G0rr: Yeahhhh, about that...I literally have no idea how that's supposed to work. I never got around to watching the whole Doctor Strange movie. It's like every time I want to, something happens and I wind up missing a big chunk of it. I mean, I'm going to try, it's too interesting of an idea not to but I don't know how I'm going to incorporate that here. I tried googling the powers but it just confused me more. Thank you, by the way.
Flowjam (: Erm, I have no idea what this actually means but I guess I'll take it as a good thing?
Rider126: I only just saw this so I might as well clear it up, I have a couple of plans for Enel's fruit and it mostly depends on which one I use. But either way, Miguel isn't getting it. I have the majority of his powers sorted and the fruit just seems really unnecessary.
The familiar violet light attracted Sanji's attention to the spell circle, the blond arriving in time to see the items disappearing. ''Hey, looks like you're busy as ever.''
Miguel looked back with a smile ''Yeah, I figured it was better to let everyone know about what happened in Skypiea sooner than later.''
''Right, I keep forgetting that shithead Vharley was a wanted criminal. I bet it'd be big news.'' Usopp had told them plenty about the two wizards' battle and the man sounded like a nightmare. The sniper's tendency to exaggerate his tales was well-known to the crew but Sanji highly doubted that it'd extend to something this serious.
The way Miguel's gaze flickered made him add ''You better not be feeling sorry for the guy, not after all he pulled.''
''It's not that, it's complicated. He...made me realize things I didn't consider before.''
''Oh, yeah?'' The cook, like most of the crew, had noticed how distracted the latter been over the last couple of days. Miguel could occasionally lose himself in his own head so it was more curious than anything. ''Care to share?''
Miguel seemed to be thinking his next words over before finally shaking his head ''...Maybe later-I...I could use a chance to talk about this after all...''
The Straw Hats settled down during lunch, Luffy mostly being occupied with a big bundle of food which Sanji and Miguel left for him. However he almost wound up choking after Zoro's news.
''Earlobes died?!''
A nod ''I heard some of the Skypieans talking. It sounds like Enel was surrounded by a bunch of people who really wanted revenge and they took advantage of his weakness.''
''Damn...can't say I'm surprised people want that asshole's head on a pike but I sure didn't see this coming. Good riddance.'' Sanji crossed his arms.
Chopper frowned ''Don't say something like that. He was still...''
''...a power hungry tyrant who could've easily killed even more people if he came back, and I bet loads of people are glad he's gone.'' The cook finished pointedly.
''...Yeah, but...'' Chopper looked up at the feel of a pat on his head, his gaze meeting Miguel's.
''I know you make it a point to respect life and I admire that. Actually, we could use more people like you out there.'' The reindeer felt his face grow warm ''But people aren't going to forget what Enel's done easily and I'm not so sure he wouldn't have tried his insane plan again given the chance.''
''I get it. You're saying I've got to look at the bigger picture.''
''Exactly, there's nothing wrong with your view but things aren't ever that simple. Hating someone who hurt you is only natural, it's how you handle it that matters...'' Miguel gazed out the window ''...I learned that a long time ago but it's only recently that I understood how true it is.''
Robin hummed ''Would I be correct in assuming that this has to do with Vharley?''
He nodded after a moment ''Until then, all I heard were some stories about him and his crimes. I didn't even know he hated my family enough to hunt me down but...see, the thing, one of the reasons he could accomplish so much was that people actually agreed enough with his views to join his side.''
''Seriously?! After seeing what he was like, they were actually okay with this?'' Usopp blurted.
Robin, who had also witnessed him in action, saw this differently ''Look at it this way, you saw the strength of his convictions, you saw his power. Given the situation in Elysia, I wouldn't be surprised if he could appeal to their desires.''
''Yeah, I can definitely see it.'' Zoro nodded, Luffy's grim expression made it clear that he agreed.
''Remember what I told you guys about the aftermath of the port battle?'' Miguel added.
''Oh...yeah, that actually makes a lot of sense. Of course people would be resentful after all the grief they had to face...'' Nami had a thought. Miguel had been quick to connect to Vivi because of how much they cared for their homelands. He had been travelling for months even before they met all to help Elysia...which could mean...''...so it's not actually about Vharley, more like how many others would be like him. Sound about right?''
