Exulansis • One Piece

Chapter Twelve

It was a quick battle- In my eyes, at least. After that, and a small celebration from Luffy at my official spot as the 6th member of the Strawhats, we walked through the forest together, a path of fallen trees and broke branches is what we followed, going back to find that old man, and to get somethings cleared up.

"How did you know how to defeat the monster Juno?" Luffy asked smiling. I was in Sanji's arms this time, being carried bridal style, which I hesitant for at first, but I came to appreciate the comfort.

"The legend of Hydra, a monster defeated by Hercules. My mom studies greek mythology, so I heard the story from her. Although I'm sure y'all don't really understand what I'm talking about." I muse to myself, they definitely didn't, more obviously Luffy, who gave me a confused look.

"Who's Hercules?"

"Greek mythology?"

Nami shaked her head at Luffy, "You can save that for later, she should focus on resting. It's been a long day."

I appreciated her worry for me.

"Yeah, I can tell the story later, considering I'm apart of the crew now..." wow, weird to say out loud. I'm a pirate? What do pirates even do other then steal?

"You're right!" Luffy laughed, she's part of the crew!

"I'm more curious on y'alls side of the story, though. Did you find that rock I left?"

Nami bunched her nose up in disgust, "Yeah, Zoro did. God, is that why your leg is bleeding?"

I laughed, "I had to improvise, no idea what was happening." I was amused by Nami's indifference to my solution, but Luffy frowned.

"Don't hurt yourself anymore."

I almost choked on air, taking a second to listen. "Ah... Don't worry, I don't plan on it, it was just a in-the-moment thing..." I laid my head back, Sanji was also frowning.

"I'll make sure you'll never have to do that again, no woman should be put under such situations." He cried woefully, I was ultimately pleased by his kind words.

We exited the forest, and a nagging question behind my brain resurfaced, simply what happened? Almost all of the previously put up tents had been either torn up or knocked over, and even some being stepped on.

"Hydra really did a number on this place..." I scanned the area, no people in sight. "Where are the villagers?"

Sanji answered, "Back in the city, cleaning up."

"Oh." You mean the place they abandoned? Why would they go back?

"Can you set me down?" I asked, suddenly feeling a twinge of discomfort. After a bit of arguing and a hesitant "of course darling" later, I was on my right leg again, my left leg might as well been completely destroyed at this point.

"At least let me help you walk." And I accept. We continued our walk past the village, and I wonder were we could be going. "Any explanation for this?" I ask again, and Nami simply said: "We're going to go to where Marno and Usopp are, then we'll get the full story together."

Okay, fine. I can wait.

It was a weird walk, Luffy talking about Hydra and how he thought it was cool, and if he could've he would've had it as a pet, but I told him as we walked past a small grove of trees that it would've definitely not had been his pet, he laughed and said that he would've found a way.

Well, it's dead now, what way could've you found anyways.

"Guys! Over here!" Called a distant voice, and I labeled it as Usopp. I see a clearing to a tiny cliff side with a view of the ocean, and as we got closer, I was able to see Usopp and Marno, Usopp pinning down (more like sitting on) that old man from before, him who was beaten red and blue. A wide smile engulfs Marno's face as he called my name in joy, "Your okay!" He cheered, and I felt glad he was as well.