Sanji threw himself forwards into a handstand, then kicked upwards, pushing off with his hands so that he sailed through the air. His right foot connected with the top of the priests' shoulder, where for a split second he stood poised with his left leg held high. The cook stamped downwards, his left dress shoe slamming into the priest's hands. He grunted as the force of his attack jarred some of his more serious wounds.
The priests' hands dropped but didn't separate. Before the big man could think to retaliate Sanji had slammed a foot into the side of his face, he stumbled, but his hands stayed linked.
"Shitty priest!" Sanji roared as his feet touched the floor once again. For a second time he went into a handstand, his movements too fast and completely unpredictable to the other man. This time the blonde hooked his feet between the priests' chest and arms. He forced his legs forwards with a sudden snap of his hips. To the priests surprise he was pulled off his feet and sent crashing towards the floor. He instinctually put out his hands to prevent his face being the first thing to connect with the dank floor. As the priest sailed over him, Sanji delivered two more kicks to his side pushing the bastard away from the cook.
Sanji stood dusting himself off covering the pain he found himself in with a self-assured grin.
"Go Marimo!" he shouted over the Luffy induced din around him.
The complete numbness in Zoro's legs disappeared in an instant, Sanji's shout told him the damn cook had come to his rescue… he'd have to "repay" him for that later.
"Where?" he asked gruffly as he stood. Takeo grabbed for his hand again leading him quickly.
Zoro watched the boy with interest, his head would tilt and the direction they ran in would change slightly. A moment after, Zoro would hear members of the Brotherhood scuffling about in the smoke.
"It's ere." Takeo announced as he broke through the man-made bank of cloud.
Sure enough, there stood the statue in all its grotesque glory. The smell was vile… after so many blood sacrifices it was saturated and the stench of death and rot hung overpoweringly in the air.
Zoro suppressed a gag and drew Wadou. Ok let's get this shit done.
Robin and Usopp made sure everyone was secure on the white horse. It wasn't designed to carry so many but Usopp assured Nami it would be safe, as long as Chopper stayed in brain point.
"See you back at the ship." Nami said over her shoulder revving the white horse.
Robin and Usopp nodded and watched as the Navigator, with her cargo, sped off into the distance.
"Come on" Robin said as she ran forwards the marksman following closely. They ran for a while before Robin began to slow down,
"There is someone following," she said calmly. Usopp immediately began to shake.
"B...Brotherhood?" eh asked in a whisper.
"I cannot be certain, they are not close enough for me to see, but we cannot let them get near the ship." Robin turned, her arms crossed in front of her ready to strike. Usopp standing slightly behind her shakily getting Kabuto ready. "Marksman-san can you see who it is?" she asked over her shoulder knowing he had the sharper eyesight.
After a moment of silence he finally answered, "It's…people from the village!" he said in a surprised tone. "What are they doing?"
The pair stood still until the few villagers joined them. "Ah! So glad we got to you!" A familiar voice said from behind once of the larger men, "Emiko managed to get a message to us that you would be moving on the Brotherhood shrine tonight."
The man crouched setting down the old woman Robin had met in the village a few days before. She smiled warmly at the pirates, "We have wanted to do this for years… so many people have suffered and died needlessly because of the Brotherhood, yet we did nothing fearing for our own lives." She looked down at the ground, the rest of her small group shifting uncomfortably.
"You said Emiko got a message to you…how?" Usopp asked, knowing that there was no way she would have left the Sunny and Naga.
The old woman chuckled, that girl isn't just the one who takes care of the children you know, she may not fight using what you would class as weapons but give her any scrawny animal and she can turn it into an obedient and in some cases dangerous ally… she always had the knack for raining animals… the previous village elder had her train a pack of dogs to guard the towns outer limits, you wouldn't believe what they could do! When the Brotherhood came, they poisoned every animal she ever trained. Emiko had to stop because she thought it was a waste of life. However, it would seem she is back to her old tricks." the woman gestured towards a young girl, on her shoulder was perched a beautiful bird of prey.
"That fine specimen had this message for us." she showed the two of them the message from Emiko. It read
The Straw Hats crew, Roronoa Zoro included, will move on the Brotherhood Shrine tonight. It is finally time for us to act; this could be our last chance at regaining the happiness we once knew. Please, support them!
"At first they wouldn't believe the message, she glanced around the group who hung their heads in embarrassment, "but once we heard the explosions…we just knew it had to be true! Emiko is right, this may be our last chance, the village is ready to fight along with you!" At this announcement, one of the men shot a fire tipped arrow into the night sky and the village to the east could be heard erupting into life.
"If you require anything, let us know. We will no longer cower in the shadows." Robin had great respect for this woman. She smiled down at her.
"Thank you. If at all possible we could use some horses to get back to the ship… also I believe our navigator will intend to move the ship to this side of the island…we would need ship hands…"
Without having to do anything, more than make eye contact with one of the group the older woman had a man sprinting back to the village for the horses Robin needed.
"We will stay out of your way until your crew needs us, any escaping Brotherhood will be caught. If you need us, send a signal and we will be there."
The horses arrived within minutes, the historian and sharpshooter mounting up quickly, a number of young men joining them. "If you follow the bird, you will get to the ship more quickly." The old woman advised, slapping the rear of Usopp's horse sending it off at a gallop.