''Exactly...for all our plans to help restore Elysia, I don't think I actually realized what was needed before. The buildings, the places are one thing...but the people's hearts, their will, it seems so much harder...''
''Yeah, but you know it now, right?'' He blinked at Luffy. ''You can do something now. If it's Miguel, it should be just fine.''
''Hey, you get out in this world, anyone can change.'' Sanji shrugged. ''Even if he's got a lousy way of saying it, Luffy's got a point. You just learned that there's more to one of your goals then it seems. Is that going to stop you?''
It wasn't even a question as they all knew the answer, Miguel's slowly growing smile only affirming their suspicions. Usopp perked up ''That's more like it. You're always helping us at our time of need so count on us to have your back, you just say the word.''
Luffy nodded, Chopper's smile was wide, not doubting that everyone agreed ''Yeah, we can all help you figure it out!''
''...Thank you, all of you.''
Shortly after they left the kitchen, Robin spoke up ''By the way, Quartermaster-san, we never did tell them about the little surprise from Sky Island.''
''Oh...oh, yeah...''
Everyone looked at the duo curiously. Miguel reequipped something before swiftly casting telekinesis on it. The reason became clear when the light surrounding it faded, revealing the golden pillar that was likely bigger than Merry.
Robin couldn't help the laugh that escaped at their dumbfounded expressions. Luffy and Usopp were trying to pick their jaws up while Nami seemed to have been frozen, Sanji and Chopper looking on in awe.
Really, they could just be so amusing. She never would've thought it possible but in just a few weeks, she'd come to had more fun than she ever did in many years. Having them there, after Luffy accepted her brazen request to join...she'd forgotten what it was like to have friends.
Zoro asked the question they all had in mind ''This is from Skypiea?''
''Remember the 'cannon' you guys were running from?'' Miguel's eyes travelled back to the pillar.
Luffy, Chopper and Usopp cried out in shock, Sanji face palming ''That's what it was?! I had my doubts when Chopper said we had to leave but...''
''Nami was so sure that they'd be mad since we took the treasure from the snake's stomach and Usopp looked really scared so I thought...''
''How were we supposed to know? It looked like a cannon!'' The teen reminded the reindeer.
''May I just add that they were fine celebrating with us for days? Such a change in behaviour would be quite odd.'' Robin chimed in. ''It would only make sense if perhaps Enel's ghost possessed them or something...''
''G-ghost?!'' Robin looking like she wanted to go on wasn't good for their nerves.
''Okay, maybe you can tone it down with your brand of fun now.'' She raised her hands in surrender to Miguel. ''Anyway, since the treasure from the snake is for Merry, I figure we can see how that works out and eventually divide it between us...''
That was as far as he got for an elated Nami chose the moment to hug him ''You're the best, this is brilliant!''
Laughing, he patted the navigator's back before gently pushing her off to put the pillar back, missing Sanji almost sulking at this. Why couldn't Nami be that way with him?
Luffy's eyes were practically glowing ''This is going to be so cool!''
''Yeah, we can do loads with this kind of money!'' Usopp exclaimed.
''You mean like what you did in Logue Town?''
Huffing, he glared at Nami for a moment. Okay, so maybe a lot of the gadgets and gizmos he bought from there were bad but did she have to bring that up now?
Luffy couldn't help sniggering, recalling that too ''But he's got a point, we'll loads better with all this treasure!''
Miguel nodded ''Let's just be careful. First, we check on Merry and then see what happens, right?''
''You bet!''
With no land in sight, Luffy had been growing increasingly bored and desperate for something to do. He didn't want to sit down to read or listen to stories, as much as he appreciated Miguel and Robin's offers; he just didn't feel like it. Chopper had been finishing medicine made with herbs he picked up in Skypiea and Nami was keeping track of their course as always. He wasn't sure where Usopp was at the moment but Chopper had mentioned him being busy so he likely couldn't get the two to play with him.
