Disclaimer:
The following is a fan made fiction. I do not own One Piece or any of its characters. One Piece is owned by Funimation, Toei Animation, Fuji TV, Shueisha, Shonen Jump Manga, and EiiChiro Oda. I only own my OC and am writing this for my own amusement with Missus Sunstreaker 3143
Author's notes:
Laslyth's viewpoint
22. Setting Sail
I grinned as I jumped aboard the ship with Luffy and Yosaku, my personal belongings mostly on my person. My odachi was strapped to my back, and my katana and tessesn were strapped to my hips. In a small shoulder bag I had my sketchbook and drawing supplies. In fact, the large bag that I held was mostly alcohol and various mixers and spices for said alcohol that I had raided from the bar and the pantry.
"Laslyth! You ready?", Luffy asked excitedly
"I've been ready.", I smiled before I sat down and began yanking the damn boots off my feet. I sighed in relief as I stretched my feet out wiggling my toes, "thank god my feet can breathe!"
"Why did you wear them if you don't like them?", Yosaku asked as he poked at the diamond design that decorated the top of my foot.
"Zeff made me wear them.", I scowled, "and you can have them back!", I shouted as I tossed them at the chefs that had gathered on the deck
"Don't be like that Laslyth!", Patty yelled picking them up, "you might need them!", Before he tossed them back
"Fuck you!", I snapped as I once more tossed them back to the Baratie
"What if you stub your toe!", One of them yelled as another throw them back
"I'm not weak!", I shouted as I took the shoes and chucked them at them
"Sanji picked them out for you!", Carne shouted as he tossed them to me
"Sanji picked them out?", I questioned uncertainly as I glanced at where the landed on the ship
"Of course he did!", Patty yelled
"Sanji would have better taste…", I said slowly still uncertain
"He picked what he thought you would like!", Carne informed me with a grin
"Are you sure he didn't just grab the first pair in my size?", I asked flatly as it was more believable that Zeff made him go and then Sanji just grab something to appease him
"Even if he did, are you really going to throw away something he got you?", Patty asked teasingly
I blushed at his tone before looking at the boots as I said reluctantly "I guess not…. but I'm not wearing them…!",
"You will, in his kitchen!", Someone yelled at me, making me scowl since that was probably true… Sanji would murder me if I didn't.
"Will not…", I muttered as I glared at the shoes, knowing I would wear them if I wanted to be in the kitchen with him.
Luffy let out a gasp of horror, "this is terrible! You're a bartender!", As he pointed at me, making me frown and not understand where that came from let alone why it was bad.
"We don't have a bar!", He shouted in panic, "I have a bartender and no bar! I need a bar! Oi! Give us your bar!", He yelled at the chefs
"I… don't think they can…", I said slowly as I stared at Luffy
"Yeah! It's built into the floor!"
"I doubt it will even fit on your tiny ship!"
"You'll just have to build your own!"
They all shouted in aggravation at Luffy.
"Oh? Huh! Ooo! I bet Boko could make us one!", His tone excited
I frowned before saying slowly, "I don't really need a bar, I can use the kitchen counter."
"I want a bar", Luffy said firmly
"Big bro Luffy, there's a small bar in Nami's room", Yosaku said with a frown
"You went into Nami's room", he whispered with wide horrified eyes
"Yeah?", Yosaku frowned
"We're not supposed to go in there…", he whispered
I frowned tilting my head curiously at that. He was the captain; why would he not be allowed to go in Nami's room? It was his ship not Nami's. He should be able to go where he wanted to.
"... Ehh... big bro Cook shere is taking long..", Yosaku said in an attempt to change the subject
"Of Course he's leaving his home.", I said quietly knowing I would have done the same… maybe that's why dad had dropped me off in the way that he did.
Yosaku nodded in understanding before asking "why do you have so many tattoos?", As he poked my foot once more. I rolled my eyes, not bothering to answer him as I noted Sanji appeared in the doorway, two bags in his hands.
Sanji paused before he walked forward and I smirked as I heard Patty exclaim "This is for my long standing grudge!",
"Be prepared Sanji!", Carne yelled as the two leapt down from one of the upper decks both wielding weapons.
