Help Me! Save Me from My Sufferings

"Talking"

'Thinking'

"YELLING"

'YELLING IN THOUGHT'

*Flashback*

"Animal Translation"

Suffering Quote

The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive…by John Green, Looking for Alaska.

Disclaimer: Oda owns One Piece.

Nojiko knew what she had to do.

Once she can explain to them the real reason for Nami's true motive then they will have to leave the island in peace. They must understand that this is Nami's battle, and she can finally end it.

She's outside of her garden picking up the last of tangerine in the crammed basket of tangerine and picks it up as she headed back in her house. Once she's inside she finds Nami is still asleep in the same position. She smiled, she can't remember the last time she slept this peacefully. She puts the basket down and walks up to the sleeping girl and smoothed her soft hair and Nami responded by leaning closer to the touch. Nojiko giggled, Nami always acted like a cat. Mischievous as they are sweet.

"I'll be back soon…stay safe, sis." She spoke to her softly and pressed her lips on her forehead leaving her with a kiss.

She closes the door behind her and as she walks away from her house and with luck by her side she will find the long-nose man and his friends and make them leave the island and never turn back…hopefully.

"So Nami bluffed the whole "I've killed Usopp in cold blood" was a way to save you and escaped from Arlong, right?" Said Zoro to make sure he got right and Usopp nodded in his confirmation and he said.

"And I think there's a reason for her being with the Merman Pirates." Usopp is sure of it.

"Of course." Said Sanji as he had never doubted of Nami for a second.

"So, what do we do now? Rush to Arlong Park." Zoro quickly arose the idea and Usopp spluttered.

"Hold on! I barely escaped from that place we can't just head back in without a plan. And besides, shouldn't we go and find Nami and explain it to us why is she with them in the first place?"

"Then you are wasting your time here." A new voice alerted everyone and as they look upon the newcomer.

"Nojiko!" Usopp recognized her as a woman who saved his life from before.

"No matter what you guys do, Arlong's reign won't end," Nojiko said in a serious tone.

Lara was looking at her in curiosity. She never has seen that woman before but she can tell she's a good person since Usopp knows her.

"Do you know her, Usopp?" Lara inquired and Usopp nodded.

"Yes, she's Nojiko. Nami's older sister." Lara's mouth formed an 'O' shape. She didn't know Nami had an older sister, as matter of fact, Nami never told her about her sister. Then, Sanji turns lovey again as he gazes at her with utter love.

"Ahhh~ Nami's older sister! She's so pretty~" Zoro rolled his eyes at the man's ridiculous antics but ignored him and asked Nojiko.

"What do you mean we are "wasting time"?" But Nojiko ignored his question and instead she said.

"Do us a favor. Don't meddle with this Village's business anymore. I will tell you everything and then you will leave Nami alone." She feels herself shaking since she never told to a stranger, much less a pirate, a tragic life story that took place when the Mermen stole their treasured person that given Nojiko and Nami a life. But, worst of all, they also stole Nami's life.

Nami is on the verge of getting all back and Nojiko will make sure that all of her sufferings and pain will finally pay off.

And as for Lara and her men, they have gasped but not for the fact they're going to know about Nami's past but after they've learned of her past they will have to leave the island.

"You mean the reason why Nami stayed with the Fishmen?" Usopp is the first to break the silence.

"Yes," Nojiko replied.

"But why we leave? What about Nami?" Usopp asked with another question.

"Like I said before don't meddle with the Village's business anymore. If you guys care for Nami you'll leave in peace but not before hearing her story." Nojiko stated it for Nami's sake if they truly care about her as she said then they must leave and let her finish the battle…no matter how much she wanted to be with them badly.

Lara has been quieted the whole time listening to Nojiko and asking them to do the impossible thing. How could she ask this like that? After she fought Don Krieg with sweat and blood so she can catch up to Nami and after she arrived here to bring her back to the crew, and then Nojiko is asking them to leave Nami for good.

Not a chance.

"I'm not interested." She said out loud and very blunt and Nojiko took it back by surprise.

"Wait a minute, Lara." Usopp is about to protest her bluntness when Lara is walking away.

"Where are you going, Lara-Chan?" Sanji kindly asked her.

"A walk!" Nojiko looked at the girl confusedly. Why did she want to go for a walk when she should be listening about Nami's tale…unless? Nojiko quietly gasped. She recalled what she said, once they listen to Nami's tale they must leave the island and never come back. Could it be that she chose not to listen to the tale then she doesn't have to leave…That's oddly clever of her.

