34~ Little Garden

Mira

"I can see..." I glanced up from a book to see Usopp scanning the waters with his telescope. "A million Little Garden residents are out to greet Captain Usopp!" Oh, he's just fantasizing again. I looked back to my book and ignored him.

"The girl's high pitched cheers... Kisses being blown all over the place..." He's really going all out today. I shook my head and tried to focus. "Really, I'm so popular, it's almost a crime."

"Pft..." I couldn't hold back my laughter. "Usopp, you're funny!"

"Be nice, Mira!" I caught the apple he chucked at my head and took a bite. "Honestly, would it kill you to be nice?"

"No," I took another bite. "You're just too easy to pick on."

"You!" I caught the next apple and tossed it to Zoro.

"Look, free food." Zoro gave me a weird look, but ate the apple anyway.

"Mira-chan!" I looked up to see Sanji sticking his head out of the kitchen door. "I have something for you!"

"Alright, be right there!" I set my book down to go see what he could have. Knowing him, it's a dessert or a drink of sort.

I opened the door to the kitchen and inhaled. "Wow, that smells amazing!"

"Thank you," I sat at the table and watched Sanji walk over to us, a tray in each hand and one on his head. "This is today's dessert, Tarte aux Poires. Bon appetit." He set down the trays and poured us each a cup of tea. For mine, he added an extra dip of honey.

"Wow! Looks delicious!" Nami, Vivi, and Usopp stared in amazement at the food. I quickly took a tarte before Usopp could reach for one.

"Yours is over there!" Sanji jabbed a thumb at the counter.

"Okay!" Usopp quickly raced over to grab one before Luffy ate them all. Speaking of which, where is Luffy?

"Hm?" I glanced up at Sanji as I took a bite. "Where is Luffy?"

"I was just thinking that," I said around my bite. I swallowed before I spoke again. "Normally, he'd be here pestering you the entire time about when the food would be ready."

"Hey, enjoy it while you can," Usopp said as food flew from his mouth. "We actually get to eat in peace and not worry about him taking our food!"

"I guess," I shrugged and took another bite of the heavenly food. I took a sip of my tea to wash down the crumbs and sighed happily. Another perfect pairing.

"Oh, I'd asked him to go draw the water," We all looked to Nami. "I want to take a shower. I think he's at the water drawing machine right now."

"Ah, that's why he's not up here." I grinned and took another sip of my tea. "He's busy. As Usopp said, we can eat in peace for once." Not even two seconds after I spoke, a loud explosion caused me to freak and almost drop the tea cup. I felt my tail fuzz and my nails elongate.

"What the hell was that?!" I shouted as I stood.

"Tell me that's not what I think it is..." We followed Nami outside just as Luffy came out of a small door.

"Ah, that scared me!" He held his hat as he peered into the small doorway. "That thing is dangerous!"

"What happened?" Nami asked as she leaned over the railing.

"Luffy!" Usopp gasped as he got on the other side and held onto the railing for support. "Why'd you break it?!" He leaped down and I peered in. The water drawing machine was busted and smoking.

Great...

"I was just trying to draw the water faster!" Luffy placed his hands on his hips.

Usopp pushed past him and went in. "Oh boy... the belt's been burned and broken."

"Yeah, I wonder how that happened." Luffy said as Nami jumped over the edge and swung her arm back as far as possible.

Her fist collided with his head. "It's because of your ridiculous strength! Geez..."

"Can it be fixed?" Vivi asked Usopp as he stepped out of the small room.

"Well, we have to get materials from somewhere." He sighed as he shut the door.

"In any case, I probably shouldn't ask him to do anything." I giggled as Nami frowned at Luffy, who looked stupid and oblivious as always.

"Oh, Mira!" I looked over to Luffy to see a huge grin in place. "Your tail looks like a bottle brush!"

"What?!" I pulled my tail around to see it still puffy. "That was all your fault!" I snapped as I tried to fix it. He just laughed. I gave him a quick hiss before I went back into the kitchen to finish my dessert.

As I went to take a sip of my tea, something made me stop. "What the- Herman! This is not a hot tub! Out!" I picked him up by a claw and set him on a napkin. "Ah... now you're all sticky and my tea is gonna have a sea food taste." I dried him off as best I could before giving him a piece of my tarte. He happily munched on it as I swapped my tea cup for Luffy's. That'll teach him.