Sanji dropped his bags as he leapt upward kicking the two away before calmly gathering his stuff and continued walking to the ship. The cooks silently watching as he reached our ship and he said, "let's go", making me frown
"You don't want to say goodbye?", Luffy asked voicing my own opinion
"That's okay.", he smiled weakly
"The hell it is. This is your family", I protest
"It's fine", he once again stated his grip on his bag tightening and clearly trying to ruin in his emotions
I grit my teeth about to argue more only for Zeff to call from the upper deck, "Sanji!", His voice much like normal when Sanji did something stupid before it shifted to a gentler tone as he murmured, "don't catch a cold"
Sanji's body stiffened as his lower lip began to tremble and just like that the damn broke as his restrained emotions came flooding through.
"Owner Zeff!", He shouted, falling to his knees and whispering with uncertainty, "dad…", while pressing his forehead to the ground as tears streamed down his face, "I'll never forget your kindness...for the rest of my life!"
Zeff's expression softened as tears began flowing down his own face. I bit my lip looking between the two shifting my weight as I turned my focus to Sanji. His body was trembling from the force of his emotions and my own heart ached at his distress.
So did he really see Zeff as his dad? After the discussion we'd had earlier? Did he just now realize it? I took a step forward wanting to pull Sanji into my arms hating to see him so upset but knowing that would just upset him.
Patty and Carne both sat up as Patty suddenly screamed, "you asshole!", this causing Sanji to look up in shock
"I'll miss you dammit!", Patty continued with a sob
"I'll miss you!", Carne yelled, the rest of the cooks soon joining in on the crying.
I focused on Sanji who still had tears flowing down his face even as he smiled. I moved closer asking, "you okay?", As I half-heartedly listened to the other cooks expressing their own emotions.
Sanji didn't say anything as he wiped his face much in the same manner Zeff was currently doing. Both of them using the crook of their arm.
"you idiots!", Zeff yelled, "Men should part without a word."
"Let's go! Set sail!", Luffy yelled excitedly, making me chuckle in amusement.
"I'll see you again, you damn bastards!", Sanji yelled, waving his arms in goodbye as we began sailing away, the cooks waving back and crying.
I smiled turning away and facing the bow enjoying the feel of the sea breeze on my face. Finally, after four long months I was leaving the restaurant, with Sanji.
-X-X-X-
I sighed dreamily as I sat on the railing of the ship, while staring down at the picture I had stolen from Sanji's room. The picture showed a grinning Sanji waving happily at the camera and Zeff standing next to him looking as grumpy as always with the Baratie in the background.
'He was so cute as a kid' I thought to myself before glancing over at Luffy as he jumped off the prow of the ship exclaiming, "the weather is great!"
"If you say so. Still too hot in my opinion.", I scoffed as I stretched my eyes going to Sanji who was sitting a few feet from me.
If I stretched my feet out just a little bit more, I could touch him. With that in mind a slowly inched my foot closer to his.
"Laslyth", Sanji asked slowly, making me hum and pointedly looking away as I stopped my foot from sliding closer to his.
"Hmm?", I questioned playing innocent
"Where are the bandages I put on you?"
"Huh?", I frowned, expecting to be yelled at about my foot being in his bubble.
I glanced down at myself blinking as most of the skin over my chest was covered in 2nd and third degree burns, quite a few having developed blisters filled with pus and other fluids I was sure.
"Oops…", I grunted as I poked at one of the many blisters I had
"What do you mean oops! I just put that on you an hour ago!", He snapped
"I didn't mean to! It's not my fault I'm hot!", I screamed back
"You're always hot!", He shouted with frustration
"Oh? You think so?", I purred at him as I leaned closer to him
"Aghh! That's not what I meant!", He shrieked making me smirk
Luffy laughed at the two of us before Yosaku said, "you know Laslyth you really should keep those covered... they could get infected…"
I hummed nodding as I said, "I know… I just… didn't realize when I yank them off…"
"I told you to-", Sanji started to snap at me before his eyes focused on the picture I was holding, "what is that?"
