I do not own One Piece
It is owned by Oda
I just own the OC's
Enjoy!
Drum Island opening: Ranbu no Melody(Bleach OP 13)
Shizuka ni shizuka ni maku wa kiriotoshi
Kakusei no yoake ni aoi honoo
(The opening scene shows the Going Merry sailing toward Drum Island as a guitar riff takes over the soft melody from before.)
bokura wa make wo shiranai yowasa wo dakishima aruita
(The next scene cuts to Jou, Luffy, Sanji, Valentine, and Nami, who was carried on Jou's back, running away from Lapahn, heading for Doctor Kureha's castle in the distance ahead of them.)
atarashii kiba de jidai wo kizame
(It cuts to Chopper working on medicine; visions of Kureha and Doctor Hiriluk come into view behind him, each smiling. Wapol, Chess, Kuromarimo, and Musshuru appear at the castle. Jou, Chopper, Sanji, and Kureha are in front of them. Wapol's eyes narrow at Luffy, standing atop the castle holding up Hiriluk's flag.)
Shizuka ni shizuka ni maku wa kiriotoshi
(Chopper is fighting the now fused Chessmarimo. He dodges a flaming arrow as he bites into a Rumble Ball going into Arm Point.)
Kakusei no yoake ni aoi honoo
(Luffy is battling Wapol. Wapol opens his mouth wide to bite Luffy. The straw hat captain leaps over Wapol's mouth and attacks him with a Gum-Gum Pistol.)
Mamoritai anata ni deaeru sono hi made wa yushuu no bi yori me no mae no teki wo itoshikute itoshikute
(Nami, wrapped in a blanket, watches Jou fight Musshuru. Musshuru sends Shades Dance at Jou. Jou hurls a throwing knife at Musshuru before using Fade-Step to get close to Musshuru to hit him with a Dual-Chain Cyclone.)
Hoka ni wa nani mo nakute koko kara miwatashita keshiki zenbu matomete tsureteitteageru sa hanasanai de
(After Jou's attack, he smirks at Chopper, the Reindeer looks at the sky covered entirely by cherry blossoms. The camera pans out, showing Drum Island shrouded in a beautiful pink hue.)
Zutto nariyamanu ranbu no merodii
Jou POV
"So...?" Jou started. "You said you knew about Drum Kingdom?" He, Vivi, Miss Valentine, and Miss Goldenweek sat in the kitchen for their talk. Mr. 5 wasn't present and decided to take a watch at the crow's nest. Sanji prepared some tea before going to look after Nami, which Miss Goldenweek was sipping. When they met that Wapol guy, he mentioned getting to Drum Kingdom. Miss Valentine mentioned she had heard of it.
"Drum Kingdom?" Vivi repeated. Jou turned to the princess.
"Oh, have you heard of it, Vivi?" the lookout wondered.
"I have," Vivi nodded. "It's a country in a land of snow. I may have heard of it when I was a real young."
"I see..." Jou nodded. "Well...?" Jou looked toward Miss Valentine. "You gotta know something about it."
"I do," Miss Valentine smiled. "As the princess here mentioned, it's a winter island. They specialize in advanced medicine. They have doctors who can patch an open wound in only seconds."
"Really?!" Jou exclaimed rather excitedly, slamming his hands on the table. It caused Miss Valentine and Miss Goldenweek to nearly jump out of their seats. Jou realized he might have startled them and sat back down. "I mean, their doctors are that good, huh?" Miss Valentine's grin returned.
"Yep," she said.
"Well, great," Jou smiled. "That means there's a chance we can get Nami help."
"Kahaha!" Miss Valentine chuckled. "Well, hold up now. You have to find the place first." She pulled out a map and placed it on the table. Jou and Vivi leaned over to see the map. "Look. We're here." She pointed out. "If we sail from here, we'll probably reach that island the next day. With luck, you may find a doctor that can help your girlfriend.
"Right..." Jou said. He noticed Vivi smirking at him from the corner of his eye, but he ignored it. "Well, if anything, thanks for your help."
"Yes," Vivi nodded. "Despite being enemies, and I may still not fully trust you, I'm willing to give you a chance because Jou is. And I trust him like I trust the others." Jou turned to Vivi with a smile. He was glad Vivi had put her confidence in them at this point. "This is our chance to find Nami a doctor. So thank you."
"Think nothing of it, princess," Miss Valentine held up a hand. "It's the least we can do since you guys are why we're still alive. And you'll need your navigator if you want to reach Alabasta sooner rather than later." Miss Valentine stood from her seat and left the kitchen. Jou folded his arms, leaned back in his seat, and looked at Vivi.
"Noticed you looking rather smug, Vivi..." Jou remarked. "What was that about?"
"Oh, nothing," Vivi replied with a smile. "You didn't try to correct Miss Valentine when she said Nami was your girlfriend."
"True, I didn't..." Jou rubbed the back of his neck. Jou was more focused on what Miss Valentine had told them about Drum Kingdom than her comment on his relationship with Nami. "I just want to find a doctor soon."
"Oh, I see..." Vivi said. "I think it's sweet how much you care about her."
"I suppose I make it obvious, don't I?" Jou smiled. "But this is perfect; this gives a chance to find Nami help."
"I know," Vivi agreed. "Speaking of Nami, I gonna go down and check on her."
"Alright, let me know if you need any help," Jou said. Vivi nodded and descended the steps, leaving Jou and Miss Goldenweek. She seemed to have finished the cup she'd been drinking. Jou noticed her gaze was on the teapot on the table, assumed she wanted more tea, and reached for it. "If you wanted more, you could have helped yourself, " he said, pouring her more tea and some for himself. "So, we haven't spoken much since Little Garden."
"No, we haven't," Miss Goldenweek shook her head. "Not since your navigator got sick, either."
"Makes sense," Jou stated. "Well, while we're here, let's talk. Go on, kid. Tell me about yourself." Miss Goldenweek sucked in her lip while she stared at him. "Hmm? What's wrong?"
"You keep calling me kid," Miss Goldenweek mentioned. Jou blinked his eyes at her.
"Oh..." Jou paused for a moment. Due to her height, Jou just assumed she was younger. "How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Sixteen," Miss Goldenweek stated, taking a sip of tea. Jou nearly choked on his tea when he heard that.
"Sorry," Jou cleared his throat. "I guessed you were younger. But wow, you're as old as Vivi. So, assuming we reach Alabasta soon, you must have a plan for when you arrive. Anything you want to do?"
"I don't know?" Miss Goldenweek shrugged. "I never thought about it. All I did was travel with Mr. 3 and help him with his 'art.'"
"I mean, you're a painter, right?" Jou asked. "Maybe you can create your own art without using people, of course."
"Yeah," Miss Goldenweek nodded. "Someday, I wanna make a fantastic work of art. Something people will see, and it will make them happy." For the first time since Jou met this girl, she smiled. She seemed to want to make art to see people become joyful at the sight of it.
"Would you say that's your dream?" Jou asked. Miss Goldenweek gave another nod. "Then you're just like us." Miss Goldenweek blinked. "My crew and I. We may be pirates, but there's a reason why we set out. To follow our dreams. Not just that, sailing on the seas, not knowing what tomorrow would bring. I think that's what we call adventure."
"That's what you call adventure...?" Miss Goldenweek repeated.
"It's an amazing feeling, Goldenweek..." Jou grinned, leaning an arm on the table. "Especially with friends." Jou paused his sip of tea. "I don't know if I would like to say your codename. Considering you're no longer with Baroque Works. Would it be possible for you to tell me your name?" Miss Goldenweek seemed to go quiet. Jou hoped he didn't make her uncomfortable.
