𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞

07 〤 lonely desert

Three years have passed since a single drop of rain fell in the kingdom of oases. Seeing hope beyond turmoil, the people took up weapons. The burning land is now enveloped by a sad bellowing and a mighty swell. The once green city of Erumalu now lies in ruins. To stop the rebel army, Luffy and company now head into the desert for Yuba, the oasis town.

The hot sun was shining brightly from above, and Luffy was moaning. His tongue was protruding from his mouth, unable to hold it in. Luffy managed to speak, "Burning up... Sweat won't even come out..." You guffawed at his antics, finding it endearing.

"Stop moaning, Luffy; you're only going to exhaust yourself," Nami advised the captain. Luffy, on the other hand, continued to moan, oblivious to the advice. "I guess he's not paying attention."

"I can't go on... I can't take hot weather... I'm fine in cold weather though..." Chopper replied. "It's 'cause of all that fur... You should take off that animal suit..." Usopp suggested, looking at Chopper's limp body, which irritated the reindeer.

"What was that, you jerk?!" Chopper questioned as he transformed into a large deer. "Don't make fun of me!"

"Monster!" Usopp yelled. "Chopper! Don't turn big! Or else I won't pull ya!" Zoro scolded.

You listened to their bickering and started to laugh which irritated the two. "Don't laugh!" They yelled. "Who're you calling a monster, Humongo-Nose?!"

"D-Don't be stupid! I-I'll have you know this nose—"

"Just turn back already!"

"You don't seem to be having any trouble, Y/N-swan, Vivi-chan," Sanji said, implying the two of you. Before speaking, you quietly chuckled. "I don't mind the heat at all, but I think Yuri does," you said, pointing to the tiger who was in the same situation as Luffy. "Like Chopper over there, he's more of a winter gal."

"I was born and raised here, so it doesn't bother me much."

"But what's with all these hills? I figured a desert would be more flat." Usopp retorted.

"This is a very old desert, so some sand dunes here are over 300 meters high."

"T-three hundred meters high?! No wonder this is like climbing mountains..."

"It's too much... it's so hot..." Luffy moaned.

"Just one drink, Luffy. Just one mouthful." With that comment Luffy quickly grabbed ahold of his jar and drank from it. "Don't drink so much!" Nami, Usopp punched him on his head causing him to spit out the water he had in his mouth.

"That was a complete waste, Ms. Navigator." You smiled at her, causing her to go more furious. "Let me have some, too! That was 13 mouthfuls just now!"

"Hold on! You just had some! I'm next!"

They quickly tackled each other and started to fight one another making you laugh loudly. "Stop fighting! You'll only waste strength!" Vivi retorted.

Night came quickly as all of you decided to take a spot to rest. "I'm so hungry..."

"Don't be so greedy! It's still raw! Don't eat that!"

"Nami-san! Y/N-swan! Just a minute, it'll be ready soon!"

"—Oh, looks pretty good!"

"—Get away, you!"

"Oh, come on! Cheapskate! Let us eat!" Complained Luffy.

"Get away!"

Ace took a seat next to you, his gaze fixed on something other than the sky. The moon shone brightly among the stars, and a cool breeze blew through the desolate desert. The wind brushed against your pale skin, and your hair danced in the breeze. The night sky appears to be beautiful and serene. Both of you were enveloped in silence, silently appreciating each other's presence.