"Thank you." Robin said simply as she moved her horse forwards to catch up with the marksman, who was by now, hanging on for dear life and wailing. The bird of prey took off from the girls shoulder, flying slightly ahead of them.
Once we get back to the ship, go straight to the infirmary with Suzume. We'll be getting the ship ready." Nami said as the wind whipped her hair back from her face. The children and Chopper holding on and trusting their navigator to get them back in one piece even at this break neck speed.
"Getting the ship ready for what?" Katsuo asked.
"We can make it around the coast to the Brotherhood Shrine. At the very least we can be there to take care of the guys… considering they usually come back to us in a torn up mess…" Nami was worried but trying not to show it. This time she really did not know if they could do it…
The pain from the more abused cuts to his torso was worsening, perhaps he should have got Chopper to take care of them… but Suzume was in so much pain. He reached into his pocket and took the last crumpled cigarette from the box. He crumpled it up and threw it at the Priest before lighting his smoke and taking a long drag. He blew the smoke out in a plume before speaking.
"You and your shitty freaks should be more careful whose island you choose to fuck up… the marimo, and the rest of our crew will be then end of you."
A chuckle from the priest as he got back to his feet made Sanji's eye twitch. "You think your puny crew can defeat us?"
The bodies of several Brotherhood were launched past them, the cry of "Strong Right" echoing and accompanying their flight and ungainly landing. Sanji just watched this in amusement, then calmly replied, "Yes…I do." With that, he darted forwards, legs sweeping low to the ground trying to take the Priests feet out from under him. With agility a larger man like that should not poses the Priest avoided the attack leaping out of the way and landing to the side of the cook, a fist crashing down into the floor where Sanji's head had been only a second before. The blonde felt the shockwave caused by the blow.
Turning quickly Sanji lashed out again, his dress shoe coming into contact with the nothing but air as yet again the priest dodged. Growling low in his throat, Sanji pressed the attack, his kicks becoming a blur. Each and every one hitting the priest, but doing nothing to break his guard. Sanji stepped back to re-assess the situation, taking another drag on the cigarette he was close to grinding into nothing between his teeth.
Seeing the cook back off the Priest laughed again, drawing his sword once more. "Time to stop playing now. I have a thorn in my side to destroy." The larger man slashed at Sanji just as he had Zoro, while Zoro could block this blade, Sanji had to avoid it… that was going to take a lot of energy he couldn't afford to waste. Concentrating himself, he avoided the blade with a narrow margin, not wasting any of his movements. The blade tip snagged at what was left of his shirt a number of times before Sanji was close enough to strike back. He went for the sword arm concentrating o the wrist and elbow hoping to make the guy drop his oversized sword.
"You're helpless little man" the Priest sneered. Using his free hand the Priest slammed his fist into Sanji's side sending him sprawling across the floor. The ground scraped against Sanji's already raw chest and stomach. His head reeled from the impact as he pushed himself upright once again.
"Bad move shitty priest." Sanji snapped steadying himself. He began to spin, body becoming blurred his movements were so fast. An orange glow became visible. Stopping suddenly Sanji took his stance, one foot raised from the floor, it looked molten and the heat disturbed the air around the cook, the heat haze making things look distorted.
"I don't know what you're doing, but, it isn't going to help." The leader of the Brotherhood said advancing, sword raised. "I'll cut you down, and then I'll crush your friends." His cold sneer was grating on Sanji's last nerve.
The cook allowed the man to close the gap. He didn't move a muscle. The priest raised his sword higher, still Sanji stood his ground. Smirking the priest was so close now Sanji could feel his breath, yet still, he did not move.
"Given in to the inevitable?" The priest grinned bringing his sword down.
Sanji moved slightly to the side, the blade skimming his body, he looked into the priests eyes as he raised his leg, a vicious axe kick was executed, his dress shoe coming down hard on the back of the blade. The blade was driven deep into the stone floor, then at the point of impact, the sword cracked and splintered.
A cushion of air was displaced thanks to the power of Sanji's attack, the smoke around them clearing for a second allowing the cook to see Brook darting between enemies, all of them falling to the ground, Franky peppering a group of the Brotherhood with numerous projectiles and Luffy pummelling his way around the room. His eyes darted around to find the swordsman, but the smoke hadn't been cleared enough to see that far, now it was settling once more. Before the priest had time to react Sanji had twisted his hips round landing a savage blow to the mans head. The priest was thrown to the side, into the wall, his body crashing part way through it. There he hung limply, the broken hilt of the sword dropping from his hand and clattering to the floor.
Sanji winced, as he stood straight once again, looking over the damage he'd caused, "Nobody, not a shitty priest, marine or anybody else will get away with threatening my crew." Turning his back on the fallen priest as the flames at his leg died away, he listened to the commotion around him trying to pin point the swordsman.
Zoro focussed on the statue before him. Breathing deeply he closed his eyes, feel the breath of all things… find the statue… Zoro could feel his mind slipping into the cold calm he was used to… but this time he needed to go further.
