Rated M for Violence, Language, Smoking, The Destruction Of Government Property, and Some Very Detailed Lemons!
I don't own One Piece! This world belongs to Eiichiro Oda and these amazing characters are his. My OC'S and this story, however, are my own! This is a work of fiction from me, any relevance to the real world or other works is purely coincidental.
Thank you for reading!
Alba
Alba yanked herself out of bed and onto her feet. Her wound still burned but it wasn't enough to stop her from keeping her promise. Until they got to Compass Island, she would help out in any way she could. Alba was pleasantly surprised to find an outfit waiting for her, draped across the back of the doctor's chair. It was a simple shirt and pants, with a fun little belt that gave the outfit a touch of pizzazz. It wasn't her personal style but she didn't mind. She'd already assumed her own clothing was probably ruined beyond saving at this point and hadn't bothered asking. Anything was certainly better than the large shirt she'd been wearing as pajamas for the last few days while spending most of her time in bed on the doctor's orders. The only time she'd been allowed to get out of bed was for a tour of The Thousand Sunny that Nami and Robin had been kind enough to give her, and even that had been short and incomplete due to Chopper's insistence on Alba getting enough rest. Alba sighed and dressed hastily before making her way to the deck, finding the crew already there gathered in a small circle.
"Oh, ho," Brook laughed as Alba emerged, "look who's out of bed."
"Morning," Alba grinned back, rubbing her eyes.
"We're getting close!" Franky shouted from the caption's wheel, "I can see land ahead."
"The debris trail leads to an island?" Robin sounded nearby.
"Cool!" Luffy cheered.
Alba joined as everyone rushed to the railing, looking out over a small island. A town could be seen from their angle, or what was left of it. The entire place had been nearly demolished. Debris littered the island and the buildings appeared to be unstable, with jagged edges and oddly angled planks sticking out from each of the tiny homes.
"I don't like this," Usopp mumbled, his knees starting to quiver again, "this place looks weird."
"Then you can stay on The Sunny," Zoro huffed, his muscular arms crossing over one another as he grinned.
"With these outcroppings, I don't want to get too close to the island. I guess we'll send the Mini Mary," Franky grinned, placing his hands on his hips "so who's in?"
"I'm going," Nami injected, "a storm-weathered place like this might have all kinds of unclaimed treasure."
"Yeah, it looks like a tropical earthquake blew through here," Alba offered.
"A what?" Franky asked, his large frame shadowing Alba's small one.
"Umm," Alba hummed, her eyes gazing up at the robotic-looking human.
"If Nami's going, so am I," Sanji sang, his body dancing around the group as he did.
"I'm in," Zoro confirmed.
"It's settled then Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and I are going ashore, everyone else waits here and guards my treasure… I mean the ship," Nami grinned.
"Actually," Alba offered, raising her hand "I'd like to go."
"But your-" Chopper started.
"I'm fine," Alba interrupted, "besides I said I'd do what I could to help until we get to Compass Island remember?"
"Don't worry Chopper," Sanji grinned, "I'll look after her." He stepped closer, lifting his hand in an attempt to place it on Alba's shoulder.
"No," Zoro interjected, his sword already in his hand before Alba realized what was happening, "Target-face is worthless, I'll keep her safe."
"You're still injured yourself," Sanji argued.
"I'm healed enough to kick your ass," Zoro growled, reaching for a second blade.
"See," Alba grinned at Chopper, "I'll be fine with all this help."
The small reindeer still didn't look convinced.
"But the Mini Merry can only hold four?" Franky stated.
"Actually I-"
Luffy began laughing, interrupting what Alba was about to say. "I'll get a head start then," he grinned before gripping the railing with two hands. Luffy started walking backward stretching his arms unbelievably far. "See you there," Luffy added before slingshotting himself.
Alba watched in complete wonder as Luffy flew over the small distance of the ocean and landed hard on the nearby island. His grin was visible even from far away. How had he done that? A shot of fear hit her along with her amazement, she'd seen him stretch before so she knew it wasn't a fluke, it had to be devil fruit powers. The doctor had them too, giving Alba the feeling that this crew, however odd, was also powerful. To have two devil fruit users onboard… that was unheard of, wasn't it?
"Let's go," Alba smirked after watching Luffy disappear deeper onto the island, "where is this 'Mini Merry' of yours?"
Zoro gripped Alba's arm and started for the inside of the ship. The sudden contact felt startling as if a warm heat was branching out from Zoro's touch and rippling through Alba's body. Unsure of what was happening Alba glanced back, in search of assistance but watched as the others stayed behind. Nami, Sanji, and Chopper remained frustratingly far, exchanging a few words out of earshot. Leaving Alba to be pulled along by Zoro. Once below deck Zoro finally released Alba's arm and looked at her, his gaze almost piercing.
"Don't…" She muttered losing her words. She wanted to tell him not to touch her but just couldn't bring herself to do it. Her body's reaction to his touch had been unexpected… but not entirely unpleasant. Alba glanced down at her arm. Back home grabbing someone was a simple thing to do. Everyone was always loud and in each other's personal space. Physical contact was just a part of her life. Her people were often so intertwined while saving their loved ones that touch was just an added part of their communication. So why did her body suddenly feel so warm and tingly?
"You can sit by me," Nami grinned as she and Sanji finally caught up. Alba nodded, pushing away her thoughts to follow Nami as she stepped up to an adorable little boat. It was equipped with what must have been a steam engine, though Alba hadn't seen one up close before. Nami hopped in, before patting the seat beside her. Alba complied, slipping into place just before Zoro and Sanji stepped aboard behind them. A large round door in front of them opened and the tiny ship began its journey toward shore.
