Genesis (I);
(noun) – the origin of something.
The water was too damn cold. Stupid, crappy cape-guy, if Luffy didn't kick his ass, Sanji was certainly happy (willing) to oblige.
It had happened all too fast for the Straw Hat cook to fully comprehend what was going on – too swift to be able to stand a chance to react. As such, the blond had been thrown from the Sunny along with everyone else, unable to counter the effects of whatever their challenger had done. It was stupid (and frustrating), for he should have been able to resist the attack by perhaps using Sky Walk – instead, he now found himself in the damn ocean which was just way too damn cold.
Whatever had dulled his Haki earlier was apparently still in effect, for Sanji wasn't able to sense the presence of any of his crew – which caused him to panic a little. Now, Sanji certainly wasn't one to give into anxiety (he wasn't Usopp or Chopper), but his immediate concern was for the ladies – one of which would be compromised in the water.
Suddenly the cook swirled around as he heard coughing and spluttering behind him.
"Nami!"
The orange-haired navigator had emerged from the waters (thankfully appearing none the worse for wear), with another sopping figure draped across her shoulders as she tried to tread water.
Strange, thought Sanji as he made his way to her, his mind still trying to process everything. Why does Nami have Luffy? Usually that is left to that idiot Moss –
"Z-Zoro!" Luffy choked feebly, trying to (unsuccessfully) wriggle from Nami's grasp – and back into the ocean.
Damn!
"Sanji!" Nami's amber eyes were wide, and the worry that was clearly visible was tempered ever so slightly with relief at the sight of the blond cook.
Frantically (strangely), Nami shook her head as Sanji approached, and instead gestured wildly down into the sea. "I could only get one of them!"
One of them?
Luffy gasped again and suddenly it all clicked into place, "Z-Zoro!"
Not pausing for a moment longer, the blond cook dove down (and away from Nami-swan who was still struggling with their idiotically uncooperative captain), and began to search the dark waters for the person the navigator had been (reluctantly) forced to leave behind, the same person their crappy, stubborn rubber captain was trying to (impossibly) save himself.
There was no sign of his missing crewmate. Dammit Moss-Head! Where the hell – There! A brief movement of green amongst the shadows caused Sanji's attention to fix upon the form of the swordsman – who was still sinking further and further from view (reach).
Damn!
Not seeing another option, the Straw Hat cook pelted towards his inert shipmate using one of the few tools at his disposal. Blue Walk was effective enough to make him as fast as a fishman underwater, at least according to Usopp (who, in retrospect, perhaps might not be the best to corroborate such facts). Slender yet strong fingers grabbed onto the other man's shirt and Sanji hastily made his way back to surface.
Appearing alongside the other two Straw Hats, Sanji took in a deep breath of fresh air – and felt another surge of (slight) panic when the swordsman in his grip didn't do the same.
"Sanji!" Nami asked worriedly, "Is he alright?"
"Z-Zoro!" Luffy mumbled, trying to get a hold on his first crewmate, and still failing due to the ocean's inevitable effect on Devil Fruit users.
Sanji's fingers tried to find a pulse on the green-haired man, but the water was too cold and had made his hands numb.
"Dammit!" the cook cursed. "Nami, we need to get to shore!"
"But – but what about the others?" the woman from Cocoyashi queried in concern.
Sanji hated the idea of not knowing if his precious Robin-chwan was alright but… "Franky and Usopp will help them," the blond stated firmly. "We need to get on land. Luffy is useless in the ocean," pale blue gaze drifting to the weakened captain on Nami's shoulders, before shifting back to the navigator and continuing. "And – and Moss-Head's not doing good."
He wasn't going to voice the full extent of his concerns. He wasn't going to say that the (idiotic) swordsman had been (too) still for too long.
The pair of able-bodied Straw Hats looked at the island that loomed on the foggy horizon, illuminated in the eerie glow of the early afternoon sun.
"Alright," Nami said, a frown of determination appearing on her (beautiful) face. "I just hope we aren't on the coast surrounded by rocks and reefs," she added, suddenly recalling the details on the map she and Robin had been looking at – what now seemed like a decade ago.
As they began to move steadily towards the island, small adjustments had to made in their position – but it was all largely due to their (moronic) captain who insisted on trying to get to Zoro. Keeping the swordsman on his left shoulder, Sanji swam with Nami on his right, Luffy positioned on her far shoulder – and therefore as far away from Zoro as (humanely) possible.
Given his previous display of manoeuvrability and speed in the water, Sanji could easily have pressed forwards towards the shoreline faster, but he would never abandon Nami (or Luffy) – so he hoped the (still) moronic moss-for-brains on his shoulder could just hold on a little longer.
Mercifully, the sounds of waves crashing on a beach soon reached them and eventually it was accompanied by a glimpse of a darkened shore. With dry land within reach, the cook and the navigator hauled (read: dragged) their two incapacitated crewmates onto the beach.
While Luffy hacked up seawater and tried to regain his strength, Sanji had immediately gone to see if his could find a pulse on the swordsman (this time). Searching, waiting (hoping) – and finally releasing the breath he hadn't realised he had been holding when he eventually found one. It was faint, but there – and perhaps in the greater scheme of things, that was a good thing (it meant the Moss-Head wasn't dead).
But he (still) wasn't breathing. That was a bad sign.
"Dammit Moss-Head, don't make me have to do this?" the cook snarled (worriedly).
Nami kneeled opposite him, her back to Luffy who was still spluttering weakly. "Sanji, what's wrong?" she questioned, frowning in undisguised worry.
"Damn idiot isn't breathing," the blond answered aggrievedly, before suddenly resigning himself to the fact it would have to be him that did what was obviously necessary here – better he do it then have to put his beloved Nami-swan through such trouble.
CPR had been one of the things that had been quickly instilled upon them at the Baratie, and it became apparent that it was skill that proved useful when the cook had found himself onboard a ship where the Devil Fruit users were practically jumping into the ocean for fun.
