Chapter 13: Broken
((Author's Note: That awkward moment when you realize that you've been insanely behind when it comes to updating chapters... Haha well I promise I've been trying at least! Thanks for all the support and for sticking by the story! Anyways, I finally wrote the new one! I hope you like it!)) ((Warning: There is violence and gore))
As Nami instructed, Sanji collected every crew member telling them that they had more information on Zoro's situation. They all gathered in the infirmary around Luffy's bed without question or hesitation waiting in suspense for Sanji to tell them what was so important. Once everybody was in the room, the cook took a step forward and cleared his throat for everybody's attention. "We got Zoro... To tell us what happened in his past." He stated a bit dryly trying to stop his voice from shaking as he was about to tell the sad story to the rest of the crew, a story he knew somebody wouldn't want others to know.
"It... Might hold the key to saving him." Sanji stated as the entire crew perked up, now paying extra attention after what he said. With that statement, the cook explained everything that happened from start to finish. Sanji couldn't keep his promise to Zoro. Every piece of information that the swordsman told him was important and he had to tell everybody everything.
Nami didn't say a word knowing that Sanji didn't keep his promise only due to the fact that every fact was too important. Because of that she only stood quietly in the corner of the room until he was finished, silently regretting that she knew the promise he made.
When silence took over the infirmary a despair written, utterly shocked face was edged on every Straw Hat's expression. "N-no way..." Usopp stuttered in disbelief at what he heard. Zoro had really killed his best friend in the past... The sniper couldn't imagine how that would feel and knew that he wouldn't want anybody to know about it either.
"So he survived this long because Zoro's sensei performed an exorcism... And now the demon has become strong enough to break the weakened seal?" Robin asked thoughtfully as she lightly brought her hand up to her chin. Sanji nodded slightly wondering how that would be relevant to helping Zoro.
"If that's the case... Then why don't we just perform that same exorcism?" Robin questioned folding her arms across her chest as she glanced around at the other Straw Hats around the room for approval of her idea.
"Do the exorcism!? Don't you need to be a highly skilled exorcist for that?" The Usopp asked in disbelief that regular people could actually pull something like that off.
Robin closed her eyes gently pondering what her crew member said before finally reaching her decision. "That may be the case. However, it is worth a try." The archeologist said opening her eyes again with a small smile on her face.
"Sanji, I will need you to give me every detail Zoro told you about the pentagram and exactly how Koshiro sealed the demon away." Robin ordered him kindly planning on using that, along with the information in the book to do it.
"Of course, Robin-chwan!" He yelled excitedly as his legs twirled while he followed behind her. Hopefully the description he had would be enough so they wouldn't have to ask Zoro yet another question about his past. Both Nami and Sanji had trouble just listening to the sound of his voice during the story, he didn't know if they could take it again.
As ordered, he described the pentagram in as much detail as he could along with the way Koshiro performed the seal. While he was talking, Robin was looking thoughtfully at the black book that she now always kept with her and flipped through the pages.
When Sanji finished telling her everything he knew she closed the book and glanced up at everyone. "Alright... That seems simple enough. None of us are actual exorcists so the seal will be very weak. However, it will be enough to buy us the time we need." Robin explained calculating that along with the sensei's seal which had not yet faded completely, they could hold it off for a couple of days. Three maximum.
"Nami. I want you to get the eternal pose from Zoro and start navigating us towards that island. Usopp, I want you to draw the pentagram Sanji described on the ground." Robin ordered planning out everything they needed to do the seal. She needed to do it as soon as possible but knew it would take a while to set up so the archeologist made sure to stay patient.
"Franky and Brook, find as many black candles as you can along with one white candle." She finished as they all nodded and dispersed around the deck to do the job they were given. When everyone left Chopper and Sanji looked at each other with a bit of confusion and disappointment that they didn't get ordered to do anything like the others.
"What about us?" Chopper asked softly with a bit of sadness in his tone as if he got left out of some fun game. At the same time, Luffy pouted at the thought of being bed written finding that just lying there was insanely boring. Robin gave the little reindeer, Luffy and the cook a kind smile as she graciously but her hand on her hip.
"Chopper you have injured people to look after. An amazing doctor like you can't get distracted by simple tasks like these. As for you two..." She started shifting her attention to the two sour-looking injured crew mates before continuing. "You two need some rest."
Chopper blushed dancing around happily because of the comment Robin made, obviously lying that it didn't make him happy. Sanji and Luffy sighed in reluctant content at what the archeologist said knowing that arguing was useless and that it didn't seem like there were any jobs left anyways.
...
Nami walked swiftly across the grassy deck as the sun shone on her face and the wind whipped in her hair. It was such a beautiful day outside which would be better spent sunbathing or drawing maps. Despite that, Nami had stuff that she had to get done and the sooner it was done, the sooner she could sunbathe or do whatever she wanted. Nami really just wanted to get the whole matter over with.
Along with that simple thought on her mind she yanked open to door to the men's barracks where Zoro was supposed to be lying down only to be met with an unexpected collision that caused her to fall over. Nami looked carefully in front of her to see what she ran in to only to be met with the swordsman's gaze who had fallen over from the collision as well, gripping his bandaged torso that had been hit by the navigator. The captain's straw hat had fallen off of Zoro's head and was now dangling from the string around his neck.
