The Absence of a Swordsman

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Summary: "If I get your swords, you have to join my pirate crew!" "You little devil. Fine I'll join your crew, but if you stand in the way of me achieving my dream I'll make you wish I killed you from the moment we met." "Haha! Got it." Roronoa Zoro's dream is to become the world's greatest swordsman. When certain circumstances lead him from his course of travel, Zoro will have to make the hardest decision of his life. Is the desire of dreams greater than the strength of nakama?

A/N: This is not supposed to be ZoLu, but if you interpret it the wrong way it can be.  I love that pairing anyways. Lol. But enjoy however you want to interpret it. Oh! And the scene below… I wasn't exactly sure of the words they used, so I just kind of put the gist of it in there rather than word for word. Please R & R!!!

000

Those intense eyes… wide and childish at first glance by any standards. But there was always that look that held a deeper and … more respectful meaning. He had that in his eyes then, as he made that absurd, sly request of his.

"If I get your swords back, you have to join my pirate crew!"

What a scoundrel he is. It's that sort of thing that makes me follow him as his nakama. It's what makes me stay with him and risk myself with him, for him.

"You devil. Fine, I'll join your crew, but if you stand in the way of me achieving my dream I'll make you wish I killed you from the moment we met."

My threat still holds true. Although now, it's more difficult to say. As I spend more time with him… and not just him, but all of my nakama… it's hard to choose. How can I choose?

"Haha! Got it!"

How can I say good-bye to that? To them…

To him…

001

It had come to his attention a few days ago…

Dinner started as normal when Sanji announced to the crew of its completion. An overzealous captain all but knocked down the door at the mention of food and a motley crew followed suit, praying that they had arrived before their comrade had devoured all of their food. Though the girls were assured of their own plates, Luffy wouldn't dare touch them anymore. Not after the last time when Sanji had brutally kicked him through a wall for touching Nami's plate.

The blonde counted each member as they flew past him, adding in a bow and a swoon as he was about to follow in the two female members. However, he paused when he realized they were still missing someone and he stopped to look for his green haired partner who was unaccounted for.

Sanji could hear the slow dull and heavy footsteps of his irritable nakama and he tapped his own foot impatiently, waiting for his appearance. Zoro eventually made his way into Sanji's view and the blonde shot him an annoyed look, making a provoking comment about his tardiness. All he received in return was a yawn and the words "Be quiet," before he followed the green haired man into the galley, letting the door close behind them.

Dinner was well on its way and was almost over. There were bits of random conversation and arguments provided by the ever-entertaining crew as they ate and fought for their food.

Sanji used this as time to watch and observe his companions. As much as he saw his crewmates as family, he also saw them as customers of his trade. Being a chef, he took pride in watching the reactions of the Strawhats as they ate.

Luffy would eat anything so Sanji didn't really count his opinion for much though his vigor was a reward in its own. Nami and Robin would always politely tell him that the food was amazing. Chopper and Usopp would also exclaim their approvals. But the opinion that he really looked forward to the most, despite his own irritation for the man, was Zoro's. Zoro was always brutally honest in everything and as much as he loved the girl's praise, he did like to know the truth, and Zoro would give it to him… though he was also fairly convinced the man had no taste buds.

But that night, Zoro would not finish his food and passed it off to Luffy. Sanji frowned a bit at this gesture, but did not say anything since the food was not wasted. Maybe the swordsman just wasn't hungry. After all, he hadn't exactly rushed to dinner.

The following night during dinner, Sanji was again left annoyed at the green haired man's behavior. He watched the swordsman fiddle around with his food a bit before offering it up to the hyenas who quickly took it without a second thought, almost taking Zoro's hand with it. Maybe the dish just wasn't to his fancy…

Now, Sanji was preparing dinner for tonight. He had observed the swordsman all day… well, when he wasn't already cooking or swooning over Nami-swan and Robin-chwan. During his observations he had noticed that his bicker buddy seemed a little off, like something might be troubling him.

