"We've got a big problem!" Usopp shouted as he threw himself at Zoro, who dodged him. "Those agents are back here!"
"Huh?" He demanded, looking at the shitty cook and Vivi for answers.
"We saw those Baroque Works agents come ashore," Vivi replied, also looking fairly concerned. "They followed us here."
"How?" Zoro demanded. "We tied them up and everything."
"Well they obviously had a ship of their own, Marimo." Sanji said as he smoked his cigarette. "What are you and Dalton doing here?"
"Dealing with these two," he replied, gesturing to the two men lying face down in the snow. Usopp gasped. Zoro nodded.
"The shitty King is on his way back to his castle," he said as he gestured over his shoulder to the castle. "Left these two behind to fight us. Seems they really weren't up to the challenge."
"Wait a minute..." Vivi said, eyes on the castle. "That's not good."
"Why not?" Zoro asked.
"The agents were heading to the castle," Vivi replied. "I don't have a clue why, but we saw them heading in that direction before we lost them in the snow."
"And these agents aren't to be trusted?" Dalton asked. Vivi shook her head. "Then we must make haste. Before your friends are overwhelmed."
"I thought you said there's no way up that mountain?" Usopp asked.
"I wouldn't worry about that," Sanji said. "I'm sure that wax moron can get them up there."
"Wax?" Dalton asked, the others obviously catching on faster than him.
"Oh, that makes sense." Usopp said. "Well, w-we better find a way to contact them, or else they'll be in trouble..."
"Get in the sleigh, Usopp." Zoro said as he climbed on with everyone else.
"R-Right..."
"Achoo!"
"Don't get us sick, you freak!" Mr. Three made a face as he looked over his shoulder at Ms. Valentine, thoroughly sick of her complaining.
"Want to find your own way up this stupid mountain?!" He demanded, pausing his wax creation. He and the other three were currently climbing up the mountain to the castle by using his wax power to create stairs, and it was taking a fair bit out of him. He wasn't going to take any complaining.
"If I wouldn't get lost in the snow I'd happily float out of here!" Ms. Valentine replied. "Why the hell are we going up here?!"
"Because we can use the King of this country!" He shouted happily, gleeful at the brilliance of his plan. "We tell him we're Bounty Hunters, just like the plan was at Whiskey Peak. Say that those pirates are very dangerous and need to be taken care of. Once this whole island knows that they're the enemy, we can use our sway to take them down ourselves without causing a scene! And Mr. Zero doesn't have to know! Once we do that, we dispose of the princess and return to Alabasta as planned!"
"This plan is stupid," Ms. Golden Week said from behind Ms. Valentine. "We're gonna die up here."
"I'm tempted to agree with her," Mr. Five said as he hugged his arms. "I'm freezing."
"Did you idiots forget who our boss is?!" Mr. Three asked, causing a wave of unease to pass over the others. "Mr. Zero will find us once he knows we failed! He'll hunt us down no matter what ocean we flee too! As long as those kids have a chance of making it to Alabasta, our lives are on the line too! We don't have any options. We stop them here, or it's over." With this he turned and lit the fire on his head up again, continuing to make them a stairway up.
"This is still stupid," Ms. Golden Week replied.
"Shut up and eat a cracker!"
"The Pirates took them!" Mr Three grumbled angrily under his breath and he continued the climb, ignoring the cold running to his very core. He needed a thicker coat, but that would have to wait. He had insolent children to dispose of.
"Johnny! Nojiko!" Luffy shouted from atop the castle, still sanding by the flag. "Help Chopper deal with the King! I have a plan."
"I trust it's a good one, Captain?" Nojiko asked, twirling one of her pistols around her finger. Luffy's laugh could be heard quite clearly despite how high up he was.
"It's something all right," he replied. Nojiko just scoffed and rolled her eyes.
"Johnny," she said. "You feeling good enough to swing that thing?"
"I feel fine Big Sis!" Johnny shouted as he swung the blade confidently in front of himself. "Sutomukora and I can handle this guy!"
"You two shouldn't push too hard." Kureha said from behind them. "Both of you had frostbite remember."
