"Hhhaaaa," Nami sighed as she lowered herself deeper into the springs, ignoring the other demons around them giving them looks and sneering hateful comments. "This water feels nice."

"Indeed," Robin agreed with a nod. "I believe a vacation was overdue for our little group—wouldn't you say so—Nami-san?"

"Hai," Nami let out a pleasing moan as her body was encased in warmth from the springs. "Still though—it's strange how we got in to a Demon springs. Does Zoro's reputation really precede him?"

"Hm, hm, you have no idea do you?" Robin asked with a small inward giggle as she looked at the clueless teen.

"Huh, no idea about what?" Nami asked with a confused blink.

Nami sat up and looked at the older woman closely. She narrowed her ginger eyes slightly knowing this woman seemed to have so much information, but for some strange reason she was refusing to let anyone know what it was she knew. Was it bad, or good? Usually when nothing was said it was bad, but still—Nami wanted to know.

"What is it you know that we don't know?" Nami asked, narrowing her eyes in suspicion. "Since we're now a happy little family I see no reasons in keeping secrets."

"Well said Nami-san," Robin said with a soft smile and nod. "But what I know is not for me to tell."

"Awww, come on Robin-niichan!" Nami whined as she held her hands in front of her. "It can't be that bad can it? You can tell little ole me!"

"Gomen, but I can't," Robin said with a small shrug.

"Hhhhuuuuuuh!" Nami groaned as she slugged her shoulders in defeat. "You're no fun! What is the deal anyways? Is it bad—what you can't tell?"

Robin looked at the young tangerine for a moment before splashing some water on her tanned skin to sooth and warm it.

"No," she said. "There's nothing wrong with it."

"Sometimes . . . you make no sense," Nami let out a groan before glancing at the tall wooden fence that seemed to separate the women's baths from the men's. "Hmm, I wonder how Luffy's doing over there with the others. I wonder if the waters are hurting him."

"It should be good for him," Robin commented. "There are healing herbs flowing through these waters. It may be painful at first, but he should get used to it."

"I see," Nami said as she cupped up a hand full of water. "Well then, this stop should do him good."

The two stopped as soon as they heard a familiar scream ring out on the other side of the fence. It was accompanied with a large splash. Both got the picture and it wasn't long before they heard the scolding voices of the other boys. The two looked at one another before they giggled up a storm . . . it seemed like they were handling things well on their end.


"Are you feeling any better Luffy-kun?" Chopper asked as the young lad rubbed a wet cloth gently over the boy's back.

"Hee, hee, much," Luffy said with a giggle as he turned his grin towards the blushing doctor.

"Oi, Sanji-san, you coming in?" Usopp called from where he wadded in the water towards the blonde who seemed glued to the fence.

"Heh, heh, in a minute," he swooned, ever keeping his gaze towards that crack in the fence.

"Sheesh, what a pervert," Usopp commented as he wadded over to where the younger boys were.

Zoro watched all the boys closely. Usopp was right—the blonde love-cook was indeed an ero-cook. Usopp, Chopper, and Luffy seemed to be enjoying themselves, which was good. Luffy seemed to be healing normally, of course not as fast as he used to with his ability, but it had to be done.

Did it really? Zoro inwardly asked himself as he scanned the branded mark on Luffy's flesh that seemed to clone the one on his older brother, Ace's.

Zoro sighed inwardly as he slumped lower into the waters. He knew he didn't want this to happen to Luffy. He could frankly not care about the growth of Luffy's power, his priestly Haki. Zoro wondered when he became so tolerable towards Priests or Priestesses.

With an inward chuckle Zoro remembered the exact time and who had helped him with that forbidden tolerance he was supposed to never have towards the sacred humans. It was the boy whom he stared at right now—it was his mother.

"Hm, Zoro-kun what is it?" Luffy asked as he noticed the man's stare on him.

"Hm?" Zoro hadn't noticed he was staring at the similarity between the boy and his mother himself.

"You're staring at me . . . and it's giving me the creeps," Luffy admitted making Zoro freeze for an instant.

With a grunt Zoro turned his gaze from the boy. He can't help it if the lad almost identically resembles his mother. He just hasn't seen that face in 17 years that he couldn't help but—stare.

Zoro sighed as he wondered if thinking about her again was such a good thing. Perhaps it was a way of letting his being know that he missed her. His mind, his bones—especially his heart.

FLASHBACK

Zoro mumbled to himself from where he sat. Every person that passed by him he eyes suspiciously like they were ready to strike him. Most of them were just mere servants or messengers for the Priest of the Temple—Dragon.

Ones that dared meet his emerald gaze were suddenly taken aback by his vicious glare. Often he would growl at the passing strangers who would pass all-too-quickly. Zoro still hadn't known why the Priestess of the Temple—Kiyoko was her name, insisted he sit there where all would likely pass by him. Hadn't she known who he was and how dangerous he was to her race?

Of course she knew! She had known from the start! Perhaps that was why she forced him to sit here—so it could show the other humans that passed along that he was nothing but a mere tamed pet—which he WASN'T! Little Zoro crossed his arms and peered down at his meal that was placed at his feet . . . soup . . . he hated the stuff.

As he stuck his tongue out his pushed it away from him and wished he was once again back home with his mother and maidservants who would serve him whatever he wanted without a second's delay. With a slight pout Zoro pulled his legs up to his chest almost about ready to cry, but he wouldn't! No! He was Asura! He could NEVER shed any tears! He could never show himself to be weak!

