(A/N: Guys, please let me know if my chapters are getting too predictable. I don't want to bore you, I want everyone to read and enjoy themselves! I might only think it's predictable because I wrote it, but I wanted to make sure!
I also know that the Fishman Island Arc isn't everyone's favorite, and a lot of people love Punk Hazard (we all know why) So I'm trying to finish quickly without making it rushed!)
The crew and I were all watching upward at the Noah, which had finally stopped nearing Fishman Island, thanks to Luffy breaking it. I don't know what happened, but Shirahoshi seemed to be talking to Sea Kings, and their sheer size sent shivers down my spine. 20 times bigger than Shirahoshi, and Shirahoshi was 20 times bigger than I.
Once the announcer from before claimed Luffy had officially stopped the Noah, our crew cheered, I received a tight hug From Nami, as she jumped around in excitement, my head in her arms.
After Nami released me from her death grip, I glanced around, witnessing the outcome of the fight. There were only about 100 Fishmen left, which Jimbei was rallying up, as they were being arrested. Apparently, most of the fights stopped upon the news of Luffy trying to stop Noah.
That means, as a whole, we took out almost 100,000 men, minus the single 100. That's pretty impressive for being so rusty. I even got to try my new move and confirm it works.
"Suuuppperrrr... FRO!" Franky knocked me from my train of thought as Brook gawked at their matching hairstyles, and Usopp worried about Chopper's well-being since he apparently used a rumble ball.
I also noticed the three princes bring down Hordy and Vander Decken's unconscious bodies, tying them up with the other lackeys left, and being guarded by the newly arrived Royal Guards.
'Oh, yeah. I'm sure he's fine, but I wonder where Emji went off to...' I glanced around, making sure I didn't miss him.
Stopping me in my search was the loud cry of Shirahoshi, and I surely wasn't the only one to hear it, as our whole crew searched for the source.
"Someone help I don't know what to do!" She cried, and the closer she got, the more noticeable the tears were, and the more noticeable the blood was in her cupped hands, "He won't stop bleeding! I'm afraid he's going to die!"
She reached us and set him down, as the crew surrounded to see their captain, looking simply unconscious, but his blood didn't stop, as she said.
"Oh, Luffy! Hang in there!" [Usopp]
"Uh-oh." [Franky]
"Luffy's so brave, he could've died out there, fighting for us!" [Shirahoshi]
"This looks bad, but I've got a few hemostatic in my bag!" I turned to him, to see him lying face down as Robin shuffled through his bag. Robin helped Chopper towards Luffy, as Usopp complained about how useful and useless his new form is, if it does this to him, and I can't help but agree.
"He needs a doner! He's lost too much blood." [Chopper]
"Well that's no good, Luffy's the only one of us with type F." [Sanji]
"So we can't do it?!" [Usopp]
"There's gotta be someone who can!" [Franky]
"Somebody!" Chopper called to the crowd.
"Help us!" Franky bellowed louder.
"We just need one person to donate some blood!" Chopper yelled again. I could barely see, but some people started putting their heads down, or turning to look away.
"We're begging you!" Usopp called, clearly sounding desperate.
"Somebody here has to be type F!" Brook called shortly after.
"Why is no one answering?" I mumbled to myself, my tone clearly frustrated. Zoro heard me and scoffed, looking towards the crowd.
"Really? Not a single one of you?!" [Zoro]
"Oh, right! I forgot in this country, there's actually a law against donating blood to humans!" Chopper gasped, his eyes widening.
I didn't say anything, I just inhaled a sharp breath.
'Why is there a need for so much separation? Humans, Fishman, Giants... Celestial Dragons? We're all the same.'
"What?!" [Usopp]
"What kinda law is that?! It's cruel!" [Nami]
"Awe, come on! This guy just saved you!" Franky yelled again, turning completely around to see all of the citizens.
Shirahoshi leaned close to me and asked with loud tears if her blood worked. She said it wasn't type F, but it was red, and I smiled slightly, but it faded in the moment, "Not exactly, Shirahoshi. It's a very complicated system."
"You gotta be kidding me! Can't you do this one thing for the guy who saved this whole island?!" [Usopp]
It was silent after that. All that was heard were quiet gasps and the clicking of wooden shoes o the stone of the Plaza.
We all turned as Jimbei neared our crew, standing on the outside of our makeshift circle.
"You can give him some of my blood," He rolled up his sleeve, "It's type F, take as much as you need."
"Wow, really?!" [Usopp]
"Thanks, Jimbei!" [Nami]
"Wait... but the law...?" [Chopper]
"What of it? I'm a pirate!" Jimbei said like it was common knowledge and I giggled silently.
I heard cheers from the crowd as Jimbei walked over to Luffy and sat next to him, quickly lying his back on the cement.