I grinned and turned it so the others could see, "It's you and Zeff, you know, you were so cute when you were little!"
"Aww!", Luffy cooed moving to look closer
"Give me that!", Sanji yelped snatching it away from me and quickly shoving it into his bag, a light blush decorating his cheeks
"You know, you're cute when you blush too.", I purred at him unable to help it
"I hate you", he muttered in annoyance before glaring at Luffy, "why the hell did you bring him along?!"
"Shishishi, you're a pair. I couldn't leave him!", Luffy said with an easy going grin
"The hell we are!", He shouted
Yosaku frowned as he asked, "A pair? So… y'all are a couple?"
"Yeah, Sanji has my-", I started to say
"Shut up!", Sanji shrieked, jumping to his feet and pulling me to the other side of the ship. My eyes focused on his hand that was holding mine.
I bit my lip as I gently ran my thumb over the back of his hand as I said quietly, "you do have it you know…"
He jerked his hand away from me as he gave me a glare well snapping, "stop that"
"Sorry…", I muttered glancing away as I chewed on my lip
"No more telling people that crap. This is a pirate crew; I don't need you telling them that shit. And certainly not in front of Nami.", He then cursed as if remembering something and quickly adding, "especially not in front of Orin"
"Who?", I frown heavily as Luffy didn't have anyone on his ship named Orin, not to my knowledge anyway
"Nothing! Just forget it! And stop telling people!", He snapped
I grit my teeth, "I'm not lying", I ground out as I turned around and moved to go back
"The hell- your- Aghh!", He shouted as he quickly moved in front of me before biting his hand and screaming into it as his other arm hugged his waist.
"I-I'll hug... you…", he forced out as he bit himself
I raised an eyebrow as I really would love that only... He probably meant only once and it would probably be a quick one arm hug. That wasn't worth losing the right to call him my husband/boyfriend/mate/work in progress. Although…
"3 a Day", I stated firmly, "a full two arm hug that last longer than 10seconds"
"Like hell I'm doing that!", He shouted indignantly
"And I get to help you in the kitchen for morning prep and dinner clean up", I added as that would give us time alone together forcing him to spend time with me
"No way in hell-", he started protesting
"And I don't have to wear shoes", I grinned devilishly
"I'd rather die!", He spat
"Suit yourself. I wonder what Nami will think about my mark decorating your beautiful skin", I purred as I once again made to leave
He gave out a yelp before he quickly stopped me, "one... ok one a day no longer than 5 seconds", the words looking like they physically pained him
"And", I purred
"Y-you… you can… help in the kitchen... but you're wearing shoes!", He snapped
"Fine.", I said, deciding to take the offer.
"And no hugging in front of others!", He quickly added in terror
"We'll see", I purred teasingly
Sanji grit his teeth before he grits out, "I'll need to rewrap your injuries."
"Why did that sound like a threat?", I asked unconsciously stepping back
Sanji frowned at the movement before he let out a long sigh and lit a cigarette as he said, "You don't need your wounds to get infected."
"Aww you do care!", I cooed at him with a grin
"Just get inside the cabin before you burn more!", Sanji grit out
"Anything for you Hun!", I smirked as I walked inside the cabin and sat down in one of the chairs. I couldn't help the relieved sigh that left me as it was significantly cooler inside, especially since there was an air conditioner.
I smiled as I thought over the deal I'd managed to work out with Sanji. Other than the fact I had to wear the damn shoes in his kitchen I was thrilled that he would let me help him. My smile grew wider as I thought of the fact I'd actually be able to hug Sanji. Without him kicking me away and calling me a pervert. An actual two armed hug and not a half ass one either.
I frowned as I heard a thud coming from the roof before another sounded, several feet away. I sighed as it sounded like a damn horse trampling over the ship.
"Could you possibly be any louder?", I asked annoyed as I'd just sat down before groaning as if on cue the noise became louder. I gave an exasperated sigh before standing up and walking out only to flinch as Luffy suddenly catapulted past me and landed on the rear of the ship.
"Is it this way", he asked excitedly before flinging himself up to the top of the mast, "or this way?", he then darted down and to the bow of the ship, "that way?"