But still . . . even though he was not permitted to cry he was sad. He was sad because his life will never go back to the easy life he once had. No, he was captured by the humans and they would surely kill him. Demons were not allowed to live in their world . . . especially a Demon such as himself.

"Uhp, well it looks like you didn't finish your meal," came a familiar gentle voice as Zoro was engulfed by a slender shadow.

Zoro's small eyes glanced up to see just the one who was on is mind at the moment. It was the horrid Priestess of his nightmares. He scowled at the smiling woman. He hated it when people smiled at him like that . . . especially that stupid goofy grin of hers.

"I hate soup!" Zoro growled as he crossed his arms and 'hmphed' away from her.

"Then what is it that you do like, hm?" Kiyoko asked with a kind smile as she knelt down to the Demon child.

Zoro refused to answer her though. He continued to hide his face from the cursed woman. He did NOT want to talk to her.

"I see how it is," she said with a nod as she stood up. "How 'bout I cook something for you?"

"Huh?" Zoro looked at the woman quite surprisingly, usually Priestesses or Priests were like step-downs from royalty—that means they had everything done for them, cooking and all . . . since when did she know how to cook?

"Come on little one!" she said with a slight giggle as she pulled the boy to his feet and drug him towards the kitchen.

"Wait, wait! Waaah!" Zoro cried as the mad woman drug him without stopping on their way towards the kitchen.

"You just sit here and I'll make your food Zoro-kun," she said with a sweet smile as she darted off to grab some cooking utensils and some ingredients.

Zoro recovered himself and sat upright next to the table. He watched the young Priestess scatter throughout the kitchen, taking up any food she saw in sight. After blinking a few times Zoro began to wonder if she knew what she was doing.

After about 5 minutes of cooking through Zoro came to the conclusion that she didn't. He saw black smoke rising from where she was. In fact it was a little hard to notice her at all through the smoke really. All he could hear even was her coughing up a storm.

Before he knew it though the Priestess was placing a plate down before him filled with . . . something. Zoro looked down displeasingly at the dish wondering just what it was. His right eye twitched wondering if the food, or whatever it was, was supposed to bubble blackish spots.

"Go on, eat up Zoro-kun," she said with a smile, dirt all over her face.

He looked at the Priestess like she was crazy. There was no way in hell or heaven that he was going to eat that! Still though—she continued to smile at him like he was about to take his first bite from her prized and proud dish.

"Eeeehhhh," Zoro groaned as he slowly turned his head back towards the dish, at least glad to know it had stopped bubbling.

Zoro picked up his chopsticks and poked it, almost darting back as it coughed up a foul smelling fume, somewhat like a volcano. He trembled slightly at this foreign delectable, but he had to be strong! He had to deal with anything! He was Asura! . . . but still . . . with another poke Zoro let out a defeated sigh . . . they never said anything about toughening up to distasteful food.

Zoro let out a whine and slumped over next to his dish. He was NOT going to eat that . . .

"Hm, You don't like it Zoro-kun?" Kiyoko asked, noticing the child refusing to eat what she had slaved over for him.

Zoro turned his head towards the woman and glared his emerald eyes at her. The look was VERY defiant; he wasn't going to do such a thing.

"Oh," Kiyoko said as she bowed her head, the look on her face was that of disappointment. "I see . . . well . . . if you don't like it—you don't have to eat it."

Zoro's eyes narrowed at the Priestess as he watched her expressions worsen. He heard a sniff and immediately knew she was disappointed and sad—but it wasn't his fault that she was a bad cook!

Is . . . Is she trying to make me feel bad? Zoro asked himself as he examined her closely, swearing her eyes were a little shinier than normal.

"Well, I just thought that maybe . . ." Kiyoko let out another sniff as she wiped away an invisible tear that had yet to roll down. "You know . . . since I worked so hard on that for you that maybe . . ."

She is! Zoro told himself as he watched her face worsen even more into sadness.

"I tried alright!" she suddenly burst, making the little Demon King jump where he sat with wide, almost fearful eyes towards this crazed Priestess. "I thought that maybe I could get you to eat if I fixed you something! I'm going to be a mother soon you know and so I thought this would be good practice and that he . . . he . . . SNIFF! I'M GOING TO BE A HORRIBLE MOTHER!!!"

Zoro's eyes widened even more as the woman burst out into well full sobs. She covered her face in the sleeves of her kimono but still her cries were loud, almost echoing throughout the room. Zoro tried backing away from the crazed woman, but there was no place to even go!

"Eh!" Zoro whined to himself seeing he was trapped inside this room with this crazed Priestess with nowhere to run, what was he to do?!

Zoro gulped as his gaze turned back towards the sobbing woman who continued to cry her loudest. There was actually one possible way to get her to cease all this madness, but Zoro didn't want to do it! No! He didn't want to do it at all! But . . . but he had to!

As the Priestess sniffed once more she looked over her wet sleeve and gasped slightly upon seeing the Demon child actually eating her dish she had created for him. She smiled as she wiped her eyes clean of tears.

"Oh, so you like it?" she asked as she clapped her hands together with a pleased look.

All she really saw though was the back of the boy who was calmly eating the food, what she didn't see was the look on his face as he ate it—the look of absolute disgust. His face was turning a nice shade of purple to blue from how horrible the taste was! Never before had he stuck anything this distasteful into his mouth! He didn't know how someone could come to cook something like this!

"I'm glad you like it Zoro-kun, then maybe I shall make you more, since you seem to like it," she said with a smile and giggle as she was off once again towards the kitchen.

After that whole incident Zoro swore to hide himself, or his hungry, from the Priestess if ever she saw him. That and eat what the servants had given him. Nothing could be as bad as the Priestess' cooking anyways!