"Z-Zoro!?" She raised her voice with a bit of surprise in her tone. The way they bumped into each other made it seem as if Zoro was right about to leave the room before they hit. Nami was surprised he could even stand up already, let alone walk around. "Why where you walking out the door?" Nami questioned almost a bit threateningly, her tone of voice telling the green haired swordsman that he'd better have a good answer.
"A walk..." Zoro responded bluntly with little care for her tone as he slowly let go of his torso when the pain numbed to a bearable level and placed the straw hat back on his head. He swayed a bit when he stood up but once he was on his feet he seemed pretty stable despite the slight look of struggle and concentration from just standing there even though he did try to hide it.
"Go lie back down." Nami ordered him standing back up quickly to block him from walking out the door and onto the deck, ready to even use force if she had to.
"I'm not gonna do anything. I've just been stuck in closed up rooms for too long." Zoro stated truthfully trying to remember the last time he was just able to relax in the sun on the comfortable deck with the sound of birds and the rustling of the grass as it blew in the wind. Just the thought of it relaxes him. It had been too long.
"How do I know you aren't going to go train or something stupid like that?" She asked forcefully, giving him a deadly glare with skeptical eyes. It wouldn't be the first time that the stupid muscle head swordsman had trained when he was injured.
"I couldn't even if I wanted to..." Zoro responded with a defeated, low tone. In the condition he was in he could barely walk, picking up one of those monstrous weights that he could usually be easy to lift would be deadly to him. Even if he tried, the swordsman knew he'd just end up embarrassing himself. "Oh... Was there something you wanted?" The swordsman asked, skillfully changing the subject. Nami had to be outside the door for some reason.
"The eternal pose your sensei gave you... I need it to navigate to that island." The navigator stated without hesitation as she held out her hand and waited for it to be dropped inside. Her eyes glimmered with determination; it was now the Straw Hat crew's time to save their swordsman.
"R-Right..." Zoro said a bit hesitantly as he shifting his gaze around nervously. There was something uneasy about the swordsman in front of her. "You guys shouldn't go on the island. I think I should go alone." The swordsman blurted out quickly, knowing that Nami wouldn't like hearing something like that but he couldn't just ignore his sensei's words either.
"I thought you were going to let us help you." The navigator muttered ready to burst with rage as she clenched the fist that wasn't waiting for the eternal pose to be dropped in it. After all that happened the idiot was still thinking about doing it on his own!?
"I know... But just listen... Only two people have ever come back from that island alive." He warned her, expecting the navigator to shake in fear or have any sort of reaction. She was part of the coward trio after all... but she did not falter... Didn't even bat an eyelash. Nami was done fearing, she was done feeling sorry for him. Nami was going to help her nakama no matter what it took.
"That's doesn't matter. We already know all the dangers of that island but we'll be stronger if we go there together." Nami explained shoving her open hand a little closer to the green haired swordsman, she wasn't going to take no for an answer.
Zoro looked into the girl's unwavering eyes for a moment before exhaling loudly. He had to admit she had a point there. His sensei might have said not to bring any nakama, but he couldn't do it without them. Anyways, he didn't know that Zoro would make such strong and reliable friends. With all the Straw Hats fighting together... Nothing could stop them.
"I understand... But..." The swordsman stuttered a bit hating to be so pessimistic, though what he was about to say was reality and she had to know that. "I don't know if I'll be able to make it to the island..."
"Don't worry about that!" Nami claimed almost proudly as if the idea that would allow her nakama to get to the island was hers. "We're gonna recreate that seal your master did!" The navigator explained with a serious tone. There was no way she was kidding. No way she was bluffing. They were really going to do it.
"W-what!?" The swordsman responded with a shocked tone of voice, unable to believe they could pull it off. "But... doing something like that when you aren't an exorcist is dangr-"
"No more buts! We're going to help you Zoro! And there's nothing you can say about it! We're gonna pull this off and get you to that island!" Nami shouted making sure to cut the swordsman off before he could try to talk her out of it as she pointed her finger at him accusingly.
A small smile took over Zoro's expression as he finally gave her one firm nod showing that he agreed with what she said. "Alright... I've kept the eternal pose in a small blue bag inside the treasure chest." He said pointing back inside the room.
"Ok." Nami responded simply stepping to the side to let Zoro out of the room. He was walking so slowly and carefully, she guessed it was the fastest the hurt swordsman could manage after being severely injured so recently. "Remember to take it easy!" She said one more time as Zoro waved her off.
When the swordsman was far enough across the deck Nami spun around and walked in to the men's barracks. She could never get use to how dirty and gross it smelled making her thankful that she didn't room with them.
Ignoring the smell, Nami made her way to the treasure chest and quietly opened it as if there was someone sleeping in the room that she didn't want to wake up even though nobody was there. She carefully rustled through all of the stuff until she came across a small blue bag right at the bottom of everything. Nami yanked it out of the chest and reached in the bag pulling out the small snow globe shaped item.
The 'island of demons' engraving on the side was a bit faded and the glass was full of dust and dirt, it really looked as old as it was. The only thing that really mattered was that it wasn't broken. Even though that fact was quite surprising since it had been crushed by all that stuff for so long.
Nami peered back into the bag seeing that there was still something inside. It seemed like it was a piece of paper. The navigator's mind raced as she tried to guess all the possibilities that the paper could be. She guessed that either Zoro forgot it was in there or he just didn't care if she saw it or not. For the sake of her own conches she went with the second possibility and quickly reached into the bag, grabbing the paper.