"Yeah but you treated it!" Johnny shouted. "So were okay now!" Kureha looked dumbfounded at Johnny's ridiculous claim. Medicine didn't work like that. At least, not so quickly. "Little Bro Chopper! Can you fight?" Chopper jumped at being addressed, too wound up at watching the crew interact.
"U-Uh, I sure can!" He said, digging into his pockets. He pulled out the small ball he had grabbed beforehand, smiling at it. "With this, I'll be able to help you."
"What's that, candy?" Johnny asked. Chopper was about to answer, but his ears alerted him to another problem. He turned his head, frozen in shock as Wapol rushed towards him. The mans arms had turned into blades, ones he had presumably eaten beforehand.
Johnny appeared in between him and Wapol, blocking both blades with his own. The men pushed against one another, Allowing Chopper to get out of the way.
"How dare you defy me!" Wapol shouted in Johnny's face. "I'm the King, and I decree that that disgusting monster that followed Hiriluk around be killed this instant." Monster. Despite how hardened Chopper liked to think he was, the former King's words still hurt. That was how most people probably viewed him. Some unnatural beast that inhabited the castle on the mountain. It pained him to think about.
"Who?" Nojiko's voice asked, breaking Chopper out of his thoughts. "That cute little guy? You've got to be kidding."
"Are you scared of Little Bro Chopper?" Johnny asked, clearly trying to hold in a laugh. "That's ridiculous!"
"I'm not afraid of him, you morons!" Wapol shouted. "Look at him, he's disgusting! I don't want him anywhere near me, my castle, or my island!" Chopper, still a little stunned from the surprise attack, noted Johnny's gaze lower slightly as he pressed against Wapol.
"You remind me of another tyrant," he said. "Thinking you get to decide who lives and dies...You're no better than he was!" With a burst of strength, Johnny pushed Wapol away and twirled his blade back, glaring at the King. Without waiting Johnny went on the heavy offensive, hacking and lashing at Wapol without rest. Wapol was forced to protect himself as Johnny slashed, but he was given no openings. Johnny's attacks were so fluid, so connected and quick that the King had no opening to go after. After a vicious horizontal slash. Johnny reared back.
"Sword of the Sea: Whirlpool Impact!" Kicking off of the ground, Johnny spun in the air before slashing at Wapol midsection, throwing the King into the air as he took the attack to the side. He rolled and was still on the ground, coughing and grumbling. "Ha!" Johnny shouted. "Did you see that, you guys?! Some King he is-!"
"Exploding Shot!" Johnny froze as an explosion went off behind him, making him turn. While the swordsmen had not noticed it, Wapol had turned one of his arms back into a cannon and had aimed it at Johnny. Nojiko had been faster though, firing a shot at the King as he aimed at Johnny.
"I said don't get cocky, Johnny." Nojiko said from near the castle door. "Listen to me next time."
"M-My bad," Johnny said, the explosion and snow somehow making his glasses a little lopsided without revealing his eyes. "I'm just glad my training is working so well!" Nojiko just cast him a grin, but Chopper was just in awe. He was supposed to be helping, but did they even need his help? Wapol already seemed to be in a bad position without any more help from him.
"You'll pay for this!" Wapol shouted as he jumped to his feet. "How many times do I have to say it?! I'm the King here!"
"Shut up already!" another voice said. Chopper looked up, eyes widening as he realised what was happening. Luffy was still up by the flagpole, but he was stretched all the way out into the air, flowing in the wind just like a flag. Despite this, he had a manic look on his face.
"Big Bro what are you doing?!" Johnny demanded.
"Does that fool not have a sense of self preservation?" Kureha demanded. "Well, judging how you lot got up here, I suppose that answers that."
"Take the hint!" Luffy shouted. "I'm going to kick your ass for eating Merry!"
"T-This isn't really about the ship right now, Luffy..." Nojiko murmured.
"After everything that you did, you should be ashamed! Johnny, hold him in place!"
"Uh, s-sure!" Johnny shouted, jumping for Wapol while he was distracted. His sword connected with one of Wapol's cannons, and the two held each other at bay. As Chopper watched the battle, he heard the ear-piercing sound of rubber snapping back into place. Before he even had a chance to look, A blur resembling Luffy hit Wapol dead on, throwing dirt and snow into the air as the Captain let out a massive belly laugh.
