Opening her eyes, Lucy felt that a pouch filled with ice was on her forehead. Taking a few seconds to come to her senses, she noticed that there was a stone ceiling above her head showing that she was no longer on the Merry.

" Where am I ? "

Then hearing a scraping sound, she slowly turned her face to the side to see a strange animal with a hat, brewing a decoction in a bowl. Turning its back to her, the animal didn't even seem to realize that Lucy was awake.

" Who are you ? "

Startling immediately, Chopper fell from his chair and fell to the ground. Looking surprised, he showed his astonishment when he saw Lucy awake. Then, suddenly, he ran to take refuge behind a wall.

This time it was Lucy who was surprised, as she saw Chopper hiding behind the wall the wrong way round.

" Huh, would you not be on the wrong side ? "

" Shut up ! " Roared Chopper. " I know exactly what I'm doing, human ! And I am not afraid of you. "

" Hum ? "

" How are you ? " Asked Chopper. " Has your fever gone down ? "

" Uh ... I ... I don't really know. " Lucy confessed, looking around. " In fact, I have a hard time remembering what I've been doing these past few days ! I… I remember falling unconscious, then waking up for a few minutes in my bed before going back to sleep, and my friends screaming that we need to see a doctor. "

" LUCY ! "

Suddenly bringing his face to the blonde, Loke showed his tear-covered head.

" You're awake ? Oh, I am so happy! I really thought something bad was going to happen to you ! Come into my arms. "

However, a huge fist slammed into the spirit's cheek, sending it banging against a wall.

" Step back ! " Roared Chopper, having transformed.

" That … ? " Wondered Lucy. " He transformed. "

Then, blinking for a few moments, she cried out.

" But by the way, you just spoke. "

" You are a little long to relax. " Chopper remarked, before resuming his small size.

" To tell you the truth, I lived so long with cats looking like you that I didn't pay attention straight away. "

" Sucker raccoon. " Loke roared, getting to his feet. " Lucky for you that you looked after Lucy, otherwise I would have made you pay for this. "

" Who did you call a raccoon ? " Chopper got angry.

Seeing them start to fight, Lucy suddenly noticed that Loke's shirt was open, allowing her to see his chest covered in bandages.

" Loke… what are these bandages ? "

" Hum? " Says the spirit. " Oh, it's nothing ! I was injured earlier, and I came to your bedside as quickly as possible ! So I didn't have time to heal completely. "

" Injured ? Injured by whom ? "

" Don't worry about that ! What matters is that you are doing better ! Thanks, the raccoon. "

" I am not a raccoon. "

" Less strong, Chopper. " Ordered another voice.

Entering suddenly, an old woman with the head of a witch arrived in front of the trio, while drinking a bottle of alcohol.

" Are you awake, young girl ? It means your fever is gone ! It's good news. "

" Who are you ? " Lucy asked her.

She fell silent when the old woman put a finger to her forehead. Then, a few seconds later, she asserted.

" 38, 2 degrees ! Yes, this is acceptable. "

" Who are you ? " Lucy repeated.

" I am a doctor. " The old woman said, removing her glasses. " I am Doctor Kureha! But you can call me Doctorine! It looks younger! By the way, do you want to know the secret of my youth ? "

" What ? " Lucy wondered. " Uh… where are my friends ? Am I all alone here? And then where am I ? "

" Oh, just in a castle on a high mountain ! When your two friends, they are resting in the next room ! I must admit that they are tough, these two. "

" Two ? "

" Mugiwara and the cook. " Loke told her.

" In fact, what am I suffering from ? " Wanted to know Lucy. " From the flu? "

In response, Doctorine sat down next to her and pulled up her T-shirt. Immediately Lucy could see purple marks on her chest.

" What is that ? "

" A bite mark caused by an insect called Kestia. "

" Kestia "?

