Koneko

Pairing: Sanzo UssopKaya Franky/Brooks Ace/Smoker Law/kid

Disclaimer: All one piece characters belong to Oda

Italic: Character Personal thoughts

Bold: Flashbacks

The way Zoro abruptly stopped, his ears lowered and his pupil changing from their normal round to a slit caused a shiver to run down Nami's spine. "Zoro!" Nami screamed when she saw the cat bear his fangs, and with his claws out, jumped towards her.

Nami reeled back, but Zoro was quicker as he grabbed the ginger hair girl by her shirt collar and forcefully pushed her onto her back, slamming her small frame on the floor. Nami's eyes widen when she saw something, almost a shadow pass over both of them, and whatever it was caused the wall behind them to shatter, causing an explosion of dust, forcing her to hide her face in the cat's collar-bone.

"Zoro?" She whispered, her eyes still closed tight.

Her eyes snapped back open when she heard heavy footsteps slowly moving towards them. Her eyes only widen more when she saw who it was. "Mihawk?" Zoro's growl brought her attention back to the person who saved her life. The green hair teen slowly released his hold on Nami, rising slowly, his green eyes on the dog which was calmly walking into the room.

"What the fuck?" Zoro growled, his teeth clenched together, clearly angry. "Were you trying to kill Nami?!"

Shifting onto her side, Nami's glance went to the wall, only for her eyes to widen in disbelieve. The wall was gone, as if Mihawk somehow, from far away slashed it into pieces. "Zoro." She whispered, her hand holding onto the cat's forearm. She was scared, but being close to Zoro made her feel safer.

The first thing Nami's analyzing eyes caught on Mihawk was his eyes, they looked different. They were the same gold, but there was something sinister behind them, which were starting to unnerve her to the bones. Not only that, but the way the experiment moved, almost swaying on his feet made it even more worry some. The next thing she noticed was the black collar on the dog's neck; she remembered seeing it on TV. She found it odd Mihawk would be wearing something like that. He was leading the experiment, why would he be wearing a collar as if he belonged to someone.

"Nami stay back." Zoro ordered, pushing the ginger hair girl behind him as he stood, his tail swaying back and forth and his ears lowered. "Mihawk, what the hell?" He questioned again.

Zoro watched as Mihawk stepped through the door, both his hand to his side, his claws ready for another attack, his tail lifeless. The moment Mihawk sneered; the dog was already by Zoro, claws drawn, ready to attack. If it wasn't for his fast reflex Zoro was sure he would have gotten hit. Sidestepping, Zoro was able to dodge the dog's first attack, claws missing his face just by centimeters.

Without missing a step, Mihawk balanced on one foot, using his other foot, he swung to kick the cat. Taken by surprise, all Zoro could do was block. Zoro raised both his hands to protect his head, where Mihawk was aiming, the impact hitting Zoro on the forearm. Zoro grunted as he felt Mihawk's powerful kick overpowering him, and not being able to stay on his feet the cat felt his body leave the floor, as he flew back.

"Zoro!" Nami was surprised to see one kick from Mihawk actually send the cat soaring across the room. She flinched when Zoro hit the wall with a painful thud and slid to the floor.

The cat wiped the blood that dripped down his jaw with the back of his hand, his eyes on Mihawk. "I don't know what your problem is, but if you want to fight, BRING IT!" Zoro charged a Mihawk, as the dog prepared for another attack as he brought both his fist up.

Nami watched as Zoro reached the dogs side, his nails drawn. It was almost too fast for her eyes to catch every movement, but she could tell, none of the two were landing a solid hit on the other. Each time Zoro would attack Mihawk would dodged, and the same could be said for Zoro.

As if in pure luck, Zoro ducked one of the raven hair man's punches and almost in slow motion Nami saw when Zoro brought back his hands and landed a punch on Mihawk's face.

Mihawk staggered back, his hand slowly going over the bruise on his face. A smile formed on his lips, blood sliding down his chin and nose. Nami gulped, feeling a sweat run down her temple. Mihawk didn't look fazed by Zoro, and looking at Zoro, Nami could already see his labored breathing.