While the rest of the crew talked about the next course of action, I sat with Herman and talked about random things. I told him what happened with Vivi and the weird people we fought. All the while, he sat and listened, raising a claw every now and then to show he was trying to respond.

Soon, everyone joined up in the kitchen to eat their food.

"Sanji, my tea tastes weird." Luffy said after he drank the whole cup.

"Not my problem you didn't come to drink it sooner." He said as he cleaned the dishes.

"But Sanji, it tastes like fish."

"Fish?" I held back a laugh as Sanji turned. "That can't be right. You don't put fish in tea!" I sipped from my new cup. "Mira, that wasn't the cup I gave you."

I met his gaze, then looked away. "Herman decided to go for a swim in my cup, so I gave it to Luffy."

"AAAHHH!" Luffy clutched at his throat. "I drank Herman!!"

"No, he's right here," I gestured to Herman, who sat beside my cup. Luffy let out a huge sigh of relief.

I glanced up when the sound of a page turned. "Nami, when did the paper get here?"

"A couple minutes ago," She replied. "I can't believe they deliver the morning paper at snack time. "

"That's a bit late," I pushed my empty tarte bowl away from me and ran a finger over Herman's shell.

"Yeah," She turned another page.

"That can't be helped since we're traveling in the Grande Line." Vivi said softly. "We should feel lucky that we can still get the news."

"I guess you're right." Nami giggled as she turned the next page.

A few seconds of silence passed before Vivi spoke again. "Did something catch your eye?" She asked when Nami leaned in closer to the paper.

"Huh? Ah, no, not really." She turned the page faster than normal. She sounded... off.

"I see," Vivi let it drop and fed Karoo his treat.

I shrugged and traced the swirl on Herman's shell. Now that I look at him, he is getting kinda big. He might need a new shell soon so he doesn't get cramped.

I jumped when hands slammed the table and Luffy nearly climbed on top of it.

"The hell!" I picked up Herman to keep him from getting squished.

"Wh-what is it...?" Nami asked as she held the paper away from his sticky hands.

"Here! Zoro, Mira, look!" He pointed to the page. Zoro and I got up to see what he was looking at.

The second I saw the picture, I paled. No...

"What? This is just a picture of the Navy," Nami sighed and showed him the paper.

"Ah, but the guy in this picture isn't just anyone." Luffy chuckled.

"Hey, it's Koby!" Zoro exclaimed as I slowly backed away. It can't be... The picture is hilarious and I should be laughing, but I had been suddenly claimed by a huge wave of terror. He's here... he's in the Grande Line... And he's with the Navy...

All of their voices slowly faded as I felt myself shake in place. Everyone huddled around Nami, staring at the picture. I felt my breath coming out heavy and quick as I stood frozen in place. I thought I was finally free of him... I thought that by leaving , I would never see him again...

But now he's in the Grande Line and will be training with the Navy. If he tells them about me, there could be a huge search for my head and all the officers will be dying to see me executed. If he told them about what my parents said, they'd all come after me, him leading the brigade.

Something small touched my finger. I glanced down to see Herman touching me with his claw. Even though he's so tiny, his expression showed concern.

Seeing that brought me down to reality. Nami was reading the article to the crew. I watched Herman scurry away to Zoro's arm. He lifted his claw and pinched him.

"OW! What the hell!" He glared down at Herman. "What do you want, pipsqueak?" Herman came back over to me.

"Mira...?" Only then did they look up at me. "Mira, what's wrong?" Zoro stood and held my shoulders. "You're as pale as a sheet. What happened?"

I gulped. "It's... it's him."

"Him?" Nami asked as the paper was set down. "Him who? Koby?"

"No..." I whispered. "Not Koby. The other guy."

"Other guy?" Luffy asked. "Oh! You mean the weird blond kid!"

"Helmeppo..." Zoro growled.

"Isn't he the son of Axe-Hand Morgan?" Nami asked.

"Yes..." I whispered as I wrapped my arms tightly around me. "And the one who was behind those awful things that were done to me back on my island." Zoro pulled me against his chest.

"What's the deal?" Luffy asked.

"He's with the Navy now." I said into Zoro's chest. "If he somehow manages to climb the ranks, he could tell the Navy about me and a huge man hunt will ensue. He'll tell them what my parents said about me. Do you really think the Navy will want someone alive who could 'destroy the world'?"

