Chapter 6: Snow-Pop

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It had been four days since the events on Little Garden and that meant four days of Hakai being a new addition to the team.

The crew were having a somewhat relaxing day. Don had taken some time off from training and making things and was at the wheel following the log pose to Drum Island. He was reflecting on his last battle. Was he weak? Did he only win due to his bombs? He felt ashamed his swordsmanship wasn't up to standard and knew he needed to focus on it more.

Gan and Mars were on deck arguing about the events that transpired and were comparing their fights so far (Mars Vs Herimo and Gan vs Diego) even though both fights were won with ease the two continued to try and one up each other until eventually Mars would go off to the kitchen and be the more responsible person leaving Gan to test his strength with weights and other heavy objects he could find.

Yua and Hakai were asleep side by side sitting against a wall. Yua had her head on Hakai's shoulder and was holding the log of the crew's journey which she had been writing. Hakai had her head on top of Yua's and was clutching her beloved flute in her hand. She had been practicing beside Yua as she wrote and the music must've made the two sleepy.

The Crimson Vulture approached Drum Island quicker and quicker thanks to the cold snowy breeze setting around them. Pushing into the sails. Gan noticed it was getting colder yet decided not to put any extra layers on. He saw this as an opportunity to test his resistance to the elements. Unlike Don who had immediately left the wheel to get warmer clothes from the boys quarters. Yua and Hakai were getting colder until they both woke up from it. Yua wore a sweater anyway so she wasn't as cold as Hakai but since Yua didn't wear shoes she and Hakai headed inside to change.

Gan took the wheel and entered a opening in the land. A lake straight into the heart of Drum Island. And announced their arrival.

Gan: We are here! At Drum Island! Come on. Stop being babies it's only a little cold.

Mars came out from the kitchen and looked around at the snow and smiled. She didn't feel cold at all. Why would she? She was a Polar Bear woman.

Mars: Ahhhh this is my kind of weather.

Don burst out dressed in a all black winter coat with a scarf and cloak on. He had red goggles on his head just above his eyes ready to lower them in snowier conditions. And still had his two swords strapped to him. But was missing his bag of tricks and bombs. He was determined not to bring them. Yua walked out wearing the exact same thing she always had. Clearly she couldn't find a change of clothes she saw as comfortable. Hakai on the other hand had found a puffy blue and teal coat with fur around the hood. And was ready to brave the cold.

Mars: Hakai where did you get that? You didn't bring any clothes with you.

Hakai: It's Yua's! She said I could have it because she wears a sweater.

Mars looks at Yua and sighs.

Mars: Your going to be cold.

Yua: Yeah. I feel cold.

Don: You really should have come prepared like me!

Gan: Don take all that off your embarrassing to be seen with.

Gan walked over to the anchor and lowered it the boat was in the middle of a lake.

Mars took pity on Yua and transformed into a Polar Bear and rolled her eyes. As the others prepared to leave.

Mars: Come on captain, climb on.

Yua smiled widely and jumped on Mars's back and hugged onto her since a polar bear's fur is meant to help them survive even extreme snowstorms.

The crew jumped down from the Crimson Vulture who was already covered in frost and snow. Gan stood proudly and cold clutching Murakumogiri tightly snow getting stuck in his wild hair. Don had already fallen over face first and Hakai was busy laughing at him. She'd created Skis for her self out of Caramel which had frozen and then proceeded to claim herself as the worlds greatest skier. Mars was easily walking through the snow due to her devil fruit ability. Being a polar bear had it's perks finally especially since she could carry Yua on her back.

The Bubble Pirates progressed through the snow and saw a town off in the distance along with a big mountain side. The mountain was a thick cylinder with what looked to be a big castle on the top and a big marine symbol painted on the side of the mountain. This island seemed to be owned by the marines.

Don: Oh man that doesn't look good. We are on enemy territory.

Gan shook his head. Chouko gave him the pose to Drum Island. Why would she lead him to the enemy. There had to be another explanation.

Yua and Mars shrugged their shoulders and walked off into town and Don quickly followed not wanting to be left behind. Hakai on the other hand had been skiing around the group repeatedly more than happy to head first into enemy danger.

They walked into the town with a big sign up saying:

WELCOME TO SNARE TOWN!

There was a water feature in the middle that had completely frozen over and lots of houses and shops. And a pretty grand looking hospital. This country didn't seem too bad so far until Yua noticed the lack of people. She jumped off Mars and looked around.

Hakai: Something the matter?

Yua: Where is everyone?

The crew then understood and looked around with her. It seemed everyone was inside either their homes or at work. Except one. Don had spotted a man working a gondola that headed straight up the mountain right to the very top to the castle.

Don: There look. There's someone!

He ran to see them and rest followed stopping before the gondola man. He looked down at them and then up at Gan and Mars who had now transformed back to her human form to avoid scaring the man.

The man didn't really say anything he just looked at the group suspiciously. Yua, Don and Hakai got inside the gondola wondering if he'd let them go up.

Gan: Yua. You two. What are you doing?

Yua: Going to the castle? Obviously.

Mars: Ok. But why?

Yua: I wanna know what's going on with this freaky town and why everyone is inside. Cmon get in!

Gan and Mars went to go in and the man pushed them back and pointed to a weight limit sign. They weren't exactly short.

Gan: Eh fair enough. We'll just climb the old fashioned way. Come on cook.

Gan walked off and Mars glared at the gondola man.

Mars: You better let them go up. Is that how you talk to a woman brick for brains!

She walked off behind Gan to the base of the mountain.

Hakai: That's my girl! All muscle. I'm all muscle too you know.

Don: Your made of caramel let's not get ahead of ourselves.

The doors closed and the gondola shook as it slowly ascended. The three fell into their seats and waited painfully for the slow moving gondola to make it's way up to the castle. They waved down at Gan and Mars who were now walking side by side getting closer and closer to the mountain.

Hakai: So big castle who do you think lives here?

Don: Obviously someone royal. That's how it usually goes.