One look at Nami's tangerine grove had him wondering if he could get away with sneaking one. But the rubber teen immediately dismissed the thought, Nami would have his head.
Hey, he may be reckless but he did have some self-preservation instincts.
''You're still stir crazy, huh?''
''I can't help it!'' His cheeks puffed out ''Sanji won't let me even talk to him when he's checking those new recipes out. You guys all have something to do!''
Nami sighed ''Why don't you just go train with Zoro then? Maybe that'll help kill some time?''
''Train-? Hey, that's it!'' The navigator honestly hadn't expected him to agree so fast. ''Why don't we do it together?''
''Joint training?'' Zoro was intrigued ''Where'd that come from?''
''Well, Luffy's been especially eager to get active since you had him stay around the lacrima so he probably just wants to mess around.'' Sanji pointedly ignored Luffy's protest while Chopper huffed.
The idea had originally started in Skypiea but their early departure meant it was to be postponed. Miguel had recently procured a lacrima charged with healing magic that was meant to have a slower but stronger effect than his own spells over time. It just needed the person to stay close to it for a while. Luffy had chafed under the instructions and left its range as soon as possible.
''Well, hopefully it means fewer conniptions for Doctor-san.''
Chopper nodded heartily to Robin's statement, for Luffy was an absolutely terrible patient. He was far too careless with his own health and his complaints only carried on the more the treatment carried on. The only other one who was nearly this bad was Zoro.
''Bottom line is, it's just one of his whims again.'' Usopp deadpanned.
''Maybe but it's not a bad idea.'' Miguel shrugged ''We train separately more often than not, what's the harm in trying? We might learn something new.''
Nodding, Zoro looked back at Luffy ''So, how do you want to do this?''
The following lack of response left them to come to one conclusion ''You don't have any idea, do you?'' Luffy looked away sheepishly while the green haired swordsman sighed. ''Typical...''
''How about we just start with something simple then? Does anyone have something they want to work on?'' Miguel offered.
Sanji hummed in thought ''Well, I have been wondering if I could come up with new attacks. Usopp, didn't you say something about working on new weapons?''
''Yeah, but I'm still figuring them out. I worked on a plan for a new slingshot and I got a whole bunch of dials from Skypiea, they're handy but working with them is different. Nami asked me to see if I can upgrade the Climatact too. I've gotta make sure they can work together without interfering with each other, or risk any accidents, it's pretty complicated.''
''Well, you keep working on it then.'' The sniper gave Nami a mock-salute before checking his list of supplies and equipment.
Luffy made a disappointed noise ''So you're just going right back to tinkering with the stuff again? That's no good.''
''At least I have a plan! Besides, those weapons are important!''
''True but maybe you're relying on them a bit too much.'' Usopp looked at Zoro, startled. ''I've been wondering, it kind of seems like you and Nami count on your weapons so much that you'd be in trouble without them.''
''What do you expect me to do? I'm a long ranger fighter, nothing like you guys!'' He retorted at once.
''Well, I'm just a delicate girl!'' Nami threw in.
''Of course, Nami-swan!'' Sanji's agreement was no surprise ''Such a lovely flower shouldn't be expected to trouble herself, I will be more than happy to fight for you!''
''Yeah, great-Love Cook, what if you're not there? What if they're on their own?''
No one could argue that Zoro's point of view was valid. It didn't mean Usopp was about to concede ''It's not like I can fight like you monsters or anything, A bit of the training you guys would do might actually kill me!''
''No one said you had to but Zoro's got the right idea. You won't always get to fight the way you want to.'' Miguel reasoned. ''You've got to have some backup when the tables are turned.''
''Sounds about right.'' Sanji agreed ''It's true, building strength takes a long time but that doesn't mean you're helpless. Even if I'd much rather the ladies don't have to fight and I will go all out to ensure their safety, as a real man should. It's only right to protect such ...'' Miguel cleared his throat pointedly, giving him a look ''...err, my bad. I was going to say there's no reason you can't fight smarter. For example, if you hit an enemy's pressure point, it could give you an opening.''