Checking the swordsman's airway was clear of anything, Sanji steeled himself for a moment before allowing his mouth to meet Zoro's so that he could force air into the (stubborn) idiot's lungs. He remembered all the lessons Owner Zeff had given them – and then Chopper's 'refresher course' which seemed to occur every month.
Feeling himself fall into a familiar rhythm, the cook continued trying to make the green-haired man breath, pausing every minute to check the swordsman's vitals. One minute, three minutes, five minutes – and still nothing from the man who could usually bounce back from the most horrendous of injuries. Part of Sanji began to regret the delay in giving the (obviously) unconscious man the aid he apparently (desperately) needed.
And then it got worse – for Zoro's weak pulse suddenly tapered off completely.
"Shit!" Sanji swore, and now moved to increase the chest compressions in his rhythm while Nami held onto one of Zoro's hands, all the while eyeing the swordsman pallid face with undisguised apprehension.
"Dammit Moss-Head (breathe)! You can't do this (breathe)! Come on crappy swordsman (breathe)! Seriously, you can't let that crappy cape-guy win! Dammit, Zoro breathe!" Sanji yelled between compressions and breaths.
Still nothing.
Suddenly Sanji felt himself shoved harshly aside – and Luffy took his place.
The captain began (his version of CPR) by whacking the swordsman on the chest.
Thud!
"Wake up Zoro!"
Thud!
"Get up!"
Thud!
"You promised!"
Thu–
His hand was suddenly caught by Sanji and Luffy turned to give the cook a look of anger (anguish) – only to stop a millisecond later when he realised why the blond had intervened.
Thump. Thump. Thump. The sound of a beating heart was then followed by the noise of water being expelled from the lungs through the inevitable hacking that usually accompanied a successful resuscitation.
"Zoro!" Luffy cried, a grin of happiness spreading across his face.
The swordsman blinked his one eye blearily while he came to his senses, before memory seemed to flood him and the green-haired man fumbled for his katanas – apparently still thinking the threat of the cape-guy was still present.
"Woah!" Nami and Sanji both exclaimed as they moved to prevent the swordsman from moving, while Luffy's grin faded a little.
"It's okay Zoro," the captain said. "We're okay."
Still tense, the scarred man (carefully – tiredly) searched the rubber youth's expression before finally relaxing (slightly) and leaning back onto the damp sand. "Okay," he murmured.
"Tch, not a word of thanks for saving your crappy ass," Sanji snorted, falling back to the (comforting) familiarity of insults and sarcasm. He had begun to think the worst – begun to already feel an inkling of blame and regret. If he hadn't – if I hadn't… Stop it Sanji, he thought. Look, the idiot's fine (as usual).
Nami sighed in obvious relief and pulled away from holding Zoro down. "Don't do something stupid like that again!" she warned, eyes narrowing. "Else I'll have to raise your debt! In fact, I think I deserve some compensation for the stress you've unnecessarily put me through! So that'll be an extra sixty percent added!"
"Whatever," Zoro replied – and Sanji had to prevent himself from instinctively kicking the idiot in the head, for the though the swordsman was talking (heck, breathing) his complexion was still too ashen for the cook's liking (not that he'd admit his concerns of course.)
A frown appeared on the almost-drowned man's features, not the scowl of annoyance or indifference that Sanji was more familiar with – but one that was typically reserved for when the green-haired man was in (deep) thought.
"Where are the others? And, where the hell are we?" he asked.
"Don't know–" Sanji began before being (rudely) interrupted by the stubborn (impatient) moron.
"What?" the one-eyed pirate exclaimed, expression turning into a strange combination of anger and annoyance (and confusion and blame). "What do you mean? What the hell happened?!" he moved to push himself up again – only to stop when this time it was Luffy's hand on his chest that prevented him from rising.
"It's okay," he repeated, "We might not know where they are, but we'll find them. They're all strong. Shishishi, we all are!" the dark-haired youth said, confident grin blinding on his face. "And we made it to Mystery Island!"
The swordsman still appeared confused and Sanji sighed while reaching into his sodden jacket pocket for his cigarettes – only to discover he'd apparently lost his stash at some point. Now he was really going to kick that crappy cape-guy in the head. Hard, and repeatedly.
Grumbling internally about the lack of nicotine present, the cook resigned himself to filling in some crucial details their crappy swordsman was missing. "After you got your ass handed to you," he began – ignoring the soft growl from Zoro – "Cape-guy issued us – well, Luffy – a challenge."
Sanji explained the terms of the trial, and the possibility of what could await them on this cursed island. Nami bit her lip as she listened to the retelling, while Luffy's face had gone unusually blank. Zoro didn't say anything the entire while the cook spoke – which was (mildly) unsettling.
Eventually, once Sanji had finished, silence stretched out between the four pirates – until the swordsman broke it with two words: "I see."
Nami stuttered in surprise, "What? That's it? That's all you have to say!"
Zoro shrugged, his gaze shifting to where Luffy sat, eyes shielded under the brim of his straw hat. "Doesn't change what we have to do," the green-haired man responded.
Luffy raised his head, grin spread on his face and eyes bright with determination. "Yeah! Let's go find the others," he said firmly.
The navigator huffed incredulously. "Seriously? Have you guys even thought about the trouble we are in? We don't have any supplies – food or medical. Everything is on the Sunny! Unless Chopper had his bag on him, but I don't remember. My knowledge of the topography of this island isn't great, and Robin doesn't seem to know much either. We have lost our ship, we're missing half our crew! Zoro you are still half-drowned!"
"Nami," Sanji's voice broke through her tirade. "As much as I hate to admit it, these idiots are right, it still doesn't change what needs to be done."
"Yes!" Luffy shouted and jumped to his feet. "So, let's go!"
Sighing in dour acceptance, Nami rose, followed swiftly by Sanji and then Zoro – who immediately lurched forwards, dropping down onto one knee.
"Woah!" Sanji cried, instinctively moving to help the other man – who waved away the offered aid with his usual (lack of) tact and stubbornness.
"I'm fine idiot cook," he grumbled, trying to get (unsteadily) to his feet once more.