"Marianne."
"Hmm?" Jou looked up.
"My name," she said. "My name is Marianne."
"Marianne, huh?" Jou smiled. "I like it. Here's to us then, Marianne." Jou raised his teacup towards her. "To follow our dreams." Jou nodded for her to toast his cup to hers. Marianne reached with her arm and lightly clanked teacups with Jou.
No POV
The following day, Jou walked out onto the deck. He found Usopp patching a hole on the Going Merry and stepped over to him.
"Morning, Usopp," Jou greeted.
"Hey, Jou," Usopp replied while he continued hammering.
"You, uh, need a hand?" Jou offered.
"Nah, I got it," Usopp assured. "I'm nearly done." Jou found Mr. 5 out on the deck, Marianne bundled in a jacket with her arms folded, and Miss Valentine looking at the maps with Vivi.
"Hey," Jou walked over to Mr. 5. "Did you see anything while on watch last night?"
"Nah, it was pretty quiet," Mr. 5 stated.
"Now that you mention it..." Sanji chimed. "Doesn't this area seem unusually calm and cold?"
"Yeah," Usopp agreed. "Now that you mention it, it sure does. To be honest, it's freaking me out. The Grand Line just keeps getting stranger."
"That's not necessarily true," Vivi mentioned.
"Why is that?" Jou wondered.
"Maybe there's an island nearby," Vivi smiled. "Hey, Sanji? Will you check the horizon for any sign of land?"
"Sure thing," Sanji said, climbing to the crow's nest.
"The princess is right," Miss Valentine said, eyeing the maps. "According to the map here, there's a Winter island nearby."
"Winter island?" Sanji repeated. Usopp screamed in pain due to slamming his finger with the hammer, though everyone on deck ignored him.
"It's true..." Vivi said. "Four basic types of islands are made distinct by their varying climates. You've got Summer islands, Spring Islands, Autumn Islands, and Winter Islands. Each one has its own four independent seasons. When traveling on the Grand Line, there are at least 16 weather patterns you must be prepared to endure. Ranging from Summer Island's summer all the way to Winter Island's winter and everything in between. There could always be exceptions to this, and you can encounter unknown climates at any given moment."
"I think I get it," Usopp said. "The Grand Line has all these different islands, one after the other. And that's the reason why the seas between them have such crazy, unstable weather patterns."
"Correct," Vivi said. "And the closer you get to an island the calmer the sea is around you. Which is why I asked Sanji to start looking for land."
"Hey, Sanji," Jou called. "Do you see anything?"
"Yeah, I do," Sanji said, looking through binoculars. All Jou, Vivi, Usopp, Carue, and former agents saw an island from far away. "ISLAND DEAD AHEAD!" Sanji announced.
Luffy joined everyone on the deck on his special seat to see the island. There was excitement in the captain when he noticed the snow dropping on it from the sky.
"There it is!" Luffy called. "Nami's saved! All white?! It's snow! A snow island!"
"Whoa, Luffy, wait...!" Sanji voiced. "Just so there's no misunderstanding between us. We're stopping to find Nami, a doctor. We're not here to have an adventure. Are we clear?" Sanji waved his hand a few times to convey his words.
"I love snow," Luffy's attention was on the island ahead. "It's so white!"
"Uh, Sanji, I don't think he's listening," Jou stated.
"Yeah, I gathered," Sanji replied.
"H-Hold on?!" Usopp shook. "Sure, this is a good idea, but there could be snow monsters?! Besides, we don't even know if there are people here or not?!" Usopp placed a hand around his throat. "Oh no! I'm having my relapse of "Don't go to the island" disease."
"Ah, snow..." Luffy said joyfully. "It's so white and beautiful."
"Guess I'll get ready for the inevitable," Sanji muttered.
"Join the club," Jou commented. "I'm always ready for the inevitable."
The ship approached the island. It was indeed a Winter island, with snow covering the surface as far as the eye could see and coating the mountains in the distance.
"I'm so happy!" Luffy cried with a big smile stretched across his face. "Look at the snow!"
"Look at the mountains," Sanji stated. "They're unlike anything I've ever seen."
"Yeah," Jou agreed. "Those look even bigger than the ones on my home island."
"Say, Luffy?" Usopp asked. "Aren't you cold dressed like that?"
"It's 10 degrees below freezing out here," Vivi added. "That's when bears get ready to hibernate."
"Oh, boy..." Luffy shivered. "Cold!" Luffy hugged himself in an attempt to get warm.
"YOU JUST FIGURED THAT OUT!?" screamed Usopp and Sanji. Zoro appeared from below deck and approached the group.
"It's a steam melted snow," Vivi pointed. Snow was melting off the side of the island. "This may provide a good spot to disembark."
"Ok, guys," Zoro said. "Doctor search. Who wants in? Guess we gotta find people first?"
"I'm in!" Luffy announced.
"Me too!" Sanji chimed.
"I'm going, too," Jou nodded.
"Fine!" Usopp exclaimed. "Go have fun!"
"Uh, hey boys..." Miss Valentine said. "You might want to see this?" The pirates looked up and noticed several people on the island, likely the villagers aiming rifles at them.
Jou POV
On the one hand, Jou was relieved that there were people on the island and that they could have a doctor. But they wouldn't let them on their island since they had a huge Jolly Roger on the sail.
"That's far enough, pirates!" a villager shouted.
The pirates, the princess, and former agents eyed the islanders and pointed weapons at them. Jou noted that each of the villagers seemed anxious, but they were ready to face any danger to protect their home island.
"People!" Luffy announced. "Well, that was easy."
"Yeah, nice..." Usopp stammered. "But they don't seem too friendly."
"And not happy to see us either," Jou remarked. Pushing through the crowd of villagers, a tall, imposing man with slick black hair and a goatee approached. He wore a long, white, fur-lined green tunic and had armor plates on his arms. With how he carried himself, Jou figured he was the village leader.
"I'll only say this once!" he announced. "Your kind is not welcome here! Leave immediately!"
"We only came to find a doctor!" Luffy reasoned.
"We have someone who's sick!" Vivi voiced.
"You'll have to do better than that!" a villager shouted. "We won't fall for that old trick!"
Old trick? Jou thought. Because they were pirates, it was no shock they wanted them gone. But they might've had a bad encounter with pirates that have them spooked. But they can't just leave without trying to get Nami a doctor.
"Hey..." Jou whispered to Miss Valentine, who had Miss Goldenweek behind her. "This that Drum Island you talked about?"
"It is," Miss Valentine said. "We followed the map, but you might have to rethink your plan unless you want to find elsewhere to get a doctor."
"I don't think we can afford to do that..." Jou replied. If this was indeed the Drum Kingdom, this was their only shot at finding someone to help who can help.
"This is our island!" a villager yelled. "We won't let any filthy pirates land here!"
"Raise anchor and leave now!" cried another. "Or we'll blow you and your ship out of the water!"
"That's great," Sanji remarked. "We barely said 'hello,' and they already hate us."
"Get outta here!" a villager fired, the shot landing beside Sanji's foot. Possibly a warning shot to scare them off.
"Look out!" Usopp warned.
"That was a big mistake!" Sanji growled, stomping toward the villager.
"Sanji, stop!" Vivi went to stop the Cook in an attempt to hold him back. In a start, the villager fired again, this time hitting Vivi. The princess fell, her body hitting the deck. The Pirates and even the agents all looked in horror and anger as they saw her go down.
"VIVI!" Luffy and Jou shouted. Jou grits his teeth, glaring at the villager who shot Vivi.
