Legal stuff: All original One Piece characters, plot and settings belong to Eiichiro Oda. I did not receive any revenue or payment for writing this fan fiction. Enjoy Chapter 5!

Magina gripped the railing tightly as Zoro and Sanji ran out of sight. Her legs wobbled and her knees felt weak. She allowed herself to sink slowly to the deck. Her shaking hadn't stopped yet. Magina didn't think it was because she was cold or exhausted. Maybe it was the shock of everything that happened earlier that made her shiver so uncontrollably. The Admiral…what was his name-Aokuju? Aokojo? He was really strong. He took down Robin so easily. What if Luffy lost? What if he died? What would they do then?

"I hope Luffy's alright," Nami said, coming out of the shower room, a worried frown wrinkling her forehead.

Magina tried to smile reassuringly. "Luffy is strong. He wouldn't die that easily."

Even if she couldn't do much to help save Robin, she could at least help with the crew's morale.

"I know, but Aokiji was really strong too. What if…what if he…" Nami started to say before her voice petered out.

Magina quickly stood up and gave her a hug. Nami was shaking worse than she was! Magina steeled herself. She wouldn't let her own doubts or fears add on to anyone else's.

"It's going to be okay, Nami. Chopper is going to save Robin. Zoro and Sanji are going to bring back Luffy. We have to do the things that we can to help and not worry about the future. Right?"

Nami's shivering dissipated slowly. The worry in her song also disappeared. Magina wondered if she didn't need to always do something around the ship to be a help to everyone. Maybe she did enough just by being herself. Eventually, Nami pushed her away.

"You're right, Magina. It's silly to worry about 'what if's' when we don't know what happened. Besides, Luffy isn't the kind to die even if somebody kills him. Did we run out of towels?" Nami asked, all business again.

"Yeah, and the rags too. Do we need more?" Magina frowned.

"I don't think we need any more for Robin but Luffy is fighting. He'll have at least a few areas frozen," Nami answered thoughtfully.

Magina pondered it briefly. Nami made a valid point. If they could no longer use towels or rags, then what else was available?

"Blankets might work. We have extras. They're a little cumbersome though," she suggested.

"We even have some older blankets that we can tear easily. You go ahead and sit down. I'll bring them back and we can rip them together," Nami said before she hurried towards the storage hold.

It wasn't long before Nami came back, slightly staggering underneath the large pile of well-worn blankets. She dropped the pile in front of Magina and sat next to her.

"Yosh. This should be enough. We'll get plenty of good-sized rags and towels with these."

Magina grinned in response to Nami's enthusiasm. They both set to work quickly, tearing the blankets into large squares and rectangles.

"So, do you think that Zoro will ever make your relationship official?" Nami asked suddenly.

Rip! The square Magina was attempting to tear wound up being a thin strip of cloth.

"I didn't mean it like that. I meant when are you two officially going to be a couple?" Nami asked with an amused glint in her eyes.

"Um…well. I don't know. I guess I never really thought that it was all that necessary. Besides, I don't think Zoro would want a status like boyfriend," she answered truthfully.

"That idiot Zoro! Doesn't he know that these things are important to a girl's heart? He's at least told you that he loves you, right? He wouldn't be so stupid as to not say it!" Nami fumed.

At first, Magina was surprised with the ferocity in Nami's voice. She giggled softly after a moment.

"It's okay, Nami. It's not the title or the words that are important. It's how we feel for each other that is. Zoro doesn't need to say that he loves me because I can tell that he does. I'm sure that he can tell that I love him too," Magina smiled warmly.

"Yeah, but you've said it. It seems like he's taking your feelings for granted. I'm not sure that Zoro understands that as a girl that there are some words you need to hear. Don't you think that maybe Sanji-kun might stop trying to interfere so much if Zoro actually called you his girlfriend? And I also know that there are a lot of assholes that hit on you when we land on a new island. At least if you two were officially a couple, then you could tell them that you had a boyfriend already," Nami argued.