He blocked out the noise of the Brotherhood being thrown around by his nakama, blocked out the noise of weapons hitting the ground, ignored Takeo's presence. Everything was becoming muffled, slowly he was beginning to sense other things around him, more subtle things, the sound of Takeo's muscles moving as he breathed, and the movement of tiny stone fragments as people's feet scuffed the floor. A little more… concentrate a little more…
Sanji moved through the smoke, smoothly avoiding any Brotherhood knocked into his path by the others. Any unlucky enough to cross his path still conscious soon had their condition corrected with a swift kick or two. He could just about make out the shape of Zoro through the smoke; he'd recognise that stance anywhere.
Sanji struck out as another of his nakama's victims careened towards him, the kick sent the poor guy into the floor with a sickening crack. The sudden action made Sanji's breath catch; he looked down for the first time since starting this battle and noticed his actions had set all the more serious wounds bleeding once again. He huffed at the state of him. The damn Brotherhood had a lot to answer for.
Something hit Sanji in the back of the neck, and it hit him hard, hard enough to set his ears ringing and make his vision fade. Gasping for breath, he felt a tight grip around his neck from behind. He was lifted off his feet, his hands clawing at the grip around his neck.
"Turning your back on an opponent is never a good idea little man." The priest turned Sanji to face him.
"Fuck you," The cook snarled as he kicked out at the man's face. Although he connected, the Priests head merely moved with the impact, nothing else…
"You would have made a good member of the Brotherhood, you have spirit… it's a shame you annoy me far too much." he said as if Sanji hadn't touched him, his grip tightened. "I believe that is our friend." he said looking in Zoro's direction, "I think we should pay him a visit."
"Don't you dare you fucked up shit excuse for a priest!" Sanji lashed out with more power this time, yet the result was the same.
"You're right, it would be rude of me to turn up un-announced, you can solve that for me…Let him know I'm coming?" With that, he threw Sanji as if he was a rag-doll.
"Shit!" Sanji shouted.
Zoro raised his sword, widening his stance, Just a little more… He breathed steadily. He wanted to strike now, but something told him to wait, that he wasn't ready yet.
Zoro heard the shout a second before he was thrown to the ground as the blonde was flung into his back. As Sanji hit the ground next to him, a crunching sound made Zoro's stomach twist.
"Oi, Sanji?" Zoro scrambled to his feet, furious his best opportunity had been ruined, but more concerned about the blonde. The concept of Sanji being more important to him than winning a battle shocked Zoro, but he didn't have the time to assess that right now as the cook stirred, a pained hiss escaping him. "Are you ok?"
Sanji gingerly got to his knees, concentrating on not throwing up because of the pain in his shoulder, his arm was hanging limply at his side, clutching it with his good hand he turned to the swordsman, "Been better Marimo, now hurry the fuck up and destroy that thing, I can't keep the fucker busy for much longer like this." With a grim face, Sanji pushed himself to his feet standing between the advancing shadow in the smoke and Zoro.
It was the first time Zoro had heard Sanji admit he was struggling, he had to make this quick. Zoro got into position once again, determined to get to the level of concentrated calm he needed quickly.
"Another idiot trying to destroy the Deity?" the Priest said once he could make out the intentions of the swordsman, "How pathetic, surely your scarred friend told you how much good that does?"
"Ignore it." Sanji said quietly knowing the first mate needed to concentrate and that comments from the Priest were likely to raise his temper.
"Perhaps you can be of use after all…" The priest said in a jeering tone, "If I make you a sacrifice, you'll die knowing you made us stronger!"
The swordsman's head turned at that threat, but the cook was already watching him, "Concentrate shitty swordsman or I'll kick your ass to hell and back, I swear it." He made himself turn back.
"Or…perhaps we should sacrifice your friend first, then you?" the sneering voice came from the smoke, getting closer.
"Don't let him make you touch it," Takeo said, "If he holds you against it for too long it will drain you until death, that or you will become beholden to it like me."
Sanji nodded in reply but said nothing. He watched as Zoro's shoulders dropped from the tense position to a ready stance, his breathing deepening, if he could keep the Priest busy for long enough surely once the statue was destroyed that bastard would be too.
Zoro was struggling against all the distractions caused by the Priest. His mind was working overtime trying to tell him to concentrate but every sinew in his body was tensed, he could feel the Priest's menacing presence baring down on Sanji. The cook was hardly in a state to fight against that freak. Giving himself a mental shake the first mate cleared his mind, worrying about the cook wasn't going to help anybody. Slowly his shoulders dropped from the tense state they were in, his breathing once again deepening.
The priest leered down at Sanji, a great wide, self-assured smirk splitting his face.
"What the fuck have you got to grin about shit head?" Sanji snarled, the muscles in his legs coiling as he readied himself to spring at the big bastard… instead of the kicks he had in mind Sanji hissed through gritted teeth. The Priest had raised his hand and while Sanji tried with all his might, his legs buckled beneath him, his knees hitting the floor hard, mouth opening to cry out at the excruciating pain flaring throughout his body, but only a strangled sound leaving his lips.
The Priest moved too fast for Sanji's pain wracked body to react as he was once again lifted from the floor, hand around his throat, the strangle hold too tight for him to make a sound. Sneering the priest walked towards Zoro and the statue.
Zoro could sense everything going on in the room once again…a strong presence or "breath" flickered brightly then was smothered by a darker feeling presence… focussing on that Zoro almost felt Sanji's pain. All thoughts of the Brotherhoods statue were wiped from his mind as he tensed, the priest coming closer.
