Wiping the sweat from her brow with a towel, Ashe whipped it over her shoulder before taking a seat to rest. Ever since her scuffle with Dracule Mihawk, she's taken it upon herself to resume self-training. Since her departure, Ashe hasn't been training as much as she should have, and it has shown. Reflecting on her defeat, there was more she could have done.
Even if the result was to be absolute.
Sneaking a peek at her beltline, two empty vials now take up space. Sighing to herself, she will need to replace them soon. Concocting potions is the easy part, getting the proper reagents, however, is another story entirely. It is going to take lots of fishing and luck on her side.
Regrettably, luck has never been on her side.
The few bites she's had were for her poisons and toxins, but she has plenty of those stocked up for now. Catch and release has been the pattern for the past few days. Unless it was something delicious, she kept it for lunch and dinner. Provided it was something simple that didn't need proper cooking methods.
Peering up to the sky, the sun indicates lunch should be shortly.
Entering the kitchen of the ship that she's finally learned the name from Nami, The Going Merry, it has become routine for the two passengers to meet at this time. Often, the Navigator was at the helm making sure they had not diverted from their chart or reading somewhere. While Ashe was generally fishing or training.
Deciding on something light for lunch, she chose to make simple sandwiches. Quick, easy, and a cool meal in the blistering sun. Opening the canned fruit, she gave more onto Nami's portion while she gave herself an extra sandwich. After observing her eating habits for a bit, she noticed the woman would always eat the fruits first before anything.
Seems the tangerine haired woman loved her fruits.
On cue, the woman entered the Cantina with a stretch and yawn, must have woken from a nap. "This must be one of the most peaceful voyages I've had. What's for lunch?"
Ashe placed their portions on the table, as Nami took her seat. "Just sandwiches and some fruit, something light. Hope you don't mind."
Nami's eyes lit up with a smile at the sight of the fruit. "Good enough for me. I prefer light meals anyway. Makes it easier to watch my figure."
That comment earned a snort from the alchemist. While Ashe does watch what she eats somewhat, it is something that isn't much of an issue if you're willing to work it off and train. Provided you don't go overboard. Other than that, the two delved into small talk.
Ever since their first night, the two became a bit more comfortable in each other's presence. Were they friends? Ashe wasn't sure, but it felt more like being acquainted or partners. Most of their conversations would spiral into Nami giving Ashe a lecture about currents and navigation lessons, while Ashe would give points and tips on how to more effectively utilize a ship at sea.
Nami stood from her seat, collecting their now empty plates. "We will be arriving at the island early tomorrow morning, so get any preparations that you need done before then." Standing next to Ashe, she leans down for a sniff, "You haven't changed clothes in a while, are you bathing properly?"
Crossing her legs and resting an elbow upon the table, Ashe snorts in amusement. "Of course, I have. Last thing I want to do is stink up this place. Regrettably, we didn't exactly have much time for me to grab an extra set of clothes from my ship when we left, now did we?"
An awkward chuckle and an avoiding eye contact is all she got in response. "I haven't exactly seen you wash your clothes though, so I just thought…"
Laughing to herself, Ashe stands, giving Nami a tap on the shoulder. "I wash my clothes at night and bathe when you go to sleep. This way I don't bother you with it during the day. As well as the fact that I train during the day as well. Speaking of, I'll be on the stern as usual if you need me."
Another afternoon of training.
Her choices are limited to just stretches and shadow fighting, which is a bit of a letdown for her. Nothing beats having a sparring partner, but for now she would settle for more space. The Going Merry isn't exactly a large ship compared to what she's used to.
Hours must have flown by without her noticing as the Sun was already setting when a familiar voice called out to her. "Still at it?"
Humming quietly, Ashe wiped the sweat from her cheek with the back of a hand. "Sorry, was I bothering you? I was just finishing up so I can get started on dinner." It was then that she noticed Nami holding two plates of food. Fried rice by the looks of it. "Did you make dinner?"
Nami gave a playful wink, "My treat, I felt like cooking tonight. Consider yourself lucky that I'm not charging you." The two relax in sitting positions, opting to dine out on the deck.