"And now you're afraid..." Zoro sighed and pulled away. "Don't be. That guy's a cry baby and will probably be kicked out within a week or so. You'll never see him again. I promise."

I met his kind gaze. "Okay..."

"Now, who's ready for a game!" Nami suddenly exclaimed.

"Game?" Luffy grinned. "I love games!"

"It's an extreme version of hide and seek." She explained. "One person is It and they have to find everyone. Here's the catch: you also have to grab their flag." She picked up one of the cloth napkins from the table and gave it to Vivi.

"Sounds fun!" Luffy quickly grabbed a napkin.

"So, who's it?" Vivi asked.

"Usopp, since he's not here." Nami said as she picked up her own napkin. "I'll go tell him he's It while the rest of you go hide. Hurry!" We scrambled into action. I stayed put for a few moments before I left the kitchen to hide.

"Hey," I looked up to see Zoro standing beside me. "You gonna be okay?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I'll be fine. I just need to get my mind off things." I slowly walked off to find a place to hide. I know Nami's doing this to help me feel better. I just hope it works.

I decided to hide in Nami's tangerine grove. I found the tree in the exact center and climbed up so I was hidden by all the leaves and fruit. I held my "flag" close to me and waited for Usopp.

"Wait, it?" I heard him shout. "It for what? H-hey! Nami! It for what?! Nami!!" And so the game begins.

~~~~~~

"You guys are not fair!" Usopp waved his fork at us. "I had no idea what was going on and it took me several hours to find you all. And then to find out I had to grab your flag?! Not cool and not fair!"

"Hey, at least you didn't cheat!" Nami glared at me and I ignored her. "You didn't freeze time to get the advantage over us and take our flags without us knowing!"

I met her glare as I took a bite. "Who, me?"

"Yes you!" She snapped as the others laugh. "We had to do that whole round over just because you thought it was okay to use your Neko abilities to win!"

"What? I would never!" I grinned as she hardened her gaze. It melted away after a few seconds as we all shared a laugh. I was right. This did cheer me up a lot more than I was expecting. I feel happier knowing that Helmeppo is not going to make it into the Navy and will flunk. He won't come after me and I can continue to sail with my friends on glorious adventures.

After dinner, I headed down to my room to get ready for bed and read. I curled my tail around my legs as I propped the book on my knees. I felt relaxed and at peace. Today was a great day and I wouldn't want it any other way.

I just hope we can play that game again. What they don't know is that I froze time again to see where they were and get their flags faster.

I chuckled to myself and turned the page.

~~~~~~

The next day started out bright and cheery. The sun was shining down on the Going Merry and the wind was blowing right into our sails. Everything was going right for once. I stood at the very front of the ship, letting my hair flow out behind me. My eyes were shut and I was enjoying the sea breeze.

The rest of the crew was near the back of the ship. I could faintly hear them talking about the weather and snow. I chuckled to myself and tucked some hair behind my shoulders. If it snowed, it would be a miracle in this very tropic weather.

"Hey, guys!" I looked behind me to see Sanji with a tray of drinks. "Wanna have my special drink?" Instantly, we were all leaving our areas to follow Sanji with the magic drinks. I was first in line, despite being the farthest away. I took a sip of my drink and moved some of my hair from my face.

"It's amazing!" I grinned as I took another sip. Sanji, Usopp, Zoro, Luffy, Karoo, and I sat in a circle on the main deck, enjoying our drinks. Neither Vivi nor Nami has shown up yet, so Sanji will be guarding their glasses with his life.

"Hey, Usopp. Make me a fishing tackle." Luffy said as he set his empty glass down.

"Fishing, huh?" Zoro grinned. "That's a good idea."

"Hey, I'm a good fisher!" I pouted.

"But in order for you to fish, someone needs to hold you over the edge of the ship." Usopp pointed out. "Plus, you can only catch one fish at a time! In order for us to have our own meals, we'd need about twenty fish a day!"

"Piece of cake." I waved him off. "Just make a large net and I'll freeze time and go in the water. The fish will be frozen in place and I can catch them easier."

"Alright!" He grinned. "So I'll make Luffy a super artistic fishing rod and you a large, sturdy net so you can go deeper in the water! We'll have fish for days!"

Usopp pulled out a sheet of paper and began to sketch his designs. I looked away and spotted Karoo playing with his straw.

