The tall, worn mast stood rigid as it was battered by the unceasing salty water. The vessel, the Going Merry, tumbled around like clothes in a clothes dryer on the choppy seas. The brutal waves sliced deep into the Merry's soul, cutting away her possessions and stripping the ship bare of its assets. The only occupants remaining within the battered hull were its crew members.

Zoro winced as another bitter wave slammed into his back and tightened his hold on the main mast. He had been stuck out here, taking a nap, when the storm began. Apparently he hadn't heard Nami's warning call to get inside.

He felt the next surge of water tear his shirt right off his back, leaving nothing between his bare skin and the merciless crests.

"Great. Just great," Zoro muttered. "I've got to get below deck." He released his hold on the mast and spun around, hoping that the next wave would push him up against the trapdoor.

But before he had a chance to position himself properly, a much larger wave crashed into him. The salty water filled his mouth and nose as he was slammed back against the mast.

The wave seemed to continue forever. Zoro began to suffocate, his lungs burning with the need for oxygen and to expel the water that had found its way inside.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the wave receded and Zoro, coughing and sputtering, made a run for the trapdoor. He sensed another wave building behind him, and he pulled at the handle. But the door was locked.

Zoro swore and cast a glance at the massive wave forming at sea. He desperately beat his fists against the door. "LET ME IN!" he yelled, trying to be heard over the sound of the roaring sea.

The wave made its way towards the ship, carrying thousands of pounds of water along with it. He swore again and braced himself.

Luckily for him, mere seconds before the wave crested over the side of the vessel, the trapdoor swung open and a hand grabbed his wrist, yanking him inside.

Unfortunately, the wave hit right at that moment, practically shoving him down into the hold. He lost his balance and fell, hitting his rescuer and bringing them both crashing to the floor.

"Ah, Marimo! Geez!" a voice came from beneath him.

So it was the chef. Zoro groaned and rolled off of him, laying face down on the floor. His back hurt like he didn't know what, and he coughed, water trickling from his mouth. He gasped for breath.

"…Can't…breathe..." Zoro muttered.

Chopper rushed over and rolled him over, forcing him to move. Then he pushed down on Zoro's chest, manually expelling the water from his lungs.

Zoro choked and inhaled a shaky breath, his eyes streaming. He rolled over and threw up, everything he had eaten that day now in a messy pile on the floor.

He took another breath and sat up, his wet clothes making him feel waterlogged. He leaned back against the wall for support. Looking around, he noticed that everyone was staring at him worriedly, especially Luffy.

Zoro smiled weakly at the raven-haired boy, wordlessly letting him know that he would be fine.

Sanji stood and brushed himself off. "Remind me to not rescue you next time," he muttered. But the remark was said teasingly.

Zoro coughed and moaned, wet strands of green hair hanging down into his eyes. "I'll keep that in mind," he said, wincing. "My back feels like it was run over."

Soon activity returned to normal, and the bustle of his crew members made him feel at home. After a while he began getting drowsy, and he closed his eyes. A minute after he was asleep.


SYNONYMS! I actually had to use an online thesaurus because I kept saying "wave" and "ship". But in the end it all worked out. Review and let me know what you think!