Yua: I wouldn't mind a castle.

Hakai: You would look pretty good as a princess or a queen…or a king…or a prince…or a…

Don: Ok shut up we get it.

Yua: I wonder if this place has any good history? It seems pretty old. I'll have to ask.

Hakai: History? Why do we care about history?

Don: Yua is a big history fan. She reads rocks.

Hakai: Oh I see! So it's very very important we find out the history of this old castle. Or are you fucking with me? Reading rocks?

Yua: Those rocks have names you know! They are poneglyths and they are important to me. I want to read them all… I've never met anyone else who can.

Yua lowers her head and sighs and Hakai gives her a comforting hug and Don pats the top of her head softly.

Don: Sorry Yua. I didn't realise how big a deal they actually were. Especially if not many people can read em.

Hakai: Yeah it actually makes you cooler! You can do something no one else can. That's gotta be worth showing off. I'll even help you find them I'm kinda interested now too.

Yua smiled softly and lent up against Hakai the two of them smiling stupidly at each other.

Don: I should have gone with Gan and Mars…

The gondola seems to hit something and stops and the door opens almost immediately. Don hops out followed by Yua and Hakai and they look up towards the door of the castle. The gondola had already started moving back down to the base of the mountain again and they slowly made their way up the stone path towards the door which was already open.

Don: Expecting someone maybe?

Yua: No point analysing. Just go!

They met with a big open throne room with a still very snowy floor despite having a roof over it, and then a shrill voice pierced the room.

???: Ah! Guests! I assume the boat is yours? I've been waiting..

The three were then met with a high pitched odd sounding laugh.

???: Grehehe Grehehe

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻

Gan and Mars looked up at the mountain and the marine logo painted into the side. It looked hideous there.

Gan: Come on cook get climbing.

Gan walked over to the mountain and put a hand on it. It was cold and smooth nothing like rocks at all. It made Gan jolt back and poked the mountain with Murakumogiri the blade clanging against it.

Mars: Having some fun with the mountain? What are you doing?

Gan: This wall it's metal here stand back I'm gonna cut through.

Mars: Oh sure you go ahead and cut metal. Step aside I'll do it.

Gan: You? What you gonna punch it? Are you stupid?

Mars: My fist could shatter that pathetic little weapon of yours any day.

Gan and Mars glare at each other and strike the mountain as hard as the two of them could. Gan's strike left a tiny hole in the metal and Mars had dented it with her fist.

Gan: Haha! I made a hole!

Mars: Do you celebrate everything that small? I dented a mountain that's way more impressive than some tiny hole.

Gan: It's a bit of metal. Not a mountain the rest of it is still rock look you can see the ruggedness towards the top only some of it is metal.

Mars: What are you a geologist? It doesn't matter something is in here. We need to get in.

Gan: Oh do we now? Because last I checked we had to climb the damn thing not get in it.

Mars: Ugh your so insufferable your really expecting to climb something that smooth? Just how would you be doing that?

Gan: Well I would simply….

A creaking could be heard the right of them and then footsteps on snow. The two looked round to the right and saw a young man in marine attire and an open door leading to the inside.

???: Excuse me! Sir! Ma'am! Please stop attacking our base or we will be forced to apprehend you!

Gan and Mars looked incredibly unimpressed and walked up the man Mars very quickly punching him down knocking him out.

Mars: Worthless. See I told you we should go inside.

Gan: Well now it's not seeming so bad huh. A big marine base right underneath a castle. It's almost impressive.

Mars: You mean it is impressive? They would have had to hollowed out the whole mountain and then constructed this it must've been expensive.

The two stepped in and saw a big door in front of them and lots of stairs. One staircase to the left and one to the right. Which left them with an idea.

Gan: Say cook. If this is a marine base surely there's a lot of people that don't necessarily want us here. Right?

Mars: What are you implying?

Gan: A little wager. I take one staircase. You take the other. Meet in front of this big door once we have cleared out our respective sides see who deals with them the quickest? How about it cook?

Gan walked over to the right staircase and Mars glared at him walking to the left.

Mars: Your on.

The two ran up their staircases quickly going up further into the base preparing for battle.

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𝗗𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲

The three stood in the Throne room and looked around for the shrill voice but before long a man jumped down and sat in the throne. He seemed to have jumped from a balcony.

The man was small, chubby and pale like the snow. His nose almost looked way too big for his face and his head was clean shaven. He was dressed in a disgusting brown coat that looked all tattered and worn and had a crown atop his head along with a kingly cloak. He also had an extremely noticeable Den Den Mushi on his wrist. He clearly was connected to some kind of communication system with someone else.

Don: So. You the king?

The man stared them down before a disgusting smile appeared. Most of his teeth were yellow and cracked all except the two in the middle at the top which looked uncomfortably clean compared to the rest.

Leod: Why yes my dear child I'm King Leod of Drum Island! What brings you three to my magnificent kingdom?

Yua and Don looked almost shocked at the sight of him but Hakai was more than ok with this situation.

Hakai: Well king of Drum. We are just passing through really and my captain Yua wanted to know why no one is outside in town. Especially when all the stores are open and stuff.

Leod frowned as Hakai pointed to Yua when she said her name and sat up intrigued all of a sudden.

Leod: Well… ever since I closed off the trading of other countries to get our affairs in order no one has had anything to sell. Remind me though red. What was your name?

He leaned forward in his throne and stared directly at Yua with a piercing glare.

Yua: Me? Oh um I'm Yua. It's a pretty forgettable name.

Don had realised. A mountain with the marines symbol. A crazy king. No doubting it. Yua was a high priority target in the East Blue. Why would anything change here. He placed his hand on Yamitani as it was on his waist.

Leod: Yua….ahhh yes. Your the little brat from the east Akako keeps moaning about to HQ. Yua Akari. Keep an eye out they said. But look at this you've fallen right into my lap.

Hakai: You weren't kidding about having a bounty huh.

Don: That's not exactly something to joke about you know.