Chopper perked up ''That's a great idea! Doctorine said I could incorporate then when I fight too. I can help you guys learn!''
Nami couldn't help smiling at his enthusiasm. ''Let's give it a shot then.''
''So what're you going to do?'' Zoro asked Robin. ''Haven't seen you fight enough to be sure and you probably know this but overreliance on your powers is bad too.''
''Yes, I've learned to use a few weapons over the years. Cook-san's idea is similar to an approach I came to adopt as well, though it has been a while since I've practiced so perhaps I'll have a look.''
''We can all benefit from that, actually.'' Miguel was considering joining himself.
Sanji gave him a curious look ''So, any ideas on your end?''
''I was working on some new spells last time so I was thinking I'll work on refining my powers now. Like, the thing about my elemental spells? The swords actually help me use focus enough to use them in combat but I'm worried I might be relying on that a bit too much.''
''It's good that you're realizing it now-seems like a bit of a roundabout way to do things though.'' Zoro remarked.
''Yeah, actually-I started learning around two years ago and I'd just gotten the hang of the spells but after Port Dianeira, I couldn't control any fire magic.'' He was actually getting better, even if his phobia severely slowed him down. There was a point where even seeing fire used to leave him almost paralyzed. ''A few of my friends helped me work it all out until I developed this style, before I knew; I just wound up relying on it.''
''You know, I did see you a few times working on something with a sword. Was that...?'' Usopp blinked when the former shook his head.
''Ace gave me some advice the night before he left, he helped me figure out a few exercises to deal with fire.'' The progress was...on and off, maybe. He'd seen a good part of his home burn, people he knew and a few he'd grown up with fall in that inferno and he'd even come quite close to dying that day. It was just another reminder that healing from the past was never as easy as it seemed.
Shaking the thought off, Miguel looked at his friends ''How about we get started then?''
And so their plans took, with somewhat mixed results. Nami made sure to keep note of all the pressure points Chopper mentioned, opting to practice on a scarecrow like dummy that Miguel and Usopp put together.
''You did great, Nami, that was a lot better than me when I started out!'' Chopper assured brightly.
The navigator looked pleased ''Well, I tried...it's never going to be that easy, this was just a stationary target anyway...''
''True but you could always change it up.'' Robin offered. ''Perhaps you could use a few of Long Nose-kun's gadgets? I'd imagine they could cause a distraction that could let you get a good opening.''
Nami thought that over as she stepped aside to let the others take their turn. It might be worth a try...
''You guys are going to have to bow out of this one though.'' Usopp told the Monster Trio. ''None of you know what restraint even means, you'd wreck things before we can really get to work.''
''Don't lump me in with those barbarians!'' Sanji pointedly ignored Zoro barking at him in protest ''I'll have you know I exercise plenty of restraint.''
''I'm so sure! That's why you break rocks with a single kick!''
''You guys are never going to win this one.'' Miguel put in, shaking his head in amusement as Sanji grumbled.
Usopp blinked, noticing his hand glowing purple as he kept the dummy floating with telekinesis magic. ''We're doing moving targets already? I thought...''
The words died in his mouth as he saw Luffy jumping to reach it only for Miguel to immediately yank it out of his research ''...oh, go figure.''
Luffy's complaints about wanting to be included were put to a swift end via one punch from Nami ''This was your idea, at least try to take it seriously!''
Robin chuckled ''Well, as always there's never a dull moment with this crew.''
''Yeah, never a peaceful one either.'' Zoro snorted. ''Anyway, I know we had a few ideas but anyone interested in learning to use a weapon for a backup? Even improving your aim with a gun might help down the line.''
Chopper appeared rather hesitant. He did want to fight for his friends, for the people who accepted him like no other since Hiriluk and Kureha. But at the same time, that really didn't sit right with him. Maybe he could try in the future? ''...Sanji, can you show me how to do kicks like yours?''
''Well, I never tried teaching anyone before but sure, let's give it a whack.''
As the cook led the cheering reindeer away, Nami looked at Miguel ''I think I'll keep trying with the pressure points a bit more. Can you keep moving the dummy like you tried just now?''
