More arrows come flying from all sides of the mountains. The ship was under attack. It was clear that these people who had lived their lives on a cold island were defending their homes. To these people, we were bounty hunters or pirates. They had never seen a ship like the Going Merry, nor had they seen a signal like ours. A skull and crossbones with a straw hat in the middle of it.
"PIRATES!! TAKE THEM DOWN!!"
Nami came running out of the study. "Please, we're not pirates. We're just looking for a doctor. One of our crew is pregnant."
The leader of the villagers gave the order to hold. He allowed us to dock at the harbor before giving us leave to enter the village. "Welcome to Winter Isle. As you can see, my people have lived on this island for a long time. We are a hardy people. I apologize for our actions earlier. We don't get many travelers this far on the East Blue. You said one of your crew is pregnant?"
Nami nodded. "Our friend Kat. We just came from Midwife Isle."
The leader looked at me. "Your friend is an assassin, young lady."
Nami nodded. "Yes, she is, but she's carrying a baby. What part of being pregnant don't you understand? We need to get her to a doctor, just make sure that she and her son are going to be ok."
One of the villagers nodded, "All of the doctors that we had are on the ship of our king, so unfortunately, we don't have any. According to the law, all of us are unworthy of going to the doctor. If one of the doctors came to us in times of sickness, they would be banished or killed. So we've been forced to defend ourselves."
Another one said. "But there is a doctor who lives in the castle in the mountains. They say she's a witch doctor and they she only leaves the castle once a month."
Luffy nodded. "She's a doctor who lives in the mountains in the castle, you say? Then I'll take Kat there myself."
I looked at him. "Luf, there's no need."
Luffy looked at him. "I'm the captain of this crew. It's my job to make sure that everyone is healthy and strong. I'm taking you there, and I don't want to hear any fighting about it, Kat. You're gonna be a mother one day, so trust me on this. I know what I'm doing."
Dalton, the village's leader, nodded. "Very well, but be careful, young man. The snows that fall on Drum Island is harsh and cold. We will provide you with the provisions that you need."
Luffy nodded. "I appreciate it."
I kiss Zoro on the cheek. "Don't worry about me or our son. We'll be in safe hands with Luffy."
Zoro nodded. "I'm not worried, Momma. I trust Luffy. It's the people here I don't trust at all the way. How do you know that this doctor isn't a real witch? I'm not allowing her to put a curse on you or our son." He placed a hand on my stomach and kissed me. "I love you."
I put a hand over his. "I love you, too. I'm sure that rumors are just rumors about this doctor. We have come up with a name for our mini swordsmen soon."
Zoro smirked. "Give some time to think about it."
I sighed. "I'm ready, Luf. Let's do this."
Luffy nodded. He looked at Zoro. "Don't worry, Zoro. She's in good hands."
Dalton smiled. "Here's what we could gather for you." He handed Luffy and me blankets and some food. He looked at Zoro and the others. "The rest of you are welcome to stay at my house to keep warm."
Nami and others thanked him for taking up his offer. She noticed the look at Zoro seeing the look on his face. He's not that worried about Kat and the baby in weather like this. He's changed so much in the 3 months that we've been on the East Blue. Something tells me that he'll be a great father.
Dalton also noticed the worried look on Zoro's face and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You must be the father-to-be. As a father myself, I can tell you that parenthood isn't easy, but it's worth it. Something tells me that this going to be your first."
Zoro looked at Dalton. "Yeah, it is. I just worry about Pretty Kitty. I don't want her to hurt herself."
A few hours ticked by, and there was no news about whether or not Luffy and I had made it to the castle in time. The temps were starting to drop, and the snow was starting to pick up, making visibility impossible. Zoro stared into the fire, watching the flames dance off the brick background. His face, which was normally stern, could be seen as blank and was written with worry. He looked out the window, hoping that Luffy had gotten me to the doctor safely.
The door flew open, breaking the silence and making Dalton and the others glance up. They were all hoping that the news was good. The messenger removed his hood and ski mask. "They made it. Straw Hat and the assassin made it to the castle." He handed a scroll over to Dalton, who in turn handed it to Zoro. Zoro, you can rest easy. Luffy and I made it to the castle on the hill. We're both being treated for frostbite. The baby is still strong and healthy. The doctor isn't a witch, but she is a crazy old woman. Her assistant is a blue-nosed reindeer named Chopper. She says that due to the weather, visitors aren't allowed, but you and the others can visit once the weather lets up. Love, your Pretty Kitty.
Zoro let out a sigh of relief. "Good. She's safe and somewhere warm. I'll be with you soon, my love."
William flew in and landed on Zoro's shoulder, folding his wings before tilting his head and falling asleep.
Dalton noticed William. "A red-tailed hawk? This isn't their normal flying pattern."
Nami smiled. "He's Kat's companion. He was the one who carried the message."
In the castle, I was being treated but Chopper while Luffy was sleeping. "Where am I? The baby!"
Chopper gently placed a hoof on my shoulder. "Please don't stress. Your baby is alive. You're in the castle of Dr. Kureha. You and your friend were lucky to be alive in weather like this. Now, please rest."
I nodded. "Can you ask Dr. Kureha something for me?"
Chopper nodded and smiled. "Of course. Oh, by the way, I'm Chopper."
"Katherine Dee. But everyone calls me Kat. My fiancè Zoro calls me Pretty Kitty."
"What would you like me to ask Dr. Kureha?"
I smiled. "When will I get to see Zoro?"
Chopper nodded. "I will ask her, but get some rest. No one is gonna be traveling in this snowstorm. With visibility the way it is impossible to see anything."
"Thank you, Chopper."