The sea was calm as the small steam vessel made its way through the waves. The sun burned brightly, leaving a warm caress on Alba's skin, though the bite of a chill still ran through the air. Nami drove, navigating the tiny vessel safely over massive coral reefs and through jagged rocks. Eventually, a small hidden beach appeared and Nami took the opportunity to park close to the island.
Zoro and Sanji were already ashore when Alba found her feet. She glanced downward, staring at the small amount of waist-high water separating her from the safety of land. She estimated the jump in her mind, hoping she could make it. Without her injuries, it would have been a simple feat, but tearing her stitches was a real concern. Of course, she could shift, that was always an option.
"What's wrong?" Nami asked, moving to hop into the water.
"I… um..."
Zoro was suddenly back in the water, it lapped at his body, waves gently rushing against his muscles. He walked confidently through the sea, something Alba herself could never do. Not since she was about five years old anyways. His hands reached up and gripped Alba around her legs, keeping her body above the water as he turned and started for land again. The contact was still jarring, but this time she had tried to mentally prepare for his touch. Though the same warm sensation slowly started spreading over her skin anyway.
"Wait," Alba huffed, "I can-"
"You have devil fruit powers, right?" Zoro said, his deep voice vibrating against Alba's legs.
Alba's entire body was growing hot, and she squirmed slightly in Zoro's grip. He was right after all, not that she could explain with his hands beginning to slide slowly up her legs. Each step jarred her lower into his grip, the soft sensitive skin on the back of her legs was being caressed through her pants by his rough strong hands. Just before his fingers would have reached her bottom, he set her down on solid ground. His eyes met hers and Alba nodded, not sure if she was thanking him or answering his question. Either way, she didn't trust herself to talk at that exact moment.
"Let's get going," Nami announced.
"And take it slow, after a disaster people tend to act a little crazy," Sanji added, before giving Zoro a measured glance.
Alba took a deep breath, steadying herself before following the small group. She had to keep her head on straight, regardless of what any physical contact with the swordsman was doing to her.
The island itself was filled with massive hills. Giant lumps that rose and fell in an almost rhythmic way. Green grass coated the ground and small foot trails crisscrossed the land indicating the presence of habilitation. Animal sounds echoed through the hills and the unpredictability of what was around the next hill was enjoyable. Nami led the group, keeping them close to the rocky shoreline, using the sea as a guide to find where they had spotted the town earlier. Eventually, the excitement of a new island faded and the hills became more and more exhausting to walk. The constant up and down soon becoming cumbersome, making Alba feel nearly land-sick.
"Where's Luffy?" Alba offered, huffing as they made it to the top of a particularly tall hill.
"Don't know," Sanji shrugged "with all these hills it'll be nearly impossible to spot him, even from here."
"Luffy can take care of himself," Zoro said, "and if he runs into trouble we'll know."
Alba gave Zoro a questioning look but didn't press the matter, how would he know if Luffy was in trouble? Was he psychic or something?
"Either way, I can see our destination," Nami grinned, wiping the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand, "though I do wish I had grabbed a hat of some sort before leaving The Sunny."
Alba shrugged, "Just use your shirt."
"What?" Nami snapped, her eyes widening in shock.
Alba sighed, "I'll show you how to tie it," she huffed before reaching down and starting to lift her own shirt revealing the bandages wrapped tightly around her middle. Nami quickly gripped the hem of Alba's top, yanking it back down just before she would have freed her breasts to the cold refreshing air.
"What do you think you're doing!" Nami cried, her face turning a soft pink.
"Cooling down?"
"With men around!?" Nami huffed, her gaze swinging over to where Sanji and Zoro were standing. Sanji had a small trickle of blood dripping from his nose and Zoro seemed frozen in place, his eyes pinned on Alba.
"Yes?" Alba questioned; it wasn't unusual for her to walk around topless at home. Men or no men nudity was just a part of life. It wasn't anything to be ashamed about.
"Uh," Nami huffed, "listen, around here we give ourselves and each other a little common courtesy. At least the best we can, and especially when we're changing."
Nami's eyes looked serious as she kept a death-grip on Alba's shirt, holding it down so tightly that it was starting to dig into Alba's shoulders.
"Fine" Alba relented, raising her hands in a show of surrender, "though I don't see what the big deal is."
Nami shook her head before turning to scan the island once more, seeming to drop the subject.
"I can see the town from here, it's only another hill away," Nami grinned, turning to grab Alba's hand and yank her gently in that direction, "let's go."
Sanji wiped at the small dribble of blood from under his nose and followed, with an oddly silent Zoro shortly behind him. The group made their way to the top of the next hill, getting a better look at the small village below. Wood scraps appeared to be everywhere, jutting out from every angle and scattered throughout. Rotting smells mixed with those of fresh goods, an odd mix between old and new. The scent of blood also danced through the air, causing Alba to shiver. She hated that smell, the scent of death, destruction. How many had died in the storm? Perhaps they'd need to dig some graves today?
"Looks creepy," Zoro offered as they started down the hill.
"Yeah," Sanji added, "but something isn't quite right here."
"What do you mean?" Alba inquired as they reached the first building, her eyes scanning the surroundings.
"Look," he huffed, gripping one of the splintered planks and giving it a good yank. The board didn't move or cause the building to collapse as Alba might have thought it would. Instead, it stayed incredibly solid. Alba leaned over, glaring at the wooden plank as she noticed nails holding the board in place.
"It's solid as if they wanted this place to look run-down and battered even though it isn't," Nami whispered, her hand under her chin, "they succeeded too, it looked decimated, at least from a distance."
"Why would someone go through the trouble?" Zoro questioned.
Sanji relaxed his stance before taking a long drag from his cigarette, the smoke billowing around him in the air for a moment before dissipating in the wind, "why indeed."