Nami's frown hadn't vanished. "Maybe we should rest before–"
"We shouldn't waste time," the green-haired pirate stated firmly, meeting the gaze of his captain steadily.
"Zoro…" Luffy frowned: Are you –
"I'm fine," the swordsman repeated, right fist clenched around Wado's ivory hilt – the only sword that remained on his hip. "The sooner we get going, the sooner we find the others, the sooner we get the Sunny – along with everything else."
Sanji heard what hadn't been said and while reading between the lines, his gaze settled on the way the green-haired man had to prevent himself from innately fidgeting where typically there were three sheathed katanas. The cook recalled the sounds of steel clattering to the deck on the Sunny, though it was a sound that was swiftly forgotten after the more pressing thud of the weight of an unconscious (idiot) swordsman hitting the floor.
But he didn't say anything, thinking (knowing) the Moss-Head would not take kindly to being reminded of his own involvement of what had happened. Instead, the cook looked about them and asked, "So which way? I don't know about you two – not that it seems to help your directionless ass anyway, Moss-Head – but my Haki isn't helping me sense anything."
Zoro gave a non-committal grunt but didn't respond – which was in and about itself, an answer from the typically nonchalant man.
Luffy however was grinning again and pointed along the beach. "That way!"
"Judging from where the sun is – at least, from what I can see through this fog – that seems to be north," the navigator said. "Which is a good thing, because from what I can remember from the map Robin showed me, the south of this island is nothing but sheer cliff face."
Luffy laughed and began to bounce eagerly in the direction he had pointed out. "Come on!"
"W-wait, Luffy! That idiot!" Nami hastily hurried after him while Sanji followed not far behind, only to pause when he didn't hear another set of footfalls after him.
"Oi! Moss-Head, you get lost already?" the cook asked sarcastically as he turned around. "Come on!"
The blond was about to add another jibe when he noticed that Zoro had closed his eye and seemed to be focused on something – something that seemed a lot like breathing.
"Oi," Sanji repeated, thinking that he might have to lead the direction-addled moss-for-brains, when the swordsman blinked once more – though his gaze didn't hold the type of intensity the cook was accustomed to seeing in the man.
"Tch," the green-haired pirate snorted softly, his gaze clearing before moving to (finally) follow Luffy and Nami – who had slowed slightly when they realised their companions weren't right behind them. "You're slipping if you're worrying about me, cook."
Sighing in exasperation and mumbling about stupid (stubborn) rubber captains and stubborn (stupid) moss-for-brains, Sanji brought up the rear. Yup, I'm totally going to kick that guy in the head, the cook thought.
Following Luffy was pretty much their only option at this point – not that Nami minded, for it seemed like (for a change) the rubber youth knew where he was going.
"I hope we reach the others before nightfall," the navigator said, her amber-brown gaze darting upwards to peer at the foggy skies.
Sanji walked just behind her and replied, "Should be fine, Nami-swan! Don't worry! Your Mr Prince is here for to keep you safe and to provide your every need and–"
"Yes, yes," Nami interrupted the love-sick cook. "Thank you, Sanji – but that's part of the issue."
The blond frowned. "Issue…" he murmured, not quite following what she was saying.
Sighing, Nami explained it to him. "How long do think we'll be able to go on for without stopping to eat anything?" she pointed to where Luffy had come to a halt and was yelling something about 'meat' to emphasise her point.
"Dammit," the blond pirate cursed. "I'm sure I'll be able to whip something up from what the island has. But you're right, we should find the others first. Oi, Luffy! How far away are the rest of the crew?"
"Hmm, dunno!"
"What?!"
"You stupid rubber-brained idiot! What do you mean? Haven't you been leading us towards them?"
"Shishishi, I dunno. This direction just seemed right. And it's an adventure! Though, I'm getting hung–"
Thump!
"Seriously Luffy!" Nami cried after whacking the boy on the head. "We need to find everyone else! I thought you knew where you were going – wait, what am I saying? Sometimes you're hardly any better than Zoro ("Oi.") when it comes to directions."
Giving an annoyed groan, the woman grimaced while she tried to straighten things out, beginning to take a few paces forwards. "Right. Well, heading north is still the best option. In all honesty, the if the others didn't land on the same shore we did, the north is the only safe place for them to make landfall. We should-eek!"
Nami broke off when she was suddenly yanked aside by a rubbery hand as Luffy pulled her away from the scary (gigantic) lizard-thing that had emerged from who-knows-where.
"What the heck is that?!" the orange-haired woman shrieked, eyes wide.
She barely had a chance to process what had happened when the three (idiotically) strongest members of the Straw Hat crew had managed to defeat the beast – rather easily she might add.
"Sanji! Cook it!" Luffy called gleefully. "Meat! Meat! Meat!"
"Of course, you would think with your stomach instead of your brain," the blond growled.
"Tch, it is food cook," the swordsman rasped heavily.
"Nobody asked you Moss-Head!"
"Meat! Meat! Meat!"
"Shut up, Luffy!"
"Don't think you can do your job, coo–"
Zoro broke off the insult as he abruptly turned around, sword at the ready to skewer–
"Eep!"
"Usopp!"
The long-nosed sniper just about fainted from shock while the rest of the Straw Hats felt a sense of relief when the remaining members of the crew emerged from the undergrowth that lined the shoreline.
"Chopper! Robin! Franky! Brook!" Luffy cried happily as he bounced towards them.
"Robin-chwan! I'm so happy you're alright! I hope these idiots didn't make life (too) difficult for you!"
"We are all fine, thanks Sanji. I am glad to see the four of you in one piece," the dark-haired woman said warmly.
"Zoro!" the little reindeer threw himself at the swordsman and clamped onto his head – while the green-haired man tried to (unsuccessfully) dislodge the young doctor. "I'm so glad you're alright! You weren't moving and – and that cape-guy said you were a sacrifice – and, and–"
"Calm down, Chopper," the one-eyed pirate said after finally removing the younger male from his face. "I'm fine."
("Tch, only just," Sanji muttered under his breath.)
