Whew, back again! Sorry, I really couldn't get into writing for a while. Life was rough. But now I'm trying to get back into the spirit of things and hopefully keep going.

beenjammin0421: Thanks! Well, actually you have a point but I didn't think of it like I first started this arc, I considered Luffy, Sanji and Miguel going together as more of a precaution. Also because I really couldn't think of a reason to make those two stay behind in that situation. Anyway, when did I say he's flying over with Meteor?

I tried to work that bit with Miguel's phobia on Little Garden in a couple of ways but all in all, I'm happy with how it came out. Glad you appreciate it.

Despite another attempt of their friends to stop them, Luffy, Sanji and Miguel went on with Nami ahead as agreed to reach the mountain and eventually, Kureha's home.

The beginning went off with little trouble, Sanji only taking time to remind Luffy to make sure Nami was comfortable. The cook frowned as he glanced at the Drum Rockies ''Man...even from here, you can tell how tall those things are. I'm guessing this is why you want to get to the mountain base, Miguel?''

He nodded ''I just think it's safer this way. I do have a couple of spells to try flying over but I can't be sure that my magic power would last and frankly I'd rather not find out now.''

Sanji hummed ''I hear you, it's definitely better this way.''

''Hey, look!'' The two glanced at Luffy, who pointed at a big white figure with long ears drawing close to them. ''That's a polar bear!''

Sanji squinted ''Nah, polar bears don't have ears like that...it kind of looks more like a rabbit...''

The two were surprised when Miguel requipped his wind sword and waved it around to manipulate the snow around them and raise it to block the creature's sight for a moment. ''Come on.'' Confused as they were, the two knew he had a reason and so followed him.

A few minutes later, Luffy decided to ask ''What was that about?''

''That thing was a Lapin. From what I remember, they're strong and vicious rabbits who live all over this area...''

''Hold on, what?'' Sanji blinked. ''Strong and vicious...rabbits?''

''Yeah, that confused me too but seeing as everything matches with what I've heard of Drum, I'm all for believing it.'' Miguel returned with a shrug. ''It's not that we can't fight them, Lapins don't like people and they hold a grudge like mad. If we even tangle with a few, they'd all take it personally. Imagine facing enemies who just keep pressing on and coming back for more in a place they know much better than us with their friends all around.''

The cook cringed ''Okay, point taken. Avoid the stupid rabbits and keep going.'' When Luffy looked at him and made to speak ''Don't even think of arguing, shitty Captain. Nami-san's the main priority here, remember?''

''Right.'' He returned, keeping the objective in mind. It just wasn't in his nature to run from fights but at this point, he would do what was necessary. Nami was counting on them, after all.

Meanwhile, Dalton, Vivi and Usopp were in front of the first's house, having been there since the group of four left. Even though they couldn't seem them, neither the princess or the sniper wanted to get back inside. They felt like they had to at least be there, not being able to support their friends any differently.

''Sailing the Grand Line without a doctor is just too reckless.'' Dalton remarked.

''Well, Luffy's still looking for crew mates and from what I've heard, this is really the first time such a situation happened.'' Vivi admitted.

Usopp nodded, the only other close call happened with Zoro but Miguel had been able to heal his injuries well.

Dalton sighed ''I see...forgive us, forgive this kingdom for having no other doctors.''

''That's not something you should apologize for.'' Vivi returned.

''She's right. I think it'll be fine, with those three on the case, they'll make it all work.'' Usopp stated confidently.

''Right. I'm sure everything will be okay.'' Vivi nodded.

Dalton's lips twitched, admiring their faith in their comrades ''I hope so.''

''You know, I've been meaning to ask, when was the last time you read about your parents' adventures? Seems like you remember stuff pretty well.'' Sanji noted.

''Hm, actually I've read all about their work and journals a lot...it may sound strange but it felt like that helped me connect to them in a way.'' Miguel admitted, really it felt like he'd done it so much that he'd memorized those works. ''It's just...those and the stories I've heard growing were all I know of them. That all wound up making me want to travel like they did.''

''Your parents sound really cool! They've been to all sorts of places, huh?'' Luffy grinned when the former nodded. ''Like what?''

''It's quite a variety. From places like South Blue to ones like Fishman Island.'' At the captain's surprised look, he added. ''It's actually a whole lot farther in but it's the home of fishmen and mermaids.''