Yua looked back at him as he got up from his throne and paced around it.

Leod: You know. Your actually higher priority than you know. The higher ups want you bad. I'd say more but they refuse to elaborate.

Yua: Why say anything at all?

Leod disappeared behind the throne his shadow started to change shape.

Leod: Well that's because it's no use to you dead.

His shadow suddenly disappeared and a sound of rumbling beneath them could be heard. Don grabbed Hakai and narrowly missed Yua and pulled her back as Leod exited from the ground. He burst up and went to claw Yua but she managed to lean back and dodge it.

Leod backed up and landed. He was an animal of some kind. Maybe a hamster? A squirrel? No wait he was a….

Leod: You like that? On this terrain your no match for the power of the Risu Risu no mi Model Groundhog!

Don and Hakai jumped up to fight but everyone was interrupted by a voice on the Den Den Mushi.

???: Leod! Are you there. Do you copy?

The voice sounded familiar too familiar.

Leod: Shit now? I have to take this it's a marine thing.

He opened it up to answer and the voice that came through definitely wasn't a marines.

Achuu: Leod! What's wrong with you! Is the king safe? Is Joseph still with you?

Leod: Oh um yes yes everything is just peachy here. Just got some unwanted visitors.

Yua and Don looked at each other in shock and Hakai was confused. They knew Achuu. He wasn't a marine.

Yua quickly ran while Leod was distracted and kicked him straight into the stomach and snatched the Den Den Mushi throwing it to Don.

Don: Achuu. This is Don Garromen from the Bubble Pirates you remember us right?

Hakai: You know who's on the other side of that?

Leod: So you've met Achuu? Big deal. I'll get a promotion for your capture or death anyway.

Yua: Your a traitor to the Revolutionaries! What did you do with the king?

Leod: It wouldn't be any fun if I told.

Yua looked at Hakai.

Yua: Go try find the real king!

As Hakai ran into a room Yua was pushed out the door and the battle had begun outside.

Achuu: Don? Bubble Pirates? Oh your the green haired idiot. What are you doing to my subordinate!

Don: He's a traitor he works for the marines. How stupid are you guys to not realise that! He was acting as king himself!

Achuu: I'd say your a liar but we haven't had a report from Drum Island in quite some time. Herimo and Maku are busy preparing for the assault on Arabasta so I can't send them and Chouko is….well that's a private matter. I'll have to come myself. Is Joseph there?

Don's head hurt. Joseph? Why did he know that name?

Don: N-No… there's no one else here…

Hakai could be heard shouting around the castle clearly attacking random marines she encountered. Don thought it was safe to retreat from the throne room and to head to a quieter spot.

He ended up in the kings chambers where everything looked incredibly out of place.

Don: So Achuu. How long is it going to take for you to get here?

Achuu: Few days probably. The war on Arabasta will have already begun. I will likely attend the victory party. If there is one of course. Will your group be participating? Had a chance of heart maybe?

Don: I dunno. If we are passing by anyway and this Warlord gets in our way we'll have no choice. But Yua already told you. We aren't your servants. If we fight we fight our way and if we don't get involved then it stays that way.

Achuu: Yes yes very well. I'll start my voyage. See you in Arabasta.

He hangs up and Don sighed.

Don: He didn't listen to a word.

He sat in absolute silence thinking about everything until now. He couldn't win against a crew of a warlord. He barely beat a pig. Was he really going to give up his life to fight with Yua if it came to it?

He could hear mumbling and muffled cries of help from behind him. Behind a painting? How original. Don took it off and bashed into the wall with his arm and shoulder. The wall crumbled to reveal two men and a pile of rotting corpses behind them being funnelled into a hole.

One man was old and regal looking but looked stripped down and had a claw mark along his side. The other however was a black panther mink who was dressed darkly with a sword at his hip who was smiling at the sight of Don.

???: Don!

Don: Joseph?

And just after the two spoke a loud crash of rubble could be heard from the throne room.

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𝗗𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝟱 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿.

Hakai was still running around after loose marines and had forgotten completely about finding the king. She walked back to the throne room to find Don missing and was then surrounded. She wanted to get outside to help Yua but there was as always way too many people.

She punched her way out of the situation and started attacking the marines with various Caramel Needles dodging their bullets and swords with elegance and ease until she heard a clang from above. The chandelier has been shot and was falling right on top of her and everything else. As the chandelier hit the floor it pierced through most of the marines and the floor shook beneath Hakai. She was trapped inside the chandelier and the marines had gathered around her but only was it then she made a brilliant yet stupid plan.

She coated her fists in solid caramel and hit hard against the floor. It shook more. And more until eventually it gave in. The floor collapsed opening up a big hole in the throne room leading into the main hallway Gan and Mars were at earlier on. But everyone was falling. And Hakai had tried to rope herself with her power too late and was now facing a certain death drop just as everyone else there was. But she had more tricks up her sleeve.

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗴

Gan who had traveled up the right staircase was in the right wing of the base. There were soldiers and scientists but he didn't mind it at all he charged through them all and sliced lots of them with Murakumogiri. Before long he came to his last room. The sign said recon room which seemed pretty strange considering there wasn't much to recon from inside a mountain. He walked into an empty lab with lots of cages. Small cages and on a big screen showed the skeleton of what looked to be a giant rabbit. He looked away confused at the cages and read a small label on the side that read "Baby Lapahns."

Gan looked inside to see the little rabbit creatures all sleeping peacefully in a cage. But what do the marines want with them? Gan didn't quite know what to do. He wasn't sure if he was doing the right thing if he just left them there. He gave in and simply just opened the cages up. They could leave if they wanted to then. And he wouldn't have to force it. He left thinking about it. He left all the doors open and made his way back down the stairs to the centre room. There's no way Mars could beat him right? Although he had got distracted. Maybe it's closer than he thought. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗴

Mars had taken the left staircase to the left wing. There really was no centre to this base. But then she remembered the door on the very first floor. That must be the centre room. She continued up and shifted from human to her Zoan polar bear form for armed opponents. Unlike Gan's side it wasn't as high tech here. More boring and rustic. There was an armoury and even a break room for the soldiers.

