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The survivors of both Sky Island and Shandora started at the now clearing sky, after the golden bell had been rung the dark clouds that held both death and despair had started to drift away, and not long afterwards Enel and his ark fell into the White Sea. It took a moment to for the survivors to register what they had just seen but once it clicked they all cheered happily.
With nowhere else to go both the Shandorans and the Angel Islanders headed for upper yard, once they landed the Angela Islanders took in the scenery and all the beauty that Upper yard had to offer.
The Shandoran landed further away from the Angle Islanders, and headed into the forest to look for the warriors who went into battle Enel and his men. They also wanted to set the Priests to Cloud Drifting before they recovered. Even with Enel gone they would not give them a chance to recover there lost power.
The Shandorans found almost all of their warriors alive and were relieved that a majority had survived, however those that did survive were very badly injured and would need medical attention if they wanted to remain amongst the living.
Though they did not want to get help from the Angel Islanders as the last 400yrs of war could not be forgotten so easily.
Upper ruins, now the top of Giant Jack
Robin, Connor, Aisa, Sanji and Chopper started to walk towards the ruins, fully intending in going back down to the Lost City below them to check on Zoro and Wiper as they had both fallen back down there in the battle against Enel.
Now that Giant Jack had been cut in half the only way down to the city was through the ruins that Robin had discovered, she led the group to the opening of the building. However right before they went inside the Chief of the Shandoran tribe emerged from the trees and approached the group, he stopped about twenty feet from the pirates.
Gan Fall saw the rest of the tribe and the Shandoran warriors in the trees ready to strike at a moment's notice.
"Aisa," the Chief said in relief.
"Chief…you made it," Aisa said happily and ran over to him.
"Yes we all did," The Chief claimed.
"Everyone?" Aisa asked.
Just then Laki emerged from the trees and approached Aisa.
"Everyone," she responded.
Aisa suddenly broke into tears and ran straight at Laki, she enveloped her in a big hug as she thought the female warrior had died. The rest of the group watched this reunion and Robin walked over to Laki and the Chief.
"Aisa," Robin started.
Laki held Aisa tighter and glared at the woman who she perceived as an enemy. Aisa however looked at her tearfully.
"We're going to head down to the city, come join us when you're ready," Robin said with a smile. She then turned and walked off.
The rest of the pirates started to head into the ruins and Gan Fall hesitated staring at the shandorin tribe in contemplation before he too followed the
Once they were gone the Chief looked at Aisa.
"Aisa you shouldn't have run off the way you did," the Chief scolded.
"I know, I'm sorry," Aisa sniffed.
"Still the important thing is that you're safe," the Chief claimed.
"Aisa…who were those people?" Laki asked.
Aisa looked up and Laki and explained everything that had happened since she met the Straw Hats, several other Shandoran warriors came over to listened as well. Laki and the Chief were very concerned when she told them that not only had she been with Gan Fall but she had also helped fight Enel.
Though they did not believe her when she told them she was eaten by a giant snake.
"Oh no…I forgot about Wiper," Aisa panicked.
"Wiper?" the Chief asked.
"Yeah he and two others were hit by lightning while cutting down Giant Jack," Aisa claimed "I should go see if he's okay,"
Aisa immediately turned and ran off towards the entrance to building that the pirates had gone through, Laki tried to stop her from going but Aisa ignored her and ran after the pirates.
"I thought she was afraid of Wiper," Laki said.
Lost City of Shandora,
The rest of the Straw Hats had made their way back down to the lost city of gold and had easily found Usopp, Zoro and Wiper. Usopp and Zoro were sitting together talking and when the Chopper approached he freaked out on the condition that they were in.
Zoro however refused to let Chopper treat him and insisted that the doctor look after Wiper first as he was in a far worse condition. Chopper took one look at Wiper and began treating him; Gan Fall and Pierre wandered off to look for something but they promised they'd be back.
"Hey isn't that the weird guy who attacked us when we first arrived?" Sanji asked as he walked over.
"Yeah but without him...we probably wouldn't have taken down Enel," Zoro claimed "the least we can do is fix him up,"
Connor came over and sat next to Zoro.
"Zoro are you okay?" Connor asked in concern.
"Yeah I'm fine," Zoro claimed.