Franky gave Zoro a hearty whack on the shoulder. "Yeah bro, you gave us all quite a scare there. What exactly did that guy–"
"How did you guys find us anyway?" Luffy interrupted – for he had seen a familiar dark look cross Zoro's face.
It was Usopp who answered. "We could hear you guys, and it sounded like you might have been in trouble (not that you three would likely need help but whatever) so we came to see – what the heck is that?!" the sharp shooter cried as he finally caught sight of the lizard.
"Dinner!" Luffy exclaimed happily.
"Yohoho! I'm sure that will fill our stomachs – well, not that I have one!"
"And things are back to normal," Nami said with a resigned sigh. Yup, it's like we were never separated in the first place – funny how that happens…
Usopp loved bonfires. They made camping totally fun – plus, they helped to put aside any thoughts to the reason they were in this situation in the first place. Just like on Skypiea, the Straw Hats had managed to get a pile of wood and were now sitting around the blaze contentedly (and relieved) eating the meal Sanji had prepared (of lizard and some weird mystery fruit thing that they'd found growing on some nearby tree-thing).
The sniper was grateful that they were together again. He was presently in the process of recounting the tale of how he (the Great Captain Usopp) and Franky (the Robot Side-Kick) had valiantly rescued their crewmates from the frigid waters of the ocean.
"It was a great challenge, but one we would not – no, could not – run away from! So onwards we went, surging towards the shore just within sight but just out of reach. Slowly, determinedly, bravely into the uncharted waters! There was nothing that the Great Captain Uso–"
"Yeah," Franky interrupted the enthusiastic story-teller. "I managed to grab Brook and Robin while Usopp had Chopper. It was a super rescue."
Luffy's eyes shone brightly. "That's awesome! See?" he turned to the three Straw Hats who had been his "landing" companions. "I told you they would be fine!"
Nami sighed, Sanji rolled his eyes, Zoro just grunted.
"Hehe!" Usopp sat straighter, proud while Chopper gazed at him with unabashed adoration.
"Yohoho, indeed I did fear we would be at a disadvantage," Brook added. "But I am truly grateful that you saved my skin – well, not that I have any!"
Franky shrugged but gave a broad grin regardless. "It was no problem bro. It is what friends do!"
"Yeah!" cried the trio of Luffy, Usopp and Chopper.
Usopp managed to put another piece of lizard in his mouth (before his captain could grab it) and asked slowly, nervously, "So are we–ulp!"
Thwack! "Have some manners you crappy long-nose!" Sanji rebuked harshly, with a kick to the head.
Not wanting to be on the receiving end of another assault from the cook, Usopp swallowed his food (well, what had been left lodged due to the attack anyway) and finished his question, "–Are we going to talk about what happened back on the Sunny?"
The long-nosed sniped noticed the swordsman stiffen and took in the almost imperceptible glances that Nami and Sanji shot in Zoro's direction.
"Yeah," Franky agreed, the shipwright's gaze settling on the two women in the crew. "From the helm I heard you guys screaming. What was that about?"
Not wanting to be the first to explain things, the orange-haired navigator quickly (easily) diverted attention onto other members of the crew. "Well, I first want to know why Brook was attacking Chopper," she said, and immediately eyed the skeleton and reindeer.
Brook was tapping his fingers (in a manner that suggested he was trying to be soothing) as all eyes fell upon him. "I have already apologised to dear Chopper," his own (eyeless) gaze on the youngest Straw Hat who squeaked and bounded over to give the Soul King a hug. "But my friends, you do all deserve an explanation," Brook continued, pausing to compose himself.
Robin however, interrupted before he could press on. "If you wouldn't mind waiting a moment Brook, there is something that needs to be considered here. Despite how much we might all want to leave what happened behind us, I believe this is necessary: us speaking of what happened aboard the Sunny."
Luffy's grin wasn't quite so wide as confusion replaced his cheerful expression. "What do you mean, Robin?" the rubber captain asked. He really didn't want to talk about the stupid cape-guy, and what happened to Zoro (and Ace).
"Remember Captain," the dark-haired archaeologist clarified. "The challenge was to have us stop keeping secrets from each other – secrets that began to come to light on the ship. Our challenger said as much. If we don't do this, wouldn't we be failing the task that has been set before us?"
The mood around the bonfire grew sombre as each Straw Hat mulled over his or her thoughts.
It was Sanji that broke the silence (still wishing he could have a cigarette). "Beautiful Robin-chwan is right, as always. Alright then, Bones – finish your explanation."
The crew's musician nodded. "Perhaps it is not surprising, given my reaction, but I could have sworn I heard and saw Moria."
("That fat bastard?" Sanji exclaimed.
"Oh! Onion-Head!" Luffy said, wide grin returning. "I kicked his ass.")
Brook gave more details, nodding his head slowly. "Indeed," the skeleton said gravely. "He was behind Chopper and threatening to take his shadow!"
"You were just trying to protect me!" the little reindeer wailed, tears of gratitude flowing freely from his young eyes.
A bony hand patted Chopper. "I never meant to scare you, for that I am sorry."
Liftin his head, the Straw Hat doctor's tears began to slow and a warm smile replaced them. "It's okay Brook!" he affirmed. "I told you that already!"
"Yohoho! Indeed, you did!"
Usopp sighed. "Well that answers that question," he said, recalling the bizarre image he had seen as he clambered down from the crow's nest. "But what about you two?" he added, pointing to Nami and Robin. "You both looked like you'd seen ghosts!" And I hate ghosts! Ghosts are scary! Like those things from Thriller Bark… scary… Usopp shuddered to himself.
"If our challenger's intention was to show us our fears, the things that could still make us tremble, I fear he succeeded," Robin begun, a wan smile now on her face. "For through the fog surrounding us, I saw an oncoming fleet of battleships – and a Buster Call was upon us once more."
"Robin!" Nami exclaimed, not hesitating in bringing the other woman close for a hug.
"Crappy cape bastard," Sanji swore while Luffy's face became etched in a frown and a low growl came from the green-haired man beside their captain (a rare moment of agreement between the cook and the swordsman.)