"Zoro's in no condition to fight…"

Once he had his bearing, the dog charged at Zoro. The cat dodged by spinning to his left, but that proved to be the wrong choice, because the dog was able to grab onto his long tail. Zoro fell on all four when the dog pulled him by it, his nails scraping the floor as he tried to keep his body from following his tail. That proved fruitless. With one mighty pull Zoro's claws slid off the floor, his hands flail as he tried to look for something to hold onto.

"Raaaah!" With an animalistic roar, the dog pulled Zoro's body easily, swung him once around powerfully and released his strong hold on the cat's green tail, sending Zoro through the air.

Zoro landed head first onto Sanji's nightstand, knocking it to the floor with him, along with its contents. He felt dazed for a second, as his world favored the right side. "Shit…" Zoro shook his head, trying to get his world to steady and see one Mihawk instead of three.

Finally seeing one dog, Zoro stood up slowly, using the turned nightstand so he could stand up straight, his other hand wiping the blood that dripped over his eye.

The dog once again charged at Zoro, almost in a zig-zag pattern advancing quickly, this time with his nails drawn. Zoro steadied his breathing as he went on the tip of his toes, the moment Mihawk attacked, Zoro jumped out the way, his green eyes zooming on the dog's neck, twisting his body, his cat like body allowed him to, Zoro landed on the dog's back, his feet planted firmly on Mihawk's back, his hands circling around his pale neck.

Sharp fangs penetrated into the dog's neck, as Zoro tasted the rich red blood enter his mouth. The experiment roared, but it didn't sound because of pain, but more out of frustration. Reeling back, Mihawk slammed his back against the wall. Taking a breath, he slammed again, but harder, every slam harder than the last.

Nami watched, her hands trembling as Zoro's features twisted in pain, but refused to loosen his hold on the dog's neck. She could hear as Zoro's fangs crunched Mihawk's neck; as if he were trying to chew right through him.

In one last desperate attempt to loosen the cat, Mihawk stepped farther from the wall, and letting his body drop to the floor, he landed as heavily as he could onto his back. This provoked the desired effect, the cat hissed in pain, as he opened his mouth, his eyes going white as the pain ran through his body. His immediate reaction was to hold his back as he let out a silent scream.

Mihawk stood up, leaving Zoro on the floor as he curled up in pain. Mihawk's dark eyes studied the cat closely, and Nami believed the dog had actually regained its senses, but by the way he moved his claws in a circular manner told her otherwise.

And what was more unnerving was the way the experiment's claws seem to light up, almost a golden. Her eyes momentary landed on the wall which was shattered into tiny pieces and here heart sank…

"Don't tell me…" Nami whispered.

The only conclusion she would get to is: the reason the dog couldn't abuse that power was because it took too much energy form him. So he had to make such that attack counted if he was going to use it.

Pushing her body slightly forward Nami closed her eyes, and screamed at the top of her lungs. "ZORO, YOU HAVE TO GET UP! MOVE!" But to her utter fear, Zoro was still on the floor, trying to turn himself on his front so he could stand, his breathing still ragged. "No…" Nami placed her hand over her mouth, tears starting to fill her chocolate eyes. "Zoro… please get up."

Sanji- if Zoro dies… if Zoro's hurt…

"PLEASE STOP!" Her tears flying as she screamed at the top her lungs. She couldn't do anything, she wasn't strong enough.

Mihawk brought back his hand, claws still drawn. "Die." He said darkly.

Before Mihawk could bring down his hand, he felt something sharp penetrate the palm of his hand. His yellow eyes snapped to his hand, and there, on his hand was a knife, which went clean through his palm. His yellow eyes slowly went to where it came from, and his eyes landed on a redhead.

"KID!" Nami had never felt so happy to see the red-head in her life. She forgot he was still home.

Mihawk sneered, using Zoro as a stepping stone Mihawk walked towards Kid. He didn't even acknowledge Zoro even when he moaned in pain when he stepped on his shaking body, as he took the knife from his hand and threw it on the floor. Nami ran to Zoro's side. It seemed like the cat was finally getting his bearing as he huffed for air and pushed his body up, his limbs shaking uncontrollably.