"But you got hit by lightning and fell back down here…again," Connor clamed.
"Yeah it was a shock," Zoro joked.
"That was terrible," Usopp groaned.
Connor however didn't laugh he just looked at Zoro with concern.
"Kid don't worry about me, it'll take more than the wrath of some wannabe god to take me out," Zoro assured.
Connor nodded, he still didn't feel any better though. Zoro, Usopp and Wiper had all used themselves as bait to protect him from Enel's lightening and all of them had been struck; it was a miracle they were still alive.
"By the way…good job on cutting the beanstalk down," Zoro said.
Connor seemed to cheer up at and smiled at the praise.
"So where are we?" Sanji asked looking around.
"This is the city that Noland discovered, the lost chit of Shandora," Robin answered.
"Wait…this is the city of gold?" Usopp asked.
"Yeah but it's all gone, Enel took it all to make his flying ship," Connor suppled.
"So…we're still broke then?" Sanji asked.
"Yep," Zoro answered.
"Man…what a wasted trip," Sanji sighed as he lit a cigarette.
"You know I'd rather have some of those Dials than gold, they looked really useful and once we get back down to the sea we won't be able to get them," Usopp claimed.
"That's true," Sanji agreed.
Suddenly Aisa came running over to the group, she ran straight up to Chopper who was in the process of treating Wiper.
"Who's that?" Sanji asked.
"A Shandoran girl we picked up," Zoro claimed.
"Do her parents know that she's here?" Usopp asked.
"Probably not, she ran away to Upper Yard without telling anyone," Connor claimed "But some of her tribe was in the ruins above so they likely know she's here,"
"Well that's something I guess," Zoro said.
"Speaking of the Shandorans…we have compony," Robin claimed.
She looked towards the building that connected the lost city to the upper ruins, the others followed her gaze and saw the warriors and the other Shandorans slowly come out and look around there ancestral home.
However they did not venture far from the building in fear of the Straw Hats Aisa noticed them and stared at her tribe for a moment. She then walked over to Robin and tugged on her jacket.
"Umm…a lot of the warriors form my tribe were injured in fighting the priests…can you treat them too?" Aisa asked.
Robin looked at Zoro.
"What are you looking at me for? Ask Chopper," Zoro responded.
Chopper looked up from his work and over to the Shandorans, he could see a lot of injured people. He then turned back to Aisa.
"I'll treat them, but they will have to wait till I am done here," Chopper said "in the meantime get all the injured into a building and have them sit or lie down,"
Aisa smiled and ran to tell her tribe what chopper said. The Shandorans were very surprised that a blue sea dweller was willing to help them; they found a building with some layered cloud on the ground and decided to use that.
Once Chopper had finished with Wiper he patched up the rest of the Straw Hats and then went to check the Shandorans and started to work on them. A lot of the Shandorans were suspicious of the talking animal doctor but they it was
Not long after Chopper had started the residents of Angel Island came down to the ruins as well, led by Pierre; they like the Shandorans were curious about the city. But they did not stay long as Pierre led them out of the city.
"Where are they going?" Usopp wondered.
"Never mind them…where are Nami-swan and Conis-chan?" Sanji asked.
"That's what you're worried about?" Usopp asked.
Robin walked over to the building where the Shandorans were and went inside, she came out a few moments later and came back to the Straw Hats.
"Aisa says that she can hear Luffy and Nami's voice on the island and that they are making their way back here," Robin said.
"That's a relief," Sanji said.
"Yeah that Mantra power is useful…I wonder if I could learn how to use it," Zoro said.
"To be honest I haven't herd of Mantra being used on the Grand Line so it could be a power native to the sky," Robin claimed.
"Is there anything similar?" Sanji asked.
"I have heard that some big name pirates and marines can predict attacks but that could be because they are highly experienced in battle," Robin claimed.
"Aww well I guess we won't be learning Mantra any time soon," Zoro sighed.
"That and the only one who can use it now is Aisa, seeing as how Enel and his priests are gone," Usopp pointed out.
"I wouldn't want those ass holes teaching me anything," Sanji claimed.
A short time later Gan Fall came back with Pierre and they were leading the survivors from Angel Island and approached the Straw Hats.
