To say she felt refreshed after some rest would be a lie. Because with the way she's feeling, Ashe would rather be knocked out or sleeping. Regrettably, the festive singing and laughter prevented her from returning to blissful rest. Body sore, limbs delayed, she groaned and forced herself to sit up. "Note to self…less flame oil. Lesson learned."

A small lamp illuminated the room, alone in the infirmary, and shadows dancing in merriment through the windows. She was curious to find out what was going on. Goggles, backpack, and weapons bundled neatly in the corner; Ashe leaves them for now.

Reaching for the door leading out, she notices the bandages loitering around her arms and body. Must have been cut up more than she assumed. Cool air and thunderous joy slammed into her after leaving the clinic.

Terrible and off tune singing, mugs raised to the sky, and dancing littered the main road. Her head throbbed as pain licked at her brain, yet it was ignorable and just uncomfortable. For now, at least.

"Big Sis! You're awake!" Perhaps not for long though. A weight seized against her hips in sudden warmth. Curtesy of Chabo "We were worried you'd miss the party."

"I doubt I could even if I wanted. There's enough noise to wake the dead. What's this festival about?"

"Our freedom." Nojiko answered, shooing Chabo away to go play with the other children as she approached. "Luffy defeated Arlong, so that means we are free from the Arlong Pirates' tyranny. We've been liberated."

Following her gaze, Ashe notices Luffy dancing his heart out, both hands full of food, and belting out songs with the villagers. "I see…so it's a shindig for the Straw Hats." Thinned lips into a solemn expression, "I'll…excuse myself from interrupting."

A slap on the shoulder forced out a cry of pain before stumbling into the festival area. Courtesy of a grinning Nojiko. "I knew you were the shy type. None of that, this is for everyone. Including you. Get out there and enjoy yourself. Nami wanted me to let her know when you woke up. At least survive till then." With an over the shoulder wave, Nojiko disappeared into the crowd.

Left alone to her devices, Ashe scanned the surroundings. Upon a tall structure was Usopp, attempting to persuade the masses with his amateur singing. It was endearing and fun.

What caught her attention the most was the delicious aroma from the serving tables. With a stomach growl, Ashe approached the source. Politely weaving between the dancing villages to find an elderly lady handing out plates. "Excuse me, how much for a plate?"

The woman raised a brow before erupting in laughter. "That's one of the best jokes I've heard tonight! No charge, girlie! There's plenty to go around. Take whatever suits your fancy."

Glancing between each plate, from pasta, seafood, and red meat, Ashe reaches for the red meat. She has not had any in a while. "You're in for quite the treat as well. Arlong collected tribute from the neighboring island recently. Peaches were in season, so we used it all up!" Boasted the kind, elderly lady.

Ashe flinches her hand away, "A-ah, is that so? I think I heard someone call my name. I'll get a plate later." A nearby cigarette lit as she retreated before the lady could respond. Weaving between the crowd, she found solace in a secluded alley.

Sliding along the wall to the ground, she sighed, holding her stomach from the ache of hunger. She could find something later.

"Oi, not one for crowds either?" Snapping to the source, she finds Zoro resting with hands behind his head and empty mugs around him.

Resting an elbow on a knee, Ashe peers out into the street, watching children with sparklers running through the people. "No, not anymore." She then notices the large bandage across his body. "What happened? Did you lose?" There was no sting to her words, just banter.

Zoro was quiet for a moment. "Yea, I did. After you left the Baratie."

Interesting, she did not take him as the type to admit such things. "I see. I'd rather you not lose though."

He scowled, "Stupid, I won't ever lose again. Though, you're one to talk. Look at you."

She scoffed, "Don't get it wrong, I did this to myself. My opponent ran away, so that's a win in my book."

Muttering an insult under his breath, the two fell into an awkward silence. One rested his eyes as the other peered fondly into jamboree. A strange pressure weighed on her shoulders, and she knew what the source was. "Are you going to stare at me all night?"

Studying her intently, Zoro watched the torch flames dance in her eyes before bluntly speaking. "You killed them."

"I did, Pirate Hunter Zoro." Ashe turned to him, the two stared at one another, analyzing. Her statement was obvious, she knows his reputation. He has as well, according to rumors. His lips moved to say something, before being interrupted.