The navigator and alchemist continued their normal routine. Chatting about ordinary life, Ashe noticed something was off. While she could not figure out what it was, she ignored it for now. "Thank you for the meal." Standing on her feet, she reaches for the now empty plates. "In return I'll do the cleaning tonight—"
The navigator quickly snatched them up and stood at her feet with a large grin, "I got it! Don't worry about the cleaning." Making for the stairs to descend first, she peers over her shoulder for a moment. "I left a change of clothes for you in the lounge room. Go shower first, I'll take one after you."
She vanished before Ashe could respond. Now confusion was beginning to settle in. Though, Ashe does not know if this is in or out of character for Nami. They haven't exactly known each other for long after all. With a self-shrug, the lounge was a short flight of stairs and walk before finding the set of clothes within.
A plain, orange v-cut shirt with black shorts. Sleep wear by the looks of it. A quick shower made her feel refreshed, even if the wash cabin was a bit cramped, it is still nice to have one. Putting on the donated clothes, Ashe found the shirt to be a bit loose around the chest. An amused chuckle at the knowledge that Nami is indeed more bountiful than she is. The shorts were a bit tight for her liking, but it has been a while since she's worn shorts.
Preferring to wear pants for most of her endeavors.
Quickly washing her clothes, she hangs them up to dry. Thankfully the weather is still rather warm at night to dry them quickly after wringing them out. It is then she noticed Nami drying her hair in a matching set of pajamas, except her shirt was blue. The woman has plenty of clothes it seems.
"Finished your laundry? Here follow me." Nami grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her down a flight of stairs to what she dubbed her room. Letting herself be pulled around, Ashe tried to speak, only for Nami to speak over her and pull out a chair at a mirrored dresser. "Here, sit, sit."
Pausing for a moment, Ashe stares at Nami for a second, just for her to point at the chair with a large smile. This one seemed strange. "Alright…What's going on?"
Nami clutched onto Ashe's shoulders, forcing her to sit, subjugating herself to having her hair brushed. It was an abnormal feeling to be sure. The tangerine woman ignored the question all together. Instead, having a one-sided conversation with herself. Regaling a tale about an adventure she had with Luffy and Zoro.
Something involving a clown pirate.
Ashe would be lying if questioned about listening. Having her hair brushed was a very soothing and relaxing experience. It was a struggle to remember if anyone had ever done it for her. Her memory comes up void at the thought.
Regrettably, it was a very short-lived experience. A downside of not having long hair, she assumes. "All done, you should brush it more often."
A shrug as she stands, Ashe makes for the door. "I don't exactly have a brush at the moment. If that's all, it is late, and I'll sleep in the lounge as usual. Have a good night."
"Wait!"
Turning back with hand on the knob, she finds Nami biting her lower lip. Her eyes were shadowed by her bangs. It disappeared in the blink of an eye, a figment of the imagination. Replaced with a smile, a hollow one by her definition. "Sleep here, I have another hammock."
"It's alright, I don't want to intrude."
"I insist." Without waiting, Nami stalks to the wall before pulling two levers. Two hammocks descending from the ceiling to be set out properly. "I even have a spare blanket."
This is all so unusual. Why the sudden change in personality?
"Very well." It is not much of an issue personally. Sharing quarters with others is something she's used to. It was a requirement during her time in the Marines. Crawling into the hammock, the blanket was of standard quality, but better than nothing.
Darkness fills the room with a flick of the lights and blow of a lantern as Nami gets into her own hammock. Ashe closed her eyes and began to drift off to sleep. She learned to quickly fall asleep when it was provided. Sometimes it was a luxury and not a necessity. Still, something tingled at the corner of her ears. It must have been what kept her awake longer than usual.
An awkward pause lingered in the air, but it felt like half an hour had already passed.
"Are you…still awake?" Whispered Nami.
"Hm?" A groggy reply that Ashe was not proud of.
"Do you remember the condition I told you about for bringing you along?"
Ashe furrowed her brows in curiosity at where this is leading to. "Yes, I'll leave as soon as we land. I'll have to find another ship or something first though. Why?"
Nami's voice was timid. "Do you…Do you mind if I alter the deal a little?"
"I'm listening." Now the shift in personality is beginning to make sense. She must have been trying to butter her up for this.
The navigator was silent for a moment. Ashe was beginning to wonder if she had fallen asleep before a shy voice echoed into the night. "Could you…I mean…Would you mind…helping the villagers of…Cocoyashi, before you leave?"
