Chapter 6
"Luffy?" Zoro questioned the red head who clung to his back. She was peeking from behind him.
"He's Chopper and Usopp's friend. He's a traveller so they don't see him much… uh Zoro?"
He took in that she looked quite embarrassed and was staring at the hand he protectively swung around her body. He realized this and stepped away sheathing his sword watching the young boy emerge from the water and run over to them.
"NAMI! WHAT'S UP!?" He yelled.
She smiled at him until he came closer. "Hey! We missed you! Chopper and Usopp are back there." She said pointing her thumb behind her.
"Aa I missed you guys too! We're reunited!" He yelled happily hugging Nami and rubbing his fist in her hair. He turned to face Zoro next and gave him a blank stare. "Yo"
"Ah Luffy, this is Zoro. Zoro, Luffy," She said pointing towards each person.
Luffy grinned at him and he nodded stiffly.
"Luffy," She said laughing. "Let's go see the others!"
"Aa! Let's go!" He yelled pumping his hand in the air. "Nami? You're injured!"
"Aa, there was an incident yesterday, we'll explain when we get back okay?"
She went to walk away but Luffy grabbed her and flung her on his back. Zoro carried on watching them jealously. He hadn't thought to give her a piggy back for her injury and was regretting it. She held on to his neck and his hands were cupped under her legs.
"Come on Zoro!" Luffy yelled running off with Nami pointing towards the way to go.
Zoro followed closely as he ran through the trees and jumped over logs. Luffy abruptly came to a stop. He looked around after feeling the earth rumble a bit. He skimmed the area and looked off into the distance.
Not too far away, a large stegosaurus trampled through the more dangerous part of the forest. It was knocking down trees with its tail, but stayed in an open area so it could move around easier. It had a dirty brown coloured skin and orange spines running across its back.
"Awesome!" Luffy yelled. He turned around to face Zoro and swung Nami around his back into his arms. He laid her in Zoro's arms bridal style making them both shocked enough to stay silent. "I'll be back with meat! Wait here!"
They stood there for two minutes of silence. Zoro looked to the side and Nami looked down at her hands. She was still wearing the towel and her animal print clothes were in her hands.
She could have asked to be put down, but she was enjoying the closeness as was he. Zoro noticed Luffy's arm stretching in the distance and colliding with the dinosaur. He looked shocked at the scene until Nami broke the ice.
"He ate a devils fruit from this forest, so it's like his home," She said smiling at him.
He now had perfect eye contact with her and couldn't find the strength to break it. She felt his grip tighten around her legs and back. He thought it wouldn't be noticeable but she realized the atmosphere between them and was compelled towards his lips.
Before she could even dwell on the thought for longer, Luffy returned with a grin. "I killed him! But he's too big to drag through trees," He looked down at Zoro's swords and smiled at him. "Hey, come cut up my dino!"
Zoro looked over to him sighing and gave him Nami. She was getting angry that she was being passed around like a doll but a little thankful their gaze had been broken. She wasn't mentally prepared for what she thought would happen and it gave her time to calm her throbbing heart. Her stomach was in knots from their contact and she couldn't help but gaze at him.
She clutched her chest and breathed deeply until she was calm, and then looked up to watch the swordsman. In three slashes a huge chunk of meat had been cut, but it was big enough to fit through the trees.
Luffy's eyes sparkled and he ran over to Zoro he stopped half way when he heard a whimper in his arms.
She had fallen asleep. She was exhausted from all the excitement and had felt her eyes closing deeply. She fell asleep in Luffy's arms but he wasn't being very smooth about carrying her. She kept murmuring and shifting uncomfortably. He walked over to Zoro who looked down at the red head.
"Here, I'm not good with keeping still," He grinned laying Nami in Zoro's arms once more. They were both surprised to see she tucked into Zoro's chest and gripped it with her opposite hand. She lay still and breathed softly making him shudder from the hot breath against his skin.
Luffy had kept his grin and dragged his chunk of meat with him to the cave, ready to start a party with his friends for their reunion.