Deep down, Magina understood what Nami was saying. Would it be more convenient if she and Zoro were in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship? Probably. Did she sometimes worry if Zoro really loved her because he hadn't said it yet? Yeah, sometimes. Was she occasionally angry with the fact that Zoro wasn't very interested in becoming her boyfriend…in her becoming his girlfriend? Definitely.

But even if their relationship frustrated her from time to time, Magina didn't mind much. Zoro's actions said more about his true feelings than a thousand of ballads composed by Sanji. Zoro was always there for her when she needed him. It wasn't fair of her to expect him to treat her special just because they loved each other. Besides, she didn't know how to be a good girlfriend. Magina had a feeling that it was the same for Zoro. They might as well take their time and get used to the idea instead of rushing their relationship.

"I don't mind, Nami. Really. I'm happy with the relationship we have right now. It's new and strange and exciting. I don't want to rush Zoro or myself any faster than this. I'm relieved that I can talk to you and Robin when things don't go as smoothly as I expected though. Can I count on your support in the future too?" Magina asked happily.

Nami smiled back. "You can count on me! Robin will gladly help too!"

"Lower some ropes! Quickly!"

"They're back!" Nami jumped up and ran to the galley.

When she came out, she had two coils of rope and threw one to her. Magina caught the rope and tied it quickly to the railing. She glanced overboard. Shock rooted her there for a moment before she forced herself to throw the rope to Zoro. Luffy was frozen solid, just like Robin. Nami threw her rope to Sanji. They worked together to secure Luffy. Between the four of them, they managed to haul Luffy up on board. Chopper was called to help immediately. The miniature doctor came out of the shower room with a grim face.

"Nami, help Usopp with Robin. Sanji, Zoro; you'll help me thaw Luffy. Magina, you should rest since you disobeyed my orders to take it easy."

Magina winced at the slightly harsh tone. Still, she wanted to help save Robin and Luffy. They were both very important nakama. She didn't want to be the only one who didn't do anything. If only she was stronger!

"Chopper, please. I want to help. I'll find something that won't overtire me but please. Please don't say that I can't help!" Magina pleaded.

Chopper sighed. Everyone else was already in the shower room and he kept glancing at the closed door. The he spotted the pile of old blankets, the tower of torn rags and towels beside it.

"You can continue ripping those blankets apart then. Sit down when you're tearing though and rest when you get tired or I'll force you to rest after this crisis is over. Got it?"

"Aye! Thank you!"

Chopper left for the shower room and Magina settled herself on a step and carefully began to tear the blankets apart once again. She was grateful that Chopper didn't forbid her from doing something to help. It wasn't much but at least it was better than being asleep when she could be useful to her nakama. Magina hummed softly while she worked, praying that Robin and Luffy would be all right.

…

"This isn't going exactly as I planned," Mimi pouted.

Jotaro looked out the port window and grimaced.

"I know. There aren't a lot of navigators on the Grand Line that like to deviate from the Poses. And since this is a merchant ship, the Captain won't be persuaded to change course either. 'Schedules must be maintained,'" Jotaro's voice deepened suddenly, impersonating the Captain's bass voice.

"Hmph. With all the extra Beli I was going to pay him, you'd think that he'd be willing to be delayed for a little bit. Don't ships usually give themselves a week or two leeway sailing time? Then, if a disaster suddenly descends they wouldn't be considered late. Honestly!" Mimi fumed.

Jotaro just shrugged. She clenched her jaw. Right now, they had no choice but to dock where the merchant ship was to heading next: Water 7. Mimi could only hope that they would find a boat, captain and navigator brave enough to follow the Straw Hats without a Pose. She didn't want to risk them getting too far away. It was only a matter of time before Onii-chan discovered that she was not visiting friends at the other side of Song Island. She had mentioned that it would be a few weeks but if things kept getting delayed like this, then he might come after her and force her to come back with him. Mimi wouldn't go home. Not until Zoro-sama was finally hers.