Ashe opened her eyes in a half-lid, fluttering them for a moment before turning her head toward Nami. There in the darkness, she could only see the back of her head in a silhouette. Still as the night itself. What a strange request. Why would she ask that though? "I don't mind, but—" Before she could even finish asking, Ashe was interrupted.
Nami's voice cut through, brash and desperate. "I'll pay you. Whatever you ask, I'll pay it…I won't be able to do it right away…but I'll pay you." Ashe could make out the woman curling into her hammock. "…I swear, I will pay you back when I get the money. I'm just…so close."
Strange.
What a strange request. After all, she will need to linger around for a bit anyways. May as well keep herself busy. "I don't see a reason to refuse. I will trust and hold you to it. Anything else?"
"Just one…Don't tell anyone about this."
A yawn escaped her lips, showing just how tired she is. "Aye, aye. It's getting late."
"…Good night."
Returning pleasantries, Ashe was the first to fall asleep into the gentle night. It was a comfortable and refreshing night of sleep. While she does enjoy sleeping on deck during good weather, nothing beats a comfortable hammock or proper bed. Ashe was surprised to find herself alone when she woke up the next morning.
Quickly getting up with a stretch, she finds her clothes neatly folded on the coffee table. Nami must truly have a skill of being silent when she wants to. Dressing herself, Ashe ascends the stairs leading up to the kitchen, only to be ambushed by a delicious aroma. Within she finds Nami at the stove, dressed in a green tank top with spaghetti straps and dark green spots, dark blue shorts that stop above the knee, and light tan sandals.
She truly has a varied wardrobe.
"Good morning…Breakfast as well? Feels like I'm about to be out of a job."
"Morning." A plate with an omelette was tossed onto the table with leftover rice. "Landfall is in a few minutes. I already ate." The cold shoulder was given as she left the room. Ashe noticed the said shoulder had a peculiar blue tattoo on it. For now, she will quickly eat her breakfast before collecting her backpack. A habit of always making sure to have her bag ready to go at a moment's notice.
Backpack thrown over her shoulder at the bow of the Going Merry, Ashe notices the Conomi Islands a small distance away. Nami was already navigating to a small cove, away from the village, and hidden out of sight from land. Strange when the village had a small dock, but she's not the navigator. Nami seemed to have everything under control, professionally anchoring the ship near a small plateau within leaping distance, as if she's done this hundreds of times.
Said Navigator passed her by before disembarking with a white sack over her shoulder. "Follow me." It seemed to be an average island. Trees, farmland, some rocky formations, vegetation, and wildlife were within the norm. A peaceful island by the small trek through the land before arriving at a dirt path. A slender hand pointed down one side of the path. "Take this path to Cocoyashi Village. Don't draw too much attention to yourself and remember our deal."
"And you?"
Nami stared with a frown before shaking her head and going down the opposite direction. "Don't worry about it. Also, you don't know me. Leave it at that."
Watching her traverse down the dirt path had the alchemist a bit puzzled. 'The closer we got to this place, the more abnormal she became…Or was it just me?' Obeying for the moment, Ashe takes the dirt path down the island. Walking past a few farmlands and fences and orchards of tangerine trees. Each breeze carried a sweet scent from the fruits, and it was relaxing.
Buildings begin to rise from the land in the distance. Upon closer inspection, they are very simple in design and layout. Your average square houses and shops down a single path or two. Even a few huts were along the outer edges. It truly was a small and poor village from the view of it. By the looks of it, they were once colorful and painted, but they have since faded into disrepair.
Striding down the dirt path, she notices villagers shuffling about with their shoulders hunched and heads down. Even the children seemed lackluster to even play. The few that noticed her presence whispered amongst themselves secretly. Though, she noticed they glimpsed the daggers of her waist and nervously embraced shelter amongst the shadows.
"You're along way from home, Stranger. What brings you to this place?"
Ashe peered to her right, finding an older gentleman sitting under a large, straw umbrella. Open toe sandals, maroon shorts, a matching-colored top that resembled an officer suit with golden shoulder pads, but with many scars plaguing his body. They seemed to have been done by a sharp weapon, even his face was not exempt. A thick, black mustache, sharp eyes, pointed nose, and black hair. Though the strangest part was his maroon officer's hat with a pinwheel attached to it, spinning lively.
She stood before him, shuffling her backpack into a more comfortable position. "My name is Ashe. I'm a traveling Alchemist, who likes to trade and barter. I am looking for Cocoyashi Village, as I am in need of a ride to Loguetown. Is this the place?"