" This is a species of infectious tick that lives in tropical forests ! Infection begins when the insect bites, causing the bacteria to enter through its mouth ! Once inside, the incubation lasts five days and causes immense pain to the victim ! The symptoms of this infection are a 40 degree fever, extensive infection, inflammation of the myocardium and arteries, and encephalitis ! You know what I mean ? "

" Uh, not really. " Lucy confessed, with an embarrassed little smile. " But, from what you say, I would have suffered a long time yet, if I had not met you. "

" Oh no. " Doctorine retorted, getting up. " Just two more days. "

" Two days ? "

" Yes ! Without treatment, you would be dead in two days. "

Immediately Lucy's eyes widened as Loke swallowed a little.

" Are you kidding ? " Loke questioned.

" A doctor never jokes about his patient's condition. " Doctorine retorted. " Based on the condition of her wound, I would say your friend was bitten three days ago ! Kestia is known to transmit the 'five day disease'! This strange name is due to the fact that a person who contracted this disease dies after five days, no matter how well they are before being bitten. "

" Two ... Two days ? " Lucy stammered. " Would I be dead in two days? "

Exhaling longer, however, she eventually calmed down, before noticing.

" In this case, I can be happy to be lucky and to have been able to cross your path. "

" I don't know if you're lucky. " Doctorine retorted. " You see, the fact that you got bitten by a Kestia is very strange, since it is an extinct specie ! It has not existed for a hundred years ! How could you get bitten by that tick, then? "

" Uh, let's say the last island I visited was quite strange. " Lucy confessed.

" You will tell me so much. " Doctorine exclaimed before pushing her to force her to go back to bed. " Rest, you are not yet fully recovered. "

" For how long ? " Wanted to know Lucy. " Now that the fever has subsided, nothing can happen to me anymore, right ? "

" You are mistaken. " Retorted the doctor. " In principle, once the treatment is administered, it takes ten days to recover ! The chances of the infection coming back are still great ! So a doctor like me must monitor your health. "

" Ten ... Ten days ? " Lucy wondered. " But if I stay ten more days… Alabasta will… "

" Let me tell you things frankly. " Doctorine arrested her. " If you leave here, the risks are great for you to die. "

" In that case, give me the medicine I need for… "

" To do what ? " Asked Doctorine. " You are not a doctor! You don't know how to give the slightest injection ! Don't think you can heal yourself, you wouldn't be able to. "

" But I ... But I ... "

" Lucy, calm down. " Loke suddenly advised her. " Just rest ! "

" But Loke… "

" We'll find a solution. " Assured her the spirit, with a confident smile. " You just regain your strength. "

" Well said. " Assured Doctorine, while grabbing a scalpel before having fun making reels between her fingers. " Anyway, the only times my patients leave this place are either when they are healed or when they are dead. "

Looking at Lucy with an evil smile, she wanted to know.

"And you, young girl ? Do you want to leave here alive or dead ? "

But before Lucy could say anything, the door swung open and Chopper ran in, followed by Luffy and Sanji.

" Come here, the meat. "

" No, Luffy! Let me cook it in a stew ! It will be much better than believed. "

" HELP ! "

" Luffy ? Sanji ? "

" LUCY ! " Luffy rejoices suddenly, stopping in front of her. " You're okay ? "

" Lucy-chan. " Cried Sanji. " You're awake ! I am so happy ! "

Still, standing in front of him, Loke ordered.

" Don't touch her with your dirty paws, you asshole cook. "

" What ? Do you want to fight, alley cat ? "

Looking around, Luffy wanted to know.

'' By the way, where is Raynare ? "

" Raynare ? " Lucy wondered. " Was she with you? "

" Yes ! She protected me and allowed me to climb up here! But normally she had to be with you, the lion. "

" What do you mean ? " Sanji roared. " Hey, lioness, where's my Raynare-sama ? You haven't given up on her, I hope. "

" Everything is fine. " Loke retorted. " During our fight against the fat obese, I allowed her to flee to avoid being killed ! And someone picked her up to help her. "

" Collected ? "

A noise was heard. Turning around, everyone could see Chopper pretending to run away, but who had the misfortune to step on a test tube. Sweating, he stood still, hoping everyone would forget his presence. Unfortunately, he had to flee, seeing Sanji and Luffy running towards him.