…

Zoro felt Magina shift closer to him underneath the blanket. He grunted sleepily. This woman was entirely too stubborn. She didn't even think about going to sleep until everyone else was taken care of. He saw her putting blankets around the shoulders of the rest of the crew before she came back to his side. He pretended to be fast asleep for her benefit.

At least she was resting now. The steady, even breathing was lulling him to sleep too. He yawned and snaked one arm around her waist, his opposite hand loosely gripped his katana. A short nap was very much in his immediate future. They all deserved it after today. Zoro let his mind wander somewhere between sleep and meditation. He couldn't completely leave his guard down. He was on watch tonight after all.

Several hours later, he woke up to Magina struggling to quietly leave his arms.

"What do you think you're doing, siren?" he grumbled in her ear.

"It's dawn, Zoro. It's time to fish," she replied in a slightly aggravated tone.

"So, Chopper gave you permission yesterday to start fishing again? Just rest, Magina. Nami says we won't be leaving for a while. If you fish every dawn and dusk that we're here, then there won't be anything left for another stubborn fisherman."

Magina snorted softly. She leaned her head back, nestling in the crook of his left arm. Zoro allowed himself a smug grin. He knew that it was just a bunch of hot air. Magina still wasn't ready to be moving around so much yet.

"It's annoying. I want to be healed already," Magina sighed, the perfect picture of a long-suffering victim.

"Sleep as much as I do, baka. Then, you'll be healed quickly."

"I'm not sure that's possible. No one can sleep as much as you do. I think you'd sleep forever if you could," she teased quietly.

"There would be no one to keep you out of trouble if things were like that," Zoro replied gruffly.

"I suppose that's true. It'd be no fun if you slept all the time. I don't like sleeping all the time either," Magina said, trying to squirm her way out.

"Hmph. I'm not letting you go, siren. Maybe tomorrow," Zoro responded, clamping her tighter against his body and leaning in to whisper in her ear.

She shivered slightly and then completely relaxed in his arms.

"Oi. Shitty marimo. What are you doing to Magina-san?"

Just when he managed to relax Magina just a little, of course they'd be interrupted. She stiffened in his arms at the sound of Sanji's voice. She tried to sit up but he tightened his hold.

"Magina was about to fall asleep again. Now you woke her up. Love Cook, you're such a nuisance," Zoro sighed more than aggravated that he couldn't nap more with Magina.

"Who knows what kind of indecent acts you would have tried to commit to Magina-san if I hadn't put an end to it? I'm a Love Knight, charged with protecting Magina-san's body and soul, keeping them pure and untouched by any evil!" Sanji yelled emphatically.

"He wasn't doing anything, Sanji. Will breakfast be done soon?" Magina asked. Was it his imagination or did she sound a little disappointed?

"I'm putting the finishing touches on it now, Magina-san. Please wait just a little while longer."

"Thanks, Sanji," she replied.

Sanji left quickly to finish breakfast. With the cook out of sight, Magina sighed heavily.

"He's very good at interrupting just when things are getting interesting."

Zoro growled. He had to wonder if it was always going to be like that. Love Cook did have an annoying habit all right. He'd have to plan a little if they didn't want Sanji always getting in the way.

The next time Magina made a move to leave, Zoro let her. Since breakfast was almost ready, she couldn't try to fish until dusk. He wouldn't have to keep as close a watch on her during the day either. Everyone had to wait for Luffy. No one could do much of anything when he was out of commission. Zoro smirked. That included Magina.

"That look is kind of irritating. What put you in such a good mood all of a sudden?" Magina scowled unhappily at him.

"Nothing. Let's see if that damn Love Cook has finished making breakfast. I'm hungry."