''We've gotta go there sometime!''

''That sounds great! Mermaids...the jewels of the ocean!'' Sanji almost swooned.

Miguel spared the two a bemused look ''Well, it might be something to look into.''

The cook shook himself as he remembered something ''Oh, come to think of it, your parents must've made some good connections, huh? Nami-san said something about them meeting a fishman who became friends with your family before...''

''Mm, he actually came around to visit us in Elysia too.'' Miguel returned. ''Except, he's pretty busy usually so they were far and between. It's actually been years since we last met.''

''So fishmen really do have some decent folks. Gotta say, meeting Arlong and his bunch leaves a bad taste in your mouth.'' Sanji stated.

''I know but they're actually just like us. They have all sorts of characters just the same as anybody...'' Miguel trailed off, recalling the few fishmen and mermaids he met over the years. ''...The only thing Arlong had right was that humans treated them terribly but he became something just as bad because of all that hate. He...'' He paused, thinking back to their friend. ''...he's nothing like that.''

''If he's your friend, then I think he's a good guy. I wanna meet him!'' Luffy said brightly. ''Hey, did you guys know that people in cold places don't sleep or they'd die?''

Sanji blinked ''What're you talking about? Dalton had a bed in his house.''

''I think it's actually a coffin.''

He snorted ''Yeah, right! Where'd you hear that load of hot air? Usopp?''

''No, it was in a bar.'' Luffy admitted.

''Figures. Whoever said that must have been stoned...'' The cook trailed off.

Miguel half-smiled ''Luffy, you've got your details a little skewed. People can't sleep outside with no covers or anything to keep them warm or they'd freeze.''

''Ohhh...''

''Anyway, did you hear? Women in snow countries have white, silky smooth skin since they rub it because of the cold. It's white because of snow.'' Sanji stated.

Miguel raised an eye ''Where exactly did you hear of that?''

''Yeah, it sounds kinda weird...is that really true?'' Luffy wondered.

''Huh...'' Sanji blinked as he thought back ''...actually, I'm not even sure where I picked it up...it does sound a little too strange...''

The cook paused as he noticed Nami stirring ''Nami-san!''

Closer inspection showed that the orange haired girl hadn't really woken up and he wondered if she was dreaming ''Hurry...Alabasta...'' They heard her murmur.

''She's not even thinking of herself when she's so sick...'' Sanji trailed off, filled with admiration for Nami. ''...you heard the lady, let's step on it!''

Zoro, who had at first elected to stay at the Merry, wound up getting bored and decided to kill some time. This eventually lead to him beginning to train and finally resorting to swimming even through the icy cold waters of the island.

Deciding to shake off the cold with training to get warmer, he began doing sit ups for a while. Then as he proceeded to jog, he paused as he could've sworn he heard someone screaming.

Looking around, the swordsman spotted something rushing off in the direction opposite his so fast it almost raised a cloud of snow. He was so thrown off then that he never noticed the Lapin running between the trees.

''...What the heck was that?''

Luffy's group ran into little trouble, having to go through a few tricky routes to stay out of the way of some irate Lapins, leaving them to guess that someone had actually angered the rabbits after all. It took some concentrated efforts on their parts to stay out of trouble and their combined work made it all the more easier. One instance took Luffy using his powers to get himself away quickly when they first noticed the rabbits. Another had Miguel once again covering for them again by using the surroundings with magic.

Just looking at the rabbits now had the captain thinking that Miguel was right to be concerned and dealing with that kind of force in their situation would just spell a big problem. They just needed to focus on getting Nami to the doctor.

Sanji exhaled once the three finished jumping over a couple of ledges and glanced back at the Lapins ''Good grief...just by looking at those tracks, you can tell they came a long way. You weren't kidding about them holding grudges, huh?''

''I'm just wondering who's stupid enough to mess with them.'' Miguel admitted. Far as he could tell, they were the only ones who are new to the area...

''Yeesh...since when could a visit to the doctor be this dangerous?'' Sanji shook his head. ''Have I ever mentioned that we're lucky you're here? This could've been a real pain in the neck...''

It was then that they arrived at the base of the mountain. Miguel began concentrating magic as he looked back at the others ''Brace yourselves.''