"Hey!" Jou shouted. The villagers pointed rifles at him. Jou ignored them as his focus was on the village leader; the man's steely gaze met Jou's glare. "What the hell is your problem!? She didn't do anything to you! Hell, neither of us had done anything to you! Shooting her was uncalled for! You do this with every person that needs help!"
"Why, you!" roared Luffy.
"Ready!" a villager shouted. Everyone got their guns ready. "Aim!" Jou didn't want to have to do this, but he didn't want to rush all these scared people. They might've had something happen to them that made them afraid, but it looked like they had only one option. Jou got his red chain ready, along with the others, getting ready to attack. Thankfully, they didn't need to since Vivi had gotten up and wrapped her arms around Luffy's waist.
"No, stop it!" Vivi pleaded. "Fighting is not going to help anything! I'm fine, Luffy! It only grazed my arm!" She released Luffy and placed her hands on the deck. "It's all right; we won't land!" she bowed. "But can you please call us a doctor? Our friend is dying from a serious illness; I'm begging you! Please help us!"
"Vivi...?" Luffy said.
"You're not fit to be the Captain of this ship, Luffy!" Vivi stated. "Not everything can be fixed by rushing to start a fight!" Luffy noticed a visible graze on Vivi's shoulder, some of her blood spattered on the deck. "We can't get into a fight here! Think about Nami! What would happen to her?"
"Yeah," Luffy agreed. "Right. I'm sorry about that." Luffy looked at the villagers. "Please, help us! Call a doctor!" he knelt beside Vivi, bowing his head. His straw hat fell off his head. "Our friend needs you!"
Everyone went quiet for a second as the villagers stared at the pirates. Jou noticed they seemed to relax and looked like they wouldn't have to fight them. The village leader was the only one left to convince; the man gave a slight nod.
"I'll show you to our village!" he voiced. "Follow me!" he turned and walked away, the villagers following him. Jou wrapped his red chain around his wrist and folded his arms, smiling at Vivi.
"You took the peaceful approach," Jou stated. "Nicely done, princess." Vivi grinned up at him.
"See?" Vivi turned to Luffy. "Just ask politely."
"Yeah, you're incredible, Vivi," Luffy commented, Vivi grinning at the compliment.
No POV
The village leader, Dalton, and the villagers led Luffy, Jou, Vivi, Usopp, Miss Valentine, and Mr. 5 through the snow toward their town, with Sanji carrying Nami on his back. The only ones who didn't come along were Zoro, Carue, and Marianne, who chose to stay on the Going Merry.
"There is one thing I should warn about, though..." Dalton mentioned. "The only doctor we have here is actually a witch."
"Huh?" Usopp questioned. "A witch?"
"You gotta be kidding me," Sanji grunted. "Everything about this island is messed up. What do you people call this weird place anyway?"
"Actually, this land still doesn't have a name," Dalton explained.
"An island without a name?" Vivi wondered. "But we were told this island was called Drum Kingdom?" Vivi turned to Miss Valentine.
"Yeah, it should be," Miss Valentine said. "They must've gotten rid of the name."
"Yes..." Dalton confirmed with a sigh. "Six months ago, the island was called the 'Kingdom of Drum.' But we dropped it for obvious reasons. We can no longer call it a kingdom anymore."
"Guess it truly is an island with no name," Jou commented. Just ahead, a large, grey bear was stepping toward the group carrying a pickaxe.
"AAAAAGH!" Usopp screamed. "A BEAR!" the sniper quickly fell over in the snow to shield himself. "Hurry, everyone! Pretend to be dead!"
"A Hiking Bear," Dalton explained. "He poses no threat. Don't forget to bow. It's proper manners." The villagers, Pirates, and former agents bowed to the bear, and the animal returned the gesture. After a bit more walking, they reached the village. It wasn't a super lively place, just the usual people and animals walking about their day.
"This is the village where we live," Dalton said. "It's name is Bighorn."
"Look at all the weird animals walking around everywhere," Luffy noticed.
"Yeah, this is snow country," Usopp added.
"Look, Nami!" Sanji said. "We made it to a village with people. We're here."
"Thanks for the help, everyone," Dalton said to the villagers. "If you're not a guard, you can return to your work."
"Are you completely certain that you'll be alright here by yourself?" a villager asked.
"They are Pirates," added another.
"I believe these people mean us no harm," Dalton commented. "It's my hunch, anyway. You can trust me on that." The villagers murmured among themselves, deciding the new arrivals on their island looked harmless.
"Alright, Dalton!" a villager said. We'll leave them to you!" With that, the villagers left and went their separate ways into the town.
"You mean those men weren't your land security forces?" Vivi asked Dalton.
"No," Dalton stated. "They're just ordinary citizens."
"I see," Jou nodded. "It's good of them to help you defend a place they call a home." Dalton nodded in agreement and gestured to a house.
"Come to my house for now," he said.
"Hey!" Usopp called. "Look over here, Luffy! It's one of those Hiking Bears!"
"Another one?" Luffy wondered, turning to where the sniper pointed. It wasn't a bear but a tall, rotund woman walking into the village. While she walked by, Usopp and Luffy bowed to her.
"Hello, Dalton!" she said. "I heard that some Pirates landed on the island. I hope everything's alright."
"Yes, everything's fine," Dalton assured. "There's nothing to worry about."
"Just want you to know, Dalton," the woman said. "I'm looking forward to the election in two days! Everyone I've talked to said they are going to vote for you!"
"I'm sure you're not serious about that," Dalton shook his head. "I'm just an ordinary citizen. That's all." Dalton brought the group inside his small home. "You can use that bed over there," Dalton pointed. I'm going to warm the place up." He started a fire in the fireplace while Vivi and Sanji put Nami in bed.
"Here in the village, I'm the Captain of the Island Security Squad. Please forgive our... less than friendly welcome."
"Don't worry about it," Jou shook his head. "We are Pirates, so it's understandable."
"Thanks," Dalton nodded and brought his attention to Vivi. "Excuse me? But may I ask you a question?"
"Huh?" Vivi said.
"It's just that... you look familiar to me for some reason." Dalton squinted his eyes.
"N-No!" Vivi stammered. "I just have one of those faces, I guess! Anyway, can you tell us more about this Doctor? Or Witch, if that's what she is? Nami's fever's gone up to 107!"
"How long has she had it?" Dalton asked with concern.
"She's been like this for a few days," Jou mentioned. "We've been doing what we can to help her, but she only seems to be getting worse."
"Her fever just keeps getting higher," Vivi claimed.
"I see," Dalton looked at Nami. "She'll likely die if it gets any worse."
That's what I'm afraid of... Jou thought.
"Yes, but we have no idea what the illness is, much less how to treat it," Vivi stated. "But we don't know how to help her."
"We've got to find a Doctor as soon as possible!" Sanji exclaimed. "Any Doctor will do! Where is this Witch of yours!"
"The Witch..." Dalton said, looking out the window. "Do you see those mountains outside there?"
"Yeah," Sanji said. "I noticed them earlier." he turned to face the window and was met with a snowman's face. The captain and sniper were outside playing in the snow and creating snow sculptures.
"Supermassive Snowman!" Luffy exclaimed about his creation.
"And the feared snow beast Snowzilla!" Usopp exclaimed after. Each of them stood on top of their creations.
"Get in here before I kill you!" Sanji shouted at them.
Jou POV
"Those mountains out there are known as the 'Drum Rockies,'" Dalton explained. "Look closely. Do you see the castle on top of the tallest? The one in the middle."
"Castle?" Usopp repeated.
