Nami still couldn't believe what she'd heard days ago from the woman who woke her up for which felt like ages ago. Although in this new life the passage of time didn't work the way it did back home—she assumed it'd only been a couple of days.
The orangette wiped her brow continuing to add pristine marigolds, cosmos, zinnia flowers to her luxurious garden and small Mikan trees next to them.
She didn't leave her assigned house much since there wasn't any need to. The former straw hat navigator had everything she could've ever wanted at her home. Food service men and women delivered anything that was desired. Everyone she met always greeted her with a smile and a polite conversation—it was all strange. A completely different world than the world than the one she'd previously lived on.
Nami sighed dusting off her pants before heading off into the house. She couldn't imagine a more peaceful life than this, however she missed all her friends dearly. Nami couldn't help wondering what all them were up or if they were still sailing on the Sunny. The last memories she had were fragmented, only coming to her while she slept.
Turning the knobs on the bath she stripped completely before stepping in the bubbly tub, sinking until only half her face remained surfaced. She let out another sigh enjoying the warmth and relaxing comfort the bath brought her.
"Nami!" The woman yelled causing Nami to nearly fall out of the tub. Seeing that she almost scared Nami to death the pink haired woman apologized furiously.
"Seriously stop sneaking up on me like that, and how did you get in here?" Nami questioned wrapping the towels she had placed around her body and hair.
The woman apologized again, holding up a pair of keys causing Nami to sigh audibly again. "Ah cheer up, I thought we could have a day on the town." She smiled earning one back from the navigator. "Come on I'll pick out the outfit!" The woman said dragging Nami by her wrist toward her bedroom closet ignoring the orangette's protests.
Minutes later the pink hair woman with a braid and Nami made their way onto the golden streets of pristine city of the afterlife. The streets made of gold shone brightly on the ground while the jeweled buildings made Nami's eyes sparkles with wonder. Citizens passed by the pair waving while singing merrily, praising their protectors; the new gods of the realm.
The notion of heaven is one of singing and rejoicing about the almighty in a "new heaven and a new earth." It reflected the Celestial Dragons' roots in their faith because this new heaven contained a capital city called The One City; it has a wall and twelve gates, and on each gate is the name of one of the tribes of species along with an angel. There are also twelve foundations, one each for the twelve apostles. The size of the One City: fourteen hundred miles square with a two hundred -foot wall. The structure itself is made of all kinds of precious stones, some of which have not yet been identified on earth. There is a river of "the water of life," which flows from the almighty's throne at the center of the city, and trees of life line the banks of the river and produce fruit every month. Believers will have the almighty's name written on their bodies, and all pain, tears, and death will disappear forever.
Everything amazed Nami who continued walking with her friend passing by all sorts of shops which contained every clothing item and exquisite jewelry; it had been the first places she checked during her first days there.
"Ya know, you been looking out for me this whole time and never told me your name." Nami stated toward the woman who seemed wrapped in her own thoughts.
"Oh," she smiled gleefully. "Scarlett."
"Much better," Nami said returning the smile, "again I appreciate you taking care of me Scarlett."
The older woman shook her head. "Not a problem Nami, I'm happy to do it." Scarlett said jovially. Although the past few days were great she couldn't help but wonder why the woman was helping her so much and not everyone else; Nami assumed she must've been assigned to help because of her being new.
"Nami?" Scarlett asked seeing that the younger woman stopped seeing Nami lost in her thoughts. "Everything alright?" The older woman couldn't help but be concerned.
"Oh of course, I'm fine," she lied hiding it with a smile, "I was just wondering if I'd be able to see my friends again?" She asked hopefully already assuming the answer.
Scarlett shook her head sadly, "I'm sorry but they are on earth, there is no possible way to get there from here."
"I see." was all Nami said as the pair began to walk through the golden streets again. The thoughts of all her adventures ran through the younger woman's mind even as people walked by greeting the pair. This place was a paradise, holding every desire she could've ever wanted—except her crew.
"What were they like?" Scarlett questioned hoping to cheer the navigator's mood by talking about those she held dear in her previous life. Scarlett could only imagine the stories Nami had, having known who she was before previously meeting her.
Nami recounted the straw hat crew to Scarlett while she listened intently while the navigator fondly strolled down memory lane. The straw hat's sounded like a crazy bunch, but they were family—it was no wonder why she wanted to return to her previous life.
"They sound like good people, you must've cared about them a lot." Scarlett giggled seeing Nami's fond expression in remembrance of her memories.
"Yes I still very much do, I can't hope but wonder if I ever will see them again." Nami said with a softness.
Scarlett didn't have the heart to really tell the navigator the truth, that no matter under any circumstances would she be able to reunite with her old crew.
Nami missed everyone dearly but none more than the rubber straw hat captain himself Monkey D. Luffy. She couldn't help wonder what he was up to at the current moment—hopefully running around like usual. Most nights she would dream she was falling into a bottomless pit with Luffy pursuing her relentlessly, wrapping his arm around her waist safely before it all faded to black.
"Nami? You alright, you're blushing." Scarlett pointed out with another giggle. "Did you have someone special?"