Luffy and Sanji nodded back, with the former tightening his hold over Nami and watched as he created a red spell circle which glowed before disappearing. Then, before they quite knew it, gravity seemed to have switched off around them as they began to levitate and soar as Miguel did.

''Whoa, this is cool!'' Luffy enthused.

Not all was well though, as they continued their ascent the winds grew much stronger. Thinking fast, Miguel held up his wind sword, which glowed as it released what appeared to be a shield of protective winds aroudn them. He pressed onwards, knowing that they were making headway and they could not stop now...

''We made it!'' Sanji grinned at the sight of the castle once they were lowered at the top of the Drum Rockies.

Luffy perked up as well, though he stopped in his tracks when he noticed Miguel faltering and holding the side of his head. ''You all right?''

''I will be...that just took more than I expected...'' He trailed off. It was just good that his skill with Requip magic made it so that the shield could be kept up with little effort from him. There was no denying the drain it had on him. He'd only had little experience with spell-casting like that though and wondered if the overall effects would be better with experience.

''You did great,'' Sanji praised. ''Let's see about finding that doctor now.''

Nodding, they all made their way to the castle. It was a few minutes later that they found Doctor Kureha. And she was nothing like one would have expected.

For one thing, while she had the body of a young woman, her face was more of a proof towards her actual age. Not that anyone would have guessed she was a hundred and thirty-nine anyway, she clearly had no problem getting around and by the large sack she was carrying when they found her, she was stronger than she appeared.

''Oh, now what do we have here?'' She tilted her head.

''Hey, old lady! You're...'' Luffy never got around to finish because she swiftly kicked him a second later.''...what was that for?!''

''Watch what you say, brat. I'm only one hundred thirty-nine, thank you very much.'' She huffed. ''That being said-would you like the secret to how I stay so young and lively?''

''That's not what we're here for.'' Sanji said impatiently. ''Look, old hag, we just...''

Despite his rush, he wound up regretting his words immediately as Kureha kicked him next. ''Clearly, you're about as bright as your friend.''

Miguel sweatdropped ''You're...really strong for all that's said and done. Appearances can be deceiving.''

She cracked a grin ''Why thank you, good to see someone who thinks before they open their mouth. Well, looking at you all now, I can guess how you came here. I think you likely know but my name is Kureha.'' She nodded as the wizard introduced himself and the others. ''So what happened to the girl?''

''We stopped on this strange island on our way and we're pretty sure something there got her sick. It probably sounds strange but that place was still in the prehistoric times so we were at a loss of what to do.'' Sanji explained.

''Makes sense.'' At their surprise, Kureha waved a dismissing hand. ''I've heard stranger tales. Follow me.''

Sanji watched in awe as Kureha proceeded to examine Nami and quickly figured out her disease. Apparently, it was caused by a tick called a Kestia and she had everything she needed to prepare the medicine.

That was such a relief! For all her eccentricities, Kureha was just the help they needed in this dire situation.

Since she'd asked them to leave and let her focus on her work, Sanji decided to take matters into his own hands and see about what she wanted for payment. Since Dalton had warned them beforehand, the cook wasn't too surprised when she chose all of their supplies and treasure, which of course they couldn't agree to.

''Can't we get you anything else?'' Luffy asked.

''Miguel can probably help us out with payment but...hold on, where is he anyway?'' Sanji blinked.

''I think he's still looking around...'' Luffy offered.

The cook exhaled ''Oh well, that can wait. Look, Doctorine, I saw a bunch of doors that were completely frozen. I'm guessing you can't use those rooms, right?''

''Yeah, what about it?''

''Well, how about we see about opening them up for you? It's your home, so if we found anything inside, it's yours. Miguel's good about saving up money and stuff, he can help out too.''

Kureha hummed, considering the suggestion ''Hmm...I can work with that. You look like the sort who's better to keep busy anyway-especially this one.'' She cast Luffy a pointed glare. He'd almost broken a bunch of her bottles in his rush to get over here. ''Well, get to it then. My apprentice has been trying to deal with those rooms in his spare time so there's a few supplies to help in the next room. I'll decide on the matter of payment depending on your work.''

''All right!'' Luffy exclaimed.

''That's more than fair, leave it to us.'' Sanji returned.