So being the nice guy he was, he prepared the swordsman's favorite dishes: some white rice with fresh sea king meat on the side and a nice big bottle of ale. He felt his cigarette shift positions as he smiled at his handy work. Maybe it would bring Zoro out of his dumps and they could start up their arguments that seemed to happen so little these days. He hated worrying about the bastard. That wasn't how things were supposed to go between them.

Yes, the swordsman irked him to no end and he didn't understand the man's way of thinking. His lack of manners, his bluntness, and habits all made him want to argue with the man and his fiery passion just kindled it into a wildfire. It was nothing personal between them really, it just happened. And he enjoyed those moments though few where the two of them could be civil with each other.

And as much as the man brought him to the edge of his sanity and temperament, they were still nakama and nothing would change that. It was never said between them, but underneath their constant arguments, there lied a strong yet silent friendship. And when cooperation was needed they could make an amazing team.

After setting the table Sanji called out to the crew to let them know their dinner was ready. The blonde stayed back in the galley to fend off Luffy's wandering arms from Zoro's specially prepared plate. Again the swordsman came in after everyone had been situated, though none had really noticed that the plate reserved for Zoro was any different than their own.

The former pirate hunter made his way into the galley and took his seat and Sanji watched him like a hawk with his one uncovered eye, taking in his facial expressions, or lack thereof, and his intake.

But to Sanji's surprise, Zoro didn't even notice that they were his favorites and instead had taken a small bite of his meat and eaten a few grains of rice. He took a swig of ale and allowed Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper to fight over his specially made meal.

Zoro had barely touched his food or his alcohol of all things.

Something was wrong with Zoro and Sanji couldn't tell what, and it bothered him. He wasn't sure if the others had noticed this, but he sure had. It frustrated him to no end. Zoro was not eating his food nor thanking him for his consideration. The swordsman barely even fought with him about it anymore and really all it did was make the blonde worry. He didn't want to really admit it, but he was starting to worry about the big oaf and this admittance only added gasoline to a raging fire.

As Zoro left the galley that night, Sanji threw a well-placed kick to the back of Zoro's head for not eating his food. Zoro then promptly turned around and glared at the cook before turning away to leave again.

Not a word.

Nothing.

Sanji chewed on the end of his cigarette and furrowed his brow. Something was wrong with Zoro.

002

The dark circles were what gave it away.

Chopper had been retreating back to his little office to make some more Rumble Balls for himself when he spotted Zoro at the railing of the Going Merry. He was just staring at the retreating sun and the scene seemed normal enough that the reindeer was going to just pass by it… that is until he noticed the dark circles forming under the swordsman's eyes.

It could have just been the light playing on the green haired man's features, but on a careful observation, the little doctor could tell they were real.

He then started to notice other features.

The circles.

Sluggish posture.

Off balance.

Droopy eyes.

Zoro was suffering from lack of sleep. Either he had recently become an insomniac or the swordsman was bothered by something.

Chopper stopped in his tracks and frowned slightly. Normally Zoro would tell the crew straight out what he was thinking, he rarely ever hid it from them. He was open like that and that's what Chopper had always liked about the man. The thought of one of his idols and nakama hiding things from him and the others hurt his sensitive little heart and he wondered briefly if he should confront the man about this directly, or if he should inform the crew of his theory first.

"Did you need something?" the harsh voice snapped Chopper from his thoughts and he looked up at Zoro who was still staring off in the distance, though he now dawned a look of annoyance across his brow.

Normally the snap would have hurt his feelings as well, but Chopper knew that if what he speculated was true, then Zoro really didn't mean to sound as callous as he had.

"N-no!" He quickly turned and ran into the direction of his initial goal.

Irritability.

Another sign of no sleep, he thought to himself as he opened his door and shut it, left to ponder his course of action.