"There you are, Mademoiselle." Both turned to find the sight of Sanji in a gentleman's bow. "My heart has brought me here to you, my lady."

"Creepy love-cook."

"Wanna say that again, stupid swordsman?"

Ashe watched the two delve into a shouting match of insults. Which was strange, considering none of it truly felt personal or laced with malice. A sense of déjà vu soon washed over her. A knuckle rests upon her lips before snorting in amusement.

Their argument ceased at the sound, Zoro scowling away as Sanji straightened out his collar. "Forgive me, mademoiselle. As I was saying before I was…rudely interrupted." A grunt. "I couldn't help but notice your beauty earlier and it seemed you were quite hungry. So, I took the liberty of bringing you a plate."

A plate of red meat, tangerines, and potatoes was held before her. She eyed it for a moment as a gruff voice spoke out once more. "Definitely a waiter and not a cook."

Before Sanji could turn with that angry scowl, Ashe held up her hand to push it away. "A-ah, sorry, but I'm not hungry." A stomach growl betrayed her, forcing a tiny blush to appear on her cheeks.

Instead, Sanji pushed it forward onto her lap with a suave smile and wink. "Don't worry, I made this myself, specifically for you. Not a single trace of peach to be found."

Gazing at the plate and then to Sanji, she quietly spoke. "There's no—You remembered?"

"But of course, I am the greatest chef of the East Blue and soon to be world's greatest. What kind of man would I be, if a lovely lady such as yourself, went a night without eating? There would be greater shame for me."

Sensing no deceit, Ashe takes a bit of the red meat with the utensils. It was tender and soft, easy to chew with plenty of flavor, and no reaction. "It's good…Thank you, Sanji."

The flick of a lighter, "Of course, only the best, for a beautiful woman as yourself."

"Love-waiter."

"Oi! Did you just demote me to a waiter?! It's love-cook!" Realizing what he said, Sanji stomped over toward Zoro and grabbed ahold of his collar. "Bastard!"

Ashe enjoyed her meal at a sedated pace. Feeling her hunger fade away and vitality replenish while watching the two crewmates wrestle and bicker. They got along like oil and water. Perhaps cat and dog were a better analogy.

Eventually the two relented, sitting side by side and ruffled up. Meal finished and plate to the side, the three delve into small conversation. Sanji filling in what happened back at Arlong Park and the events leading up to the confrontation. She in turn told them everything that happened when she arrived with Nami.

Ashe had to admit, her side of the conversation was severely lacking in entertainment compared to theirs. From Luffy getting stuck in cement, drowning, a six-sword style fishman, and a sea king cow? She barely held a candle to it. There was only one thing that their stories had in common.

The desire to help Nami.

As that realization dawned upon Ashe, it was then the woman of the hour graced their little party with her presence. "There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you."

"Yes! Nami-swan! I am here, my darling!" Sanji frog leapt at her. His arms wide for a hug with hearts in his eyes.

Paying him no mind, Nami easily avoided his unwanted affection, causing a faceplant into the brick wall. With a sack in one hand, the other reaches out to grab Ashe's wrist and pull the woman up onto her feet. "Sorry for crashing your party but I'll be borrowing Ashe for the rest of the night."

"H-Hey, what—where are we going?"

Nami merely grinned, "It's a surprise." Finding herself at a loss, Ashe allows herself to be dragged along through the crowded streets. Nami occasionally greeting and waving people off.

Slowly, the crowds begin to thin and fade further up the hill they go. Not once did Nami show any sign of releasing her grip on Ashe's wrist. Nor did Ashe make any mention of it. Considering there was a subtle shaking, perhaps from nervousness or something. Instead, she ignored it.

At the top was a cliff with a large tree and a grave. Around the grave they went to the edge of the cliff where the ocean greeted them. The vast dark blue was illuminated with the glowing moon and a gown of twinkling stars.

Finally, Nami released the wrist before sitting near the edge, placing the sack beside her. The straw hat was no longer in her possession either. "Have a seat."