The memories flooded her mind rushing a mile a minute. Luffy placing his hat on her for the first time declaring no matter what they'd always be friends. Being painfully separated on Saobody and their reunion, to the moment they reunited on Zou, the fiasco in Totto Land when he first came back to the Sunny after his fight with Katakuri, Luffy's eyes finding hers when he woke up making sure she was the first thing he saw, him saving Carina and her from Gin Tesoro, the first night they gave themselves to each other after the battle against Blackbeard, and the wonderful month leading up to the fateful day at Mariejois. One painful memory from that month flooded her mind as she collapsed to her knees clutching her the sides of her head to stop the reminiscing.
"Nami! Nami!"
The last thing she heard was Scarlett's voice before it faded to black.
The Thousand Sunny sailed furiously toward the outskirts of Mariejois, about halfway through the journey. It was the second night after Luffy consumed the cosmic devil fruit much to her dismay and disapproval, but Chopper and Luffy guaranteed their navigator everything would be fine.
Nami and Robin had come from their rooms after getting dressed after a relatively long and quiet day, thanks to a certain captain not being awake. She missed the ruckus he stirred up on the ship, everything was too silent for her liking. It wouldn't be long now, he would be awake the next morning, so she wanted to stay with him until then.
When the pair of straw hat ladies reached the deck they were greeted by the chef.
"My darlings!" He greeted with heart eyes. "Allow me to make you some drinks." The chef said with a smile.
"Thank you Sanji, could you bring it to the infirmary, we'll be visiting Luffy for awhile." Nami said returning the smile.
"Yes, we haven't seen him in nearly two days, it'd be nice to see his face." Robin offered a smile of her own.
Sanji suddenly turned serious which was unusual when he was around his two favorite crew mates. "Come on ladies, I insist, I'll make you anything you want." He spoke stepping past the two gesturing them to follow him.
"Alright, alright we'll be there in a minute. I just have to check on Luffy." Nami insisted heading for the infirmary door.
Before she could clutch the knob, the chef grabbed her other wrist gently. "Chopper's busy, he really doesn't want to be bothered."
The two became suspicious of Sanji's outward demeanor, he was treading lightly trying to hide something.
Nami wasn't having it, she snatched her wrist away before turning the knob. "I need to see him." She repeated.
"What's going on Sanji?" Robin asked looking toward the chef who only had fear in his eyes anticipating the next few moments.
"Ladies please don't—" before he could utter another word he heard the two of them gasp at the sight on the medical table.
Luffy laid on the bed still in a medically induced coma. Chopper stood on a tall stool next to Luffy's head barking orders at the others.
Usopp was holding a Ferno Bag Resuscitation mask pumping furiously on Luffy's mouth. Franky was prepping the emergency defibrillators in the corner, while Brook held a stethoscope with a neonatal chest piece to Luffy's chest. Zoro was busy pushing the captain's chest trying to force oxygen back into him.
Nami and Robin looked in horror at the dire situation their captain found himself in.
"His Heart is giving out, Brook go prepare the emergency adrenaline!" Chopper barked with authority.
Zoro glanced at the door briefly frowning at the sight of the horrified expression of his female crew mates.
"DAMMIT COOK, YOU HAD ONE JOB THEY DONT NEED TO SEE THIS!" Zoro shouted with all his might continuing to look at the monitors which began to flatline.
"We're losing him!" Chopper screamed at Franky who was getting the defibrillators charged up. "Usopp keep pumping air, don't stop whatever you do."
Nami rushed over nearly knocking Usopp over. "Chopper what's happening?!"
The reindeer ignored the frantic woman, Sanji had one job and one job only. He couldn't help glance at the pair as Chopper witnessed Robin start to sob in the corner of the room.
Sanji lightly grasped Robin's hand and wrapped his arm around the woman's shoulder leading her out of the room to which she immediately went. There was no way he could Nami out of the infirmary if he intended to keep his life. A woman should never witness something like this especially with the bond the two shared—it pained him to watch.
"Luffy! Luffy!" She yelled over and over to the unresponsive captain as the monitors flatlined indicating Luffy's heart stopped beating. Nami's eyes widened as she took a few horrified steps back, Luffy was leaving them; leaving her.
"FRANKY DEFIBRILLATORS NOW!" Chopper screamed at the top of his lungs.
Usopp removed the ferno bag to allow Franky to work.
Franky rubbed the two paddles together before checking the monitor making sure they were ready. He placed the two paddles on Luffy's motionless body, one on his sternum and the other on his apex. "I'm clear, your clear, we're all clear." He said mostly to himself making sure everyone stood back. His eyes met Nami's briefly nearly causing his heart to break in half, witnessing her devastated terrified look.
The defibrillator monitor beeped in a high pitch frequency indicating the ideal charge was met for defibrillation.
"Clear!" Franky shouted pressing the paddle's buttons sending a shock wave through Luffy's body. Everyone stared at the unresponsive monitor as it still remained flatlined.
"Give him another one!" Chopper commanded as Franky did as instructed sending another electrical shock into the captain's body—the monitor remained unmoving.
"Usopp bring him more oxygen." Chopper said calmly as the sniper inflated the bag roughly as his eyes remained determined not to let his captain die on the infirmary bed, he'd dare not look the navigator's way.