Nami's eyes were on Zoro's stomach, where the cat's hand was lingering. She wanted to ask if he was ok, if he felt any pain particularly in his belly.

"Where… where is he?" Zoro gritted out.

Before Nami could answer, she flinched back as something landed next to her. Her eyes widen in fear when she saw it was Kid, the redhead bleeding from his arm, and a nasty bruise forming on his neck. "Kid!" Nami shook his shoulder, but he wouldn't move. Fear settled in her heart, quickly she turned the redhead over, and placed her ear on his chest, her eyes closed as she tried to hear a pulse.

"Is… is he…" Zoro couldn't complete a sentence before he had to cough to breathe. Seeing Nami furrow her eyebrows, he feared the worse. The sound of heavy footsteps caught his attention; Mihawk was already heading towards them again. He could hear Nami crying behind him as she gave Kid CPR, screaming for him to wake up.

Zoro stood slowly, his legs shaking underneath him; his legs wanting to throw him to the floor. He could only take one step before his knees buckled from underneath him, catching himself on one knee and hand. He glanced back once, seeing Nami crying as she pumped Kid's chest.

"Did you kill him?"

The dog didn't answer as he got closer. When he was about a yard away, he sprinted towards them, claws drawn. Zoro bared his fangs, his nails drawn, and his eyes taking a golden color. Zoro got on all four and when Mihawk was mere inches from him, Zoro lunched forward his hand circling around the dog's neck, stopping Mihawk's advance like a brick wall. He pushed the dog back, raising the raven hair man's before slamming his body onto the floor, cracking the floor by the impact.

The sound of the dog's neck being crushed could be heard. Zoro's eyes only become more golden as he slowly took the life of Mihawk. Leaning closer, Zoro's slowly opened his mouth, fangs bared as he sunk his teeth once again into the dog's flesh, fresh blood dripping down Mihawk's neck and landing on the floor like droplets.

Slowly, Mihawks body was becoming limp, but Zoro didn't let go, his jaws sinking deeper into the dog's white neck.

Instantly Zoro jolted away when he felt an electricity run thought his body. Releasing his hold, Zoro fell back as he hugged his body because of the pain he was feeling. Was that the collar that did that? His eyes snapped open when he heard an unfamiliar voice of a female.

"Can't have you killing my dog, now can I?"

At that moment Kid gasped for air, momentarily distracting Zoro. His once again green eyes snapped back to the person who was talking to him. The person was dressed in a cloak, only her lips uncovered, making it impossible for him to know who it was.

"What do you want?"

A smile crossed the cloaked person. "Just came to see how you are doing." Walking into the room, she passed Mihawk's body as if he were not there. She only stopped when she reached the turned over nightstand and crouched down to pick something black and long from the floor. "And to get the collar Sanji bought for you."

Zoro's eyes widen. "What collar?"

The smile on her face grew. "Yes, the collar he bought just for you." Her voice sounding light and humorous.

"Don't believe her Zoro. Sanji would never do such a thing!" Nami screamed, her eyes glaring at the woman, as she helped Kid sit up.

"I can't force you to believe me." She threw the collar, as it lands a few feet from Zoro. "But you saw it right… it must have gotten in this room somehow."

Nami didn't take her eyes off the cloaked women. "What are those collars?! There has to be something behind it. Mihawk is wearing one and he attacked us, something he wouldn't do." Nami bit her bottom lips, as she tried to piece it the information together. "Are those used as a mind control?!"

"Hahaha." Walking by Mihawk, she looked at the almost torn collar because of where the cat bit him. A frown took her lips because the collars were to be strong, maybe she underestimated the cat's powerful jaws. "Yes… and Zoro would have been with me right now if Sanji would have been man enough to place that collar he bought for you."

"I said stop spitting your bullshit, Sanji wouldn't do that to Zoro. Even if it wasn't a mind control, he wouldn't because he sees Zoro as his equal, not a pet."

Zoro had a frown on his lips, clearly not believing the woman, his ears flat on his head, and his green eyes only on her.