When Nami pulled it out she flipped it around so it was no longer upside down revealing a letter written by Zoro's sensei along with a small picture clipped on to the top right corner of the page. When she saw the letter the navigator instantly started to read the contents, saving the picture for last.
'Dear Zoro,
I know that you are not one for sappy goodbyes or touching words however, I wanted to write you this letter anyways. Knowing you, tomorrow when you leave the dojo you're just going to bow and say thank you, so I'm going to get a few words in now. Your dream is a lofty one but I believe in you with all my heart. You've always worked the hardest out of all the students and truly improved. I remember when you first walked in you didn't even know how to swing a sword properly. Anyways, all I wanted to say was you're like a son to me... Please come back to visit when you fulfil your dream. No matter what happens, don't give up hope.
-Koshiro'
Nami's eyes wandered to the top right corner of the page and her smile widened as she saw the picture. There was a small note at the bottom saying 'to keep you going' along with a picture of Kuina and Zoro together. They were both asleep underneath a tree leaning comfortably on each other. The small green haired boy's mouth was wide open with a bit of drool dripping down to his chin. Zoro looked like he was snoring loudly, something he even does now.
She then shifted her attention to the small blue haired girl in the picture. Kuina was silently smiling in her sleep, seeming like she was so comfortable and relaxed next to Zoro. It really showed how close they were to each other.
The navigator let out a small chuckle at the picture and folded the letter up the way it was before she found it slipping it back inside the bag. She then tucked the bag back into the treasure chest and closed it tightly behind her. "He kept that all this time." Nami said to herself. 'That muscle head's so adorable sometimes.' Her smile widened even further when she started to think about how much she loved the swordsman's soft side and wished that he showed it more often.
...
Once the navigator passed by the swordsman and shut the door behind her Zoro continued to make his way forwards. Everyone around him seemed to be busy as they all scattered around the deck trying to prepare everything Robin told them to. Zoro wasn't sure what he would do now since he was out of the room. He couldn't nap... Couldn't train... Couldn't drink sake... What was left?
The swordsman sighed as if the lack of things to do defeated him. Zoro knew that he went outside of the barracks in the first place to get some fresh air but some company and a change of scenery was good enough at that point. He slowly dragged his feet to the infirmary pausing in front of the door for a moment as if he was almost nervous to go inside. Zoro tilted the straw hat out of his eyes as he told himself that he was ridiculous and reached for the door, yanking it open.
Three different set of eyes met his as he saw the small reindeer, the pervert and his captain all looking at the direction of the door. The room fell silent as all of them questioned why the swordsman looked as if he felt so out of place when walking into the infirmary. Zoro was acting like he walked into a club he wasn't a part of.
The swordsman shoved his hands in his pockets as he leisurely made his way to Luffy's bedside. "You shouldn't be walking around so soon!" Chopper said worryingly and broke the silence which filled the room beforehand. Zoro gave the small reindeer a warm smile pulling up a chair that was beside the bed and sitting down carefully on it.
"Don't worry doctor. I won't be." The swordsman ensured the small reindeer softly. His smile grew a bit as he saw his nakama blush at being called a doctor. When Chopper finally stopped dancing around Zoro crossed his arms and leaned back comfortably on the chair as if he was waiting for something to happen.
"Zoro! Did ya hear the news!?" Luffy asked happily as his grin sprawled from ear to ear. Even if he tried, the swordsman could never get his smile to be that big and carefree. "We're gonna seal your demon and then kick its ass!" The captain said with a lighthearted chuckle.
"Mhmm. Nami told me." Zoro grinned at his captain with a quiet chuckle. The three of them thought it was a bit strange for the swordsman to be smiling and speaking so warmly but none of them wanted to ask. Well... At least most of them didn't want to ask.
"So what got you in such a good mood?" Sanji questioned raising his eyebrow at the swordsman. It was too weird for him. If anyone saw the swordsman acting that happy when there wasn't even any sake around, they would think something was wrong.
"Nothing really..." Zoro claimed as he softly brought his gaze down to the ground now staring at a spot that was suddenly interesting. He couldn't explain it himself. And anything Zoro was thinking he for sure wouldn't say it out loud. Especially not to the cook.
Despite that. The swordsman was... Happy? Relieved? Maybe a mix. He wasn't alone anymore. There was no way to thank his nakama enough for doing everything they could for him. Of course he was worried about their wellbeing. But the only thing they were worried about was his wellbeing. He had lost control so many times that he's lost count. However everyone was still alive and doing everything in their power to help. Didn't even think of abandoning him for a moment. That... He couldn't thank them enough for.
"If you're acting that way to thank us or something then cut it out... It's freaking creepy." The cook said bluntly causing Zoro to scowl at him. When he got that threatening look, Sanji smiled widely and nodded. "That's better marimo!"
The swordsman widened his eyes for a moment and blushed slightly at the cook's embarrassing comment. How did he get it so damn fast? Maybe he was getting that weird ability Luffy had to read his mind... The swordsman's embarrassment clouded his thoughts as Zoro whipped his head away so Sanji wouldn't see, the corners of his mouth rising ever so slightly.
After that, the four of them talked for a few hours until the sun set and night came. It became late and one by one they all went to bed. Chopper going first then Sanji until Zoro and Luffy were alone.
