The Princess and The Swordsman (ZoroxOC)

Chapter 128

I was sitting next to Zoro, my head resting in his lap as I read a book. Zoro sat with his hands behind his head, resting against the side of Cricket's house with Usopp sitting beside us, "So you guys live on this island, too?" Luffy asked the brothers as he sat on a stump with Shae, surrounded by the two monkeys, "Yep. This old-timer's house is the official headquarters of the Saruyama Alliance of Jaya." Masira answered, "We call this home, but we spend most of our time on our ships. We're more comfortable at sea 'cause this place is too small for us." Shojo answered and laughed, "You guys are too big for your own good. But it's all in how you look at it, I guess. To a giant you'd still look like nothing more than a ball of earwax." Luffy joked and they all three laughed.

Usopp was watching them, "Well, those four sure are getting along well, now, aren't they?" he asked in annoyance, "Yeah, seems like they have a lot in common." Zoro agreed. I lowered my book and looked, upside down, at Usopp, "Is someone jealous?" I teased and Zoro chuckled. Usopp gave me a look, "Not at all, Evie, I just don't like those two." he answered, "They both tried to kill us after all." he reminded me and I laughed, "My sister tried to kill you guys and she became a friend, leading me to join you." I pointed out. I felt Zoro adjust himself and his hand start gently playing with my hair, "Exactly, Usopp. Now let it go." Zoro remarked as I smiled at him and returned to my book.

"Watcha reading, Evie?" Usopp asked and I looked at him, "It's a book on this island's history." I answered as the front door shot open and Chopper ran out, "Luffy! He's waking up!" Chopper informed our captain. Luffy looked at our doctor, "He's awake?" Luffy asked, hopping off the stump with Shae as Shojo kicked Masira in the ass, sending him flying into the air. Zoro, Usopp, and I entered the house together. Usopp stood with Nami by Cricket's bed while Zoro and I stood in the back as Luffy and Shae entered the house, "Hey, chestnut head. I got a question for ya." Luffy said. Cricket puffed on his cigarette, "I'm sorry I attacked you. I thought you were nothing more than another group of bandits who had come to steal my gold." he explained.

"What exactly was it you wanted to ask me?" Cricket asked, ignoring Nami. Luffy stepped closer, "We're searching for the sky island and were told you might be able to tell us how to get there." Luffy explained. Cricket's eyes flicked to Luffy, "Are you serious?" he asked and started laughing, "Don't tell me you really believe that place exists." he said. Nami marched forward to punch him, but was stopped by Usopp and Shae, "Hey! Stop it!" Usopp shouted, "You can't attack a sick man." Shae added. Luffy ignored his crew, "You mean there's no sky island? Are you sure?" he demanded. Cricket chuckled, "I don't know. See...Nobody knows if the sky island really exists or not. I know only one man who claims to have seen the island for himself. But he's considered a liar of epic proportions." Cricket explained.

Luffy immediately looked at Usopp and Usopp looked at him, "What are you looking at?" Usopp demanded as Shae giggled.  Cricket spoke up, "There's an old fairytale that the people of the North Blue know very well. It's called 'Noland the Liar'." Cricket began and Luffy looked at Usopp again, "Stop looking at me, Luffy. My name's not Noland!" Usopp shouted as I giggled.