"You're annoying.", Sanji groaned exasperatedly, "Sit still will ya?"
I moved over and sat down on the railing next to Sanji as Luffy grinned sheepishly saying, "Sorry, sorry!", as he looked at us from between his legs making me roll my eyes.
He then straightened up and sat down with a grin as he said, ", we finally have a cook, so now we just need to get Chou-Chou back and convince Nami to join. And then we're off to the grandline!"
"Nami-san huh? Just remembering her beautiful visage makes me happy! How I can't wait to see her again!", Sanji exclaimed with hearts in his eyes
I scowled at his expression before I sighed dramatically as I said, "I wish you'd look at me like that…"
"I thought I told you to go inside!" he shouted before seeming to realize what I said and screamed "Stop saying shit like that! I like women! Do you hear me! Women!"
"Yeah, yeah, women this, women that", I said with annoyance as I waved my hand before smirking, "but you know Hun as a chief it's your job to try new flavors and I just know if you tried my banana you'd love it",
His body stiffened at the words before he screamed, "I don't like bananas you damn pervert!"
"What about when it comes in a pudding", I couldn't help but purr as I leaned closer to him only to yelp as Sanji's foot slammed into my side, sending me overboard and into the water.
"I like pudding! And bananas! I'll eat it!", Luffy yelled excitedly as I pulled myself back onto the boat
"Uhh… big bro Luffy… I don't think their talking about what you think their talking about…", Yosaku said slowly
I couldn't help the amused chuckle that left me as I slowly straightened up, wincing as the injuries flared in pain, the saltwater having bothered the open wounds.
"Oh? What are they talking about", Luffy frowned as he glanced between me and Sanji
"Nothing", Sanji snapped, "he's just being a pervert"
"I learned from the best.", I smirked as I thought of my Uncle and his crew, unable to help the soft chuckle at recalling the look on my Father's face after picking me up from them. I smiled at the memory, those were some of the best days.
"Your father must be proud", Sanji muttered sarcastically
"Not really...", I said with a shrug before adding thoughtfully, "actually, It's when he started hitting me upside the head"
"Really? I can understand why.", Sanji said flatly
"Aw? You know you love it Hun just as much as you'll love my banana when you finally get the courage to taste it", I purred at him
"Umm so you guys are a couple then?", Yosaku asked uncertainly
"No! We are not!", Sanji shouted before he was once again grabbing my hand and dragging me to the other side of the ship
"Yet you keep grabbing my hand.", I purred at him as I caressed the back of his hand once more.
"Enough!", He snapped as he yanked his hand away from mine, "you said you would stop!"
"No, I said I would stop mentioning the mark and what it entails. I never said anything about flirting", I smirked rather pleased with the loophole.
Sanji grit his teeth as he growled, "I hate you."
I tried not to flinch or let the words hurt me as I purred out, "aww I love you too"
He genuinely looked like he wanted to strangle me before gritting out, "I'm adding it to the deal"
"Alright then I'm adding you can't flirt with anyone", I smirked
"The hell I'm not! I like women! I'm not gay!", He snapped at me
"You don't know till you try it, ", I teased before adding "if I can't flirt then you can't."
Sanji grit his teeth, "you know what?! Fine! You go with them! I'm going to find the all blue by myself without perverted assholes! And stupid atlanteans!"
I bit my lip at his words trying not to feel upset that he'd leave on his own. I knew he wouldn't survive the grandline by himself. I sighed before reluctantly saying "alright", as I moved back to the others, "poor Nami… all alone…"
"Ahh Nami-san! I can't leave a damsel in distress!", He yelled before glaring at me, "but if Luffy can't get her on his crew, I'm leaving and you're not coming with me! Got it!"
"Yeah, yeah, I'll follow you to the ends of the earth. No worries", I said waving him off as I continued to walk away feeling dejected at the fact Sanji would stay for her but not me.
"I said, 'don't' follow me! Don't!", He shouted indignantly
"I got it, I got it", I again waved him off as I plopped down across from Yosaku
"The hell you do!", He snapped, "listen to me!"