The man never peered in her direction, purely focused on staring down the road, as if he was expecting something to happen at any moment. "Aye, this is Cocoyashi Village. I am Genzo, Sheriff of Cocoyashi. If you are looking for a boat ride, then I am afraid to say you're out of luck. We have no seaworthy vessels, just a few fishing boats. How did you arrive to these islands?"
Her earlier conversation from the night before flashes through her mind. She can't connect herself to Nami for whatever reason. "I sailed in on my boat. It suffered catastrophic keel damage and barely made it before sinking off the coast."
Genzo merely grunted, "Damn shame. I wish I could help you, Wanderer, but as you can see, we are a small village. We are poor and struggle to maintain ourselves. If there's nothing else, I'd advise you to move along, there's nothing for you here."
Ashe nodded and planted her foot to leave the village before a familiar voice pleaded through her head. 'Could you…I mean…Would you mind…helping the villagers of…Cocoyashi, before you leave?'
With a sigh, Ashe looks around the village once more in half-lidded eyes, before closing them and looking down before at Genzo. "Very well…However, if you don't mind, I am going to go around offering my services to any of the villagers in need. With your permission. I could use some food and I'd rather earn it."
Finally, out of the corner of his eyes, do they flicker in her direction for only a moment. "…Do what you want." It is only then does a large entourage begin to creep down the road in the far distance. A scowl appearing upon his rugged and scarred features. "However, you are to stay hidden. Do not let the fishmen see you and most importantly…Do not interfere. No matter what happens, what you see or hear…do not interfere. Lest we villagers be the ones to suffer."
A curt nod, "Understood." Leaving the man to his solitude, she ventures further into the town. Searching for any buzz of activity for an opportunity. The grocer had a barren selection of goods, but fully stocked on tangerines. Fishermen stocked with only the small coastal fish, while eatable, their taste was something to be desired. Strangely enough, Ashe could not find a weapon store. They are always a good place to barter oils.
How bizarre.
"Watch out!" A young boy unexpectedly runs before her, nearly bowling directly into her legs. A green beanie with an orange sweater. Ashe watches with a perked brow while he continued his frenzied path, "Sorry, Lady!" Entering the fence of a small house, a woman rushes to greet him. Dropping down to scoop him up into a hug, one she recognizes as motherly affection.
Ashe stared at the scene before her, a shadow blanketed over her eyes, chasing away the warmth of the sun. It was then Ashe noticed how parched her throat had become, a sharp stab, beating inside of her chest. Gazing skyward with a deep breath, the blinding sunlight burned away her thoughts, before clouds interfered in the purge. "…It is cold."
A sudden explosion draws her instant attention. It was low and distant, she could swear someone was shouting, but it was faint. Curiosity getting the better of her, Ashe approaches a fence with nosiness. The land begins to tremble in vibrations a moment later. Placing a hand upon her hip, she cocks her hip with a perked brow. "…What are they doing over there?"
Her eyes widened as a red cottage house was slowly lifted off the ground unnaturally, before being launched by an unseen force toward her vicinity. "Oh sh—" Ashe's body naturally sprints away from the destructive crash, the building digging into a trench with a cloud of dust and debris. Demolishing a section of the small village. Clearing her throat with coughs and a wave of hands, Ashe stumbles away from the wreckage. "What just hap—"
"Ahh! Save me! The fishmen are coming!"
Back turned at the shout, her spine straightens and head snaps toward the source. That voice sounded familiar, only to catch a glimpse of a long nose and black hair sprinting off into the hills. Three humanoids with fish characteristics chased after the road runner. Wearing tropical button shirts with shorts and sandals.
The alchemist could feel the headache coming around the bend from the absurdity.
"Mom?! Mom!"
Ashe's legs moved before her mind could comprehend what was happening. Within an instant, she was kneeling beside a middle-aged woman who was laying on the grass of her yard. Blood was oozing down from her head, staining the green blades, mixing with dirt. The orange sweater boy was crying and trying to shake her awake. "Are you okay? Mom! Wake up!"
Her left hand smacked the boy's hands away from his mother, her right digging into her bag and pulling out a small first-aid kit. "Stop, you'll make it worse." Cusping the unconscious woman's chin, Ashe tilts it to the side, exposing the gasp near the temple. "What happened?"