"It goes like this," Sanji guided the straw back into the glass. In less than a second, the drink was gone. We stared in amazement. "Wow, you sure can drink. Is it good?" He passed the duck another drink. Once again, it was gone in a second. Another drink was placed before him.

Sanji stood and grabbed a large pitcher that held more of the drink. He poured glass after glass for this duck who just kept drinking it faster than it could be served.

"Chug! Chug! Chug!" I chanted as Karoo never stopped.

"Attaboy!" Usopp cheered him on. "Go, go, go, go, go!"

I watched as Karoo's eyes suddenly swirled and he stopped drinking. I gasped. "Brain freeze!" I shouted just as Karoo threw his head back and let out a cry. He fell back and a small fountain of the drink spewed from his beak.

We laughed at him as I rubbed his head to help. "Stupid Karoo!" Usopp chuckled. Once Karoo was back on his feet, we moved closer to the front of the ship and stared at the pure blue water.

"Hey, everyone, look!" Sanji pointed just as a dolphin leaped out of the water.

"So pretty!" I stared in amazement as more dolphins swam beside the boat with us. It's not every day we get to experience something as magical as this.

"Mira, can you talk to the dolphins?" Luffy asked as he scanned the waters for more dolphins.

My eyes twitched. "I'm a Neko, not a fish. Two totally different species. I thought I told you that back when we fought Arlong?"

"I forget." I sighed and leaned on the railing. Of course he did.

Just then, a loud noise sounded to our left. We looked up and my eyes widened. A shadow covered the ship and sea water rained down on us as the dolphin jumped over us. I tipped my head back as far as it would go to follow him.

"It's huge!!" Luffy shouted as the dolphin five times the size of our ship landed back in the water, sending large waves over the water's surface and splashing us with more water. I watched the dolphin swim off, taking the much smaller ones with him.

"Let's go!" Luffy shouted once more so we could correct our course to avoid the tsunami like waves coming for us. I raced off to adjust the sails in the back of the ship so we could catch another cross wind.

"Completely unfurl the sails!" I heard Luffy call from the other side of the ship.

"Got it!" We called back to him as we made the adjustments.

"This side is stuck!" I heard Usopp shout.

"I got it!" I secured my side and raced over to help Usopp. He was up on the main mast trying to fix the tangled ropes. I slid my foot back and jumped. I used the momentum to spring off the mast and head for the rail in front of the kitchen.

"Hi, Vivi,"

"Hi, Mira," I winked and leaped once more to grab the rope ladder and climb the rest of the way up.

"Ready, go!" I found the tangled mess and quickly got it undone. The sail opened completely and we caught a nice gust of wind to carry us away from the large waves coming right for us.

I turned back around to see the large dolphin coming back. He's gonna try and jump in the ship! I adjusted the main sail, giving us more area to catch the wind.

"Okay!" I looked down to Luffy. "Ride the wave and shake him off!" Ah, so that's the plan! I grinned down at him and looked back to the dolphin.

"Steady!" I called to everyone who was waiting. I had a better view of the dolphin and could warn us ahead of time. "Steady! Now!" The dolphin leaped back into the air and crashed back into the water. We caught the huge wave, taking it so we could get away from the school of dolphins.

"Woohoo!" I tossed my hands up in the air as the dolphins turned around to leave us alone. "That was amazing! Again, again!"

"Maybe next time, Mira!" Nami called up to me.

I grinned down at her. "Okay!" I helped Usopp secure the sails in place and climbed back to the main deck.

"Nami, which way should the ship take?" Luffy called to her.

"Hold on, let me check." I landed back on the deck and let out a breath. That was fun!

"Turn to port, full!" She called down to them.

"Right!" The guys quickly set to work correcting our path. The ship turned and we sailed on. I sat against the edge of the ship and sighed, happy to relax this time.

I folded my hands behind my head and smiled. This was nice. I can't wait until we can do something like that again. The atmosphere slowly relaxed on the ship. Zoro took a seat beside me. I lowered my arms as he draped one of his over my shoulder.

"Zoro-"

"It's alright." He said as he tipped his head back.

I grinned up at him and snuggled close. Soon, he was asleep beside me, snoring rather loudly. I giggled.

"Aren't they just cute?" I heard a voice whisper.