Sanji, Vivi and Robin were headed towards the Shimo tribe. They went through the stone buildings until they came to a large area with a small crowd. They walked up to different crowds and began to ask around.
"Excuse me? Has anyone seen a red haired girl? Possibly being carried by someone?" Vivi asked but the group of middle aged women shook their heads and continued to talk.
"What is the death toll of the village?" Robin asked a group of men who were taking a break. Normally they would have flirted or tried to converse, but they were exhausted and depressed for their villages lost ones.
"Nine," They replied.
"How many are missing?" They asked.
"Three… one of them is the chiefs son, the other two are men from the village." They replied uncaring. Most of the men were uncaring when it came to Zoro because of the lack of attention they get.
Robin nodded and turned away. Sanji had attempted to ask information, but got side tracked from the women in the village who were surprisingly not after his attention.
They met up once more and decided to search for the chief of the village to explain who they were.
They found him in a lone hut pacing the floor anxiously. "Excuse me," Robin said with a smile. "I would like you to listen to what we have to say."
"I can't at the moment; I have to devise a defensive wall in case the rival village attacks"
Robin grimaced and come out with the truth. "We are not here to start war or argue we came for information. We represent Coco tribe and are in search for the daughter of the chief tribesman on our end."
The three of the bowed low and then looked up to face him. His heart gave a shocking beat at hearing the young girl had gone missing and he was clearly shocked the other tribe had managed to get into the village but decided to listen to what they have to say. None the less, he was fuming and upset as he nodded stiffly to them.
"Her name is Nami; she had red hair and was headed for your village when the incident occurred. She had a row with her father and left to seek your council by herself. Did she make it here?"
He looked shocked at what the young woman was saying but didn't fully believe her. "What proofs have you that this isn't a lie or that your tribe isn't waiting to strike?" He said smugly, hiding his true feelings. He could be stubborn but these matters were sensitive and decided to give them a chance, especially at hearing the name of the woman missing. It made his stomach turn and his face droop.
"We have no proof only our word. I am Nico Robin, a famous archaeologist with my mother Nico Olivia. We are professionals when it comes to searching for lost artefacts and even people." She got down on her knees and placed her head to the floor. "We wish to find our friend no matter what! I would pledge the allegiance between our tribes right now, but that is not my place or goal. It was hers."
Chief Nakai was in deep shock at the young woman's actions. She was so bold and never once broke their eye contact; a true sign of honesty. Not only that, but the other two had bowed down low as well.
"We haven't seen her young miss, I am sorry but she never made it here from what I know."
The three, who were still bowing down, looked up at the man sadly. "Thank you Chief Nakai," They said standing up. Taking one last bow, they left the hut and walked out of the village. Nakai was deeply moved by the rival village's youth. Their generation would soon take over, and with such sincerity they would do a fine job.
Later that night, Nami woke up feeling drained. The sky had darkened and the only light came from a huge fire which was lit outside the cave. How did I get here? She thought rubbing her head. She looked down and noticed she was still in her towel and then remembered falling asleep in Luffy's arms. He must have put me to bed, how sweet…
She hoped up and regained her balance after she dressed in the clothes beside her bed. She had only managed to give them a quick wash, but they were still clean and no longer smelled.
She walked out of the cave wobbling vaguely and noticed Luffy had them deep in conversation about his adventures.
They laughed and screamed at Luffy's tails, which even Usopp was impressed by. Nami decided she wanted to be alone for a while, even though Luffy had made an appearance; she had a sinking feeling in her chest. It ached so much and made her legs wobble. Now was the best time for some solitude.
She slipped past them unnoticed, or so she thought, and began to walk through the thick trees. They were a deeper shade of brown under the night's sky yet the moon illuminated the dark wood, giving them a blue glow. The grass was black now and she rustled her toes and bare feet through them as she limped through the area.
She finally came to an open area covered in long grass up to her knees. She walked to the end and recognized the lights in the ground. It confused her at first but then she noticed the atmosphere was perfect for them.
"Whaddya doing coming out here by yourself?" He asked looking her up and down.