Once she had cleared the place of people she too had one final room left. She walked into what looked to be some kind of office. There was paperwork everywhere and a big board of bounty posters. She rolled her eyes and decided that any information in this room may be useful to them. She kept looking and couldn't find anything there was all kinds of files about mutations of the human and animal body and there was a blueprint that looked to be part of something much bigger. It looked a lot like the bottom of an ice cream cone.

She searched for anything else but couldn't find any other blueprints. She wasn't sure what it was but with everyone here unable to design the rest it would be pointless taking it. She sprawled it along the desk and walked out towards the stairs and down them. She took a little time but surely Gan wasn't any faster than her even with her little pit stop. She headed down the stairs pretty confident she'd won. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲

Yua and Leod stood opposite each other on the chilly mountain top outside the gates to the looming traitorous castle. Leod was in his full Zoan form burrowing in the snow to try and surprise Yua giggling as he went with his peculiar laugh.

Yua simply stood confused surrounded by holes being made around her. He was building a system in the snow but she wasn't going to allow that so easily.

Yua: Tunnelling? That's your great plan?

She could feel herself getting colder and when she started forming bubbles from her body she had realised another great flaw in her power. The bubbles were freezing quickly. They were all nearly immediately turning to solid frozen balls of air. This development had given Leod enough time for a attack.

He'd jumped out of a hole behind her and scratched along her back creating a tear in her sweater and T-shirt underneath parts of her bare back exposed and bleeding. And she fell forward into the snow with pale skin and snot dripping from her nose. She was slowly dying to the cold. She sneezed and staggered to her feet and punched Leod with a frozen bubble boxing glove attack sending him into the side of the castle.

Yua: I-Is that… the best you can do?

Leod got up and shifted forms. He was now half man and half Ground hog. He grinned viciously and he really was incredibly ugly. Patches of his body were hairy and some was smooth. Smoother than the ice of the lakes below the mountain. He had sharp, thick claws on his hands and feet. And his tail was brown and slightly yellow in colour and very bushy. But the most obvious thing was his two disgusting rotten yellow and green front teeth as he started her down with his beady eyes.

Leod: Your way too cocky for someone who is bleeding and likely has frostbite. So what if I'm a traitor? If I beat you everything stays exactly the same and your pretty much on the verge of death. Just look at you shivering.

He was right. Yua was cold. Much colder than a person should be. And her powers were awful in this condition. Her blood was creating a red carpet of snow beneath her feet and she blinked quickly trying to stay conscious. She stumbled around in the snow and then Leod took his chance and sprang forward biting down into Yua's arm with his sharp rotten teeth piercing through the sweater into her arm.

Yua cried out in pain and punched him off her arm knocking him away but his teeth had broken off and were now sticking out of her arm. She breathed heavily and scarcely and ripped the rotting teeth out of her arm dropping them in the snow. She looked back to Leod who was angry and charging at her fast. Before slamming his whole body against her pushing her back further and further until eventually she dropped. He had pushed her off the side of the mountain and the cold had disoriented her vision.

Leod looked down at the ground below. It was a long drop. He wasn't going to wait around for that. So he turned around and walked back to the castle to deal with the others.

Leod: Cocky pirates. Let me guess you wanted to become the king of the pirates too? Well your journey has ended here Miss Akari.

Leod's voice echoed down the mountain as he mocked and laughed at Yua unaware of what would follow. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲: 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹

Gan: What do you mean you made it here first! I did obviously there's no way you made it here first!

Mars: Oh really? Well lemme tell you something "Tankman" I watched you stumble down those steps way slower than me!

Gan and Mars had arrived at the same time. And now they were bickering like school children. So much so they didn't hear the ceiling above them creaking. After a painful few more minutes of insults and empty threats at each other the ceiling above them had been turned into a hole and the screams of soldiers could be heard as they fell around Gan and Mars. The two took cover and watched everything fall but the last thing seemed more familiar than the rest. They were watching Hakai fall and it seemed she'd made some sticky caramel and sent it down before her to land in. Gan put his face into his palm and Mars looked towards the hole above and sighed.

Mars: Now we know we can't trust all three of them not to draw attention.

Hakai landed in her big trampoline of caramel sinking into the yellowy brown mixture and smiled at them inside it when she saw them.

Gan: Your meant to be helping Yua. What are you doing?

Hakai jumped out and grabbed his beard.

Hakai: You! You be quiet. I am helping Yua. This is helping!

Mars: And….Don?

Hakai looked blankly to Mars and chuckled.

Hakai: He's… fine?

Gan: You have no idea do you!

Hakai: Not really no.

Mars: Well if you don't know if either of them are ok we need to get up there. And quick.

Gan: Our best bet is that door with that warning sign. It may have a central staircase that takes us higher up.

Hakai: Well stop talking about it and let's go!

Hakai ran to the door opening it quickly and Gan and Mars followed.

Gan: She's pretty strong…

Mars: It was a door chill out.

As the door opened the three were hit with a surprising wave of heat and smoke hit them. They all waved the smoke away to get a clearer look at the room but when the smoke clears they saw something completely unexpected.

The room was huge and there was a big pipe fitted into the wall gushing with water. Down into a pool on one side of the room. There were red and yellow tiles along the walls and floor and looked completely different from the rest of the base. And claw marks along some of the walls but right in the middle of the pool was a large white bump. Some kind of animal. And it was eating. It took Gan and Mars to notice what it was eating but their faces curled up in horror when they did. Hakai took a little longer because she was focusing on what looked to be a door to a stairwell on the other side of the room. But when she did notice she felt the need to express herself a little louder than the other two.

Hakai: OH MAN! Is that thing eating a human!