"Hey old man, if you're looking for a doctor you'll have to wait. Choppers busy with the Shandoran warriors," Usopp claimed.
"I see if your doctor is tending to the Shandorans would he mind looking after the people of Angel Island too?" Gan Fall asked.
"Sure, Chopper will get to them when he's done. But who are all those people?" Zoro asked.
"My old enforces, Enel had them build his ark for six years I brought there families and the survivors from Angel island here…I hope you don't mind,"
"It's not our city," Zoro shrugged.
Gan Fall nodded in understating; he went back to the survivors of Angel Island and directed them to a building where they would wait for Chopper. Once the doctor was done with the Shandorans he went to check on the Angel Island refugees, thankfully they were not as injured as the Shandorans.
The Shandorans were not happy that Gan Fall and the Islanders were in there ancient home but everyone was too tired and injured to do anything about it. At the same time the Angel Islanders were very weary of the Shandorans.
Not long after Chopper had finished treating everyone's injuries Luffy, Nami and Conis came running through the city with a huge sack being dragged behind them.
"Luffy," Usopp cheered happy to see that the rubber man was alright.
"NAMI-SWAN! CONIS-CHWAN!" Sanji shouted happily at the sight of the two girls.
He then noticed that Nami had a jumper on.
"Oh…she's got a top on," Sanji said sadly.
"ARE YOU STILL GOING ON ABOUT THAT?!" Usopp yelled.
The three stopped in front of the group of pirates.
"What's in the bag?" Robin asked.
"Food and Alcohol," Conis answered.
"Where did you get it all?" Zoro asked eagerly.
"We found the priests food storage, it was filled with food and drink," Nami claimed.
"Hey how did you get down from above the beanstalk?" Usopp asked.
"We jumped," Luffy claimed.
"You jumped…from a cloud?" Zoro asked.
"Yep," Luffy smiled.
"How are you both still alive?" Usopp asked.
"Easy, Gum-Gum Fusaon," Luffy said.
"I don't care how Nami-swan got down, it's like she is an angel descending form heaven itself," Sanji said with hearts in his eyes.
"More like a fallen angel," Zoro snorted.
"Eh…what was that moss head," Sanji asked.
"I said if Nami was an angel she would be a fallen one," Zoro repeated.
"Are you comparing Nami-swan to the devil?" Sanji asked dangerously.
"Given the fact that she's evil I'd say I'm right," Zoro shot back.
"I'm surprised you know what accurate means," Sanji said.
"Oh you're so dead Cook," Zoro cried and drew his swards.
"Bring it on Moss head," Sanji shot back.
And thus another fight broke out between the two pirates, Luffy laughed at them while the rest of the crew just sighed and shook their heads. Chopper however was trying to get them to stop.
"STOP FIGHTING…I JUST FINSHIND FIXING YOU UP!" Chopper yelled.
The fight continued and once it was over the Straw Hats started to devour the food that Nami and Luffy had brought. Conis went over to where her people were and looked around; she was very surprised to find her father amongst the survivors.
Apparently the solider who they had tried to help had pushed Papyaga into the White Sea just in time and he had fallen through to the lower parts of the White Sea, and one of the evacuation boats had picked him up.
Conis was glad that her father had survived Enel's Judgment. As the day wound to a close the three groups kept to themselves, the Shandorans were weary of the Angel Islanders and the refugees were afraid of the Shandorans and neither group wanted to be near the Straw Hats.
Since they had taken down Enel they did not want to start a fight with the Blue Sea Warriors. The Straw Hats however just continued to eat the food and despite the tense atmosphere. It was early evening by the time they had finished eating and all of the Straw Hats were full and sitting around the now empty sack.
"Ahhh….that was so good," Luffy said happily.
"Yeah I'm stuffed," Usopp agreed.
"I could have gone for another drink or two," Zoro commented.
"I just can't wait to get back the ship," Nami said.
Luffy looked at her in confusion.
"Huh…what are you talking about?" Luffy asked.
"What do mean, it's been a long day. Once I'm back at the ship I can have a bath and sleep in my own bed," Nami claimed
Luffy frowned.
"Usopp do you here this?" Luffy asked disappointed.
"Yeah, she's a failure," Usopp agreed.