Miguel hadn't quite realized how tired he wound up until he woke up on a couch in one of the other rooms. He wasn't even sure when he fell asleep but at least he felt better...

A loud crash resounded from somewhere nearby, making him start and look out the window. Before he really knew it, the door opened and he could've sworn something rushed in. Moments later, Luffy and Sanji came by.

''Hey, Miguel's up!'' The first exclaimed. They'd found him asleep earlier but neither had the heart to wake him up and silently agreed to let him rest.

Sanji blinked ''Oh, well that's good...''

''Hey, we're in a hurry, did you see a reindeer come by?''

Miguel blinked ''Reindeer?''

''Yeah! There's one living here and we wanted to eat...''

Sanji intervened ''Give him a break, Luffy, he just woke up. Let's go look somewhere else.'' The two ran.

Miguel spoke up after almost a minute. ''...You can come out now.''

A little sound came as if in response before a small bipedal blue nosed reindeer came ou. It wore red pants and a large pink hat, poking its head out from underneath the table ''...Y-you knew I was here?''

''I thought I heard someone come in.'' He shrugged. ''Huh...I guess you are a reindeer with those antlers...''

''What do you mean, you guess?!''

''Ah, sorry, they just confused me.''

The reindeer pouted but decided to let that one go. ''...How come you didn't tell your friends?''

''I didn't see why I should. Helping them eat you is just too much...you're Doctorine's apprentice, right?''

The reindeer stared at him ''Y-yeah...you can tell?''

''Well, she flat out said that you two were the only ones here and that her apprentice were making Nami's medicine.'' He added, looking at the vial the reindeer was holding. ''I don't see who else it could be.''

''Oh...''

''So if anything, thank you for the help.'' Miguel went on, not noticing the reindeer stiffen as he sat down. ''Is Nami doing better?''

The reindeer nodded ''Doctorine's medicine is really effective. With that, she'll just need to rest and everything will be okay.''

Miguel sighed in relief ''That's great...it's really lucky we found you two. She's pretty skilled to figure it all out so quickly and so are you to make this all work.''

''S-saying things like that won't make me happy so stop it!'' The reindeer cried out, confusing him. It seemed angry but the dance and the happy expression on its face said volumes.

Miguel wondered if it was just that the reindeer was not used to praise but he decided to leave it at that for now ''Moving on then, I'm Miguel. What's your name?''

''Oh...I'm Chopper.'' The reindeer responded. He wasn't sure what to make of all this. Meeting the human's friends had scared him (rightfully) as they only seemed to deem him food. But Miguel was kind, clearly unusual but he was so nice. The only other person to treat him well besides Doctorine had been his father...

''...I don't get it. How come you're so okay with this?'' He had to ask. Miguel gave him a puzzled look and elaborated. ''Well, I'm a reindeer but I don't even look like one sometimes and even your friends said I was a monster. And now you just act like this is all okay?''

''You're not scaring me if that what you're getting at.'' Miguel replied. ''I met some animals who could talk before.''

Whatever Chopper expected, it hadn't been that ''Wow, really?''

''Yeah, granted, most had magic anyway. It seems you have something that lets you do the same. But it's not so strange, I think it's cool in fact. You've gotta be pretty smart to learn this stuff, you're even making medicine.''

''I-I don't need your praise so stop it!'' He exclaimed, doing another happy dance.

Miguel looked amused ''Well, for someone called a monster you're positively adorable. It's hard to be shaken up by stuff like this when you grow up around magic.''

''Really?'' Chopper supposed that made sense. Magic did offer numerous possibilities and it only left him wondering what the young man had seen in his homeland. ''Doctorine does have some friends who are wizards so I've heard stories...'' Kureha had once mentioned how open minded wizards tended to be so in a way, this stance wasn't too surprising to the reindeer. ''...hey, are you guys really pirates?'' Chopper perked up when Miguel nodded. ''Wow! What's that like?''

''Heeh, so you like pirates, Chopper?''

''Yup! They're so cool!''

Miguel smiled ''Well, as for your question...we're not like your conventional crew. How about I tell you about us for starters?''

''Okay!'' Chopper beamed.

Both were oblivious to Kureha watching them from behind the gap in the door with a crooked grin as she thought. 'Well now, Maria, Alexander, it seems your baby grew up into quite a likable character.'

