//------------------------------//
// The Greatest Quarrel 
// Story: My Little Pony: Nakama is Magic 
// by Hotspot the 626th 
//------------------------------//


Last time on My Little Pony: Nakama is Magic…


"Land ho!" shouted Luffy excitedly as he hung off the side and pointed out to what appeared to be a large tower.

"First, we need to a place to exchange the gold we got from Skypiea. Then, we'll take Granny Kokoro's letter and bring it to a guy named Iceberg. We'll ask him to fix our ship," said Nami.

"Usopp? Spike?" Twilight called out as she looked around for her friends.

"Our 200 million beli is gone!" shouted Luffy and Nami shocked.

"I…couldn't protect…Spike… I couldn't…stop them from taking…the money. I'm so…useless. I'm sorry…" Usopp said crying tears of hopelessness and disappointment in himself.

"It'll be fine, Usopp." Nami said to Usopp trying to keep him calm. Once he did, she then told him confidently, "Don't worry. We're going to repay those guys…100%!"

"CP9"



Luffy & Twilight: We're always shining, running, forever
Sharing the best adventures together
And as we follow our dreams however crazy they seem
We won't stop until we reach the end so
Wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up heartbeat! We are the one! Go ahead!


My Little Pony

Nakama is Magic


The only rule that we obey is to run free
Mane Six plus Spike (chorus): We are best friends
Don't ever let a compass show you the way to go
Just pick the route that looks the most exciting!

Raise the flag and sail on full speed ahead
Straw Hat 7 (chorus): Go east, go west
It doesn't matter who or what's standing in our way,
We'll make it through them everyday

You won't get anywhere if you're waiting for the sun to rise
All (chorus): I can't wait
So spread your wings and meet it in the sky, leave earth below
Just follow its light and get going, go!

So as we're Shining, Running, Forever!
When all the pieces of our dreams have merged
You'll feel a joy inside that you can't explain
And that's the treasure we must find!

We're always shining, running, forever
Sharing the best adventures together
And as we follow our dreams however crazy they seem
We won't stop until we reach the end so
Wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up heartbeat.
We are the one! Go ahead!




"The Greatest Quarrel"


Outside the Water 7 walls, the Going Merry sat docked on the remaining pieces of dry land left around the slowly sinking city. Minutes ago, a square-like satyr by the name of Kaku had visited the ship much to the surprise of Zoro and Fluttershy. After explaining himself, Zoro allowed the satyr to check over the ship. Fluttershy watched the carpenter as he walked all over the ship checking key spots. By the end of the check, Kaku was frowning. Before leaving to inform his boss and employers of his diagnosis, he informed Zoro and Fluttershy. Both of them were shocked to learn that the Going Merry would no longer be able to sail. Afterwards, Kaku left in a flash leaving the two to their thoughts.

"I'm so sorry, Zoro…" Fluttershy said frowning sadly.

Zoro didn't reply back to Fluttershy. He remained silent as he looked over at the Going Merry figurehead. He wasn't one for emotions, but even he felt a slight sadness in hearing of the Merry's condition. But it wasn't just for the Merry, but the crew as well. Especially one particular member of the crew; Usopp.

Zoro and Fluttershy didn't speak again until Sanji's group returned to the Merry. Before they could inform the group, Sanji had asked if Robin had returned. They both informed the group that she had not return. They then informed the group of the Merry's condition.

"You're serious?!" said Sanji nearly disbelieving what he heard.

"It's the truth…" Fluttershy said sadly.

"No way…" Chopper said nearly speechless with shock.

"Poor Merry." Rarity said as she looked at the Merry's figurehead sadly.

Applejack frowned and looked back at Water 7. "I wonder if that feller has already gone and told everyone already. I can't imagine how disappointed they'll be."

"Are you sure he wasn't just exaggerating?" asked Sanji to Zoro still disbelieving the news. "I mean, look at her. This ship looks as good as always. She's traveled with us since you guys got her from Usopp's village. She climbed mountains and soared through the sky. There's no way she can't be repaired."

"That's probably the reason why it's broken." Zoro said with a frown. "A pony will get stronger after recovering from their wounds, but for a ship…the wounds only stack up and weaken it over time."

"What will you do now?" asked Rarity concerned.

"We'll wait for Luffy's group to return. Then, we'll make a decision." Zoro stated calmly.

Sanji walked over towards the figurehead. He inhaled his cigarette as he tried to calm himself. "The Merry's broken… Robin's missing… This afternoon is just filled with trouble…"

Chopper and the other ponies didn't say anything. None of them could with how bad this afternoon was turning out. They could only hope the others were doing at least slightly better. Unfortunately, that was not the case.



In town, Nami's Yagara Bull swam as fast as it could at her discretion. She needed to hurry. Just behind her resting in the seat was Spike, bleeding, bruised, and unconscious. She needed to get her friend to Chopper who she hoped would be at the Going Merry.

"Nami!"

