Authors Note: Okay so happy late Valentine's Day! Check out my one-shot if you're interested. It's on my profile and it's a NaruSaku story. If you read it, I hope you enjoy and thanks!
Besides that bit of advertising, enjoy chapter 3. Talk about a drag. Well, read, review and enjoy!
(Nami-Resort Room)
This is when I'm at my happiest. Regardless of my problems and struggles, I'm always at peace when I can just sit at a desk and draw maps. It drains away my fears and lets me know that my hard work will pave, for myself, a bright and free future. Or at least that's what my maps let me believe.
I had begun a map of the resort we were staying at even though they offered mini ones in the lobby. It was a passion of mine to make maps and I could always trust mine since I was their creator. After titling the map so as not to forget what it was of and making an adjustment to the contour intervals of the forest behind the main building, I glanced over to the clock to see that it was about time to head out for the trial of courage.
Slipping the map into the desk and standing up, I couldn't help but think to myself with an unshakable scowl. "Why do they even have us pick partners randomly if they end up letting us choose who we go with in the end? Talk about a waste of time." And with that thought, I threw on my jacket and left the room towards the meeting spot.
(Meanwhile)
"It's pretty sweet that we got a joint room. This place is huge! Good thing you're tight with Dadan" smiled Franky as he lay on one of the 7 beds in their giant suite with his arms crossed behind his head. The beds were all in a row in one part of the room but the place was still massive.
"Oi, Franky get over here. We're drawing straws for partners tonight. Matching lengths pair up so no complaining. Those with the straw that bends at the bottom pair up with the girls" called Zoro making Franky sit up and walk over to them. Standing in a circle was all of the males in the band of misfits. All but Brook who was currently getting his skeleton make-up applied.
Sanji, Usopp, Chopper, Franky, all stood around Zoro who held enough straws in his hand for all of the group members including one for Robin and her friend. Robin wasn't allowed to stay with them in the joint room since she was a girl so she decided to bunk with her friend Vivi across the hall. They had just recently met but Robin had said she would introduce her soon.
"You bastards plucked straw from my hat didn't you! You'd better put them back where you found them! Who was it damnit!" yelled Luffy who was huffing hot steam out of his nose, ready to charge like a bull. He stomped over to the group and awaited a response.
"Whatever, it was Usopp" Sanji blamed pointing his thumb towards Usopp and looking away with a grin. He knew all too well that it wasn't his shaggy haired friend but who actually would want the blame?
"I'll kill you!" "It wasn't me!" screamed Usopp and Luffy simultaneously, one in anger and the other in a desperate chime for survival. Everyone but the hysteric pair laughed at what the blonde had caused. Eventually they all drew straws with Sanji, all the while saying some voodoo chant in order to be paired with a girl.
Chopper matched up with Sanji much to the shorter one's delight since now, he would be protected. This was to Sanji's misery though as his world shattered behind him.
"Why did it have to be you? Switch with me moss head!" Sanji ordered after a brief water works session.
Zoro smiled at his rival's predicament. "Not a chance". He was with Robin but he tried to hide his happiness. Franky was paired up with the new girl, Vivi. Lastly, Luffy was with Usopp much to the long nosed teen's pleasure.
Cheering loudly, Usopp did a little dance as he fist pumped the air. "Sweet. I'm with Luffy. No monster will stand a chance against my ultimate protector!"
Watching this intently, Luffy stated with a matter of fact tone, "I don't know why you're so excited. When shit goes down, I'm leaving your ass. You tried to ruin my hat."
"Hey stop playing around Luffy!" cried Usopp as he hung his head in shame as tears flowed from his face. "It wasn't me damnit." Grabbing Luffy's shirt in his hands, Usopp pleaded his case so that his protector would actually protect him.
"And besides you can't wear it in school or on this trip. So no harm done."
"You're the harm that's been done bastard. You're admitting to not caring about my awesome hat!? The ghouls are gonna eat well tonight" Luffy retorted pointing an accusing finger at his friend and with complete seriousness.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" pleaded Usopp now on his knees as his brunette leader ignored him. "No mercy" was the reply the long nosed teen heard from his friend before he saw him walk away. Everyone else in the room followed after him ready for the trial while Usopp just silently prayed for himself.
The hat in question was the only thing Luffy had to remember from his adoptive father. Sure the guy taught him martial arts and put him through vigorous training but after he disappeared, there was nothing tangible besides the hat. Due to the disappearance, Luffy was stuck with his Grandpa who was never really around. Too busy with his business or at least that was his excuse.