Finally, his captain's eyes started to get heavy as he fell asleep with Zoro next to him. The swordsman carefully got up from his chair and quietly took a couple steps towards the sleeping raven haired boy. Zoro slowly reached up to his head and grabbed the Straw Hat which he still had on. The swordsman then gently placed it on his captain's head smiling slightly at Luffy who was snoring quietly. "Thanks captain, but this hat suits you a lot more." Zoro whispered quietly as he shut off the lights in the infirmary and walked out the door.
Zoro strolled slowly away from the infirmary now pretty balanced on his feet. He wasn't swaying anymore and he was even able to pick up the pace a bit as he headed over to the railing of the ship. The swordsman let out a long, slow breath of air as he leaned on the railing and looked down at the ocean. He could see the moon's reflection in the water along with the stars surrounding it as the sound of gentle waves hitting the side of the deck filled the night sky.
"Having trouble sleeping?" A quiet, kind voice took over the sound of the waves as long strands of raven coloured hair made its way in Zoro peripheral vision. He turned his head calmly to see Robin smiling at him with a coffee in one of her hands that Sanji must have made her before going to bed.
"I guess." Zoro responded with a mutter. There was no reason to tell her that he can't sleep since his demon would be sealed after just one more sleepless night. He tried to perk up and open his eyes more so he didn't look so tired in front of the archeologist as silence fell on the both of them. The sound of waves taking over their senses once again. The silence wasn't awkward or heavy either. They were just simply enjoying each other's company.
After a while, Robin lifted the black book in her hands and flipped through until she found the chapter about sealing. The raven haired girl started scanning the pages until the swordsman next to her spoke up out of curiosity. "So that's the book you've been using?" He asked scanning the front cover with almost accusing eyes. 'Shadows...' Zoro thought to himself while reading the title.
Robin nodded softly and shut the book handing it to the swordsman with a smile. Zoro hesitantly took it from her and opened the pages. Everything was there. How he's losing control, the symptoms, the stages and even how to seal it.
When the green haired swordsman finished scanning through the titles of the book he flipped to the inside of the back cover. When he did Zoro's eyes shot open wide as his mouth dropped at the author's name. "Sen...sei..." He said slowly in disbelief as Zoro gripped the book tighter.
"Oh my." Robin said peeking over the green haired swordsman's shoulder to see that 'Koshiro' was written as the author of the book. "I'm sorry Zoro. I haven't finished reading the book so I never read the author's name." The archeologist stated unable to believe that she had owned a book made by Zoro's sensei all this time.
"That's... Alright." The swordsman said, smiling as he read the author's note at the end. 'I've written this book for my student and any nakama that he might have made on his journey. There are copies on all major islands throughout the world so I hope that at least one of the books reached them. If it did then I hope this book helps! And to my student's nakama... Please take care of him, I know he can be a handful!'
Robin chuckled when she read it as well. "Your sensei must have really been worried about you!" She stated with a teasing tone to her voice. Zoro couldn't help but chuckle since he knew what she said was true, though it was embarrassing that he'd put such a message on every book for the whole world to see.
The government must have been pretty mad too. There was a book made about the demons they were trying so hard to keep secret from the world made and put on every major island after all. Guess they couldn't get to them all before some people bought one. Well... that's a revolutionary for you.
Zoro slowly shut the book and handed it back to Robin without another glance. The archeologist took it and thanked the swordsman quietly as she did. Silence fell over the two of them again as the seemingly everlasting night finally came to an end. The sun rose high as the once quiet ship became full of life once again. There wasn't even one cloud in the sky as the sun's morning heat hit the Straw Hats.
Everybody aboard the ship was awake earlier then their usual sleeping schedule. Despite the fact that they were about to do a dangerous seal everybody was happier than they've been for a while. They were going to save Zoro after all. They knew that everything was going to be alright very soon. The sorrowful story was about to end. And a whole new adventure would begin. One they hoped would be a lot happier.
"Looks like it's time, Zoro!" The archeologist said calmly with a hint of happiness in her tone. Zoro turned to her seeing Usopp waving his hands like an idiot obviously to tell her that everything was set up. When the swordsman sighed she smiled kindly at him and started to walk in the direction of one of the many rooms on the Sunny.
Zoro followed a bit hesitantly behind her not quite sure what he was expecting. Could they really pull it off just from a book and a crappy description that he gave them? And even if they were able to get to that place... Wherever or whatever that dark place is... Would he stand a chance against his inner demon?... The swordsman shook his head and stood confidently in front of the door, his eyes narrowed in determination as Robin swung it open. This was it.
The room opened up in front of Zoro as the smell of paint and candle wax lightly brushed his nose. The scene in the room was the exact same as it was when he was a child. The strange pentagram, the black candles placed on every corner of the big star and the white candle placed in the middle of the pentagram. Only this time it wasn't just Zoro and his sensei. All the Straw Hats where gathered and ready to help.
"Are you ready?" Robin asked as she motioned him forwards to step in the middle of the pentagram. The swordsman took a deep breath and started slowly making his way towards the pentagram. He knew that all he had to do was win. If he did that then there would be no need to worry about anyone getting hurt in this... World of shadows.
"He better be ready. Or I'll get him ready with a kick to the face." The cook said sourly. The two shot each other a dirty look as the swordsman finally stepped in the middle of the pentagram. Each Straw Hat picked up a black candle and stood on one of the five points on the big star. Everyone... accept for Sanji. Instead, he removed his arms from the sling and took off the cloth, throwing it to the side. He then stepped in the middle of the pentagram with Zoro and slowly moved around his arms.