"You can't just walk away, Lara. Don't you want to hear about Nami's story first?" Usopp is confounded at the girl's unexpected behavior. Just what's on earth is she thinking?

"I'll pass." Again, with a blunt she replied, and Usopp has nothing to say anymore.

That was weird.

He thought, she cared about Nami. So, why did she leave when Nojiko is about to tell the story of Nami? It doesn't make any sense to him. However, Zoro is the only one who noticed her behavior from the start. It's clear what she is doing and she is doing is quite clever.

He could've followed her but something tells him that she needed to be alone. So, he let her be as he stays here and to listen. Besides, he is curious about Nami and this is a good opportunity to hear all about her.

"Don't mind her. That's just what she's like." Said Zoro as he is walking to the tree and sits there with his back on the tree.

"We'll listen to your story. Although, it probably won't change anything." He added truthfully.

"I'll listen too. I want to understand what's going on here." Usopp exclaimed.

"Me too. I want to know everything about Nami-San." Said Sanji with an eager grin.

Then, they heard a loud snore from Zoro and to Nojiko's surprise, the green-haired man is asleep.

"He's sleeping." Then, Usopp got angry.

"Don't fall asleep if you said you'd listen!" But Nojiko wasn't paying attention. She was focusing on the retreating figure whose name was Lara, she believed.

The girl with a straw hat is an odd one. But, she's probably what Nami's was talking about her. Nami spoke so fondly of her that she comes to love her as a sister and that causes her pain far worse than her sufferings with Arlong. Now, Nojiko understood. Nami loves her too deeply just as much she loved her Bell-mère.

And that's hurt her more.

"I see, no wonder Nami is torn." She mumbled quietly.

Meanwhile.

A Large Marine ship is sailing toward the Cocoyashi Village. Captain Nezumi is a Marine captain of the 16th Branch, in East Blue is grinning darkly as he is sailing close to the village. The rat-faced man was ordered by Arlong to go to Cocoyashi Village with a dark purpose he had to do.

The man chuckled, he could just imagine the rewards he could get his hands on once he's done with the order. The beautiful and sparkly treasured he will take, the amount that Arlong said that he will take. He drooled and imagined swimming in the treasures.

"Captain Nezumi, sir. We have reached the village." A soldier snapped him out of his daydream and he looks ahead that he, indeed, reached the village. He sees the villagers have been gathered around the dock, all wearing a confusing frown. The rat-man smirked to see their dejected state after what Arlong crew did to the 77th Branch ship. He could imagine their hopeful faces have been crushed into hopelessness when they watched in horror as the ship alone with Marines have been overpowered so easily.

If only he could see it. But as long he looks the other way and keeps Arlong Pirates hidden from Marines' view, he will be rewarded, handsomely.

He descends from his ship with his fleet right behind him and he smirked when he sees the villagers are backing away from them. It's good to be feared, it made him feel powerful over the small villagers.

"Chi chi chi chi! I'm Captain Nezumi of the Marine's 16th Branch. Which one of you is the Village leader?" Stated Nezumi as Genzo stepped forward.

"I'm Genzo. Captain." Genzo is not liking this at all. He knows about Nezumi's relation with Arlong. He's an arrogant and corrupt man. He never has done anything noble in his life, all he did is to let Arlong do whatever he wants with the Village while he looks the other way. So, seeing him here in the village seems fishy or better yet, he smells a rat.

"I want you to escort me to Nami's house." Once Nezumi stated Genzo turned stiff. He knew it there is something wrong when he got here but he never thought it involves Nami.

"Nami? What business do you have with her?" Genzo scowled and he scowled darker when he saw the dark smirk appeared on Nezumi's face. It could only mean trouble.

"All you have to do is escort me there, is that understood?" Genzo gritted his teeth as the rat-man ordered him with authority. As much he wants to turn down the man, he can't. He's a captain of the East Blue, he can't risk his fellow villagers if he crossed the Marine Captain. If he did, Captain Nezumi will order his men to harass his Villagers or worse call Arlong.

With an irritated sigh, he signaled the Marine Captain and his men to follow him as he escorts to Nami's house with a doleful face.

Telling a story is like sharing one's life to another as he or she tells the story of which is like they've never heard it before.

A story can come in many forms. For example, any story of the life of an adventure and excitement will make anyone gasp in awe-inspiring life, or a story that will make any person sigh dreamily at hearing a love tale of both common or forbidden.

A story like this is a thing they love to hear and talks about.