A soft, reassuring laugh came from the archaeologist as she gently returned the embrace of her young female friend. "It's alright, I have learned to accept that part of my past – though admittedly it doesn't make the prospect of facing it any easier." Her blue gaze then lifted to meet those of the crew's. "But, I know I will never be alone in doing so."
"Damn straight!" the others (sans Zoro who just nodded) chorused loudly.
Robin smiled warmly before returning her attention to the orange-haired thief in her arms. "Nami?" the gentle question came.
Sighing, the navigator pulled out from the hug and closed her eyes, her mind filled once again with the sound of that laugh. How could she ever forget it?
"Arlong. It was Arlong."
"I kicked his ass too!" came the confident voice of her captain.
At this the woman from (the liberated) Cocoyashi Village smiled and then laughed. "That you did, Luffy."
"Damn cape-guy, showing us enemies from our past," the blond cook muttered, thinking on how of all things (people) to be brought up, for Sanji it had to be him.
A snort came from Zoro who had heard the low comment. "Tch, who managed to scare your ass then cook?"
"No one, crappy Moss-Head!" the blond snapped. "Besides, you haven't explained what happened to you yet, bastard."
"Nothing–"
"I mean, did that guy somehow scare you into losing, Moss-Head?"
"Idiot, cook! I told you, nothing happened!"
"Sure, whatever you say. Just like 'nothing happened' back at Thril–"
Slam!
Usopp hadn't been too concerned with what was a usual (every hour) occurrence of the Straw Hat swordsman and cook engaged in argument which would more often than not, evolve into a brawl with kicks and sword strikes – never anything serious though (which one had to wonder about…)
However, this time something was different. Whether it was the fact that Sanji seemed strangely shaken (had he been scared by something?) or that Zoro appeared unusually strained (maybe he hadn't quite recovered from cape-guy's attacks), the sudden realisation that something was really wrong came when the green-haired man had lunged forwards from where he had been resting against a large boulder to pin their blond cook against a tree – snarling something that could only be heard by Sanji.
"Woah! Hey!" everyone cried.
The rest of the crew leaped to their feet while Luffy and Usopp went to pull their swordsman off the other pirate and Franky and Nami tried to stop Sanji from retaliating.
"Guys! Please don't fight!" Chopper wailed. "We can't do this if we are arguing with each other!"
"Yeah, come on bros," the cyborg acknowledged, large metal hand still clasped onto Sanji's shoulder. "I mean, you two are usually at each other's throats, but maybe keep the super manly fights till when we're back on the Sunny (not that I want you to destroy the ship), and when this challenge is done."
Nami sighed in exasperation, shaking her fist in warning. "If you two keep fighting, I swear I'll make you pay."
"Ah, Nami-swan is so beautiful when she's being strict!" Sanji swooned, his anger towards the (crappy) swordsman momentarily pushed aside.
Zoro gave a low grunt (of assent) and pulled away from Luffy and Usopp, moving to lie back against the boulder. "Whatever."
Usopp stood alongside the rubber captain and watched as Luffy's gaze cut between the two powerhouses within the crew. He seemed to want to say something.
"Luffy?" the black-haired sniper pressed hesitantly, unsure of what exactly was going on inside that mind – which wasn't too unusual (who really knew what Luffy was thinking anyway?).
There was a small pause before, "More meat!"
"Get it yourself, crappy rubber brained idiot!"
An irked (relieved) sigh came from the pirate collective and soon everyone had settled back down again.
The rest of the evening went by without problem, and the Straw Hats were soon facing their first night on the island. Fog still hung heavily in the air but with the low crackling fire, it wasn't cold. Franky and Usopp had managed to assemble a suitable shelter for the ladies out of what could be collected from the surrounding area (using their super skills as the Great Captain Usopp and his side-kick Robot-man Franky). The men – and Chopper – were reasonably content to sleep out in the open.
As far as sleeping arrangements went, most of them had endured worse. Soon the sound of slumbering pirates joined the ambient noises of the smouldering bonfire and the darkened forest beyond.
Somehow, he always found it easier to think during the twilight hours. Perhaps added with the usual (almost monotonous) repetition of his training regime, it would make sense his mind would be able to dwell on things past (and present) with ease.
Not that this was always a good thing.
Zoro's mind had been a whirl of thoughts since he'd come to on the shore of the beach. Images of how he had been caught off guard by the enemy, the worried faces of Luffy, Nami and (that idiot) Sanji filling his mind's eye every time he shut his own. Sleep would typically come easily to the man (though he had maintained a habit of light slumber in case of emergencies) but try as he might, on this night he simply could not allow himself to rest.
Perhaps it was the reminder of his mistake on board the ship, the concern in the gazes of his crew (his friends) or maybe even the mere fact he could still recall her voice as the darkness overcame him. Then again, it could just as easily be due to the heaviness in his chest that wasn't quite as vanished as he would like, and the dull ache in his heart that wouldn't quite subside.
Giving a low growl of frustration, the green-haired swordsman eventually pushed himself upwards, forgoing the notion of getting any sleep for the time being.
Making his way to the edge of the camp, careful not to wake (or step on) his fellow pirates. His gaze flickered across the sleeping forms, taking a mental count subconsciously. The trio of Usopp, Chopper and Luffy were cuddled together – the little reindeer in a rubbery embrace while the sniper was somehow stretched out across the captain's legs. A fond smile pulled at the edges of the usually taciturn pirate's mouth as Zoro shouldered off his jacket to cover the three youngest members of the crew.
("Meat…" murmured Luffy.
"Great Captain Usopp t' the rescue…" mumbled the sniper.
"…Doesn't make me happy… jerk…" whispered Chopper.)
"Tch, morons," the swordsman shook his head before his gaze moved to settle on the two figures sleeping against the same tree not far away. Brook was snoring steadily (for a dead guy he certainly made enough noise) while the easy breathing of the cook filled the silent gaps between the skeleton's snores.
A frown etched itself on Zoro's brow as he watched the blond sleep. He had understood the cook's frustration (hell, they shared that sentiment) and usually taking it out on each other was the norm. But the green-haired man had noticed how the former sous-chef had an all-too-familiar haunted look in his gaze, how there had been a hesitation that didn't quite make sense. Then again, it didn't give him the right to bring up that.