"Did you have a King who ruled this island?" Mr. 5 wondered.
"Once," Dalton mentioned. "But the castle has lost its King."
"What's so important about the castle?" Vivi asked.
"Let me guess..." Jou spoke. "That's where the Doctor is, huh?"
"That's correct," Dalton nodded. "Doctor Kureha. She's the one who people here call a Witch."
"What!?" Sanji questioned. "Of all places, why does she have to live on top of a mountain? We need to call her here right now! Nami needs her help!"
"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid there's no way to contact her," Dalton said.
"Huh?" Sanji turned to Dalton. "You can't be serious?!"
"Is she even any good as a doctor?" Miss Valentine asked.
"Her skills as one are quite impressive, actually," Dalton replied. "However, she's an eccentric old woman. She's nearly 140 years old now."
"140?" Sanji wondered. "No wonder she doesn't get around much."
"Oh, and one more thing," Dalton said. "She likes pickled plums."
"What happens when people here get sick or injured?" Vivi asked. "Doesn't she help them?"
"She comes down from the mountain whenever she feels like it," Dalton added. "She looks around for patients, treats them, and before she leaves, she takes whatever she wants from their houses as payment."
"She doesn't sound like a very nice lady," Usopp chimed.
"It kinda sounds like she's a Pirate," Luffy commented.
"But how does she get down from the mountain?" Vivi asked.
"Not exactly," Dalton shook his head. "Several of the villagers claim that they've seen her at night. Riding a sleigh of some kind through the sky. They see a silhouette when the moon is out. That's the reason that she is thought to be a witch. There are others who say they've seen her with a strange creature. A creature that none of them recognize."
"See?!" Usopp exclaimed. "I knew it! A snow monster! Where there's snow, there's gotta be snow monsters! I knew there'd be one! I don't wanna run into one!"
"Doctor Kureha is the only Doctor we have," Dalton affirmed. "But she's still a woman I would prefer you stay away from. All we can do is wait for the next time she decides to come down the mountain."
"Really?" Vivi questioned.
"No, dammit," Sanji muttered. "We can't wait here for that long. Nami is getting even worse as we speak."
Jou agreed that sitting here waiting for that witch doctor to arrive was not an option. He didn't want to admit it, but he knew Nami didn't have enough time. He was willing to do anything to give her a chance and get her well again. If the doctor wasn't going to come down here herself, they might as well bring Nami to her.
"Hey, Nami?" Luffy said. Jou was brought out of his thoughts to find his captain beside Nami, tapping her face gently to wake her up. "Nami? Wake up now?"
"Luffy, you idiot! What are you doing to her?!" Vivi, Sanji, and Usopp shouted. Nami's eyes opened slowly, and everyone in the room turned to her.
"Here's the thing," Luffy told her. "The only way to see the Doctor is to climb the mountain. So we're gonna have to climb the mountain." Jou smirked to himself. Leave it to the captain to say what he was already thinking.
"I'm game," Jou nodded. "Let's do it."
"See?" Luffy said. "Jou knows it's a good idea."
"You're agreeing to this?!" Sanji asked Jou.
"This is the only way to get Nami better," Jou stated. "Luffy?"
"Yep?" Luffy wondered.
"I'm going with you," Jou said. "Also, on the way there, let me carry Nami? Will you trust me to carry her?"
"Yeah," Luffy nodded. "Okay, Jou. You can come with and carry Nami, too."
"Thank you, Captain," Jou smiled.
"That's only going to make her even worse!" Vivi argued.
"What's the problem?" Luffy questioned. "I thought we needed to hurry."
"We do, but you and Jou will never make it up there!" Vivi voiced. "Look at how steep and tall that thing is!" She jabbed a finger at the mountain.
"We can do it," Luffy insisted.
"Maybe you or Jou can, but climbing that thing will be way too hard for Nami!" Sanji argued.
"Look, even if we fall or something, we'll land in the snow," Luffy added
"That doesn't matter! A fall like that will kill even a healthy person!" Vivi exclaimed
"Seriously, Luffy!" Usopp reasoned. "She has a really bad fever! It's so high she's almost dying! Don't you understand that!?" Jou was getting sick of this short argument and he didn't want to think of Nami dying, not when now they have an idea of what they need to do.
"Shut it!" Jou shouted. "Look! As of right now, I'm willing to accept any crazy idea! But as far as I'm concerned, this is as good as it gets! We're getting Nami up that mountain no matter what!" Nami made a noise, seemingly trying to find the strength to speak.
"I need to get over this thing..." Nami breathed. "And quickly. We need to hurry. For Vivi."
"Exactly," Jou nodded and knelt beside Nami. "Nami, we can only help you if we take you up the mountain. I'm going to carry you up there. It might be pointless to ask this, but do you trust me?" Jou raised his arm, his hand out to her, and smiled.
"Yeah..." Nami nodded. "Of course, I trust you, Jou." She raised her hand and clasped it with Jou's. Let's go."
"It's a deal," Jou nodded back.
"Now that's what I'm talking about," Luffy grinned. "Leave it to us!"
"I can't believe this!" Usopp complained. "Now our Navigator is as crazy as our Captain, and Look-out!"
"You know, you're in no shape for a trip like this, Nami," Sanji said.
"Are you sure you'll all be okay?" Vivi asked in concern.
"With Luffy and me looking after her, we'll be fine," Jou said. "Nami will be fine," he added with an assuring nod.
"Hey, old guy!" Luffy called to Dalton. "Gimme some meat for the road!"
"Meat?" Dalton blinked.
"Right!" Sanji spoke up. "I'm coming, too!"
"Remember, Luffy?" Usopp said. "You're going to get Nami a doctor, not go on an adventure and play in the snow!"
"I know, I know!" Luffy replied.
"It tight enough, Vivi?" Jou questioned. The princess tied a cloth around Jou's midsection to keep Nami on his back.
"Just a second," Vivi claimed. "I just need to make sure that this is tight enough."
"Good," Jou agreed. Jou was ready for this. He was determined to get Nami up that mountain. It wasn't the first he scaled a mountain. As a child, mountain climbing was part of his training with his mom. But an island covered in snow likely made the rock too wet to climb. But Jou was willing to risk it, especially for her.
"I'm coming, too!" Miss Valentine raised her hand.
"What?!" Vivi and Usopp exclaimed.
"Oh, you want to come with us, Miss Valentine~?" Sanji questioned. "Then stay by me; I'll protect you!"
"Appreciate it!" Miss Valentine grinned.
"Sure," Jou shrugged. "I say come along. Luffy?"
"Okay," Luffy agreed.
"Then I guess the 4 of us are going toward the mountain to find a witch," Jou said. He noticed Vivi had already finished tying Nami to him.
"I'll be back soon, Mr. 5," Miss Valentine smiled. Are you going to be okay without me?"
"You kidding?" Mr. 5 folded his arms. "I find ways to keep myself occupied."
"Just make sure you play nice with everyone," Miss Valentine smirked. "With luck, we'll be back soon."
"I'm going to wait for you here," Vivi decided. "There's quite a few of you already, so I'd only get in the way."
"Yep, me too!" Usopp agreed.
"Now you just hold tight to Jou, okay Nami?" Luffy told the navigator. "Oh, and Jou? Don't drop Nami."
"I won't," Jou declared.
"You better not!" Sanji exclaimed.
"I just said I wouldn't," Jou said.
"I guess you're set on going," Dalton commented. "I'm not going to try to stop you, but I will ask you to at least climb up from the other side. That way, you can avoid the Lapahns that are on this side,"
"What are Lapahn's?" Jou asked.