The back of a blade stopped the Brotherhoods leader in his tracks as it was held out stubbornly in his path.
"Put. Him. Down." Zoro said the anger in each word palpable. The swordsman still had his eyes closed and remained so, waiting on the Priest.
While Sanji wheezed for breath he was desperately searching the thinning smoke for his captain… if he could just shout out…move his legs…something!… Anything!
The Priest just stood there, dangling Sanji by the throat as he looked down at Zoro, a mocking look in his eyes. He pushed against Zoro's outstretched blade.
"What do you think you can do? Roronoa Zoro… You're pathetic, unskilled…cowardly. You. Can do. Nothing."
Zoro had no time to react to the words as the priest made his move; the cook was forced forwards towards the grotesque statue.
"No! Don't let him touch it!" Takeo screamed sensing the movement.
The first mates eyes snapped open, his body moving without the aid of conscious thought.
Sanji could smell death as he was thrown forwards. The blonde's eyes shut as he braced himself… He expected to feel pain, to feel… something, yet there was nothing, just the contact of something with his body. The strangle hold left his throat and he gasped, the sound of a sword clattering tot eh floor had Sanji open his eyes, the sensation of something warm trickling down his cheek making him tilt his head to see where it had come from. The sound of the Priest's victorious laughter surrounding him.
There between the statue and his body was Zoro. Zoro, his back forced against the vile deity. Zoro… covered in blood.
Zoro darted between the cook and the statue, his body shielding the blonde. The force the Priest had used made Zoro slam into the Brotherhoods object of worship. While the surface had looked like normal stone, it felt like a thousand blades were biting into Zoro at any point of contact. He tried to push away but the Priest let go of Sanji and slammed Zoro's head back holding him still.
A shaking hand clenched his sword, the fingers loosening, grip failing despite their owners will.
The swordsman could feel his own blood beginning to soak him through, his strength leaving him quicker than he'd ever thought possible. His sword clattered to the floor, the sound deafening to him. He felt Sanji move and shifted his eyes to look at him from under the hand pinning him to the statue.
Sanji's visible eye widened in horror as he locked gazes briefly with Zoro. The Priest putting an end to it by kicking Sanji's injured shoulder, sending him sprawling at Takeo's feet.
It was surreal… it had happened too quickly for Sanji to take it all in. Still trying to gather himself together, his head ringing after the kick, he stared at Zoro. The first mates hands clawed weakly at the restraining arm, his blood flowing freely seeping into the stone creation behind him.
"…No…" Sanji stumbled to his feet, Takeo supporting him. "Luffy! LUFFY!" He screamed voice hoarse from his choking. They needed help. Sanji knew he couldn't do much yet he still stepped forwards.
"Stop," Zoro's voice sounded odd, distant almost. "Get Luffy and go." Blood trickled from Zoro's mouth as he spoke running from the corner of his lips to join blood drops that had fallen on his neck. Sanji watched with disgust as the blood was drawn to the statue.
Zoro's hands stopped their fighting against the priest, dropping to his sides limply.
"Go." he mouthed again, no sound leaving him this time. When the cook called out to Luffy again, Zoro couldn't help but think he was a stubborn bastard. As Zoro's eyes dimmed, clarity settled over his mind. They couldn't win. He had failed. The swordsman mulled over his actions as he lost all feeling, eyes dulling further. He had no idea when Sanji had become important enough to him to sacrifice everything for him. Sure, they were lovers. Yes, he wanted to be around the cook, and he was proud to be the one the sassy cook cared for… but he'd never thought he could give up his life… his dream, without a second thought. He'd always thought he'd be able to give up on someone if his dream as at risk. Clearly, his subconscious thought differently.
As his eyelids became too heavy to keep open, he gave the laughing Priest one last "Fuck you" glare before his eyes rolled back and everything went dark. If you die now cook…I'm kicking your dead ass…
Luffy had heard the first scream from Sanji and was making his way to the cook. The shout had sounded panicked…something Luffy would have expected from Usopp or Nami… but not Sanji. Something had to be wrong…badly wrong.
Franky and Brook had also heard the cook. They could see Luffy making his way over through the clearing smoke. The looked at the respectable pile of Brotherhood at their feet, nodding to each other they ran towards Luffy. The thinning smoke now clearing rapidly.
Luffy skidded to a halt, the scene not what he had expected. In his mind, Zoro would be covered in blood, Sanji perhaps roughed up supporting the first mate but standing victorious over the broken forms of the statue and the Head Priest. What he actually saw shocked the Captain.
Sanji was being supported by the Brotherhood kid, his left arm hanging limply at his side. He was staring at the Priest.
The Priest still had Zoro pinned against the statue. He watched as his first mates arms dropped back to his sides, body slumping lifelessly. Zoro's most prized sword lay at his feet. Once Zoro had been still for a few seconds the Priest discarded him like he was nothing, throwing him aside and kicking the sword over to his lifeless form. His laugh became more sickeningly victorious; he now turned to Sanji and Takeo.
"I had hoped he'd be more fun to kill than that… It seems despite all his ranting and denial about not being a coward was futile. He took the easy way out didn't he?" The sick laugh was barked out again as he moved closer to Takeo and Sanji.