"Mm-hm." Another agreed. My ears twitched to catch the conversation between Nami and Vivi. "They compliment each other pretty well. Mira is able to counteract Zoro's stubbornness and he helps her be more laid back and goal oriented."

"Are they a couple?" Vivi asked.

"I have no idea." Nami sighed. "As far as I know, they're not. I haven't heard them confess their love for each other yet, but they did almost kiss when we entered Reverse Mountain."

"Wow," Vivi sighed softly. "They really should confess to each other. Then maybe we could set up a cute candle light dinner for them!"

"Hey, great idea!" The two of them raced off.

I smiled to myself. They really think Zoro would swallow his pride and admit he likes me in front of the entire crew? As if. They probably expect him to make the first move on me. Knowing him, he'd do it in private. They're asking too much of him.

"Guys!" I looked up to Usopp in the crow's nest. "I see land! Land!"

"Alright!" I turned to wake Zoro. "Get up, sleepy head! There's land ahead!"

"Huh, wha-?" He yawned and rubbed his eyes. "Land? Finally." He helped me stand and we went to join everyone at the front of the ship.

I stared out onto the horizon, spotting the two large mountains standing in the middle of the island. I could see the green in the trees from here. I grinned and touched something. When I glanced down, I noticed that Zoro had taken my hand. I looked back up to see him staring straight ahead, a small smile in place.

Maybe he will formally confess one day. I stared back at the island as it got closer.