Gan and Mars glared at Hakai as did the beast. It's ears flicked up and it threw the corpse to the side. Gan looked at it and realised it was the mother of the baby Lapahns he had saved but Lapahns were creatures designed for the cold so why was one being kept in a sauna.

Mars: Ok Hakai so since you've alerted it now we have to fight it. Is that what you wanted? Are you pleased with the decision you made now?

Hakai: Well we don't know for certain it wants to kill us. And we could easily kill it first.

Gan: No.

Mars and Hakai looked at him and raised a brow each.

Mars: No? So your opposed killing things now?

Gan: Its a mother. I saw its children we have to knock her out at the very most. No killing.

Gan threw Murakumogiri into the door on the opposite side of the room to collect after and cracked his knuckles.

Mars: Aren't you kinda useless without that?

Gan: Shut up Cook. Let's make a deal. First to knock it down is the winner.

Mars stretched and readied herself and nodded.

Mars: Sounds pretty good.

Hakai looked at them confused but still prepared for combat. She made a long caramelised stick which thanks to the heat seemed to be stickier and hotter in fact Hakai herself was almost not really feeling the heat as badly as the other two. Her caramel was adapting to the heat.

Gan and Mars rushed the Lapahn and were immediately knocked back. Gan hit the door and Mars hit the wall beside it. Hakai twirled her caramel stick and jumped hitting the Lapahn on the head the stick breaking and sticking starting to burn it.

The Lapahn swung much harder hitting Hakai into the wall under the pipe of gushing water soaking her and leaving her dizzy.

The smoke in the room was slowly building and their vision was being hindered despite that the creature roared giving away its position. Gan ran up and punched it in the face and almost immediately got hit down into the water and Mars stood firmer in front of it preparing her attack.

Mars: One hundred ocean….Kick!

She leapt forward kicking the Lapahn directly in the stomach causing it to ripple and knock back the Lapahn into the wall causing tiles to fall off onto the floor in pieces.

Mars: See that Gan? That's how you fight without a weapon.

Gan: Shut up.

Gan got up and the two rushed it again both hitting it in the face cracking the wall with its head. It looked pretty dizzy and Gan and Mars seemed triumphant for a moment until they were both uppercut into the air and hit the floor hard. The Lapahn was on its last ropes yet roared with a similar ego to Gan and Mars assuming it had won.

Hakai: You're forgetting something!

The Lapahn turned to see Hakai steaming. She had spikes of melting caramel coming out of all directions and she was prepared to charge.

Hakai: I'll show you the true power of my Alkaramil style (caramel)

The spikes were sharp to a point and she was getting hotter and hotter the caramel dripping and sizzling as it hit the floor.

Hakai: Alkaramil Yaskhan style.. Caramel…

Hakai charged and rolled repeatedly drilling and cutting into the Lapahns skin burning it.

Hakai: Porcupine!

The Lapahn yelled out and fell back down bleeding and parts of its fur was black from being burnt and some yellowy brown sticky caramel spikes were stuck into its body. The Lapahn had finally been defeated.

Gan: Thank god that thing is down. Let's go.

Mars: Agreed.

The two opened the door after both simultaneously coughing up blood and looked at the staircase leading back up to the castle. And quickly made their way up meanwhile….

Hakai: I did it! I'm the victor! And the strongest crew member amongst the three of us. Bow before the great caramel… wait.

Hakai watched them leave and was appalled. No thanks or anything? How ungrateful. She charged up the stairs with them.

Hakai: Hey! Come celebrate how strong I am! This isn't fair! I did all the hard work! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺

Don and Joseph sat and watched over the unconscious king whom they'd put into his bed leaving the two alone to talk.

Joseph: So you don't remember me? What about the others?

Don: Others? Sorry I don't have a clue what you're talking about sure you look a little familiar and your name… but I'm sorry I don't remember a thing of what you want me to remember.

Joseph: There's no way you forgot what we lost that day. I got away by pure luck but you. You should be as dead as the rest of them. He should have killed you captain.

The mink welled up with tears and Don sat up in his chair confused.

Don: Captain? I was a captain?

Joseph turned staring him in the eyes with an upset pitiful look.

Joseph: Yes. My captain. You had big dreams too wanted to become a great pirate and remember you used to push yourself so hard. I'm sure you still do.

Don: I'm sorry Joseph. But whoever I was. I can't remember him. My life is a blur. It begins in one place and starts in another and as far as I'm concerned my life has only really started now and it's thanks to Yua and the rest of the crew that I'm even along for the ride. I'm not some brave captain you talk about. I nearly lost to a pig. I'm the biggest liability on this island and now I'm hearing I was one of the few people in this world to assemble a crew and sail the seas. It doesn't add up.

Don looked away and into his trembling hands. His head was aching and he was shaking like crazy. Joseph just sat and watched not knowing what to do. The attempt was useless if Don couldn't remember something specific. But there was a last thought that may be able to save his mind.

Joseph: What about the man?

Don: What man?

Joseph: The guy you know the man in the suit. The white suit.

Don froze and his eyes widened.

Don: White suit. The man in the white suit. I can see this person so clearly in my mind. I can picture him. He killed me? Didn't he?

Joseph: So you remember him. And what he did was less merciful than that Don. He killed them both right in front of you. Tsuyoi and Juro. While he forced you to watch.

Don put his head in his hands and sighed into them.

Don: Why can't I remember them as well as him. Why is he stopping me from remembering.

Joseph: Look Don I think you should really be more concerned with why your still alive right now. Remember them later. They'd understand. I'm sure they watch over you in their afterlife.

Don cried into his hands all he could see was a man in a white suit surrounded by fire and broken down trees. His face was blurry but his hair. His hair seemed alive.

Don looked to Joseph with red tear stained eyes and his upset weak look turned to anger.

Don: Who was he?

Joseph: We didn't know at the time. And I'm unsure why he destroyed us. Shortly after I swam away abandoning you all I was picked up by the Revolutionary and they said he was probably high up in the government.

Don grabbed Joseph and pinned him to the wall.