"It might sting a little, okay?" Chopper warned and I turned my back. I don't do terribly well with needles.
"I can take it." [Jimbei]
After a minute or two of silence, I heard Luffy's voice, "Jim... bei."
I turned slightly, trying to keep the view of the IV's out of sight.
"Luffy! Y-You scared me..." [Shirahoshi]
"Luffy!" [Chopper, Robin]
"Luffy!" [All]
"You rascal! So you were awake." [Jimbei]
Luffy had a calming and relaxed smile on his face, his eyes closed, as if he was trying to nap.
"Hey, Jimbei." He chuckled quietly before opening his eyes and looking up into the false sky, now receiving a determined look, "I want you... to join my crew."
~~~
I looked off of the ship as Fishman island went past. It was someone's bright idea to flee, and I know exactly whose. I'm sure Luffy doesn't want to be called a hero, but I'm kind of bummed, since we're going to be missing the celebration. I know it was a lie at first, but just asking them and I bet it would be grand.
Once we got completely into the air, watched as Shirahoshi swam around the ship, looking at every Straw hat.
"Why did you leave the Plaza without saying anything? Are you running away?" She asked. I was leaning against the side, and most of the crew was there with me, watching the scenery.
"We're not too big on attention. You saw how many spectators we had watching us fight down there. If we stick around, they'd just treat us like heroes or some dumb crap. Just the thought of it makes me want to puke!" Zoro grumbled.
She came to the other side as Zoro and Nami, who were standing together, went closer the edge as I stood with them. Shirahoshi seemed genuinely concerned, "But why? Isn't it the good thing to be the hero of a nation?"
"Listen up, I'll spell it out for you," He said, pointing at her, "A man who shares his sake with other people, not that's a hero! But I want it all for myself!"
I went on his other side and hit him on the head as Nami did the same, "Keep your damn Sake!" She barked.
"Don't put dumb ideas in her head," I sighed, turning to Shirahoshi, "Truly, we just don't want the spotlight on us. After coming out of training for two years, it would be a hindrance." I tried to explain it reasonably, and when I thought she got it, I heard Luffy whining to Jimbei about joining his crew, slightly reminding me of Alabasta.
"Come on! It'll be the most fun you've ever had, I swear!" Luffy said, almost threatening him to have a good time.
"He's right!" Usopp cheered, "Crew up with us, Boss!"
Jimbei solemnly explained that he has responsibilities and when he's finished them, he'll seek us to the end of the ocean to join us.
"...I promise." [Jimbei]
"You better keep that promise!" Luffy said, again, in an angry way.
"So what are we doing next? Where to?" Zoro asked, looking to Nami, "The New World, right?"
I watched Shirahoshi's face switch from content to sad fast, as she leaned closer, "What?! You're leaving just like that?! I haven't thanked you properly! It's not fair! Why, we've hardly spoken at all!"
"Okay, it's settled then! Let's stay at the mermaid café a whole week-" Sanji practically had hearts for eyes until Usopp hit him on the head, scolding him, but agreeing.
"Hey! Hold on!" [???]
More of the crew joined us at the railing to peek over at the mysterious voice coming from behind.
Luffy put his hands on the railing next to mine, "Who's that?"
"Looks like, a royal guard?" I mumbled.
"Straw hats! Please wait just a moment!" The guard said as he pulled his flying fish between Shirahoshi and the Sunny. He looked down to his hand, in which was a transponder snail, "Okay, your majesty. They're right here and listening."
"Well done." [Neptune]
"Luffy, my friend. Why did you leave in such a rush? I wanted to thank you-" [Neptune]
"I don't wanna be treated like a damn hero!" [Luffy]
"Yes, I can appreciate that, but at least let me throw you the banquet that we originally sent to enjoy!" [Neptune]
'There it is!' I thought, slightly excited. Luffy would never say no to a banquet.
"Banquet?! Sure! We'll be right there!" [Luffy]
"What?! Why did we even bother leaving?!" [Nami]
"Please, Nami. How could we possibly refuse a feast?" [Brook]
"Yeah! Let's go pick up Hatchi and Cammie!" [Luffy]
~~~
As we arrived on the Sunny, a couple of large and weirdly flat fish with bubbles on the tops. I believe this is how we'll be partying/ It's like a picnic, sort of.
There were cheers and a few small spotlights dancing off of the water and out fish, as we faintly heard Guards cheering praises.
Everyone was enjoying the Thank you's, until the guards started chanting 'hero' over and over again. I was sitting on the edge, and suddenly, on my left, Luffy came clawing at the bubble, looking down, "Shut u[! We aren't anybody's damn heroes! I just wanna eat the meat!" he growled, pushing his face into the bubble.
On the other fish, Zoro sat up from a nap and yelled something similar to his Sake analogy.