"They are fierce carnivorous rabbits," Dalton explained.
"Rabbits?" Miss Valentine wondered.
"Yes," Dalton said. "If you run into a pack of them, you're as good as dead."
"Huh!?" said Usopp and Vivi.
"Really?" Luffy asked. "Well, we gotta get up there. We'll be just fine. Right?" he turned to everyone.
"Yeah, fine," Sanji stated.
"Of course," Jou agreed, adjusting Nami on his back.
"Sure will!" Miss Valentine nodded.
"You can't be serious!?" Dalton reasoned. "Do you know how easily those things can kill you?"
"Nah!" Luffy replied nonchalantly. The captain started running, and Jou followed along, carrying their navigator. "Now, hurry it up! Before Nami dies!"
"Don't say stuff like that, you idiot!" Sanji shouted. "Do you wanna jinx us!"
"Hahahaha!" Luffy laughed.
"Well, let's get up there so that doesn't happen!" Jou said.
"See you guys later!" Miss Valentine waved goodbye and ran after the guys. Jou and everyone went on their journey to find Dr. Kureha. With the four of them, they could reach the Doctor in time.
No POV
The ones who were staying behind watched the four left to find Nami a doctor.
"Are you sure they'll be alright?" Dalton asked.
"Well, we don't worry too much about them," Usopp replied.
"Nami's the one in trouble," Vivi stated. "I just hope her strength can hold out long enough. She's getting sicker by the minute." Dalton made his way to his house. He opened the door only to find Vivi, Usopp, and Mr. 5 standing there, watching where the others left on their adventure.
"Why are you standing there?" he wondered. "Come on inside. It's cold out here."
"Oh no, that's really okay," Vivi said. "I want to stay out here."
"Me too!" Usopp said. Even though the sniper was visibly shivering, he was willing to stay outside.
"Yeah, same," Mr. 5 pushed up his glasses. Dalton looked at the four and smiled. Knowing they were willing to wait for their friends in this cold, he closed the door to his home and approached them.
"I see," Dalton said. "Well, in that case, I'll join you." He decided. They were all going to wait for Jou, Luffy, Sanji, and Miss Valentine's return to get Nami better. "We did once have some here on this island, you know? Some doctors. However, all of them left some time ago for certain reasons. Who were very good at what they did when they were still here. We were even well known for the advanced medicine practiced on this island."
"So what went wrong?" Vivi asked.
"A few months ago, we suffered a vicious attack, and our country was destroyed," Dalton mentioned. "Destroyed by pirates." That caused Vivi and Usopp to gasp, except Mr. 5, who only lifted his head in interest.
"That explains the hostility when our ship pulled in," Mr. 5 said.
"Yes," Dalton nodded. "After the attack, the word pirate still terrifies everyone on this island. Sorry about the way we treated you. Their group was small as well. Only 6 people. Their captain called himself 'Blackbeard'. Their power was so incredible they destroyed our entire country faster than you would've believed."
"And there were only 6 of them fighting?! " Vivi asked, her eyes wide. "That's impossible!"
"The way you're talking, they sound stronger than your typical pirates," Mr. 5 stated. "Especially with a small crew."
"Blackbeard?" Usopp repeated the name.
"What's more..." Dalton said. "There are some who actually believe it was good for the country."
"What could possibly be good about that happening?!" Vivi argued.
"That's crazy!" Usopp chimed in. "Who would say something like that anyway?!"
Thank you," Dalton smiled. "I agree, but they have their reasons. The king who ruled here before the attack was a horrible man. His rule was despised by all citizens. Our country used to be known as Drum Kingdom, and our king's name was Wapol. He was the worst king imaginable." The princess, sniper, and former agent's faces expressed realization.
"Yes, I remember him!" Vivi said. "I know that man!"
"Not Wapol!" Usopp cried.
"We already had the pleasure before we even arrived," Mr. 5 grunted.
No POV
The 'Get Nami to the Doctor' group ran through the snow to reach the mountain where Doctor Kureha lived. Despite the weather, they weren't going to stop them from reaching their goal.
"Why did you want to come with us, Miss Valentine?" Sanji asked.
"Why not?" Miss Valentine smiled. "Sounded like fun. Plus, I gotta make myself useful somehow."
"It feels like it's gotten colder!" Luffy commented. "The winds picking up, too!"
"Well, it's a winter island!" Miss Valentine added. "What do you expect?"
"So, why don't you think about putting on some real shoes!" Sanji mentioned this to Luffy. "Even seeing your feet like that is painful!"
"No way!" Luffy told him. "This is my police!"
"Your police?" Sanji wondered.
"I think you mean 'policy,' Captain," Jou said.
"Yeah, that's it!" Luffy agreed.
"Did you guys know people in snow countries never sleep at all," Luffy stated.
"Huh? Why?" Sanji questioned.
"Cause if they do, they'll freeze to death," Luffy said.
"Don't be an idiot!" Sanji chided. "Everyone has to sleep sometime!"
"It's the truth!" Luffy reasoned. "Someone told me a long time ago!" a creature of some kind leaped at the group, but they easily avoided it.
"Who?" Sanji questioned. "Usopp?"
"It could've been Usopp," Jou agreed. "That guy will tell anybody anything."
"No!" Luffy exclaimed. "I heard it in a pub in my village."
"And you believe anything anyone says?" Miss Valentine wondered.
"Alright, then explain this!" Sanji said. "Why does that Dalton guy have a bed for?" another creature jumped at them once more but missed and clamped its jaws into a tree.
"I guess that's the point," Luffy stated. "Maybe it's for when he dies!"
"That's ridiculous!" Sanji proclaimed. A tree just ahead of the group fell and landed in front of them.
"Jump, you guys!" Jou said as he and the other 3 bounded over the fallen tree.
"Okay, then... "Sanji spoke. "Women in snowy countries have skin as smooth as silk."
"How come?" Luffy asked.
"Oh boy, this I have to hear," Jou remarked.
"Isn't it obvious? Here I'll explain," Sanji continued. "When you get cold, you rub your skin to warm it up, right!?" A few more creatures leaped at them, but they managed to dodge them. "It's always freezing in snowy countries like this when the woman keeps rubbing their skin all the time and so it becomes all white and silky and smooth."
"Okay, but how's it white?" Luffy questioned.
"Because! The snow!" Sanji added. More creatures attacked them from different directions, each of them dodging a swipe. "It's constantly falling all over. So, it dyes their skin all white."
"Geez, you're really dumb!" Luffy said. "Did you know that?"
"If that's all true..." Miss Valentine said. "Maybe I should move to a snow island."
"You are aware of how ridiculous that sounds, right?" Jou said to the cook.
"Do you know anything that's better?" Sanji wondered.
"I might," Jou replied before dodging another strike from the creature. "People in snow countries use frozen ice as weapons."
"Wow, really?!" Luffy asked.
"How?" Sanji asked.
"Sometimes, when you lose your weapon, you gotta use what's around you," Jou shrugged. "Grab an icicle, and what do you have? A knife made of ice."
"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard," Sanji commented.
"At least mine's more believable than your woman with silky skin theory," Jou deadpanned.
"It's not a theory!" Sanji argued. Another creature attacked the cook, who retaliated by kicking the beast in the air. "You're becoming a pain in my ass!" Miss Valentine jumped up to grab the kicked creature. She landed on the ground, holding what looked like a small round white animal, growling angrily in her arms.
"What the heck is that?" Luffy questioned, looking at the animal.
"I think this is that Lapahn Dalton told us about?" Jou wondered. "It does kinda look like a rabbit."