Little Garden. What will you be like?

~~~~~~

Little Garden is... not what I was expecting. I was expecting more of a place with blooming flowers everywhere, rolling hills, soft breezes, and townsfolk dressed in light, flowing clothes with bright smiles on their faces. Birds would fly over us as petals danced on the wind that never seemed to slop.

But this...

I glanced at the spooky, dark jungle before us. Trees bent and twisted together as they grew, vines climbing their way up the bark. The bushes were thick and unkempt; I could hardly see the ground. Strange bird cries made the hair on the back of my neck stand up as what sounded like monkeys screamed in the distance.

This is not what I had in mind at all.

We all stood at the front of the Going Merry as we drifted along the smooth water. "So this is Little Garden!" Luffy was the first to break the silence.

"What's 'little' about it?" Zoro scoffed as he took it all in.

"This place doesn't quite fit its name," Nami added as I nodded.

"You're telling me," I tried to find any animal that might be threatening. "This place is freaky. I don't like it."

"It's like a terra incognita!" Usopp said with a shaky voice. "It's a thick jungle!" He backed away with his hands raised.

"We have to be careful," Vivi warned us. "I'm worried about what Miss All Sunday was saying. She said we'd all be wiped out before we even reach Alabasta."

"Are you saying a monster will appear?!" Usopp's voice broke and shook with every word. Sweat fell off his body as fear started to overcome him.

"Who knows?" Nami shrugged.

Usopp cried out in a panic. "Let's go to our next destination without going ashore on this one!"

"It doesn't quite work like that," I cut in as I leaned against the railing.

"Mira's right," Nami looked to her Log Pose. "The Log Pose can't be stored so quickly. It takes time."

"Also, we need to stock up on food," Sanji added. "We didn't get anything in the last town we were in."

"There's a river mouth there," We all looked up to see where Zoro was pointing.

"What?"

"Really?"

Sure enough, there it was. A small little waterway for us to go through to land. We took the narrow winding path and searched for a nice place to dock. "I hope there's a BBQ restaurant in here." Luffy said as he helped prepare the ship to land.

"I seriously doubt that," I muttered as Sanji scolded him for even thinking that.

"But you said we were going to stock up on food," Luffy whined as he pouted.

"We'll collect food to cook later!" He gave a heavy exasperated sigh. "Geez, what're you thinking?"

"He's thinking with his stomach, not his brain." Sanji choked on his smoke at what I said.

"It's dangerous to go ashore." Nami put a stop to our bickering. "Just take a look at the plants to start with. I've never seen anything like them, even in encyclopedias." A harsh cry of a large bird cut off her next words. She cried out and flinched.

"How cute!" Sanji muttered with a smile on his face. I sent him a glare as he puffed little hearts in his smoke.

"You mean me?" Usopp winked at Sanji. I thought I was going to die holding back my laughter.

"Obviously I was talking about Nami-san!" That did it. I held my stomach as laughter escaped. I couldn't control it. That was too perfect!

My laughter suddenly cut out as an idea struck. "No, it wasn't Nami. You were worried about Zoro's safety!"

"Excuse me? How did I get dragged into this?!"

"Why the hell would I care about Marimo!?" I laughed harder as those two began to exchange words.

When I managed to look up a bit to catch my breath, my laughter stopped completely. I froze, fear stricken as a huge bird with razor talons swooped right for Sanji.

"Sanji, look out!" I cried out as Nami and Usopp screamed and ran for the back of the ship.

"What's the matter?" He slowly turned and looked up. The bird was right there to snatch him up. I screamed and ducked as a strong force came down upon me.

I peeked through my fingers to see Sanji leap out of the way just in time. Slowly, I sat up and watched the behemoth of a bird fly off. It looked more like a prehistoric bird I saw in a picture book once.

"What was that for, you damn bird?!" Sanji shouted after it as he rubbed his head. I picked up one of the feathers that had floated down. It was easily the size of my arm.

"A lizard?" Luffy stared after it. "I wonder if it tastes good."

"Now's not the time!" I snapped at him. My next words were suddenly cut off by the sound of an explosion. It rocked the waters and the boat, throwing us in different direction.

"Now what was that?! I whined, knowing for sure I didn't like this place. Smoke and soot hung in the air around us.

"Is that the kind of noise you hear from any kind of jungle?" Nami's voice shook with fear as her eyes widened.

"It sounded like a volcano erupted!" Usopp clutched at the side of his head. The only ones who didn't seem phased at all by this were Sanji, Luffy, and Zoro. They just stood there calmly and coolly.

"How can you guys stay calm through all this?" I asked as I moved closer to Zoro.

Luffy just shrugged. "I don't know. I'm just hungry and waiting to find a place to eat."

I deadpanned and looked away. "Of course you are..."

A growl suddenly sounded to our right. I slowly glanced over and spotted a larger than life tiger slowly stalking towards us.

"A tiger?!" Nami gasped out as she gripped the railing.

"It's huge!" Usopp scampered to the other side of the ship as the tiger kept pace with our ship.

"Mira, can you talk to it?" Luffy suddenly asked as I backed away from the railing.

"I-I don't think that thing will listen to reasoning!" I flinched as it growled and showed its massive fangs at us. I stopped backing away as blood spurt from its mouth. What the...? It collapsed to the ground, dead.

"What?!" Nami raced back to get a better look. "What just happened?! This isn't normal! This is definitely not normal! Why does a tiger, king of the jungle, fall covered in blood!?"

"If that thing is dead..." I felt myself pale. "Then that means something bigger got it..."

"Don't say that!" Nami and Usopp whimpered.

"It's decided!" Usopp shook in his boots. "We're not going to be landing here on this island!"