" We will eat you. "

" Damn it. " Doctorine sighed. " It's surprising that they can already have the strength to run ! But if they continue like this, I will force them to go back to bed myself. "

" What a strange little animal. " Loke asserted, referring to Chopper. " If he knew how to fly, we could take him for a distant cousin of Happy. "

" What is it as a creature? " Lucy wanted to know, while wondering if Chopper was not, too, from another world.

" His name is Chopper ! He is nothing but a reindeer with a blue nose, which has become my assistant. "

" Your assistant ? " Lucy wondered. " Wait, did you teach him to talk ? "

" Don't talk nonsense, young girl ! Chopper has acquired the ability to speak, on his own ! Or rather, thanks to his devil fruit. "

" Devil's fruit ? "

" Yes, he ate the hito-hito no mi ! The fruit of the human ! This allowed to modify his brain as well as his body. "

" Sidering. " Loke asserted. " So these strange fruits are also able to give powers to animals. "

" What does he have with you ? " Wanted to know Lucy. " I mean, how did he manage to become your assistant? "

" Say I taught him everything I knew in the medical field. "

Hearing the crackling of a fire, Raynare opened her eyes. No sooner had she come to her senses than she noticed that her body seemed heavy as lead. She had the greatest difficulty moving.

" That ? "

" Raynare-sama. "

Crouching in front of her, Virgo was standing in front of Raynare, with a bowl in her hands.

" Virgo ? "

" Drink this. " Virgo advised her, holding out the bowl. " This potion has the ability to cure poisonings related to mushrooms ! It might help you get well. "

" I can't move. " Raynare retorted.

" Poisoning and cold are the causes. " Virgo explained, while delicately lifting Raynare's head.

Then she helped the fallen angel drink the decoction. Seconds later, feeling better after drinking something hot, Raynare wanted to know.

" Where is Lucy ? "

" No idea . " Virgo asserted, coldly. " She must be at the doctor. "

" Are you worried about her ? " Raynare wondered.

Turning her back on her, Virgo just shrugged.

" Virgo ... wasn't it you telling me that you liked Lucy, to the point of calling her '' hime ''? "

" Yes ! Why ? "

" Since I've known you, your relationship with Lucy has continued to deteriorate ! But this is only seen from your side ! Lucy continues to take care of you, while you seem to hate her ! Why, Virgo ? "

" Why what ? "

" Why do you hate Lucy ? "

" Lucy ! Lucy ! Lucy ! Lucy ! "

The name repeated, Virgo finally roared.

" Why do you always talk about Lucy ? "

Turning around then, Virgo finally showed a face that was both angry, while her eyes filled with tears.

" Why don't you pay attention to me ? Why is it Lucy who has the right to your undivided attention ? "

" Vir… Virgo ? "

'' It's because I'm a spirit, right ? " Asked Virgo. " Is it because I'm just Lucy's spirit ? That I am seen as a simple object by many people ? Or is it because you just love Lucy? "

Digging her fingers into the ground, she suddenly cried out.

" But me too, I love you, Raynare-sama ! So why am I not entitled to your love? "

Just looking at her, Raynare concentrated her strength to raise her arm. Finding that she could get it to move, she cried out eventually hitting Virgo on the back, before screaming.

" Idiot. "

" That … ? " Wondered the spirit.

" Yes, I love Lucy. " Raynare confessed. " But only as a friend or as a sister if you prefer. "

" What ? "

" If I protect Lucy like I do, it's because Lucy is the one who wanted to integrate me into the crew ! If Luffy offered me to join his crew, Lucy is the first to have considered me as her friend ! She is the opposite of me ! She is kind, compassionate, caring, gentle… and she has always been on my back to force me to fit into the crew ! Without her, maybe I'll still be calling Luffy "Mugiwara" ! She is the one who was the first to see me not as a fallen angel but as a real human. "

Staring at Virgo, she then asserted.

'' But I don't love Lucy in a romantic way ! Finally, I don't think so. "

Looking at her, Virgo asked directly.

" What is your sexual orientation ? "

Sighing, Raynare confessed.