Obliging the tangerine woman, Ashe rests her elbow upon a bent knee while gazing out into the crashing waves. Cool ocean breeze, the smell of the sea, and rhythmic sound of waves, it was relaxing. Ashe enjoyed the peacefulness and chose not to speak until Nami did. She was the one that brought her here in the first place.

Finding the courage, Nami ruffled her own hair. "Sorry, I should have asked you first before dragging you here. How are you feeling?"

"Sore and I have a headache, but that seems to be the worst of it. Feeling better after my nap and meal though."

"That's good to hear." Knees to her chest, Nami rested her chin on them. "Do you remember our deal?"

"I do." Ashe playfully smirked, "Gonna rescind the deal on me? I'll have to talk to my lawyer about this."

Nami sputtered, "What? No! I wouldn't do that—You have a lawyer?"

A peaceful pause followed by quiet laughter shared between them. Staring up into the dazzling night sky, Nami brushed tangerine locks behind her ear. "Thanks, I needed that. But really, no. I just wanted to ask another favor. Would you mind waiting on payment?"

Nami's fists clenched in worry. Debts and Beri have always been a sore spot for her, and Ashe knows she has the money to pay her. Hand on the grass, Nami leaned toward Ashe, "I have the money, it's just that—"

"Sure, I don't mind waiting for a bit." The casual dismissal caught Nami off guard. "I had a hunch anyways."

First it was disbelief before being replaced by shaky amusement. "Seriously…What is it with you guys?" Sighing in content, Nami lets her legs stretch out. "I want to leave my Beri with the villagers when I leave. They need it more than I do."

"Makes sense. They could buy a ship or two and start trading and fishing again." Commented Ashe while remembering how she did not see any seafaring vessels capable of traveling the ocean.

"Mm, I thought the same thing. They can finally be self-sufficient. I honestly…thought I would never see that money again. But you got it back for me." Shuffling cloth signals Nami digging through her sack before withdrawing a tangerine. Peeling it with her fingers, she offers half to Ashe with a small smile. "I'm…not very good at this but what I really want to say is…Thank you."

Accepting the fruit, Ashe ponders a moment before eating a slice. "We had a deal after all…I don't think I really did anything deserving of your gratitude, but if it makes you feel better…You're welcome."

"True, but I think this whole deal has been lopsided. You've gone above and beyond what I thought you'd do."

Licking her fingers clean, "What can I say? I provide exceptional service."

Barking out a laugh, Nami playfully backhands the alchemist's shoulder. "I'd expect nothing less from one of your talents." Waves crash and break upon the rocks below, reflecting the orb of light in the dark sky. "I know…No one really cares about this small, backwater village…But its my home. I love it."

"Home, huh?" Ashe caresses the translucent jewel that rested above her heart, the weight more noticeable. "They really care about you, don't they? Genzo and Nojiko."

Nami sheepishly rubbed the back of her head, "Ah, yea. Nojiko is my sister after all, and I've known Genzo so long…He may as well be family too. It's embarrassing when they talk about me though. They still treat me like a kid." Silence caused the Navigator to peer over at the sight of the alchemist holding onto the gem. "What about you? Any family?"

"…No, not anymore."

"I see…What were they like?"

"Eccentric and nutty." A phantom smile and a sense of longing stared into the empty horizon. "Yet…so warm."

Humming to herself, Nami looked back at the large tree behind them. A small upper curl of her lips. "I think I know what you mean. Will you tell me about them?"

Ashe clenched her knees against her chest, "Sorry, I'll need booze for that."

Nami took a mental note for later, hearing Ashe's hollow and sheepish laughter disappear in the wind. "Is that all? I'll keep that in mind next time."

An amused brow rose, "Oh? I'll have you know; I can hold my liquor."

The two laughed in shared mirth, Nami digging more tangerines from her sack. Though they spent most of their time in silence, it was a comfortable companionship. Light of the full moon reflecting in the navigator's brown eyes. Yellow peered deep into the horizon's abyss.

Before long, Nami was the first to leave. Stating she needed to finish packing and told Ashe when the Straw Hats would be disembarking tomorrow. At least Nami left her tangerines for Ashe to munch on, allowing her a moment of peace in solitude.

Heavy footsteps approaching from behind crumbled that idea. Peering up from her sitting position, Ashe found Genzo standing beside her, hands behind his back, and pinwheel spinning into the night. "Sorry, is the shindig already over? I must have lost track of time."