"I second that notion!" I raised my hand.

"We'll quietly wait on the ship until the Log Pose is stored!" Nami stated firmly. "Then, we'll leave this island as soon as possible."

"Right!" Usopp said in a quiet voice.

Nami's eye twitched. "We have to get to Alabasta quickly... Let's just hope this doesn't take forever. Zoro, drop the anchor. Here is a good spot to stay." He nodded and dropped the anchor into the water. It landed with a large splash. We came to a stop and floated in place.

Not to my surprise, Luffy began to laugh excitedly. He's itching to get off and explore. "Sanji! Make lunch for me!

"Lunch?"

"Yeah!" He turned to face him. "For replenishing energy! A 'pirate lunch' with lots of meat and no veggies! I can smell adventure in the air!"

"But I thought we'd agree to stay on the boat!" I protested.

"Yeah, where are you going?!" Nami got in his path. "We're staying on the boat!"

"Adventure!" Sparkles danced around Luffy. "Wanna come along? Adventure! Adventure!"

Nami slowly looked away, tears streaming down her cheeks. Our captain is hopeless...

"Sanji, make lunch for me!" Luffy repeated as Sanji started walking for the kitchen.

"Okay, hold on a bit," He lifted his hand a bit as he told Luffy to wait.

"Say, can I come with you?" I tensed and faced Vivi. Not you too...

"Sure!" Luffy grinned wider. "Come, come! Adventure, adventure! Sanji, food!"

"It's coming!" He called from the kitchen.

"Not you, too!" Nami scolded Vivi.

"If I just sit around here, I may start thinking about all sorts of things," Well, that's a weak excuse... "I'll go out to take my mind off things until the Log is stored."

"No way!" Nami snapped. "It may be okay for Luffy, but it's too dangerous for you!"

"I'll be fine," She assured Nami with a smile. "Karoo will be with me."

The duck's eyes bugged wide as he squawked. I don't need a translator to know he cried "WHAAAAT?!"

Nami got a closer look at the poor duck. "He looks too shocked to say a word, though."

"Then I'll make a lunch filled with love for Vivi-chan," Sanji said from the kitchen.

"Can you prepare something to drink for Karoo?" Vivi asked.

"Of course!" He went back into the kitchen. "Leave it to me!" I fell to my knees, not believing that exchange even happened. I'd expect this from Luffy, but not Vivi. She better not get hurt out there. I'll kill Luffy for giving her that idea.

After a while, Sanji came out with two bags. He gave the first to Vivi. She strapped it to Karoo's saddle and climbed on. He then draped the other over Luffy's back and tied the drawstring for him. Once done, he turned to Karoo and filled his wooden travel cup with a drink and draped it over his neck.

"Now you're all set," He said as he stepped back. "Two pirate lunches and a spectacular drink for Karoo."

"Okay!" Luffy stepped onto the rail and leaped for shore. Vivi and Karoo followed soon after him.

"See you later!" Vivi called to us as she waved. She's nuts for wanting to do this... but if it'll help clear her mind, I guess it's okay. She just has to stay with Luffy and she'll be fine.

"Let's go!" Luffy jogged off, Karoo right behind him.

"We'll be back in a little while!" Soon, they were out of sight, lost in the sea of trees and foliage.

"Miss Wednesday sure is brave," Usopp crossed his arms as he watched them go.

"As to be expected from someone who infiltrated an enemy organization." Nami sighed to herself.

"At least we know Luffy can look after her." I shrugged and went to lean against the railing. "I'm sure they'll return in one piece."

"Well," I looked up to see Zoro pop his neck. "I'm bored too, so I'll go take a walk."

"But you'll get lost!" I blurted out, instantly regretting what I said.

"Will not." He scoffed. "I'll know how to get back. I'll just have to go north, right? So wherever I am, I'll just turn left."

"That's not how it works!" I leaped to my feet. "I'll go with you so you don't get lost!"

"Whatever." He jumped over the edge and landed on the ground. "Heave ho!" I jumped over the railing and landed beside him.

"Ah, Zoro!" Sanji called after him. "Wait up!"

"Yeah?" We looked over our shoulders to see Sanji at the edge of the ship.

"We're short on food," He said. "If you two see animals that look edible, bring them back."

I nodded. "No problem,"

"Right, got it." We walked off together to explore the expansive jungle of Little Garden. "I'll bring back one that you can't possibly capture."

"I'm sorry, what?" I pulled him to a stop. "Are you trying to make this a game?"

"Yeah," Sanji growled behind us. "Hold on a minute, bastard! I can't let that remark go unchallenged! You can capture a bigger one than I can, you say?!"

"Guys, let's just think rationally about this," I tried to stop their feud.

"Of course I can," They completely ignored me... Static sparked in the air between them as they scowled at each other. This is not gonna end well...

"Then, it's a hunting match." Sanji declared as he stood up straighter. He jumped down beside us and gave Zoro a glare. "Look! We'll compete over how many kilos of meat we get."

"Didn't you mean to say how many tons?" Zoro corrected him.

"Guys, come on." I tried again to get between them. "Let's just go out, try to find food, and not compete in a match!"

"And don't think I'll be going easy on you, Mira-chan!"

"Excuse me?"

"This is a hunting game between all three of us!" He said sternly. "you and Zoro can't team up because that would be cheating! We each have to try and bring back the most meat to declare the winner!"

"How the hell did I get dragged into this?!" I clutched at my hair as I stared at the two insane men before me.

Sanji faced Zoro once more. "You can talk cocky once you've brought back some prey."

"I'll take you up on that!" With that, the two raced off in different direction.

I stood there, dumbfounded. How did this even happen? It was just supposed to be a nice walk with Zoro. I wasn't expecting to be pulled into a hunting game with these two. Men and their egos...

With a heavy sigh, I faced the ship and called out to Nami and Usopp. "Guess I gotta go. See you two later."

"Bye, Mira..." The two sulked. I gave them one last wave before heading into the thick jungle before me.