Sanji came back in taking the adrenaline shot from Brook before handing it to Zoro.
"Just tell me when Chopper." Zoro spoke not taking his eyes off Luffy. The monitor was still flatlining making him grow more worried by the second.
"Luffy!" Nami shouted bumping into Zoro and Chopper clutching his face in her palms. "Don't you dare leave us, don't leave me..." she said softly letting tears fall onto his still form. "Please don't...I love you Luffy, I can't live without you please!" She clutched at him trying desperately to hold him. "Please come back..."
The crew looked away in mourning at the desperate pleas of the navigator declaring her love for their captain. Zoro couldn't take anymore of this, he did sympathize with Nami's feelings but now was not the time, it didn't help Luffy's situation.
"Dammit, Robin!" Zoro yelled for the archeologist who rushed into the room still sobbing from the ordeal.
Nami could feel Usopp and Sanji trying to gently try to pry her off the unconscious body of the straw hat captain. She roughly pulled away from them still clutching onto the man she desperately loved.
"Don't you dare try and take me away from him." She growled as the two men backed away fearing her vicious look, not wanting to put their lives at risk.
"Nami..." Robin spoke placing her hand on the navigator's back softly. "Please, let them work, he'll come back—I promise."
The orangette jumped into Robin's waiting arms finally letting her emotions out as she collapsed into the older woman.
"Come on, we'll wait outside." Robin whispered leading Nami out the room with her.
Once they exited the room Chopper let out an exhale, ready to use their trump card. If this didn't work, he feared this could be the end for their captain.
"Ok Zoro, give him the shot." Chopper said as the swordsman injected the hypodermic needle in Luffy's vein. The monitor spiked for a brief few seconds before flatlining again.
"Fuck, one more time Franky full voltage!" Chopper commanded trying to ignore the frantic skeleton who started pulling at his hair assuming the worst after the failure of the adrenaline shot.
"Clear!" Franky shouted clamping the paddles on Luffy's chest as his body sprung forward from the high voltage.
The crew in the room looked at the monitor with hope expecting the flatline to resume to a standard heartbeat—their hopes were crushed as the monitors beeping continued loudly.
A few agonizing seconds past as the only sound that could be heard was the noisy monitor and Nami's loud sobs.
"Shut it off!" Zoro shouted causing Chopper to switch the machine off. Sanji knocked over a tray of medical supplies off the counter as it clanged loudly against the ground.
The crew in the room remained silent watching the still body of Monkey D. Luffy as his heart gave out from trying to assimilate two devil fruits. The men all went to different corners of the room slumping to the floor in sorrow trying their hardest to keep the tears from falling.
A few more agonizing seconds passed before an all to familiar voice broke them out of their sorrowful mood.
"Hey, why is it so quiet in here. Jeez, I'm hungry as hell, is there any meat in here."
Usopp shook his head letting his tears finally fall. "Great now I went crazy, Im already hearing my deceased captain's voice."
"Deceased? What the hell does that mean?" Luffy asked sitting up slowly rubbing his eyes groggily.
"LUFFY!" Chopper screamed jumping onto his face holding on for dear life. "You idiot don't ever do that again!" He said punching the captain in the chest repeatedly.
"Cut that out, stop hitting me." Luffy whined completely unaware of what he put his crew through.
"LUFFY!" The crew in the room crushed the captain in a hug suffocating him beneath their weight as he wheezed for air.
"Great to see ya captain!" Zoro said tightening his hold.
"Luffy-bro! This is super!"
"Ah Luffy! Good to see ya bud!" Usopp said squeezing his shoulders.
"Luffy-San, this is...is a miracle! Yohoho!"
"Hot damn you cheeky bastard, it's good you're awake finally." Sanji smirked.
"Too tight.." Luffy wheezed deflating into the bed.
"Come on guys enough with the hugging, I was only asleep." He yawned before falling back into the pillow.
Sanji lit a cigarette grinning at his revived captain. "Yeah something like that." He said ecstatic to see Luffy well enough to talk cognitively.
"Hey Sanji, I'm hungry you got any meat left?"
The chef immediately perked up. "Hell yeah I do, I'll make as much as you want tonight and some ice cream sundaes!"
"Woah thanks Sanji, you're the best chef in the world." Luffy spoke chuckling.
"Damn right, I'll get started right away."
The chef froze mid-stride forgetting about the two ladies of the crew for once. They sat outside currently unaware of the situation. Slowly he reached for the doorknob poking his head out. In the corner bench at the end of the hall he could see Nami resting on Robin's shoulder as the two awaited the news. He thanked whatever gods existed that it was positive news.
"My dears, someone just woke up and wants to see you both." He said offering a smile.
The two woman came into the room slowly as he held the door open watching their opposite reactions. Nami stood in the far corner of the room watching Robin embrace Luffy tightly, excited that he was doing well.
Chopper did a final check up on Luffy checking his vitals and heart rate—everything checked out.
Zoro couldn't help notice Nami's aloof reaction to their captain's reawakening. He sighed audibly knowing that this was a concern when the pair first took the next step in their relationship. Nami made her feelings clear in front of all of them. It was a blessing that Luffy pulled through, he truly had the luck of the devil—there was no telling if he didn't make it how she would've reacted if this was her reaction now.