So to say that he prized his hat was an understatement. In fact, no one touched it without facing his wrath and even then, they were forced to fix it if it was damaged. He really was plagued with an unhealthy infatuation with some musty old straw hat.
(After The Partner Registration Ceremony)
"Yo Zoro! Franky!" called Sanji with fire in his eyes as they all stood near the entrance to the trial. "No funny business in the woods with the ladies you two. We clear!?"
With tick marks now showing on their faces, Zoro and Franky both yelled in unison before sending punches at the blonde, "We're not you! Asshole."
Laughing at this, Luffy noticed Nami signing up as a solo participant so he jogged over to her. "So you sure you don't want a partner?" His expression was filled with concern and hope that she would give in and go with him.
Nami turned around to face him and noticing this, couldn't help but think, "Is he still worried about me? Well, I might as well be nice." Following her thoughts, Nami looked to Luffy with a neutral expression as she let her words trail off.
"As long as I have my flashlight, I'll be fine. Honestly I'm afraid of the dark but I'll have some light so I'll be fine." Realizing she said too much, Nami gasped mentally. "Why the hell did I say that?! This nice bastard makes opening up too easy!"
"I guess but what happens if you lose your flashli-…" began Luffy before he was cut off by Nami storming off in an annoyed fashion and with a huff.
"What's her deal? I can't tell if I'm making any progress. I guess I just have to keep trying" thought a confused brunette as he turned back to his group of friends and prepared to plunge into the woods with a trembling Usopp by his side.
Walking around the resort after her talk with Luffy, Nami couldn't help but think about her situation with the brunette. "No matter how much I try to ignore everyone, he keeps trying to break through. Doesn't he know I'm doing this for everyone's welfare? Of course he doesn't. But if he knew, things would be easier. He'd stay away and no one else would have to get hurt."
Stopping abruptly, Nami looked around before deciding to ditch the trial all together. "I'd rather just avoid the lonely walk through the woods and go and finish my map" mumbled the orangette under her breath. As if out of protest of the teen's decision, she heard the orangette chaperon call out to her.
"Nami, you're not participating tonight? But the trial has just started." Walking to catch up to the teen, Dadan put her hand on her shoulders and offered her a pleading look.
"If you plan on not taking the trial, then we could really use your help. See we didn't get enough student volunteers so would you be a doll and be a ghost for us. I'll give you extra credit! Please Nami I'm running out of options."
Nami wanted to say no. She wanted to say that it was her own fault and that it wasn't her problem. That she wanted to just go back to her room, finish her map in peace and forget this whole trip. But based on the grip Dadan had on her shoulder, she knew saying no wasn't really an option.
Offering a weak smile, Nami nodded her head. "Sure Dadan. Anything to help. And extra credit"
"Oh joyous! Okay great yeah no problem. So head to room 100 in the main lobby for make-up. Thanks again and I have to go. Good luck. Oh and here's your flashlight" rambled the curly haired teacher before giving Nami a flashlight and running off.
Standing in stagnant silence for a few moments, Nami finished taking in the situation and began walking to the delegated room. Reaching it in a matter of minutes, she gave the door a quick knock before a familiar face opened it.
"Yo little sis. What can I get for you?" asked Nojiko as she leaned against the door with a paintbrush in hand.
"I'm here to get my makeup done for the trial. I'm supposed to be a ghost" answered Nami indifferently as she walked past her sister without looking her in the eyes.
Shaking her head at her sister's attitude, the blunette makeup artist closed the door and said "As cold as ever I guess. Fine sit down. You're my last one since everyone else finished in time for the beginning of the trial."
The two sat in silence as Nojiko made Nami look as realistic a ghost as possible. When she was almost done, Nojiko broke the silence. "So, how are you enjoying the trip?"
"It's okay" answered Nami flatly.
Raising an eyebrow at her hasty answer, Nojiko applied a bit of paling detail to Nami's shoulders before continuing with slight condescendence in her tone. "Any real men?"
Nami winced at this comment but kept her mouth shut so Nojiko continued.
"I saw you talking with that Luffy guy a couple of times. He seems nice. And his group looks like a lot of fun. One of his friends asked to be a skeleton and wouldn't stop running his 'skull jokes' past me while I worked on him" laughed the tattooed college student as she continued her work.