It had been about a month since he had been taken to this temple and ever he hated it there. He couldn't explain why he just simply didn't get up and leave. He could for all he knew, but for some strange reason . . . he felt . . . if he dared say . . . comfortable around the Priestess. He couldn't explain why, but she just carried an atmosphere about her that was so welcoming and friendly he . . . he liked it.

Though being with her meant being with her husband. Zoro wasn't particularly too fond of him at all. He never seemed to crack a smile, or even a nice gesture towards his way—not that he wanted the sacred Priest to do such a thing for him or anything, but still . . . he just didn't like the man. He had a very angry atmosphere around him so Zoro made sure to stay clear of him, which pleased both companies.

Zoro did have to admit he was getting very lonely. Lonely as in he was aching for his own kind once again. Humans he had begun to tolerate—he had to, but still—he missed his own kind dearly.

With a sigh Zoro sat down in the grass out in the courtyard. He knew the servants kept a close eye on him, though he had no reason to leave. He hadn't known where this Temple existed anyways so would be lost before he knew it if he tried leaving. That and he knew if he did try and leave there would certainly be no Demons waiting for him around it, no Demons stay near a human temple so it was obvious he'd more or likely be killed if ever he ventured out.

Zoro groaned inwardly from his bored state. He gripped a hand full of grass and just tossed it in the air to see how far the wind would bring it . . . not too far apparently. With another sigh he slumped back against the wall he leaned against and let his mind become a slave of boredom.

Zoro sat there for a good long while before his attention was taken towards a child's play thing. It was a ball, a brown leather ball that had come bouncing near him, hitting him in the foot as it came to a halt.

"Hm?" Zoro said as he sat up and took the ball in his hands to examine it.

Before he could scan it over though a young voice called out towards the object in Zoro's grasp.

"Ball!"

Zoro turned to see a young toddler coming towards him with outstretched arms. He had raven-black hair, and his face was full of freckles. Zoro let out a groan, not realizing there be a human suckling around.

"B-Ball!" the child almost cried as he stood next to Zoro, still reaching out towards the object like it would leap into his embrace any moment.

The boy was about to cry from the toy's absence, but Zoro sighed out and shoved the ball back into the little one's embrace. The shove was a little rough, thus making the child fall back on his bottom with a quick 'uh!'.

"Yay!" the boy squealed as he held up his prized possession and giggled as he let it bounce to the floor and back to his arms.

"Hrrrmmm, little brat," Zoro let out a groan as he watched the child play clumsily with the ball—the little boy didn't even have the decency to get up and play where he once was.

Zoro rolled his eyes as the young boy bounced the ball that would often escape his grasp and roll back over to annoy the older child and Demon. Zoro tried to tolerate him, but it was just so hard. He had been an only child and so never had to deal with other little brats such as these. When he was younger, and his father still be alive, he had wished for siblings, but now . . . he was glad that never came to be.

"Play?" the boy suddenly said with a wide grin as he looked at the green-haired Demon child.

"Eeerrrmm!" Zoro let out a groan as his gaze turned back towards the child.

Zoro stuck his nose in the air and turned from the child. He heard the child chirp sadly, but that was all. What he hadn't noticed was the child getting back up on stubby legs to come over to him and pull at his hair.

"Oi!" Zoro groaned as he turned towards the boy with a very frustrated look. "My hair isn't grass!"

As the little boy giggled at Zoro's remark though Zoro's eyes caught attention of his least favorite person—Dragon. He groaned inwardly as he watched the man walk swiftly towards him and quickly take the child up in his arms.

"Get away from my son!" Dragon gave off a snarl as he held the child close to him.

Zoro blinked a few times at the toddler and then at the Priest . . . that was his son? Ace, as Kiyoko called him. How was he supposed to know?! And it's not like he was going to hurt him anyways! It was technically the other way around according to his stinging hair roots.

"Ace what did I tell you about going near him?!" Dragon scolded his youngling, sticking his finger on the boy's freckled nose.

"Gomen Outo-san," the little boy, Ace, spoke up as best he could. "But—ball."

Dragon glanced down at the ball close to Zoro's feet. He looked at it for a moment before turning his gaze back towards the Demon. Soon he turned, neglecting the ball as he said to his young son—

"I'll get you a new ball alright Ace?"

Ace didn't seem too thrilled about that though. He let out a whine as he reached over his father's shoulders towards his abandoned toy. Soon the two vanished back inside across the courtyard's other exit.

Zoro hadn't noticed it but his bottom lip had somewhat quivered. He looked down trying to hide his emotions as he kicked the ball away from him and buried his face in his knees. It wasn't like he cared or anything about the stupid Priest, but . . . for some strange reason . . . being treated as if you were some sort of a disease . . . tore him apart.

"What's wrong with me huh?" Zoro said to himself, feeling a strange sting in his eyes as he held his legs close to himself, continuing to rub his face against his knees.

He gave off a couple sniffs before someone had heard his silent cries.

"What's wrong dear child?" the feminine voice asked him.

"Huh?" Zoro looked up to see a concerned Priestess Kiyoko and instantly his face became a scowl as he turned his face away from her. "It's nothing!"

"Don't lie to me," she scolded softly, her voice dripping with concern as she came to sit next to him, attempting to comfort him in whatever he needed like a mother would. "Now . . . what is it?"

Zoro was silent for a moment before his other emotions dominated his anger. He felt his bottom lip begin to quiver again and so decided to stop it by biting it. That sting in his eyes also returned.