She turned around in shock but then relaxed as she saw the tall, broad shoulders and gleaming green hair. "I wanted to be alone," She smiled.
He looked slightly hurt by her words then turned around, "Okay, I'll leave y-"
"No! Don't go now!" She almost yelled. He turned around to see her blush causing his lips to smirk and raise an eyebrow. "I- I mean, uh, you're here now... so there's no point in going, right?" She asked mumbling.
"What? You want me to stay?" He was having fun tormenting the small woman who looked irritated. Could this be classed as flirting? He hadn't bothered flirting with anyone before. They weren't worth it…
"Yes," She whispered.
"Huh?"
"Yes!" She burst, flustered.
"Alright, no need to yell about it," He grinned at her peeved reaction. "Why did you want to be out here alone? You were alone in the cave."
She looked up and smiled at his attempt to start a conversation. He was gorgeous under the moon's light, although it was a shame it wasn't a full moon.
"I wanted to explore a little. This place looks beautiful!" She smiled tilting her head and closing her eyes. He couldn't help but gaze at her beautiful face.
"Uh, yeah I suppose," He was a little shy about admitting to the sceneries beauty, he didn't want to seem like a pansy.
"Haha, trying to be manly?" She questioned with a playful glint in her eyes.
"What? I am manly!" He shouted stubbornly. He calmed down after her giggling fit and felt stupid for falling into the childish banter.
"Okay, I believe you," She grinned turning around to face the field of little lights.
"What are those?" He asked confused, pointing towards the hidden glittering dots.
Nami turned around, her eyes beaming and grabbed his hand. He looked down at the contact feeling warmth then looked back into her eyes. "I'll show you," She smiled.
She dragged his hand behind her and ran through the field gracefully, ignoring the pain in her leg; thousands of fireflies danced around them after jumping out of the long stems and began to move elegantly through the air. Nami stopped after all the red dots hovered around them and turned around to face Zoro.
He looked bewildered as he stared at all the little insects circling them and fluttering wildly in the air. He looked down at her with surprised dark eyes, which soon turned into something else. She searched his eyes for this new feeling and felt that same fluttering sensation in her chest.
He reached down and took her face in his hands making her lift onto her tip toes. Pulling her towards him, he captured her lips with his own, letting her stand in shock, until she relaxed into him and closed her eyes. She put her hands on his chest and moved into him to make their contact deepen.
His hands snaked down to her waist and he bent down to lift her up off the ground, making her feet hover elegantly and her body become engulfed with his. She moved her needy hands around his neck, letting one of his hands run up and down her back while the other kept her firmly to his chest.
The fireflies carried on swirling and circling the two, as their contact only grew deeper until calls could be heard from the surrounding trees.
"Zoro!" Usopp yelled followed by Luffy and Chopper's.
"Zoro!"
"Zoro! Come out come out!" Luffy laughed.
The said couple broke apart and stared wildly at each other with hooded eyes. They were breathing heavily making their chests clash against each other. They averted their stare to face the source of the sound and saw rustling. He put Nami down gently never looking away from the noises.
"I'll go back; they think I'm still asleep," She said sadly. With one last gaze at each other she turned around and headed towards the area of the cave. He watched her go and then turned around to see Luffy running at him with a grin.
"Zoro! Did you get lost?" He grinned pouncing on him to the floor and sitting like a Buddha on his chest. Zoro was still a little dazed from their contact, and his first kiss, to care.
"Zoro! Where were you? We thought you got eaten!" Chopper called, breathing harshly.
The fireflies had flown onto a new area leaving the scene empty of all Zoro desired. He snapped out of his trance and looked up to see three men staring confusedly at him. He pushed Luffy off his chest and stood up scratching his neck.
"I went for a walk"
"Oh, we were so worried!" Chopper said with a grin.
"Yeah, I mean you're one of us now right?" Luffy grinned at him. From the moment he had stayed with them, he had felt as if he had known them for years. They instantly bonded and laughed together giving him the most welcome feeling.