Chopper had to leave after a while to get back to helping Kureha, just realizing then how much he'd gotten into Miguel's stories. Their adventures were great and Miguel was so friendly...it was strange but good to find someone treating him like this. He'd practically forgotten about any bit of nerves he had talking to the wizard, who was so accepting.

''So that was quite the chat you had back there.''

He blinked at his mentor, who smirked as she walked up to him ''Y-you heard us?''

''I didn't think you'd wind up becoming friendly with any of that bunch. Though I suppose it's really no surprise in a way, hm? To think that kid would actually wind up here.'' Kureha mused.

Chopper gave her a curious look ''You make it sound like you know about Miguel...''

''In a way, I do. His parents came to me years ago for a check up. I wasn't sure at first but it's really hard not to notice how much he takes after them.'' The woman grinned. ''Even months before the kid even came along, you could tell they were thrilled to bits. It was a bit too sappy for me but it was plain as day how much they loved their child even then.''

Chopper couldn't help grinning at that ''It's just like you to say that.''

She responded by cuffing him lightly on the head ''Oh, hush you. Let's get back to work.''

Sanji held back a groan, just when they start making good progress, Luffy had to goof off. He'd thought it was okay to have Luffy use the pickax they found to break the ice around a few of the doors and for a while it was. But then Luffy had declared that he was getting bored and tossed the ax aside-with it almost hitting the newly arrived Kureha in the process-and opted to see if he could get the door open with a punch.

''You ungrateful brats!'' Both stiffened at the irate doctor's tone. ''You know, I actually went out of my way with the payment so you can at least half the decency to meet me half way. Instead I find you fooling around instead of working like we agreed.''

Sanji winced ''I'm sorry-you're right. Not that it's an excuse but Luffy has the attention span of a goldfish.''

She harrumphed ''Clearly. Lucky for you, your friend actually did have something good to offer.''

Kureha had talked to Miguel shortly after Chopper left and she was pleasantly surprised to find that he did keep some treasure around from his travels and so had given her some to help with payment. Due to her connections in Elysia, Kureha was fully aware that the whole reason Miguel started gathering the treasure in the first place was to help his homeland and she had no intention of impeding that, thus she made sure to watch the amount she had taken. She might not admit it easily (or at all in some cases) but she liked her friends there and frankly, she was of the firm opinion that they deserved far better than what they got because of the ridiculous prejudice against them.

The fact that Sanji appeared guilty was at least a little satisfying. Luffy, however?

''Ah, just take it easy, old lady.''

Chopper cringed, knowing what was going to happen. Sure enough in seconds, the captain was slammed on the floor, having been kicked hard by the doctor once again.

''You really are an idiot, aren't you?'' She grunted.

Luffy happened to notice Chopper then ''Oh, it's you! Sanji, we better get cracking on that food!''

''Don't need to tell me twice-...'' The cook started.

Chopper recoiled and quickly retreated, missing Kureha glaring at the two. ''Don't even think about it, you brats. Now get back to work or I'll really take everything you own!''

The threat was more than sufficient, quickly making sure that the two got back to work.

Since Miguel was now aware of the deal, he opted to help out. Using his ice sword, he was able to break through the doors he came across with little trouble.

''Whoa, that's handy...''

He blinked at the voice and turned to see Chopper watching him ''Yeah, just working with what I can here.''

''Say, don't you know any fire magic?'' The reindeer inquired, thinking of the times he'd resort to lighting fires to melt all the ice.

''That's...'' Miguel faltered. He really didn't want to talk about that particular issue now, especially with how it tended to lead to his phobia. ''...let's just say I'm really bad at fire magic. This way is just better.''

''Oh...okay.'' Chopper had a feeling that there was a story there but he didn't think he had the right to press on the matter.

''Say, did something happen? I thought I heard people shouting just a little while ago.'' Miguel admitted.

This made Chopper remember and he pouted ''...Your friends are insane.''

The latter couldn't help but chuckle at this ''What did they do?''

''They tried to eat me, again!''

''Yeah? Sounds like a real waste.''

Chopper blinked ''It does?''

''Sure, eating a talented little guy like you? Absolute waste.''

''S-shut up, praise won't make me happy!'' He said bashfully before shaking himself. ''They...he said I was a monster...just like those people did...''