"What am I . . . some sort of a disease?!" Zoro asked rather harshly, still refusing to look at the strangely concerned Priestess.

"What kind of a question is that?" Kiyoko asked with a giggle.

"That fool Priest treats me like one!" Zoro let out a growl, his hands clenching the clothing over his legs tightly. "He even won't let his stupid son come near me! . . .or even take back his toy that has touched me!"

Kiyoko noticed the ball Zoro had kicked away. She knew it was one of Ace's favorite toys he always played with. She let out a sad sigh knowing this would happen.

"Oh Zoro," she said with a sad sigh as she pulled him into a hug, comforting like a mother. "I'm sorry you feel that way."

"Let me go!" Zoro snapped as he pushed himself out of her arms, the look on his face was that of anger towards her. "You think of me the same as well!"

"I never said that!" she snapped back. "If I did then why am I trying to reach out to you?"

Zoro bit his lip and turned away. He didn't know, he really didn't. She was still a strange human to him. She knew who he was, and her kind swore nothing more than to see him dead, but why . . . why was she like this to him?!

"I don't know!" Zoro cried as he turned from her, afraid to let her see his emotional face. "But you'll change! They all do!"

"Sorry little one, but I never change," she said with a smile as she patted him gently on the back.

Kiyoko let out a long sigh as she looked at the little Demon with a serious, yet sad expression.

"Zoro . . . you need to understand why Dragon is like that towards you," Kiyoko said, getting the little one's attention. "A long, long time ago he was once a powerful Priest."

"Once?" Zoro almost scoffed, but refrained from doing so.

"Hai," Kiyoko said with a soft smile. "Did you notice that mark on his face?"

"Yeah," Zoro replied with a nod.

"That's a Demon Brand," Kiyoko said softly. "They seal off our Priestly powers known as Haki, but he managed to only get sealed partially—luckily, but that Demon Brand . . . is also his curse."

"Curse?" Zoro asked with a confused blink and tilt of his head.

"Yes," Kiyoko said with a sad smile and small nod. "The Demon he fought was very strong."

"As strong as my father?!" Zoro asked with wide eyes, wondering if there was a Demon as strong.

"Uh . . . y-yes, strong like him," Kiyoko said with a sigh. "But he was so strong he placed a curse on Dragon, the one who defeated him. That curse resulted in the death of his previous wife."

"Oh," Zoro said with an understanding nod. "So he hates me because of that Demon?"

"Hai," Kiyoko said with a nod.

"Why?" Zoro asked with a shrug. "It's not like I have anything to do with that old Demon."

"Perhaps it's because he hates all Demons now?" Kiyoko suggested, trying to lead the boy away from the mentioned Demon and let him believe the normal hatred of a Priest.

"Must be," Zoro muttered as he leaned his chin on his knees.

"So please take it easy on him Zoro," Kiyoko said as she rubbed the boy's back affectionately. "It took me a while to get him in a better mood as it was when he first came here with newly born Ace."

"Hmph! You call that a better mood?" Zoro scoffed as he raised his head.

"Hm, hm, you're right," Kiyoko giggled, soon letting Zoro join in.

Kiyoko sighed inwardly. At least she was getting somewhere with the Demon boy. Yes she had wanted him to come to enjoy his time with the humans. She wanted him to have a high tolerance of them for she knew a time would come when he would meet her soon-to-be-born son. She knew they'd become great friends and at this she smiled, but at another thing she couldn't help but frown for in the end . . . it wouldn't turn out so . . . happily-ever-after.

As the months rolled Kiyoko was pleased to see Zoro freely roaming the temple with the other servants, perhaps even striking up a surprising conversation with them. She smiled at that, but one look at her love and it was instant frowns. From the start Dragon had not liken the idea of bringing the Demon King there—to their home and sacred temple.

Kiyoko could care less. Demon royalty or not he needed to be here. She had foreseen it and she would always let destiny take hold—even though sometimes . . . destiny could be heartless.

"That Demon brat should not be here Kiyoko!" Dragon protested. "I may not be gifted with foresight like you are, but I still disagree with you visions."

"Don't do that Dragon," Kiyoko said as she shook her head. "I have warned you once before to never try and alter the future."

"But Kiyoko if he perishes here and now! . . . if his line is vanquished then . . . then maybe I could save you," Dragon's face softened as he talked about this matter with his love.

"No!" Kiyoko said shaking her head. "Just stop!"

"Don't you want to live?" Dragon asked, wishing she wouldn't give up so easily.

"Of course I want to live!" Kiyoko's voice seemed to almost tremble as she admitted that she was human and wished for life. "But . . . I am not meant to."

At that the Priestess treaded away from the Priest. Dragon let out a long heavy sigh. He rubbed his eyes with his fingers and looked towards the young Demon who had taken up residence in their temple like some normal human. Upon just looking at him his face hardened to where he couldn't stand the sight of him and so left to check on his young son.

Zoro had noticed that little argument between Dragon and Kiyoko. He couldn't understand what they were talking about before her voice became louder and she spoke about wanting to live. He didn't know what she meant by that and frankly could care less on what it meant.

Zoro just reminded himself to ask later. He went on his way, strangely enjoying his living arrangements as of now. He hadn't known when it happened, but he believed that after he realized he was accepted by the Priestess he had become . . . happier.

Zoro would often spend as much time with the woman as possible. He enjoyed her company like none other. He had never really felt this way with anyone before. Not Kuina, not his mother, not his maidservants, no one.

It was strange to Zoro how he had come to adore this Priestess like none other. Especially when she could cause his death if need be. They were sworn enemies and yet here he was . . . Demon King with a sacred Priestess.