003

"Hahaha! You'll never be able to catch me!" Usopp ran for his dear life across the deck of the Going Merry. "I was once the world champion in tag!"

"No way!" The ship's little doctor exclaimed as he too ran in the opposite direction of his long nosed friend. To be able to outrun the people involved in a world championship was an incredible feat as far as Chopper was concerned.

Currently there was a game of tag taking place on the Strawhat crew's deck between three of the youngest and most avid members: Usopp, Luffy, and Chopper. Luffy was "it."

"So cool!" The long nose could hear his captain explain. Hook, line, and sinker.

Usopp had a silly grin plastered on his face, hoping his bluff would cause Luffy to go after Chopper versus himself. Tag was very difficult and slightly unfair with Luffy as "it." He was able to stretch his arms faster than he could run and when he tagged you it was like being slammed into a wall. So Usopp did the natural thing, try and turn Luffy's attention to someone else. Poor Chopper… He would have to say a prayer for him.

However, Usopp felt his long nose hit the ground and bend as he gained some unanticipated close and personal time with Merry's deck.

"Luffy!" He groaned a bit when he sat up expecting a grinning and laughing captain behind him… but he was sure that he was nowhere near Luffy and instead glanced down when there was no smiling face and where there happened to be a barbell that more than likely belonged to a specific swordsmen.

And sure enough a few feet to his right was said green haired man, routinely lifting his weights. And as the long nose stared at his crewmate the clockwork began ticking. If he could get Zoro to join in the game he would probably be able to use him as a shield or a protector or something. He snickered as he imagined Zoro defending him against "it."

"I will never let you take my captain, Captain Usopp!"

This seemed like a very good idea.

"Zoro-!" he started to call to his nakama, but paused in mid call. The swordsman seemed to be giving off some sort of dangerous aura that told his instincts to leave the man alone. And as he watched him lift his weights, he could hear the strain in his grunts and huffs. His eyes were almost in a dream like state. His muscles were taught with veins popped out, decorating the man like a Christmas tree.

Zoro really was an intimidating man, but Usopp knew him as the guy who he could joke around and laugh with. Zoro would never hurt one of his nakama…

But right now, as Usopp saw him, he decided he didn't want to be on the wrong end of his sword. He seemed… irritable? Intense? … He wasn't sure how to put it, but either way it looked like the man needed his space.

Usopp's reflection on his nakama was cut short however as he once again found himself smooching the deck with what he was sure of was a large hand print on his back.

"Usopp! You're it!" He could hear his captain yell from across the deck. Damn! He had let his guard down! Usopp pried himself up again and turned around.

"Haha! Better run quickly my underlings for Captain Usopp!! Master tagger!! Is on his way!" Usopp decided it would be best to go for Chopper now since the poor little reindeer couldn't run as fast as he could and Luffy could stretch to high spots in an instant. It was almost too unfair.

Sparing one last glance at his teammate, Usopp got up, careful not to trip on the weight again and left the scene.

004

Nami glanced out her little circular window to see the bright sun pouring into her nice and neat room. She had been inside all day drawing maps from their adventures in the Grand Line so far only being outside for the few seconds it takes her to get to the galley for breakfast.

She sat back and stretched her lean back muscles and let out a sigh of exasperation though her face managed a smile.

How long had it been since she had started this journey with Luffy and Zoro? She remembered the first time they had met and how she had thought the two of them were crazy for going up against Buggy the Clown.

She laughed to herself a little bit at the thought of that. She had been so scared of dying that time, but looking back on it she feels as though if she were to meet him again that she could take care of him herself… She had grown stronger… They had all grown stronger…

They had all been through so much with each other…

So many tears were made…

So much blood was shed…

So many laughs…

So many dreams…

Her nakama were her family though not blood related, they were all closer to each other than any brothers or sisters could be. She always felt safe with them, knowing that her Captain and the rest of her crewmates would willingly die for her sake… and she felt pride in herself that she would do the same.