''Not sure what I want to do...'' Usopp scratched his head ''...guys, any advice?''
Robin hummed in thought ''How about you test how to apply the dials in battle? I know you mentioned wanting to use them for the new weapon but you still have a fair amount left otherwise, correct?''
''Ooh, yeah!'' Luffy perked up ''See if you can hit me, Usopp. I won't make it easy for ya!''
He grinned back ''I might just make you eat those words, captain.''
Zoro cracked a smirk before turning to their newest crewmate ''How about a spar? I want to see how I stack up against you.''
''Certainly.''
Once Nami felt like she made enough progress, she and Miguel agreed to try a little spar of their own. Sanji's attempt at chewing the two swordsmen off for fighting the girls was immediately shut down by said females. After all both had been completely onboard with the idea and neither wanted to be treated like they were made of glass.
''Silly Sanji...'' The sulking cook glared at Luffy ''...we can help the girls when they need it but they're not babies. Nami and Robin are tough as nails.''
''Thank you.'' The first returned primly with a smile which he returned before focusing back on Miguel, immediately targeting a pressure point near his shoulder. She was rather taken aback to feel her staff bouncing off as if it hit something hard. At first, it didn't look like there was anything but then a veil of translucent light surrounded her friend's frame, almost like armour. ''What was that?''
''Well, since we're training, I figured I'd test something out.'' He flexed an arm ''I'm used to applying magic on my body but it's mostly for attacks, I want to see if I can use it like a shield or maybe as a trick of sorts.''
''Hey, not bad-you're already on the right track.'' It had certainly caught her off guard...
Chopper tried an axle kick ''Like this, Sanji?''
''You've got to be faster. Good form though; I think you can definitely get the hang of this.'' The blond rubbed his chin in thought. ''Maybe we can work your transformations in, you're quicker in Walk Point, right?''
''Yup! I'm a lot stronger with Arm Point though, so like maybe I can change forms in the middle on attack to make it better...''
Zoro struggled with Robin's limbs, accidentally elbowing an arm near his waist in the process. It disappeared in a burst of petals, Robin's sudden faltering giving him the chance to break free ''So you really do feel the damage they take?''
''Yes, I've gotten better at handling the backlash but you startled me. I'm surprised you're not using your swords though.''
''I figured it can't hurt.'' Zoro got the idea from Miguel, who was quite formidable even when he couldn't use his blades. What he told Nami and Usopp naturally applied to him as well. While he would naturally endeavour to keep his treasured weapons nearby, he didn't want to be completely helpless without his swords.
Robin turned out to be quite the nimble trickster. She was adept in hand to hand combat even if she preferred using her devil fruit, her style spoke of a preference for efficiency over power. He hadn't really had a chance to see her fight. In Skypiea, most of his focus was on Enel and he'd barely seen her in Alabasta. He could definitely see how she was a Warlord's partner all these years. Zoro couldn't shake the sense that she was holding back but the same went for him so that was fine.
Taking advantage of his non-action, Robin thought to get a sneak attack on him only for Zoro to seize the moment himself by grabbing her arm and throwing her over his shoulder. Robin managed to right herself with a few limbs, landing safely with ease. ''Well, I can see I need to step things up if I am to catch you off guard.''
''You bet. Not a bad try though.''
Luffy allowed himself a grin. He hadn't thought his idea would take off so well but everyone had sure gotten into it. Sure, Nami had to stop every now and then to keep track of their route and check the Log Pose but she was clearly more than willing to carry on. He had complete faith in his crew but it was nice to see that they wanted to get stronger.
The teen then immediately his head back, avoiding a swipe from Usopp's Impact Dial.
''Oh, come on-you weren't even looking-!''
He sniggered ''Told you I wouldn't make it easy!''
As his back was still to Usopp, he missed the devious glint in the sniper's gaze as he took out another dial. This was something he quickly regretted as a long cord wrapped around his leg, yanking him down before Usopp finally hit him on the back of the head ''Eating those words yet?''
Luffy squirmed, trying to break free ''What was that?''
''I heard it's called a Trip Dial, it's basically a really good grappling hook!'' Usopp plucked the hook up before making the rope retreat with a swift flick of the hand.