Zoro had never regretted his actions on Thriller Bark. Never. Hell, if he had to do it again, he wouldn't hesitate. However, he hadn't done it to earn respect, or to gain appreciation, nor to have the others show him gratitude. He sure as hell didn't need them knowing – and he had trusted the cook to keep that secret between the two of them (well, apparently Brook knew too but that didn't matter much, 'dead men tell no tales' and all that). Sanji had been there. Sanji had seen. The (idiot) cook knew what that revelation would do to the others, do to Luffy. So, what happened? Why had there suddenly been a breach of that trust?
Giving another shake of his head, Zoro tore his gaze away from the sleeping blond. Surely the warning he'd snarled while he had pinned Sanji against the tree would be enough. The others had been right, fighting now would not be a good idea – especially with what he understood about the stupid challenge.
Sighing softly, the swordsman continued his path towards the edge of camp, giving only a brief cursory glance to the temporary shelter where he could barely make out the shadowed figures of the navigator and the archaeologist. With everyone accounted for, Zoro finally reached where Franky had placed himself on watch.
The cyborg apparently hadn't heard the swordsman approach for he jumped slightly when the green-haired man moved to lean against the tree next to him.
"Zoro," the metal man frowned, confused. "Shouldn't you be sleeping bro? It's been a long day."
The one-eyed pirate heard the unsaid words but only gave a non-committal grunt in answer. Internally he was getting a bit annoyed with everyone's concerned looked. Stop worrying about me dammit. You guys should never have to worry about me.
Franky eyed the younger man for a moment before returning to tinker with… whatever it was he was fiddling with. "Don't worry bro. I got this, and Robin's got second watch. You should rest, we're gonna need you in super shape for we don't know what tomorrow will bring," the cyborg said, unknowingly echoing the swordsman's words to Luffy a few nights prior.
Zoro winced inwardly at the irony of the situation. There was a long stretch of silence before he finally spoke. "I'm sorry."
The blue-haired pirate's gaze jerked upwards in surprise, trying to understand exactly what prompted this apology from a man who (in Franky's entire time with the Straw Hats) he could never remember ever uttering such a thing. "Hey bro, it's all good," the former underground boss said, confusion mingling with shock in his expression. "I mean, I'm probably not saying anything you don't know already. You should just go get some sleep–"
"No, I'm sorry about the Sunny."
A pause after the unexpected interruption before the cyborg exclaimed with confusion, "Huh?"
Zoro gave a disgruntled sigh before explaining. "You had to give the Thousand Sunny up as a ransom. That ship is part of your dream, and to have to choose…" the swordsman trailed off, absentmindedly running his thumb along the ivory hilt of the (solo) katana on his hip. I know what it's like, to have to choose… Giving himself a mental shake, Zoro continued. "It's not easy, and I'm sorry for putting you in that situation."
Despite appearing largely indifferent when the others had explained what had happened after he had been knocked unconscious, Zoro had felt a sense of fault for what had transpired. All in all, he figured it would be a given that he owed the shipwright an apology – though it would have to be given in private, for the swordsman wasn't quite ready to admit his feeling of failure to the entire crew (yet).
Franky though, was wearing a lopsided grin, understanding showing on his chiselled features. "Don't worry about it bro, we'll get her back. Besides, it wasn't really my choice to make (not that I regret his decision) but Luffy's." The cyborg's gaze was steady as he met that of the younger man. "And if I recall, this isn't the first time our captain has had to choose between his ship and his crew."
Zoro blinked at the sudden realisation that Franky was right, and just like back then, Luffy showed the reason why he was the only man the former bounty hunter would ever respect (and trust) enough to follow. Nothing will change the fact you are my captain, the first Straw Hat found himself thinking. The swordsman's gaze flashed with affection before his expression became neutral once more – save for the small smirk playing on the edges of his mouth. "Tch, true," he remarked before giving the cyborg a slight nod (of gratitude) which (thankfully) Franky understood.
"Yeah, yeah, all good bro, just go back to sleep," the metal man waved the other pirate off as the swordsman began to return to his spot against the boulder near the fire and Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper.
Closing his eye, Zoro found himself able to drift easily into (a light) sleep (as per normal), his mind now more at ease. Soon the swordsman's own deep, rumbling snores accompanied that of the other males – unware that his conversation with the shipwright had not gone unheard by another, one whose pale blue eyes never left the form of the (now) slumbering swordsman.
Dawn saw the Straw Hat camp bathed in an iridescent light. The fog had lifted slightly but it seemed that it would be one of those weather phenomena that would be permanent on the island. Sanji had sent Usopp, Chopper and Luffy down to the river where he had collected water the evening before, to see if they could catch some fish for breakfast.
The blond cook had been grateful that the island appeared to be largely self-sustainable, and while perhaps the meals wouldn't be up to his usual fare, they crew was certainly unlikely to go hungry (the only threat being a certain rubber idiot).
Franky was busy disassembling the ladies' shelter upon close supervision by the lovely Nami-swan. Bones and Moss-Head were at the camp's perimeter, keeping watch (though it appeared that Brook was busy composing another Soul King ballad, and the swordsman was napping – typical.)
Sanji's gaze lingered for a moment on Zoro. "Don't." The snarled warning while he had been pinned against the tree echoed in his mind. The cook would never say it aloud, but he had felt an instant moment of regret as soon as the words were flying from his mouth unbidden. He knew what had happened on Thriller Bark, and he knew what would happen should the rest of the crew find out.
The cook had heard something else in that warning, saw something glinting in the one-eyed man's gaze. Hell, if Sanji didn't know Zoro any better, he would have said it appeared somewhat like hurt, something like betrayal – and then he just had to overhear the swordsman and Franky's conversation. Despite the usual nonchalance the green-haired idiot displayed, the words he had said during the night made it reasonably clear he felt the burden of fault for putting them in this situation.
"Tch, damn moron," the former sous-chef muttered.