"Sure is an ugly little thing," Sanji frowned. "You sure want to keep holding that? We don't know where it's been."
"You think it tastes good?" Luffy asked. That had the little rabbit-like creature trying to get out of Miss Valentine's grasp.
"No!" Miss Valentine exclaimed. "We're not gonna eat it! It's kinda cute! I wanna keep it! I'm gonna call him Mr. Fuzzbottom!"
"We don't have time for this!" Jou interjected. "We need to keep moving!"
"How's she doing?" Miss Valentine asked Jou about Nami.
"Hmm?" Jou looked over his shoulder at the navigator. She seemed fine for now. Nami was still breathing, which was enough for him, but they needed to hurry. When the group turned, they noticed the obstacle before them. Well, it was more like obstacles. A whole herd of Lapahns was in front of them. Full-grown Lapahns and even cubs. Each beast snarled and was ready to pounce them at a moment's notice.
"I think you should put their baby down," Sanji said aside to Miss Valentine. The little Lapahn the former agent was holding leaped out of her arms and ran to the other Lapahns.
No POV
"What's that?!" Dalton looked surprised to learn they met Wapol before. "You mean you know who Wapol is?"
"Know who he is?!" Usopp replied. "We know more than that! He's the pirate who attacked our ship not too long ago!" Usopp shrugged his shoulders. "But I was able to take care of him."
"Yep, you sure were a big help," Mr. 5 murmured. "When we encountered him, he said he was trying to find this place. Drum Kingdom."
"Yes, there's no question about it now," Vivi said. "I remember it clearly. I'm sure I met him in a monarch meeting my father took me to. I was still very young then, but I remember it to this day."
"A monarch meeting?" Dalton wondered, eyeing Vivi. "Who are you?"
"Oh no-I uh..." Vivi paused thinking she may have said too much. "Well, the point is we do know Wapol! We ran into him yesterday! We were on our way here."
"Yesterday?" Dalton asked. "Are you sure about that?"
"But I don't understand what's going on here?" Vivi questioned. "He said he was a pirate; he didn't say anything about being a king!"
"He's just calling himself a pirate as some kind of disguise," Dalton explained. "He's just calling himself a pirate as some kind of disguise! In truth, Wapol is only wandering the seas, trying desperately to return to this island."
"So then..." Vivi said. "Wapol and the people who were on his ship with him were kicked off the island because they were no match for the pirates? Is that what happened?"
"That's not it... no," Dalton scowled. "When it happened... when we were attacked... Wapol's army didn't even try to fight! In fact, the second he learned how strong the pirates were; Wapol grabbed his cronies and ran like a coward! He was the first one to abandon the country and flee out to sea! After that, the country felt utter despair. We were left behind by our king-" Through Dalton's explanation, Vivi was shaking in anger, her fists clenched after learning about Wapol's cowardice.
"What sort of king would do that to his country?!" Vivi shouted. "A king abandoning his people! The thought of that makes me sick!"
"Vivi..." Usopp murmured, staring at the princess.
"You're exactly right," Dalton agreed. "The one good thing that came out of it, though, was the end of Wapol's Tyrannical rule."
"Wapol said he had a brother..." Mr. 5 spoke.
"Brother?!" Dalton breathed.
"Yeah, that's right..." Usopp said. "When he was sent flying from our ship, he said something about getting his brother."
"Wapol's brother..." Dalton said. "Musshuru."
"Musshuru...?" Usopp wondered.
"Yes," Dalton nodded. "Musshuru is Wapol's older brother. He was exiled from Drum Kingdom due to almost destroying it several years ago with his Devil Fruit power. If Wapol managed to bring him back, he did so with the hope of taking on Blackbeard's pirates. But if he truly brought him here, it could spell trouble for everyone on this island. The people who are left on this island have come together now; we're trying to create a new country. So what we fear most right now is the return of Wapol, his brother, and his followers. We can't afford for him to come back now with the country so unstable! It would be the end of us! We want to build ourselves a new peaceful nation on this island!"
Jou POV
Just as they were underway on their journey to the doctor, they were surrounded by those rabbits Dalton told them about. Lapahns. All of them growled at their group, looking ready to leap at them at a moment's notice. It didn't take long until one of the Lapahns sprung at them to attack.
LOOK-OUT!" Sanji warned.
"Scatter!" Jou called as everyone evaded the beast that attacked them, slamming its large paw in the snow.
"Seriously?!" Sanji exclaimed. "How could it move like that?!"
"Well, rabbits are fast," Valentine gulped.
"That just makes this more irritating," Sanji grunted. The other three stood in front of Jou to defend him. He won't be able to use his chains, so he'll have to rely on them. He heard a whimper from Nami. Jou blinked his eyes, turning his head to her.
"Nami, you good?" Jou asked.
"Hurry..." Nami stammered. "Ala-ba..."
"Hey..." Jou said. "Just rest, alright. We're gonna get you help, then we can head to Alabasta."
"She's not even worried about her own life," Sanji smiled.
"That's our Navigator," Luffy nodded in agreement.
"Just hang in there a little longer, Nami," Sanji said. "Let's get going. We have to make it to the castle where the Doctor lives and quickly." Sanji took a step forward. "Move it," he told the Lapahns. "Ya damn bunnies." the creatures only snarled in response, exposing their razor-sharp teeth in their mouths.
"I think they're about to attack," Luffy noted.
"Well, they're not about to let us walk through," Miss Valentine remarked.
"Looks like I'm leaving it to you guys," Jou declared.
"Yeah, we got it," Sanji claimed. "Just take care of Nami."
"OK, I trust you guys," Jou nodded.
"Of course," Luffy agreed, cracking his fist.
"You gonna stay behind?" Sanji asked Miss Valentine.
"I came with for a reason," she replied. "I'll be fine." The Lapahn roared and charged them. The first Lapahn took a swipe at Jou. Even with their navigator on his back, Jou managed to avoid the strikes that came his way.
"Flanchet Shoot!" Sanji delivered a kick into the stomach of a Lapahn. The animal fell back onto the snow.
"Gum-Gum Pistol!" Luffy slammed his fist into a Lapahns face, sending it into a tree. Miss Valentine dodged the slashes from the bunny's huge claws and then floated into the air; she noticed three Lapahns bound toward her. She immediately dropped her power and landed on the ground, causing the three animals to crash into each other. Jou ducked underneath a final swing from a Lapahn, who attacked him and leaped away.
"Damn!" Sanji cursed. "In this snow, I can't get my footing well enough to land a solid kick!"
"They're attacking all at once!" Luffy warned.
"Let's get the hell out of here!" Jou commented.
"Then let's head into the forest!" Miss Valentine added. "We can try to lose them there!"
"Good idea!" Sanji agreed. "Jou, go! We'll cover you!" Jou did as the cook said and ran into the forest, the other three following, but the Lapahns were still hot on their trail.
"Which way?!" Luffy questioned.
"Go left!" Sanji said. "We'll head to the mountain! We need to get rid of them somehow!"
"We could try to keep fighting!" Luffy suggested.
"It will take us hours to fight them all off!" Sanji affirmed. "But how do we shake them now? For bunnies, these guys are tough! We're in trouble!"
The Lapahns, at this point, weren't letting up. A Lapahn ran at Jou. Jou was starting to panic just a little, considering he couldn't fight right now.
"Guys, I need some help over here!" Both Luffy and Sanji punched and kicked the Lapahn away, respectively.
"You and Nami okay?" Luffy asked.
"Yeah, we're good, thanks," Jou nodded, adjusting Nami to his back.
"Jou, get going!" Sanji ordered. "Luffy, give Jou and Nami cover!"