''Oh, let me try!''
''No way!''
Luffy pouted ''Why not?!''
''One, I don't trust you not to mess around with it. Knowing you, you'd go so trigger happy, it'd wind up with you sinking into the ocean.''
''...The sad thing is, he's not even trying to joke.'' Sanji told Chopper, who nodded. It was indeed far too likely to happen.
''Two, same reason we told you three to hold off the spars until we find land before you can totally damage our ship. Merry needs our help and I'm not letting anybody take chances with her!''
''You're just no fun, it'll be fine!'' But even as he said that, Luffy knew his concerns weren't unfounded. Miguel's magic had helped them a lot with their ship but the quartermaster himself admitted that he had no idea how long that would last, especially after seeing the Klabautermann.
''Okay, okay, break it up.'' Miguel interjected as the two continued to scowl at each other. ''Usopp, we've been through this. You're not the only one who cares about Merry so lose that attitude.'' The sniper winced and rubbed the back of his head as Nami and Chopper nodded, glaring at him. ''And while he's being a bit much, Luffy, he's had plenty of reason to worry and you're responsible for part of that. He isn't wrong about you lacking restraint sometimes either. You're entitled to your own opinions but don't be so dismissive of each other, it's carelessness like that which really causes problems down the line.''
Both didn't fail to pick up on the implication behind these words. If they kept this up, they could really something they'd regret. Usopp still remembered finding Zoro and Miguel working on whatever repairs they could manage for Merry. The others had agreed that they should stop at the nearest island in case they could find a shipwright. They'd likely need one of considerable skill and that wouldn't be easy but they had to at least try. Merry was worth it...for all of them.
Sanji chose to move things along ''Well, at least you've got an actual hook now, Usopp. Might want to consider tossing that annoying toy of yours in the trash.''
''Are you still holding that over my head?!''
''Toy...?'' Miguel quirked a brow
''Usopp came up with this funny grappling hook back when we were coming to find you guys in the jungle.'' Luffy offered. ''I didn't see what happened but he and Sanji were just hanging around from one of the clouds when we had to fight that dumpling.''
''We didn't have a choice. Someone forgot to actually test their gadgets before busting them out in battle.'' Sanji informed darkly, Usopp hanging his head at the reminder.
Robin blinked ''Oh, is that what the long cord and metal plate were? I noticed something like that among Long Nose-kun's tools but it looked like junk.''
''...Do you really have to rub it in?''
''She's telling it how it is!'' Sanji shot back.
''But since you're bringing that up...'' Nami's expression almost made the sniper freeze ''...next time you get any bright ideas like that, I will be personally charging you with interest over all the effort I'm sure we'll have to expend helping you out of it. Am I clear?''
Usopp nodded rapidly ''Crystal!''
Zoro gave her a look as the former hurried off ''...So lay it on me, you're really just pulling debt to scare some sense into him, right?''
''Have you seen him with money?''
The utterly droll tone elicited a laugh ''Fair enough.''
''Have I mentioned how amazing magic is?''
Nami returned Usopp's grin with one of her own ''I know, right? It sure spares us loads of headaches.'' She ignored the angry muttering coming from behind them; likewise Usopp didn't bother looking.
''All right, all right-we're sorry! We won't do it again!''
Robin stifled a chuckle as her eyes travelled upwards. Sanji and Zoro were surrounded by a pair of translucent spheres floating in mid-air. The crew had quickly come to agree that this was a fitting punishment.
It started when the time came for them to spar. Despite some reservations, the majority of the crew was fine with giving it a try. They had just been deciding how to choose the sides when the two got into a fight. No one was actually sure what happened but they naturally managed to aggravate one another just like that and before they quite knew it, the pair was going at each other with all they had.
Knowing how much trouble they would have dealing with them now that they were this far gone, Miguel came up with a quick solution. With one wave of his ice sword, they were forcibly separated and held apart from each other.
Chopper, who had been unnerved by their expressions, opted to stay away from the scene, focusing on their sparring friends.