"Yeah, they're a rowdy bunch" muttered Nami under her breath enough so that Nojiko couldn't hear as she smirked a little. "Too bad I have to stay away. I won't ruin their fun by getting any of them hurt."
Pissed that her sister didn't give her an answer, Nojiko pushed even more in an attempt to get some kind of human response. "That Luffy guy's pretty cute though. Don't you think?"
Blushing at her sister's attempt at sisterly bonding, Nami knew she had to stay neutral. "He's okay I guess. But you know who I'm with. And that isn't going to change."
Nojiko wasn't happy with her sister's answer. Anyone was better than him. "I don't know what you're deal is but it's obvious you have bad taste. If you're going to be like that, then don't drag Luffy down with your bad judgment. Keep your problems to yourself, Got that?"
Nami could feel hot tears working their way onto her face. "I am can't you see that? Please see that." The pain in Nami's chest felt crippling. It was always hardest lying to Nojiko. "I wish I could tell you. Why can't you just understand?" thought the orangette before she blinked away what her kept company would call 'weakness.'
"Am I done?" Nami said practically breathlessly.
"Yeah" answered Nojiko speaking as passive as her sister was when she first entered. Nami stood up and left, slamming the door behind her. Nojiko just sat there with a solemn look on her face as she stared at the closed door.
"I just want what's best for you. Why can't you see that?" Nojiko thought before she began to clean up her makeup equipment.
Walking off into the woods with her flashlight blaring, Nami couldn't help but be disgusted with herself. She wanted to tell Nojiko but she knew she couldn't. She missed how close they used to be before it all happened. And she wanted to be able to have fun. To be able to laugh with people like Luffy and his friends. But she couldn't. She wasn't allowed. And she wanted…-
"I want…. I want…-"thought Nami. "I really am selfish. Wanting all these things that can never be." Now deep in the woods, Nami was almost near her designated scare spot but she was in no mood to try and be scary.
Stopping abruptly, panic began to set into Nami's body as her body felt like it was shutting down. She couldn't believe it. Her flashlight just went out.
(Meanwhile)
Luffy was busy laughing his brains out over what had happened during his trial with Usopp. He couldn't get over it and every time he was done laughing, a flashback of the scene would replay in his mind and he would start up again. Speaking of which, it was about that time again.
Flashback
"Luffy I'm scared already. It's so dark. The flashlight doesn't help" complained Usopp as he walked practically on Luffy's back. They walked through the dark woods and could hear cries of terror from other participants in the distance.
"Stop your bitching. Only the monsters can hurt you. Not the dark, dumbass" teased Luffy as they approached a giant tree.
"Monsters are a perfect reason to bitch. They can skin me alive or eat my bones. Or both!" cried the long nosed scaredy cat.
"Yohohoho…..Yohahoho" sung an ominous voice that gave Usopp the chills. It was close and he didn't know if he was ready.
Gulping and walking past the tree, Usopp jumped when a skeletal hand clasped onto his shoulder. Usopp looked at Luffy's back pleading but no words came out. Luffy oblivious as always kept walking.
"L….L….Lu….LUFFY! Cried a stuttering Usopp as Luffy turned around to see what was wrong. Usopp turned around as well to face the monster that was touching his shoulder.
"Oh I'm so hungry. I'm nothing but skin and bones" complained the skeleton as he rubbed his bone only stomach area.
His face going pale with fear, Usopp could swear he saw heaven. Then he realized it was hell and that a monster from the fiery pit was staring at him. Screaming like a girl, Usopp ran away with a loud "TALKING SKELETON! I'M GONNA DIE!" All the while, a trail of urine could be seen.
Luffy couldn't help but laugh at his petrified friend. Brook however chuckled and said to his brunette friend, "Well I'm just bones since I have no skin. Yohohoho, skull joke" laughed the painted teen.
"Awesome! Cool makeup job. You want me to get Chopper to give you a checkup? You're looking like a real skeleton" chuckled Luffy playfully.
"Skeleton?! Where!" Brook yelled as he threw his arms in the air in simulated fear. Luffy went to say something before his friend continued. "Oh I'm the skeleton, I almost had a heart attack."
"Oh wait I don't have a heart, see" continued Brook as he pointed to his 'boney, organ free rib cage.' Yohohoho! Skull joke!" laughed Brook as Luffy joined in.