"Right, c'mon Jou!" Luffy ran ahead.
"Right behind you, Captain!" Jou said and followed his captain.
"Hey, where'd float lady go?" Luffy wondered. Jou hadn't seen Valentine in a bit. He was concerned since more of the Lapahns joined the party.
"You boy's looking for me!" Jou and Luffy looked up to find Miss Valentine waving at them on a cliffside.
"C'mon, up here!" Valentine called. "This way!"
"Oh, good idea!" Jou agreed.
"Yeah, great!" Luffy said. "Sanji!" he called the cook, who kicked another Lapahn. "We can go up from here!"
"Right!" Sanji replied. "Go on!" Jou and Luffy made a run for the mountain. A Lapahn roared at them, attempting to obstruct their path.
"Move it!" Luffy dashed ahead of Jou and punched the Lapahn straight into its stomach. It fell on its back as Jou leaped onto the rabbit's stomach.
"Pardon me!" Jou used the creature as a trampoline to propel himself upward. Soon after, Sanji and Luffy did the same, each making it up to the mountain. They looked down at the horde, snarling at them.
"Heh!" Luffy taunted them, sticking out his tongue. That seemed to set the Lapahns off as they jumped to assault them again.
"Did you really have to taunt them?!" Sanji growled.
"Sorry!" Luffy frowned.
"C'mon, let's hurry and get away from them!" Valentine suggested.
"Let's get to the mountain already!" Jou added. The weather seemed to be getting worse. The snow was almost making it hard to see anything around them. But that wasn't going to stop them from reaching the doctor.
Marianne POV
Marianne stayed aboard the ship to try to stay warm. There were only her, Carue, and Zoro left on the ship. Luckily, Sanji made some tea before he left, which Marianne and Carue were more than happy to drink. She poured an extra cup and stood from her seat. Carue quaked at her, wondering where she was going.
"Oh, I'm going to check if Zoro wants any tea," Marianne said. "He might be cold sitting out there keeping watch." She went outside and didn't find any sign of the swordsman. He wasn't out on the deck or in the crow's nest.
"I-It's freezing out here!" a voice exclaimed. "My whole body's beginning to go numb!"
"What in the-!" Marianne ran to the side of the ship and found the swordsman standing in the freezing cold water. Not wearing a jacket or wearing a shirt! "What do you think you're doing?!"
"Huh?" Zoro wondered, looking up at her. "What's it look like? I'm training!"
"Are you insane?!" Marianne exclaimed. "Get back up here! You're gonna freeze!"
"Nah, I'll be fine!" Zoro assured. "This is gonna make me stronger!" Carue came out on the deck and quacked at the swordsman. "Hey, Carue! Wanna come in with me? It'd be a great way to get you're little bird body in shape!" Carue quickly shook his head, making it clear he didn't want to get in there one bit. "Well, how about you, Marianne? Wanna jump in? It'll make you tough!"
"Nope! No way!" Marianne shook her head. "I'm good up here!"
"Suit yourselves!" Zoro told her and Carue. "Stay on the Merry! I have training to do!" he said as he dove into the cold water, leaving Marianne and Carue alone on the Merry.
"Great," Marianne sighed. "Looks like it's just us, Carue." Carue quacked in response. "I guess we can just find something to do. We can play cards or something." Marianne started to walk back to the cabin, but Carue quacks to get her attention. "What is it?" Carue pointed with his wing.
Marianne looked and saw what the duck was pointing at. Her eyes widened when she saw a bunch of soldiers had made it onto the island. She recognized them, too.
"I-It's that Wapol guy!" Marianne said and quickly got down to hide as Carue hid along with her. "He's pretty close. He might spot the ship here and take us hostage." Carue didn't seem too happy about that. "Don't worry. We're not letting that happen. We just need a plan. Hmm?" she thought for a bit. "What would Mr. 3 do? He'd probably jump ship or hide with his Devil Fruit." that gave her an idea. "I know! I can use my color trap to camouflage the ship!"
Marianne went to get her paints and got to work on crafting a new paint color—one that would make the ship seem bland. Carue was just watching her make her new creation.
"Here we go..." Marianne said. "Just gotta mix up some red, yellow, and even some blue, and then... Ta-da!" Marianne showed her newly made brown paint. "I'll just call it 'Boring Brown'! Now, I just need to test it." Marianne eased her brush toward Carue, who moved away in concern. "Don't worry, it's just paint. It's not gonna hurt you. Besides, we're allies now."
That seemed to ease Carue's worry. She painted a symbol on the duck. The duck's face became dull, as if he were, well, bored.
"Yes, it works!" Marianne chirped. "Thanks, Carue!" she wiped the paint off the duck. Carue tilted his head in confusion. "Oh, my paints don't affect me. It only affects other people. Alright, I'm gonna around the ship. Painting over any of the doors, windows, anything that might seem important, and then we'll leave. It's not safe to stay here." Marianne did what she planned to do and grabbed her backpack. "Alright, we can go." Carue seemed all too excited to leave before the soldiers showed up.
"Wait!" Marianne called, halting the duck. "Don't forget the tea." She got on Carue's back. Okay, let's go!" Carue bounded off the Going Merry and ran through the snow. "We gotta find the others."
Jou POV
Jou wasn't ready to celebrate just yet. Trying to get to the mountain proved difficult due to the Lapahn trying to turn them into their lunch. After a couple of run-ins with the large rabbits, the attacks quieted down but only seemed to concern Jou.
"Did we lose them?" Luffy called over the snow.
"No," Sanji said. "It doesn't look like it."
"And I wouldn't celebrate just yet," Miss Valentine stated, everyone following her gaze. More Lapahns were leering at them from a distance. The odd thing was that they weren't attacking them but, for some reason, started hopping up and down.
"They don't give up!" Luffy cried in disbelief. "Why are they jumping up and down?"
"Well, they are rabbits..." Jou commented. "Rabbits hop."
"But, why are are they?" Luffy wondered. "Maybe they're grouchy because they're hungry?"
"I don't think so?" Sanji said but realized. "Wait a second?" Sanji's eyes widened in horror. "Don't tell me? Oh no?!" His cigarette dropped right out of his mouth. "Geez, they've really done it now."
"Okay, now I think we're in trouble..." Miss Valentine sweat-dropped. With how much the Lapahns bounced about, everything began to tremble. Jou already figured out what Lapahns were doing, and it wasn't good.
"Sanji, I know why you're so worried," Jou gulped.
"Yeah, and it isn't good," Sanji grimaced.
"What?" Luffy asked. "What are you talking about? What isn't good? What's going on with the bunnies?"
"We gotta go, you three!" Sanji exclaimed.
"We're running again?" Luffy wondered.
"Anywhere!" Sanji said. "As long as it's far away from here!"
Why?!" Luffy asked.
"It's an avalanche!" Valentine shouted.
"Run!" Sanji ordered. A rush of snow and rocks was rapidly hurtling down the mountain toward them. Each of them ran as fast as they could to escape the coming mass behind them.
"Damn those stupid overgrown bunnies!" Sanji cursed. "I'm gonna kill 'em!"
"How do we get away from all this snow?!" Luffy questioned.
"Just run for now!" Jou yelled. "That's all we got at this point to stay alive!" The avalanche was still racing after them. They needed to think of something quick or else they were going to be buried here. Jou looked to Sanji, the cook's eyes staring at something that had his attention. "Sanji, whaddya got?"
"Over there!" Sanji pointed. "Head for that cliff!"
"Why?" Luffy asked.
"We gotta be high enough to avoid the avalanche!" Valentine added.
