The Princess and The Swordsman (ZoroxOC)

Chapter 69

Vivi and I were walking head when we saw Erumalu and we froze. My heart broke, "It...can't...be." I whispered. Zoro stopped beside me, "Evie?" he asked softly as I stared at the ruins of Erumalu, "What's this?" Usopp asked as I swallowed, "It's Erumalu. This city was once known far and wide as the 'City of Green'." I said softly. I felt Zoro grab my hand and gently rub the back of my hand with his thumb, "It was green?"Luffy asked. Vivi turned to everyone, "Take a good look around, everyone. This is what Baroque Works has been doing to our country." she said.

"The people of Alabasta, this is what they've had to go through." I interjected as Zoro gave my hand a squeeze. Everyone looked around the city, "Wow! There's nothing here at all anymore, huh?" Luffy asked. Vivi and I both shook our heads, "No. It's nothing but a ghost town now." Vivi said as I closed my eyes and looked down, "But up until a few short years ago, it was a thriving city full of gardens, palm trees, and lush greenery." I said as everyone walked around, looking at the city, "This place?" Zoro asked uncertainly.

Vivi led our friends onwards, "Rain was always scarce around here, but by saving every last drop of water and using it wisely, the city was able to make the foliage flourish." Vivi explained and I nodded, "Unfortunately, that stopped when the rain did. Not a single drop of water has fallen in any part of this country for three years now." I added. Sanji looked back at me, "Three years?!" he exclaimed, "Wow, that long?" Chopper asked.

"But wait," Zoro began and I looked up at him, "even without rain, there was still the river as another water source." Zoro pointed out, "And it's close. Why couldn't they just pipe the water in from over there?" Usopp asked. Vivi looked back at us, "Well, the answer to that is just up ahead." she said and I nodded, "Just follow us." I said walking ahead of them, "Even though it's a desert kingdom, never in the thousands years of Alabasta's history has the rain ever stopped completely. However, there was one place in the country where rain fell more than usual, much more in fact. Alubarna, the capital." My sister explained.

"The city where the king's palace is located. The people of the land called it the 'King's Miracle'. At least they did until one particular day. A wagon of huge sacks broke and the sacks busted open. A green powder fell out, called Dance Powder." I began and Nami interrupted, "Dance Powder?" Nami asked, "Oh, so you've heard of it?" Shae asked Nami from beside Luffy, "Yes. I sure have. it summons rain." She explained, "A powder can?" Chopper asked. Nami nodded, "I've only heard stories about it, but apparently, dance powder was created by a researcher in a country where it never rained. Burning it creates a misty smoke which rises into the sky. Once it reaches the clouds, it causes them to rain. In essence, it gives you the ability to create rain on the spot." she finished.

Luffy hit his palm with his fist, "Oh! I know what you're talkin' about! I've seen that stuff before! I ate some a while back! It tasted pretty gross, though! Yuck!" Luffy said and Shae facepalmed, "You ate dance powder?" she groaned, shaking her head as Luffy laughed. Zoro and I passed, Luffy, "It's not even food; it's for making rain." Zoro reminded him, causing Luffy to argue that he didn't lie.