Soon Zoro had begun to develop attachments to her, feelings. Like when she would be with some clients for a while it would hurt because he couldn't be around her all the time. That ache would well up in his chest and for the life of him he couldn't understand what it was. He was still so young and most Demons would refuse to feel the feelings of humans—like he was supposed to know what he felt.

Still though . . . he had began to start to understand, if but a little. He had began to notice the Priestess in a different light. So different it was so unDemon-like it was strange. Like always wanting to be around her, noticing how beautiful she was, loving the attention she gave him.

He liked her; he did, but how much? Well he would often blush whenever she insisted on bathing him 'for practice for her unborn son'. As he said before, he did like the attention she gave him, though he tried not to show it—like when she'd hug him, or pinched his cheek, or held his hand . . . that gesture their was so motherly he loved it . . . his own mother was anything but motherly for him and so he knew he had come to believe Kiyoko was the mother he had always wanted, but was that all?

He would never understand feelings to their fullest, so he told himself. So there was no reason not to ask the one who had caused him such conflicted feelings right?

"Kiyoko-san?" Zoro asked one day as he laid in her lap while she combed her fingers through his green hair.

"Hm, what is it Zoro?" she asked as she opened her relaxed eyes to look down at the boy.

"What is love?" he asked with a blink, causing a warm smile to come from the Priestess.

"Why do you ask?" she asked with a giggle.

"Just am," he said with a roll of his shoulders.

"Well," she said as she closed her eyes once more and continued her ministrations. "It's a human feeling, if that's what you're asking. Very few Demons come across a feeling as such."

"I know it's human, but what is it?" he asked once more.

"It's a stronger feeling of care if you get my meaning," she said as she opened her eyes to peer down at the curious boy. "There are different types of love. One is brotherly love where you love a sibling or a close friend, and then there is paternal love where you love, say, a younger child no matter what he or she does, and then there is romantic love where you wish to be with that person forever in, say, marriage."

"I see," he said with a firm nod, trying to get his thoughts together. "Then I love you Kiyoko-san!"

"Really?" she asked with a sweet smile. "How so?"

"Hmmm," he said, in thought once more, before smiling widely. "Romantic!"

"Romantic? Really?" Kiyoko asked with a slight giggle at the young boy who seemed so sure.

"Uh-huh!" He said proudly. "Want to marry me?"

"Oh, sorry, I'm already taken," Kiyoko said, looking as if she were pouting.

"That's alright!" Zoro said as he jumped to his feet like some little warrior. "I will fight for you! I've heard of Demons doing this before, so why not!"

"But aren't I too old for you little Zoro-kun?" she asked with a giggle as she grabbed the boy and pulled him to against her.

"Hm? No," Zoro said. "My father married someone far older than him, so why not me?"

"Hm, hm, you're cute, you know that?" Kiyoko said with a giggle as she patted Zoro on his nose with her index finger.

"Er! I'm not cute I'm serious!" Zoro warned as he shook his head and escaped the Priestess' grasp.

"Hhh, gomen Zoro, but you can't have me," Kiyoko said with a somewhat sad sigh as she rested her cheek against the palm of her hand and shook her head. "I won't be around for so long."

"Huh?" Zoro asked, confused as to what she meant by that. "What do you mean"

"Shh, Zoro-kun," she said soothingly as she took him again and laid his head on her lap in a relaxing manner. "Let's just . . . be silent."

Ever since Kiyoko had said that Zoro felt uneasy. He didn't know what she meant, but still he knew it wasn't a good thing. Something in her voice seemed sad and he couldn't help but think back on what she had argued with Dragon earlier, something about wanting to live. It couldn't possibly mean . . .

The later months Zoro now watched Kiyoko more closely. Because of this though he noticed that along her pregnancy she seemed . . . to be withering. He didn't want to admit it at first, but he could see her very energy, her life—depleting. She was dying, but how, and why?

Dragon had noticed the boy eyeing Kiyoko like so and he knew why. He could tell the Demon was concerned for her, why? He was surprised that he even cared, but it seemed after living with them for some months he had grown closest to Kiyoko. It seemed he could sense her life withering away.

He wondered how the boy would take it once she had . . . died. The time was coming up soon for her to do so. Dragon had prepared himself for this . . . something he couldn't do for his first wife Rouge.

With a sigh to himself Dragon closed his eyes to only open them and tread over to where the boy be, watching Kiyoko pick out clothing for her new little one on the way who would be arriving in the world soon.

"So you've began to notice too huh?" Dragon surprised the boy by coming and speaking to him.

"Huh?" Zoro said as he turned to surprisingly look at his most 'favorite' person. "Notice what?"

"That's she's dying," Dragon stated simply, his eyes leaving the boy and towards the Priestess.

"D-Dying?!" Zoro asked, he had known it, but didn't want to admit it.

"You've seen it for a long time haven't you?" Dragon said, his tone level and calm as he spoke to the hated Demon.

Zoro bit back his thoughts about wanting to deny anything. He clenched his fists as he nodded solemnly and replied—

"Hai—I have, Dragon-sama."

Dragon was a little surprised when the boy addressed him as such. He supposed it was Kiyoko's influence though. She was getting through to him like she said she would, but still—what will happen to him after Dragon informs him as to why she was dying.

"She's dying because of you . . . Asura," Dragon informed, making the boy freeze, his eyes only moving to widen.

Zoro turned to look at the Priest with confused and disbelieving eyes. Dragon took no glance towards him as he continued.

