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A circus, a strong man, and a fortune teller! What fun! But seriously guys, I have way too much fun with these short things. Enjoy!

Of Fortune and Fortunes: A Day at the Circus

The sun burned hot on the back of his neck. Zoro tilted his head. Squinting, he gave in to a wide yawn. His nap, sheltered from the heat in the shade of Nami's mikan grove, had been suddenly and unpleasantly interrupted. In hindsight – he should have picked another resting spot. It had been far too easy for her to find him.

Reclined against a tree, he had been enjoying the afternoon, slipping peacefully back and forth between consciousness and slumber. That was – until his shoulder was assaulted by the navigator's tight grip. Calling his name – repeatedly – she had shaken him.

The island they'd stopped at had a circus. Everyone had been eager to go; he'd preferred to nap. It was as he was assaulted by Nami's waking shakes, that he'd learned the reason for her return to the ship: The circus had a 'strong man' and a reward had been offered to anyone who could best him in an arm-wrestling match.

Ambling slowly over the docks, he felt a tug at his arm. Frowning, he squinted down. Matching his frown with a formidable one of her own, Nami gripped his arm, pulling him persistently forward.

"Come on, I want to get there before the line's too long."

Zoro gave in to another yawn. "This guy's not gonna go anywhere."

Another tug. "The line Zoro."

He shrugged. "You can hold my place in line. I'll find a tree somewhere and finish my nap."

She responded with a rough tug.

Biting back a third yawn, he blinked, finally forcing his eyes fully open. "Alright, alright. I'm coming."

As they climbed the hill above the bay, the tips of colorful tents peaked over the horizon. When they crested the grassy slope, and the bright, crowded scene spread before them, Nami's grip on his arm tightened.

"I already agreed to come. You can let go now."

She adamantly shook her head. "No way. If you get lost in there, you'll be gone for good. I'm not letting you out of my sight-" she squeezed his arm, "At least not until you've won that prize." Looking back, she winked.

Scowling, Zoro allowed himself to be pulled along. His gaze wandered over the colorful, striped tents. Nami was being paranoid. This place wasn't even that big. There was no way he'd get lost. Metal, glinting bright at the corner of his vision caught his eye. Craning his neck, he watched the performer juggle swords high into the sky. As he watched, he felt a tug at his arm, guiding him in the opposite direction. Glancing back at the navigator, he corrected his direction.

As they skirted both performers and circus-goers Nami began to mutter to herself. He leaned forward, straining to listen.

"I know it was around here somewhere."

Zoro couldn't resist a jibe. "And you were worried about me. Sounds like you're the one who got us lost."

Standing on her toes in an attempt to peer over the crowd, Nami seemed to be half listening. She hummed as she leaned to the side, craning her neck. "I'm not lost. The tent was around here. But they all look the same."

Zoro scratched his head as he turned to look around them. The tents did look remarkably alike. But he wasn't going to tell her that. Let the navigator have a try at being lost for once. He was just glad this wasn't his fault.

Suddenly he was pulled forward.

"We'll just try one. If it's the wrong one – then we'll just ask for directions."

"What are they gonna say? Oh right, it's just five tents up and three to your left. Right past the guy spewing fire."

Nami rolled her eyes. "Just come on already." She turned, abruptly pushing into a tent at their left. When she swung the flap pack, Zoro was immediately assaulted with the sharp smell of incense. As she tugged him into the darkened tent, his scrunched his nose. When the flap dropped closed behind them, his eyes began to water at the pungent aroma. Pressing his lips together, he attempted to hold his breath.

The heavy fabric of the tent sealed out the bright afternoon sun. The sole source of light was a glowing, circular ball. The table it sat upon and the tent's scuffed fabric was illuminated in a deep blue light. Zoro blinked. His eyes were still adjusting to the darkness. It wasn't until Nami gasped, fingers digging into his arms as she pressed herself closer to his side, that he became aware of the hooded figure standing amidst the darkness.

His left hand dropped to his swords as his right, extricated from Nami's grasp, rose protectively in front of her.