But, Nojiko's tale does not contain adventure or joy or love. In fact, her story tells of one girl who was once happy and carefree and loved her mother with all her heart was stolen away by the heartless tyrant Arlong.

It happened eight years ago when the village was full of bliss and peace and never once wore a frown on their faces when two rowdy and happy girls came into their lives.

Nojiko and Nami when they were little they lost their biological parents from war. But, they were found by a marine whose name had been mentioned in Nami's thoughts. Bell-mère saved those girls and adopted them as her daughters to raise them to become fine women of this era.

Bell-mère had retired from marine duty and focuses on more important matters and is that raising her two daughters and keeping the tangerine farm nice and healthy to sell so she can provide for her daughters' food. But the money she gained is little that she had to be smart about it of how she can spend it.

And that's what made Nami steal stuff such as books from the book store, only to be caught red-handed by Genzo. But, she steals because she can't ask Bell-mère for some money because it'll be too much for her.

However, Bell-mère was doing her best to help her daughters to get what they need. Especially, Nami, to help her to reach for that dream. Nami's dream is to draw the map of the world and she studies to become a Navigator to travel the world.

Bell-mère is a dedicated woman and she will make sure that her Nami will reach for that dream and she will work hard to help her and Nojiko so they can live their lives to the fullest.

That was Bell-mère's dream.

However, fate has a different plan.

A pirate ship came to Cocoyashi Village and not just any pirate ship. This is a Mermen pirate ship and its Captain is Arlong.

Nami and Nojiko went into hiding while Arlong had declared that the Cocoyashi Village is his domain and he said that on this day of every month each adult will pay a hundred thousand Belli and fifty thousand Belli for each child…for their souls. Because, if not, Arlong will kill every man, woman, and child.

Genzo and the Villagers are all praying that the Pirates would leave with their money without knowing about a house hidden from the other side of the forest or the children for that's matter. Because Bell-mère doesn't have enough money to pay for her soul or her children's soul to save their lives. So, they paid the Pirates with all they have.

The pirates were leaving, and all was well…or so they thought.

One pirate noticed a cloud of smoke coming from the other side of the forest and they marched toward the smoke.

Nami and Nojiko raced to their house to save Bell-mère and warned about the pirates before it's too late.

But, their little legs couldn't keep up because the Arlong Pirates have reached the house as all each wore a menacing glee while Bell-mère is unaware of the peril that awaits her outside of her door.

But, Bell-mère sensed the danger coming from outside of her house and she retaliates to protect her home but Arlong is too strong for her and broken her arm. Nami and Nojiko were going to barge in and rescue their mother but the Doctor of the Village stopped them and told him in the cruelest way to save them.

They were never a family.

Bell-mère didn't have enough money to sign the papers for adoption nor she updates her information that she had daughters. In shorts, she doesn't have daughters Nami and Nojiko do not exist in her life. That's what the Doctor told Nami and Nojiko about the whole thing for Nami and Nojiko to leave the island and never come back so that Bell-mère can be saved.

Nami never wanted to leave but Nojiko tried to convince her sister to find a boat and leave to save Bell-mère. It is the only solution.

However, Bell-mère had a different plan.

She stated to Arlong and his goons that one hundred thousand Belli is for her two daughters. As she declared it with a proud smile because she loves her daughters because they existed in her life and she is grateful every day to have them, even if they're not blood-related their bond for each other is stronger than any bonds of a mother and child.

Arlong wore a delightful but scary smile as he announced it that Bell-mère must die for she didn't pay for her life.

The scream of Nojiko and Nami echoed through the island as they pushed the Doctor away and runs to Bell-mère. They hugged, and they hugged tightly, and they never wanted to let go. The poor children cried and cried and told her that they are sorry and begging her to stay as they promised to never steal again and promised to be good girls if she stays with them.

Bell-mère cried as well, her deepest regret that she didn't give her daughters the things they wanted the most. She wished she could do so much for them, she wished she could work harder, and she wished that she could live to see them grow into fine and strong women of this era.

But, she did what she could to save her daughters and that gave all the money for her daughters to live on. So, she pushed them into the house and stand in front of Arlong fearlessly and Arlong pointed his pistol on her chest and shot Bell-mère to death and she said her final words before she falls to the ground.

"Nojiko, Nami. I love you." And that's how Bell-mère died as a mother for her children.

It was a total nightmare as the poor girls watch the blood of their mother pooling out of her chest, their tears are streaming down their faces as their hearts break when they saw their mother died with a smile graced on her face.

Nami felt like her world had been shattered like glass as her mind and heart are hurting her making it hard to breathe as well as it comes to a horrible realization.

