The Princess and The Swordsman (ZoroxOC)

Chapter 35

"Don't bother looking back! 'Cause we're goin' straight ahead!" Luffy cheered as we soared through the air. Shae grinned at Luffy, "Look at us, Luffy! This is so incredible!" She gushed in amazement.

Luffy looked at Shae and saw the awed look on her face, which made him smile big before he looked out towards the sea again. The ship finally landed in the sea as we headed out towards Alabasta, "Finally! We are going home." I said happily with a smile as I rested my head on Zoro's chest.

Silence fell over us for a few minutes before Usopp spoke up, "Guys, listen up! I will go to Elbaf someday! To the village of warriors!" He announced. As he and Luffy preformed a little song and dance, I noticed Nami sitting against the wall.

I pulled away from Zoro and walked over beside Nami, "Nami? Are you feeling okay?" I asked, concerned. She looked at me, "I'm alright. After everything that's happened here, I'm exhausted." She answered and looked at my twin, "Vivi, could you watch this for me?" She asked Vivi as she handed out the Eternal Pose.

Vivi took the pose, "Sure." She answered. Vivi and I stared at the pose and Nami suddenly smiled, "You guys are on your way...soon you will both return to Alabasta. Well, my rosy outlook is assuming we can make it there safely and without anymore surprises." Nami said smiling.

I smiled back at her, "Yes. We must return! It's our obligation! Our kingdom is counting on us." I said. Vivi squeezed the Eternal Pose in her hands, "We will return home...alive, Evie." Vivi said softly. I gave my twin a tight hug, "I know, Vivi. We will make it." I agreed.

Sanji walked down the steps behind us, "You ladies will get home, but there's no need to push yourselves so hard. You both got me." He said and I giggled as Sanji offered us sweets, which I declined. Zoro walked over, "Evie doesn't need you, love cook, she's got me." He said.

I smiled at Zoro as I felt my face burn, causing him to smirk at me before walking away. Vivi, Shae, and Nami all gave me a quizzical look, but I avoided their eyes in embarrassment as Luffy and Usopp raced to the kitchen. I stood up and walked away to find Zoro already training.

It was the first time I've seen his bare chest and I felt my heart race in my chest. It hadn't even been that long, and he was already covered in sweat and counting in the 600's. I sat on the ground, leaning against the wall with my legs stretched out and ankles crossed as I watched.

"Damn it all! If only I could've cut that wax! I wouldn't have...left anyone hanging there!" Zoro said aloud as he kept training, "I'm so weak!" He growled. I perked up, "Zoro, don't think that way!" I said and he glanced at me as I continued, "I was the weak one. I got myself knocked out and was asleep the entire time! If anyone should feel regret, it's me." I sighed as I looked down.

Zoro looked at me, "Then we both need to get stronger. I need to be able to slice through stuff like that from any stance!" He said and I smiled at him, "And I need to be more observant so I'm not caught off guard and knocked out again." I chimed in.

Zoro grinned at me as he stopped his training. He walked over and squatted down in front of me, "Do you want to start now?" He asked and I blinked before smiling, "Yeah!" I said. Zoro chuckled and patted my thigh, "Then change out of this and we can get started." He said.