Wow! I didn't expect a ton of positivity from last chapter! I'm so glad more people are invested and interested in this fanfic! It makes me more happy and excited to write more about this! Anyways, let's continue!

Disclaimer: Mage of Hope doesn't own One Piece, only the OCs! One Piece is created by Eiichiro Oda and run by Toei Animation! Please support the official release!

It's been a few days and the two of them had traveled quite far from where they were.

At first, he didn't know how to help but he did his best. Zoro made sure she had eaten and slept right during the past few days. He prevented her from doing any chores for the time being, like cooking. Zoro wasn't an amazing cook, but he could at least conjure up some basic meals, like herbs. He tended to her like he already knew what to do, drawn to her fragile but kind self.

It was as though he was meant to protect her.

Even though the young girl was now familiar with Zoro, it didn't seem that she completely trust Zoro. Oh, he saved her before, but on an emotional level, it wasn't enough. Even with him, she hadn't quite let down her walls. He didn't blame her, it wouldn't be easy for someone like her to trust anyone so easily, not after what she's been through. But she did answer any questions he had for her through the notebook since she's mute. That was one thing that the sicko doctor that kidnapped her didn't lie about.

It's only been a few days and Zoro felt exhausted from how much had happened so far. He still had no idea what to do with her. Of course, the plan was always getting her to a safe village or town or whatever place will accept her and treat her far more than he ever could. But, during these few days, he did feel comfort with her company around him. Zoro wasn't one to trust people fully, but he felt comfortable with Lady around.

Lady...right, he still hasn't given her a name yet. For now, he's content with calling her "Lady," though he doesn't mind giving her a different name if he needed to. He's pretty certain she would prefer something else. Something that sounds more meaningful.

Speaking of names, Zoro had pretty much allowed the young girl to call him, "Master Zoro," though it was clear that he disliked that nickname. It didn't feel right, like he was replacing her master with himself, though he would never, EVER, harm Lady in such an abusive manner. At the same time, though, every time Lady referred to him as "Master Zoro," she had that sort of puppy dog-like admiration that Zoro just couldn't ignore. Gratitude, fondness, and admiration were detailed behind those innocent eyes, as if Zoro was the only person she could ever call as "Master" simply because he was kind and took care of her.

Basically, he just gave up and allowed Lady to call him whatever she wanted.

Still, he had to do something about her name. Simply calling her "Lady" didn't sit right with him. He only called her that because he couldn't think of any other name to call her by. Perhaps it was time for him to give her a proper name instead of something as lazy as "Lady."

Which was why Zoro was borrowing Lady's notebook, trying to brainstorm ideas while he and Lady were seated inside a restaurant, waiting for their meals to arrive.

Lady had easily lended her notebook to Zoro, who asked to borrow it for a while. After ordering their meals, Zoro took the time to think about good names for Lady. The first name he wrote down, he quickly realized what name he wrote down and crossed it out. He...couldn't really name Lady by her name. Instead, he wrote down what he thought were good names.

Wakizashi

Tanto

Odachi

Kodachi

Tsurugi

Tachi

Koushirou

...These were terrible names to name Lady. All he wrote down were several sword types that he knew, along with his master's name. None of those seemed right to call her by and he was certain that any one of those names would suit a boy better than a girl.

Before Zoro could try thinking or writing down anymore names, their meals had arrived. Zoro handed Lady back her notebook and popped open the alcohol bottle he ordered earlier for his drink. He shot a glance over at Lady, making sure she was eating her meal, which she happily was.

Very few knew this fact about Zoro, but he was a very observant person. As such, one of the things he's observed about Lady was her favored types of food. Lady wasn't a picky eater and could eat pretty much anything, especially vegetables which she seemed to enjoy. As a matter of fact, he noticed that Lady especially enjoyed food relating to fish, so whenever Zoro fished, Lady's eyes would light up and sparkle with joy. It didn't matter even if it was some small fish, if it was fish, then Lady would happily eat it. Her reactions were always like if a kid tasted candy for the first time.

Though, for some reason, Lady disliked meat.