" I'm bisexual. "

" Oh, so you ...? "

" Virgo. " The fallen angel stopped her immediately. " Just because I don't consider Lucy to be my future girlfriend doesn't mean I have feelings for you. "

" But why ? I will do anything for you ! Become your slave, serve you, idolize you… "

Hearing her, Raynare remained silent, before looking at the sky above her head. Then, finally, she confessed.

" I don't know if I want to start a romantic relationship. "

" What ? Why ? "

" Issei… " Raynare simply whispered, shaking slightly.

The fallen angel didn't want to admit it, but since Issei had nearly caused her death, Raynare no longer wanted to pretend to be in love with someone. She was afraid of unintentionally hurting another person's feelings and suffering the consequences.

" I am not ready for this. " Raynare confessed.

Hearing it, Virgo looked down, before finally staring at the campfire. Seeing her thus, turning her back to her, gazing downcast, Raynare sighed.

Finally, managing to find the strength to stand up, she collapsed against the back of the spirit, and wrapped her arms around her shoulders.

" But this does not mean '' no ''! "

" What ? "

" Make me fall in love with you and I will say '' yes '' to you. " Raynare assured.

Hearing it, Virgo couldn't help but blush. Then, in an instant, her body glowed as she pretended to disappear.

" I ... I'm leaving. "

" Virgo. " Raynare suddenly stopped her. " Lucy… she didn't mean to hurt you in any way. "

Turning to Raynare, Virgo only nodded slightly before disappearing. For her part, sitting cross-legged facing the campfire, Raynare felt her body still a little numb. For now, she still felt unable to fly to reach the castle.

However, she vowed to join Lucy as quickly as possible. She wanted to ensure her health… but also to take revenge.

" Musshuru… Wapol…" She roared.

" Dalton-san, please lie down. "

" No way. " The man roared, pretending to head for Wapol Castle.

However, no sooner had he time to take a step than he began to cough up blood. The repeated attacks he had received as well as the damage caused by the avalanche had seriously degraded the condition of his body. Also, constantly wanting to force yourself to stand was not helping.

" I promised to protect this country. " The man assured, while wiping the blood on his chin. " And I would keep my promise, in honor of our former king. "

" No, Dalton-san. " Vivi begged him. " If you do this, you will die. "

" What do you want in your state ? " Nami asked. " Don't worry, regarding Wapol, our captain will take care of him. "

" So what ? " Dalton asked her. " It is not Wapol which represents a threat, currently ! It's his brother, Musshuru. "

" Musshuru ? " Yosaku repeated. " The guy with the pink hair ? "

" Yes ! He is a dangerous and ruthless bein g! He ate a devil fruit allowing him to create poisonous spores ! And when he was a kid, he created a bomb with his power and used a cannon to target a village on this island ! The attack was so devastating that all the villagers died. "

" Is this a joke or what ? " Wanted to know Usopp. " How can a child be so cruel ? "

" Not matter ! Today, Musshuru's powers must have increased and the power of his poison bomb must be so phenomenal that this same attack could very well kill everyone on this island ! He must be stopped before he commits the irreparable. "

However, coughing up blood again, he eventually fell to his knees. The poor man was running out of energy.

" Dalton. "

" Obaa-san. " Luffy exclaimed, in front of Kureha. " I beg you, become the doctor of my crew. "

" A second. " Kureha stopped him. " You call yourself Luffy, right ? "

" Yes, why ? "

" I have some advice for you, Luffy. "

In an instant, Luffy's body was thrown back and crashed into a wall.

" Learn politeness, rude brat ! I am only 139 years old. "

" My God. " Said Sanji. " She's in good shape, grandmother. "

" Witches may be immortal. " Loke suggested.

A second later, Lucy felt a drop appear behind her scalp, as she saw the two men being hit against the ground.

" Do you have something to say ? " Kureha asked her.

" No, no ! " Lucy assured. " You are incredibly beautiful and strong, Dr Kureha. "

" I prefer that. "

" So, Obaa-san ? " Wanted to know Lufy. " Do you want to become our…? "

" It's Mlle. " Kureha roared, hitting him again.