It was her fault!

It was her fault that her existence is what causes her mother's death if she hadn't been born then Bell-mère would've lived. She would've paid her money to live with Genzo, Doctor Nako, and the Villagers.

It was all her fault.

But the worse isn't over.

One of the Merman Pirate found a piece of paper sticking out of Bell-mère's back pocket and he took it to see and that made Nami snapped and screamed very loudly that this is her map drawn for her mother. Nojiko tries to keep her quiet but Arlong heard and looked at the map. Then, children freeze when he saw the dark, sinister look on her face as he ordered his crew to abduct Nami.

Everyone tries to stop them but they were easily defeated, they were no match with the power of Mermen Pirate. Genzo was the last one standing to save Nami from the clutches of Arlong as he drew his sword ready to strike at any moment. But Arlong's called one of his brethren, Kuroobi. He sliced Genzo many times that the poor man's body is soaked in his own blood and the cruel Fishman used the grip of the sword and knocked Genzo unconscious, and they left with Nami.

Day turns into weeks when the Arlong Pirate took everything from this humble Village as if they extinguish the vibrant soul of this Village. They've destroyed boats so leaving the island or getting help seems out of reach. They are prisoners in their own homes.

And the nightmare continues.

When Nami returned from Arlong she brought along with something eerie that broke everyone's hearts. Nami joined the Arlong Pirates as she has the tattoo to prove it and money. It was a staggering sight and every one turns their back on her.

However, Nami has a different motive.

When she sat beside her mother's grave, proclaiming to Nojiko that she will buy the island back from Arlong even if it takes a lifetime…Not just that, she will keep on living and good things will come to you. That was Bell-mère's words and now it will be Nami's beacon of hope.

And that was the end of the story.

And the men…Well, minus one is sleeping, are all shocked by that distressing story from one brave little girl that grew up into a brave woman that had been fighting all by herself to save her home. She sacrificed her life for the people of her Village so she won't see them get hurt again by Arlong. They are astonished and admired by Nami while they are disgusted by Arlong that had her enslaved for so many countless years.

"For a ten-year-old girl decided to fight on her own while surviving from both Arlong and other Pirates. Now, do you understand how hard it must've been?" Thus, Nojiko ended the tragic tale. Usopp feels a twinge of regret for doubting Nami, a sting of burning anger at Arlong for putting Nami through hell and back.

"For a deal that would free her Village. That girl is…" He wanted to say brave or foolish or desperate but he couldn't find the right word for it. Then, Sanji stands up and bellowed.

"Whoever makes Nami-san suffer, I'm gonna…!" Sanji gets punched by Nojiko for saying something so loud and stupid.

"Why, Nojiko-sama?!" Sanji fell with a bruised cheek as Nojiko said.

"I told you before, idiot. Do not interfere with Nami's plans or the Village. If Arlong and his goons discovered that you are friends with Nami, they will doubt her loyalty to them, and all her sufferings of eight years will be for naught. She must fight alone. Knowing there are people who call her a friend is the most painful thing for her." As she said it with pain in her voice that she truly feels for her sister's pain but for her sake and the Village she needs to finish it on her own.

Zoro has wakened up and laid there and he is thinking. He has to say that Nami is as brave as Lara, to be able to fight on her own against many enemies so she can free her Village. That's love. He wondered, what would happen if Lara had stayed and listened? She would be stunned, that's for sure. But she will stay and fight despite Nami's reasonings. He had to admit, girls are stubborn just like his friend, Kuina.

Unknown to anyone, they are been watched and listened to by Nojiko's story and they are crying. They are Johnny and Yosaku haven't left because what had Zoro said, they were going to come back when they overheard Nojiko is going to tell about Nami, and when they did they are feeling so guilty and ashamed of themselves for accusing Nami as a heartless murderer and she turns out to be a genuine hero through and through.

While Nojiko is thinking about Nami and how it pains her to see whenever she come back from her escapade she would come with cuts and blood all over her body. But, to Nami the reward is sweet as she stole every treasure from Pirates, and she is smiling knowing that every burglary will free her home.

It is sad for Nojiko that she does nothing to ease her sister's suffering. She wished she could trade places with her or found some other way. But she knew Nami would never allow her to throw her life away. Nami is the one who had to do it.

Nojiko wished she wasn't so weak.

Back at Nami's house.

She woke up from her sleep and she looked at the devastation she did. But her mind is on something else…She is close to complete the deal.

All the pain from Pirates and Arlong will finally be over.