The young Pegasus looked over as she heard her name called out. She freaked when she saw Twilight and Pinkie Pie on their Yagara Bulls pulling up next to her. "Shit."

"Have you found Spike yet?" asked Twilight worriedly.

"And Usopp!" Pinkie Pie added curiously.

"Um, yeah." Nami said nervously.

"You did!" said Twilight joyfully. "Great, where-" She was suddenly cut off when she heard a moan come from Nami's seat. She looked over into Nami's boat and gasped. "Oh…my…"

"What's wrong?" asked Pinkie Pie concerned. She then looked into Nami's boat and gasped in shock.

"D-Don't worry, Twilight." Nami said trying to keep the both ponies calm though nervous. "I'm him to Chop-"

"Spike!" shouted Twilight horrified. Twilight's horn glowed as she levitated her assistant out of Nami's boat. At the same time, her Yagara Bull stopped. Twilight had her assistant floating before her seeing every wound and bruise the little dragon had. She was nearly in tears at the sight. "Spike…"

"Don't worry, Twilight." Nami said again as her Yagara Bull pulled back around to see Twilight. "We'll take him to Chopper. He'll be-"

"Hospital…" mumbled Twilight quietly and low. Her head was lowered and her hair covered her eyes but it was clear that she did not look happy.

"What?" Nami asked unable to hear Twilight.

Twilight looked over at Nami surprising the Pegasus with a horrible sight. Twilight was shedding tears and also looking very angry. She shouted, "I'm taking Spike to a hospital!" Without another word, Twilight made her Yagara Bull move. Being a smart creature, it immediately knew where to go.

"Twilight…" Nami said completely shocked while watching her friend leave. She wished she could go after her, but she knew that there was still another issue to take care of.

"Um…" Pinkie Pie said as she became unusually quiet. Finally, she just made her Yagara Bull go and follow Twilight.

Nami just watched as her two friends went off into the city. She had seen their looks before leaving. Pinkie Pie's looked so confused and hurt like she didn't understand what had happened. She wanted to go with them. They both looked so hurt, but she had to inform the others. So with much regret, she had to get to the Merry. "Hurry! Take me back to the bull rental…"

The moment that they reached Yagara Bull rental shop, Nami took off flying towards the Going Merry. The moment she reached them, she told the group everything. Everyone was absolutely shocked. Immediately, they took off to find the hospital. Nami then had Zoro, Sanji, and Chopper go out to pick up Usopp. She would remain behind as to guard the ship and money.



Meanwhile, on the other side of Water 7, there was a party going on. On another one of the pieces of land not yet sunken, there was an odd looking building with a large sign stating "Franky House". It was a unique place with crane hands and a giant crescent moon on top of it. It had this weird and creepy grinning face*. Like the members of the Franky Family, this house even had a set of goggles like them.

(* Yeah, I throw this in for shits and giggles. Not sure if I'll be using that anime. Btw, guess which anime it is)

From outside, anyone could hear the cheers and laughs of all those inside. These laughs were coming from many gremlins, a few orcs, and three big cyclops: large humanoid creatures with only one eye. All of them were looking towards the back of the room where a tent was set up. There was a large figure in costume and covered by shadows sitting on a throne with two female ponies on both the creatures side. These unicorn sisters looked nearly identical except one had a maroon coat, a bead necklace, and her black mane styled in a square/rectangle shape was curly. The other had a yellow coat, with a white fur collar, she had a pair of yellow sunglasses on, and her square/rectangle black mane was straight and even. They both were wearing cloaks. Their names are Mozu and Kiwi respectively.

"What do you think, Big Bro?" asked Zambai, the spikey haired orc, jollily. "Did we do great or what?!"

The boss, the 'Big Bro', opened a suitcase to look at the money. Though no one could see it, the creature was smiling with pride beneath his mask. "It's amazing! 200 million beli! You guys did very well! With this much money, we can buy what we've always wanted."

"That's great, Bro!" Zambai stated happily. He then began crying tears of joy. "We've waited for three years for this. We're so horrible with money. I thought we'd never reach our goal. Betting on the Yagara race…"

"We lost every penny!" shouted the other Franky Family cheerfully.

Zambai continued. "When we got the reward money from bounties, we spent it all celebrating…"

"We lost every penny!" shouted the Franky Family again cheerfully.

"We went from having nothing to getting 200 million!" shouted Zambai amazed.

"In an instant!" shouted the Family again in joy.

"You guys did an amazing job!" said the 'Big Bro' overjoyed along with his group. He then grabbed a stack of bills from the suitcase. "This isn't much, but I'm giving you all 5 million." The creature then tossed the money into the air. "Eat! Drink! Spent it however you want! Celebrate, Little Bros!"

"Yahoo!" cheered the Franky Family excitedly.

"Thanks, Big Bro!" shouted Zambai grateful.

Suddenly, the front door exploded. Some of the Franky Family in the back flew forward pushed by the force of the sudden explosion. The rest of the Franky Family stopped their cheering and turned to the front. Everyone was wondering who would dare attack them. Standing in the giant hole that was once the door was Usopp, still bleeding and beaten up. His horn was glowing and his magic aura was on his sling-shot. He was breathing in and out almost exhausted, but he looked determined.