In the beginning, when they started traveling together, Lady often shoved most of her share of the food onto Zoro's palate, though Zoro would just refuse and hand Lady back her portion of food. As a matter of fact, Zoro would give her a far bigger portion of food than his, given that Lady needed more food in her body than him. Though Lady would always eat what she was offered, she always had a hard time with meat. She tried not to show it, but Zoro could tell that she was always displeased with meat though she always cooked it since Zoro always hunted the food.

But that seemed to be the only food that Lady disliked. Everything else, she could devour without any problems. Zoro didn't mind that and as a matter of fact, his favorite kind of food involved fish as well.

The whole point is, perhaps with his observation skills, he could finally give Lady a fitting name. A name that's, at the very least, way better than any of the other crappy names he wrote down. And especially a name that he didn't want to call her by, like the first name that he wrote down but crossed off.

Kuina.

Later, that night...

"Master Zoro? What's a Kuina?"

Zoro, who was chowing down on cooked meat on a stick, nearly choked and had to cough out before regaining his composure. He stared at Lady in disbelief, wondering how exactly she knew who Kuina was despite never bringing her up even once!

Lady, who had also been eating some cooked meat on a stick with a bitter, grimacing expression, looked worried when Zoro started coughing. She grabbed her canteen of water and frantically handed it over to him, urging him to drink from it.

Zoro held up a hand and shook his head, coughing a few more times before grabbing his own canteen, filled with alcohol instead of water, and taking a couple of sips. After a while, Zoro managed to calm himself before looking up at Lady.

"Where...where did you hear that name?"

Lady looked surprised, as though not expecting that what she thought was a confusing word was actually a name. To answer his question, she flipped through a few pages of her notebook until she reached the page she was looking for and showed it to Zoro. It took one glance at the page for him to realize why she asked such a question.

What Lady had referred to was the same page where Zoro wrote down a bunch of random names, including Kuina's name whom he crossed off. Well, it seemed that he only crossed it off once, and it was still enough for Lady to read what he crossed off.

"Oh...right. Er...that name's nothing. Don't worry about it," said Zoro. "Let's just keep eating, yeah?"

Lady nodded obediently, putting down her notebook and resumed eating, even if she disliked meat. Well, Zoro did hunt down an animal for tonight's dinner, so the least she did was cook the food. Even though meat always didn't taste right with her, even if she cooked it correctly, she would still eat it as not to waste food.

The two of them were camping out at night in the middle of a forest, having spent the day at another island not for bounty hunting this time, but to give Zoro a day or two to train his own swordsmanship skills. Even though Zoro made a living hunting down bounties, he does occasionally stop at some islands to spend some time training and honing his skills.

While they continued eating, it did feel...slightly awkward after Lady brought up Kuina. They don't really talk much during eating because Zoro's not a talkactive person and Lady would constantly have to put down her food just to write down what she wanted to say, just like she did earlier.

Feeling that Zoro owned Lady an explanation about the names, Zoro sighed and looked up to her. "Hey...So, remember when I had to borrow your notebook earlier today during lunch? That page of names you came across was the one page I wrote down. Aren't you kinda curious what I wrote down?"

Lady did ponder for a moment before nodding honestly. Zoro did seem uncomfortable talking about the name, "Kuina," so she wouldn't push that topic if Zoro didn't want to talk about it.

Zoro explained, "The reason why I wrote down those names was because I...I wanted to make up a new name for you."

Lady was surprised before writing down, "I thought my new name was Lady?"

Zoro shook his head. "No, that was just something I made up on the spot on a whim. It's not...I don't really think it's a suitable name for you. Sorry for giving you such a crappy name."

"But I don't mind the name Lady. Still, if you want to rename me, I don't mind."

Zoro shook his head once again and told her, "No, no. This should be something you should want. Don't change your name just because I thought you deserve a better name. You should choose to change your name if you want to."

Lady did think about whether she did want a new name or not. Even Lady knew that her current name was rather unusual but she didn't really think that much about it. Lady thought her name felt a little special, since Zoro was the one who named her. But, Zoro didn't seem to like her name too much because it was something he thought on the spot and didn't put too much consideration in it. Of course, Zoro could just accept her name as "Lady" if she chose to keep it, but perhaps a new name wouldn't be too bad. Besides, it would help put Zoro at ease as well.