Sniffling, the boy hiccups before speaking, "A piece of wood flew over and hit my mom in the head." Quivering and trembling fingers clutched onto her like a lifeline, as if she was the single thread holding his life together. "Hey…She'll be alright, right? I don't want to lose her too."
The piece of wood blended into the ground, it was old and soft. A good sign, the material had a bit of give and flexibility to it. "She'll be fine." Ashe does her best to soothe the child, but she has neither the experience nor patience for it. Instead, choosing to administer first-aid after cleaning the wound and patching it up.
All she can do is tend to the physical wound. Ashe only knows basic first aid after all.
"Is there a bed inside?" He nods while wiping his eyes, finally removing himself from her personal space. This allows her to stand and lift the unconscious woman from the ground in a bridal style. "Open the door and let's get her inside."
Once inside the humble home, she puts the mother onto a small bed near a window before closing the curtains. "I did what I could. The wound looked worse than it was, but I assume she will be fine. However, find someone with real medical knowledge to get her looked at. Just in case."
Possessions once more collected neatly into her backpack, Ashe properly fashions it over both shoulders before a small voice calls out to her. "Where are you going?"
"To find some answers."
After closing the door and reaching the fence line, a loud swoosh rings out from a front door opening. A childish voice yelling in her direction. "Thank you! Big Sis!"
Hands clenching into fists, she ignores the pit in her stomach before sprinting. Footprints are still fresh on the ground, thankfully the fishmen were burly, leaving nice, deep markings to follow. Leaping over a few fallen trees and rocks, a stench assaults her senses. A disgusting and rotting smell made Ashe cover her nose with a hand, but it did little to filter. On the ground she finds a yellow and green slime on the dirt with eggshells.
Rotten eggs. Disgusting.
She's on the right track, they were just recently used, three of them as well. Continuing through the countryside, it is not long before she finds a plateau with tall grasslands. Slowing to a standstill, her eyes narrow at the sight. Three fishmen scratching the back of their heads and conversing amongst themselves, loudly. "Where'd that long nose go?"
"I don't know, I was following you guys."
"Was he even human?"
The three bellowed into laughter. Getting herself a closer look at them, they had obvious gills upon their necks, skin anywhere between pale gray to a dark blue, depending on the species. They each had webbed fingers, but some had more fins than others.
"Let's hurry back before Arlong goes on another rampage. Don't need to lose anymore villages." Spoke the center most fishman, apparently the leader of the trio. Upon noticing her, the leader points at Ashe while looking at the other two questioningly. "Oy, have either of you seen her before?"
"No." "Can't say I have."
Burly and large, the leader of the group approached her in a swagger. His chest puffed in confidence, "Hey, Human, are you friends with that long-nose thing? We'd like to ask you a few questions…We'll be nice about it." He snarls wickedly, showing off rows of sharp teeth.
She spoke in a calm and neutral tone. "Are you the ones who threw that house back in the village?"
One of the lackies in the back coughed a snicker in pride. "That was boss Arlong, strongest fishman in the East Blue! So, if you know what's good for you, come quietly."
"Who's Arlong?"
Their laughter fills the countryside with their confidence and bolster. Towering over her by at least half a body if not more. She was small compared to their race. The leader and strongest of the three reaches out and clasps his hand upon her shoulder. Clenching and squeezing onto the slender and fragile human with their physical superiority. "We're the ones asking questions here. Not you an inferior human."
A glint of the sun's reflection, cold sheering through his forearm, then burning.
Thunk.
Stumbling back, in loss of strength, the fishman cowers and cries in shock. A warm, fresh hand and wrist, bending the blades of grass as a red liquid feeds the vegetation. His mind slowly begins to comprehend what just happened. Pain, unbridled pain causing him to wail in agony, clutching the stubble of what's left of his forearm.
"My hand! It hurts! IT HURTS!"
Ashe steps forward, crushing the dismembered appendage underfoot, a single dagger drawn with a red trickle down its cold steel. The other two fishmen instinctively take multiple steps back at the sight of her approach. It was only then, in their complacency of having no competition, and becoming lax in the East Blue, did they remember the first rule of fishmen.
A rule that has been known and drilled into them from an early age. Their species being raised in the oceans, among the cold and dark depths of the floor bed.
There's always a bigger fish.
"Let's try this, one more time."