He looked stunned. Never had he been part of something and the three men in front of him, who he had grown to know a lot, looked up at him hopefully. He felt a rush of happiness building inside of him so he grinned at them.
"Aa," He said with a grin patting Luffy roughly on the back. He had finally found people who respected him as a friend and not a warrior. He had found the gang of buddies he could hang around with. This night couldn't have become any better.
Nami had been watching the scene from behind the tall weeping willow and smiled warmly at them. The look on his face when they suggested they were friends instantly showed shock and confusion. She knew straight away he had never been called a friend and from his usual demeanour, she guessed he had only been treated highly and not equally. She felt a rush inside at his actions next. He accepted them for who they were and grinned at them.
She turned around and headed back to the cave quickly while he stalled them enough. Once she got there she lay on the rugged sleeping area and let her thoughts take hold of her.
Oh my god, I can't believe he just kissed me. I didn't think he'd be so bold… well… I suppose I set up the scene a little. I can't believe I kissed him back! Remember Nami, men are only after one thing; damn! I can't believe I let him! But god! He's a good kisser… wait… THAT WAS MY FIRST KISS! He took my first kiss! Calm down… it… was worth it…
She sighed deeply and shifted her head so she was facing outside. They hadn't come back yet. Probably doing something reckless; wonder whose idea it was. I wonder if he'd go along with it; damn! Stop thinking about him! Does this mean he likes me? Wow! I didn't think of him the type to flirt or show any sign of liking. I wonder if he regrets it or wants to forget about it. Maybe he'll act strangely towards me now. Damn! You're still thinking about him!
The fireflies were so beautiful, it really set the scene, moonlight, fireflies, darkness, open field, his arms around me. NAMI!
She shook her head and placed her cold hands over her temple. She was shaking throughout her body. Her breathing hadn't calmed much and her heart beat was rapidly pumping through her chest. She wanted to squeal loudly and jump around like a child, but she heard voices from outside and her attention was immediately drawn.
Outside, the four men returned laughing and grinning. Nami got up and decided to join them, curiously wondering what his reaction towards her would be. They took their seats by the fire and looked up at her when she came over. She smiled at them and sat next to Luffy and Usopp, the only available space.
Zoro watched her intently. He hoped she wouldn't choose to forget what happened between them but he was having his doubts.
Shit, maybe she just felt obliged to follow my lead. God what if she hates me… shit, she didn't sit over here; well, there isn't exactly space but still, this could become weird, god I hope she's normal about all this or maybe even happy about it.
"Where have you been?" she asked looking to each face which smiled at her happily, until she landed on his. He looked troubled and a little uncomfortable. He must be worried… I hoped he'd be happy. She smiled warmly at him earning a smile in return, which caught Chopper's eye.
"We were declaring our bond!" Chopper grinned happily making Nami turn her attention to him.
"Bond?"
"Aa! We're friends till the end! Look!" Luffy held out his hand showing a bloody scar across his palm making Nami gasp. She looked around to inspect everyone's scar and noticed Usopp's seemed to be a little small. Coward…
"Your turn!" Luffy grinned. Nami looked a little shocked but was happy to become part of the bond. She held out her open hand and looked around.
"So who does the honours?" She asked with a grin.
Zoro got up to his knees and drew his katana. He moved the blade over her palm and paused.
"Zoro?" Usopp asked confused.
"I can't cut a woman." He said hesitantly. It was a lie; he'd cut a woman warrior before and had no qualms doing so. He just couldn't cut her.
Nami looked a little happy he was worrying for her, but she didn't like to be treated differently so she moved her hand to the blade and ran it across her palm. Zoro pulled back the blade quickly but to no avail. She had already been cut.
"Eh, that stings a little," She said wincing but smiling at the same time.
Zoro looked shocked but put his blade away and watched as Luffy's still bleeding hand was placed in the centre of them. Usopp moved his cut hand over the top as did Chopper. Zoro followed and then looked up to Nami. She looked excited when she placed her palm over his rough hands. It sent shivers through them both at their contact, drawing their eyes to lock with one another.