Laughter, low and melodic sounded from across the tent. In a smooth motion, the hood was pushed back. Dark curls framed the woman's face. Heavy brows arched over startlingly blue eyes. Wide lips pulled back. She welcomed them with a smile. "Forgive me for startling you. I forget how imposing the hood can appear." Shrugging the cloak from her shoulders, she gestured them forward. "Sit down, sit down."

Nami's hands had reattached themselves to his arm. Pressed partially against his back, he could feel her heartbeat fast against him; her breaths, brushing his shoulder, were only just beginning to slow.

As the woman sat, he loosened his grip on his katana's hilt.

From behind him, Nami cleared her throat. "Ah – actually we were looking for the strong man. Do you know where we could find him?"

The woman tapped a long nail against her chin. "Fredriche? He'll be taking his break for lunch right now." Her eyes squinted in a smile. "A strong man needs his sustenance. He usually starts back up again at one – so you could probably head over in another twenty minutes or so. He's just four tents down on the right."

Nami's grip was slowly loosening. "Oh – alright."

"Until then, I will tell your fortunes."

Zoro glanced to Nami. He didn't believe in this stuff. Nami might believe a bit more than he, but she sure as hell wasn't going to stick around if she had to pay.

Sure enough, she batted her eyes. "That's kind of you – but at the moment, we're a bit short on funds."

"For you two, it's free."

Nami's fingers tightened. The warring emotions were visible on her face. On one hand, she wanted to ensure that they found the strong man with plenty of time to spare – on the other, the utterance of the word "free" was like a siren song to the money-loving navigator; one he wasn't sure she could resist.

As she stood immobile in the throes of indecision, Zoro flexed his arm in an attempt to loosen her grip. At this rate his skin would be indented with the imprint of her nails. The movement, at the very least, seemed to snap her from her stupor.

Blinking, Nami answered the woman with a smile. "In that case, we'd love to take you up on your offer. You can do my friend here – he's always wanted to have his fortune told."

Zoro stiffened. Slowly, he looked down to the woman beside him. Eyes closed, she met his hard stare with a wide grin. He glared. She was well aware he didn't believe in this shit. The insufferable woman was using him for entertainment.

He started to turn on his heel. "Nope-"

She pressed her hands on his chest, digging her heels into the grass. "Come on Zoro – it will be fun!" Her grin was wavering a fine line between mischievous and playful. "Besides, do you really want to stand in the hot sun for twenty minutes while we wait for this guy?"

He hesitated. She did have a point there. And really, how bad could it be? The woman was just going to ramble on about shit like fate and lovers. All he had to do was nod along. Then he'd have a happy navigator and the heat outside would be avoided.

Heaving a sigh, he nodded. "Alright."

By the time he and Nami were seated at the table, the woman leaned forward, her hands folded eagerly before her.

"To start, give me your hand."

Lifting his elbow from the table, he stretched his hand toward her.

Soft fingers flipped his hand, forcing his palm up. Leaning over the table, she ran her fingers over his palm. "Such callouses. A talented swordsman – one who can wield three blades."

Zoro rolled his eyes. Well that wasn't a stretch, as the swords were currently attached to his hip. He opened his mouth to say as much, but was halted by Nami's elbow, sharp against his side.

The woman continued, "A man of dedication, perseverance, and loyalty above all else. Your face is a mask. Some would believe you to be as cold as the blades you carry. But beneath your face of stone, you feel deeply and passionately. The world may not see it, but those closest to you are well aware of the depth of feeling that you possess."

She released his palm, her blue eyes upon him. Avoiding her gaze, Zoro retracted his hand. He rested it against the hilts of his katanas, taking comfort in the feel of leather beneath his palms.

Beside him, Nami had gone still. Her amused grin wavered.

The woman folded her hands. Resting her chin upon them, she stared across the table. Her bright eyes flicked over his face. "Good. Let's read your cards."

He and Nami shared a single confused glance before the woman jerked her arm up, spreading a line cards across the table. Her gaze rolled over the cards before falling upon him once more. "Pick three."