"oh a lover's quarrel", Yosaku hummed and the next second Sanji had kicked him off the boat
"We're not lovers! I like women! You hear me Women!", Sanji shouted at Yosaku who was now struggling to get back into the boat
I got up moving over and pulled Yosaku back on board as I asked, "you good?"
He coughed up water as Sanji flopped down with his arms crossed glaring at nothing in particular.
"Aww! You're so cute when you're pouting!", I purred as I abruptly dropped Yosaku as I looked Sanji over
"I'm not pouting!", He roared at me
"Shishishi, Hey, Yosaku. We're almost to where Nami is right?", Luffy asked, effectively changing the subject and Sanji looking grateful for it.
Yosaku looked up at Luffy as he suddenly yelled exasperated "You guys are soft-minded! Too soft-minded! Don't you get it?! Minute by minute, we're heading right for the infamous Arlong! Big sis's eyes were glued to Arlong's picture when she saw it! She wasn't her normal self! Big sis Nami plans to take down Arlong and collect his 20 million berry bounty! She may already be inside his compound as we speak!"
I raised an eyebrow as I sat down stretching out as I did. I looked over at Luffy as I heard him yawn seemingly bored as he said, "well let's have some food!"
"yeah?", Sanji asked unable to help but smile at the prospect of cooking
I chuckled amused as Yosaku screamed, "Gahhh! Don't tell me you guys have never heard of Arlong!"
Sanji raised an eyebrow, "Arlong? Who's that?"
"Never heard of him", Luffy stated indifferently
"His a fishman,", I hummed as I had read about him in the paper a couple years back.
"Fishmen", Sanji hummed though he didn't sound interested
"A fishmen huh? I haven't met one yet.", Luffy grinned, "but Boko says their mystery fish"
"Not really. Just a different race.", I frowned as I glanced over at him
"Say, I hear the mermaids on fishmen island are absolutely beautiful!", Sanji grinned widely
"Of course that's all you care about.", I scoffed annoyed
"Ahh don't you get it! He went on a rampage in the grand line and-", Yosaku screamed
"Are freshmen-", Luffy interrupted as he started to draw on something making me frown, "look like this", before he showed us a picture of a crud drawing of a fish with 4 legs. It was then I noticed just what it was he had been drawing on
My sketchbook
I felt rage well up in me and stood up swiftly determined to grab it back from Luffy. Why the hell did he have it?! That was personal! Not for him to use or take!
I froze in my movements as I heard the most beautiful sound, my eyes snapping to Sanji to see his radiant smile.
"That's a masterpiece!", He laughed heartily. I felt my face flush brightly as I stared at him wanting to hear him laugh like that again.
"Can't you guys stay focused!", Yosaku yelled at all of us as I sat down, "Alright then. I'll explain from the very beginning. The reason the grandline's called a pirate graveyard in the first place is because of the three powers that rule over it. One of which is the seven warlords of the sea!"
"Seven warlords?", Luffy asked cocking his head to the side
"Yeah, like my-", I coughed violently in order to stop myself from saying more and as everyone looked at me my cheeks flushed, "umm... I choked on spit…", this leading to Luffy laughing and Sanji raising an eyebrow at me
"Aghh! Focus!", Yosaku ordered us "Simply put, they're government authorized pirates."
"What? Why would pirates get a government's approval?", Sanji asked with a frown
"By paying the government a cut of the loot they take from pirates; the seven warlords are allowed to exist! In other pirates' eyes, they're no more than "government dogs,' but they're strong! Even Hawk-Eye Mihawk, the guy big bro Zoro lost to, is a warlord!", Yosaku shouted, making me scowl, not liking the description at all as it was my father they were talking about, yet I couldn't defend him without having them ask questions.
"That's awesome! There's seven of those guys?!", Luffy yelled excitedly as he clapped his feet together, "the seven warlords are awesome!"
"If you think so.", I chuckled amused as the ones I knew of were complete bastards. That included my father… sometimes… mainly when he embarrassed me... which was normally always.