Luffy sent out a swift punch only for Miguel to duck at the last minute, grabbing his arm. Just when the teen assumed he'd been going for a shoulder throw, Miguel surprised him by hitting a pressure point that forced him and struggle not to fall. It did make sense, actually, Luffy realized. Even if neither of them were using their powers, Luffy's body essentially made a throw like that more than useless.
The rubber teen recovered fast, unleashing a haymaker which his friend tanked, Luffy opting to speed up his assault then. Chopper couldn't help cheering them both on as they continued, Luffy seemed to be holding out better thanks to his sheer endurance and devil fruit but Miguel's skill and experience ensured that he gave as good as he got.
Zoro's patience soon ran out ''All right, already! How long are you going to leave us here?''
Both turned to the trapped pair. Luffy made an irritated noise at the interruption as Miguel hummed ''What do you think, Luffy?''
''Mm-oh! How about we let them go if Zoro agrees to play tag with me and Chopper and Sanji makes a really big and super yummy dinner?''
He couldn't help laughing even as the aforementioned two growled at their captain. Judging by his sniggering, Luffy just wanted to get a rise out of them.
''Come on, I'd be the first to agree that Zoro could stand to loosen up but it should be his choice. If you try to force him to play like you did yesterday, I'll be helping him catch you. Sanji's got the food amount down to a science by now. And the taste doesn't even need questioning by now.'' Miguel's statement almost dissolved Sanji's ire. ''Don't go torturing them...anymore than necessary, that is.''
''Oh, thanks!'' The cook scowled as Luffy, Chopper and Usopp burst into laughter.
Robin smiled ''Well, it wouldn't be much of a punishment otherwise.''
''Exactly.'' A smirking Nami put in ''Good to have some people we can count on here, since apparently you two decrease each other's intelligence to single digits.''
''It's his fault!''
She gave them an incredibly dry look as they pointed to one another ''Case and point. Anyway, you can let them down now, Miguel. If they start acting like babies again, they'll taste my fist.''
''Now if that doesn't stop them, I don't know what would.'' With a wry smile, he dismissed the spell. Luffy couldn't help nodding in agreement. He didn't know how Nami did it but her punches really hurt!
''My, and that's how you started learning elemental magic? This very beginning seems even more fascinating than the classes themselves.'' Robin's fascination was evident.
''You'd be surprised. She found a way to really change things up every time...'' Miguel held back a smile as he tried to imagine their reactions should they find out who his teacher was.
Chopper's eyes were bright ''I really want to see Elysia more than ever-it sounds amazing!''
Robin's smile grew ''Well, now I hope you're not planning on leaving things at that note, Quartermaster-san. I think Doctor-san would be very disappointed if you didn't share more of those fascinating stories with us.''
He laughed as Chopper gave him a pleading look ''Right, right...hold on, let me think...''
When had she even gotten to enjoy such simple times so much? She'd heard plenty about Elysia but just sitting here; listening to this was far more satisfying. Part of it was the company, she knew for a fact that Miguel's demeanour had helped Chopper warm up to her. Although with the reindeer, she felt that there was more to his wariness than them being former enemies.
Well, she wasn't about to pry. The crew had been far more accepting than she felt she deserved. That Luffy and Miguel had been so kind at all was plenty but now...it actually scared her a little but...she was really enjoying herself in a way she never had before. She didn't want to leave.
''Green's not a very flattering colour on you, you know.''
Sanji almost jumped, not realizing how he'd been staring at them until Usopp's statement. ''What're you on about?! No one's jealous here, nope, no way!''
''Suuuuure you're not.'' Pointedly dragging the word out, Usopp shook his head. After all, this was far from the first time the cook watched Miguel and Robin's interactions like that. Those two certainly did seem to have chemistry, he wouldn't deny that but he doubted either of them was thinking along the same lines as Sanji. ''Considering it's you we're talking about, can I just remind you that she's finally getting to make friends after years? Tell me I'm crazy but I'm pretty sure the chances of her just having tea and chat with the members of Baroque Works were low.''
...Okay, that was fair.