"As for you, you little worm… I suppose you helped them get in here did you?" The larger man snapped at Takeo when he'd finished laughing. "You realise that we'll have to let Goran and Yoru have some more fun with you… I wonder how well you'd do on our little "Takeo hunts" if you were deaf as well as blind…?"
Sanji snorted defiantly, "I'd like to see them try, it would be a little difficult for them… being dead and all." He shrugged with his good shoulder, acting cockier than he felt. His eyes kept darting back to Zoro's prone body. Don't let the bastard be dead.
"Dead you say? Well there is a turn of events I didn't expect… still there are plenty of people eager willing to take up their place." He said nonchalantly, advancing. "Which of you did it?"
"Zoro, with no effort at all." Said the cook trying to discretely rotate his injured shoulder to judge if his arm was usable.
Another laugh exploded from the Priest, "Roronoa? Ha! I suppose he attacked while their backs were turned," He turned and spat on the swordsman's body. "That pathetic piece of shit couldn't prove himself when it really counted… Strongest swordsman? Don't make me laugh!"
A low threatening snarl came from Sanji, Zoro had protected him, and he'd thrown his life away…his dream. Anger boiled within the cook. Anger at Zoro for doing something so stupid. Anger at Zoro's dream being ridiculed. Shaking with rage Sanji threw himself forwards lashing out wildly.
"GOMU GOMU NO PISTOL!"
Sanji's feet scraped on the ground as he slammed on the brakes, his head snapped around to the side in time to catch Luffy's arm extend, the fist meeting the side of the Priest's head followed by his large body being launched through the air, once again being thrown into a wall.
"Sanji! Zoro!" Luffy cried as he ran up. His eyes quickly running over the cook, and then falling on Zoro's body. He stood motionless
"Sanji… who did this to Zoro? Him?" Luffy's eyes turned on the form of the Priest as he struggled from the rubble of the partially destroyed wall.
Sanji knelt beside Zoro, Takeo following cautiously. He nodded in response. The cook turned Zoro over propping his body against his knees. He cringed as blood immediately soaked through his pants from the first mates back.
"Stupid bastard… you stupid… bastard." his hand went shakily to Zoro's face. The swordsman's features were peaceful and relaxed… more relaxed than when he napped on the Sunny…wearing his perpetual frown.
"More interruptions?" The Priest roared as he straightened up, "You people are like insects, you come in swarms… No matter, you'll all die one way or another."
"You…. You did this to my Nakama?" Luffy said quietly, his straw hat shadowing his face.
"You should thank me, who needs vermin anyway?" He cackled.
Luffy said nothing. He crouched low, a fist planted firmly on the floor; he raised his head, eyes gleaming dangerously as they looked on the laughing Priest. His rubber legs circulating his blood faster as they pumped the blood and adrenaline. Steam began to rise from his body.
"What tricks do you have hmm? Come on; make it more interesting for me." The Priest taunted, grinning madly.
"Gear…Second…" Luffy's image flashed out of sight re-appearing right beside the Priest, fist flying.
The Priest looked startled for just a moment, but, it was Luffy who suffered the bigger shock, his punch was blocked by a thick forearm.
"You might be fast boy…but your movements… they're predictable. The head and chest are the most common areas to attack when a finishing blow is to be struck." Luffy saw the priest had defended both areas. "From years of experience, such transparent tactics become useless." He twisted his arm round grabbing Luffy's wrist, dragging him forwards where he slammed his head into the Luffy's. He brought his other hand to the captains throat, lifting him off the floor, squeezing.
The Straw Hat Captain bit down on the Priests arm, fists and feet flailing, pounding the Priest randomly until the grip loosened enough to slip free. He jumped back coughing and spluttering. He glared hatefully at the man before him.
"What an expression! You would provide me with much more fun… if you weren't already doomed… Such a shame. I would play with you longer… only I tire of having such pathetic people in our temple."
"Nobody is doomed…apart from you… Nobody treats my Nakama like that." Luffy's angry threats were cut short as the Priest laughed again.
"Look at yourself, your covered in blood…my blood." A smile twisted his face, "I have you now."
Luffy was indeed covered. His fists, feet, arms, legs and even his head were splattered with blood he'd drawn from the Priest. Despite that, Luffy wound up to attack. "Gomu Gomu no…jet…"
The Captains body went rigid, his battle cry choked to a halt, a wordless scream replacing it as the blood reacted to its donors command, searing Luffy's skin.
Zoro twitched ever so slightly in Sanji's hold, a cough expelling blood from his throat, voice croaking as he tried to talk to the blonde, struggling to claw his way to consciousness.
"Who's … a stupid … bastard?" He managed to rasp, blood running down his chin as he spoke. "You counting me out already?"
"Shut up. Don't talk… I'm surprised you can even crack an eye open, never mind bitch at me." Sanji replied a hint of relief in his blue eye. At least the fucker's breathing.
"Shut up yourself ero-cook, help me get up." He strained forwards. "Don't bitch just do it while he's busy." He gasped through clenched teeth as his body made its complaints well known. "That statue's got to go… even Luffy won't win." He'd got sat up, but his body refused to let him go any further. "Cook. Please."