"A failure as both a person and a pirate," Luffy stated.
Nami looked at them confused.
"What are you two going on about?" Nami asked.
"We have to fix this rift between the Shandorans and the Angel Islanders," Usopp claimed.
"Yeah," Luffy agreed.
"Since when do you care about politics?" Nami asked "and how are you going to fix 400yrs of fighting and war?"
Luffy and Usopp shook their heads; they could not believe Nami was asking these kinds of questions. Luffy stood up, he told Sanji to follow him and the cook did as he curious as to where they were going. Zoro then went over to the nearest tree and cut tome wood and piled it up in the main square with Usopp Robin and Chopper helping him.
Connor went over to where the Shandorans were staying and spoke to Aisa, the girls face lit up and she eagerly nodded in agreement. She ran off to tell her Chief and Connor then went over to Gan Fall and spoke to him.
"You want all the Angel islanders to participate in a peace talk?" Gan Fall asked in disbelief.
"Yep Luffy has away with words and isn't about time you started to try make up for what your kind did to there's?" Connor asked
"I can understand and I agree with you, but my attempts at peace have failed numerous times in the past," Gan Fall claimed.
"But that was when you were fighting. The war is over now right? The bell was rung," Connor pointed out.
"But all those centuries of fighting cannot be undone overnight," Gan Fall claimed.
"So take the first step, both sides have lost their homes and the only place to go is here…isn't this the perfect time to work out your differences?" Connor asked.
"Yes but…" Gan fall started.
"The Shandorans have agreed to participate…and it's only one night," Connor claimed "If this doesn't work you can go back to trying to kill each other in the morning,"
Gan Fall sighed, he suppose he could not argue with that logic and he could defiantly see the advantages of starting peace talks while Enel's defeat was fresh in everyones mind.
"Very well…we will come," Gan Fall agreed.
"All of you?" Connor asked.
"Yes…all of us," Gan Fall promised.
Wiper groaned as he slowly woke up, he was honestly surprised that he had survived as Enel had not only struck him with Lighting but he had also used his Reject diel three times in on day. Wiper took a moment to look around and he noticed that he was in a building and that the tribes Chief was sitting next to him.
"C…Chief?" Wiper asked.
"Wiper…it is good to see you awake," the Chief said.
Wiper tried to sit up but Conis suddenly appeared and stopped him.
"You mustn't move, your badly hurt," Conis claimed.
"You…you're from Angel Island," Wiper claimed and shot up.
He then noticed that Gan Fall was in the room too, this shocked him as both
"Chief what happened…have we been captured by the enemy?" Wiper panicked.
"Wiper calm down," Gan Fall advised.
Before Wiper could respond he suddenly heard a thumping sound that sounded like drums, he looked towards the source and found that there was a red glow outside the building.
"The village…is the village on fire…are those the drums of war?" Wiper asked.
"Wiper calm yourself, take a closer look," The Chief advised "I think you will find that war is the last thing on anyone's mind,"
Wiper slowly walked out of the building to see something that he never would have thought possible, in front of him was a massive celebration. Both Shandorans and Angel Islanders alike were dancing around a huge bon fire, the Shandorans were providing music on their drums, both tribes were dancing.
The Shandorans were teaching some traditional tribal dances to the Angel Islanders and the Angel Islanders were teaching the Shandorans some more modern dancing. Wiper also spied the Straw Hats were involved in the party as well.
Kamiki and Gunbll were in a drinking contest with Zoro, Aisa and Connor were seen playing and dancing with all the children of both tribes, Sanji was cooking and giving out food to everyone and Luffy, Chopper and Usopp were just having fun. It was clear that everyone was enjoying themselves.
But the main thing was everyone had a smile on their face and was laughing.
"How…I…I don't understand," Wiper stuttered.
"It's a funny thing, we were both told that the leader of the Blue Sea Dwellers was planning a peace talk to help bridge the rift between our people," the Chief started "and we all had to attend,"
"Turns out that peace talk was a massive party, while everyone was sceptical at first…once it got going we found there was no need for words," Gan Fall claimed.
"But…what about our homeland," Wiper said "With Enel gone we will have to fight to keep you off Upper Yard?"