"So, Zoro how is the village?" Luffy asked settling down like the rest. Everyone was now relaxed with each other and enjoyed engaging in the talk. All except Chopper and Usopp, who cringed at the topic. They knew they came from the rival villages and their bond may be broken along with any chance of getting the two together.
"Same old, boring overall"
"Aa, Nami?" Luffy asked turning to face the grinning red head. She had found out he was from the village at last.
"Aa, same obviously," She laughed. Luffy looked confused at the two. Why would it be obvious to be the same… they come from different villages. He thought mindlessly.
Zoro too was happy in the knowledge that she came from the village and never thought once that they could be enemies.
"Anyway! What should we do tomorrow?" Usopp interrupted.
"Who knows, how long are you here for Luffy?" Nami asked.
"Until I next crave an adventure," He grinned.
"Let's celebrate!" Chopper yelled.
"KANPAI!" They all yelled happily. Looks were exchanged through their rowdy noise and blushes were revealed.
Robin, Vivi and Sanji made it back to the village with a failed day of searching. They were tired and depressed. No person in Shimo village had seen Nami and there were no sights outside or inside their own village. Things weren't looking too good.
"Robin… what if…"
"She'll be fine Vivi, tomorrow we search Oni-Mori. There are signs of blood that lead towards it," Robin smiled gently.
"Really? Okay!" Vivi looked happier in the knowledge of her friend's possible survival.
"We should meet on the outside of the village tomorrow at sun up. We'll continue our search then," Sanji said exhaustedly.
The three friends made their way to their own homes with a goodnight and a wave. Once they retired, Chief Genzo appeared from around a corner sighing heavily. He was so happy his daughter was loved and searched for all day and happier to hear there were possible signs of her survival. He disappeared from eavesdropping in on the conversation with a tear in his eye and a heavy heart.
In the adjacent village, the chief Nakai also had a heavy heart. He never showed any strong emotions towards his son, hoping he would stay strong and be a dominant leader for his people. But since his disappearance, his heart ached for his only child to come home. He was marked as missing and all the women of the village were pining for him.
"Damn it!" He yelled throwing his fist into the stone wall. A strong tear rolled down his twitching cheeks as he fought for control over his actions. His son had gone missing before, but he had received the story and details from his two followers. Sure, he wasn't worried then, but after such an incident, he was feared dead and Johnny and Yosaku were still in the village.
His thoughts ran to the sincere youths who came to visit him. They spoke of their leader's only child missing too and why she had gone missing. She came to talk of peace between the two tribes and the three had spoken so fondly of her. She sounded brave and determined to cross the dark plains by herself which made him feel strongly for the other tribe. He never thought he would wish for her to be safe… or even to be safe with his son.
"Maybe I'm getting old, but this war is starting to seem pointless," He said to himself miserably. He thought the reasons for the war were driven from his anxiety and lack of action. The two villages would stick to their boring routine and when he and Genzo had an argument about their children becoming betrothed, he fired off and went into a childish strop, thinking that Genzo thought his son to be unworthy.
Then, as a way to get more action out of life, he declared war on the other village and started rumors of their cowardice. Truly, he thought this to be a game, but when hearing his son state each village will suffer deaths and casualties, he became troubled. He didn't want to put that strain on the people who followed him or Chief Genzo. He hated to hurt his friends, no matter how angry he was.
He was too proud to admit he was wrong, and became scared of being dubbed a coward himself. He carried on with the plan, partially becoming psyched about it. But the three who came to visit looked so… hurt, his heart bled for his old friend Genzo. He knew how it felt to have a child missing and he had met the red haired little blossom of life. It hurt him to know she was nowhere to be found and worse.
If she was found, how can he face her pleading request for peace? He used to be like an uncle to her when she was young. She wouldn't remember that now. He knew he couldn't refuse girl if she asked for it, which made him hope she could find him and snap him out of his childish antics. He would finally have a way out of the situation he was trapped in.
He couldn't admit it to a soul, but she was the angel who could help him and support his actions. The little blossom of life who was now surely a strong young woman.