"Nice one, skeleton man! I'll see you later tonight Brook, I'm going to catch up with the crying Usopp. Later man and keep up the jokes. They're spot on" smiled Luffy as he walked up to Brook and gave him a pat on the shoulder before walking away.
Brook just waved as his leader retreated into the darkness. Smiling at a job well done and the compliment he received for his skull jokes, Brook chuckled at the trail of Usopp's urine that was still visible, even in the dark. Good times.
Flashback End
Still laughing at what he just remembered, Luffy's face changed to one of curiosity as he eavesdropped on a panicking Dadan. The curly haired woman was talking to Smoker, the gym teacher and she seemed pretty flustered.
"So I gave her the flashlight with dead batteries by mistake. This is terrible!"
"Do you know which way that Nami girl went into the woods? We have to find her!" answered Smoker as the pair of teachers took off to search for the girl.
"What!? Nami's lost in the woods. And without a flashlight!?" thought Luffy even more panicked than Dadan. A flash of Nami telling him that she was scared of the dark popped into his head and before he could say anything, he was off and running.
"Yo Luffy, you ready to head back to the room?" asked Zoro as he turned around and realized Luffy wasn't there. "Huh? Luffy? Did that loser get lost? Honestly, what kind of moron does that?" thought the green haired man as he and the rest of the crew went back to the suites laughing and chatting away.
"This is all my fault. Shit I jinxed it. Nami, I'm coming" Luffy mentally panicked as he ran into the woods blindly after Nami.
(Nami)
Now sitting terrified with her back against a tree stump and her legs to her chest, Nami was officially horrified. She had been stuck in the dark wilderness for a forgotten amount of time but it felt like a life time. She was too afraid to move and resolved to stay seated until the darkness swallowed her.
"Stupid fears. They always cripple me to the point that I shut down. And it seems like lately, all I do is cower. Like that'll fix anything" Nami said beginning to cry. Hearing a bone curdling scream in the distance, Nami stood up in spite of her fear. "No! Fuck that! I gotta get out of here!"
She forced herself to make a quick dash in a random direction hoping it would eventually be an exit. Her legs were screaming for her to stop and her spine let out soft chills across her body like the ones you get when you're the last one downstairs at night in the dark.
Picking up speed, Nami thought that she was going to make it before she hit into what felt like a hard tree. It was a weird tree since it too fell from the impact. Nami's eyes were closed in pain but when she managed to open them, the person she was seeing shocked her.
"Ow. What the hell. How do people in movies not fall over when this shit happens?" whined Luffy rhetorically with his eyes closed as he rubbed his aching head.
"Luffy?" Nami gasped as she couldn't believe her eyes.
Opening his eyes and blinking his eyes to adjust to the darkness, the brunette teen realized who was in front of him.
"Oh shit. A ghost" Luffy said with a sarcastically scared voice.
"Shut up asshole" choked Nami avoiding his gaze in an attempt to hide her tears. Luffy let a small smile of relief grace his face and he sat up slightly to get a better look at Nami. The little bit of moonlight reflected off of her tear stained face and she looked otherworldly with her small pout.
Blushing slightly at the thought, Luffy steeled himself and looked at Nami seriously. "Nami" began the black haired teen getting the attention of the girl in front of him.
"I was actually looking everywhere for you. I know I joke a lot but I was really worried about you. When I heard you were stuck in the dark alone, I panicked. So then I ran aimlessly through the woods looking for you. I even fell down a few hills before you crashed into me. What a relief I found you though" Luffy grinned his trademark grin.
Shocked by what he said Nami blinked a few times in surprise before saying what was on her mind. "Why? Why did you go this far for me? I hardly know you and you hardly know me. But still, you'd go so far. It doesn't make sense!"
Letting what she said sync in, Luffy took some time to answer. When he finally did speak, it was full of confidence and masculinity. "I don't know actually. To be honest, I don't know why. I guess the easy answer would be because you're beautiful but that's not it" began Luffy as he scratched his chin, not at all bothered by what he said.
Nami however was flustered and thanking god that it was probably too dark to see. Nami let Luffy continue so he did. "Maybe I'm just a good judge of character? I don't know really, I mean I know I'd do it for any of my friends. But you're different. You're-…"
"MONSTERS! HOLY RASBERRIES! EAT THE GIRL NOT ME!" "WHAT! DON'T OFFER ME TO THE MONSTERS JERK! HEY DON'T LEAVE ME! WAIT" screamed a boy voice followed by a girl's in the distance before Nami and Luffy heard them run by.