" Finally, luckily you don't make frequent home visits. " Loke remarked, getting up. " There would be a risk of murders for the patient. "

" I'm sure she's already killed someone. " Sanji retorted.

" Stop your nonsense." Kureha ordered, before sitting down on a chair. " Mugiwara, do you really think I want to leave my quiet little life in my castle, to come on your boat and risk my life ? "

" Why not ? "

" It's a definitive '' no ''. "

" I am therefore condemned to stay here until I recover. " Lucy sighed.

" Can your spirits do nothing ? " Sanji questioned.

" This one who knows the most is Capricorn ! However, he is not a doctor ! His level is close to Nami's and he can come with drugs from the spirit world ! However, Virgo told me that no cure exists for my disease. "

" The diseases of this world have unfortunately unknown to us. " Loke confessed. " It is very hard for us to get you a cure. "

" Loke ! " Lucy cried, noticing that the tongue of his mind had said something wrong.

However, to Lucy's surprise, Sanji remained unmoved by Loke's words.

" That … ? "

" Meat. " Luffy suddenly shouted.

Immediately, everyone could see Chopper, very badly hidden, watching them. Frightened, the reindeer fled immediately followed by Luffy and Sanji.

" Come back, the meat. "

" I'm going to cook you and serve Lucy a good stew. "

" Apart from old age, these two can never die. " Loke remarked.

However, he was surprised to see Kureha running too and left the room. Then, seconds later, Lucy and the spirit could hear Luffy and Sanji scream in fear. Moments later, the duo reappeared in the room pursued by Kureha who had two swords in her hand.

" Help. "

" This witch is crazy. "

" Come back here, little rude people. "

There were a few seconds of silence, before Lucy said.

" It is better to leave this woman here. "

" Totally agree. " Loke approved. " If she came with you, I would do my best not to appear so often. "

Hearing it, Lucy noticed.

" It's true that you are often with us lately. "

" I take advantage of this strange world. " Loke nodded, while spinning his arms. " I feel like there are no restrictions on my magic ! So, I want to stay with you, and travel in this strange world. "

Only nodding her head slightly, Lucy finally lowered it and looked thoughtful.

" A problem ? "

" Two days. " Whispered the blonde. " If I hadn't been treated within two days, I would have died. "

" You don't have to worry about that. " Loke retorted. " Everyone did their best for you and that's why you were able to be treated ! No matter what dangers you face, your friends will be there to save you. "

" It's not that. " Lucy retorted. " What I mean is… who could have saved Natsu and the others if I was dead ? "

Saying nothing, Loke let her continue as she trembled slightly.

" I have about twenty friends who are waiting on the island of Tenrou, for me to come and help them ! But if I ever die, they too will die ! I… I am scared of this. "

Listening to her, Loke let out a slight breath, before smiling a little.

" Don't think about that ! Putting so much pressure on your shoulders will only scare you ! Stay zen ! Think about your safety above all, and then you can save our friends. "

" What are you talking about ? "

Startled, the duo turned, to see Chopper walk into the room. Having found a hiding place, he ended up returning to Lucy's room while still taking the trouble to inspect the room to be sure no one was going to eat him.

" They are not there ? Very well. "

" Chopper? " Lucy wondered.

Looking at him more closely, Lucy couldn't help but notice a certain similarity between him and Happy. Two animals that walked on two legs and spoke like humans.

" You are really unique in your kind, like reindeer. " Lucy said, while putting herself cross-legged.

" Lay down. " Chopper ordered her. " You must rest ! Doctorine's treatment may have lowered your fever, but the harmful bacteria are still inside you. "

Listening to him, Lucy finally complied. However, she says.

" Thank you. "

" Hum ? "

'' You helped Kureha heal me, right? Thank you, .. Doctor Chopper. "

Listening to her, Chopper looked offended.

" Don't laugh at me, stupid woman. "

However, the next second he did a strange dance, while he looked embarrassed.

" I don't care about your compliment s! It doesn't make me happy at all. "

" This is someone who has a hard time hiding his emotions. " Said Loke.

Then, finally, Chopper carefully began to touch Lucy's hand.