One of the Franky Family, the round orc Tamagon, immediately recognized him. "Ah! You're that weakling from the Straw Hat crew!"

"How did you manage to stand back up?" asked Kiev, the bearded orc.

"Where's your little dragon friend?" asked a gremlin before chuckling mockingly.

Usopp didn't answer the orc. He took in a few more breaths before glaring at the large crowd in anger. "You guys…are gonna pay for what you did!"

"Eh, what?" said a gremlin confused.

Immediately, that gremlin was hit by one of Usopp's exploding shots. And he didn't stop at just that one. Usopp entered the house and began shooting members of the Franky Family. He was quick and precise barely giving a single gremlin or orc a chance to react.

Seeing his group getting attacked, the 'Big Bro' became mad. "Hey!" The creature then jumped over his group landing right in front of Usopp, surprising him. The creature then backhanded the pony with his large, light blue forearm with a blue star tattoo shouting out, "Enough!"

For Usopp, that hit was being hit by a metal bat. Something he was all too familiar with unfortunately. He flew back landing further into the Franky House. He was already badly injured, and this just made it worse for him. But the unicorn would not give up. He raised his slingshot, Ginga Pachiko, with his magic and quickly fired at his attacker. "Eat this! Special Attack, Fire Star!"

The creature saw the attack coming. All he did was throw his fist out and hit the fire attack. The attack did absolutely nothing to the creature surprising Usopp. The creature then looked at the pony glaring threateningly at him. "Remember this, little pony bastard. My name is Franky. I'm the top dog around here. There's no bull about it. If you want to leave this city alive…don't agitate me."

"What…what are you?" asked Usopp stunned.

"Gotcha!" shouted an orc as he and another orc grabbed the pony.

"Hey!" shouted Usopp as he struggled in the orcs' grips.

"Ha-ha! You did a number on us. Time to return the favor." A gremlin said as he and all the Franky Family began to gang up on the pony.

"What are you even doing here, weakling?" asked Zambai mockingly. "Trying to get your money back?"

"Ha! Like you could!" said Tamagon laughing out loud at the pony.

"You can't gripe either," said Kiev. "No one is gonna help a pirate get back their money, which you probably stole anyway. Give up."

"Be quiet!" shouted Usopp angrily at the group. "I'm not doing this for the money!"

"Huh?" replied the crowd surprised.

It even made Franky stop and look back at the pony. This unicorn had peeked his interest slightly.

Usopp breathed out heavily in exhaustion. He then spoke, "Don't get me wrong…that money is important too… But what you guys did to my friend…I won't forgive you that easily!"

"You won't forgive us, huh." Franky said sounding intrigued. He then walked over to the pony. Out of the blue, Franky kicked the pony sending him slamming into the floor. He, and everyone, laughed. "I don't recall asking to be forgiven by some weakling."

Usopp tried to respond, but instead coughed up blood. The Franky Family quickly ran back over to him, and picked him up restraining him for their boss.

"But I respect what you're trying to do," said Franky despite having laughed at the pony. "so I won't beat the crap out of you. Nah, I'll just let my bros do that. They're not as strong as me, so you'll probably survive. Probably."

The Franky Family chuckled seeing that their leader was giving them free reign to do whatever to the pony. Zambai said to Franky, "You got it, Big Bro."

"S…Stop…" Usopp said weakly.

"See ya, my little pony," said Franky as he and the two female ponies followed him outside. Each one was carrying a suitcase. The big creature even waved to the pony saying in gratitude, "And thanks for the 200 million."

"Wait…no! Give it back!" Usopp shouted as he tried to use his magic to grab the money.

Unfortunately, now was the time for the Franky Family to begin the beating. They didn't hold back on the poor pony. With each punch, Usopp was getting closer to unconsciousness. The Franky Family just laughed as they continued to beat the unicorn. Before blacking out, he could see Franky and his female cohorts leave. The sight of the money leaving, and his complete helplessness to even avenge his friend, mounted upon the unicorn until he screamed out in agony.

"GIVE IT BACK!"



"Spike!" shouted Rainbow Dash as she flew across the sky. As she did, she made sure to observe everything she saw. Not one detail was missed. She then shouted again. "Spike!"

"Usopp! Spike!"

Rainbow Dash stopped when she heard a new shout. She looked over at the large fountain that was the highest point in all of Water 7 and saw none other than Luffy shouting. She wasn't completely sure how he got up there, but she decided to go over to him to see if he needed help.

"Hey, Luffy!" shouted Rainbow Dash.

Hearing his name, Luffy looked up and saw the cyan Pegasus. He grinned seeing her. "Hey! Did you find them?" He asked optimistically.

"Sorry, pal." Rainbow Dash said as she floated near the edge of the fountain. "I'm usually pretty good a spotting my friends, but I can't either of them."