He reached forward.

"Don't turn them over!"

Zoro flattened the card he had half raised. Glaring over the line of cards, he drew two more."

The woman looked to Nami. "Draw one."

Nami blinked. "But I thought-"

"Draw one card."

Hesitantly, Nami reached forward. Extending a finger, she pulled a single card from the worn deck.

Head tilted forward, the woman lined the cards before flipping them one after another.

Zoro and Nami leaned forward together.

The first card was scuffed, but beneath the scratches was the image of a robed man sitting upon a throne. In his hand, was a raised sword.

Next, was the image of a moon. The yellowing circle was adorned with a face, which looked down upon rippling waves.

The third card was flipped to reveal a white horse. Upon its back was a figure in armor. From the open helmet, peeked a skeletal face.

Peering closely at the cards, Zoro was startled to feel Nami's hand reprise its position on his arm. "I changed my mind. Zoro, let's go." She began to rise.

The woman looked up. Crinkles formed around her eyes. "These are his cards – not yours child. Do not fear."

Nami's grip didn't waver. "I know. Zoro, I want to leave."

He looked up and was surprised to see, beneath the blue glow, the navigator's eyes were wide. He frowned. "They're just cards Nami. I didn't think you even believed in this stuff."

As he spoke, she slowly sat. She cleared her throat. When she spoke, it was slightly too loud; her voice was sharp with false confidence. "I mean I don't – not really."

He glanced between her and the cards. He liked to mess with her; but he didn't want to stay if she was truly afraid. "You want to go?"

She hesitated only briefly before shaking her head. "Let's see what these things supposedly mean."

The final card – the one Nami had picked – was flipped as they turned back to the table. Adorning its face, a man and a woman stood opposite of one another. Above them, at the center of the image, a figure spread its wings.

The woman ran her finger over the cards; her nail traced the images. Her eyes flicked up. "Expected – and not."

Silent, Zoro and Nami waited.

Gesturing to the first card, she finally spoke. "The card of Justice."

Zoro's eyes traced the image of the robed man holding the sword.

"The law of cause and effect; justice demands that every action you do will have some ramification. Under this law, at some point, in some way, these ramifications will return to you. The law of justice is neither good nor is it bad – it simply is."

Zoro shifted. It made sense in a way. Not that he thought the universe or some all-powerful being was going to get back at him, but all acts had repercussions – of that he was well aware.

She continued, "Next we have the moon. It indicates that you travel a path, uncertain as to what your destination may be."

At her explanation, Zoro cringed. Taken literally, it sounded a lot like being lost. Nami would never let him hear the end of it. He glanced to the side. Thankfully, Nami hadn't picked up on the literal reading of the card – or she simply didn't care. Chin resting on her hand, she stared down at the remaining cards on the table.

He was surprised when she spoke.

"What about the next two?"

Maybe she did care.

Tapping on the skeletal image the woman nodded. "Yes, this is the death card."

Zoro made an effort not to scoff. Of course there would be a death card. The crazy fortune teller was probably just trying to keep his attention.

Beside him, Nami had gone still. She waited silently for the woman to elaborate.

The woman did so with a smile, "Of course, the card isn't to be taken literally."

Nami didn't move, but he could have sworn he heard her release a slow, measured breath.

"The death card signifies that a change will be coming upon you. Often this refers to letting go of an attitude or perspective that you've clung to – persistently – for some time." She blinked. "Change is good. Accept it. Do not fight it."

The woman's hand shifted to the final card. "And finally, the lovers." Her eyes flicked between them.

He and Nami both stiffened at the insinuation. They spoke at once.

"He's not-"

"-just crewmates-"

She smiled. "Now, now. You don't need to explain anything to me."

Zoro and Nami shared a glance. Her cheeks were tinged pink. He hoped his weren't a similar shade. He gave the fortune teller a glare. Nami was probably going to give him hell about this later – all because this woman was making random assumptions.

"Now the lovers card has two meanings. On one level, it does refer to the expression of love between two people." She smiled. "Perhaps there is someone special in your life after all."

