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The Thousand Sunny sailed toward a new island that appeared on the horizon. Lila stood at the bow, a sense of excitement bubbling within her. This island was said to hold ancient secrets, hidden treasures, and mysteries waiting to be unraveled. As the ship anchored, the crew eagerly prepared to explore.

"Who's going first?" Usopp asked as the whole crew left him behind without him noticing. "Oh come on guys!"

Luffy giggled in the distance as Usopp tried to catch up with the crew. Everyone had their own agenda, Sanji went to find food, Chopper went to look for medical supplies and Luffy wanted to find a cool stick. Robin and Nami stayed near the beach to tan as Franky worked on the ship.

Lila found herself paired with Zoro for the expedition, a fact that didn't escape her notice. She looked at him and grinned. "Guess we're exploring this island together, Zoro."

Zoro smirked. "Don't slow me down."

"Don't get lost." Lila scoffed at him.

As they set foot on the island's shores, Lila felt a sense of curiosity wash over her. The island was lush with dense vegetation, and the air was thick with the scent of exotic flowers. The sounds of the jungle were a symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves.

"Stay behind me." Zoro's voice quietly said as he unsheathed his sword. Lila rolled her eyes and did the same thing, cutting back leaves and branches to clear a path.
"You bring any sake?"

"Of course you drunk." Lila giggled as she pulled out her canteen filled with alcohol.

"Look who's talking. You're the one who brought booze on a hike."

"Look who's not drinking any." She said as she chugged the canteen that was eventually ripped from her hands.
He smirked at her and chugged for longer.

They ventured deeper into the island, exploring its nooks and crannies. Their paths took them through dense thickets and open clearings, where Zoro's sword skills and Lila's agile movements proved invaluable. Along the way, they encountered strange creatures and peculiar plants, each holding a hint of the island's mysteries.

"This is so pretty!" Lila yelled out as she picked up a flower she's never seen. The flower looked like a rose but with ombré green and purple coloring throughout the petals.

"Don't touch anything!" Zoro yelled at her.

"Shut up moss head." Lila threw the flower at him causing him to catch it with his left hand.

"God women." Zoro groaned as he threw the flower down. "Don't touch anything else. You don't know what's out here."

Hours passed, and the sun began its descent. As they walked, Lila couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. She turned to Zoro. "Do you feel that?"

Zoro's hand rested on his hilt. "Yeah. Something's not right."

Suddenly, a thick mist enveloped them, obscuring their vision. Lila instinctively reached out, her hand finding Zoro's arm. "Stay close."

Voices echoed in the mist, faint whispers that seemed to come from all directions. Lila's heart raced, her senses on high alert. Then, as quickly as it had appeared, the mist dissipated, revealing a stunning sight before them—a hidden glade bathed in the glow of twilight.

In the center of the glade stood a massive stone altar, adorned with intricate carvings and symbols. Lila approached cautiously, her fingers tracing the ancient designs. "This place is... magical."

Zoro surveyed their surroundings, his keen instincts on full alert. "Magic or not, we should be careful."

As the pair explored the glade, a voice echoed through the air. "Welcome, travelers."

Lila and Zoro turned to find a figure emerging from the shadows—a wise old woman with eyes that seemed to hold centuries of knowledge. She introduced herself as Alara, the guardian of the island's secrets.

Alara revealed that the island was known as "Nysara," a place of both beauty and danger. She lightly mentioned ancient prophecies and trials that awaited those who sought its treasures and the lands history. Lila's curiosity was piqued, and Zoro's vigilance never wavered.

"So what you're saying is that there was a kingdom that watched over the treasures here." Lila's brow raised as the women explained the half truth of the lands history.

"This was 16 years ago. Time has passed. No one has heard from that country in a decade. Not a single warning to anyone in this country either."

"So why were they protecting you in the first place?" Zoro chimed in.

"That is something between this lands elders and the heirs of the royals to know."

"Great. I knew this place was going to be trouble." Zoro huffed in an agitated manner.

"If you seek trouble you will find it."

As the night sky adorned itself with stars, Alara invited Lila and Zoro to share in sake. Something they both couldn't pass up. They sat around a campfire, listening to her tales of adventurers who had sought the island's riches but had faced the consequences of their greed.

"Remember, young ones," Alara said, her eyes twinkling, "the island tests not only your strength but also your heart."

Lila exchanged a glance with Zoro, a silent understanding passing between them. They were not just exploring an island; they were uncovering their own strengths and vulnerabilities.

"Remember, the both of you. You are not invincible." Alara finished.

The following morning, Lila and Zoro rejoined the crew. Everyone was still asleep while the two of them were still drunk. They both headed towards their usual spot, the crows nest and spent the morning riding off the hangover.  As they set sail once again, the island of Nysara disappeared into the distance, its mysteries and lessons forever etched into their memories.

**To be continued...**

Whispers of the Heart's Blade (ONE PIECE LAW & FEM & ZORO) Where stories live. Discover now