"What do you think you're doing...?" The swordsman questioned as the cook bent down and reached for the white candle underneath him. Sanji gave Zoro an annoyed look unable to believe that he had to explain it to him.
"What do you think I'm doing idiot? I'm sealing that damn demon of yours!" The cook said raising his voice slightly with anger in his tone. He stood tall and proud waiting to hear what Zoro's problem was with him. Because of how straight he was standing compared to the hunched over, exhausted swordsman, they were now the same height so Sanji could look directly in his eyes.
"Your arms still aren't completely healed yet moron. How do you expect to fight like that? You should let someone else go with me." The swordsman stated tucking away his worried tone so the cook wouldn't get the idea that he actually cared.
"I can't. I would never let Robin or Nami go alone with you, Usopp and Brook are too scared, Luffy's injured and Chopper's taking care of him while Franky's the one who's gonna be protecting the girls in case anything goes wrong." He explained knowing that the girls would be safer with someone who wasn't hurt. "And besides. My arms feel a lot better." Sanji stated moving them around even more to show that he was alright. "So stop worrying about me you stupid swordsman. It's making me sick."
"I'm not worried about you." He snapped defensively as his cheeks shyly turned a light shade of red. "Fine do what you want. Just don't slow me down." Zoro stated slowly drawing his white katana and holding it up to his finger which he hovered over to middle of the pentagram in front of Sanji.
"That's my line." He stated with a smile as the Straw Hats around him readied their lighters that Franky made all having no doubts in their minds that it would work due to the fact that it was him who built them. When Zoro scanned around the room seeing that they were already he took a deep breath before cutting his finger with the blade.
Just like last time, an intense wave of bloodlust hit him and he clenched the Wado tightly with all his might bringing his other hand up and grasping his chest. The only difference was that this time there was an intense pain that went along with it, just like there was back on the deck. The burning, devouring feel he felt throughout his body was excruciating, even worse than last time. Zoro shouted in pain dropping down to his knees and closing his eyes tightly shut, but the pain didn't last long. It stopped almost as quickly as it started, so the pain did no real damage to Zoro in the end.
When the swordsman's finger was sliced and the blood started to drop all the Straw Hats sprang into action. They lit their candles as quickly as they could despite being worried for the swordsman since it seemed like he was in so much pain. Once they did, the Straw Hats threw away the lighter starting to all say the chant together. "Blood of red give birth to right and seal away this shadow's might. Demons above and below, will hurt both friend and foe. To go into his world is my goal, filling this person with eternal control!"
Sanji then quickly pulled out his own lighter and lit up the white candle in his hand before tucking the lighter back in his pocket and placing both hands on the candle. He then closed his eyes and finished the chant, the rest of his nakama staying silent for this part of the exorcism. "This is my will... So be it may!" He stated raising his voice slightly.
...
Sanji snapped his eyes open and whipped his head around seeing nothing but darkness. The candle in his hand was gone and there was an eerie feel to the place he was in that just couldn't be described. 'I guess it worked then.' He said to himself starting to run forwards hoping that he would find the demon he was supposed to seal away. 'Oi! Shit head!' He yelled trying to get a response from the swordsman.
The cook picked up the pace when he heard the sound of swords whipping through the wind and clashing into something. "Now this brings back memories!" Sanji heard a cold voice speak through the darkness when he got to the source of the noises. He widened his eyes at the sickening smile and bloodthirsty eyes that where glowing from the shadows. He could see a figure of a body attached to those features if he focused, however he could only see an outline.
'Don't just stand there staring shitty cook!' Zoro shouted causing Sanji's gaze to shift over to him. The first thing the cook noticed was that three quarters of the swordsman's body matched the figure's. Zoro looked as if he was fading into nothing but a shadow. The swordsman's body was black and blended with the darkness behind him, the only thing still showing was his arm.
'What happened to you?' He asked with a bit of panic in his voice but knew that there would be no time to explain. With that question lingering in the air Sanji rushed in after the swordsman spinning around and trying to kick the figure's face. It easily dodged as the three of them jumped back getting distance from each other, both Straw Hats on one side while the shadow stood across from them.
"Yet another person has come in here now!" The demon said excitedly as it slowly licked its lips while examining the cook. Sanji was a pretty skinny looking male, looked more of a gentleman type then the fighting type though the figure knew better then to underestimate him. It had been living with Sanji for as long as Zoro has after all.
The green haired swordsman placed Kuina's katana in his mouth and tightly bit down on it as he walked towards the shadow. 'Zoro! Wait!' Sanji shouted reaching out to grab him but Zoro was already out of reach. He had already picked up the pace and started running toward the shadow, determination burning in his eyes.
'It won't be the same as last time!' The swordsman shouted as he slashed down at the figure in front of him with all his might. However, just like in the past, the demon simply stepped out of the way with a smirk on its face.
"You're weak, Zoro. Nothing ever changes." The figure sneered mockingly as its smirk grew wider. Zoro widened his eyes a bit gripping his katana even tighter. His knuckles turned white as his hands started to shake in anger even though he was desperately trying to control it.
'Don't mock her... Don't you dare mock her...!' Zoro muttered furiously as shadows covered his eyes. He remembered that moment perfectly. The swordsman had lost yet another fight. He remembered looking up at her from the ground as the girl's training sword pointed at him.