"It's all we got!" Jou called out. "Here it comes!" All of them leaped and touched down on the cliff. They were lucky the snow wasn't able to reach.
"Good," Sanji commented. "We made it up here just in time." That seemed too good to be true as the avalanche reached their cliff. "Oh no! We aren't high up enough!" The snow struck them, forcing each of the four off the cliff.
"Dammit!" Jou cursed. "This isn't good!"
"I know!" Luffy agreed. "Now what?!" Jou glanced around and caught sight of some falling trees. "Bingo! Luffy, grab hold of one of those trees! We can use it to travel down the snow!"
"Oh, right!" Luffy nodded. "Good idea!" Luffy reached to one of the trees and grasped it. He grabbed Jou and Nami and got them all onto the tree.
"Okay, we need to find Sanji and Valentine!" Jou called.
"Where are they!?" Luffy exclaimed.
"UP HERE!" Jou heard a voice and found Miss Valentine floating above them. Luffy grabbed her and pulled her onto the tree.
"We got her, but now we need Sanji!" Jou said.
"Where is he?!" Luffy asked.
"I don't know!" Valentine replied. "He might've landed in the snow!" The woman looked around and pointed in a different direction. "There he is! I see him!" The snow was carrying away the cook.
"Captain, get him quick!" Jou exclaimed.
"Sanji!" Luffy called. "Grab a hold!" He clasped Sanji's hand and yanked him out of the snow and onto the tree.
"Thanks for that!" Sanji said.
"Yeah, sure!" Luffy replied. "But what now?! Even if we don't sink in the snow, we'll just keep flying down the mountain unless we do something about it!"
"No way!" Sanji said. "I'm not gonna let that happen! We've come all the way, and we were almost to the base of the mountain, just feet away from the doctor!"
"It's going to take longer to get to the doctor!" Jou exclaimed. "It was my idea to grab the tree, but it was the only thing I could think of at the moment!"
"This is all because of those damn bunnies!" Sanji cursed. "Next time I see them, I'm gonna turn them into a big bowl of stew!"
"Oh, rabbit stew!" Luffy exclaimed in awe. "That sounds good!" The Lapahns had taken sliding down the mountain on trees to get after them. Jou had to wonder just how smart these rabbits are.
"Didn't know rabbits were capable do things like this!" Valentine commented. One of the Lapahns leaped at the group, taking a swipe at them.
"What do we do!?" Luffy panicked.
"The only thing we can do at the moment!" Sanji said.
"Oh yeah?" Jou asked. "And what's that?!"
"SLIDE FASTER!" Sanji added. The group kept their speed down the mountain with more Lapahns slashing at them. "What is their problem?! Seriously?!"
"Hey guys!" Valentine shouted. "There's a rock blocking our path!"
"What...?!" Jou wondered. There was indeed a huge rock jutting out of the snow, and he and the rest of the group were on a collision course into it.
"AAAH!" Luffy screamed. "A rock! We're gonna crash!" They continued whizzing down the snow along with Lapahns still pursuing them. Jou figured Luffy could likely destroy the rock with a punch or leap over it, but they would lose the tree keeping them out of the snow and away from the Lapahns.
"Jou, get down!" Sanji told him suddenly.
"Why?" Jou questioned.
"Just do it!" Sanji ordered.
"O-Okay!" Jou ducked his head down.
"Guys, what do we do?!" Luffy asked unsurely. Sanji lifted his foot and punted Luffy straight into the air, their captain being sent in the air. Jour didn't know what made Sanji do that. Jou turned to him, the cook's blonde hair shading his eyes.
"Sanji, what-" Jou paused as Sanji gripped Jou by his jacket and grabbed Valentine's hand.
"Ladies get treated gently!" Sanji smiled. "You know that, right Jou? So, take good care of her!" he turned to Valentine. "Look after them for me, will you?"
"What are you doing?!" Valentine wondered. Sanji didn't answer and tossed both Jou and Valentine into the air.
"SANJI!" Jou and Valentine shouted while watching Sanji crash into the rock and soar into the avalanche with the Lapahns. Miss Valentine had Jou by his hands, a flurry of wind, carrying them off.
"Jou!" Jou heard Luffy's voice.
"Luffy?!" Jou looked for Luffy's voice and found him hanging from a cliff.
"Here, grab hold!" Luffy reached his arm toward Jou. Jou grabbed Luffy's arm as he and Valentine were pulled onto the rock.
"Luffy, you gotta grab Sanji!" Jou exclaimed.
"Where is he?!" Luffy asked.
"He's down there somewhere in the snow!" Valentine said. "He saved us!"
"I see him!" Luffy nodded. "Sanji, next time you do something like that... Warn me!" He stretched his arm toward the cook. But the captain couldn't catch the cook but grabbed one of his gloves.
"Oh no..." the color drained from Jou's face. Valentine was quiet, her hands cupped to her mouth.
"SANJI!"
After the avalanche ended, Jou pulled Luffy onto the rock. He untied the cloth around his body that kept him and Nami together and laid her down on the cliff, her head resting in his lap.
"Jou, how's Nami?" Luffy asked. "Is she alright?"
"Yeah..." Jou nodded. I'm letting her rest from all that trouble we were in." He stared at the snow from above the cliff. "But, Sanji..." He noticed Luffy taking off his jacket and putting it over Nami.
"Hey, straw hat..." Valentine wondered. "What are you doing?"
"Nami needs it more than I do right now," Luffy stated.
"You may be strong but even you can freeze to death..." Valentine said.
"I don't care as long as I can protect my crew," Luffy stated.
"Luffy..." Jou blinked.
"I'll be back," Luffy said, standing. "I'm gonna go find Sanji."
"I'll go with you," Jou told him. "I can help you find him."
"No!" Luffy shook his head. "Right now, someone needs to look after Nami, and that job is yours, Jou."
"Then I'll go," Valentine nodded. "Sanji saved us. The least we can do is save him."
"Let's go then," Luffy said, Valentine following after him.
"But..." Jou started
"You promised Nami you'd get her up the mountain, and that's what you're gonna do, right?" Luffy said. Jou's eyes widened, knowing Luffy was right, and gave him a nod.
"Aye, Captain," Jou said.
"Good," Luffy nodded back. "Nami, I'm sure you're cold, but just hang in there a little longer." Luffy took off his straw hat and placed it on Nami's body. "Listen, hang onto this for me. Jou's looking after you right now. I'll be right back, okay?" Luffy jumped into the snow with Valentine to search for Sanji.
"Nami, once Luffy finds Sanji..." Jou paused. "We'll all find that doctor together. I... don't think I'll be able to forgive myself if something happened to you. So, just hang on... for me."
Jou blinked at what he had just said. It almost felt like he was pouring his heart out to her. He's thought about her a lot. Sometimes when he stares at her, he feels a warmth in his chest. He felt they had been becoming closer ever since Cocoyashi. It was obvious to others around him and obvious to him now. He had feelings for Nami. It was all clear to him now. Once they get Nami cured, maybe he'll tell her. Jou sighed, looking down at Nami. But first, they have to get up that mountain. Jou is going to get Nami up there, even if it's the last thing he does.
Hey, guys! I return! I hope ya'll missed me!
Jou: They didn't come here for you; they came to see me. But apologies for the wait.
To make up for all the lost time, I made not one but two chapters—this one and another! You'll probably see them in the next few days. I hope people didn't drop this story because they thought it was dead or discontinued. It's not over yet!
Jou: (In Liquid Snake's voice) It's not over yet!
Well, when we reach the finale for the arc, I'll answer reviews.
I'll see guys next time!
Later!