Don: You left us to die? Why would you do that? And Joseph no offence but everyone nowadays is associated with the government so you'll have to make a little more sense than that!

Joseph raised his arms placing them on Don's shoulders. And sighed heavily.

Joseph: I left on an order. That you made. You're letting this memory corrupt your mind Don. I can't tell you anything more about this person. Boss said he was likely a top fighter top intelligence too. Very high up. But that's as much as I've been told. I was told if I stay with the revolutionaries I'd meet him again and I intend to do so.

Don put Joseph down and looked down at the floor. He couldn't make sense of it all but the biggest mystery is why he still stood here today.

Don: So why do you assume I survived?

Joseph: You mentioned a crew earlier did you not?

Don: Yeah? Yua she's my captain she's weird but she's pretty cool I guess.

Don chuckled a little and Joseph smiled.

Joseph: Is there possibly anything abnormal about her?

Don: Why what are you getting at?

Joseph: Everything in the world happens for a reason. Our destruction was likely another cog in histories great plan. But you. You are still here by pure fate. Could it be possible that this girl was always meant to be your captain? That you were always meant to be her friend?

Don looked at Joseph and seemed perplexed. Yua certainly was an odd case. She could read those big stones and she wanted to be the king of the pirates for what seemed like a little bit of fun.

Don: She um. She wants to be the king of the pirates. She's certainly more aspiring than me.

Joseph: And do you believe in her? Do you think she has what it takes?

Don looked to the wall thinking about everything that was said. If Joseph was right. And Yua was always part of life's plan. Then he was always going to meet her. So does his purpose lie within the bond between him and the bubble pirates? Is he really not as useless as he claims?

Don: If your asking me if it'll happen. Then all I can tell you is…

The door burst open and Don and Joseph looked to see Gan and Mars trying to get through the door at the same time.

Gan: Ah Don you're safe!

Mars: Where's Yua?

Don's face fell into his palm and groaned feeling almost slightly embarrassed until both of the two were pushed through the door by Hakai who'd ran up behind them.

Hakai: Ah green hair! There you are!

Joseph: The crew in question I assume?

Don: Yep. We aren't your typical lot.

Gan and Mars got up and introduced themselves to Joseph as did Hakai eventually.

Hakai: So how's Yua doing? Has she won yet?

Joseph: Won?

Don: She's fighting that guy with the disgusting teeth and looks like a squirrel.

Joseph: Leod? He's incredibly disgusting.

Gan and Mars looked out the window to see a man sitting alone at the entrance to the castle.

Gan: That him?

Joseph came to the window and nodded but Leod had turned his head seeing the 3 faces in the window and walked around looking up at it.

Mars: Where's Yua I don't see her anywhere?

Hakai: She isn't there?

Don was still thinking deeply about everything but stopped hearing the situation.

Don and Hakai came to the window and Leod appeared to be smiling disgustingly and signaled them to open the window. To which Gan did almost instantly.

Hakai: You! Rat king! Where's Yua?

Leod: You mean the red head I assume? Your weak little captain? Why she took a little tumble down the mountain. Probably dead by the fall. Or the frostbite from what she was wearing. I mean who wears no shoes in the snow. She's incredibly stupid.

Gan, Mars and Hakai were prepared to jump out the window towards him in anger until a arm was raised in front of them.

Gan: Don. What are you doing?

Hakai: I'll break this if you don't move it!

Mars: Please Don move your arm.

Don stared not at Leod but the cliff side and gritted his teeth and Joseph smiled.

Don: Don't you three get it? This isn't our fight it's hers. And if you're really about to believe some fake king that Yua's dead you don't know her at all.

Don looked to the side of the cliff. He was determined to know. He wanted it to be made clear that fate kept him alive for a reason.

The three hung their heads and patted Don on the back while Leod laughed at him.

Gan: Don it's quite the drop. Yua's body she's not physically built well enough to survive that.

Mars: I'm sorry Don but as much as we want this to be true too. I'd be a miracle if she survived.

Don: Then a miracle it will be.

Leod laughed more and more at him and walked to the cliff side.

Leod: Here boy! Just for you I'll check up on the corpse bellow the mountain.

As Leod bent over something popped directly into his face knocking him onto his ass. Don lent on the window with a smile and wide eyes. And then the rest saw it. Bubbles. Big bubbles slowly freezing becoming solid and popping were rising up from the side of the mountain.

Leod: Bubbles? That's a most strange parting gift.

Don: That's no parting gift.

More and more bubbles started to appear until a manic sound of popping could be heard from the side of the mountain all the way until she appeared.

Yua appeared off the side jumping off the frozen falling bubbles all the way until she jumped and rolled into the snow on top. She was mostly blue and purple and her fingers and feet dripping with blood the claw mark on her back completely frozen over as she staggered to her feet.

Don: I knew it!

Joseph laughed and sat beside the real unconscious King.

Joseph: She sure is an odd one.

Hakai: Oh no Yua's in real bad shape.

Mars: She needs warmth almost immediately.

Gan looked at Don confused.

Gan: You knew? You knew she'd get back up? How?

Don looked to Gan and smiled with a tear in his eye.

Don: Sometimes life has a bigger plan for people.

Leod looked shocked and stood to his feet.

Leod: You little brat you survived? You should be dead for sure. There's no way you clung to the mountain that entire time!

Yua looked at her red dripping fingertips and forced a cold frozen smile.

Yua: And yet here I am. I believe you and I aren't finished.

Leod: Persistent. I like it.

Leod burrowed underground ready to attack Yua from any direction while the rest of the crew watched from the window as Joseph passed bandages to Gan and Mars who looked beat up a little from their fight already.

Don and Hakai stood watching closely and interested in what would follow in fact the whole crew was interested. Not a single one of them had seen their captain fight despite all this time together.

Yua breathed heavily and sniffed in the cold. She didn't move. What was the point in doing so if Leod was sneaking up on her anyway. She had formed a bubbly glove on her right hand the blood was seeping into the bubbles on her finger tips making them a slightly pinkish colour and she started thinking about the direction he could strike from. It would make no sense to come from the sides or in front of her. But below would be clever. Though there was a direction that made more sense. And she had a weakness there now.