On my fish was Jimbei, Brook, Chopper, Robin, Sanji and Luffy. There was enough room for another person. On the other Fish was Franky, Zoro, Hatchi, Nami, Usopp, Cammie, Pappagu , and Five tiny mermaids who I believe were with Cammie.
Shirahoshi directed us to the stage, and there as a Fishwoman there, who seemed to be a well known singer on Fishman Island. She was a opera Singer, and she sang quite beautifully. I was on the front of the fish, so I practically got a front row seat, as the fish were high above the rest of the crowd.
The song went from an opera tone to a jazzy sense, making the guards below cheer, and some of the Straw Hats as well. I smiled solemnly as Luffy pressed further into the front of the bubble next to me.
Mermaid dancer were brought out, and as some danced, others brought us food, and Sanji was head over heels for the, on the ceiling of the bubble as Luffy, Chopper, who was behind me, and I, all watched him with confused looks.
Jimbei, Robin, and myself were the only ones drinking and eating moderately, as others either ate more than their fill, or drank more than their fill.
King Neptune almost started a speech, but was interrupted by Luffy, who just wanted to party.
The party was very fun, full of laughter and music, as we were joined by Shirahoshi. Some Straw Hats left the bubble intentionally, the ones without devil fruits using bubbles on their heads, and some left- well, I can't really call it unintentional, can I?
Sanji was pushing so hard on the bubble he fell out, and had to be saved by mermaids, which didn't help.
Nami had a drinking contest with prince Fukaboshi, making him go purple at the amount she drank, and Brook ended up playing with the Lady who was singing.
A little nearer to the party's end, I felt a tug on my shirt, turning to see Robin, who was a finger over her lips, meaning for me to be quiet. She pointed to the exit and I nodded, not really sure why she wanted to leave.
When we got outside, thanks to some help, since we were both Devil Fruit users, we ended up in an area without water, looking out into Fishman island, as we weren't the only palace partying. The streets were filled with lights, and they were partying just as hard as we were.
It was silent between me and Robin, as we both gazed out of the bubble, before she broke it.
"You may not," She started, and I turned to her, " but do you remember, in Skypiea, when I tried asking you a question when we were alone?"
I thought for a moment, then nodded, Right before we had that party, right?"
She turned to me and nodded, "So I was right about your last name."
I pursed my lips, immediately getting nervous as she still looked at me with a closed eyes smile. She looked back at the scenery, but now the thought was rushing back into my head.
"...Robin?" [(Y/N)]
"Hm?" [Robin]
"Will... Will the crew treat me different? Knowing I'm technically from Celestial blood?" [(Y/N)]
She paused, finally opening her eyes and looking up, putting a finger to her chin, "Let me see. Well, do you agree with what the Celestial Dragons do?"
"N-No! Not at all! It's horrible!" I gasped, almost shocked she asked.
"And have they treated you different yet?" She added.
"N-No..." I mumbled.
"Then I don't believe they will. You've shown enough character to prove you aren't like them. So I wouldn't dwell on it too long." She put her real arm around my shoulder and pulled me into a hug, which I returned 10 fold, making her giggle.
When I pulled away, we heard unrhythmic humming behind us and watched King Neptune stumble out of the party doors.
"Hello Pirate Girl! You wanted to speak with me?" he asked Robin, taking another drink of his sake bottle.
"I apologize, but this seemed like my only chance to get you alone." She said, turning to him only halfway, as I turned fully.
"What?! Now listen here, I'm very flattered brut I swore to love my wife Otohime forever-" he mumbled, hiding his red face with his hands and tail.
He kept mumbling, but Robin was quick to get to the point.
"I'd like to know who Joy Boy is."
'Joy Boy?'
He looked back at us seriously, dropping his bottle, his face gone from red to white. He gave her a look.
"I saw it myself. The Ponyglyph in the Sea Forest. Just who exactly is he apologizing to?" She asked, and Neptune's face went pale as a ghost.
"Are you telling me... that you can read it?" [Neptune]
"I'm a survivor of Ohara. You don't have to tell me anything if you prefer." [Robin]
"No, I will gladly tell you everything I know. You've proven yourself trustworthy." [Neptune]
"What I know of Joy Boy, is that he was a person who lived above the sea during the time of the hundred year void." [Neptune]
"Which is to say, more than 800 years ago." [Robin]
"The message you read, he wrote to a mermaid princess, who lived on this island during that time period. It is a letter of apology, for failing to keep a promise he's made to this island."