With the memory flashing through his head Zoro crossed his katana in front of him. 'Oni... Giri!' The swordsman whipped his swords out at the demon in an X shaped slash towards its chest but the demon jumped in the air over the slashes.
"Just give up and let me slaughter you and your friend over there!" It started to laugh as it floated in the air until Zoro's threatening gaze shifted up to it. The swordsman wasn't even being controlled but his gaze was so cold, his eyes full of anger and hate.
As the shadow focused on Zoro's eyes the swordsman quickly sheathed one of his katana turning the two remaining blades towards the airborne demon. When he did, Zoro jumped up in the air and slashed his katana upwards as he did. 'Tower climb!'
The shadow was about to be hit as it widened its eyes in shock at Zoro's speed and strength not expecting him to be able to keep up with its movements. However, the smile came back to the demon's face and its clam, confident demeanour came back just as quickly as it faded. Before the swordsman's katana could connect, black spikes came out of the darkness bellow Zoro.
The green haired swordsman was barely able to dodge it. The spike just avoided his chest as it stabbed and hooked in to his shoulder. Blood jetted out of the wound as it fell to the ground, disappearing into the shadowy darkness. 'Zoro!' Sanji shouted, too shocked to even try and hide the worry in his tone. The spike then whipped the swordsman to the ground causing Zoro to cough up blood.
He was keeping a lookout for spikes to come out of the demon but never from the darkness around him. The first time he fought the demon he wasn't able to do that. "While you were training and getting stronger you were also making me stronger." It stated with a dark chuckle. "I'm much stronger than I was before!... You two... You think you can seal me!?" Its laughter got loudly echoing around the darkness at an ear piercing volume. "You guys aren't even exorcists! Don't insult me!"
The green haired swordsman used the hand that wasn't pressed on his shoulder to try and cover at least one of his ears while still holding his katana, straining in pain from the ear blasting laugh. Even Sanji who was standing significant further away from the demon than Zoro covered his ears with all his might but the sound was still piercing through.
Despite how loud and menacing the laugh was, the cook took it as an opportunity to dash forwards and catch it off guard. He used his amazing leg strength to leap forwards as it was in the middle of laughing and send a quick but powerful kick to the side of its head. Just like it did with Zoro, the demon only teased him leaning back and watching as the kick swung through the air over it.
"That's enough of that. I'm not interested in playing with you." It chuckled whipping its dark fist around to Sanji. The barely visible attack connected to the cook's stomach with all its strength. The shadow used its inhuman strength along with all its body weight to send the cook flying as Sanji coughed up blood and grunted in pain.
'Cook!' Zoro shouted into the darkness where Sanji was flying as the cook whipped past him. He heard an echoing thud from the darkness but no response from the cook. Nothing but silence and Zoro's heavy breathing could be heard. That, and his quickening heartbeat.
"Woh! He flew far! It's too bad though, there wasn't much blood at all! I wanted to punch right through him... I guess I didn't give the strength of his body enough credit!" It stated laughing. As it said that, the figure could see Zoro's staggering figure slowly making his way to his feet. Even the swordsman was hard to see since most of his body matched the shadow's now.
'I'll kill you...' Zoro said with fire in his tone as he tightened his grip on the katana in his hands. He then placed the Wado back in his mouth and drew his third katana slowly and confidently making his way towards the shadow in front of him once again. This time, the swordsman was focused and calm. He knew he could win. He had to win.
"Oh! So you want me to torture you before your friend!?" It asked excitedly as if it was overjoyed that Zoro was actually going to try and attack again. This time, the shadow sent a barrage of spikes plunging towards the green haired swordsman. Each spike was going at an amazing speed trying to cut or stab the man in front of them.
Zoro narrowed his eyes as he skillfully dodged and blocked each strike with grace as if he was a leaf swaying in the wind. He streamed his way through the attack until he was right in front of the enemy. 'Three sword style... Streaming Wolf Swords!' The swordsman shouted as he slashed his katana towards the shadow in front of him. However, before the swords could connect, the demon's eyes started to glow red. Right after, Zoro's did the same thing right before the darkness on his body started to crawl up his arm.
The swordsman widened his glowing red eyes as he shifted his gaze to the last remaining part of his body that hadn't turned into a shadow. As he did a searing pain hit his entire body as if somebody had thrown him on to the sun. He couldn't hold back his voice for even a minute as Zoro dropped down to his knees letting out a bloodcurdling cry.
The katana in his mouth and hands dropped to the ground with a thud as he clawed at his arm squeezing it tightly to try and stop the pain. However, nothing was working. Zoro's screams continued to fill the darkness around him as the figure laughed at his anguish. It felt as if the swordsman was in another world, his screams drowning out any other noises around him and the pain was too intense to focus.
Loud banging was heard when the figure shifted its gaze down below him where the green haired swordsman was. Zoro was hitting his head repeatedly on the ground with all his might. "That won't work! It may be able to stop me when I'm inside of you but right now that will do nothing to snap you back. You're in your inner world." The shadow explained.
The darkness got to Zoro's elbow when the intensity and volume of the swordsman's screams increased. His face started to turn blue, unable to breathe as he shouted painfully. The swordsman fell off his knees and onto his side rolling onto his back while he tried to gasp for air. His nails dug into his arm as he tried to stay conscious. He would do anything to make the unbearable pain stop. Zoro couldn't take it any longer... He would rather die.