"Damn…" Luffy said frowning immediately. He thought for a moment and suddenly came up with an idea. He spoke as he started walking back a bit. "Well, standing up here won't find them."

"You got a plan, Captain?" asked Rainbow Dash curiously.

"Oh yeah!" said Luffy confidently. "I'm going to do what that goat guy (Kaku) did." He then took off running.

"What?!" shouted Rainbow Dash shocked. She then watched as Luffy fearlessly ran and jumped off the fountain. "Holy…!" She then realized that Luffy was now freefalling without any aid. "Hey, wait!" She took off after him.

"Yahoo!" cheered Luffy as he freefell down towards the lower part of Water 7.

"Hold it!" shouted Rainbow Dash as she caught Luffy under his shoulders. "Twilight will kill me if she finds out I let her brother crash into the sidewalk or drown in one of the canals."

"Ah," whined Luffy disappointed. "I really wanted to try what that goat guy did." As he dropped his head still feeling disappointed, he caught sight of something below. He quickly got over his disappointment and relayed what he saw. "Dash! I see Zoro and the others down there."

"Huh?" said Rainbow Dash as she looked down below them. To her surprise, Luffy was right.

Rainbow Dash and Luffy floated down surprising the group which consisted of Zoro, Sanji, and Chopper. Sanji told the two what they knew; that both Spike and Usopp had been beaten badly, that Twilight had taken Spike to the hospital with her friends going to join her, and Usopp had gone missing leaving only a trail of blood. They, now with Luffy, were going to follow the trail of blood to hopefully find Usopp. And Rainbow Dash wanted to join them.

"What are we waiting for?" asked Rainbow Dash headstrong. "Let's go find him."

The group then left to following the blood trail. They navigated the streets and canals quickly before finally reaching the scrap island it was on. Unfortunately, they were meet with an unsettling sight. First, when they saw the Franky House they were shocked. Then, just a little way away from the building lied an unconscious and bloodied Usopp. Chopper quickly checked and aided the stallion. He was alive, but just barely. As they all stared down at their friend they could see he was still shedding tears in despair. They could see the helplessness etched on the unicorn's face. This ignited a fire within the entire pirate group that could only be quelled with blood.

"Wait here a little bit, Usopp." Luffy said softly before looking up glaring angrily at the Franky House. He then spoke to Rainbow Dash. "Thanks for helping us find Usopp, Rainbow Dash. We can take it from here."

"Huh?" said Rainbow Dash confused. She then watched as Luffy and his group began walking forward in a horizontal line towards the weird house. She could see the determination and anger on their faces stunned her.

"Let's cause some trouble in that house…" Zoro stated as he placed on his bandana.

"And send them flying…with a kick!" said Sanji as he lit a cigarette.

"Yeah!" shouted Chopper as he transformed into Heavy Point form.

Rainbow Dash just sat by Usopp staring at the group as they slowly walked towards the Franky House. She thought they would just take the unicorn back to the ship or even a hospital, but she was surprised that they were heading towards the ones who beat up their friend. It didn't take her long to realize what they were going to do, and even shorter for her to realize that she wanted in.

Inside the Franky House, the Franky Family was partying without a care in the world. They had succeeded in a long time goal that their boss, Franky, had set for them. They were feeling good. Even if they had nearly spent all the 5 million that Franky gave them, they still drank and ate like tomorrow would never coming. None of them knew that a small group of ponies was walking right up to their front door. As they got closer, the large door suddenly opened as one of the cyclopes, one with long purple hair and a ranch hat, was leaving to get more food and drinks.

"Huh?" said the cyclops surprised as he looked down to see the ponies and gorilla-like creature.

"Hey, buddy!"

The cyclops looked up hearing a new voice. In that same instant, he was given a punch courtesy of Rainbow Dash. Given her speed added with her strength, the cyan Pegasus sent the cyclops flying back. This surprised the Straw Hat fighters.

The Franky Family was stunned when they saw one of their cyclops come flying back into the house. The large creature ended up smashing into the back wall. The Franky Family gasped in shock. "What?!" shouted the Franky Family as a group. "What happened?"

"Hey look!" shouted Kiev pointing back towards the door. "It's the Straw Hats!"

"What was that about?" asked Zoro to Rainbow Dash as the Pegasus landed next to him.

"What? That was for stealing the money." Rainbow Dash said back before looking at the large crowd of monsters before them with a smirk. "The next one is for Spike and Usopp, and it's for all of them."

Zoro looked at the mare concerned, but remained silent. This was not the time to speak casually.

Another cyclops, one with an orange afro, soon stepped forward wearing armor that covered much of his body claiming it to be able to withstand cannonballs. It was an attempt to show how inferior the Straw Hats were, which only prove to back fire. Luffy easily smashed through the armor with Gum-Gum Bazooka. The cyclops fell as easily as the first one did earlier.