He waves her off, "Don't worry about it. They are still going strong. I have never really been one for festivals. I prefer peace and quiet. I take it you are the same?"

A smile at the thought of the sparklers. "Perhaps…I should probably turn in for the night. The more rest I get the better." Reaching for the stars in a stretch, she grabbed Nami's sack to throw over her shoulder. Ashe was only a few feet away before Genzo spoke once more.

"Will you be traveling with Nami?"

"I will for a time, but I don't know for how long."

"I see. Watch over her for me, will you? She is going to be a pirate. I've met her crew; they are good people. I don't doubt they will treat her well, but they are blunt and rash. The type to go headfirst into any problem." Genzo looked at her from over the shoulder, "I'd feel more comfortable with another level-headed person traveling with Nami."

Ashe hummed to herself. Her, level-headed? She would not exactly define herself in that manner. Did she not just blow herself up earlier? She has a knack for making things go boom. Though, if it makes him feel better. "Sure, I'll watch out for her while we are traveling together."

"Thank you. Have a good night."

The two parted, Ashe descending the hill in a leisure pace. If she looked behind, the alchemist would have seen the man giving her a partial bow in gratitude.

When she made it back to the village, the people were still going on strong. A few moved to the houses to chat or turn in early. For years they have been unable to show happiness, perhaps this is just them making up for lost time.

Politely pushing through the crowd, she heads for the clinic to collect her belongings and find a place to sleep. Along the way, a few scenes made her smile. Usopp is still towering over the village and singing his heart out. Albeit in a quieter tone.

Sanji was seen conversing with a group of ladies, and they seemed to be enjoying his silliness. They laughed and played along with his flirtatious remarks, but it seemed no real advancement was made. Good fun all around.

Zoro was still resting in the alleyway. Though, he was surrounded by a mountain of empty ale mugs. Seems the samurai can hold his drink well.

Luffy? Well, he barreled passed her with meat in his hands and seemed to be looking for a 'raw ham melon'. If she heard his shouting correctly. The man was an endless pit when it came to food. A pang of pity was felt for Sanji if he was cooking for him. He'd have his work cut out for him.

Flickering light caught her attention, gazing over the shoulder, she found Chabo and the other kids playing with the sparklers still. A bucket of water filled with the discarded sticks.

Yet she frowned at the sight. Because they seemed…bored.

Perhaps they did not have much to do, or they had done everything already. After all, it is not like adults can entertain them the entire night or drink. They are kids. Her fingers twitched at her side.

Before Ashe knew it, she had approached Chabo and his friends. They still had a few more sparklers to play with. He noticed her approach and perked up, "Big Sis! Did you come to play with us?"

Her eyes remained glued to the small fireworks, "What are you kids doing?"

A little girl to Chabo's side spoke up, "Just playing with some fireworks. We've run out of games to play. We're bored." The small group of kids mumbled in confirmation.

For reasons unknown, she spoke, "Would you all like to see a trick?" Their eyes lit up before crowding around her. Ashe hands out errands for the kids to fetch her, common materials generally found in the apothecaries.

They successfully completed their assignments and brought back a mortar and pestle bowl.

Squatting near the ground, she allows the kids to investigate the mortar and pestle bowl. A little bit of flour, water, and her very own fire powder. They bombarded her with questions, spitting them out rapid fire. What she was making, why she needed these materials, what are those tools called, and many, many others.

Ashe answered them calmly and earnestly. Making sure even the shyest voices were fulfilled. A simple little experiment, but it is one of her favorites.

Pleased with her concoction, Ashe applies the paste to the sparklers, a tiny smile hidden away. "That should do it. Stand back a little bit and you'll be in for a treat." Doing as they were told; the kids gave her the space she desired. Striking a match, lighting the sparkler, the flame burns smaller and slower. The magic appeared when she waved it around.

A drawing of a butterfly of lights hummed in the air. Brightly defying physics before slowly fading away. "Sparkler Art, I know it's nothing grand but—"

"That's so cool!" Their 'Oo's and ahs' filled the surrounding air. Pushing forward to get a closer look at the light show. "What else can you make?" She underestimated their bewilderment it seems.