''For what it's worth, you couldn't be. At least not in the sense you have in mind.'' Miguel cut in.

''What do you mean?''

''Well, the way I see it, there's two types of monsters, the actual beasts and stuff and then there's anyone who does terrible things. I know both sound bad, but think about it, you can't choose what you're born as. I don't really think appearances matter but wouldn't the first choice be better than people like the pirates who attacked the island? It's what you make of it that counts.''

''Oh...'' Chopper had to admit, he never thought of it like that but this made sense to him. He was distracted as they passed a corridor. ''...hey, your friend's here.'' He pointed at a nearby room and Miguel paused, a lot of the doors looked similar so he wound up missing it.

Nami turned as the door opened, smiling at the sight of her fellow crew mate, who returned her smile.

''You're looking a lot better, Nami.''

''Well, I'm sure feeling it. Doctorine's medicine works great.'' She returned, noticing Chopper then. It was actually hard not to. The reindeer was trying to hide but while he intended to hide behind the door, he stood in the opposite direction. ''You know...you're doing that wrong. The hiding thing.''

Chopper stiffened, embarrassed ''Sh-shut up!''

''You don't have to hide, I told you before, remember? They'll understand, especially once they know you.'' Miguel offered.

''E-even if you say that...'' The reindeer shuffled a foot awkwardly.

Nami looked at them curiously, noting how the reindeer seemed more relaxed around her friend. ''Hey, did your parents come to this island?'' Miguel looked back at her. ''Doctorine brought it up-apparently, she figured out who you were within just a few minutes of meeting you. She said something about how the Arcadia family really stands out among wizards.''

''Oh...'' Miguel blinked. ''...I'm not sure about it standing out but...it might have to do with our efforts in rebuilding Elysia.''

''Doctorine said it's more because of all you've done. Your family was practically a leading force after the war and even now, people described you all as a light that inspired them to keep going.'' Chopper recalled.

''Well, how about that?'' Nami was impressed. That alone was enough to tell how much work and effort they put in. ''Looks like someone's being humble.''

''It's...not such a big deal, really.'' Miguel looked sheepish. ''We just did the best we could. It was for the sake of our home and people, anyone would have done it.''

Little did he know, that made it actually sound all the more cooler to Chopper. Nami smiled, she didn't doubt for a second that Miguel's actions would likely have only earned him more fame back in Elysia. ''So, I've been wondering how did they take you being a pirate?''

''They were surprised but in the end, they decided it didn't matter. People back home don't trust the government anyway so they couldn't care less what it decides about pirates. We've met some pretty good pirates anyway and their characters spoke volumes over any reputation, that's good enough.''

''Fair point.'' Nami would have thought that was a little too reckless before joining this crew but now she more than understood.

Chopper thought the Elysians were certainly justified. He had heard more than his fair share of details from Doctorine. The situation with Elysia had earned the world government a bad reputation which it had yet to fully shake. Frankly, the reindeer believed they had it coming in spades.

''Actually, I was wondering-Chopper, before you mentioned a dream, but you just said you didn't know if it could happen. Why?'' Miguel wanted to know.

''W-well, actually...'' Chopper poked his hooves together, not meeting his gaze. ''...it's just...'' He didn't think he was ready to talk about that. ''...umm, I better go!''

The reindeer hurried and left the room before either could stop him. Nami frowned a bit ''I guess it's a sore subject...then again, we are strangers to the little guy. Expecting him to open up to us is a bit much.''

''Yeah...'' Miguel made a note to apologize to the little doctor when he got the chance. ''...we were just getting along so I didn't think much of it...''

''Hey, I was thinking...what do you say to getting him on our crew?'' Nami asked.

Miguel looked surprised ''Well, it sounds good...and he does like pirates. But after what just happened...I think we should try to get to know him first.''

''Can't argue with that.'' She nodded. The question was, how would they go about it?

Okay, let's stop here.

I hope the chapter was good. Honestly, I just wouldn't know where to cut it off otherwise. It just feels kinda shaky but I guess it has to do with how long it's been since I last got to writing. Oh, about that bit about the Lapin-Wapol and his flunkies had the bad luck to piss them off and so they helped make sure he was derailed big time.

Well, till next time!