She could hardly believe in herself. Soon, her nightmare will be over. Just one more trip and she can free her home, she can be free from Arlong, she can get her life back.

She begins to smile but it's no ordinary smile. It is a smile akin to Lara's smile and she didn't even notice it.

'Only seven million Berri left to go, and with my enhanced skill, I can steal a treasure from a Pirate ship on a single trip…Only one more trip and everything will be over. Everyone in Cocoyashi Village including me. Will be free from Arlong's reign. Then…I can finally laugh from the bottom of my heart.' She can feel her soul is rejuvenating as the thought of freedom she can almost taste it. It's no longer out of her reach it will be within her grasp.

Then, her mind flashes for her an image of Lara smiling for her looking so free and happy that it causes her a sting of regret in her heart.

"Lara…Would you still forgive me for what I've done…Would you still call me a Nakama?" Nami thought of it out loud as her smile turns into sadness.

"Bell-mère, you would've loved, Lara. She is just like you…Arlong must never know about her. I don't if I'll survive if I lost her. Lara, if you can hear. Please, I beg of you. Let me fight this battle." And, a single tear has been shed.

Lara was walking until she stopped.

She doesn't know why but she feels like someone was talking about her for some apparent reason.

Does she wonder if Nami is doing alright right now? Then, the thought of leaving without Nami seems to hurt her still. Nami is her Navigator, she chose her because she believes she is the best and with her powers, she can help her navigate even better. Together as one unit.

'Nami, don't you want to draw the map of the World? I know you do.' Then, Lara notices that she is in the Village and people are looking very anxiety. She looked ahead and stiffed when she Marines and guy with a pinwheel on his head…In which, it looks cool. But the Marines are the problem.

Then, she notices the guy with whiskers seem to wear a devilish grin that could only mean trouble and it made her feel like something is stirring from inside of her, something…beastly. Like it happened when she fought Don Krieg. It had been strange for her ever since t never happened before and it was because of that Marine man that's giving the look.

The Marines and the pinwheel guy went past her as they have no idea who she is, in which, she is grateful that none of them recognized her. But that whiskered man still wore that smirk and her eyes turn into the diamond slit as she begins to hiss.

'I don't like him.'

Back Nami. After wiping off those tears, she is ready to leave the village for one last time. She wrote a letter to Nojiko that she's leaving and the promise to bring more gold and jewels to free their Village.

Yes, Arlong will leave Cocoyashi Village and the people will be celebrating and partying of their departure and freedom just as he promised he will do.

"One final stealing spree…I can hardly wait."

Then, Nami hears footsteps coming her way and when she turns to look, she was shocked to find it was Marines with Genzo escorting them here. But then, the Marines all wearing a dark smirk on their faces and eyes full of malice and greed, it's making her feel uneasy. One of the men laughed he has whiskers and he laughs like a mouse…Or more like a rat.

'He must be the Captain but why are they here? And Gen-san why did he brought him here?' Genzo is not looking at her but she can tell the man is powerless against the Marines and ashamed.

"Are you the female thief, Nami?" It caught Nami by surprise, something is amiss here.

"According to our investigation, you seem to have stashed stolen treasures in this very Tangerine Farm." In an instant, her entire body turns cold and rigid from the moment he said.

'How did he know!? He couldn't possibly have known?! I was careful.' She is not the only one who is shocked Genzo is shocked as well. He could not believe it. No, the Marines should've never known about Nami's secret treasures. He feels like the whole world is falling apart.

"However, since you stole from Pirates, we have no intention of arresting you. But theft is theft. So, I herby in the name of the Marine Government all the stolen Pirate treasures are now belong to the Government. CONFISCATE THE TREASURE!" By his order, the Marines have scattered to find hidden treasures.

'No, they couldn't' Nami's whole world of happiness and freedom are being taken away as soon as the Marines scurry to find her treasures that could save Cocoyashi Village.

Nami is frozen and completely numb as her chance of saving her Village is going dim like darkness.

Hello, everyone.

I would to humbly apologize for the long, long wait for this story but I have a good reason as my friends from One Piece are here to back me up.

I joined the course in an institute to study Secretary and Computer Knowledge. I also studied Marketing, and I took online courses in Management and Business so that one day, I have my own store to sell my artwork.

You can see my artwork on Instagram fractal_dreamer

Lara: You really should see it; they are all beautiful.

Sanji: They as beautiful as Pen-chan~

Thanks, everyone. So, I hope you understand what I been through and just so you know, I'm not giving up my stories.

See you all soon, on the next time on One Piece: Legend unfold.