"Gan Fall and I will discuss that tomorrow, we will work something out," the Chief assured "For now let's just enjoy ourselves,"
"But…there our enemies," Wiper claimed
Laki came up to Wiper before either Gan Fall or the Chief could respond.
"There you are, come and dance with me," Laki said.
Wiper was going to protest but Laki grabbed his arm and dragged him into the party, despite Wipers protest it was not long before he got caught up in the celebration and was dancing and lagging with the others.
Gan Fall and the Chief sat on the side watching the party in satisfaction, they were both too old to be joining in but the atmosphere and what this party meant for both these people was not lost on them.
"Who would have thought that our war would end like this," The Chief said. "Looking back now…it does seem pointless," The Chief agreed.
"Yes, we should have known that that Verth was for everyone and not something to be fought over. For all the pain my people and my predecessors have caused your tribe I apologies for it,"
"Thank you and I know you mean it sincerely," The Chief claimed.
They sat there watching the party together.
"Still…a mass celebration to unite our people, I never would have thought of that," The Chief said.
"Indeed…had I known that this was all it took to bring us together I would have thrown one years ago," Gan Fall claimed.
"It is unconventional….the Blue Sea Dwellers have strange and mysterious ways," the Chief agreed.
"I spent some time with them and I didn't understand them at all…I doubt I ever will," Gan Fall finished.
The next morning the rift between both the Shandorans and the Angel Islanders was nowhere to be seen, both people worked together to find and retrieve the Golden bell. It was hard and it took a lot of man power but in the end the bell was brought up onto Upper yard.
Usopp spoke to some of the Angel islanders and traded some rubber bands for several different types of Diels, he claimed that the rubber bands were what defeated Enel and the islanders were eager to get their hands on the mysterious substance.
Luffy, Sanji, Chopper went into the giant Pythons stomach and retrieved all the gold that the snake had eaten, by the time they cleaned the snakes belly out they had five sacks filled with gold and were very happy with their hoard. Nami and Conis went back to the Merry to prepare the ship to set sail.
Zoro and Connor had a sword lesson and Zoro decided that he would need to start being tougher on Connor with his training as it was becoming very clear to him that he could no longer take it easy on the boy as the opponents they were facing were getting far stronger and Connor would need to be able to keep up.
Zoro was currently trying to teach Connor to make his strikes cut without actually touching anything. He brought his sword down on a thick block of solid rock and the sword stopped inches above the rock, despite Zoro not hitting the block of solid stone itself it still cut perfectly in two like it had had been sliced with his sword.
"Alright, now you try," Zoro said to Connor.
Connor nodded and copied Zoro's actions however his rock did not break. Connor inspected his block and frowned.
"It didn't work," Connor claimed.
"Try again," Zoro instructed.
Connor tired again but the result was the same.
Meanwhile Robin however went to go see the golden bell as she was still interested in seeing if the strange stone that no one could read that was described in Nolands that was supposedly on the belfry.
She found the Bell being admired by both the Shandorans and the Angel Islanders who were having their first look at gold.
"Wow…it's incredible," one Shandoran said in awe.
"So this is gold…it's so…so…beautiful," An Angel Islander claimed.
"Amazing, who would have thought that after all these years we would see the golden bell," the Chief said.
"Hey Chief…what's that big blue stone?" a Shandoran asked and pointed to the Poneglyph at the base of the belfry.
"Is that the Poneglyph …the stone our ancestors gave their lives to protect?" another asked "What does it say?"
"It is and something best left forgotten," The Chief claimed.
"Keep thy motives in heart with closed mouth. We are those who will weave history, with the ringing of the great bell," Robin said as she walked through the crowed and approached the bell.
The Chief stared at her in shock.
"How…How do you know those words?" the Chief asked.
"They were written on the ruins of Shandora," Robin answered as she stopped in front of the Poneglyph and stared at it.
"Wait…you…you can read the ancient language?" the Chief gasped.
Robin didn't respond she just kept staring at the large blue stone and read it. After a few minutes she turned away and walked back towards the crowed.
"Another dead end...this was not what I wanted to know," Robin sighed.
"You read it…what does it say?" The Chief asked.
Robin stopped and looked at the Chief
"It tells of an ancient weapon known as Poseidon and its location," Robin said.