Sanji knew there was no way Zoro should have even been conscious… but then Zoro was no ordinary man. The stubborn, muscle-bound idiot was struggling to get up anyway. The cook looped an arm around the swordsman's waist visibly cringing at the pained hiss it caused. He managed to get Zoro to his feet.
"…Sword…" Zoro's voice was strained and more blood dripped from his lips as he spoke.
Takeo, directed by Sanji, quickly returned Wadou to its owner.
"M…move…away."
"Marimo, you can't even stand on your own…"
"Move!" he hissed knowing if he didn't do it now, he'd be too weak to soon.
Sanji let go, knowing there was no arguing. Zoro swayed dangerously but somehow managed to steady himself before Sanji could support him again. The cook moved back.
Luffy's scream reached them, their heads snapping round to see their Captain covered in blood… blood that seemed to be boiling on his skin.
"Help him… help Luffy." Zoro choked out, his First mate ethic in place no matter what the situation.
Sanji could see Franky and Brook were just reaching the Priest. Without arguing Sanji went to join them, shouting back over his shoulder.
"You take you sweet time…and I'm coming back to kick your half dead ass."
Franky and Brook attacked immediately. Brook getting in close and stabbing at the Priest repeatedly, unafraid of the Blood Curse thanks to his… composition.
Franky stayed our of reach, firing when he had a clear shot. He had to be conservative; the Shipwright had very little cola left.
With those, two harassing the Priest Sanji was able to get to Luffy. Using what was left of his tattered shirt, Sanji wiped away the blood. "Luffy, Zoro's trying again. We need to keep that big bastard away from him." He said in a rushed but quiet voice.
The Captain pushed himself to his feet, sandals slapping on the floor. His response was a simple nod. The determined look in his eyes Sanji had first seen when the Straw Hat took on Don Kreig. A cushion of air disturbed the cook's hair as Brook was thrown past them.
"Sanji." It was one word, but, the blonde knew exactly what was needed, he acknowledged his Captains wish with a sadistic smirk and began to run towards the Priest, holding his injured arm tight to his body. Luffy followed behind jumping forward with perfect timing as Sanji raised a powerful leg, kicking with full force as his Captain's feet made contact with his shin. The rubber man was sent hurtling at their enemy.
The calm settled on Zoro far quicker. Considering every breath was a labour, every sinew, every bone in his body crying out for the pain to end was at the forefront of his mind only seconds before, the swordsman considered it quite the achievement.
In this state Zoro knew exactly what was going on, where everyone was, what they were doing. He felt completely calm, unshakable. As he raised his sword, he could hear the ringing of the blade moving through the air. He took his stance, legs wide apart steadying himself. A few feet ahead of him was the statue, he could feel the malice pouring from it… what was most disturbing was it had more than one breath.
Each object or person had one breath… whatever resided within the statue had claimed many lives and was holding the souls of the tortured and dead close to it, resulting in it having more than one breath. Zoro could almost sense each individual soul that was clinging to it. The more he focussed the clearer things became.
There was a single more powerful breath right at the center of it all. A breath that was more dark and evil than anything Zoro had encountered. The other souls were all being pulled towards the center, twisted and twined together like a barrier. The swordsman could only get a glimpse of the soul residing inside the statue every so often… it was that he needed to cut.
Luffy slammed into the Priest just seconds after Franky landed a strong right. Brook rejoined the fray as Sanji threw himself into it. All four of them attacking at once to keep the big bastard getting any hits off.
Zoro had noticed a pattern to the way souls in the statue moved. Now was the time. He sheathed Wadou and stood ready.
Takeo staggered as a cushion of air emanated from where Zoro had been stood seconds before. There was a heavy silence followed by the "click" of a sword being fully re-sheathed.
Nami called out as they neared the ship, Sensei and Emiko both appearing at the ship rail instantly.
"Nami! The children!" Emiko gasped.
Sensei helped Nami and Chopper bring the children aboard, the Doctor taking Suzume to the infirmary. Chopper stabilised her quickly and checked Naga. To the little reindeer's relief the man slept peacefully, his body clearly exhausted from the pain he'd endured.
As they rode full tilt towards the Sunny, the atmosphere was tense and silent.
"Excuse me…" said one of the young men riding with them. "Is Roronoa really taking on the Priest?"
Robin answered without turning around, "That is correct."
"…The statue protects him though…"
"Yes… swordsman-san was well aware. He'll destroy the statue first. Since we researched the Brotherhoods history, we found a piece of information regarding a "Paradoxical Blade". If we are correct our first mate has what is required."
"What if you're not correct?" The man asked, his companions making it clear that he needed to shut up.
The raven-haired woman turned her ambiguous smile in place, "I'd rather not consider that possibility… My research is most accurate." Though the archaeologist's smile was in place there was a menacing air about her, this…was the end of the conversation topic, and the men riding with her knew it.
"I see Sunny." Usopp said breaking the tense atmosphere. "Yosh! You guys know Captain Usopp is counting on your best efforts!"
None of them replied. They simply looked at the Marksman blankly.
"Nami-san they're here… with help!" Emiko shouted. She hadn't lost her touch after all. On luring the hawk, she dubiously attempted to call on skills long out of practice. It had paid off well.