''Besides, you do know that besides Luffy, Miguel was the first one who really gave her a chance, right? She might have tried to give those gems to Nami as a peace offering but Nami told me it took her a while to really let her guard down around her. I was the same. And you know why Chopper already has a hard time dealing with people; it couldn't have been easier for him. You weren't doing yourself any favours.'' Usopp pointedly didn't mention that Sanji fawning on her just meant he'd disregarded her past on account of her being a woman and that wasn't the same as accepting her. Sanji was pretty smart, he'd notice it too if he hadn't already. ''Zoro's finally starting to loosen up around her and I think she's really just starting to relax around everyone. So maybe just back off and let things lay where they do, they're the only ones who get to decide what their relationship is going to be like.''
The blond exhaled, but really-what could he say to that? Usopp was completely right. He hadn't actually considered it from that angle before but from what Robin had shared of her prior situation, Luffy and Miguel may as well be the first friends she had in years. Her smile was so beautiful now that she was really opening up to them and he wouldn't do anything that could jeopardize that. So long as Miguel kept looking out for her like he did the rest of the crew...that would be more than enough.
''...I'll just get started on dinner then. Tell them it'd be ready in half an hour, all right?''
''You got it!''
The next morning...
''Land-ho, land-ho!''
Luffy turned at Usopp's call, perking up at the sight of their oncoming destination ''All right!''
He was all set to jump right off the second they reached the port only for something to stop him in mid-air. A purple aura surrounded him as he was dragged to meet his crew's gazes. Recognizing the telekinesis magic, his eyes immediately found the obvious source.
''We need to talk.'' Miguel stated. ''It's fine and all if you want to explore but can you at least try to keep an eye for trouble?''
''He means don't set something on fire or tear a building down.'' Nami elaborated.
The captain immediately spluttered a protest ''Man, you guys are mean! Is that what you think I do-just get into trouble?''
Robin looked rather amused ''Well, Captain-san, as I understand your history speaks for itself. The fact that you were the reason the marines even discovered your presence just before Crocodile confronted you is just one of the most recent examples.''
''Exactly! Thank you, Robin-chan.'' Sanji nodded.
''The point is...'' Miguel added ''...I think everyone would appreciate not having to run out of town again so soon. And knowing your luck, can you really say we might not run into trouble right from the get go?''
Even Luffy wasn't about to contest that one. ''...Okay, I did that spell stuff before. You're going to keep your promise, right?''
''Don't worry, I didn't forget. Let's just see what it's like first before we figure that out.''
''Yeah!''
Chopper watched their captain leave once Miguel released the spell ''How come you said he should try to watch out for trouble and not just that he should avoid trouble altogether?''
It was Zoro who answered ''Because asking Luffy not to get in trouble is like expecting fire not to burn.''
''Sounds about right.'' Miguel concurred ''Anyway, how about we get going?''
Well, let's stop here.
I got the idea when I was working out details for Water 7 and I think I'm going to make the training a semi-regular thing. They'll definitely be training more even if I don't show it of course but you know, I had fun coming up with this one so I might do more like it in the future.
That point with Usopp and the money is actually something I forgot to mention in the earlier chapters. Let's just say the gizmos he tried to come up from all he got in Logue Town had some less than stellar results to put it lightly. Anyway, the dials are interesting and I want to see if I can get more uses of them.
Miguel's had some intensive medic training so he knows not looking out for your body in the long run can be dangerous. The lacrima mentioned above is basically this slow but very effective healing spell that's supposed to help with that, he's used it with both Luffy and Zoro since they're really terrible at taking care of their health. But yeah, looking after the crew overall is pretty much second nature to him at this point, it's part of the reason why they all know they can count on him.
Robin's fitting in well but I figure something like that would take time. Especially with Chopper considering his issues with people before he met the crew, I don't think you get over that kind of thing easily. And yeah, the crew knows exactly why so they're helping him with that. Miguel's just done his best to give her a chance since Luffy accepted her; they're getting to be good friends. And yeah, the crew saw the Klabautermann so they know this is bad but none of them ready to give up on Merry yet. They feel that they owe it to her to at least try to get her the best help they can find..
Welp, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!