022

— your pretty face is going to hell —

THE WOODS SEEMED TO STRETCH ON FOREVER, OAKLYN DIDN'T THINK SHE RAN THAT FAR FROM USOPP BUT IT SEEMED SO. The woods never seemed to end or even change, blending into each other into a messy blur as Oaklyn traced her way back through the woods. She searched and searched for Usopp, trying to swallow the terrible fear she felt as she heard the sounds of violence grow louder.

A loud explosion cut through the air and Oaklyn jumped.

Panicked spiked in her veins and she didn't even let herself freeze for a moment before she sprinted off, nearly crawling her way up the hill to try get over the crest quicker. She scrambled to the top of the hill and looked over the small clearing. A few trees scattered the ground, along with a burning body.

Oaklyn's heart dropped into her stomach as she thought the worse.

"Yeah! Ha! Take that!" Usopp's voice cut through the still air and Oaklyn could feel the weight lifting from her shoulder. "The Great Captain Usopp fells another notorious villain. And no one's around. . . to see it."

"Usopp!" Oaklyn's shout made him jump but then he was running toward her. He nearly tripped as he slid down the hill and they nearly toppled over when Usopp threw his arms around her.

She stepped back, looking him over quickly, making sure he wasn't hurt. His clothes were a little singed and oddly covered in hot sauce, his hair wild from the fight, and a victorious grin was plastered on his face.

"Are you okay?" Oaklyn asked, the adrenaline starting to wear off.

Usopp nodded enthusiastically, still catching his breath. "Oh! You shoulda seen me!" He shouted in excitement. "He didn't stand a chance against Captain Usopp's great sharpshooting." He laughed in excitement and Oaklyn couldn't help but grin at him.

Usopp finally caught his breath, and his eyes focussed on the golden armour running across her chest and arms. "What are you wearing?"

For a second Zoro, Sanji and Visenya thought they had a moment to breathe, but it was rudely interrupted when a fishman jumped down and tried to land a strike on Visenya. She felt the air shift and quickly stepped aside, the fishman's heavy punch hitting the stone ground instead. He was quick to try and attack again, however Visenya dodged and stepped back to Sanji and Zoro.

The fishman turned and Visenya got to look at him properly; it was the fishman from Baratie, the one she had left with a hook slash. Hook's eyes narrowed at Visenya, but Zoro had already his sword aimed toward him.

"You were the one to cut me," He shouted, his voice full of anger. "Hiding behind that glowing toy of yours. A real warrior doesn't need tricks or gadgets. You are nothing without your little light show."

Visenya's eyes narrowed but Sanji's face had turned in anger. He took a step forward and stripped his jacket off. "You don't ever badmouth Visenya," Sanji hissed. Visenya quickly turned to look at him, her eyes wide, her heart racing.

"Now you've done it," Zoro mumbled, quickie sheathing his sword.

"Côtelette!" Sanji shouted. He raced forward kicking Hook hard in his side and making him keel. "Collier!" With the fishman pinning Sanji's leg to his side, Sanji jumped, slipping from his hold and landing another hard hit of the fishman, this time to his shoulder.

The fishman shouted out in pain, but Sanji didn't waste a second. "Épaule!" Sanji spun to his knee and used the push to land an even harder hit on Hook's other arm. He shouted out again, and from the ground Sanji shouted and propped himself up by his shoulder. "Poitrine!" Sanji pushed himself up with an incredible force that sent Hook stumbling.

"Mouton Shot!" Sanji raced forward and kicked the fishman so hard in his chest it shot him into a stand on the other side of the park. The small wooden structure fell apart and the fishman didn't move after that.

Sanji stood straight and Visenya couldn't look away as Sanji turned to face her.

"Mouton shot?" Zoro repeated with a curious tone.

"All great fighters call out their finishing moves," Sanji explained.

Visenya smiled as she remembered Luffy saying the same, and Zoro sighed as he remembered it too. "Yeah, you're gonna fit in just fine," he said with a hidden confidence.

Visenya looked up at Sanji and offered him a sheepish smile, "Thank you."

Not even a second later a tidal wave shot out from the pool of water, a fishman rising with it.

The water crashed into the concrete and the force sent them stumbling. Visenya landed on her awkwardly on her knees, and even as she felt the salt water on her skin slowly weakening her, she used all her strength to scrambled back, trying to race from the water. Sanji was on his feet quicker and he quickly grabbed Visenya by her arm and pulled her to her feet and away from the water.

Visenya grabbed Sanji by his arms to steady herself as he pushed her behind him, her body still weak enough to make her stumble. Visenya looked up at the fishman and she felt her heart drop into her stomach; he was taller than Sanji, nearly twice the size, with arms bigger than Visenya's body.

"How dare you strike down my brother!"

The pit in her stomach only grew as she heard him speak. Nami had warned her about Hook's brother, Arlong's right hand man, Kuroobi. He was dangerous, and perhaps just as cruel as Arlong, and Nami had feared them both.