The woman laughs again. "Sanji thinks of you like his equal?! Now that's bullshit. A pet would be the highest you could ever be to Sanji." Her smile became worse. "I'm sure you will smell Sanji's scent all over it. Don't believe me? Go ahead. "

Nami stayed quiet this time as the cat picked up the black collar. The collar to Zoro felt heavy. He didn't have to bring it close to his nose, Sanji's sent was evident.

The collar fell out of his hand, landing on the floor. Zoro couldn't hear anything, not even Nami's question. Everything was mute, his eyes going from Nami shouting, Kids worried expression, the woman's smug grin and the stoic Mihawk.

Sanji wouldn't… he loves me… but

Zoro didn't have time to react when Mihawk appeared in front of him, and with his claws, it connected with his ribs. Blood flew from the wound Mihawk inflected, coating both Zoro and Mihawk. Zoro stepped back, swaying on his feet as he fell on the floor on both his knees. His green eyes went to the wound on his side, his eyes widening when he could see the bone of his ribs from the open flesh wound, blood oozing uncontrollably, even with his hand holding the wound. Mihawk brought back his hand, claws drawn, ready to lash it on Zoro.

My babies… Lettuce, Onion, and Tomato, the names Sanji gave them… The cat didn't react, his eyes on the wound on his side as his body trembled.

But the dog stopped in mid attack.

Nami had her mouth open, no sound coming from her parted lips, as she watched Zoro bleeding and Mihawk grit his teeth, and slowly, almost agonizingly bring down his hand. To her confusion, Mihawk did not attack Zoro.

Stepping back, the dog shook his head.

"I… can't… he's…" Mihawk gritted his teeth again, blood still running down his pale neck. "Our job is to… protect him when he's in this state… I can't do it when he's with child."

"I ordered you to kill him!" Seeing Mihawk was not moving, she gritted her teeth. Taking out a dagger she rushed by Mihawk's side, pushing him out the way. "I guess I have to do it!" She lifted her hand, a smile still on her face. "I don't have a problem killing a pregnant monster!"

Zoro closed his eyes, his shoulders sagging because he just couldn't move anymore.

"Die you fucking animal!"

"…"

Zoro wasn't sure how dying felt like, but he didn't feel anything. His eyes snapped open when he smelt the familiar smell of tobacco and fish. Slowly, as if not believing what his senses were telling him, his eyes landing on Sanji, the cook over Zoro's hunched body. The blonde's hand held the dagger from hurting his cat, blood dripping to the floor slowly.

"Sanji your hand!" Nami screamed as she watched blood start to slide down the chefs precious hands.

"Sanji!" This time it was Kid, who finally got his bearing. He was just as surprised as Nami. He knew that Sanji took great pride in caring for his hand. Seeing the blonde use them, more importantly hurt them, was shocking to say the least.

"I don't know what you were planning to do, but you are not killing Zoro!" Sanji growled.

The women under the clocked sneered, releasing the dagger. "I feel outnumbered." With another laugh, she stepped back. "Mihawk." Standing in place she waited for the dog to take her. The dog picked her up, bridle style as he dashed out the shattered wall.

Sanji turned around, only to see Zoro on the floor, a pool of blood forming underneath him. "Marimo!" Sanji kneeled down, his hand hovering over Zoro's hand, which was still on the wound. "Nami call Law NOW!" trusting Nami, Sanji's eyes went back to Zoro. His mind was far from his own hand which hurt.

"Sanji." The blonde's eyes went to Zoro's green, only for them to move down to the cat's hand, the one not clutching his bleeding side. Sanji watched as Zoro slowly moved his hand, and opened it. "Why?" When he opened his hand, Sanji was surprised to see the black collar in the Marimo's hand. Was that the reason Zoro's glance was so full of pain. "So it's… true?..."

Before Sanji could say anything, Zoro's eye roll behind his head as his body fell limp on Sanji. Not letting Zoro fall, Sanji gritted his teeth as he squeezed his body closer to his.

A/N: Sorry for any grammar or misspelled words, tried to get this chapter out as soon possible. Hope you like! Don't forget to review. :D