They had included her in the adventure of a lifetime.

And she couldn't be more thankful…

More happy…

To be rid of the burden of Arlong and living out her life and dream. Risking it all for the sake of becoming the best there is and for her Captain who she had all the faith in the world would be able to take them there.

Nami took another glance towards her window and then down at her papers before smiling at them and getting up to go get a breath of fresh air.

As she opened the door she was hit with the smell of the salty sea and the everlasting noise produced by her nakama.

She moved over to the railing and leaned over to observe her family functions. From first glance she could see Robin sitting ever quietly reading her book, a soft and sly smile on her face. However she looked up for a second as something caught her attention. Nami followed her gaze to Luffy, Chopper, and Usopp who were making strange faces at each other and the navigator felt her face fall slightly as she gave a tired smile. Those three were so weird… But that's what made her happy, they were all so different.

Nami glanced below her however as she heard the galley door open and she half expected Sanji to emerge with some form of drink for her and Robin. But what came out was not just a blonde, but a mop of short green hair as well.

"Oi! Just where do you think you're going?!" she watched the cook yell after the swordsman who pointedly ignored the call for attention. "Oi! Marimo! Don't walk away from me when I'm talking to you." She shut her eyes for a second as Sanji brought a leg around to kick Zoro in the head and she heard a dull thud as it connected.

When she opened her eyes Sanji's leg remained against the side of Zoro's head who looked as though he hadn't even flinched…

"Stupid swordsman!" She heard Sanji's voice and she noticed something in his eyes, which caused her to look back at Zoro.

Normally by now Zoro was at least arguing and more importantly defending himself from Sanji's brutal kicks. Was something wrong with Zoro?

Zoro's head made a slight tip in Sanji's direction and she felt a little weight lift off her chest.

"Leave me alone. My head is killing me." That was it? Was that the best complaint he could come up with?

She quickly darted her eyes to Sanji who looked like he was shaking in anger.

"What is wrong with you la-!"

"Sanji!" Sanji was cut off by the deep voice of Zoro. And surprisingly the blonde stopped.

Sanji?

Had Zoro just used Sanji's first name? He sounded so angry when he said it too… Nami bit her lip at the scene and quickly turned her head to look at the blonde.

He appeared to be in a state of shock… His curly brow was upturned and he looked for lack of better words… worried.

Sanji worried about Zoro? … The look quickly faded as the blonde narrowed his visible eye in frustration and quickly inhaled his entire cigarette and breathing out a big cloud of smoke before chucking the stub over board and turning to stalk back off into the galley, slamming the door behind him.

What had just happened?

Was something wrong with her crew that she had failed to notice? …

Spats were something she could over look, but when something out of the ordinary occurs, like what she had just witnessed… It was something she needed to investigate further… This might call for a crew meeting…

005

This crew always seemed to amuse Robin… How they all interacted with one another and managed to pull off a more than functional crew was amazing to the archaeologist.

It was fun to watch them be silly and bicker and they were always good for a laugh and the best friends you could find when you're in a pinch. She felt herself smile at the thought of being in this crew and being part of their little family.

However… she felt her eyes steer from her book to a swordsman who was feigning sleep in a nearby corner. One of these nakama that she has grown accustom to was beginning to change… She had started to notice the change in the green haired man's behavior a few weeks back.

Ever since they had fought that battle with the marines, Zoro hadn't been the same. It seemed like a normal enough rendezvous with their enemy, which is why she couldn't put her finger on why this particular battle had struck something in the swordsman… unless it was because it was an ordinary battle? Though that wouldn't make sense… at least to her.

There was an ominous chill in the air directed at their little crew and she dreaded it. Robin had started to become attached to the group and would hate to see it fall apart or any harm come to it.