"You won't be so lucky against the might of my fishman karate," Kuroobi's voice boomed, and Zoro quickly drew his sword. Sanji quickly raced forward but Kuroobi tackled him to the ground as if he weighed nothing.

Zoro tried to strike him, but Kurboobi blocked the blade with his skin. He stood and turned to Zoro, and while her powers were still returning, Visenya still took her sword and struck Kuroobi across his back making him shout in pain as it singed his skin.

Visenya didn't try and take another strike, and she quickly stepped back closely avoiding one of his strikes. However, his second strike was quicker, and he knocked her to the ground. Zoro was quick to take Kuroobi's attention again, and even if his strikes didn't cut his skin, it still began to wear the fishman down.

But it still wasn't enough and Kuroobi knocked him aside. Sanji tried to land a kick, but Kuroobi was just as quick as he was strong. With a kick and a punch, Kuroobi tossed Sanji aside along with the others.

Visenya was the first to push herself up, but she made no rush to face Kuroobi again.

"You're no match for me. My kicks can break a ship's keel," Kuroobi said, his voice calm but it still held a deep anger.

"That's nothing," Sanji said through a strained voice. "You should have seen Zeff's kicks when he found an eggshell in the crème brûlée."

"I get it. Zeff was mean to you. Boo-hoo," Zoro groaned, trying to insult Sanji but it was clear the pain in his chest was becoming too much. He couldn't even push himself to his knees properly.

Visenya grabbed her sword and threw it at the fishman, the laser scorching his skin as it crashed against him. Kuroobi stumbled and Visenya quickly ran forward to grab her sword again. She landed another strike but in the end it didn't matter.

A single hit sent her smashing into the ground and the sword slipped from her grip. She saw stars as she hit the concrete. Kuroobi grabbed her by the collar and hurled her into the air. She grasped at the fishman's wrists trying to pull him off, but his grip was far too strong. Kuroobi laughed at her, amused as he watched her struggle.

"Your devil fruit powers are no match for me," he hissed through shark teeth.

Sanji shouted her name and Visenya tried to kick herself from his grip, but Kuroobi had already thrown her. For a moment she thought the world had stopped, her breath cutting short and all she heard was Sanji's distant voice.

And then her back hit the cold water.

The weight of the water pulled her down like she had been thrown into wet cement, clawing and flailing to pull herself up to the top. Her vision was blurring quickly as her head slipped below the water and the panic set in as she felt her lungs start to burn. Her Bones felt heavy and every single part or her body dragged deeper beneath the surface.

She looked, well tried to look up at the surface above her but that only made her panic grow. Slowly the sun and surface started to face and no matter how hard she fought she kept her eyes open, the world started to fill with splotches of black. The stars were there again, or maybe they never left.

Her lungs burned like they were on fire, her body screaming for air that wasn't there. A strangled, choked sob escaped her lips, but all that came out was a flurry of bubbles, spiralling up toward the distant light. The last glimpse of sunlight blurred into the mess of stars and colours, and she felt the bitter sting of salt against her eyes as she forced them to stay open.

But it was no use. No matter how hard she fought, the light above her was fading and her eyes closed.

It was black and quiet, like a blanket wrapping tightly around her to comfort and keep her safe. But she knew she was dying; she knew her lungs were slowly filling with water and there was nothing she could do to stop it.

◈

Sanji pulled Visenya's limp body from the water, his arms wrapped tightly around her. Zoro was at the edge of the pool as soon as he beat Kuroobi, lifting Visenya from the water and dragging her up onto the dry ground beside him.

He kneeled beside her, brushing the hair from her face. "Visenya, hey," Zoro called, his voice tight with worry as he gently shook her. But her eyes stayed shut, her skin pale with lips that started to blue. Fear twisted in his gut, but before he could try again, Sanji pushed him aside.

"Move," Sanji's voice was sharp, almost desperate. He dropped to his knees beside her, his face a mask of determination but he was shaking with dread. Zoro shifted back, watching with clenched fists as Sanji pressed his hands firmly on Visenya's chest.

"Come on," Sanji muttered under his breath, starting the compressions. His movements were precise, almost practised, but his eyes were wide, frantic. He counted under his breath, his jaw clenched tight, each push harder than the last. "Please breathe Angel."

Visenya's chest barely moved, and the seconds dragged out like hours. Sanji's hands didn't stop, his own breath coming in short, desperate bursts. His hands were shaking but steady, refusing to give in to his rising panic.

Zoro looked up at Sanji with wide eyes as Visenya's body remained still.

Suddenly, Visenya's body convulsed. She coughed, choking, water spilling from her mouth as she gasped for air. Sanji's eyes widened, relief crashing over him as he rolled her onto her side.

She was alive— but barely.

Her eyes fluttered open, wild with panic, her breaths coming in short, rapid bursts. Her hands clawed at the ground beneath her, trembling violently as she tried to ground herself. "No—no," she gasped, her voice a ragged whisper, still caught in her terror. Her eyes darted around wildly, not seeing anything around her, only the memory of the water pulling her down.