Zoro responded, his voice clipped. "No."

She blinked. "Now look to their faces. You'll notice one individual stares at the other, while the other individual stares up."

Zoro looked down. The woman depicted in the image was indeed staring up. On the other side of the card, the man looked to her.

"This represents a relationship of absolute trust. The figure looking up can see what the other cannot. He trusts her, relying on her to lead him towards what is right."

Zoro had gone still. That did sound somewhat familiar. He refused to look to the woman beside him.

"Such trust, unquestioning and freely given - it too is a form of love."

Now Zoro was sure he must be at least slightly red. He outright refused to look anywhere near Nami. Instead, he continued glaring across the table. Damn, sadistic fortune teller – seeing things that weren't there. And worst of all – likely incurring Nami's wrath with every false prediction about them that she made.

Finally, Zoro gave in. He had to know what Nami was thinking. He could imagine the range of expressions, from annoyed to thunderous, that could be occupying her face at this very moment. Shifting slightly, he glanced to the side.

The expression on her face was not one of the many he had envisioned. Her face, several shades pinker than it had been before, was carefully blank. Her eyes were narrowed in contemplation and flicked between the card and the woman across the table.

Well that was strange.

Zoro, however, didn't have time to contemplate Nami's expression, as the table was suddenly swiped clean of cards. Reaching to the side, the woman pulled the glowing ball to the forefront of the table.

Zoro leaned back from the dull glow. Nami leaned forward, peering curiously at its swirling depths.

"The final part of your fortune – a peek." She gestured to the ball. "Go on young man, place your palms upon it."

He looked to Nami, automatically seeking a second opinion as to whether or not he should willingly touch the strange glowing sphere.

Frowning at the object in question, Nami shrugged.

Staring at the murky glow, Zoro sighed. Why the hell not. Lifting his hands, he acquiesced to the woman's request.

The glass was unusually cool, but other than that –

Seagull's repetitious cries sounded in the distance. Waves rolled onto the shore, darkening with sand with every climb up the steep beach.

Footprints were imbedded in damp sand. The indents of the tiny toes began to fill with water.

Over the sound of the waves, a child squealed. At the sound, the scene slowly came into focus.

The child, no more than three, ran along the shore, dragging two sticks on either side of her. Her path was marked by two lines in the sand. Between her teeth, she carried a third stick – this one smaller than the rest. Messy orange hair fell over her shoulders. Her face, tan and freckled, broke into a snarl.

Baring her teeth around the stick, she gave a muted roar. Swinging her arms around her, she fought, fending off imaginary foes. Sand kicked up as she jumped to and fro over the beach. When the sand was sufficiently churned about, she raised her hands, victorious. The third stick, spat from her mouth, landed in the sand. A tiny voice shouted to the sea, "I'm gonna be the strongest swordsman in the world!"

Laughter sounded. The sound was familiar – one he knew well. The blurry figure sharpened as she approached the young girl. Kneeling, Nami scooped the child into her arms. Giggling, the young girl buried her face in the crook of her mother's arm. Nami smiled down, pressing a kiss upon the crown of her head. "You're going to be the world's strongest swordsman, are you?"

Clinging to her mother, the child adamantly nodded. Bright eyes stared up at her. "I will be."

Nami's lips quirked to the side. "What about your father? Does that mean you're going to beat him too?"

The girl pouted. She looked to the sea before glancing up once more. "Daddy'll let me win."

Nami laughed, hugging the child closer. She smiled into her hair. "Perhaps. Perhaps he will."

Nami suddenly looked up; it was as if she had felt his eyes upon her. Waves crashed upon the shore. With the seagull's distant cries in his ears, her brown eyes filled his vision.

"Zoro!"

Zoro jerked up. In his haste to rise, the chair was overturned behind him. Breathing heavily, he gripped the table for support. What had he just seen? It had seemed so real. Like it was actually happening before his eyes. The aged wood creaked beneath his knuckles.