Yua spun around and launched her fist behind her and struck Leod in the nose just as he'd popped out the ground. A slight crack could be heard following multiple sounds of popping and Leod was hit backwards into the snow holding onto his nose and shrieked in pain rolling around on the floor. Yua looked down at her hand and more bubbles started to form where the others had popped and they started to freeze again and change into a pinky colour from her blood.

She walked up to him slowly and punched down into his stomach and chest the popping sound continuing as she did. Until he finally coughed up a little blood and head butted her back to which she also coughed blood up.

Leod: Let's face it. You're way too weak in your condition to fight my superior form!

He stood up and watched as Yua did the same and then stood paralysed in fear as long trails of bubbles grew from her fingertips and around him freezing him into place.

Yua: Soap…..Snatch!

Leod: Wait just a second here what is this? You think this can restrain me?

Yua had made a big pink bubbly hand around Leod. It was tightening and freezing slowly until she moved it. She swung the arm and let go of her frozen bubbly creation sending it and Leod off the side of the cliff.

Leod: Wait a second here you can't do this I'm a king!

Yua gave chase to him and used the rest of her energy into one final attack.

Yua: Soap….

She jumped off towards him and kicked him downward.

Yua: Strike!

Leod hurtled to the ground below the mountain and Yua had kicked him so hard she'd been bounced back onto the mountain top.

Leod hit the snow hard going straight through it's thick layer and hit the ground hard knocking him out under the snow being left to freeze as he reverted back to his equally disgusting human form while unconscious.

Yua laid on the snow dizzy and cold and stared up at the falling snow. She could hear Don and Hakai celebrating a little before she heard heavy footsteps behind her.

Gan: You did a good job captain. Even while injured too.

Gan picked her up delicately and placed her on a warm white blanket.

Mars: You're freezing cmon let's get you inside.

Yua had been put on Mars who was back in her polar bear form just for the benefit of warmth and Mars accompanied by Gan walked back through the snow to the castle entrance to help Yua as she smiled and passed out on Mars's back. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿

Yua woke up slowly and groaned. She didn't have her same T-shirt or her precious blue sweater on and was instead was wrapped in bandages all around her body and hands. She was instead wearing a boring looking grey gown and her same leggings and skirt that she'd worn the whole time.

She got up to move but realised she was being weighed down. Hakai had squeezed herself into the hospital bed with Yua and was asleep and stopping her from sitting up which Yua found almost cute yet amusing. To her right she could see Don flopped over a chair cuddling a pillow under his head also asleep.

Yua managed to sit up eventually without waking Hakai and saw Gan at the foot of the bed resting against it also asleep. She looked to the window and sure enough it was night. Everyone would be asleep she was the only one awake. She scoured the room for any sign of Mars and eventually saw a big white ball in the corner of the room which she assumed was Mars as a bear and not a big white cushion.

There was a slight creek at the door which Yua turned and looked to. The dark figure of Joseph stood at the doorway and waved to Yua. She crept out of bed and walked out to a massive well lit room and a new dusted and polished throne with candles just about everywhere and certainly no sign of a hole in the floor.

Joseph: You feeling ok?

Yua: Kinda hungry but I'm alright.

The two heard a thud of a door closing beside them and there he was. The king of Drum island. He was wearing lots of purple and gold and had extremely thick small glasses and ran to Yua upon seeing her.

Joseph: Presenting. King Wuzu of Drum island!

Wuzu: Ahh my dear you're awake! It's so good to talk to you finally! Are you healthy? You should be I had all the citizens lend a hand when I heard what you did for us!

Yua laughed nervously and nodded.

Yua: Oh yeah I'm ok I'm a little hungry but that can wait till morning.

Wuzu: Nonsense nonsense my dear. You deserve a feast. Not that I can supply one at this time but I shall alert all citizens of your awaking this instant and they will likely give you great hospitality after all it is my kingdom!

The king started waddling off to a separate room within the castle and Yua was about to go after him until Joseph stopped her.

Joseph: Don't bother. He's stubborn. I recommend you wake your friends before he does.

Yua sighed with a smile and nodded running back into her room looking around at her friends not really knowing how to awake any of them. She walked over to Gan and pushed him over onto the floor and she broke one of the legs on Don's chair the two toppled down and hit the floor at the same time.

Gan: Ow…

Don: Fucking chair! I'll cut you!

Yua then bashed the wall hard with a random bucket she'd found near to Mars and then threw it towards Hakai barely missing her and rattling the bed.

Mars: H-Huh?

Hakai: Grrr.

Yua: You are all awoken! And I don't want to see such laziness again!

She giggled and smiled at them and they all looked towards a standing Yua happy and out of bed.

Hakai: Yua! You're ok!

Hakai had flung herself across the room to hug Yua and Don scrambled to his feet and went and joined the hug.

Don: Oh thank goodness!

Mars got up and transformed back to human and wrapped her arms around the three of them and and smiled softly.

The four of them then looked at Gan who was only just getting up.

Gan: Uh yeah. I'm really glad you're feeling better Yua.

The group hugging stared at him silently and he looked back confused.

Mars: Stop being such a serious ass for once. Your not too good for a hug.

Gan reluctantly joined them and they were all huddled together.

Gan: Now it's just awkward.

Don: Agreed.

Hakai: You all smell terrible.

Yua: I think you all smell fine.

Mars: That's because you've been passed out for days and you especially haven't washed.

Yua: That makes sense. Has anyone seen my sweater?

Mars: I sewed it up for you. I know how much you like it so I decided to fix it instead of throw it.

Don: It was a group decision.

Gan: It really wasn't. Hakai was pretty insistent we should keep it.

Hakai: And keep it we did.

Yua: Thank you.

The crew pet Yua's head and all broke away yawning in unison while Yua laughed. And then they heard the announcement ring out.