Lady turned to Zoro and nodded, giving her confirmation of having a new name. Zoro seemed to have lighten up a bit, as though happy with Lady's decision, or at no longer shameful and that both could properly think of a new name together.

"Right...so, uh...I'm really bad with names, like really bad. Those names I wrote down earlier? They were the only ones I could think of. Actually, most of those aren't even names, at least one of them are. Er, well, two of those I wrote down are names, but I crossed one off, and-"

Zoro, realizing he was rambling off, sighed and scratched his head. "Sorry, I'm being an idiot. Sorry, I'm trying to help you pick out a name, and here I am, babbling my mouth off. I'm really such an idiot..."

Lady quickly shook her head and wrote something down. "That's not true! Master Zoro isn't an idiot! Master Zoro is kind, trying to help me pick out a name!"

Though a bit embarrassed, Zoro did appreciate Lady's attempts of cheering him up. "Thanks. Hey, would it be alright if we figured out your new name tomorrow? I think we'll get a clearer head if we get some rest."

Lady nodded, having no objective to that. Both of them finished their meals, cleaned up their area a bit, and soon drifted off to sleep.

The next day...

Zoro was bypassing tree branches, stepping over bushes and rocks, and walking around to get out of the forest he and Lady were still in. He and Lady had camped inside the forest for the night beforehand, but now they were trying to find a way out of the forest. Zoro's intention was to find an open space so that he could meditate and train properly. Of course, he could always just train inside of the forest but many objects, like trees, bushes, and other environmental things were too close together and would obstruct his movements, so an open area sounded better.

Of course, there was the matter of Zoro constantly getting lost.

For the rest of the morning, Zoro kept getting sidetracked and wandering around random parts of the forest, unable to reach his destination of a single open area. This only frustrates Zoro as he scrambles to figure out where exactly he was and how to leave the forest.

Lady only followed behind, unaware of Zoro's tendency to randomly get lost. She obliviously followed Zoro's lead and trusts that he'll reach wherever his destination was.

Soon, as soon as they passed through a series of tries, their view exploded from a bright light to vibrant colors belonging to a field of flowers. But it wasn't just any ordionary field of flowers, but a sea field full of vibrant, blue flowers sprawled all around. Thick with the sweet scent of flowers, the air wafted such a sweet scent while the breeze brushed the petals and thin stems of the blue flowers in waves. A large, lone apple tree stood in the middle of a hill, surrounded by the flowers. The sight reminded Zoro of the great seas that they traveled through; the color just as vivid and mesmerizing as the actual seas.

Even the sight almost overwhelmed Lady, staring at the beautiful flowers as her mouth opened slightly in awe of the view before her. Her hands curled into fists gently against her chest and over her heart, unable to breath properly as though even a single breath would disturb the beautiful view before her very eyes.

Zoro looked at her and chuckled a bit. "You love flowers, don't you?" He asked with amusement clear in his voice. The young girl's reaction only confirmed it. As Lady continued staring at the flowers, Zoro gently nudged her slightly forward, as if silently urging her that it was alright to go ahead and explore around to her heart's content.

With an excited nod, Lady understood Zoro's silent message and smiled brightly before proceeding to run across the flower field. Running around happily, blue flower petals were scattering to the wind with each movement she made. She was even plucking flowers off the field and throwing them up in the air, watching the wind cast the flowers away into the horizon. Though unable to vocalize her laughter, Lady's pure adoration and innocent facial expressions showed how much she loved this.

Upon heading towards the apple tree, Zoro couldn't stop staring at Lady as she was laughing, running around, and playing with the flowers like a child. Her playful happiness softened Zoro's heart, reminding him that there were still some good things in this world worth fighting for.

Sitting down underneath the apple tree, Zoro laid against it to rest and keep an eye on Lady simultaneously. A strong wind rustled by, knocking down an apple that landed on Zoro's stomach before he took it and started munching on it.