"A…A weapon?" Chief asked "Why would it say something like that?"
"Don't worry it's not here in the sky, the location is in the Blue Sea," Robin assured.
"That's a relief," the Chief claimed.
Robin started to walk off when a Shandoran got her attention.
"Miss before you go…is that writing part of the stone too?" the Shandoran asked and pointed back to the belfry.
Robin turned around and looked where the man was pointing, her eyes widened. There carved into the side of belfry was a few lines written in the ancient langue.
Robin instantly read it.
"I have come here will take what's written here and lead it to the end of the world, Gold Rodger," Robin read.
"What's that mean?" the warrior asked.
Robin however was too shocked to answer, she was trying to figure out the meaning of the message. Several questions went through her mind, Did the former irate king come to the sky? How did he make it to the bell? Why did he not ring it? How was he able to leave a message in the ancient and forbidden text?
"What does this mean?" Robin whispered.
She read the message again trying to find the answer.
'Lead…not carry or take…Lead…Lead…' Robin thought, suddenly it hit her.
'Wait…could it be…the Rio Poneglyph?' Robin realised.
"Miss…are you alright?" the Chief asked.
"Yes," Robin answered, she then turned to look at the Chief.
"This Poneglyph has already filled it's purpose," Robin claimed.
"It's…purposes?" the Chief asked confused.
"Yes, there are many Poneglyph scattered throughout the world, they either contain information or locations to other Poneglyphs. This one contains information," Robin claimed.
"But what about the writing next to it?" the Chief asked.
"That is a message from a famous man in the blue sea, it says he lead this passage to the end of the world," Robin claimed.
The Chief and the Shandorans looked at Robin confused.
"Think of the Poneglyph like pages, this stone is a single page in a larger book," Robin tired, taking a different approach.
"So if you read all the Poneglyph then the book is complete," the Chief said in understanding.
"Yes the connected text must form the non-existent Rio Poneglyph, it tells the history of the void century," Robin explained.
"And the message?" the Chief asked.
"The message is instructions what to do with the Poneglyphs, I believe Gold Rodger came here and he took what was written her along with any other Poneglyphs he may have found and lead them to the end of the world where he learned the true history of the world," Robin explained.
"So…that means…our duty is done," the Chief said "we no longer have to fight"
"Fight? Are you talking about the war?" Robin asked.
The Chief shook his head.
"No, our tribe was tasked with guarding this ancient stone, until someone could take the knowledge that they possess and reveal the truth," the Chief claimed "I never understood what the meant until now,"
"I see…well judging by what's written here I can defiantly say that Gold Rodger has certainty done that, he is the only person in history to reach the end of the world," Robin claimed.
"Miss…thank you for coming here," the Chief said gratefully.
"So if your duty has been completed, will you live in peace with the Sky Islanders?" Robin asked.
"Yes, they can share our land," the Chief said.
Robin smiled.
"Now we must find a way to thank you and the other Blue Sea Dwellers….you came here looking for gold right?" the Chief asked.
"That was our intent yes," Robin answered.
"Well we can't give you the bell, but one of the supports broke off while we were retrieving it. You can have that if you like," the Chief offered.
He pointed to a massive gold column that was the size and width of a large cannon, Robin could tell that it would be worth millions in back in the grand line.
"I think that will do nicely," she said with a smile.
Lost City of Shandora
The Straw Hats were waiting patiently for Robin to return, they had all there gold sacks full and were ready to make a quick getaway before the Shandorans came back and realised that they were in fact robbing them.
"What's taking Robin so long?" Luffy whined.
"Let's just go back to the ship without her," Zoro said.
"We can't leave without Robin-Chawn Idiot," Sanji claimed.
"Idiot," Usopp said.
"Idiot," Chopper repeated.
"Big Idiot," Luffy agreed.
This started a fight between the four men and Connor wisely stayed out of it; it still shocked him how prone to violence this crew was. Connor turned to look and saw Robin walking towards them with the Shandorans and Angel Islanders carrying something long and wrapped up in a tarp.
"Hey…here she comes now," Connor pointed out.
The fight stopped and Luffy spied Robin.
"HEY ROBIN, HURRY UP WE'VE STOLEN ALL THERE GOLD!" Luffy shouted at the top of his lungs.