Nami came back out on deck as a hawk swooped overhead, its harsh cry sounding almost triumphant. The navigator joined Emiko at the ship rail, her face lighting up.
"Excellent! We can set sail, I want to get around the cliffs, once we do, we'll be less than five minutes away from the temple. That will work to our advantage if… if…" Nami didn't finish the sentence. Seeming to shake herself out of the negative train of thought, she smiled brightly, "I have no idea how they got horses, or help… but I'm glad they're here!"
Emiko beamed at her. "I'll tell you how when all this is over."
Usopp and Robin's group climbed aboard. No sooner had their feet touched the grassy decking than Nami was shouting orders. When nobody moved, she put her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow.
"Well?" She asked tilting her chin, defying anyone to question her. They scrambled to it, almost tripping over themselves in trying to comply quickly.
"As authoritative as always Navigator-san." Robin chuckled.
Her reply was a simple smile followed by more barked orders. With the navigators direction the ship was cutting through the crystal blue waters and coming around the headland quickly.
Silence. Then slowly the pounding of his pulse and the rasp of his breathing came back to him. For a moment, the pain was a dull ache. Then, knees buckling the swordsman hit the floor. Hard. He slumped forwards; his arms only just reaching out to brace himself in time, as his senses came crashing back into function. His eyes blurred and the room swayed in and out of focus as he kept his eyes trained on the statue.
Takeo negotiated his way around the statue grasping the first mate by the shoulders, "Zoro?" There was no verbal response, just a physical struggling from the man he held on to. He could feel the older man's frame shudder with the effort to move, the effort to stand once again.
The sound of sliding stone split the eerie silence.
"Zoro! You… you cut it! You've done it!" Takeo yelled. A grunt was his only response as Zoro, using the boy for support, forced himself to his feet.
"The Priest… I need… to get to the Priest." Though the voice was quiet and rasping, the tone was unmistakably determined. Takeo struggled to get Zoro steady, supporting him as best he could and moving with slow but steady progress towards the struggling Straw Hats.
The Priest attacked with a ferocity that even Luffy struggled with. He was quick to block and quicker to counter keeping the Straw Hats at bay with a cocky smirk. He knocked Luffy backwards into Sanji's injured shoulder causing the cook to come out with one of his most colourful curse tirades. The pained reaction caused the Priest to laugh as he launched Brook at Franky by the afro.
The Shipwright was seriously low on supplies now, his hair beginning to droop in his face. He dodged Brook, grabbing him by the back of the jacket as his light body soared past, setting him right again. Screams from Sanji and Luffy drew his attention from the musician back to the fight. They were both grasped by the scalp, hands clawing at the grip the Priest had on them.
"Get the fuck off!" Sanji roared as he twisted and lashed out. The Priest drew both arms back and savagely brought the Captain and cook crashing against each other. Any of the colour that was still left in Sanji's face drained as his shoulder was abused again. Any more of this and he wasn't sure Chopper would be able to heal it.
As Luffy continued to hit out at the Priest, the larger man continued to intensify the Blood Curse he was making the pair endure. To them he knew it would feel as though their blood was bubbling and boiling, ready to burn through their flesh like a strong, corrosive acid would… It made him laugh all the more.
"Mugiwara! Cook-bro!" the cyborg raised his left arm and fired again. This time…the result was different. As the bullets tore through the Priests left shoulder and a portion of his chest, there was no laughing, no smirking, and no degrading comment. In place of the taunting, there was a hiss and a shocked look. It seemed he was experiencing pain.
Sanji's foot connected with the injured chest at the same time Luffy ground his fist into the Priests face. He staggered dropping them both, clutching at his shoulder. His eyes were wild as he looked towards the statue. The deity was split clean in two, the halves sliding apart and collapsing to the ground in a rank cloud of dust.
"NO!" He screamed, his face turning ruddy and spit spraying with each enraged word, "YOU BASTARDS I'LL FUCKING TEAR YOU ALL APART!" His eyes came to rest on the swordsman who was shakily making his way closer. "YOU?"
His accusing tone had the group turn towards Zoro. He was in the worst condition they had seen him in. However, in true Zoro style, three swords at his hip, battered, bloody and victorious, he wore his customary smirk.
Torn up to hell and still able to smirk… good on you, you crazy bastard. Sanji thought, thankful he was still standing, still breathing.
A savage, animalistic snarl was the only warning Sanji and Luffy got as the Priest barrelled into them, flattening them to the floor with his greater weight. His hands on the back of their necks, knees in their backs. "Roronoa… I don't know how you're still alive, I don't much care." The murderous intent on his face was clear as he slammed his victims' heads into the ground again.
Screams and other spine chilling noises began to echo around the shrine. The way Sanji had his head turned he could see what was causing it. There were members of the Brotherhood writhing on the ground, their bodies aging rapidly, injuries from their encounters with Luffy, Frank and Brook opening up. The more senior members had a much worse fate… their bodies were rapidly degrading and turning to dust. Their screams turned to vile choking noises as their throats and lungs died away while they were still conscious. Fear… it was tangible. The Brotherhood were regretting their cruel ways as their last seconds on earth drew to a close, fear for their souls apparent in dying eyes.
Takeo stumbled forwards and fell to his knees.