"Everything alright, Sanji?"
"Ah Robin-chwan!" the blond whirled around to face the dark-haired woman. "Any time I get to see your lovely face makes the day just perfect! Allow me to serve you some of this tea I've managed to brew using some fresh ingredients that are available to us. I know you would prefer coffee, and I can only give you a thousand apologies for not being able to provide you with what you desire, but hopefully this would be enough to keep you radiant and refreshed!"
Robin chuckled lightly, a gentle smile on her face. "Ah, that would be lovely. Thank you."
Sanji took the glass cola bottle (Franky always seemed to have them) which had been drawing and handed it to the former Baroque Works agent. "Please be careful, it is hot."
Robin sipped the concoction gently before the smile on her face grew. "This is delicious Sanji!"
"Ah! Such sweet words! I live to serve Robin-chwan!"
"I'm glad to see you're in better spirits compared to last night," the woman said lightly.
Sanji shrugged and waved offhandedly. "Nothing for you to be worried about, dear Robin-chwan. I think we were all just tired."
The cook felt the last Oharan's gaze on him. "Perhaps. Though I did notice how you, Luffy and Zoro didn't seem to share much – even after the rest of us had spoken."
A brief shudder ran through the blond, though he hoped Robin wouldn't notice. "I didn't have anything to tell, much like Usopp and Franky who seemed to also see or hear anything. Cape-guy had just irritated me and the Moss-Head didn't help. Nothing unusual with us fighting like that."
"Hmm," Robin mused, a thoughtful expression on her face. "This is true, but then, it is usual for you to bring up Thriller Bark like you did."
Sanji choked. "Wh– you know?"
She smiled warmly, eyes shining with amusement. "Remember, with my Devil Fruit it is pretty easy to have my eyes and ears everywhere. Plus, I'm the curious type."
The cook gaze into the flickering embers of the fire. "Who else knows?" he queried, strangely hushed.
Robin's expression turned sympathetic. "I don't think anyone else is aware – and I'm certain you two would prefer it that way."
Sanji's pale blue gaze lifted from the fire and drifted to where the swordsman and the musician still stood as sentinels. "Yeah."
"You're worried about him."
"Tch," the blond scoffed. "I do not worry about that idiotic Moss-Head. My concern is only ever for you lovely ladies!"
Robin laughed then, a light airy sound that managed to chase away his concealed concerns. "It's funny," she smiled. "You two are more similar than you might think."
With that (horrible) revelation, the archaeologist went to go join Nami, who was still berating Franky for his unskilled disassembling of the shelter – leaving a stunned cook to mull over the (terrifying) thought. I most certainly am not like that idiot!
Sanji was still busy stoking the flames when the fishing trio returned, bounding happily and yelling something about meat (typical moron), caves (unsurprising), and writing (what?).
"What are you idiots talking about?" the blond asked as he took the several fish handed to him and began to chargrill them.
Luffy's eyes glittered with excitement. "There's this really cool secret cave behind the waterfall!"
"Yeah! And the rock face has got some weird writing on it!" Chopper added
"Wait, wait, wait," Sanji said, frowning. "First off: what waterfall?"
Usopp began to explain. "We went upstream (most because someone had the bright idea to explore) and we found this waterfall. It's really tall!"
"But," Sanji was still confused. "How do you know there was a cave there?"
"Duh Sanji," Luffy was looking at him as if he was an idiot (that crappy hypocrite). "A mystery waterfall on a mystery island will always have a mystery cave."
"A cave huh?" Nami said as she approached with Robin and Franky. "Could it be an entrance to those labyrinths we saw on the chart?" she asked, turning to the older woman.
"Possibly," the archaeologist stated. "It would make sense. Logically the cavern system would be the easiest way to travel across the island. Perhaps this is the route our challenger has intended for us to take."
"B-but what if it's a trap?" said Usopp, suddenly filled with nerves.
Sanji sighed (still wishing for a smoke), "Long-nose has a point."
"Going along a path chosen for us by an enemy doesn't seem like a bright idea." Zoro's voice sounded behind the gathered group as the swordsman and musician finally joined them.
"Wait, wait, wait," Nami was frowning and shaking her head. "I don't know what scares me more. You three agreeing on something, or the fact that I think you have a point."
"Exactly!" Usopp exclaimed. "I mean, this could be a trap to kill us!"
("Waahhh! I don't want to die!" wailed Chopper.
"Me neither – though I am already dead, so. Yohohoho!" chortled Brook.)
Robin however, was shaking her head. "I don't think that would be the case." As everyone's gazes focused upon the dark-haired woman, she clarified further. "He could have easily taken us out on the Sunny while we were all at a disadvantage," her blue gaze shifted to the swordsman for a moment before continuing with, "and he could have killed Zoro without a second thought."
The Straw Hats collectively shuddered as the image of the swordsman lying prone on the deck with a flintlock pointed at his head resurfaced in their minds. Zoro's expression grew dark as he watched the others' reactions. "Fair point," he conceded lowly. "So, we really have no choice but to go then."
"Yes!" Luffy exclaimed, eyes bright. "Let's go to the mystery cave!" A pause, then, "After breakfast! Sanji, meat!"
"Tch, damn rubber idiot."
No long after, once everyone had eaten their fill (including the captain), the Straw Hats found themselves at the spot Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper had spoken about. They gathered on a small, rocky outcrop that jutted out into the river itself. Opposite them was the waterfall, and the sniper had been correct about its size.
"Wow."
"Yup."
"Look! See? There is the writing!" Chopper frantically pointed to just above the waterfall where a large boulder jutted between the falling water. It wasn't a particularly impressive thing, nothing about it suggesting importance, though, sure enough, there was something etched quite clearly into the blackened stone.
Franky frowned. "Dude, how would someone write something up there?"
"I think the better question is why," Nami retorted with a roll of her eyes. "Maybe, we could find out if we could read the damn thing."
"Robin?" the little reindeer turned to face their archaeologist. Of all the crew, it would be likely the woman from Ohara would have some idea – or possibility of reading it.