"It is because of your line . . . and this curse," at that Dragon pointed towards the brand on his face.

"W-What did I—?" Zoro started, his voice trembling, afraid of the truth, but Dragon cut him off.

"I was the one who killed your father—Asura XII," Dragon informed the young lad.

Zoro let out a gasp, remembering the story Kiyoko had told him about Dragon fighting a Demon as strong as his own father—when indeed it was his father.

"My father Monkey D. Garp had engaged him in a fight at first, but that baka can't use his Priestly powers to save his life," at that Dragon let out a small smirk—it was the closest thing to a smile Zoro was ever going to see on this man. "He was losing and when I came that da--ed Demon King was about ready to kill him off."

"I heard he was killed by a D." Zoro said as he glanced down, clenching his fits. "So it was you."

"Hai," Dragon said, ever keeping his gaze on Kiyoko. "Our fight was long and worthy of being remembered. Your father fought hard and long, but I had already mastered my sacred powers and so overthrew him. He was a wicked Demon and ruler. It was a good thing I took him down. He was supposed to be the last of the Asura's, but da-- it he told me he had an heir. Before his death he managed to partially lock away my powers with this Demon Brand and place a curse upon me . . . that curse was for me to lose any lover of mine upon child birth."

"So that's what . . . happened to . . . Ace's . . ." Zoro couldn't finish his sentence, he hadn't known his father for that long to know if he be wicked or not, but Dragon spoke truth in his words.

"Mother . . . my deceased wife," Dragon said with a heavy sigh as he closed his eyes in remembrance of her, then opening them and lifting his gaze once more. "Portgas D. Rouge—she died upon giving birth to Ace . . . just like the curse said would happen and now . . ."

Both looked towards Kiyoko as she grinned at the fabric she was shown. They watched as she rubbed her swollen belly, signifying she was close to the due day.

"It's going to happen to . . . Kiyoko-san," Zoro said, his voice somewhat trembling at her doom that lay ahead.

"I'm afraid so," Dragon said as he closed his eyes.

"She wouldn't have to die if . . . if she wasn't with child right?" Zoro asked as he looked up at Dragon.

"Hai, that is true," Dragon informed. "I hadn't wanted another child for the sake of her life, but . . . there he is . . . ready to be birthed and help the curse succeed."

"What if she miscarried?" Zoro asked, looking quite desperate to keep the woman alive at any cost. "Will she live?!"

Dragon turned from the boy and decided to leave the conversation at that. With a sigh he left the boy with one last word—

"Hai, she will."

Zoro turned back towards the Priestess. He bit his lip and wondered what he should do to save her life. All that needed to happen was for her to be rid of the child. Then she would live.

Dragon, even though it be his own child she carried, didn't seem to be against this idea. He already had a son as it was anyways, so what was wrong with losing one? Zoro had spoken with the servants about this matter and indeed they all wished she could live, at any cost—even at the child's own life.

Zoro decided to poison the Priestess, not enough to kill her, but her child. He had the servants prepare the food for her and once she ate it the child would die and save her life. This seemed to be the only way to save her . . . the only way.

So that diner when Kiyoko was given her meal Zoro sat next to her and waited. Dragon was off on a mission so had no idea about this, but he probably knew what the little Demon was plotting anyways. Zoro watched as the Priestess drink and then prepared herself for her poisoned meal. Before her first bite though Zoro stopped her, out of guilt.

"Matte!" he stopped her from taking the bite.

"Hm, what is it Zoro-kun?" she asked.

She looked at the boy who's head was bowed and overshadowed. He was trembling with some sort of emotion and when he looked back at the Priestess, Kiyoko was surprised to see tears welling up in the young Demon's emerald gaze.

"Gomenasai Kiyoko-san!" he cried. "Please forgive me!"

"Forgive you for what?" Kiyoko giggled slightly, not understanding why the little one was so upset.

"I . . . I," started Zoro, bowing his head in shame once more. "I don't want you to die!"

Kiyoko remained silent at this. Somehow, the boy had realized her doom.

"I know you'll die when you give birth so—so I wanted to poison you so you could lose your child!" Zoro cried.

"Why would you do that?" Kiyoko asked, looking somewhat calm about this whole matter.

"Because!" Zoro cried, biting his bottom lip, afraid to meet her gaze. "I love you."

"If you love me Zoro-kun, then you'll love the things I love," she said. "And I love this child of mine more than anything. I would not want anyone to harm him—he is not supposed to die this way."

"Gomenasai!" Zoro cried as the woman took him in her arms.

"It's alright Zoro," she said, comforting him. "I forgive you, I'll always forgive you."

After that Zoro didn't know what to do to save her. He thought he could deal with the loss of her child, but even he couldn't see that through. He didn't know why, he didn't know why he had been so weak over some unborn child.

He was weak now, and that was something that wasn't good for him or his kind. No, he was Asura as he had numerously told himself! He could never be weak . . . but around her . . . it seemed like his nature.

The eighth month rolled in and now he and Dragon watched as Kiyoko's strength nearly perished. She now had to be bedridden; she was far too weak to even walk anymore. Still though, even in her weakened state she wanted to be near Zoro and he her.

She would smile as he told her what the weather was like outside or how he watched a bird chase a squirrel that day around a tree. She enjoyed just hearing the boy speak in such a pleasant and happy tone. She was sad though that it was going to be her to ruin that smiling face.

"I wish you could be outside enjoying the weather with me Kiyoko-san," Zoro said with a small smile as he sat next to her bedside. "It'd be better than me being by myself."

