Chapter 8

(Never Walk Alone)

Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho,
Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho,
Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho,
Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho

Binkusu no sake o, todoke ni yuku yo
Umikaze kimakase namimakase
Shio no mukou de, yuuhi mo sawagu
Sora nya wa wo kaku, tori no uta

Sayonara minato, Tsumugi no sato yo
DON to icchou utao, funade no uta
Kinpa-ginpa mo shibuki ni kaete
Oretacha yuku zo, umi no kagiri

The beautiful sound of a musician playing could surely be heard for miles around as a smartly dressed skeleton stood at the bow of the Sunny. A violin in both hands and a tone dial placed in front of him, emitting the tinkling sound of a piano. He played his soul into the well recited tune, and would have played his heart into of course,

If he had one. (A.N – Skull Joooooke! xD)

His top hat – a perfect fit, sat atop of his afro styled hair, along with a fine suit fitting loosely over his rib cage, which fluttered slightly in the sea breeze. His choice of song was a desperate attempt to put a smile on a certain nakama's face. Brook was doing what he did best after all. Even the smallest of smiles would be welcome right now.

Luffy, Chopper, Franky and Usopp were up to their usual antics, causing chaos and mischief in any way possible. Whilst Robin, Nami and Sanji watch on in slight amusement, taking a backseat in the days action – as usual.

Everything seemed normal, well, whatever you could define as 'normal' on the sunny. Everyone seemed as they should be with the exception of one man of course, with eye catching green hair, and three gold earrings dangling from his left ear lobe. The man was still propped up against the mast, where he was last seen.

Luffy had not given up hope on Zoro. Not for one second. Luffy believed that if things continued as normal, he would join in when he felt ready to do so. Of course the others followed suite. Luffy was usually right about these things.

Or so they hoped.

One would think the Strawhat crew would be crowded around Zoro, offering their sympathies to him and apologizing for something way out of their control. But they all knew better than that. No one dared show the Swordsman any sympathy for the time being. If there was one thing Zoro hated more, than Sanji and Kuma put together it was pity.

Since he had been informed of his new handicap, he had not vacated his napping spot. Everyone around him didnt exist to him for the time being. It was just him. Him and his mentality. As time went by and he continued to watch each passing cloud, memories of Kuina and his past flooded his mind in dribs and drabs.

Flashback

'Zoro . . I'm going to become the strongest swordsman in the world! And prove myself to everyone!'

He looked on at his friend in awe. She was certainly determined. If she could do it, so could he. Right?

'Then I promise too. Looks like you've got yourself some competition. .'

Realisation kicked in. He couldn't just drown in sorrow and depression. He made a promise that fateful day and was determined to keep it.

'Kuina . . .'

'Oi Assholes! Dinners ready! '

Sanji bellowed in the general direction of the men's cabin, before quickly scurrying off towards the women's courters and placing a gentle tap upon the door in front of him.

'Nami San! Robin Chwan! Dinner awaits you both my beautiful cupcakes!'

Once his swooning was over, Sanji made his way back to the kitchen. Only having to stop once and hold onto something in fear of being sent overboard as one ecstatic captain zoomed past him, faster than the speed of light.

Less than two minutes later, the entire Strawhat crew had assembled in the dining room. And to the crew's surprise, Zoro had decided to join them and was one of the last to be seated. Although he still looked troubled and he didnt have much of an appetite, it was a relief to see him slightly more in character.

Later On . . . .

Dinner had finished moments ago for most of the crew, accept for Zoro. Who had decided to start his nights watch early, after he had caught Chopper and various other crew mates exchange worrying glances when they all realized he had barely touched his food. Sanji ha restrained himself from knocking the swordsman senseless for wasting food, after he had remembered his current predicament. It was then that Zoro had decided to make his escape away from the awkward atmosphere, Ignoring Choppers protests he slipped out of the door.

Gazing up at the stars, he let out a sigh and continued to admire the beauty of the night's sky. Back at the dojo those many years ago, Zoro had always been reminded that a swordsman should be and feel at peace with the earth. And also appreciate mother nature.

When he first heard this of course, he believed it to be complete and utter nonsense. But it wasn't until now he wondered if his teacher was right.

Had the sky always looked this stunning?

The sound of approaching footsteps pulled him from his gaze as he turned to see a familiar face advance towards him.

'Star gazing tonight are we Kenshi – San?' Robins smooth, toned voice had a small but detectable ring of amusement to it as the swordsman smirked ever so slightly.

'A new, unexpected hobby for you I must say'

'I wouldn't call it that . . '

A soft audible chuckle escaped her throat, before she turned and made her way towards the women's courters.

'Try not to star gaze yourself to sleep tonight Kenshi – San, you are on watch after all'

'Pffft, as if I would do such a thing'

Just before Robin reached the staircase, which descended below deck, she stopped a few inches away before turning to face Zoro.

'If you do happen to fall asleep or feel tired Kenshi – San I would only be too happy to take watch for you'

And with that she disappeared below deck leaving a very confused Zoro still sat against the mast.

'Wow. That was unexpected. . '

He let the thought slip away and continued to keep watch late on into the night.

Just as the sun began to rise over the horizon, the ships crews were still in a deep slumber. Including one swordsman who had just nodded off, a few hours before his ship was scheduled to finish.

It was a pity nobody saw the oncoming ship approaching them.

Authors Note

Tadaaaaaa! Its lame I know, but I haven't really had much time. LOL, well that's a lie, I've just been too lazy. I promise blood and violence in the next chapter. I haven't really read through for mistakes so forgive me if you find any xD

A lot of you have been messaging me asking me why I gave Zoro a long term disease instead of a short term deadly one, and you sound quite annoyed about it. Well because it's my story and I planned it that way 8D simple.

Thank you to all my lovely reviewers ^.^ and my faithful readers. See you soon