It was a moment before he noticed her hands upon him. On his back, then on his face. Her palms were cool against his heated cheeks. Her voice was soft, but demanding. "Zoro, are you okay? Zoro. Talk to me. What did she do to you?"

He blinked, struggling to reconcile the images that he had seen. How would one go about creating an illusion so elaborate? Could it be done? And if not, that child – with Nami's hair and face, but his expression – was there a future in which she existed? In which he and Nami-

Nami's grip was tight on his shoulder. She turned to the woman across the table, her voice hard. "What did you do to him?"

"I simply allowed him a glimpse of what is to come."

"The hell you-"

Zoro reached up, lightly touching Nami's arm. "I'm alright – it's fine."

She turned away from the woman. Eyes wide, she faced him fully. "What the hell happened Zoro? When your hands touched that ball – for a few minutes you completely checked-out. I couldn't get you to wake up."

For a moment, Zoro simply stared. It had clearly been Nami upon the shore. Though she had appeared older, she and the woman from the vision were undoubtedly one and the same. He shook his head and gave the best lie he could muster. "I don't know. I guess I just spaced out." There was no way she'd believe the alternative. Hell, he didn't completely believe it.

Nami glanced suspiciously over her shoulder.

The woman shrugged. "These visions can be a fickle thing, they don't always come through." As soon as she finished speaking, her blue eyes settled upon him, sharp and knowing.

Prying his other hand from the table, Zoro stepped back.

Nami backed with him. "We're done here."

The woman smiled the same knowing smile. "It is often difficult to face that which we haven't opened our minds to. Do not close yourself off to possibilities simply because you did not expect them." She waved them towards the door. "Now go find that strong man."

Without taking their eyes from the strange woman, he and Nami backed out of the tent, stumbling through the flap into the sunlight. Faced with the sudden bright glare, Zoro blinked rapidly, shielding his eyes. Nami was doing the same.

When the world was no longer white and blinding, he squinted, blinking down at the woman beside him. "Well that was the strangest fucking experience of my life."

Nami clapped a hand to her mouth. "I had no idea – I mean – I thought it would be a little less somber?" She squinted up towards his face. "And you're sure you're all right? What if she hypnotized you or something?"

"I feel fine." And he did – apart from the vaguely disquieting sensation of knowing that he might have glimpsed the future – and with it seen his future child. At that thought, he shook his head. The future was the future. There was no use worrying about it now. If it happened it happened and if it didn't –

He glanced to the woman beside him. He pictured her kneeling in the sand, rambunctious child in her arms. He tried to pretend that a vague, unexplored excitement wasn't one of the many confused emotions warring for dominance in his mind. He also tried to pretend that on some level – one that he was very much trying to deny – he wouldn't be disappointed should the scene at the beach not come to pass. It had felt natural – right.

Nami sighed. "You probably don't want to take on this strong man after all that, huh?"

Pulled from his thoughts, Zoro blinked, surprised. "No. That's what we came here to do. I'll arm-wrestle this guy."

Nami's lips spread in a smile.

His vision flashed once more to her smiling on the beach.

"You sure?"

He nodded. "Let's do this."

Nami gripped the crook of his arm as she led him through the tents. "It's actually a bit of a relief that you still want to do it – I may have already accounted for the winnings when I told everyone how much they were allowed to spend today."

He raised a brow. "I haven't even seen this guy. What does he look like?"

"Oh, his arms are huge. The guy's basically a tank."

"And you already budgeted the winnings."

"Uh yeah – this guys just a strong man – he's no Zoro." She spoke as though it were obvious.

At the compliment, Zoro glanced at her, looking for signs of teasing. But she smiled up at him, her eyes bright, honest.

Looking away, Zoro was vaguely aware of one more emotion joining the already confusing combination burdening his mind. He sighed, looking between the bright tents. He supposed he'd figure them out eventually – maybe after a nap, or twenty. But first – he had a strong man to beat.

Feeling a slight tug on his arm, Zoro turned, allowing himself to be steered through the maze of color. Following along, he trusted her to guide the way.

Thanks for reading! Reviews are much appreciated :)