In that instant, all hell broke loose inside the Franky House. The crew was relentless on the Franky Family members as well as Rainbow Dash. Zoro's swords sliced through everything they could throw at them. Sanji's agility and kicks swept through entire crowds. Chopper used a Rumble Ball and mowed through the crowds in Horn Point form. Luffy easily took out member after member, and he didn't even need to use his Gum-Gum powers. Rainbow Dash's intense speed and strength smashed all her opponents through the walls of the Franky House. The Franky Family was completely helpless against this group, and yet one of their members had yet to join in.

"Alright! Let's finish this!" shouted Rainbow Dash before flying out the house.

Zoro smirked hearing the Pegasus. "You heard her…" He then had his magic hold his two swords horizontally above his shoulder. He kept the third in his mouth keeping it in same direction. "Santoryu*…"

(* Three-sword style...)

Everyone else followed Zoro's lead. "Gum-Gum…" Luffy shouted as he began rapidly punching wildly.

"Party Table…" Sanji said as he jumped and landed on an orc's head in hoof stand.

"Cloven…" Chopper said ready to attack in Arm Point readying a strike.

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash flew in an upward spiral leaving a faint rainbow trail behind her. When she reached a proper height, she then came soaring downward leaving another rainbow trail. As she did, she smirked with determination and chuckled in nostalgia. 'You know, that nickname of mine from flight camp actually sounds like a good attack name…' "Rainbow…"

"108 Caliber Phoenix/Gatling/Kick Course/ Roseo!"

Luffy's punches smashed through several members and continued to do so indifferently. Zoro performed a circular swing that launched three compressed air slashes spiraling towards more gang members. Sanji spun around rapidly to deliver savage kicks to anyone within range. Chopper's attack was a simple punch that not only left a hoof print on an orc, but the force sent the orc flying back hitting several gremlins and crashing into the wall. All these attacks combined defeated all the Franky Family members. Now it was Rainbow Dash's turn to bring down the house.

"Crash!" shouted Rainbow Dash crashing through the Franky House. It caused a rainbow explosion similar to an atomic explosion that destroyed the entire house.

Luckily, everyone survived the fall of the house and a rainbow explosion is mostly harmless (you might get rainbow lung). After that huge fight, everyone tried to get some information out of any conscious Franky Family member. Unfortunately, they did too well of a job beating the crap out of them. Chopper returned to Usopp switching into Brain Point form to fix and heal his friend up. Eventually, he finished up and asked for assistance in moving the pony. Zoro went over to help him. Sanji went to get Luffy, who stood on top of the burnt crescent moon that (creepily) smiled, along with Rainbow Dash talking.

"I'll be back." Rainbow Dash told Luffy as she began to fly off to find the hospital.

"Hey, Luffy!" shouted Sanji seeing the cyan Pegasus take off towards the city. "What did you talk about with lovely Rainbow?"

"She just told me she was going see the others." Luffy stated calmly.

Sanji nodded as he smoked on of his cigarettes. He blew some smoke before speaking again. "From what Nami told us, Twilight wasn't too happy seeing Spike injured."

"I don't blame her…"

"I think all of them are. Well, except for maybe Rainbow."

Luffy didn't respond this time. He looked to be in deep thought as he stared out towards the ocean. Finally, Luffy spoke being very serious. "I've decided…It's time to say good-bye..."

This time Sanji didn't respond. Despite how vague his captain's statement sounded, he understood exactly what he meant by it. While he wasn't happy about it, he knew that his captain had made a decision and he had to accept it. Because in truth, he couldn't argue against it.

The Going Merry and all their friends had to be let go.



The Water 7 hospital was in for quite a surprise when a purple unicorn mare came rushing into their emergency room with an injured baby dragon. In the state the little guy was in, they quickly took him. While Twilight and Pinkie Pie waited they were soon found by Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy. Only after a few minutes after their arrival did the doctor come out to inform them that Spike was stable and doing better though sleeping. They were allowed to visit. It was a while, and one mysterious explosion on the outskirts of the city, later when Rainbow Dash finally showed up at the hospital.

"How is the little guy?" asked Rainbow Dash worried as she entered Spike's room.

"Rainbow." Applejack said surprised. Her sentiment was shared among all their friends still conscious as they looked at the Pegasus.

"The doctor said he wasn't too badly hurt, but it was enough to warrant some serious work." Rarity stated unhappy.

"But he did say that Spike will be fine." Fluttershy said smiling to her long-time friend.

"That's good." Rainbow Dash said with a smile as she walked over to see the resting dragon.

"So," said Twilight speaking to Rainbow Dash suspiciously, "where have you've been?"

"Well, I found Luffy, saving him after he jumped off the highest point in Water 7 – you're welcome by the way – and then I joined up with the rest of the guys in beating every asshole in the Franky Family and destroying their base. They didn't know what hit them." Rainbow Dash stated proudly.

The group gasped in shock.

"Whoa! You fought an entire family! It must have been amazing!" said Pinkie Pie excitedly.

"Pinkie! There's nothing amazing about this." Twilight stated harshly towards the pink mare. She then redirected her scornful expression towards Rainbow Dash. "Why did you do that?"