'' You are pirates, aren't you ? "

" Yes, why ? "

" You have strange powers. " Chopper remarked. " The man next to you magically appeared after we finished treating you and he claimed to be a spirit. "

" I'm Loke ! Lucy's spirit. "

" It's my power. " Stated Lucy. " I can summon spirits. "

" Spirits ? Can pirates summon spirits? "

" No, it is a power that only I have in this world. "

Smiling at Chopper, she asserted.

" I can be compared to a monster. "

" A monster ? " Chopper wondered.

Remaining silent, he finally asks.

" Your pirate life… is it fun ? Have you seen several islands ? Do you have a banner with a skull ? "

" Are you interested in the life of a pirate? " Lucy wondered.

" Not at all. " Roared Chopper.

Pointing at Lucy with his hoof, he declared.

" You, even with your powers, you are and you remain a human ! I am an animal ! I have antlers and horns… and a blue truffle! We have nothing to do together! Don't be ridiculous. "

" I don't see what is ridiculous. " Lucy retorted. " Me, I have spirits which are also humans, animals and even objects ! And I consider them all to be my friends ! And then our crew features a man-bungee, a fallen angel, and a man who shows zippers…! And when I was in Fairy Tail, one of my best friends was a blue cat who could talk and fly. "

" Don't make fun of me. " Chopper retorted. " I know very well that you lie to me to soften me ! Why would humans want to befriend a monster like me ? "

" Meat. " Luffy shouted, entering the room.

Immediately, Chopper fled, while Luffy and Sanji ran after him again.

'' So that's the rehearsal comic ? " Loke asked.

" These two are fast. " Kureha muttered then, settling down on a chair.

Then looking at Lucy, she cried out.

" Girl, who gave you permission to coax my assistant? "

" You need your permission to talk to him ? "

" No, no ! To be honest, if you want to take him, then do ! However, he will refuse. "

" Why ? " Loke questioned. " I imagine he has a phobia of humans. "

" I don't have a phobia. " Kureha retorted. " Let's just say there is a scar on his heart that not even the best drugs in the world can cure. "

" A scar ? "

Explaining Chopper's past as an unloved reindeer because of the color of his nose, Kureha then followed up with the day Chopper was hunted after eating the hito-hito no mi. And she ended with the fact that Chopper was then called a monster by both the reindeer and the humans they had met.

" Do you realize? " Did she want to know. " Chopper could no longer be considered a reindeer or a human! And no one wanted him as a friend! He then knew only rejection and loneliness and only one word had always been shouted to him: "Monster"! "

Listening to her, Loke finally shrugs, while asserting.

" Chopper can be compared as a hybrid ! It is unfortunate but this rejection was to be expected. "

" Loke. " Cried Lucy. " You should be ashamed. "

" It's the truth ! Humans always rejects what scares them ! Even though Chopper's attentions were good, humans rejected him because he was different from them ! This is the mindset that is taught to children by adults ! No one wants to be friends with someone different. "

Suddenly opening the door wide, Luffy walked into the room screaming.

" LUCY ! There is a talking monster. "

" That ? "

" He has antlers on his head and hooves. " Luffy continued. " But he's wearing a hat and he's talking ! And he even knows how to transform into a gorilla. "

" In a gorilla ? "

" This is one of Chopper's powers. " Kureha asserted, realizing what Luffy was referring.

" A different being is always rejected. " Loke found. " The proof. "

" I want him in the crew. " Luffy suddenly assured.

" That ? " The trio wondered.

" He is super cool. " Luffy assured. " I want him on my boat ! What's his name ? "

" Uh ... Chopper. "

" CHOOOOOPPPPPPPPPPPPEEEERRRRRRR. " Luffy suddenly shouted as he left the room. " Show yourself and become a pirate. "

Seeing him leave, Kureha couldn't hide her surprise.

" It's the first time I've met someone who reacts like that ! Has he at least understood that Chopper is a doctor ? "

" I had forgotten the Mugiwara mentality. " Loke confessed.

For her part, Lucy began to smile.

" A drug cannot cure Chopper's injury ! But maybe Luffy will make it happen. "