"DON'T TELL THEM THAT!" Sanji and Usopp yelled.
"Hey…what's that they've got there with them?" Chopper asked.
Usopp took one look at the long cylindrical object and freaked out.
"IT'S A GAINT CANNON! THERE GOING TO ATTACK US FOR STEALING THERE GOLD!" Usopp screamed.
"I'm sure that's not…" Sanji started.
"OH CRAP THERE ON TO US!" Luffy cried "RRUUNNNNNN!"
Luffy, Usopp and Chopper instantly took off running, Zoro and Connor followed as well. Sani merely sighed and then ran after the crew. Robin and the crowed were perplexed at why the pirates were running away from them.
"Hey why are they running?" a Shandoran warrior asked "Don't they want this gold pillar?"
Robin however started to laugh.
"I guess not, why don't you hold on to it for us," Robin said with a smile before she too started to run off to catch up with the crew.
The Shandorana and Angel Islanders were very confused. They stared at the fleeing Straw Hats after a few minutes Wiper came up to the group.
"Why are the blue sea dwellers running like Enel is chasing them?" Wiper asked.
"Oh there leaving," Gan Fall claimed "By the way Wiper, it's been decided that I take up my old position as God and I will need to reform my enforcers,"
"Yay," Wiper said sarcastically.
"Indeed, some of the Shandorans have already volunteered, however I will need a new captain and I was wondering if you would like the job," Gan Fall offered.
Wiper stared at the old knight in complete shock.
"Y…You want me to lead your army?" Wiper asked.
"Yes, that is if you have no issues with working with me," Gan Fall said.
"None what so ever, it just means I'm closer to you and can kill you if you turn out to be another Enel," Wiper smirked.
"I hope it does not come to that…but I wouldn't have it any other way," Gan Fall claimed.
Going Merry
The crew had made it back to the ship and had set off the moment everyone was on board, Usopp was screaming about the giant cannon that was chasing them so Nami hadn't wasted any time in getting away. Conis and Papaya followed them on their small waver boat and led them to Clouds End, where they could get back down to the blue sea.
As they approached the gate Conis and Papaya disembarked and ran alongside of the ship shouting their goodbyes as they could go no further on the waver.
"Everyone, thank you for what you've done here," Conis said gratefully "we owe you so much,"
"No problem, it was fun," Luffy said with a smile.
"Feel free to come back and visit anytime, you will always be welcome," Papaya said.
"We will," Nami responded.
"You're nearing Cloud's End, you might want to brace yourself." Conis shouted as the ship passed through the gate.
"What does she mean by that?" Connor asked in concern.
"It's probably just a steep cloud road. Like the ones in upper yard," Nami theorised.
"NO IT ISN'T!" Usopp screamed.
Nami's attention was turned back to the front of the ship by Usopp's panicked tone; she wondered what had scared the sniper this time. It was immediately apparent why he yelled, there was no road in front of the ship, no gradual decline through the clouds, there was just open sky and a 10,000 meter drop.
And they were sailing straight for it.
The sound that followed was utterly deafening as every single member of the Straw Hats, even Luffy, screamed out in terror as the ship went over the edge of the clouds and fell straight down.
"WE'RE FALLING? WHY ARE WE FALLING? WE'RE GOING TO DIEEEEEE!" Nami screamed.
Her screaming was the second loudest and only beaten by Usopp as she clamped her arms around the only lifeline in reach, which happened to be Zoro's neck, unwittingly suffocating the unfortunate swordsman.
As the ship fell a whistle sound was barely herd and from the cloud layer that they were now falling parallel to, a shadow leapt out, a shadow which turned out to be the largest octopus that any member of the crew had ever seen, the creature latched itself to the top of the ship, and incredibly, slowed its descent.
The Crew slammed on the deck in having being caught from the free fall by the ship and stared at the octopus in surprise.
"It's like a hot-air balloon" Robin stated.
"Does this mean were not going to die?" Chopper asked tearfully.
"Seems that way," Nami replied. "I guess we're just going to drift down,"
"And how long will that take?" Zoro asked as he struggled to get Usopp off him.
"It's 10,000 metres to fall, so probably a few hours at least," Nami said "Maybe even the whole day,"
"We're so high," Chopper said as he looked over the railing.