"Because they hurt our friends." Rainbow Dash stated mad. "I wasn't going to let that slide. None of you should."

"But picking fights is so uncouth." Rarity stated with disgust.

"Yeah? Well, they chose to pick on the wrong ponies!" retorted Rainbow Dash stubbornly.

"Then shouldn't have joined them." Applejack stated to Rainbow Dash angrily. "What if somepony thought you were a pirate? You could've arrested and thrown in the hoosegow!"

"So?" said Rainbow Dash unconcerned. "If it meant paying those guys back for hurting our friends then I'll gladly become a pirate. Luffy's been trying to have us join his crew this entire time. Maybe I'll just take his offer up."

"That's the most reckless thing I've ever heard." Applejack stated.

Soon, a huge argument erupted. Twilight, Rarity, and Applejack kept arguing against Rainbow Dash's actions while Rainbow Dash defended them. Each of three argued that she should've went to the authorities, but Rainbow Dash countered with the fact that their friends were pirates in the eyes of the law and as such the law could do nothing for them. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy stayed completely out of their argument though were extremely worried for their friends. The four friends seemed to argue at length for hours until they eventually grew tired. Soon, they all fell asleep in Spike's room allowed by the chief of medicine. They slept through to night when a small explosion suddenly woke one of them.

"Hmm, who?" said Pinkie Pie as she awoke groggy and confused. She looked around seeing that everyone was still asleep. She was about to do so herself when suddenly she shuddered nearly violently. This surprised and worried the Earth pony greatly. "Whoa. That one shudder was a like five shudders at once. A quin-tuple-doozy! That's not good. I better wake up Twilight."

Pinkie Pie tiptoed over to Twilight sleeping on the other side of the bed. Once she reached her friend, she nudged the pony gently. "Twilight…Twilight…"

The nudge and small whisper was enough to bring the unicorn out of sleep. She was slow to respond as she lifted her head off Spike's bed. She first rubbed her eyes before looking over at Pinkie Pie groggy and tired. "Pinkie Pie…? What is it? It's already night time."

"Well, I was sleeping when I suddenly heard something loud. I woke up and couldn't see anything. Then I shuddered. Not like I was cold, but from my Pinkie Sense. But it wasn't like any other shudder, it was like five shudders at once: a quin-tuple-doozy! I'm really worried, Twilight. I've never felt something like this before."

"Shudder…shudder…" Twilight said groggily as she tried to recall her vague knowledge of 'Pinkie Sense' sign. She soon replied tiredly, "That's the one about a doozy, right?"

"Yeah!" said Pinkie Pie loudly.

"And it felt like five at once?" said Twilight as the information suddenly sunk in. She was now giving Pinkie Pie her full attention and concern. "What does that even mean?"

"I don't know." Pinkie Pie said frowning and looking confused. "I just know that I don't like it."

Twilight couldn't help but feel the same. Though there was only one other time that a "shudder" had ever happen, it did sit well in Twilight's mind. From what she recalled, a shudder predicted something that was "unexpected" like when she finally decided that Pinkie's special ability was real. However, it was nearly impossible to know what a shudder could be for. And for one that seemed like five, which made it even more so impossible to understand. She wondered though if it had anything to do with their journey with her brother. She really hoped not.

Twilight and Pinkie Pie stayed up for a while with the thought of Pinkie's 'quin-tuple-doozy' plaguing their mind. Neither one spoke to the other for a while until suddenly Pinkie Pie had another shudder. Twilight immediately took notice.

"Another shudder?" asked Twilight concerned.

"Yeah, it was big! But not as big as before." Pinkie Pie stated sounding confused.

Twilight looked at the pink mare confused. "What do you mean 'not as big as before'?"

"I don't know." Pinkie Pie said again looking confused. "It just feels…less. Like one less shudder."

"So, one of the 'doozies' has happened?" Twilight said confused. She then looked around the room at their friends. All of them were still in the room and yet to awake. "But, nothing's happened here?"

"Maybe it has to do something with Luffy and everyone." Pinkie Pie suggested.

"Huh?" said Twilight surprised by her friend's suggestion. "What could possibly…"

Twilight was interrupted as one of the nurse ponies on staff entered the room silently. "Oh, you are awake…" The nurse said quietly and surprised. "You have two visitors that wish to visit."

"Um, you can let them in." Twilight said almost hesitant.

The nurse nodded and then waved for the two visitors to come in. To Twilight and Pinkie Pie's surprise, it was Luffy, Nami, and Zoro. However, what surprised them was Luffy's condition. The stallion was bruised, singed, and a little cut up.

"Luffy!" shouted Twilight loudly in surprise. Her shout woke everyone but Spike up.

"Eh, what…?" Applejack responded awake but groggy.

Twilight rushed over to Luffy. She began looking him over worried for his well-being. "Are you alright? What happened? Why are you so burnt?"

"Whoa!" said Rainbow Dash seeing Luffy's condition. "What happened to you, Luffy?"