"And you don't think so?", Sanji asked looking at me curiously
"Jimbei is one of the seven warlords, his a fishmen", I grunted in an attempt to change the subject
Yosaku looked at me before he said, "Yeah, he is...and Arlong is a pirate right on par with him. Arlong used to commit atrocity after atrocity in the grandline!"
"Like this?", Luffy asked as he flipped my sketchbook for us to see another fish, this one standing up. I grit my teeth at realizing he was still drawing in it.
"That's just your last picture standing up!", Sanji laughed making it somewhat bearable to stand Luffy fucking with my sketchbook.
"Arlong rules over 20 towns since coming to the east blue! His strength is far superior to Don Krieg's!", Yosaku yelled trying to get us to focus
"So?", I asked unimpressed. I'd like to see Arlong stand up to my Father or Uncle.
"So?!", Yosaku stretched making me wince and pointedly flip my ear muffs down only to frown at realizing I was missing one
"Shit", I cursed as I felt my bare ear and glanced around me despite knowing I had lost it during the battle.
I heard the cling of metal hitting wood drawing my eyes to my feet. I blinked as I stared at a delicate blue ear cuff. My eyes, looking up as Sanji pulled his hand back and into his lap, obviously the one having thrown it to me.
"But why would Nami-san go to this guy all by herself?", he asked as if nothing happened
"Aww!", I cooed as I picked it up and moved to hug him, "you do care!"
"Get away from me you damn pervert!", he shouted as he held his leg up preventing me from hugging him.
"Aww come on Hun!", I whined, giving him my best puppy dog eyes as I rubbed the top of his foot that was on my chest with a knowing smirk.
Sanji flushed brightly in embarrassment as he hissed, "what the hell is wrong with you?!", As he yanked his foot away, "just sit down and stay down!", as he pointed to the seat behind me
I whined shivering at his tone as I promptly sat down. I chewed on my lip as my face burned, feeling hot and bothered. And it wasn't because of the weather.
"Stop with that look you fucking pervert!", he snapped at me before yelling, "we are talking about Nami-san! Now why is she heading to this Arlong fishman"
"I told you, she's after the bounty on his head!", Yosaku snapped aggravatedly
"Maybe Nami-san is actually a mermaid!", Sanji said dreamily as he ignored Yosaku, "Especially given how lovely she is!",
I scowled at his words, as usual he went right back to drooling over some damn bimbo. When would he ever acknowledge the mark he held? I really should have pressed father for information on if he and mother had this problem and if so how it was resolved.
"Like this?", Luffy asked as he showed us a picture of a fish on two legs with long hair.
"I'll kill you!", Sanji yelled indignantly
"Give me that!", I snapped using Sanji's anger to snatch my sketchbook away from Luffy
"Do you guys even understand what I've told you?!", Yosaku screamed at us
"Yeah, there's a strong fishman, right? We get it!", Luffy groaned
"No you don't get it! You don't know how strong fishmen are!", Yosaku screamed as if yelling would help his cause
"He has a point Luffy", I hummed, "fishmen have a tougher exterior then that of a human."
Luffy stared at me for a second before he grinned, "We'll find out when we get there! Quit worrying."
"Anyways, let's have some food.", Sanji said as he stood up and stretched
"Yeah! Food!", Luffy said excitedly
"Sanji, you really shouldn't dismiss this", I said with a frown not wanting him to be unprepared and possible get hurt because of it
Sanji sighed as he glanced at me, "I don't need a lecture on fish"
"I know but this is different fishmen-", I started to say
"Boko is a fish", Luffy stated in a matter of fact tone, "maybe not a fisherman but still a fish"
"Atlantean", Sanji grunted as he moved to the hut, "what do you guys want to eat?"
'That's right, Sanji knows Boko and therefore would already know about atlanteans and fishmen' and even mermaids I sighed as that thought caused me to relax, knowing he wouldn't be going into this blind
"Eh? Food?", Yosaku asked uncertain
"What do you want?", Sanji repeated his tone annoyed
"Meat with bone things in it!", Luffy yelled
"I want sautéed bean sprouts!", Yosaku yelled
"I'll just eat an apple.", I hummed as I got to my feet to follow.