As Zoro watched Lady playing and running around, he was reminded of the fact that Lady seemed so small and weak. And yet, she was innocent and, in the eyes of many, very incredibly beautiful. This made Zoro wonder if she would ever feel safe, traveling alongside him. Would someone come along and snatch her away from him, or would she remain alone if Zoro were to fall in battle one day, afraid of all sorts of things. It made Zoro's heart clench at the possibility that she could potentially end up being separated from him, whether through death, kidnapping, or through separate ways like staying at a new home that Lady would feel most comfortable with while Zoro travels alone once more.

But, even if that were to happen, even if the upcoming challenges and tasks in their journey would prove rather difficult, Zoro decided that he would still help her out and keep her safe. Especially now that he's grown attached to her. No matter how many times he's tried to tell himself otherwise, he just couldn't stop thinking or worrying about her.

He wanted to spend time with her, to protect and take care of her, to keep her safe, even if it was very difficult. Lady was still just a defenseless, frail girl; so sweet, so fragile, so gentle. How could anyone even be able to survive the horrible lifestyle that the girl had suffered through in who knows how many years?

Zoro didn't know why he was thinking of such things. Even after weeks of traveling with her, he barely knew this girl nor even her real name, if she ever had one. He's never had a responsibility like caring for someone before, and he certainly didn't realize that caring about someone would prove so challenging. And yet, he couldn't seem to shake the feeling that if he doesn't take care of her, he would be plunged with guilt; a unremovable stain in his pride as a swordsmen.

She...she deserves to experience the happiness and beauty of life that he felt he could never truly grant her.

Before Zoro could continue to contemplate all these thoughts, Lady rushed up to him, kneeling down and showing him some blue flowers that she picked up earlier in the vast flower field. As a matter of fact, there was a circular object mixed with a bunch of twigs, blue flowers, and grass alogether in one stuck mess before Lady presented the object over to Zoro, placing it on his lap before writing down something that confirmed the identity of the item she created.

"Master Zoro, I made a flower crown for you! I don't really know how to properly make one, but I did my best! I hope you like it!"

It was impossible to miss the red blush spread across his cheeks upon receiving such a heartfelt gift. Before she could place it on his head, Zoro pushed it backwards away from him.

"Yeah, no. I'm not putting flowers on my head unless I have to," he stated firmly, shaking his head. Though when he properly looked at her, he stiffened immediately, making a really big mistake.

Lady's head laid downcast, hair bangs overshadowing her eyes, and a sadden look replacing her once previously joyful and playful expression. She looked like a kicked puppy who was just rejected for wanting to help someone.

From just the sight of her, Zoro felt as though his conscious was being stabbed repeatedly for upsetting her. And all because he rejected such a sweet gift from a girl who didn't do anything wrong.

Zoro knew what to do to fix this mess. Even if it was embarrassing, he still knew he had to make it up to Lady. With a defeated sigh, Zoro took the flower crown from her hands gently and placed it on top of his head. Zoro thought that he must have looked ridiculous, but...

But seeing Lady's expression brighten up was all the more worth it.

An idea popped into Zoro's head. Her name, "Lady," was out of the question for an official, regular name, and he knew that he couldn't keep calling her that forever. He glanced around the field of blue flowers and upon seeing the beautiful scenery before him, he came up with a name. The perfect name that described Lady with her bright blue eyes, her sweet personality, and the innocence that Lady portrayed that could warm even his own heart, like flowers.

"Ruka."

The young girl turned to Zoro, confusion on her face. "Master Zoro? Did you say something?"

Zoro turned to the young girl and told her, "I...I think I figured out what your new name should be. Your official name. I don't want you calling yourself 'Lady' anymore, and it isn't exactly a proper good name. So, I figured you might like your name to be 'Ruka.' It means bright blue flower. What do you think?"

Shock was written all over her face before a smile slowly formed on her face and her eyes sparkled with joy. Like the blue flowers spread across the fields and radiating under the sunlight, the happiness spread across her face was the brightest he's ever seen.