"Wait." Rarity said looking at Luffy before turning to her cyan Pegasus friend confused. "He isn't like this because of your little raid on the Franky Family?"

"Heck no." Rainbow Dash stated. "They barely laid a hoof on us."

"Do you need to go to the hospital?" asked Fluttershy to Luffy before noting the irony in her question. "Oh, wait…"

"I'm fine, really." Luffy said calmly. He then asked as he looked around the group, "How is Spike?"

"He's resting, but he'll be okay." Twilight responded with a small smile. She then looked over at Nami looking guilty. "Um, Nami… I'm sorry for earlier. I don't know what came over me."

"Don't worry, Twilight." Nami said with a soft smile. "You were only doing what you felt was right at the time."

"Yeah…" Twilight said still feeling a bad for earlier.

"Hey." Rainbow Dash spoke to the newcomers looking curious. "How is Usopp doing?"

Luffy and Nami went quiet. Nami looked away from the group frowning and looking sad. Luffy looked sullen as his hat overshadowed his eyes.

Seeing her brother go quiet, Twilight was immediately concerned. "Luffy?"

"Usopp left the crew." Zoro stated emotionless as he leaned against the wall.

"What?" gasped Twilight with her friends joining her equally surprised.

"What happened?" asked Applejack.

"We had a disagreement…" Luffy said frowning mad.

"What?" said Twilight confused.

"And then we had a duel for the ship. I won, and we left the Going Merry. We're no longer nakama."

"Luffy!" shouted Twilight scornful. "He's your friend. Whatever disagreement you two had, you can resolve it."

"This has nothing to do with being friends, Twilight." Zoro stated calmly.

"What?" Twilight asked confused.

"Luffy made a decision as the captain, and Usopp didn't want to follow it. He choose to end his time with us. Which means he's no longer a part of the crew."

Twilight looked appalled by Zoro's statement. She then looked at Nami who had remained silent. "You can't agree with this, can you?"

"…As much as I hate it," said Nami softly with her voice full of sadness, "Usopp did choose to leave and end our friendship. That's all on him."

"But-"

"Twilight!" said Luffy interrupting Twilight sounding mad. This came as a shock to the group, especially Twilight. Luffy then calmed you and everyone here have no say in this. "I know you want to try and fix this, but what's done is done. There's nothing you or anyone else can do."

"What!" Twilight shouted angrily. "I'm your sister" she then gestured to her friends "and they're our friends. Together we can help you."

"Yeah!" shouted Rainbow Dash enthusiastically. "We've been sailing with you guys for a while now. Even if some of us are hesitant about, we're part of the crew too!"

"No…you're not." Luffy said looking straight at group eye-to-eye. His expression remained emotionless yet there was an intensity to it. A very serious one.

"Luffy…" Twilight said nearly speechless. "What are you saying?"

"…This is where we part ways as well." Luffy said with a hint of sadness.

The room suddenly went silent. The Mane Six was entirely speechless with their eyes as wide as dinner plates. More so than usual. The same thought was going through everyone's mind. 'Did he really just say…?'

"It's been really fun having you all with us, but I think that you should go back to Equestria. We'll give you some money for tickets too." Luffy added with small smile.

"What?!" shouted the Mane Six together in shock.

"Did the whole crew agree with this?" asked Rarity surprised.

"Yeah…" Nami said frowning and nodding.

"You can't be serious!" shouted Rainbow Dash in disbelief. "You can't be sending us back already. We've only been sailing with you for a short time."

"Sorry." Luffy said speaking in a serious tone. "But you guys aren't ready for a life at sea."

"What?!" shouted Rainbow Dash feeling insulted.

"Hold on!" Twilight shouted as she stepped in between her brother and Rainbow Dash. "We never said we wanted to join your crew, so what's this really about, Luffy?"

"Even if we get a new ship," stated Zoro calmly, "and we head back to Equestria, you guys may not be able to handle anything that gets in the way."

"You're saying we're deadweight to y'all." Applejack said offended.

"No, that's not it at all." Nami said quickly looking emotionally hurt.

"What he's saying is," said Zoro continuing, "that none of you are willing nor prepared to give up your life for us to return you home."

"What are you trying to say?" asked Rainbow Dash angrily confused.

"You're all scared." Zoro stated sternly.

Everyone went quiet again. Nearly every pony stared at the stallion completely shocked by his statement. Twilight more so than anyone else in the room completely hurt by her brother's comment. Though, for Rainbow Dash, she looked more insulted then shocked.

"Scared? Ha!" laughed Rainbow Dash mockingly. She then replied, "Who's scared? I'm not scared. I just helped you beat up those goons."

"No, you are." Zoro stated surely. "You've all had your outlets. Fluttershy is openly scared…"

Fluttershy lowered her head ashamed.

"Twilight, Rarity, and Applejack. You three hardly go anywhere without one of us with you…"

The three were shocked by the black coated unicorn's accusation, but none of them could respond back.

