Carried on Strange Tides

Waking up on a deserted island is not my idea of a holiday. Neither is finding out I've somehow been blasted across dimensions into a world far too dangerous for any normal person to survive. Good thing I'm no longer normal thanks to a bloody fruit!

And here we are again. Nothing to say here except Enjoy!

Chapter 4

You know, I think its kinda scary how blase I was about all the bullshit that happened to us over the next couple of days. I never once thought that I'd consider a blizzard, hailstones the size of footballs, thunderstorms and scorching weather so hot I actually started to steam to be par for the course. And yet, thats exactly what happened over the next couple of days that we spent on the Going Merry. Of course, the fact I was expecting it didn't make dealing with it any less exhausting and by the time the weather stabilized the entire crew was laid out, utterly exhausted. Well, except Zoro who'd been asleep the whole time.

"What are you two doing here?"

Speaking of…

"You just now noticed us?" I groaned as I tried to keep my body from melting into a puddle.

"We're giving them a lift," said Luffy.

"Why? Its not like we're obligated," said Zoro.

"I know."

"Hmm."

Zoro turned back to us.

"You know, there's something familiar about you two," he said.

"Meep!"

I have to say, seeing Zoro looming over me was fucking terrifying.

"What did you say your names were again?"

"I-I'm Miss Wednesday," stuttered Vivi.

"A-and I'm Mr 9," I stuttered.

Seriously, Zoro's scary!

"Thought so," said the Swordsman, "You know, something's been bugging me about those names for a while now. I think I've heard of something similar before, but I can't remember where."

Vivi and I sweated under his glare, before he suddenly turned away with a shrug.

"Or maybe not."

We both let out a breath of air we didn't realize we were holding.

"Good god, that was scary," I breathed.

"No kidding," said Vivi, "Do you think he knows?"

"Very possible," I said, "I suggest warning Mr 8 about that when we get home."

"What are you two whispering about?" asked Zoro.

"N-nothing!" we both yelped.

Fortunately for Vivi and I, Nami chose that moment to march over and punch Zoro in the head for sleeping on the job.

"Alright everyone, we need to be on guard," shouted the Navigator, "This Ocean is unlike anything I've ever seen, we need to be ready for literally anything!"

"Um, are we gonna be OK?" asked Usopp, who looked like he was about to pass out.

"We'll be fine," said Nami, "Things will work out, one way or another. Besides, the first leg of our journey is over!"

She pointed into the distance where the massive, cactus like mountains of Whisky Peak were coming into view.

I glanced at Vivi, who nodded and we rolled to our feet.

"And with that, we'll be taking our leave," I said.

"Thanks for the lift, I hope we meet again," said Vivi.

"Tata!"

We both jumped away from the ship as I swiftly formed a skintight layer of my water over my skin as we hit the water. I could already feel the affects of my stopgap starting to fail, but we had enough time to swim for shore. That didn't stop me from keeling over as soon as we landed, gasping for breath.

"Are you OK?" asked Vivi.

"I'll be fine," I wheezed, "You go on ahead and warn the others that the Strawhats are coming. I'll be right behind you."

"Well, OK, if you're sure," said Vivi.

"Yes, now go."

The Princess in disguise hesitated, before running of in the direction of the town.

"You knew I was here, didn't you?" asked Robin as she stepped out from behind a nearby rock.

"I did," I said, getting to my feet, "Now what do you want?"

"To warn you," said the Archaeologist, "Crocodile has somehow found out about the Princess and her guard and the fact they know his identity. He's sending Mr 5's team to deal with them."

"I see," I said, "And you're warning me because..?"

Robin just smiled politely.

"I hate that smile," I muttered.

Robin chuckled.

"I'll see you around Aqua man," she said.

"Oh god, do not call me that," I groaned.

Robin just smirked as she hopped off the cliff and disappeared. I rolled my eyes and turned to the direction of the town.

"Right, time to go deal with a bunch of loud idiots before getting my ass blown to bits," I said, before sighing, "Is it weird that I can say that without being in the least bit worried about dying? Eh, who cares? And I'm talking to myself. Dandy."

I shook my head and headed back to town.

I arrived at the hut on the outskirts that served as Baroque Works HQ within the town where I found Vivi already hard at work writing out the report.

"So, hows it going?" I asked.

"Nearly done," said Vivi, "How are you feeling? I know that trick really takes it out of you."

I shrugged and sat down across from her.

"I'll be fine. Nothing a short rest won't fix."

"Thats good because we might need to fight later," said Vivi.

I raised an eyebrow.

"Is that likely?" I asked, "I mean, none of that crew really seemed that smart. I would have thought the others would have no problem tricking them."

"We should still be prepared."

"True."

I stretched and got to my feet.