"We have grapes along with strawberries and other assorted fruits", he informed me with a hum
I perked up at the mention of strawberries as I asked, "Strawberries? I… guess I could do a small fruit salad?", smiling softly, feeling pleased that Sanji had not only remembered my favorite fruit but had stocked up on it and had readily offered me some.
"Alright leave it to me!", he grinned as he walked into the small cabin, "I'll be done in no time!", before muttering, "meat and bean sprouts…", as if contemplating what the others wanted
I smiled as I followed him hearing Luffy exclaim, "Having a cook really is great!"
"Y-yeah!", Yosaku agreed happily
"Meat! A jumbo serving of meat!", Luffy yelled excitedly, making me chuckle.
"And bean sprouts for me! A jumbo serving!", Yosaku added
I hummed as I focused on Sanji asking, "where do you want me to help?"
"Just… make the drinks…", he sighed dejectedly
I bit my lip uncertainty at his tone before moving over to where we had stashed the alcohol. And as I surveyed the various supplies I couldn't help but think it was only a matter of time before he realized we were meant to be together. With this in mind I started to gather what I needed to make a Tequila sunrise.
Chou-Chou
I watched Nami carefully as she hugged me into her chest. She had been relatively quiet after our little heart to heart and was now staring out to sea. Her head turned towards an approaching island.
"You'll stay here Chou-Chou", she whispered softly as she stared at the island, her grip tightening
"Boko told me to stay with you. But don't worry. I'll be sneaky so no one sees me", I yipped at her with a firm nod before licking her face though I doubted she understood
"Good...", she mumbled softly once again going quiet as she stared at the island unaware of what it was I had been nodding my head to.
-X-X-X-
I poked my head carefully over the bank of the rice paddy, ignoring the cool mud that was squishing between my paws.
Squish
I shifted a little
squish
In the distance I could see Nami approaching a huge wall its gate massive
Squish
The massive gates looming in front of her.
Squish
I wiggled further along
Squish
Squish
freezing, I heard running footsteps and soon a young pup came running past holding a sword almost as big as he was up in the air.
I whined softly as crouched down
Squish
I watched as the pup stopped and took a stance seeming to shout something at Nami. I wiggled forward on my belly in an attempt to hear them, the mud coating the bottom of my jaw.
Squish
Nami turned towards the pup seeming to reply before she lashed out and hit the pup sending him flying into the dirt.
I whimpered as I shot to my feet and attempted to run to them, only to lose traction with all the mud, and ended up running in place before belly flopping back into the sludge.
Squish
I watched her toss a wad of money at the pup before turning and walking through the gate. Seeing she was out of sight I rushed forward,
Squish
Squish
Somehow managing to get out of the mud, I quickly ran towards the pup as quietly as possible and pointedly licked his cheek in comfort.
"It's ok little pup. I don't know what you did but I'm sure you deserved it", I woofed at him, "Nami is nice and I bet if you apologize she'll forgive you"
The pup sniffled, tears running down his face as he threw his arms around me hugging me tightly as he sobbed, while stumbling to his feet and ran away from the gate.
"Oi! Oi! What are you doing?! I'm following Nami! Put me down! Bad pup! Bad!", I barked as he carried me away already knowing Boko was going to be very upset with me when he learned I didn't stay with Nami.
Kamaboko
I watched Zoro carefully as I awkwardly ran my hand in his hair in a vain attempt to sooth him or maybe myself. He had been unconscious for over 12 hours and was now starting to look more like himself. His skin no longer appearing pale and his breaths coming out calmer. During this time Usopp and Johnny had taken to singing about how great Usopp was, which I was oddly grateful for. I was far too worried about Zoro to deal with it being 'quiet'
Zoro grunted as he shifted before asking, "has it been three hours yet?", His tone annoyed and eyes still closed.
"We agreed on 5", I said with a frown though I assumed Usopp forgot to tell us when it had been up.
"Actually you two agreed on 3 and a half and Zoro still has an hour and 40 minutes to go", Usopp chimed in.