"Pinkie Pie definitely lacks her usually spunk…"

Pinkie Pie began scratching the back of her head nervously. She even released an uneasy chuckle.

"And you, Rainbow Dash." Zoro said now looking at the cyan Pegasus. "You've been trying to prove you weren't affected by what happened at the last island."

"What? That's absurd." Rainbow Dash said stubbornly.

"Tell me," said Zoro following up with suspicion, "would you have gone after the Franky Family by yourself like Usopp did?"

"He went after them injured!" stated Rainbow Dash.

"Even so, he still risked his life to not only get the money back, but also avenge Spike by himself. Could you do the same?"

Rainbow Dash remained quiet unable to answer. Would she go by herself to face an entire group of thugs and goons without the aid of the Straw Hats? Certainly with her friends, but then that was no different than before except the outcome probably wouldn't be the same. Would she do so by herself? She couldn't seem to find one. Or rather, she almost felt hesitant to find one.

Zoro didn't respond afterwards. He knew he didn't need to and that was enough for him.

"Um…" Fluttershy spoke sounding nervous while gaining her friends' attention. "Maybe they're right."

"Fluttershy…" Rarity said sadly.

"I know I'm not the bravest, but I can't stand being in constant fear." Fluttershy said as she began to tear up. "It was fun for a while, but I don't like knowing my friends could die at any moment. I want to go home."

"I don't like being scared either." Pinkie Pie stated honestly as well looking sad. "I can't just laugh off what's happened when I know it really happened."

Applejack stamped her hoof frustrated. "I can't kid myself either. Everything outside of Equestria's been nothing but terrible."

"Everyone is just so ruthless." Rarity said with a frown.

Rainbow Dash refused to say anything. She was sore that she couldn't answer or reply to the question Zoro had given her. As such, she refused to look at the three pirates as to stubbornly reject the notion that she was afraid.

Twilight also remained silent though unable to say anything back. She was completely and utterly stunned by her brother's almost sudden decision. Even more so by Zoro's accusation of their fear. But thinking over, she could see that both decision and statement were probably right. Despite knowing and trusting her brother and his crew, she still chose to go to the hospital over the care of an equally skilled Doctor Chopper. She didn't even think of going to find Usopp, her friend, after getting Spike to the hospital. All because she was too scared.

"You're right…" Twilight said begrudgingly while frowning sadly. "We're all scared. This isn't what we signed up for when we joined you. Clearly, we can't handle all of this. Going home another way sounds best." She then began to tear up as she forced her next sentence. "I just wish it wasn't so…"

The rest of the Mane Six felt the same way. Most of them looked down at the floor sad and depressed over their situation. They had never felt so powerless before. Only Rainbow Dash seem to fair better if only because she was keeping up her false bravado.

Luffy, Zoro, and Nami did not reply back as to not disrespect their friends further. Luffy and Nami simply frowned sadly towards the group pitying them while Zoro just frowned unhappy. While Zoro could easily be forward with anyone if it was for the better, Luffy and Nami both disliked the idea of parting with good friends especially under these circumstances. It didn't help that it had already happened earlier with Usopp.

Nevertheless, it was now time for them part ways. But for how long?



Meanwhile, back at the Galley-La Company building, Iceberg was preparing to go to bed. However, he had been ready for quite some time. He sat at his desk simply sketching a design for a ship though in reality he was in deep thought. His conversation earlier with Corgi from the Empire hadn't been a pleasant one not like they were always such anyway. It was always the same thing every time no matter how many times he told them "no". What Corgi, and thereby the Black Empire, wanted was something he simply did not have. Still, it was concerning that they were so persistent. He felt that soon the Empire would begin pressuring him even more.

While Iceberg was busy with both his sketch and his thoughts he failed to notice two figures enter his room. It was the figure from earlier with the female mask standing tall above most ponies and next to that figure was clearly a pony draped in a green cloak whose face was concealed by a hood. They both approached the stallion, which at that point caught his attention.

Hearing someone, Iceberg turned around only to be shocked to see it was two figures he had never seen before. He stood up from his table looking at the two intruders suspiciously. "Who are you?" He asked, "How did you get in my room?"

A dark purple light was produced from underneath the hood of the pony. It produced enough light as to allow Iceberg to see the pony's face as the magic accumulated at the end of a horn.

Iceberg gasped in surprise. "Nico Robin…?"

The pony, now identified as Nico Robin, did not respond. Her face remained stoic as she suddenly fired a bullet of condensed magic at Iceberg. It flew straight and then curved around to strike through Iceberg's side. The mare showed no remorse.

The stallion didn't know what hit him. He remained frozen for a few moments before the pain finally hit him. He suddenly coughed out blood before finally falling to the floor. He then laid motionless as blood slowly spilled out from his body around him.

Neither Robin nor her partner spoke as they now took their leave. Outside the room, three shadowed figures watched from a building nearby via a window. It was impossible to see who or what they were; however, it was easy to tell that they were serious.

"Everything is going according to plan…" said the lead figure with cold, piercing eyes.

TO BE CONTINUED…