"Come on guys, let's give the captain his rest—he had quite a nap." Zoro said pushing the crew out the door. No one dared to disturb Nami, who didn't acknowledge their passing presences as they exited the room—her bangs hung lowly covering her eyes and guarding her expression.
Luffy yawned loudly thinking he had the room to himself. The only thing on his mind at the moment was meat and sundaes being prepared, though it was strange he didn't see Nami; he assumed she went to sleep already.
Before he could lay down he heard light footsteps approach him in the darkened room.
"Nami?" He questioned noticing her even with the lack of light.
Nami didn't answer him, she just kept walking towards the bed slowly.
"I'm glad to see you, I thought you were asleep. I had the best dream it was abo—"
Luffy was interrupted by Nami punching his arm hard causing him to look up at her.
"Nami?" He asked again wanting to reach out to her. In response she pushed his touch away punching him in the arm roughly again.
There was a few moments of silence before she started pounding on his chest with her small fists causing him to flinch slightly from surprise.
"You idiot, idiot, you stupid stupid, idiot!" She yelled not bothering to stop her assault.
He continued to let her unleash her rage out on him as he caught her wrists. "Did I sleep too long, I'm sorry...I.."
"How could you do that to me? Do you like seeing me suffer for you? How dare you put me through that!" She yelled hitting on the arm one more time.
"Ah, Alright that one hurt." Luffy whined rubbing the sore spot near his shoulder.
"I don't care!" She yelled losing her temper. Nami's worst feared scenario had nearly come true it was painful to even think about now.
Luffy was beyond confused at this point. The last thing he remembered was her pressing her lips to his telling him to wake up soon.
"Whatever I did...I'm sorry, please tell me what I did...I'm not asking you to forgive me, but please tell me..." he begged seeing the sorrow in her eyes, he hated seeing her not smile.
Nami couldn't hold it anymore, she collapsed into his chest sobbing roughly, letting all her emotions she pent up. Luffy became bewildered, he never heard her cry like this before, it was far different from anytime previously.
"Nami..." he said softly wrapping his arm around her waist pulling her into the bed placing her on his left side. "I'm sorry." Luffy repeated.
"How could you do that to me..." she sobbed into his neck clutching his shoulders.
"What happened?" Luffy asked placing his lips at her forehead inhaling her sweet scent, he missed her being by his side.
Nami leaned up to look at him examining his face making sure he was truly back before roughly kissing him.
"Your back..." Nami said breaking the kiss with a slight smile before settling back into him.
"Where did I go?" Luffy asked not taking his eyes off her as she traced his scar lightly.
"You..." the words were caught like a lump in her throat as she couldn't speak but he needed the truth. "Died Luffy, your heart gave out and the crew resuscitated you." She said the tears threatening to come back.
"I...did." He contemplated for a few moments before speaking. "I know it must've been the worst thing for you guys, especially you Nami, I'm so sorry I put you through that." He really was an idiot for putting the woman he loved through such an ordeal. Taking a second fruit had monumental risks yet he ignored all the warning signs giving into his pride at her expense. Luffy let out a sigh holding her closer knowing why she was so upset with him, if she wanted to stay mad forever he would completely understand.
"Why do you make me worry so much? I thought...I thought I lost you this time." Nami truly looked distraught after his near demise.
"You won't lose me Nami, I'll always come back like I did this time." Luffy reassured rubbing circles on her back as she began to calm down.
"You're my strength Luffy." She confessed looking toward him once again before continuing. "Back on Zou, I felt so powerless when we watched Sanji get taken by Capone Bege and the Fire Tank Pirates. I knew if you were there you would've risked yourself to make sure that never happened—for anyone of us. That's why I love you. When you finally arrived I felt rejuvenated like I had my superpowers back, you are my strength Luffy." Nami repeated laying into him.
"As you are my strength Nami." He said as she glanced up at the captain. "During my battle with Cracker and especially with Katakuri I was fighting for everyone and myself, but seeing you before the fight it gave me all the motivation to remember I had to come back to you, to focus on the fight and battle till my last breath about what I cared about. I barley defeated Katakuri with a well timed punch to the sternum."
Nami could only sigh softly content to hear his confession similar to hers. "You really were thinking of me weren't you? When you came back to the ship you woke up wanting to see me first." She said matter o factly.
"Eh?..." he shifted slightly flushed. "You remember that?"
She rolled her eyes placing a soft kiss on his cheek. "Of course, it showed how much you care about me." Nami feared for him after he ordered them to smash all the mirrors wondering how he would come back. The navigator also heard of Big Mom's strongest sweet commander and his undefeated battle record, among his respective crew, them man was invincible—until he ran into her Luffy.
"Shishi, like when we first saw each other back when you were stealing treasure off the navy ship." He said pulling her closer if it were possible.
Nami lightly gasped blushing slightly, "Y-you remember that?"
"Yup, I thought you were a petty thief back then, nothing's changed." Luffy said playfully grinning. Nami held onto him tighter appreciating his words.
She pinched his nose playfully. "A petty thief that stole your heart and I just so happen to be the only one that can lead you through the world's oceans."
