The Blind Brawler [ Roronoa Zoro X OC]

Chapter 80: Mantra

"Breathe... Open your eyes... and listen."

Trying to locate another person's voice on the flying ship was proving to be more difficult than I originally thought. Once I was able to identify the flicker of a feeling I could recognise as Usopp, I tried to find that same flicker somewhere nearby. Most of what surrounded me was still an empty void, so I was unable to tell how far away I was searching.

The void seemed to be endless, and I could not sense a single voice past Usopp. I was starting to get frustrated with myself, "How do I know if I'm doing it right or wrong? If no one else is here, then I won't be able to sense anything. But if I'm doing it wrong, I won't be able to sense them in the first place! Maybe... I'll try to find Sanji. I know he's here at least."

With a target in mind, I tried once more to search for a voice in the void. It was still nearly impossible to judge distance like this. Yet, even though I could not sense any solid objects, I knew I was reaching further than I ever had before.

The dull hum of a distant heartbeat flickered into my view, and I could not help the elated gasp that escaped my lips, "I did it! I found him!"

"Found who?" Usopp asked, almost startling me out of this new state.

My brow furrowed as I regained my focus, "Sanji. I'm sure of it."

My crewmate hummed with concern, "Anyone else?"

I frowned slightly as I expanded my search farther. It almost seemed easy now that I could recognise what I was doing. Two more voices appeared in my mantra, one much bolder than any of the other three. My frown deepened into a scowl, "Only two, and I'm certain they're Eneru and Nami."

He baulked at that, "Seriously? There's no crew manning the ship?"

I shook my head as I closed my eyes and pushed past him, "Not a soul. Now let's move!"

He tried to protest as I threw open the door and started to run through the next room. My crewmate quickly caught up with me, taking a slight lead as he guided me through the ship. He seemed unnerved, "You were right. There's no one here! But this ship is huge! Does it run without anyone operating it?"

"How should I know?" I said, almost irritated.

"And how does it fly, anyway? I've never heard of a flying ship before!" He continued to whimper.

My scowl deepened, "It's probably got something to do with Eneru's lightning power. Don't ask me how it's supposed to work. I haven't got a clue."

Usopp did not seem to want to drop the issue, however, "Just the thought of being up in the air like this makes my knees all wobbly! I feel sick!"

My stomach churned at his words, and I groaned, "Oh, can it, Usopp! You're not the only one who hates this, you know!"

He gave an indignant grunt, "Easy for you to say. I'm just hoping this thing doesn't decide to fall!"

"Okay, seriously, shut up," I growled as I started to feel queasy again.

He ignored me as he continued to ramble, "Wait, I just realised! Even if Nami is on the upper deck, we're way too high up now to jump off! What the hell are we gonna do?"

I gritted my teeth as I answered him, "We'll figure something out. We always do. Now less talking and more running!"

Surprisingly, he did finally stop rambling as we made our way through the ship. We made quick progress now that we were not stopping to check every corner and doorway for enemies. Flight after flight of stairs we climbed until we reached a door, and my hair stood on the back of my neck. The air felt charged with electricity and seemed to be building stronger.