"Bulls-eye!" He shouted.
"Are you okay?!" Chopper shouted, all his instincts telling him Luffy should he hurt or dead. Luffy just laughed as the snow began to settle.
"I'm made of rubber, I'll be fine!" He said. Made of rubber? What did that mean?
"I-Is Wapol...?" Chopper asked. Luffy didn't reply at first, so he just held his breath and waited. Before long the snow settled, and the King was nowhere to be seen. Luffy had knocked him completely off of the mountain.
"He's outta here!" Luffy shouted happily, raising his hands over his head. "That's what he gets for eating Merry! Oh, and hurting Chopper's feeling and going after the flag. That too."
"If you don't care as much don't pretend you do," Nojiko said with a laugh as she walked up to them. Luffy puffed his cheeks up at this.
"I do so care!" He said. "I'm just still miffed about Merry is all."
"Uh huh," Nojiko said, pushing at the Captain's cheek, causing the air to come back out his mouth. "Acting all tough like Chopper's story impacted you. You wouldn't even listen to Nami's."
"That was different!" Luffy shouted.
"Uh huh," Nojiko said, rubbing her shoulders. "Let's get back inside, it's freezing out here."
"I was just about to advise that," Kureha said. "Before any of you get even more frostbitten."
"Damn it!" Mr. Three fell backwards in surprise as something impacted his stairs, nearly throwing all of them down the stairs.
"What was that?!" Ms. Valentine asked.
"An avalanche?" Mr. Three asked.
"Avalanches don't swear," Ms. Golden Week told him. After the figure had stood up, Mr. Three noted it was a pudgy man with blue hair. The man slowly stood up, realising they were there.
"And who are you now?!" He demanded. "More of those damn pirates?! I'll kill you too!"
"Now hold on," Mr. Three said. "Who are you?" The man gritted his teeth.
"I am Wapol, the rightful King of this land! And if you're with that damn Straw Hat, I swear I'll throw you off this mountain!" Mr. Three smirked as he heard this, knowing that the situation had now turned in their favour.
"Please do not be angry, you're Highness." He said with a small bow. "We are actually bounty hunters searching for that very man."
"Huh?!" Wapol demanded. "What do you mean?!" Mr. Three quickly produced a wanted poster for Luffy, showing it to the King.
"Is this the man you're referring to?" He asked. Wapol looked livid just seeing the picture.
"That's that little runt!" He shouted. "I'll chew him to death!"
"Than I implore you, dear King, allow us to help you." Mr. Three said. "All we ask in return is that a blue haired woman travelling with them dies."
"The blue haired one?" Wapol asked. "Sure, kill her! Help me take them down and reclaim my throne!" Mr. Three smirked.
"Then please move, your Highness. I must continue our climb."
"How did it go outside?" Nami asked as everyone returned inside.
"We knocked him straight off the mountain!" Luffy replied with a wide smile. "I'm sure the lapins will eat will tonight!"
"Must be weird to be the one being eaten, huh?" Nojiko asked. Nami didn't know what her sister meant, but she was happy things had gone well. Despite knowing they'd be fine, she was worried.
"I'm not sure if he's done, but you guys sure beat him up." Chopper said. "That was really cool."
"I did most of it," Luffy said.
"I helped!" Johnny cried.
"Don't even bother Johnny," Nojiko advised as Luffy laughed. "He's already taken all the credit."
"I wish I could have helped you guys!" Yosaku shouted. "Our new friends could have used me!" Chopper looked a little surprised at this, but Luffy nodded.
"Don't worry Yosaku, you can help us next time!" He said. "Man, fighting really makes me hungry! Where's Sanji?"
"Not here," Nojiko replied, turning to Kureha. "You got a kitchen here, Doctor?"
"Yeah, it's down on the lower floor of the castle." Kureha said. "Chopper, be a dear and show her to it."
"O-Okay," Chopper said. "This way."
"Johnny, come with me." Nojiko said. "I want your help."
"Right behind you, Big Sis!" Johnny replied, following the Quartermaster out of the room and down the hall. This left Luffy with Kureha, Nami and Yosaku, who didn't seem interested in just sitting around.