She wrote down the new name that Zoro decided for her, as though asking if it was spelled right. "Ruka."

Zoro nodded, ruffling her hair with his hand. "That's right. Ruka. You like it?"

"Ruka" let out a silent giggle, loving the sound of her new name. She hopped around a few times, clapping her hands and loving the sound of her name from Zoro's lips as though it was music to her ears. She then turned towards Zoro again, looking expectantly at him, and smiled softly.

There was no need for Ruka to even write down what she wanted to say, for Zoro could tell that she wanted to tell him, "Thank you."

However, Zoro froze in shock when Ruka unexpectedly gave him a hug, holding him tightly. Though eventually, he hugged the young girl back in return. He could feel the warmth emanating from her body through her embrace. He closed his eyes and gently stroked his rough, calloused fingers onto her silky, silver hair gently, as though delicately handling a flower without destroying it. He breathed in her scent, smelling faintly of the flowers that she surrounded herself with earlier.

Just for this one moment of peace, even if it was short, Zoro let himself be envisioned into an unknown future; a better future where he would protect the beautiful young girl with the same intensity and determination where he wouldn't hesitate to kill every single monster that he comes across that would dare harm Ruka. He'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe, feeling that she would be safer with him than she was by herself.

Eventually, the two pulled away and decided to enjoy this day of rest. Zoro normally wouldn't skip a day of training in his entire life, but just this once, he decided to lay back and rest in this peaceful blue flower field and allow Ruka to play around in the flower field for this one day of rest. The environment felt so serene and peaceful, but the sight of Ruka's overjoyed happiness as she played around and collected the flowers calmed and warmed Zoro's heart.

When Ruka returned to Zoro to show him a bouquet of several different kinds of blue flowers she gathered together, Zoro swiped one from the collection. He placed one onto her ear, commenting, "You look better with this on you."

Ruka's bright smile lit up Zoro's heart when he said that, so she tried to make him happier by placing some more flowers onto her ears and even parts of her hair. Some would say that she looked ridiculous and messy with the flowers in a random arrangement in her ears and hair, but Zoro would say that she looked beautiful this way, especially with her smile being the main part of her beauty.

The first flower Zoro plucked from Ruka's collection of flowers happened to be a flower called a nemophila. Nemophila, also known as "Baby Blue Eyes," symbolizes tender sensitivity, innocence, trust, and even purity, describing Ruka perfectly.

The symbolism of the flower representing Ruka may be key to guiding Zoro's journey to not only assisting in accomplishing his dream, but perhaps discovering what more he wants in life. Both Zoro and Ruka would learn and grow together as they continue traveling together, guided by trust and assisting each other.

So far, this chapter is absolutely my favorite! I was just waiting for this part to come, with the whole flower field, Zoro renaming Lady into Ruka, the cute flower crown scene, etc! It made me want to shriek in joy every time I reread this!

So a couple of fun facts here! The blue flower field here is inspired by Japan's actual blue flower field in Hitachi Seaside Park! I already wanted Zoro and Ruka to explore a flower field but I didn't know there was an actual field like I envisioned in Japan until I did some research, so good I guess!

I debated whether to name Ruka by "Nemo" or "Phila" for short from the flower Nemophila, but I felt like Ruka's name was better. But her favorite flower is definitely going to be Nemophila, or at least any blue flowers, since blue is her favorite color.

Ruka isn't actually a vegetarian, just a pescatarian, which is basically a vegetarian that also eats fish. She just doesn't like the taste of meat and part of why she's a pescatarian actually holds a secret later on in the story.

If any of you were wondering, yes, the first name Zoro wrote down for suggestions of what Lady's new name would be was "Kuina." He initially was thinking of giving her Kuina's name but forfeited because he didn't want to be reminded of his past with Kuina, but I think it was both sad but sweet of him to consider Kuina's name.

Yeah, it was hilarious that Zoro could only think of sword names because he's only interested in swords and wouldn't know a lot about girl names, lol!

Anyways, read and review!

Check out my AO3 account: SageofHope with the link to the AO3 version of this fanfic! Link: /works/45506545/chapters/128380507

Read and review!