"You're the only one I want to lead me through the world." Luffy spoke pulling her chin to look at him.
"Don't ever leave me." Nami whispered crashing her lips against his as they snuggled closer pulling one another closer.
Luffy yawned again before speaking tiredly. "Nami...I'm sorry, do you still love me?" He asked placing his hand on her cheek softly. "I understand if you don't anymore..." The captain's sorrowful look caused Nami to gasp inaudibly as she placed her forehead on his.
"Don't ask stupid questions Luffy. I'll always love you, even if you... end up hating me..." she said a little glumly matching his mood placing her hand on his strong one.
"Nami, I could never hate you... how can you even say that? I'll always be yours even if you don't want me, I won't find someone like you, I don't want to ever try and find someone as irreplaceable as you." He said causing Nami's heart to beat double-time. She feared he would grow sick of her and toss her aside someday leaving her for someone far more beautiful. After he said those words to her all those fear disappeared into nothingness, they were foolish thoughts.
The two cuddled together silently holding onto one another fearing to let go.
Feeling fatigued Nami watched as his breathing became even and he fell into a light sleep. The navigator held her ear and hand to his heart making sure it was still beating every second. She couldn't help smile at his light snoring, her everything was truly back.
Nami couldn't help lay sweet soft kisses over his face as he woke up glancing over at her as she continued.
"Nami..." he said softly still half asleep.
"Sorry for waking you...I just missed you so much and I'm glad your back, I love you Luffy, forever and always." Nami exclaimed claiming his lips softly.
"I love you too, you will always be my heart." Luffy said placing her hand over his strong beating heart before quickly falling back into his slumber.
Nami held onto him tighter draping her leg over him refusing to let go.
Awhile later Robin and Sanji opened the door.
"Hey you guys got your food— well that was fast." The chef smiled seeing the peaceful couple at ease.
Robin placed extra pillows and blankets onto the infirmary bed tucking them in. "Goodnight you two." She winked before warmly smiling toward the chef.
The two exited closing the door softly behind them leaving the pair to their slumber.
The very next morning Nami woke up early to find Luffy was no longer next to her. The orangette looked around frantically before locking eyes with Robin.
"Morning Navigator." Robin chuckled noticing her panicked expression. "He's out on the deck." The demon child anticipated the younger woman's incoming question.
The pair went out to the deck to see Luffy training intensely drenched in sweat. His tired and weary look from the previous night was replaced by a fierce determination. Nami could only watch in awe admiring his half-naked torso while she leaned against the doorway.
Robin nudged her friend to approach him as he continued striking the practice dummies laid about on the grass.
"Luffy" Nami called out as he turned to face her.
"Hey Nami, your up." He observes offering a grin.
"I could say the same, your feeling okay?" Nami asked wondering if he truly was. Last night he seemed barley conscious and she thought it'd be at least a few days before he moved again.
"I feel better than okay, I've never felt better in my life—never stronger than I do now." Luffy said looking his navigator in the eyes—she could tell it was the truth.
"See" he offered showing her his hand. "Remember how I could only produce small red flames, look at this." Cerulean and Black flames with small light particles swirled in his palm resembling the cosmic devil fruit he consumed. "It was successful, we did it." Luffy smirked seeing her expression light up.
"I'm glad, at least it's over now we can focus on the upcoming task." Nami smiled linking her arm with his.
"You're Right, breakfast!" Luffy shouted happily heading for the kitchen.
A hard tug at his ear stopped him in his tracks. "Ow, hey I need to eat I'm so hungry." Luffy whined trying to trot towards the kitchen unsuccessfully as his ear stretched.
"No, I don't care how much stronger you've gotten, you're getting cleaned up before we eat." Nami scolded dragging him toward the men's dormitory.
The crew couldn't help chuckle listening to the couple's antics while consuming their breakfast. They were glad things were back to normal for the most part after the close call. The straw hats were glad to not lose one of their own—if they did, the crew couldn't help but wonder if they'd survive it.
"Nami! Nami wake up." Scarlett called out causing her to open her eyes slightly.
"Luffy..."
"No...sorry." Scarlett said dropping her head sadly at the woman's musings.
"Scarlett? Where am I?" Nami asked remembering her past life and the near traumatic event that unfolded on the sunny.
Nami grasped her flat stomach finally remembering her planned motherhood before her demise. Sorrow overtook the young woman once again as tears spilled onto the grassy area they sat on.
Scarlett could see her the younger woman's mood start to falter again. She helpfully soothed Nami, rubbing her back in circles.
"Please, I need to see Luffy one last time— is there any possible way I can." Nami managed to say through her tears.
Scarlett sighed, "No Nami it isn't possible, I am sorry."
Nami nodded understanding her situation, she hugged her knees to her chest feeling alone. She wished Luffy would surprise her like wrapping his protective arms around her waist like always.
"Would you mind leaving me alone." Nami said turning her head away from Scarlett.
Scarlett sighed heavily again refusing to leave the navigator side. "I don't want to leave you alone, you shouldn't be right now."
Nami frowned seeing that the older woman wasn't going anywhere, and she'd rather not be alone at the moment. The pair enjoyed a silence for a time watching bystanders go about their daily lives singing merrily.