The dark haired woman however kept watch, taking note of his ever increasing changes and her nakama's growing awareness to this change. The cook had been the first to notice… Now that the navigator was aware, she was sure it would be brought to the captain's attention…

The captain was a strange one though… Though he appeared happy and free, she was sure that he took in more than he let on…. And then again…

She watched him shove straws in his nose and she let out a small giggle… He was definitely an amusing character… one that she would like to observe more.

Tonight she felt would be interesting.

006

Dinner was over and Nami watched as Zoro excused himself from the table to start his shift as lookout. She eyed the galley door for a few more moments before turning to her crewmates who were finishing up their dinner conversations.

"Has anybody noticed something weird with Zoro?" Nami started suddenly and surprisingly the whole crew stopped their talking and focused on her. She felt a little put on the spot since she had been expecting to have to repeat herself a few times before getting their full attention.

"Ah! You noticed it too? You're amazing Nami-swan!" Sanji swooned lightly over her.

"Something's wrong with Zoro?" Usopp questioned. He had felt something was wrong with the man when he had encountered him during his game of tag, but hadn't really thought of it as more than an irritated mood. Sometimes Zoro was like that…

Was Zoro acting all the different that the rest of the crew had noticed?

"Yes. Bushido-san has been acting very strangely over the past few weeks." Robin decided to through in her two cents on the situation. Usopp turned to look at the dark haired woman for confirmation.

"I suspect lack of sleep! Zoro is showing signs of chronic insomnia!" Chopper exclaimed, standing up on his seat. The long nose looked at the doctor and suddenly felt as though he was the only one who hadn't noticed.

"Stupid marimo hasn't been eating his food either…" Sanji said lowly as he lit up a cigarette. Usopp glanced at Zoro's plate only to see it completely empty and he frowned slightly and turned to look at the blonde again, pointing to the plate.

"But the plate is empty…"

"That's because you morons ate it all!" Sanji yelled in the general direction of Usopp, Luffy, and Chopper who in return stiffened at the reprimand. Nami bit her lip. If something was wrong with her nakama, she wanted to know, though the only course of action with this kind of decision was to be decided by their captain, who had remained uncharacteristically quiet throughout the whole conversation.

"Luffy? What do you think?" Nami decided to ask him and all eyes turned to their captain, awaiting his decision.

It was a few moments before Luffy smiled at the rest of his crew and put a hand on his hat.

"I think you're all over reacting."

"Luffy!" Nami yelled at him. Everyone but Robin seemed to be sharing her same thoughts about it.

"Something's wrong with Zoro and you're just going to ignore it?!" Usopp tried to make Luffy see the light a little bit. If something was wrong with one of his nakama, Luffy should be the first to act on it if he really cared for them.

Luffy turned to his long-nosed friend and frowned a bit.

"If something were bothering Zoro he'd let us know when he felt like it." Nobody could really say anything to this because they knew it was true. When the swordsman wanted to let them know what he's been thinking, he'd tell them. He wouldn't keep it a secret forever… Still…

"But Luffy…" Chopper whined, a dribble of snot already forming down his nose and tears welling up in his big eyes as he looked up at his captain. Luffy gave him a frown as well before standing up and nonchalantly casting out his last thoughts on the matter.

"You're all worrying too much," and with that Luffy left the vicinity, leaving Nami to watch the galley door close behind him. It was silent and Nami felt afraid by their captain's indifference towards their nakama's problems.

"Don't worry. Captain-san is also worried, even though he doesn't show it." Robin smiled at her shipmates for reassurance.

"Robin…" Nami looked at the dark haired women, her eyes searching the others to see if truth lied within her words.

"Robin-chwan…" Sanji was also surprised by the comfort that was offered to them.

Usopp made his way to the window on the galley door and peered through it to watch his captain walk towards the men's quarters, pausing to stop at the mast and cast a wayward glance up at his nakama's position before turning his head forward again and pressing his lips into a firm line before continuing to his destination.