"What promise?" [Robin]
"I'm afraid that I don't know the specific details, but according to the legend, its said that somebody would come to fulfil it someday on behalf of Joy Boy. At least that's the Story that's been passed down through the Royal Family. And we firmly believe that this day will come. So we've continued to look after the Noah for generations, just as we promised him. And when the time arrives, the Noah will finally be put to it's intended use, whatever that may be." [Neptune]
"I see now." [Robin]
"I couldn't help but overhear that the Noah was taken to the Sea Forest after the battle had ended today. By the Sea Kings, that is. If Joy Boy truly planned to use the Noah, I have to wonder is he had control of the Sea kings." [Robin]
"No. It was actually the former Mermaid princess who possessed that fearsome power." [Neptune]
"That's what I thought." [Robin]
"And now, Shirahoshi has the same ability." [(Y/N)]
"She has, for quite some time. But it seems that it did not fully awaken until today. I can't say that I'm terribly pleased." [Neptune]
"I know how you feel. Two years ago, up in Shandora, I read a Ponyglyph that located one of the ancient weapons. All signs indicated this very island." [Robin]
"This Mermaid Princess who lived during the same time as Joy Boy. She was known by another name as well, wasn't she?" [Robin]
"And now, Shirahoshi possesses the same power, so she will come to inherit the same name, too. A terrible thing for a father to hear but..." [Robin]
"...She, was the ancient weapon, Poseidon." [Robin]
"Many years ago, for some unknown purpose, there were three powerful entities that could destroy this world. They were ancient weapons named after gods. Pluton, Uranus, and Poseidon." Neptune]
"And one of those great weapons is... The Princess?" [(Y/N)]
"Indeed." [Neptune]
"Well if that's the case, we can't let anyone else know about this. If we did, the government and every other organization would want Shirahoshi for themselves, not to mention other Pirates." [Robin]
We had left the conversation at that, and I felt a sudden need to see Shirahoshi. I went down the same halls as before, and thankfully, her room is full of air, the door wide pen.
"(Y/N)!" She smiled as I walked in and hopped onto her bed. I went to the back of the room, where she was resting on her pillows.
"Hey, Shirahoshi!" I smiled, and sat next to her, as she stayed lying down, "Tired, huh?"
"Yeah, all that excitement was a little much after being so calm for so long," She sights, resting her head on her arms, looking at me, "Do you ever get tired? You experience these a lot, right?"
I giggled, "yeah, I get tired a lot. When the whole group fights, I'm usually running around finding different people and gathering information. At least that's how it normally goes.
"What did you do before you were a pirate?"
I paused for a second, before turning to her, "It's not the happiest story, but I'll tell you the better parts."
She smiled, and eagerly shifted her position as I faced her. I started telling her about how we figured out about Baroque Works, and How Vivi, Igram, and I all went undercover. She was a great listener, nodding and gasping at all of the right moments.
"And then I figured out that the leader was actually a Warlord named Cro-" Before I could Finish my thought, something dropped on the bed between us. It was...
"...Mud?" She questioned, as we both looked up to see the ceiling covered in the same substance. Shirahoshi screamed and fell off the bed, taking me with her as a wave of the substance went over us.
It started attaching itself to her and I kept using my devil fruit and Haki to try and cut it, but it kept coming back. I tried freeing her arm a third time, but my legs and right arm were grabbed, yanking me to the ground. I immediately thought to what Robin said, and tried desperately to get free.
He finally showed his real form, emerging from the mud, as he snarled at me, "You damn woman, you must've heard me eavesdrop on you and the other lady! Stay out of my way, or I'll take you in, too!"
I tried to make weapons and random trunks of wood, but he was a logia, so the trunks would go straight through him, and I was starting to loose energy.
He started talking to Shirahoshi as we were slowly sinking into the mud.
"Is that.. Hey, you!" I heard a thankfully familiar voice behind me.
The mud man turned and saw not only Luffy, but Sanji and Zoro as well.
"What do you want, Straw hat?" The mudman scoffed, "Go find your own way to make berries, I'm busy!" he laughed.
Luffy didn't say anything, then I watched as it clicked in The mudman's mind, and he started to sweat bullets, the sinking coming to a stop.
"It's you!" Mudman yelled, as Luffy quickly knocked him straight out of the castle, into Fishman island, as he continued to ear meat. Shirahoshi cried as she hugged him, and Sanji helped pull me out of the mud that was left.
I thanked him, but before I could go to Shirahoshi, he grabbed my wrist, and I turned to him. He had his head low, a serious expression on his face.
"Hey, (Y/N)?"
I was weirded out by him not saying 'chwan' or 'swan' like he normally does, but I nodded for him to continue, as I watched him desperately try to avoid eye contact.
"Could we, talk, later?" He asked.
"Of course. Find me when you aren't fawning over mermaids." I joked, lightly pushing his shoulder, and he looked up at me smiling, as we went back with Zoro, Luffy, and Shirahoshi.
(A/N: I actually had a good day, surprising since it's my first day back from Spring Break)