Ashe hums, drawing a simple tree outline, "Whatever you want, any requests?" Perhaps that was the wrong thing to say. No sooner did the flood gates open and eager yells of requests assaulted her head. "Calm down, one at a time. Starting with you over there."

A cat. Simple enough, she drew a playful cat of light, running through the air. Second, a dog fetching a bone. Chabo asked for a pirate ship. More complex, but nothing too difficult. What she failed to notice was the growing crowd of adults enamored by the light show.

A familiar voice eagerly shouting out. "Meat!"

"Aye." Grabbing a second sparkler, Ashe lights it with the first. One hand drawing a roaring campfire while the other works on a roasting meat over it. "Order up." Her smile grew.

"Awesome! That looks tasty!" The voice cheered with merriment, eager to eat the light meat before it faded.

"Oi!" Bellowed a microphoned voice from a wooden structure, "Draw the great Captain Usopp!"

Body moving on its own, she complied. "Aye, aye." Sparklers weaving through the night sky, she drew a majestic captain. Leg hoisted on a barrel, bellowing captain cloak, and a long nose. "Great Captain Usopp, Ahoy!"

Roaring applause, a full smile gracing her face with pearly white teeth in a rare sighting. A handsome and suave voice sounding out from the side of the growing audience, "Mademoiselle, how about a beautiful, dancing lady?"

"Aye, aye!" Working her magic once more, Ashe draws a womanly figure of light, posed in a dance with a long slitted dress, wavy hair, and flourished with a heart. "Your princess awaits, my prince!" Laughter bellows into the night, drowning out her own heartfelt jolly chuckles and beaming smile. "One more and this show comes to a close!"

This time, two voices spoke out together, with an arm over each other's shoulders from the center crowd. "How about sisters?!"

Already in motion, "Aye, aye!" Starting with a horizontal line for a deck, she draws the sisters of light sitting on a pier. One slightly taller than the other, older. One was handing a round fruit to the other, their outlines showing smiles and happiness. "Sisterly bonds! Aren't they lovely?" She laughs, deeply and fully, enjoying herself and the crowd around her. "Now for the Grand Finale!"

Twirling the sparklers, Ashe starts to dance. Locks of amethyst hair swaying in the movement with her twinkling jewel. It was modest and simple. Drawing waves of light, an ocean, while twirling and highlighting arcs above her in random placements. An abstract of glowing lights. There was no distinct creation.

Coming to a standstill with the sparklers spread apart, a grin slithers across her lips. Sensing the confusion and anticipation of her audience. "Make a wish upon the stars!" Slamming the firesticks together, a small boom echoes out in a sphere of light. Destroying the abstraction creation. The first streaks and arcs of light shoot out faster than the later created ones.

The result?

A replication of a beautiful meteor shower.

Adults enjoyed the delightful show with smiles and awe. Hugging and enjoying being in the presence of their loved ones and neighbors. Basking in the shower of light in their newfound freedom.

Chabo and the kids chased after the lights in glee. Jumping and reaching for the stars with their small hands to catch and hold. They were even pouncing on each other's shoulders to reach higher than they would alone.

Though when they turned to the source of their entertainment, all they found was emptiness. The woman vanished without a trace. Few gave it a second glance, and none thought to follow or search.

Their shindig continued into another round.

Having stopped to collect her belongings from the infirmary, Ashe found herself alone on the pier. Having dug through her backpack she pulled out what she needed. Something that she has kept hidden away for a long time. One of her most precious treasures.

An old and worn journal rested upon her lap. It was a faded color of red with many papers lodged haphazardly within. Simple in design. Etched on the front in neat cursive was 'Topaz Perle'. A ghost of a smile claimed Ashe's lips at the sight.

Tracing over the name with her fingertips, she treats the book with care. "Were you watching? They liked the show…How long has it been since I last did that?" A hollow chuckle, "I thought…I had forgotten how to do it. But…I'm so…so happy I didn't." With a quivering lip, silent tears cascade down her cheeks. "Because if I had forgotten how to do our light show…that would mean…you would completely disappear…And…" Curling up into a ball, Ashe clings the journal to her breast. "I miss you…so much…Big Brother."