"I'm gonna go grab my sword back from the armoury and grab some food while I'm at it," I said, "Coming?"

"Sure."

We headed into town, stopping by the armoury so I could grab my sword that I had left behind since it wouldn't have been any help on the mission and I really didn't want to lose it. Once that was done, we headed to the town hall where we found Igaram stood outside, staring up at the cactus rocks.

"So, hows it going?" I asked.

"Oh, it seems that its almost time to strike," said Igaram, "They're all deeply asleep."

"Remind me again why we didn't just ambush them at the harbour?" asked Miss Monday as she stepped out of the house, stripping off her fake Habit as she did.

"We're short on food as it is and since those two failed, we're not getting any more meat."

"OI, we tried our best!" protested Vivi.

"Oh, do calm down Miss Wednesday," said Igaram, "Besid-, ahem, mah mah mah!-, besides, with this catch we'll be set for a while."

"What do you mean?" asked Miss Monday.

In answer, Igaram pulled out Luffys wanted poster.

"Th-30000000 Berries?!" shrieked the two women, "That guy?!"

"Judging the strength of a pirate based on appearance is a very bad idea," I said.

"G-good point," said Vivi.

"Boy, I'm glad their unconscious now," said Miss Monday, glancing back at the town hall.

"Indeed, now, go confiscate any treasure on the ship and tie them up," said Igaram, "If we kill them, we'll lose part of the Bounty."

"That...might be hard," I said, looking up at the roof of the Town Hall.

"What do you mean?" asked Miss Monday.

"Well, Zoros awake," I said, pointing at the green haired swords man who was looking down at us.

"WHAT!?"

Everyone spun around to stare up at the Swordsman as a few Billions came running out to tell us what we already knew.

"But how?!" spluttered Igaram, "You were-ahem, Mah mah mah-passed out drunk just a moment ago!"

"Sorry to disappoint, but a true Swordsman does not allow anything to control him," said Zoro.

"He has a point," I said.

"WILL YOU PLEASE TAKE THINGS MORE SERIOUSLY!" roared Vivi, taking a swipe at me that I ducked.

"So, it seems this town is a den of Bounty Hunters," said Zoro, "Pretty nice trick, taking advantage of those newcomers that enter the Grand Line."

"Once more, he has a point."

"SHUT UP!" shouted Miss Monday.

"Since there are about 100 of you, this might actually be a challenge," said Zoro with a dark grin, "Baroque Works."

"WHAT THE...HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION!" yelled someone in the crowd.

"Back when I was still a Bounty Hunter, I was approached by a guy calling himself Mr 7," said Zoro, "He invited me to join a his organization and, When I refused, he tried to kill me. After that, I did some research and discovered the existence of a secret organization where none of the members knew each other's identities and referred to one another by code names instead. Even the location and identity of the boss is kept completely secret, right, Baroque Works?"

"Well, it looks like the Cactus Rocks will be having a new addition tonight," growled Igaram, "KILL HIM!"

Everyone grabbed their guns and aimed them at where Zoro had been standing a moment ago.

"Huh, hes quick," I said.

"He sure is," said Zoro from right behind me.

I nearly jumped out of my skin as everyone turned to face the swordsman.

"Now, shall we get started?" he asked with a smirk.

"OPEN FIRE!" roared someone in the crowd as they did just that…

...Only to hit one another as Zoro vanished again.

"Idiots," I muttered, facepalming.

"HES TO FAST!" shouted someone in the crowd, "We can't see him move!"

"Just find him you fools!" roared Igaram, "Hes only one Swordsman…"

He was cut off as a sword passed right through his hair, missing his face by inches.

"You said you wanted to add just one tombstone tonight," said Zoro, "Want to change that prediction?"

"THERE HE IS!" shouted a random goon, "SHOOT HIM!"

"WAIT YOU FOOLS!" shouted Igaram, pailing rapidly, "IF YOU SHOOT HIM NOW…"

"AQUA CRESCENT WAVE!"

The goons were washed off their feet by a wave of pressure before they could shoot Igaram.

"Thanks Mr 9," said Igaram, looking relieved that he wasn't a sieve and Zoro had vanished somewhere.

"Not a problem," I said, resting my sword on my shoulder, "So, since the Billions are as useless as ever, shall we deal with this ourselves?"

"Yes," growled Igaram, "Get him. Now."

"YES SIR!" shouted the Billions and scattered to find the Swordsman.

"Did they miss the part where I called them useless?" I muttered.

"More than likely," said Vivi, "Now lets go."

I sighed.

"This is gonna be a real drag," I muttered.

And there we go, done and dusted. Next time, Zoro takes on the entirety of Whisky Peak and Jack goes up against a member of the Straw Hat Crew. Should be interesting. Until then, I have nothing to say other than, leave a review!