Scared by the noise and by not being able to see where it came from, Nami lunged towards Luffy and clasped onto his jacket collar tightly.
Silence over took them as they sat like that in the dark woods. Bugs and owls made noises in the distance the dark of night sat with them. Finally Nami spoke and Luffy, whose eyes were still wide with shock just listened.
"Sorry. When I'm scared, I become vulnerable like this. And I hate being vulnerable. That's why I avoid anything that could possibly hurt me or make me scared."
Nami couldn't stop herself from thinking "I don't care if I open up to him right now. I feel safe. Secure. At peace" before silence took over the pair again. Nami was getting restless since Luffy hadn't said anything in response to her. She went to meet his gaze but what he did shocked her more than bumping into him.
Luffy wrapped his arms around the girl's petit waist and embraced her tightly. Nami was paralyzed with confusion and surprise so before she could do anything, Luffy finally spoke.
"Regardless of our fears, we have to live our lives to the fullest. Even if the most we can do is meet each day with a smile." Nami still shocked by what was going on and by what Luffy said, could not muster any words. Before silence could settle over them, Luffy continued with a smile. "And if you can't smile on your own, well then that's what you have friends for."
With that added comment, Nami officially felt free. She knew Luffy didn't know all of her struggles. How could he. But the way he held her safe in his arms. And the way he encouraged her to live. Really live. It was as if he was saying everything was going to be alright. And she believed him.
Nami hugged Luffy back and laid her head on his shoulder. "So we can be friends?" smiled the orangette with tears brimming her eyes.
"Hell not just me. My whole crew would be happy to. What took you so long to ask" teased Luffy which earned him a chuckle from Nami. She went to reply before two figures appeared near them. This made Nami hold him closer but Luffy knew exactly who it was.
"Oh good. We found you! And Luffy? Hmm, I didn't know you were missing too" stated Dadan absentmindedly. "No matter though Luffy-boy. Thanks for keeping her safe till now."
"Protecting her? Please. Pinning down a defenseless girl in the middle of the dark woods is more like it. Glad we got here when we did" grunted Smoker which earned him protests from Luffy. Nami just got up slightly embarrassed.
"It's not like that dumbass! "If her flashlight had fresh batteries then maybe I wouldn't ha-.." began to argue Luffy before he was cut off by Smoker yelling back at him.
"Hey I'm a teacher! Who're you calling dumbass, dumbass. Learn some respect brat!"
"You're a gym teacher! That doesn't count" Luffy pointed out which made Nami giggle at their banter and Smoker redden in anger. Smoker could only spit out a gruff "Why you" before Dadan cut in.
"Okay well let's head back, yeah? Nami doll, you must be exhausted. Sorry for the bum batteries. Double extra credit! Buahaha!" Putting her arm around the girl, Dadan began walking back to society and out of the woods. Smoker and Luffy offered each other feral looks before they huffed and began to follow the girls out of the woods.
The walk back to the resort was quiet as Dadan led Nami over branches and around bushes. Once they arrived in the main building, the rescue team and their subject split up. Luffy was left walking Nami back to her room and that walk was just as quiet.
Luffy was afraid that she was going to leave without a word when she opened her suite door and went to walk in. Lucky for him she stopped.
"Thanks for saving me Luffy. Good night" Nami thanked before flashing Luffy a dazzling grin. One that would even put one of his to shame. Luffy just stood there stunned as the door shut in his face. Letting a smile spread across his lips after what seemed like minutes, Luffy turned around and walked towards his room. Hopefully his friends weren't worried. But that's not what was on his mind. On his way back to his room, only one thought was on Luffy's mind.
"Maybe that's why I'm so interested. That amazing smile. Maybe… I just want to see more of it."
Author's Note 2: So I hope you liked it! It's longer than all of the previous ones but you were all patient so you deserved it! Chapter 4 will focus on all the other Straw Hat's trial of courage. I think it's important to develop and give screen time to the rest of the crew and their relationships. Wink Wink*.
So how did you like it? Luffy still has his straw hat, Brook got to be a skeleton and Vivi gets to be in the story and will be part of the group probably after her trial with Franky. Also some Nami and Nojiko moments and lastly Nami opening up to Luffy a little in the end. This is a turning point for her so read on to see the rest. It's gonna get crazy! Thanks for reading and see you next update!