"Well, how're you guys feeling?" He asked as he leaned back and forth on the stool he'd decided to sit on.
"A lot better," Nami said. "We should be able to leave soon."
"Debatable," Kureha said. "You should all stay in bed for a while."
"Don't have the option Doc," Yosaku said. "We need to be places."
"I know, you said as much." She replied, frowning. "But leaving after being afflicted by such a deadly disease is just asking for trouble." Nami knew she was right, but they had no choice. They had to get Vivi to Alabasta before it was too late to stop the war. If they didn't make it in time, it'd make her feel horrible. After all, it was her fault they'd been delayed.
"Speaking of Sanji, Luffy," Nami said to the Captain. "Where is everyone else? You never said."
"There back in the first town we were brought to," Luffy replied. "We came to the mountain on our own. They should be nice and warm waiting for us to come back."
"Oh, okay." Nami said. "I was just worried they were in trouble."
"Well, what do we have in here?" Nojiko asked as she peeked into the fridge. "Not a lot of meat. Luffy's gonna be upset. Johnny, fetch me a pan."
"Got it!" Chopper just stood back and watched as the pair worked, doing they're best to whip something up for everyone to eat. However, he wasn't really focused on that. He was too busy thinking about how they had easily jumped into the fray, defeating Wapol without him even needing to stand in. Why were they so willing to help? Sure, he'd heard Wapol had damaged their ship, but Luffy had no reason to defend the flag had that been the case. Who were these people, really?
"Hey, uh, you guys?" He asked weakly, making them both turn to him. "I-I just wanted to thank you...Y-You know, for helping me back there."
"Oh, that's nothing." Nojiko said as she returned her gaze to the pot as Johnny poured veggies in. "Glad to help."
"I-I know, but..." Chopper said weakly. "You really didn't have to..."
"Don't worry about it, Little Bro Chopper!" Johnny said. "Friends help friends! That's just how it is!"
Friends...?
The smell of food quickly enveloped the air, blocking out any chance Chopper had at smelling anything else. The smell invaded his head, making his thoughts even more confusing. Did they consider him a friend? They had only just met, hadn't they? He watched as the pair worked, arguing and talking as they did so. It seemed so alien to him, two people being close. Was this what it looked like? Was this how people acted when they were close with another? He'd only really had Doctorine, and even she was stiff and rude sometimes...
...This seemed fun.
"Make sure you don't burn this!" Nojiko instructed Johnny as she pointed at the pan with meat in it. "I know Luffy doesn't care, but the rest of us will. I'm going to see if I can't mix up something fun to drink. Yo Chopper, any fruits around here?"
"F-Fruits?" Chopper asked, being brought back to reality. "U-Uh well, they don't usually grow around here given the temperature. However, there's some blueberries that grow around here. They should be in the freezer."
"Freezer huh?" Nojiko asked. "I've never had blueberry juice, but I'm willing to give it a try-"
BOOM!
The three of them stumbled as the castle rocked with a massive explosion. The pan on the stove fell, the hot meats landing on Johnny as he hit the ground.
"Ah! Hot!" Johnny shouted.
"What the hell was that?!" Nojiko demanded as she got back up, pulling a pistol out.
"I don't know," Chopper said weakly. "But I don't like the sounds of it!"
Mr. Three watched as the door blew wide open, revealing the armoury inside. Just as Wapol had said.
"Excellent job!" Wapol shouted at Mr. Five. "My goodness, you're already more useful then Chess and Kuromarimo!"
"No problem," Mr. Five replied as he pocketed the hand he'd used to blow the door open. "Now, what's the plan here?" Wapol cackled evilly as he turned to the weapons. Mr. Three noted the man was licking his lips.
"We're about to blow Straw Hat right back to whatever backwater country he came from!"
So obviously Chess and Kuromarimo not being present for the Wapol fight means it ended up being a four vs. one, and Wapol gets smacked up. But now he has the agents backing him up, and he's gotten into the armoury! What happens next hm? Find out next week!
As if this is somehow not just an AU of One Piece. I make myself laugh. You all know what happens in the end, it's just changed a bit. Anyway! I ope you enjoyed, leave a review!