007

A few days have passed since the meeting that had been called about the swordsman aboard the Going Merry. Everything had seemed fairly normal, all things considered. There was one marine ambush in which they had acquired a dinghy for purposes of checking out areas where Merry is unable to go. Other than that, it was clear sailing of the ocean blue.

The day was fairly uneventful as well. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner carried on without any major obstacles other than Luffy's stomach. The crew was currently retiring for the night.

The anchor was placed in the water and the sails had been draw. Usopp was heading for the lookout position when the world shifted positions.

Zoro let out a hefty sigh as he called out to his captain.

"Luffy!"

Luffy looked over at the call of his name to see Zoro staring at him. Something about this moment didn't feel right and Luffy felt like he needed to step back and away from what was coming, but he couldn't. He couldn't stop time.

"I'm leaving." Everyone stopped their doings and focused their attention on their captain and their swordsman. It was eerily quiet, almost like nothing else existed in the entire Grand Line at this moment. Not even the sound of the waves made it to their ears.

Had they heard him right?

It had to have been a play on their hearing, though they could all feel their hearts drop into the pits of their stomach… all suddenly feeling the need to brace themselves on something.

This couldn't be real. Zoro… one of their nakama would never abandon them. Not Zoro.

Nami felt herself shake a little as she let out a broken laugh, causing everyone to look at her. This had to be a sick joke. She was convinced.

"Haha… ha…ha… You shouldn't joke around like that Zoro. We almost believed you for a second." She heard the words escape her lips, but she didn't believe them… She only hoped that by saying them that all of her will and hope would be able to back her up and make this a real joke.

"Yeah, really. You looked so serious about it…" Usopp says hesitantly forcing a weak smile and gaining some power to futilely prevent an ominous cloud from dominating their little ship's family.

Zoro remained silent and still, his gaze never moving from his captain who also stared back and Usopp felt his smile fall.

At that moment Sanji realized what was really going on and he could feel himself bite through his cigarette in hopes that it would make everything come easier.

"You're serious… aren't you?" Sanji heard himself say, not caring to hide the disbelief in his voice. There was a pause as everyone started to take in the fact that Zoro was not joking… Where did this come from? Why was Zoro even considering this?

"You shitty marimo! What are you thinking?!" Sanji yelled at him, daring to take a step in the green haired mans direction, but feeling as though he could go no further.

"Zoro!" Chopper cries out, the tears already pouring down his furry face.

"Why are you doing this?!" Usopp becomes angered by this decision. How could Zoro betray them like this?

"You idiot!! Answer us! What the hell are you thinking?!" Sanji continues to yell at him.

Powerless. That is how they all felt right now… Powerless…

There was nothing they could do about this situation.

They were unprepared for it…

They hadn't seen this coming even with the signs…

And they felt helpless…

Lost…

Only finding comfort in the words yelled at the source of the problem.

Nami felt tears well up in her eyes as she watched her nakama and family dissolve suddenly before her very eyes.

Why was this happening to them?

She bit her lip as she couldn't take the pressure or the thought of losing one of her brothers anymore. She shut her eyes tightly before directing her attention to the only person who she knew could stand even the slightest chance at stopping the swordsman.

"Luffy! He's not using his head! Talk him out of this!" she desperately pleaded to the captain. Luffy began to stand up fully, turning to the former pirate hunter and placing a hand on his hat.

And suddenly…

"Ahahahaha! Ahahahaha! Ahahaha!" The dark haired boy's full laughter rang out through the silent and heavy dusk, silencing everyone and drawing their attention.

"Come on Zoro! Joke's over," Luffy missed the quick narrow of Zoro's eyes through his laugh that caused his eyes to squint shut, "I know it was funny to see everyone so worried, but-." Luffy was cut of by the sound of a clink.

The captain opened his eyes only to find a bandana-clad swordsman with a sword placed mere centimeters from his neck.

The laughter has ceased and the reality of the situation was beginning to sink in.