"Yeah, I bet we could flay all the way to Raftel from here," Usopp said.
"Really?" Chopper asked exaltedly.
"Not possible," Robin claimed "We still have over half the Grand Line to go,"
"Aww…." Chopper whined disappointingly.
"You don't have to ruin everything you know," Usopp muttered.
As the octopus slowly lowered the Merry back down to the Blue Sea the Straw Hats did various activities around the ship. It was only when Sanji came out with some drinks and snacks for everyone did the cook notice that the crews hyperactive rubber captain was missing.
"Hey…where's Luffy?" Sanji asked.
The crew looked up and down the deck but Luffy was nowhere to be seen.
"He's gone….where did he go?" Chopper asked.
Perhaps he fell over bard and plummeted to his death," Robin suggested.
"STOP SAYING SUCH THINGS!" Usopp yelled.
"LUFFY FELL TOO HIS DEATH!" Chopper panicked.
"Calm down she's only joking," Zoro said.
"Thank goodness," Chopper breathed a sigh of relief.
"Yeah if that was the case we would have herd him scream," Connor added.
"WHAT?!" Chopper screamed.
"YOU'RE NOT HELPING!" Usopp shouted.
Connor merely laughed at the two for their reactions.
"I don't know what you're worried about," Zoro said "We're close to 10,000 feet in the air, how much trouble could he get into?"
"Zoro its Luffy," Nami stated.
"Oh…right…better find him before he does something that will kill all of us," Zoro agreed.
"Oi…Usopp you've got to try this," Luffy's voice called out.
The crew looked around for the source of the voice but could not find it, Luffy called out a gain and it was coming from above the ship. The crew ran over to the side of the ship and looked up; it did not take long for them to figure out what had happened to their captain.
"What is he doing up there?" Nami panicked "Doesn't he know our lives depend on that balloon,"
"He dose but he most likely doesn't care," Zoro claimed.
"I'll go get him," Sanji sighed.
Sanji climbed up the one of the octopus's tentacles and onto the top of its inflated head to see Luffy jumping up and down on the octopus like a giant trampoline; if Sanji had been with serving the rubber captain for a while now but his stupidity still surprised him.
"Luffy stop that and come back down to the ship," Sanji ordered.
Luffy looked over to the cook.
"Hi Sanji, you have to try this. It's fun," Luffy said with a huge grin.
"This is serious Luffy, if that thing pops we're all dead," Sanji scolded.
Luffy looked at Sanji confused and he landed incorrectly, he rolled towards Sanji knocking the cook off balance and they both plummeted towards the ground.
"What do you know…I was right," Robin said as Luffy fell past the crew.
Fortunately Luffy was able to grab onto the ships railing with his rubber powers and his arm acted like a bungee cord as both him and Sanji were bounced up and down before being pulled back onto the ship.
"That was fun, let's do it again," Luffy cheered.
"NO!" Sanji screamed "I'LL KICK YOUR ASS FOR THAT!"
However before Sanji could do anything the Octopus that was slowing there decent suddenly deflated from all of Luffy's bouncing and the Merry once again permitted towards the Sea below.
Thinking quickly Usopp used his grappling hook to swing under the ship and attached all the Wind Dials he had got from the Sky Islanders to the ship's hull and their decent slowed once again. It did not last long as the octopus that had already lost most of its air deflated completely and the Merry continued it's free fall with it's very scared passengers.
The Merry crashed into the ocean with a loud splash and even though there decent was slowed by the Wind Diels it was a miracle that no one was killed and the ship remained intact. The octopus landed on Luffy face and he pulled it off him.
Once everyone had picked themselves up Luffy looked around.
"Well I think we're back in our own sea," Luffy said.
"The logs set and is pointing to the west," Nami declared "we probably got thrown off course in the fall,"
"So…where are we exactly?" Luffy asked.
Suddenly a flash light hit the ship and a loud alarm was sounded, the crew looked surprised as more flashlights covered the small ship. Running boots could be herd and a few Marine Ships came out of the darkness and headed towards them.
Once there eyes had adjusted to the light it was clear where the Merry had landed.
They had landed right in the middle of a Marine Base.