The dark-haired pirate's blue gaze was settled upon the inscription. "I would need a closer look," she began, when Luffy interrupted happily.
"I could take you up there!" the rubber captain grinned broadly, preparing to rocket Robin and himself up there –
"No!" everyone yelled, shrieked, cried.
Robin laughed softly. "I will be fine, thank you Captain. But I appreciate the offer."
("You really don't want to give him ideas," Nami muttered.
"Those rockets make my bones rattle, yohoho!" chortled Brook.)
While a few members of the crew (Nami, Usopp, Sanji) physically admonished their captain, the former Baroque Works member used her Devil Fruit powers to blossom a single arm and hand with an eye within the palm on the stone in question. "Interesting," Robin murmured, her own eyes closed while she concentrated.
"What is it?" Chopper asked tentatively, his eyes wide with a mixture of curiosity and nervousness. He wasn't sure about this whole challenge thing, but maybe the writing could give them a clue – tell them how to get back to the Sunny. He missed the green lawn, and the hammocks, and the sounds of the sails filled with a sea-breeze (the noises of home.)
Everyone waited (relatively) patiently before Robin finally spoke. "It's an ancient script, one I recall reading about a long time ago–"
"Yeah, but what does it–" Thwack!
"Don't interrupt lovely Robin-chwan again crappy rubber-brained idiot!" Sanji faced the older woman and swooned, "Please continue dear Robin-chwan!"
Robin chuckled lightly again before continuing. "It sounds like a riddle: To know what is, one must understand what was. Strange," she mused. "This does make it sound like this is the point where our journey and challenge are meant to begin."
Nami frowned, confusion and irritation evident on her face. "Okay, but I don't understand what it means."
The dark-haired woman wasn't saying much else, but gave the navigator a knowing smile.
"Doesn't matter!" Luffy said excitedly, eyes bright. "Let's go!" Then, before anyone could stop him, the rubber youth extended his arms to embrace the entirety of his crew and using two nearby trees as a launching pad, rocketed them across the waters (and through the waterfall) with a loud laugh.
Robin landed gracefully (one had to wonder how) with Chopper in her arms – though, the youngest Straw Hat was shaking terribly. The other members of the crew hadn't been so lucky however, and only succeeded in forming a tangled mess of a dogpile, with Zoro and Sanji underneath everyone – and Luffy laughing happily (and oblivious).
"Shishishi! That was fun!"
"No, it wasn't!"
"You moron! Ow! Franky, get off me you damn hulk of metal!"
"Dammit Luffy!"
Everyone yelled at their captain in varying degrees of annoyance (while trying to untangle themselves) with the rubber youth offering varying levels of apologies (while still laughing and grinning.)
After giving the dark-haired pirate a kick to the face, Sanji made his way over to where Robin was currently standing with Chopper. The pair of Straw Hats were seemingly intrigued by something on the rockface.
"What is it?"
Robin's hand was outstretched, and she was gently running her fingers across the smooth surface. "This isn't natural," she murmured.
The rest of the crew slowly joined them. "What do you mean?" Usopp asked nervously. This cave was too dark for his liking, even though there was light filtering through the waterfall not far from where they stood.
Not pausing in her examinations, the archaeologist turned her blue gaze upon the others. "This cave, it's man-made."
"The tunnels!" Nami exclaimed suddenly, understanding dawning on her face while Robin gave an affirming nod.
"What are you two on about?" Zoro growled, scowling as usual.
Nami explained. "Robin and I were looking at the map of Mystery Isle befo–the other day. There was a diagram of interconnecting tunnels and corridors that formed a labyrinth. At first, I thought they would have just been a natural occurring landmark, but now… The cape-guy did say this was his island. If he's done this before, with other crews, it would make sense that he's prepared it for the very challenge he has created."
"So, we now must just follow the tunnels and I would assume that at the end, we will discover the Sunny," Robin added.
The others absorbed what the women were saying. None of them dared to argue with eithers' logic. This sort of thing was Robin's specialty, and Nami had frequently proved her adeptness at grasping things quickly that the others would struggle with – not they were (all) idiots mind you.
"Wait, wait, wait," Usopp flailed frantically. "You mean, we have to stay down here, in the dark, until we have finished?"
"Yeah," Nami replied.
"That is indeed what we must do," Robin answered.
"Great," the sniper muttered, his voice shaking. "Glad I understand." Then, "This is ridiculous! I just want to get this finished! I think I'm coming down with can't-go-down-the-scary-tunnel disease!"
"Shishishi, don't worry Usopp," came the reassuring voice of the captain. The pirate from Syrup Village turned to look at the straw-hat wearing youth. "We're all together, so we'll be fine!" Luffy said grinning.
The rest of the crew couldn't help mirroring the smile (even the typically stoic ones) for the captain's enthusiasm and confidence had always been contagious. Luffy had always had that effect on them, whether it was through his own unabashed faith in himself (and them), they all found themselves hanging firm to the belief that with the rubber youth leading them, they could absolutely do whatever they set their minds on. This would be no different.
"Well, we should get going," Sanji said, the trace of the grin still on his face. "We've got four days and then we can get the Sunny (and my cigarettes) back."
"Yohohoho…hohohoho…"
"Don't laugh at me crappy skeleton!"
"I wasn't Sanji!" the musician waved frantically, as his attention (along with everyone else's) was pulled down the other end of the tunnel – the one burdened in darkness.
"Cool!" Luffy's eyes lit up with excitement. "It's another Brook!" Then, before anyone could stop him (again), the Straw Hat captain darted down the tunnel.
AN: Firstly, massive apology to all those who have been patiently waiting for an update on this story. I had some personal things to deal with, and along with a (rather massive) plot hole that a friend (helpfully) pointed out, my motivation (and morale) for posting was lacking. However, things are still on track so do not fear for this becoming another incomplete piece. This chapter has also been split into two parts mostly due to length (and partly for my own peace of mind). Anyway, I really hope this was worth the wait for all you lovely people, and I truly do appreciate the support (and understanding) people have shown me. Until next time, and Happy New Year - Mac.