When that thought passed the swordsman's mind a yellow blur passed over him at an incredible speed and made contact with the figure, his foot connecting with its stomach. Before he blasted the thing away Sanji kept his foot in contact with it, shouting as loud as he could. 'Seal!'
Black marks came from his leg and made their way very slowly towards the demon, however these marks looked different from Koshiro's. These marks weren't the lighting pattern that the demon had experienced before. It was shaped more like waves and was much slower, much weaker.
As the marks flowed out of him he felt as if his own life force was as well. His energy draining with each passing moment that he tried to seal the demon. The sudden feeling made Sanji lightheaded as he started to almost slip out of consciousness, the marks where moving too slow, he didn't know if he'd be able to keep it up for the time it took to seal the demon.
Before the marks could reach it, the figure jumped back holding its stomach where it had been kicked. Sanji breathed a bit heavily, holding his stomach as well as he coughed up blood. Noticing that it was now silent and that the demon's eyes had stopped glowing he whipped his head back to Zoro who was motionless on the ground, the colour coming back to his face as he took ragged gasps of air and moaned quietly in pain.
'What did you do to him?' Sanji asked trying to keep a calm, confident tone as he spoke remembering that something like that had happened before. He gave the figure a bit of an angered scowl waiting for it to answer his question while the cook made sure to stay in between Zoro and the shadow.
"I was forcing the seal open! Fun huh!? I wasn't sure who that purple haired guy was at first, but when he gave me the extra power to start doing this it became very useful! I couldn't take the waiting anymore." It stated with glee, overjoyed that the swordsman was now in its world so it didn't have to wait for a weakness to start breaking the seal.
'He was in that much pain... Just from you trying to break the seal...?' The cook muttered more to himself than the demon as he looked back at his nakama who was still trying to pull himself together after the intense pain he felt. Sooner than Sanji expected, the swordsman sat up closing his eyes tightly as he stood to his feet, wobbling a bit.
The first thing the cook noticed as Zoro opened his eyes was that the red colour had faded and that the darkness which covered almost his entire body had slid up to his elbow. 'It looks like... you can't keep that up... if you're in the middle of a fight though.' The swordsman stated breathlessly with a small, confident smirk though his exhausted expression took some of the edge off of it. His voice hoarse and lost from all the screaming.
"Maybe so, but look at yourself. You barley have anything that still belongs to you. The next push will probably be the last... And..." The figure paused chuckling darkly as it held its stomach. The laughter became even louder as it tried to finish the sentence. "You'll experience even greater pain than before. Who knows... You might break as soon as I start!"
'Let's test that out then...' Zoro said quietly refusing to waver for even a second. However, Sanji could tell that the swordsman was terrified. The green haired man was still shaking and sweating from the last time and his voice wasn't nearly as confident as he probably wanted it to sound. Despite all that, the swordsman stared directly into the demon's eyes to show that he was serious.
The figure looked into Zoro's gaze as its smile dropped a bit. It looked uncertain and it wasn't accepting his challenge to doing it again. Sanji gave the shadow a strange, thoughtful look. Why wasn't he? It looked like he could easily take over or kill Zoro that way so why? Was he not able to do it at the moment? The cook shook the thoughts out of his mind. He didn't want to wait and find out the answer.
'Don't be crazy! I'm not letting that happen!' The cook shouted on impulse not even noticing the worry and desperation in his tone that slipped out. Zoro turned to him with a bit of a surprised look, he didn't expect something like that out of the cook. Especially with that tone of voice that he used.
'Thanks swirly brow, I never knew you cared about me so much...' The swordsman said with a mocking smile. The pain seemed to have faded, he wasn't swaying anymore and his voice was back as well. Finally able to find his footing again, Zoro took a step closer to Sanji, both of them never taking their eyes off the demon for even a second.
'I hope he kills you.' The cook said quietly with an annoyed tone. The two of them kept on guard as they took a bit of a pause to collect their thoughts. 'What's the plan?' Sanji asked not expecting that muscle head pile of moss next to him to come up with anything intelligent anyways, so he kept his expectations in the swordsman's answer low.
'If I can hold him still, you can seal him.' The swordsman stated plainly as if it was the most original and creative idea ever. He really couldn't see any other way to seal it, if the figure kept moving out of Sanji's grip before the seal can reach him then they should just stop its movement.
'Are you stupid...? You saw how long it takes to seal it! You won't be able to hold him for long enough! Especially if he starts attacking you while you do!' The cook emphasized in a hushed tone so that the demon couldn't hear what they were planning.
'I won't let go. No matter what!' Zoro said with force in his voice. The two Straw Hats paused and looked at each other for a bit before Sanji finally exhaled. No matter how stupid and stubborn the swordsman was, Sanji believed in him. When he said it like that he knew it was more than just a statement... It was a vow.
'Fine! But I'm holding that to you!' The cook said turning back to the demon who had the smile back from before, the bloodthirsty smile that sprawled from ear to ear. It had been waiting patiently for them to finish their conversation as if it was interested to see what they could do. The figure was just playing with them, it didn't see the two Straw Hats in front of it as a threat.
"Now... What did you two come up with?" It asked curiously though not expecting an answer from the two. They both silently got in to running positions and bolted towards the demon. Zoro went to the left while Sanji went at it from the right. They reach the two sides of the figure and the same time and swung an attack at its sides with all their might. Sanji's foot whipping through the air and Zoro's katana slicing through the air.