Wuzu: Everyone Everyone! Wake up immediately the captain of the Bubble Pirates has woken up! Let's make sure to give a warm welcome!

The radio announcement ended and Gan sighed heavily.

Gan: We really shouldn't have this much attention.

Don: Oh I think we'll be alright. Besides we aren't going to stop until we go the whole sea and more right? A little reputation never hurt anyone.

Mars: He's got a point. Well since people are coming I suppose they'll bring food. I'll go see if the kitchen wants any help.

Mars walked off out the room towards the kitchen and Yua smiled.

Yua: I wonder why they are choosing to celebrate us instead of turning us in.

Don: Probably my buddy Joseph convinced them. Speaking of which I'll see you guys down at the party!

Don whistled as he went and grinned back at Yua and she smiled back happy to see Don all cheered up.

Gan: Well I hope the party is a blast I'm staying here.

Hakai: You aren't coming? Why not?

Gan: Too much… uhhhh

Yua: There's probably gonna be booze Gan.

Gan got up and placed Murakumogiri against the wall and stretched.

Gan: Fine just this once.

He walked out and as the door swung open a crowd could be heard forming in the castle.

Yua: Sure is a lot of people.

Hakai: Only cause you helped em.

Yua: Are you going to do music?

Hakai: I might. If you request it.

Hakai chuckled and smiled at Yua.

Yua: Well if not we'll dance together. Something to keep you busy.

The two giggled and walked out to enjoy the party.

The party lasted the rest of till the early hours of the morning. The people of Snare Town brought food which was prepared by Mars and the cooks in Drum castle. The booze was taken good care of by Gan and the locals. Don and Joseph talked all night about their new lives without one another and swore the next time they fought together would be to take down the man that killed their old friends. Hakai spent the night mainly on stage frustrated by the local bands lack of talent though once she got them in order she had her dance with Yua. The hero of Drum island who was celebrated by everyone who saw her.

The next morning everyone was still around the castle. Most civilians had passed out or were cleaning up. And it was time for the Bubble Pirates to leave. King Wuzu and Joseph escorted them back to the ship to give them a final send off. And the Crimson Vulture was cold. It had icicles hanging from it like fangs and in all kinds of different places.

Joseph: So this is your ship? She's a fine vessel.

Yua: Yeah the Vulture is the best!

Wuzu: So where are you headed next?

Joseph: If you're following the Log Pose you'll be going to Arabasta correct? Personally I wouldn't want to go there at this moment especially with the revolutionaries starting a war. But if I'm needed I'll likely be called.

Yua and Hakai had gotten distracted by the snow and making snowmen of themselves. They both looked terrible but they really were trying their best. Mars was listening but something caught her eye and it seemed it caught Gan's too. On the hill to their left they could see a big Lapahn it didn't look harmed but it was surrounded by much smaller Lapahn. Gan smiled seeing them and teared up a little knowing he'd helped reunite them and waved to them subtly and watched them wave back like they understood him. Mars focused her attention onto the king again knowing she had something important he would need to know.

Mars: King Wuzu. In the base below your castle there's an office. There were blueprints on the table. Do you think you could…

Wuzu: Don't you worry dear. Nothing in there is going anywhere anytime soon. It's evidence against the government after all. We'll take care of it.

Mars nodded and got aboard The Crimson Vulture.

Don: I'll see you some other time huh Joseph.

Joseph: Of course. And if you meet that son of a bitch don't hesitate to kill him without me.

Don: Of course. I'll train long and hard for that fight.

Don and Joseph shook hands and smiled at each other and Don boarded the ship. Gan followed after him smiling at the Lapahn still knowing he'd made the right choice.

Wuzu: Well Miss Akari. I look forward to the day we meet again. Until then stay in good health.

Yua: Thanks! You too! Try not to get replaced again.

Hakai had finished her snow self and hopped on board and Yua followed behind her.

Wuzu: Joseph. As my new knight I command you to make the necessary preparations for Achuu's arrival.

King Wuzu marched off leaving Joseph to wave the Bubble Pirates off. As the Crimson Vulture got further away the more Joseph cried.

Joseph: Keep him safe for me. Future King of the pirates. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀

𝟯 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿

Achuu: Oh King Wuzu you are a generous man! Too generous!

Wuzu: Please please drink up good sir! It's only good hospitality for a new partner.

Achuu had arrived at Drum island and was being toured around the castle by Wuzu himself.

Achuu: So where is he? The traitor!

Wuzu: Leod's whereabouts are currently unknown to us. Miss Akari did defeat him though so he can't be far he's injured and alone now.

Achuu: Excellent! I'm sure you have your best men and women looking for him.

Wuzu: Your subordinate Joseph has been training with the Lapahn and has educated them far enough to scout for him. If you don't mind I would like for him to be the official guardian of the island if that's allowed.

Achuu: Certainly. You must be protected after all. He's a prime candidate if he's already built up a relationship with your surrounding wildlife.

Wuzu: Most excellent. There is a problem of ours though I feel must be addressed.

Achuu: Well what is it?

Wuzu: One of the pirates mentioned blueprints. In this very castle. But we have not yet found them. We have a suspicion that it's not for anything good.

Achuu: We too will keep an eye out. In the meantime just…

The call of Achuu's den den Mushi sounded and he picked up immediately.

Maku: Boss. I have something to report.

Achuu: Yes what is it?

Maku: All preparations are set to go.

Achuu: Truly splendid. Anything else.

Maku: A ship is on the horizon boss. It seems like it's time.

Achuu: Are you certain it's them?

Maku: We are fairly confident.

Wuzu: The war in Arabasta is beginning?

Achuu: Seems that way. And if those pirates decide to get involved the war may swing further in our favour.

Wuzu: Oh them? Well I wouldn't have any doubts. This war may change more than you think. Especially with them involved.

The two smiled at each other knowing fully well the fall of a warlord could impact everything. But the uncertainty of it all hung around the air like a curse. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~