Scarlett feared this situation would happen when she encountered Nami. Her memories came back sooner than expected prompting a sudden sadness, she died too young. Usually people that came to the afterlife were joyful, having lived a fulfilled life, raising a family, and leaving their loved ones in a content state as they departed.
"At least tell me why you care about me so much. What the hells so special about me anyway? Why not go help someone else?" Nami questioned slightly irritated that she hadn't received any helpful answers yet.
"I know you can't return to earth, but I think after sometime, you'll start to like it here." Scarlett said offering a cheeky smile.
"No" Nami responded flatly. "I want to see my friends." She deadpanned turning her gaze away from Scarlett.
Scarlett sighed audibly before standing up offering her hand to Nami who only stared at it sheepishly. "I don't feel like going home yet, I'll stay here for awhile." The navigator huffed watching the autumn leaves fall onto the grass.
"I'm not taking you home, I'm taking you to find some of the answers you seek." Scarlett spoke seriously still holding her hand out.
Nami stood up abruptly. "Is it possible then? To see Luffy?" She asked clutching Scarlett's hand softly.
"You'll find out soon enough." In a flash, Scarlett wrapped her arms around Nami's torso extending her angelic wings before taking flight with a screaming navigator in her arms.
The ladies flew for miles in the clouds taking in the view of the endless majestic city as it gleamed brightly in the sun. Soon a fortress far taller than any tower on earth came into view. Nami gasped audibly seeing how gargantuan the fortress was up close. In terms of scale nothing she'd ever seen came close to it, not even in fairytales. The peak of the castle stretched far higher than the pair flew, it wouldn't surprise her if the top reached the sun.
Scarlett flew lower past the massive gates landing at the grand entrance lined with gold and jewels.
"What is this place?" Nami asked in amazement taking in the extraordinary views.
"The home of the rulers of this domain, on your world they're known as the new gods." Scarlett spoke heading toward the entrance.
"There's no guards or gates, thats unusual for a fortress, especially if they rule this land." Nami pointed out observably.
Scarlett smiled slightly hearing the navigator's mood brightening, if only slightly. "No crime, no battles, no need for security, and no one would dare enter here unless invited."
"So we were invited here?" Nami asked crossing her arms.
Scarlett's smile grew seeing the remarkable woman in action. "You're correct, we were invited—now come on."
Nami reluctantly followed Scarlett as the woman's wings vanished back into her body amazingly.
"Does everyone get wings like that?" Nami questioned still astonished something like that existed. She'd seen it on Doflamingo's subordinate, Monet at one time on Punk Hazard but that was from rare experimentation; the green haired woman nearly became a bird in the process. The wings Scarlett dawned were less bird like and more angelic.
"In time." Scarlett answered before they walked in silence opening two large double doors gesturing Nami inside.
A short old man with glasses was busy reading reports on his desk before noticing the women approach him.
"Scarlett, you've returned and you've brought a friend, a beautiful one at that." He added a little perversely.
Scarlett rolled her eyes ignoring his usual behavior. "Are they in?"
"Actually yeah, they're in the dining hall. The far end of the hall." He said pointing before returning to his work.
"Hey wait!" He shouted pausing their stride. "Your friend has to wait here, she can't go in."
"It's alright she's with me." Scarlett winked.
"Oh yeah? What's your name girlie?" He asked folding his arms defensively.
"Nami." She answered plainly causing him to uncross his arms before getting back to work, a strange gleam in his eye.
"My mistake, my mistake, go on ahead ladies." He said hiding a smirk under his large beard.
Scarlett and Nami strolled down the hall leisurely heading toward their destination. Nami broke the silence turning to look at the woman at her side. "That old guy acted strange, does he make mistakes often?" She asked curiously.
Scarlett offered a half smile. "Yes, sometimes he can be a little forgetful." She said before chuckling. Satisfied with the answer Nami began to laugh softly as well.
The pair finally reached the door before Scarlett stopped to look at the navigator. "Be mindful of your words, remember these are a bunch of prideful gods not mortals, they rule this domain."
"Of course, I just want answers." Nami said innocently causing Scarlett's heart to flutter knowing what was on her mind—she wished to be reunited with her beloved captain.
Scarlett opened one of the doors holding it open as the two ladies stood in front of the long table housing the table full of gods stuffing their faces with mountains of food. They didn't notice the pair's arrival continuing loudly conversing with one another.
Nami wasn't sure what to think of the group, despite the god status none she's seen far more imposing and intimidating god-like figures in her life, they looked like average people. The only one that resembled a so called god was the large muscular built figure sitting to the far right next to the person at the head of the table.
"Scarlett, you've returned and you brought a guest." The god at the head of the table said standing from his seat. "Straighten yourselves brothers, we have guests."
The table nine turned their attention toward the women who stood waiting patiently as they finished the meals.
"Are you ladies hungry, we have plenty of leftovers." The leader spoke again scratching his blonde beard.
"I'm fine thank you, I just need answers to my questions." Nami inquired stepping in front of Scarlett much to the older woman's surprise.