Her scowl disappeared into a soft smile before she headed happily towards the galley. Maybe after they ate, Zoro would be able to convince Magina to take another nap in the crow's nest. Sanji hadn't discovered them there yet. That made it the safest place to be alone on the ship at the moment. Zoro smiled to himself. That sounded like a great plan. The only crew member who wouldn't approve was Dart-brow.

"What was that about me?" Sanji interrupted his thoughts.

"What was what? I didn't say anything about you, Love Cook. Not that I have to, you do a good enough job embarrassing yourself on your own."

"You don't have to say it! I can tell that you're considering laying your despicable hands on Magina-san again! And since you're thinking like that, then you're also pondering about the brave and gallant Knight of Love who's going to stop your evil scheming! Your very thoughts insult me!" Sanji exploded with rage.

"What are you saying, Sanji? You shouldn't be playing a game of 'Rescue the Princess from the 3-Headed Dragon', especially without Luffy. Anyways, we're pirates, not Knights," Usopp interjected with a puzzled frown.

Sanji kicked Usopp in the head. "This isn't a game! It's all that the shitty Marimo is thinking over there!"

"So? What of it?" Zoro growled.

"You're not even going to try to deny it?" Sanji gaped in slight horror.

"Deny what? I don't need to tell you what I'm thinking about. And I won't deny insulting you, Dart-brow. Now shut up and let me eat."

"Why you…" Sanji took a menacing step forward.

"Oh, Sanji-kun? I'd like to have seconds please!"

"Aye, Nami-swan! Coming right up!"

"Oh, and Sanji-kun; I think that today we should also get more supplies from the jungle. Once Luffy wakes up, he's going to want to eat everything that we have. We should be prepared," Nami said while waiting patiently for her second serving.

"Yeah, that sounds about right," Usopp grinned.

"I shouldn't go. I don't believe any problems will occur with Robin and Luffy but I want to be close by, just in case," Chopper said seriously.

"Perfect! Then, Usopp, Sanji and I will forage for food. Zoro can guard the ship, Magina will rest and Chopper will look after Robin and Luffy! We'll leave as soon as we're done eating," Nami clapped her hands excitedly.

Sanji looked about ready to protest but Zoro wasn't going to argue. He was dubious about Nami's real intentions, though it seemed like she actually supported his relationship with Magina. If nothing else, this one scheme of hers fell in line with his own agenda for the day. After they ate and cleaned up the breakfast mess; Usopp, Nami and Sanji disembarked from the Going Merry. Zoro approached Magina. She was staring longingly at her fishing pole propped against the galley wall.

"Chopper will let you fish sooner if you rest properly. Here, take this and follow me," Zoro ordered, handing her a blanket and heading towards the mast.

"Sanji will be angry if he catches us together again," Magina answered, her lips twitching.

"I don't give a damn if he catches us. Besides, we're going up there. He won't be able to see," Zoro growled in response.

Magina chuckled quietly. "I wonder when Sanji is going to notice that this 'Princess' actually loves the 3-Headed Dragon and doesn't want to be rescued."

"Probably the same time he realizes that he's not really a Prince, just an annoying toad," he grumbled.

Magina laughed at that and slowly made her way to the crow's nest. Zoro followed quickly. It wasn't long after they settled, Magina's head resting on his chest, that she fell asleep. He smiled sleepily and soon gave in to his own body's demands to take a nap. It was probably the damn Love Cook's fault that he dreamt of dragons, princesses and knights. But since the 3-headed dragon ate the pesky, little frog with curly eyebrows and the princess stayed by the dragon's side; Zoro decided to let it go.

There it is, Chapter 5! It's a bit longer than usual. I couldn't find a good spot to end it so I just kept writing lol. I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading. Review if you want to. I sometimes reread them to motivate me when writer's block is really horrible. Here's hoping that I can get Chapter 6 out to you quickly! Next time!

Nakama-best friend, companion

Marimo-moss ball or moss head

Beli-the currency of One Piece