However, before the attacks even had a chance to connect, spikes rose from the ground and collided with their attacks. As soon as the two realized they had only hit spikes they both jumped back in synchronization. They were moving as if they had mapped out each movement of their muscles together, almost as if they had telepathy and were communicating where to go. But there was no such thing.
As soon as the two of them stopped sliding back they gave each other a passing glance and bolted in opposite directions. Sanji ran towards the front of the demon while Zoro came in at it from behind. The figure shifted his gaze between the two as they closed in on it, keeping its body facing the same direction.
As soon as it took another glance at Zoro, Sanji used all of his leg strength to leap up in the air and spun down towards the demon. When its gaze and attention shifted back to the cook it's smile widened as Sanji flipped through the air. He brought down the momentum he was carrying on the demon as the cook extended his leg and smashed it towards the figure with all his weight along with it.
The demon jumped back as the kick barley missed it. Sanji's foot collided with the darkness of the ground causing a huge shockwave and gust of wind to pass through everybody around him. If it had been a normal ground then it would have crumbled to pieces at the moment of impact.
Suddenly, two strong arms wrapped themselves around the figure's body tightening their grip to a painful level. It slowly turned its head to see the green haired swordsman with a wide, confident smirk on his face holding on tightly to it. 'Looks like it worked.' Zoro said confidently with a mocking tone towards the shadow. 'Flashy attack there, cook.'
'Shut up. I had to make sure he was distracted. You should be pretty damn grateful!' Sanji spat back as he stood up straight once again. His gaze shifted over to the two of them when his eyes widened. The demon that Zoro was latching on to started to make its eyes glow red once again. The cook ran as quickly as he could but he couldn't even reach the demon before the pain hit Zoro.
The swordsman's smile dropped and his glowing red eyes widened as Zoro's entire body shook. His breath caught in his throat as small breathless chocking sounds slipped through his mouth. All the light in Zoro's red eyes faded away as he gave the cook a quick glance using all his remaining strength.
Sanji caught the look and saw the lifelessness in the swordsman's eyes as they shifted towards Sanji. Zoro's expression was full of pure misery, almost as if trying to tell Sanji to run... Or to kill him and end the suffering... His face was that of a man in anguishing pain and desperation. It seemed as if Zoro couldn't even see the cook. His eyes where completely blinded with pain.
Zoro's grip slowly slipped from the demon. The swordsman tried desperately to keep his vow and hold on to it but the pain... was far too intense. It could not be described in any amount of words. Zoro couldn't take it. Not even for a few seconds... He let go... causing yet another promise to be broken.
Soon after, he collapsed to the ground hugging his chest tightly with his arms as his back arched in agony. He kicked his feet out as small, chocked shouts came from the swordsman's mouth which was wide open as he tried to gasp for air but nothing came. Zoro clawed at his arms and back with all his might to try and stop the pain but it only ended up leaving deep gash marks all over his body, as if an animal had attacked him.
The pain had to stop. He couldn't take it. It felt as if each second passing by was a century long. The suffering was even worse than it was before, and back then he didn't believe that was possible. Zoro's face started to turn blue again as his entire body started to go pale. The kicking and back arching stopped as the swordsman slowly lost all the life in him.
His eyes began to roll to the back of his head as blood leaked from the sides of his mouth and his eyes. The swordsman's body started shaking even more intensely and a couple more painful chocking sounds escaped his throat as if he was trying to scream but couldn't.
The shadows crawled up the swordsman's arm even further. It ran past his palm and started to envelop all of his fingers. Just before the last finger was taken over the darkness stopped when Sanji leaped with all his might towards the demon and placed his hand over the figure's chest. 'S-Seal!' He stuttered loudly, sounding shaken up from seeing what was happening to Zoro.
The figure narrowed its eyes at the marks slowly coming from Sanji's arm and making their way towards it. The shadow glanced back to the swordsman behind it who was still shaking and chocking on the ground, the look of suffering and excruciating torture still in his expression. The demon made a quick decision and decided to make its eyes stop glowing as it jumped back to avoid the marks that where only inches away.
When it jumped away Sanji coughed vigorously and kneeled down on one knee. He gasped for air and quickly whipped his head up to see the swordsman who had stopped shaking. Zoro's lifeless body motionlessly laid there as his arms limply fell to the ground beside him with a thud.
The cook weakly scrambled to his feet and made his way over to the swordsman. Just like the demon, Zoro's body blended with the black background, all except for one finger. 'Oi... Marimo.' He forced out quietly, still trying to catch his breath. Just like last time it felt as if his life had been drained away. However, Zoro was the cook's priority at the moment. 'Marimo!' Sanji shouted a bit louder as he shook the swordsman lightly.
When there was still no response the cook's heart started to beat faster. His eyes were wild with desperation as he shook Zoro vigorously. 'ZORO!' The cook yelled at the top of his lungs… Still no response. The swordsman's weak, pale body simply shook along with Sanji's force as his empty, lifeless eyes stared into oblivion.
"Looks like he couldn't handle the pain after all!" The demon said excitedly as its cold, dark laughter filled the silent air.
((Author's Note: That was a decently long one! I guess I haven't been consecutive with my chapter lengths either lately. Well, as long as you guys are still enjoying it! Keep leaving reviews to let me know! Chapter 14 will come out as soon as possible!))