The blonde haired leader hid smirk with his hand before grinning. "Where are my manners, I'm Alpha, leader of the New Gods and ruler of this domain." He said offering his hand.
"I'm Nami." She offered simply shaking his hand in return. Alpha gently kissed her knuckle before releasing her hand from his grip.
At the woman's announcement of her name the gods at the table stopped eating abruptly for a few seconds studying the orangette. The table didn't fail to notice Alpha's slightly surprised look either.
"Well it's a pleasure Nami, these are my band of brothers who rule over this land as well: introduce yourselves." Alpha commanded as the brothers groaned in unison.
They stood up one by one saying their names:
"Beta."
"Gamma."
"Delta"
"Epsilon"
"Zeta"
"Xi"
"Omicron"
"Upsilon"
Nami and Scarlett watched as the last brother took his seat, content to return to feasting. Nami couldn't help looking at the table imaging it was the straw hat pirate crew, she missed her friends dearly.
"So your here for answers to your questions you say? Take a seat then." The god known as Gamma gestured as he and Omicron stood up from their seats nearest to Alpha offering them to the ladies.
"Sit." Alpha gestured as he returned to his seat pouring himself a cup of wine. "What can we answer for you?"
Nami glanced at Scarlett who nodded firmly, urging her to continue. "Well, what exactly is this place? It's paradise, I assume not every one gets in here."
"Ah a fine question, this place is the afterlife. A place you go after purgatory once your life force passes on from earth." Alpha said taking a sip from his cup.
"I don't remember being in purgatory. Why is that?" Nami questioned arching her brow.
"No one does, its part of the natural process. Your past life is just that in the past, we try and give people a second life not wanting them to focus on their pain from the first." Alpha spoke leaning back in his chair placing his hands behind his head. "Anything else?"
"My memories came back to me, I remember everything from my past life, I have important people I didn't say goodbye to, is there anyway I could do that and return to earth?" Nami asked placing her hand over her chest hoping for a positive answer.
The table erupted in laughter except for Scarlett who only had her eyes closed ignoring the thunderous cackling. Even their leader Alpha was trying to hold on a chuckle at the expense of the organists who grew a shade of red from her embarrassment of being laughed at—Scarlett placed a hand on her shoulder reassuring her.
Alpha held up his hand bringing the laughter to a halt. He could see fresh tears starting to spill from Nami's eyes as she quickly tried to wipe them away.
With a sigh he folded his arms before speaking. "Who do you wish to see again? Are these people so important that you wish to leave a paradise like this?" Alpha asked examining the navigator.
"Yes, my friends, the straw hat pirates."
"The Who? Never heard of em." Alpha answered kicking his feet on the table. Nami was starting to get fed up by the god's arrogance as he used a toothpick to clean his teeth.
"Woah, woah the straw hat pirates former leader and the current high councilor, Monkey D. Luffy right?!" Zeta the youngest shouted earning everyone's attention. "He's the ruler of the free world."
Nami nearly stood out of her seat as her heart raced at the mention of Luffy. His name came off her lips in a soft whisper.
Alpha and his brother's didn't fail to notice Nami's reaction to the mention of the high councilor.
"I see so that was your captain, interesting." The blonde god said smirking. "You wish to see him again." It was more of an observation than a question.
"More than anything." She said bowing her head hiding her expression from the table. She'd give anything to see his signature smile one last time, to properly say goodbye and to tell him she loved him.
"The only one that can make that happen is our father, the almighty one." Alpha said removing his feet from the table while folding his hands over his face. He held up his hand anticipating Nami's incoming question. "Unfortunately, not even we can access him at the moment, he only comes to us, and it's any of our guesses when he will return—I'm sorry."
Nami's mood grew sorrowful hearing the god's words. "I see." She simply stated hugging her arms, as her bangs hung over her eyes.
There was a pause in the room before she spoke again. "Would you at least tell me what I'm doing here?" Nami asked softly staring at the table in front of her.
"Man, discretion is not your strong suit," Alpha smirked seeing her frown slightly before continuing, "I can't really answer that, only you can. It may seem disheartening now, but give this place time, I'm sure you'll end up loving it."
Nami sighed audibly before standing up. "Thank you for your time." She said before heading for the exit with Scarlett trailing her.
"Nami." Alpha called as he finished downing the wine in his cup. "I can't guarantee anything, but we'll see what we can do." He said running his hand through his blonde hair.
The navigator didn't get her hopes up just giving an acknowledged nod before leaving. Scarlett stayed back for a moment glaring at the head of the table as Alpha leaned on his fist in boredom.
Once the door shut the gods began conversing loudly as Gamma and Omicron took their respective seats by their leader's side.
"Monkey D. Luffy huh?" Alpha spat refilling his golden wine cup. "Zeta! What else do you know of this mortal!"
Zeta the youngest of the bunch sat with his feet on the cushioned chair scratching his head furiously.
"Come on you spazzy nerd spit out." Epsilon said elbowing his brother's shoulder.
"Ow dammit alright, alright. He's the one who obliterated the holy Mariejois, currently has two ancient weapons in his possession, took out our first scout patrol, and most recently the facility with the last of the Celestial Dragons." Zeta said listing the events on his fingers
"False believers, fucking idiots." Xi snorted referring to the remaining celestials that were destroyed.