"Hey, it's okay," Sanji said softly, his voice gentle but firm. He tightened his grip around her, pulling her closer. "You're safe. You're out of the water." But she continued to thrash, her fear overpowering the reality of safety.

Without hesitation, Sanji shifted, wrapping his arms around her shaking form and pulling her into his lap. "Shhh," he murmured, his hand moving to the back of her head, cradling it gently as he held her tight. "Breathe, just breathe. I've got you." His voice was low, calm, trying to anchor her, as he rocked her gently.

Visenya's panicked gasps slowed, her hands moving to fist his soaked shirt. The warmth of his body, the steady rise and fall of his chest against hers, slowly seeped into her, pulling her away from the edge of panic. Her breaths were still shaky, but they were no longer ragged, no longer the gasps of someone drowning on dry land.

She dropped her head onto his chest and relaxed in his arms.

Sanji didn't let go, his chin resting on the top of her head as he held her close, feeling the tremors that wracked her body gradually fade. "I've got you Angel," he repeated softly, over and over, his voice a steady rhythm, until the fear in her eyes started to dim. 

Zoro watched her settle into his arm and let out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding.

◈

Visenya had stopped panicking, and she could finally breathe but Sanji still kept his eye on her. She was still tense with shivers, her stance unsteady with a nervous tic that made her right leg bounce, and she tried her hardest to hide it from both him and Zoro.

And herself.

"Here, Angel." Sanji took a step towards her and draped his jacket around her shoulders. First Visenya flinched but then she froze in her spot, her eyes widening in confusion as she turned to look at him. He smiled softly and slid his hand down to rest on her back, encouraging her to lean against him to ease the soft shakes.

Visenya stood properly on her feet, and she felt herself swaying but Sanji caught her, keeping her steady. "Thank you," Visenya whispered, but she couldn't help but let her eyes dart around.

Sanji let his hand slip a little further around her waist and pulled her a few inches closer. "Saving a beautiful lady in distress is just what I do," He teased, but he kept his genuine smile. "Especially if she's as stunning as you."

Visenya looked up at him and blinked, a faint pink blush creeping up the pale skin of her neck and onto her cheeks. "I hope I do not have to be rescued again," Visenya said with a soft voice. "But if I have to, I hope it is you."

Sanji's smile widened, but before he could respond, Zoro groaned loudly. "Alright, that's enough," he called out with disgust and rolled his eyes. "If you're ready we should head out and find Usopp and Oaklyn."

"What about Luffy and Nami?" Visenya questioned quickly.

Zoro clenched his jaw in thought as he looked up at the multi-storeyed building. His eyes quickly moved to look over the scattered bodies of the fishmen and he reluctantly sighed and nodded to himself. "You stay here, the waiter and I will find them."

Visenya's eyes narrowed, her mouth opening to protest, but a familiar shout interrupted her. All three of them paused as the sound echoed across the clearing. A moment later, Usopp and Oaklyn came running through the shattered entrance, Usopp's slingshot ready, a small bomb loaded, and string pulled tight

"Never fear, the Great Captain Usopp is. . . is. . ." Usopp's voice faltered as he took in the scene—the scattered, defeated bodies of the fishmen. He blinked, clearly surprised, and then his usual bravado returned with a smile. "Oh. You guys did pretty good in here." Usopp strode over to them, nodding in approval. "Good job, guys."

Oaklyn released a breath she didn't realise she'd been holding, relief softening her expression and she smiled softly. "You guys alright?" she asked, her voice softer now, the tension finally loosening its hold enough to let her speak.

"We are okay," Visenya said with a nod.

Before anyone could respond, a deep rumble shook the ground beneath them. Their eyes shot upwards as the tall building began to shudder, cracks snaking across its foundations. Tiles popped loose and tumbled to the ground, while stones broke free and bounced down the slope. From a narrow doorway at the back of the park's tall walls, Nami burst into the open, dodging falling debris as she sprinted toward them.

Visenya felt a weight lift from her shoulders as she saw her.

"Nami!" Oaklyn shouted, running out to meet her. Nami threw her arms around her and squeezed Oaklyn as tightly as she could.

"You're okay," Nami whispered to herself. She then stretched her arms out and squeezed Zoro and Usopp into the hug as well. "You're all okay!"

"Where's Luffy?" Zoro questioned as Nami took a step backward. But Oaklyn kept her hand in hers.

Nami's expression darkened, and she glanced back at the crumbling building. Her shoulders sagged, and she took a slow, steadying breath. "Still inside," she said, her voice strained. "Fighting Arlong."

The rumbling intensified and they all quickly looked up. The building continued to crumble, the anchors hanging from the edge of the roof swaying wildly, and the bell at the top rang loudly with each tremor. Parts of the building, broken debris and bricks rained down, the sound of destruction growing louder with each passing moment.

Usopp swallowed nervously, "He's gonna be alright," Usopp said, trying to sound certain, but the tremor in his voice betrayed him. He glanced anxiously at the others, searching their faces for reassurance. "Right?"

— lethal lust —