"Ohh…", I frowned uncertain if he was lying or not
"Damn", Zoro grunted with annoyance before sitting up and stretching his arms with a wince
"That's not resting", I stated, eyeing him suspiciously
"I'm fine. Just need to stretch a bit, my muscles are stiff.", Zoro stated as he rolled his neck.
"From my understanding humans heal significantly slowly.", I frowned at him, "You really shouldn't rush it as you could injure yourself further. Just lay down and go back to sleep."
"I've slept enough.", he scoffed, "I'll keep my word and rest but I'm done sleeping."
I opened my mouth to protest only for my eyes to snap to Usopp and Johnny as they both made noises of alarm and quickly hit the deck.
"What?", Zoro asked with a scowl as he glanced towards the island and harbor we were coming up on, along with a rather tall building that had several tiers going up it.
"That's it", Johnny said, "that's Arlong park ahead,", his voice shaky
"Arlong?", Usopp gulped, "So this is where the fishman pirates from the grandline are at? I hope Nami isn't really here."
"Big Sis Nami was on the Going Merry, so before we do anything stupid we should quietly see if it's stopped on this island first.", Johnny reasoned softly.
"Yeah good idea…", Usopp said fearfully
"That's the general idea", I said flatly, "we're not here for Nami. We're here for Chou and if Lu happens to come across her when we regroup, his more than welcome to do as he pleases"
"Right...of course… easy peasy…", Usopp whimpered as we sailed past and towards another dock in the distance.
"It looks like the Going Merry is up ahead", Zoro grunted as he leaned against the mast and crossed his legs.
"Along with some fishmen.", I hummed cocking my head, "We'll need to be careful seeing as their slavers", the last thing I needed was to be captured and enslaved again.
"What?!", Usopp and Johnny screamed as the three of them looked at me, though Zoro looked more curious then concerned.
"We'll have to leave! We can't dock here!", Usopp practically screeched
"We don't really have a choice", I stated as Chou-Chou was probably on that ship along with Nami if she hadn't gone to her master already… I sighed either way it was likely she had left Chou-Chou there as not to endanger him.
"Are you crazy! They're Arlong's men! This area must be controlled by him!", he screamed in terror
"It's fine. Once my time is up I'll take care of them.", Zoro hummed
"What?!", the two squealed
"I still have an hour and a half of resting", he shrugged indifferently
"We don't have an hour and a half! Oh no! They're swimming this way!", Usopp screamed, looking even more panicked if possible, "abandon ship!"
"Agreed!", Johnny yelped as the two of them dived into the water and started to swim away
"Idiots.", Zoro scowled, his tone annoyed.
"Z... maybe you should follow them and wait for Lu", I frowned not liking the idea of him being enslaved like Nami was, "you are injured and need to rest,"
"I am resting", he snapped, giving me a glare and I couldn't help myself from sticking my tongue out at him in protest of the look. Our eyes shifted to the bow of the ship as two fishermen jumped up onto the deck. One blue and the other a lavender color and both of them well built.
The blue one tilted his head curiously before he asked, "An what is an Atlantean guppy doing outside of the calm belt?"
"I'm-", I started to say only to yelp as the purple one was immediately in my face tilting my head
"Look at his skin!", He said as I growled and tried to bite him only he didn't seem to care.
"He's covered in scars", the blue one gasped as he two was in my face, "and look at his teeth!", His tone horrified
"We need to bring him to Arlong!", The other shouted as he leapt to his feet, throwing me over his shoulder causing me to yelp.
"Put him down!", Zoro growled as he forced himself to his feet.
"No fighting!", I shouted at him in worry before addressing the guy who picked me up "look-", only to yelp as he jumped off the ship and into the ocean causing all my energy to be zapped, water filling my lungs and current soothing me.
Authors notes:
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Shout out to our lovely Reviewers!
KeybladeMasterRiku: I have to admit I didn't think about a relationship with Luffy but we are now contemplating it. We may end up putting up a poll to see who to put Boko with but IDK if anyone would actually vote.
OwlsofDarkness: Glad you enjoyed the chapter! And we are looking forward to writing Boko's reaction to Laslyth. As for if he will be paired with anyone we are still debating.
Sarahgri99: we are curious as to who your ships are :)