Zeta continued, "I forgot to mention he escaped Hell and defeated our uncle."
"WHAT?!" Alpha shouted standing from his seat forgetting about his newly filled wine cup. The table remained silent hearing of the high councilor's impossible feat and their brother's reaction.
"I see." Alpha calmly took his seat before taking a few drinks from his cup. "This, Luffy must not be underestimated then."
"I'll take care of him." Delta said as the group turned their attention to the middle of the table. "Shouldn't be a problem."
Alpha crossed his arms. "No, you're too reckless we need to be discreet about this, no one can know of our presence but him."
"It's cool brother take a chill pill, I'll get his attention by taking out a precious citizen, and I'll use mortal means." Delta smirked while rolling his eyes seeing his brothers nod in approval.
"Make sure you get his attention and only his, if humans were to know of us it could spell trouble, we need to keep their beliefs suspended." Gamma the largest god said as his voice echoed off the wall.
"Relax, I got it handled—I'll make sure to not use my powers to slay the citizens, jeez get off my case will ya?" Delta whined leaning back in his chair.
Alpha smirked reluctantly agreeing with the plan. "Good, once you draw him out kill him by any means necessary. He probably cares so much for his precious citizens, he'll make sure to battle in a secluded place, it will be alright to use your powers then and only then—understood Delta?"
"For the last fucking time, I heard ya." Delta snapped rubbing his bald head before downing his mug of mead, spilling the liquid into his long brown beard.
"What do you plan on doing? I know that look." Beta inquired toward Alpha who continued wearing a smirk.
"I have my eyes on a certain someone." He retorted gulping from his cup.
"Right, that woman then, I'm sure that bitch will fall to her knees for you." Beta laughed along with the rest of the table with the exception of Zeta.
"Damn right were gods, no woman can resist us. Even if she got a loved one back home, she'll forget about him soon enough." Omicron added still gorging himself with food.
"She would make a fine wife, I got bored with my last one too fast but I got a good feelin bout this one." Alpha stated scratching his short circular blonde beard.
"Don't we live such fabulous lives? I love those sweet sweet mortal bitches." Upsilon said licking his lips.
"Alright, Alright we all got our orders. Delta get going, the sooner you kill him the sooner I can get started." Alpha spoke placing his hands in front of his face. Whatever he got he desired, he was a god after all.
"If I'm leaving it's because I want to get this over with, not because you said so." Delta said downing the rest of the mead in his mug before heading toward the exit.
"Good luck brother!" Zeta shouted holding his kneecaps while wiggling his toes on the soft cushion of the seat.
Delta walked over to his youngest brother ruffling his hair. "Yeah, yeah see ya
poindexter." He said before leaving.
Alpha smiled widely, perverse thoughts of making Nami his sexual slave ran through his head. With this "Luffy" out of the way, her ties to earth will be severed and he could make his move.
Scarlett landed softly in the gates of Nami's house releasing her as the orangette stormed to upstairs to her room not bothering to say a word to Scarlett since they left.
The winged woman followed Nami up the stairs only to get the door slammed in her face.
Nami collapsed onto her bed burying her face into the pillow. She already hated this place despite having every monetary and materialistic possession she desired. What was the point of buying the world if there wasn't anyone to share it with.
The group of rulers didn't bring her any meaningful answers, it changed nothing about her situation. Alpha spoke hollow words of an empty promise, she knew that much. He was a so called god, he wouldn't waste time fulfilling her request. The almighty one was truly the only one that could make her reunite with Luffy and the straw hat pirates.
Fresh tears pooled around her eyes thinking of her friends and Luffy's signature smile that melted her heart. The words he spoke to her over the years ran through her head. Especially the ones he told her the first night they took each other's virginities. She couldn't help wonder what he was up to at the moment.
"You're the most beautiful creature I've ever seen. All of you Nami, I love you, I want you as my queen. Be my queen Nami."
Loud sobs began to wrack from her small frame as she reached out for the other side of the bed wishing he was there holding her tightly.
"Luffy, where ever you are please come find me and rescue me." She said softly to herself in prayer. Nami began to feel exhaustion take over as she drifted into sleep not long after her thoughts filled with memories of adventures on the Thousand Sunny with her friends.
Scarlett took a few soundless footsteps away from the bedroom doors as her fist fell weakly to her side. She was nearly in tears hearing how torn up Nami was about her friends and especially the captain. Scarlett sighed softly before descending down the stairs turning off the lights before exiting the house.
Back on earth in the capital city Luffy gasped loudly rising into a sitting position.
"Nami..." he said softly. Luffy could've sworn he heard her call out to him.
"Boy! Luffy!" Nojiko and Genzo crushed him in a hug on both sides as he shivered from ice packs lying underneath him.
"Are you alright?" Nojiko asked noticing his bewildered look still taking in his surroundings.
He looked at them both smiling when he recognized them. "I'm fine," he said still shivering, "do you have a blanket?"
The pair couldn't help laugh hugging him tighter glad he was alive—Luffy was back.
A/N: For reference the One-City is basically the size of the state of Rhode Island with two hundred foot walls surrounding it. As always thanks for the read.