"Gomen Zoro," she said with a weak smile as she reached her hand upward to touch the side of Zoro's face. "But you see . . . I can't walk very good at the moment, perhaps later—alright?"

Zoro hated it when Kiyoko would lie to him and herself. Every time she did it he felt someone stab his heart. It was like something was ripping his very soul and he hated it—he hated that feeling so very much.

"Al—Alright," Zoro said, forcing out a fake smile and wishing her to get well—knowing it only be lies.

Seeing her this close to her doom pained him to no end. He would do anything to let her live—to save her life, but he didn't know what to do. He tried to think of the curse and how it could be broken—if it ever could. He couldn't tell and so he had no choice but to go to Dragon.

"Is there any other way I can save her?" Zoro asked, not liking to go to this man, but having no choice.

"I'm sorry . . . but I think even this curse you can't break," Dragon said as he finished drinking his sake.

"But I'm Asura!" spat Zoro. "There has to be something! I may be young, but I have 13 generations of Asura's running through my veins. I have to be able to do something!"

Dragon remained silent though. Zoro bit his lip in frustration wishing there was a way. He wondered then . . . he wondered if maybe . . . if maybe he was away from her then perhaps . . . perhaps she could live—perhaps if his line were to . . . to end—NO! Then that would mean the end of his kind and he couldn't do such a thing!

But Kiyoko . . . that human Priestess—she's—she's been like the mother he never had, the friend he had always wanted, the person who taught him to love. She's done so much for him, accepted him for who he was and not shunned him—he owed her his life and so that is what he'd give.

"Take me," he mumbled so quietly Dragon barely caught him.

"What was that Demon?" Dragon asked, turning his attention towards to young Demon King.

"Take my life to save hers," Zoro said as he looked at Dragon who honestly looked surprised.

"Do you know what you're saying?" Dragon asked.

"I do," Zoro said as he clenched his fists tightly and closed his eyes, trying to block out any second thoughts. "If—If I die it will be the end of my kind and that means . . . everything Demon will disappear—even curses."

"That's right," Dragon said, eyeing the boy suspiciously.

"Then do it," Zoro said as he lifted his head and opened his eyes to reveal the tears being held back by shear will. "But—But please don't tell Kiyoko . . . I don't know if I can do it if she pleads for me not to."

"Alright," Dragon said, ignoring on how Kiyoko had said he was to die.

Dragon got up and came to the boy. He passed by him only saying—

"Get ready then, I'm taking you to the Royal Army—It is not my place to kill you so I shall let them."

"H-Hai," Zoro said with a strained nod.

So that day Zoro readied himself to travel with Dragon towards the Royal Army Headquarters. He wished he could bid Kiyoko goodbye one last time, but alas he knew that would be a mistake. Still—he wished he could have held her once more before he was nothing but a memory.

Once he was ready he met Dragon outside to leave, but still—he had forgotten to say goodbye. Kiyoko had lain in her bed knowing that Zoro had usually visited her around that time. He had always been precise so there was no reason for him not to be.

"Zoro," she whispered as she struggled to sit up and look out her window towards the courtyard—no one was there.

She suddenly had this strange feeling. She felt something was wrong—something concerning the young Demon King. She was so attached to the little one she knew he was aching, and sad, and scared—she had to see him, to comfort him, and find out what was the matter.

Against her own body she got up and moved. She got up and walked outside, knowing Zoro lay this way. She struggled to make it in time, but she knew she had to. Zoro was leaving and it was probably because of her.

"Matte!" she cried seeing the two heading out, it was Dragon and Zoro. "Matte Dragon! Matte Zoro!"

Both halted and turned to see the Priestess out of bed, holding onto the walls for support.

"Kiyoko!" Dragon gasped seeing her about ready to collapse. "Go back inside! You should not be out of bed!"

"Where are you going!" she demanded, not caring what Dragon had to say to her.

Dragon regained his poster and motioned towards Zoro who had his eyes cast down so not to look at the beloved Priestess.

"I'm taking him to the Royal Army."

"But why?!" Kiyoko demanded to know. "They'll kill him if they find out who he is!"

"It's what he wants Kiyoko!" Dragon said, raising his tone to silence the woman.

"W-What?" Kiyoko gasped, her voice trembling as she gazed at the young lad who still kept his gaze away from her. "Z-Zoro is this true?"

"I—I want to save you," Zoro finally spoke up. "If—If I give my life then anything Demon will vanish, including that curse. You've done so much for me I want to thank-you, and this is how I'll do it."

"But Zoro," Kiyoko said, tears streaming down her eyes as she covered her mouth from the whimpers that were escaping.

"I know—I know you want to be a mother so bad, and I want you to become one," he said with a sad smile trying to make her see he was doing this for her.

"I'LL NEVER BE A MOTHER ZORO!!!" she cried, surprising the boy by her sudden outburst. "I'm never going to hold him! I'm never going to see his first steps or hear his first words!! NEVER!! I want to! I really do! And . . . and just when I start feeling like a mother . . . my boy's going to leave me!!"

Zoro stiffened at the Priestess' words. So she felt the same way. To him, she was the mother he had always wanted and to her . . . he was the son she always wanted and knew never could have. That aching feeling was creeping up once more and this time it was unbearable.

"Please!" Kiyoko cried, feeling the strength in her legs quickly leaving her. "You're not supposed to die like this! Please don't go!"

"I have to!" Zoro cried, raising his tone to sound like he was shouting than crying. "It's the only way!"

"Pleahease!" Kiyoko cried as she let go of the wall and fell to her knees on the dirt. "Please just stay here one more day and let me feel like the mother I'll never be! Please, oh please my son! My boy!"