Their eyes met and they remained silent, allowing the others to watch on as the seemed to have a conversation that only they could understand. It was an admirable scene and yet intimidating at the same time. The connection required for two people to understand one another through sight alone was something to be admired… Yet… this connection made them seem more closed off to the world and in doing so made them intimidating to those uninvolved in the silent conversation.

The silence was sickening and the wait was murder for the crew. Nami almost couldn't bear it anymore. She was about ready to open her mouth and say something, anything to break the silence, when Luffy beat her to it.

Luffy slid his hand along the brim of his straw hat, feeling all the bumps and grooves before reaching the front and tilting it down over his eyes.

"I got it… Then you are no longer part of this crew Zoro." Luffy stated firmly and clearly. However, a small sad smile appeared on his face and with a quiet, whispery, and surprised voice he said, "You raised your sword against me."

And the walls came tumbling down as everyone turned to look at their captain.

What just happened? …

…

Zoro lowers his sword and begins to sheath it, making a silky and eerie noise.

Nami couldn't figure out where to keep her eyes: on her captain or on her nakama who was about to leave. Sanji was in the same predicament. Usopp rigidly stared at Zoro, clenching his fists as Chopper openly cried beside him. Robin watched the scene silently with dim eyes, reflecting on the situation.

Everything was happening so fast… It felt like a horrible, bad dream.

A nakama… A friend… One of their own family was walking away, right through their finger and there was nothing they could do about it. Things always felt like there could but a pause or rewind button, but… now it felt like they were on fast forward with no way to even turn and look back at what was happening. Like someone was pushing their aching hearts forward into this unbelievable mess.

There is the lonely dull thud of Zoro's boots walking calmly across the Going Merry to the side of the boat where the dinghy they had acquired was tired up.

As the tall man glides past them they can't help but think of all the memories they had shared with him.

Kuro.

Don Kreig.

Arlong.

Walpol.

Crocodile.

How many enemies have they faced together? How many moments have they shared with this man? How much of their lives have been dedicated to dreaming alongside this man?

How many laughs?

How many fights?

How much agony?

How much happiness?

How could this all just up and fall away? …

… How could he just up and run away?

Tears were falling freely over Nami's face. She felt sick. Usopp's face was streaming and Chopper began to wail. Sanji bit hard on his lip, drawing blood in order to stop himself from shaking.

This couldn't be it.

This couldn't be the last time they would see their friend…

They can't part like this!

They have so much more to do together… so much more to become!

And now…

Now…

… They have never felt so powerless as a crew up until now….

The moon was set for the night and the boots step into the dinghy. A final moment.

Zoro turned his head slightly towards his crew for what reason is unbeknownst to the majority of the crew who can no longer see past their own noses.

"Luffy." He says. The crew looks up at the direction of the voice, though they do not stop their tears nor do they unclench their fists.

Luffy however remains quiet, still, and stoic. Zoro pauses, not having expected Luffy to respond anyways, but hoping that his words could somehow alleviate any pain he has caused.

Though when only silence ensued, Zoro brought his head forward once more and pulled the rope that hoisted the dinghy next to Merry with a "Ja." Leaving them with nothing more than a splash of the small boat hitting the water and the sloshing of the ocean tide against the Going Merry.

000

Next Chapter: The Absence

A/N: Wow I actually finished this chapter? Yeah I wasn't expecting to do it tonight, but I did. It's about 3:40 am so if there's spelling errors. Oh well. Lol I'm not proof reading it I'm too tired and I'm lazy. But let me know what you think of the story so far. : ) I plan on continuing it and reviews make me work on things faster. Though if you like it you might have to wait because I'm going to balance the updates with my Naruto fic as well and those chapters are LONG!!! I had one chapter that was 38 pages…. Ridiculous! Lol Anyways just remember to R&R if you like it!! (And even if you don't!!) Thanks!!