Dragon looked down at the boy and saw him trembling. He was conflicted. He knew he needed to leave as soon as possible, but still he wanted to stay . . . with his mother—if just for one more day.

Zoro bit his lip to where it bled, he tried his hardest to not let the tears fall but they did and so he ran—he ran into her arms once more.

"Oka-san!" he cried as he ran back into her bosom where she held him close with all her strength.

Kiyoko cried and held the boy close. She hated it that he thought he had no other choice but to let himself, and his race, die to save just one human Priestess' life—she meant nothing really. She was just one life, plus her son would live so the world, as it took one life away, shall be gaining another. There was nothing wrong with her giving her life up for that child.

But no . . . this little one in her arms on which she had wished she had given birth to herself was wanting to throw away everything. He had yet to live and he was willing to forfeit everything. Oh what a poor, poor child.

And so Zoro stayed. He stayed one more day with his mother and they were happy. He with his mother and she with her son. She made sure that day lasted as long as possible, bedridden or not she went out in the courtyard with her boy to enjoy the weather and hold his hand close, just like a mother would.

They parted with smiles, though deep down inside they were aching to be held by the other once more. Kiyoko let go of her child and watched as Dragon took him away to his willing doom. Once he was gone she cried, she cried for days until she couldn't cry anymore . . . her little boy was gone doing something someone who lived their life to the fullest should do.

Dragon and Zoro reached their destination and upon Dragon explaining who Zoro was, the young Demon King was put in prison and awaited his public execution so the whole land could see the last of the Asura's vanish, and all their Demon problems die with him.

Dragon had returned to the Temple, awaiting the birth of his second son, Kiyoko's first. Zoro awaited as well, he awaited his death more knowing the sooner he died the more likely Kiyoko would live, but something happened that changed everything.

His execution date was moved.

Kiyoko had given birth two weeks before Zoro was to be executed . . . it was too late. Though, as she lay dying Kiyoko made Dragon swear to let Zoro see her long awaited child . . . and his brother.

Zoro remained in his heavily guarded cell wondering if Kiyoko was doing well. He had hoped she hadn't given birth yet. He wondered . . . if she had passed on.

Zoro clenched the fabric on his legs tightly, praying to anything that might hear a Demon's prayers that she still be okay—that she'll get to raise her youngling . . . whoever he may grow up to be. While thinking this though a cloaked figure approached him. Zoro recognized that dark green cloak—it was Dragon.

Zoro looked up, afraid of his visit there. He was afraid this meant that she . . . that Kiyoko was . . .

With a straight, solemn face Dragon said only two words—

"She's dead."

Something inside Zoro severed—like some string had been cut with a knife. Without even realizing it, waterfalls were falling rapidly down his tanned cheeks. His whole body was so numb; he didn't know what to do. Without warning his head tilted upward and he let out a wail that was horrible to any human ear . . . Dragon never would have thought he'd see the great Asura crying like he actually had feelings.

Through Zoro's wails though Dragon lifted his cloak to revel a suckling with raven-black spikes, rosy cheeks, sleeping tenderly in the white silk he was wrapped in. Zoro managed to see through his blurred eyes the child that Kiyoko had given her life for—the one she had always wanted.

Zoro's wails silenced upon seeing him. Just looking at him Zoro could hear Kiyoko standing right next to him, just smiling as she said—

Can you see him? Your brother?

He was perfect. In a way any other human babe could not be. He was Kiyoko's and then—forever perfect.

"Eh heh," Zoro cried, wiping at his nonstopping tears. "H-He's perfect ah ha!"

Dragon softly looked down at his child. Even he was like Zoro in a way. Even he—was still mourning for his lost wife—his second, and last he'd ever have. He wanted no other to go through what she and Rouge had to—not again—not again.

"Thank-you . . . for letting me see him," Zoro continued to cry.

"It was her last wish," Dragon said as he wrapped his child in his cloak once more and turned to leave Zoro to whatever doom Kami have for him.

It was out of his hands now . . . and into destiny's.

END FLASHBACK

Zoro smiled once again upon watching Luffy splash water at an aggravated Sanji who wished to be left alone to his peeping. The boy was so much like his mother . . . and in so many ways it was heartbreaking . . . Monkey D. Luffy . . . son of Priestess Kiyoko . . . and his brother.

"Hm?" Chopper said as he looked up, noticing the trees suddenly bending in a violent breeze. "What is that?"

"What's what Chopper?" Usopp asked as he came up next to the boy.

"Wait," Zoro said as he stood up and felt the sudden breeze. "That's a—"

But before he could finish a violent wind came up and crashed down upon the springs. Knocking everyone away and up. Luffy had fallen against Zoro who in turn fell against Sanji, the three of them getting blown out into another part of the forest. Usopp managed to hold on for a little while before he ended up flying away as well. The girls held onto close another as they flew off.

Once the quick violent wind was gone, only one was left standing. Chopper shook off the daze and looked around—everyone seemed to be gone . . . he was all alone.

"Guys?" he asked looking around, suddenly feeling lost and afraid without them. "EVERYONE?!?!!"

Hot Shot's girl: Sorry! Left ya at a cliffhanger :D But sheesh, it's almost 5 in the mornin' and I'm getting tired! Well I hope you guys enjoyed the chp :) If you guys are wonderin' what Zoro's dad looks like just look up the One Piece character Ryuuma (When he's NOT a mummy) That's pretty much what he looks like, lol. Me and my sisters like to joke around saying it's his 'grandpa' lol. Well until next chp bye ;D