"Shit… kid... no… not you too. Franky help him!" Zoro shouted, only just having the strength to stand. The Shipwright lifted the young boy easily. Takeo, despite the pain he must have been in was smiling. Wounds were beginning to open up all over his body. Wounds similar to what had been inflicted on Sanji by Yoru and Goran. Evidently, he had been their plaything.
"It's ok; I knew this would happen if you were successful. At least this way I'll be with my family again."
The Priest was in the same state, only the difference was he was still trying to take people with him. Unable to use the Blood Curse he settled for striking Sanji and Luffy one more time against the ground. Then Takeo's words filtered through to him, "You won't be joining anyone boy, not unless it's me in the underworld!" He laughed manically. He stood up and staggered towards Franky, "I'll let you see a glimpse now shall I?"
The man was completely mad. His grip on sanity had gone along with the Blood Curse. The large man pulled a knife from his belt brandishing it and slashing wildly the closer he got. All at once the Straw Hats moved. Luffy extending his arm and holding the knife hand back, Brook preventing the Priests' other hand making contact with Franky as he lunged forwards. Zoro drew a sword, regardless of his condition and stabbed forwards, the blade sinking into the middle of the mans chest and Sanji kicked the large man hard in the back, forcing him further onto Zoro's blade. A gurgling, choking gasp of surprise mixed with anger left the Priest as blood welled up in his mouth and poured down his chin.
Sickeningly the blood dried and turned to a black powder almost instantly, his whole body doing the same. He loomed over Zoro, eyes turning from psychopathic to terrified in a matter of seconds. It looked to the first mate that this man was frightened to the core of his blackened soul, of dying. He continued to look into those terrified eyes, his own dark, emotionless and hard.
"I hope you languish in hell with the rest of the demons. I hope your soul is tortured for every second of its existence in hell." Zoro said quietly so that only the Priest could hear. "I can see your fear… die as a coward, you worthless piece of shit." He pulled his sword viciously from the dying mans chest. His huge form disintegrating completely before he hit the ground.
Zoro now had a clear view of Sanji, "You look pretty ripped up cook. Still think you…can…kick my half…dead…" Zoro fell forwards, Sanji and Luffy catching him together. His body convulsed in their arms, a silent cry dying in his throat.
"Zoro? What's going on?" Luffy shouted looking around his crewmates for answers.
"He touched it… he touched the statue." Sanji stated his voice toneless.
Takeo was still hanging on, though his body was a complete mess of cuts varying in their severity. "If you can get him to last the night… if he has the will… he'll survive, his blood was only taken once." The young boy turned his head to look down at Sanji, eyes dimming rapidly. "Tell him… tell him Thank you… for setting me…f… free." The boy slumped in Franky's arms, eyes fluttering shut, his chest still. He died with a serene smile on his young face. There was silence for a moment as they took in what he'd said.
"I will. I promise." Sanji said quietly. "We need to get him to Chopper."
Luffy lifted his first mate, carrying him on his back. "Let's go."
They made it to the shore as a piercing and eerie sound began to come from the shrine. It was like hundreds of people crying out. It made the hair on the back of the navigators neck stand on end. Usopp was shaking next to her.
"Come on, waiting here isn't going to help them." Nami said shaking herself out of the sudden apprehension that had descended on her.
The group, excluding Emiko, the children and Naga, disembarked quickly, immediately heading towards the shrine as fast as their legs could carry them. Nami and Robin were in the lead followed by Chopper, Usopp and the village men who had helped sail them around the coast. The screaming and keening noises getting louder the closer they got. Chopper had clamped his hooves over his ears, all of them finding the noise disturbing.
Then… silence. Complete and utter silence.
The team halted at the shrine entrance, hesitant to enter. Nami was about to yell at Usopp to go first, when the sound of numerous footsteps could be heard. They readied themselves, making semi-circle around the entrance, waiting for the Brotherhood.
The people who came into sight had Nami, Robin, Chopper and Usopp break into smiles…but only briefly. It was their Nakama, but, Zoro was lifeless and Franky had tears streaming down his face as he carried the young boy that had helped them.
"Chopper, you need to keep Zoro alive!" Luffy ordered, voice desperate, sprinting out to them.
The Doctor grew in size, immediately asking the shocked villagers where the nearest place was that he could treat Zoro, his backpack being slung onto his shoulder as he took the swordsman from his Captain. A man from the village stated that the old ladies house was closest. Without waiting for the rest of the crew, Chopper took off, the man leading the way.
"Luffy…?" Usopp began to ask, stopping as the Captain held his hand up.
"Later, when Zoro is ok." He motioned for the crew to follow him.
There was an uncharacteristic pause due to the way even Luffy seemed run down, then they followed.
On reaching the village, Chopper took Zoro to the house he was directed to, the elderly lady having numerous people help to get the Doctor set up quickly so that he could begin to treat the swordsman. He peeled away the shirt, gasping as he saw the number of closely-knit lacerations all over his back. The backs of his legs and arms matching where he had been forced back into the statue. Chopper immediately set to work, giving instructions for no one to interrupt.
Franky was directed to take the boys body to a house further down, the family there had been close to Takeo's and they took him in, cleaning him up, telling the Shipwright of the things the boy and his family would get up to. The atmosphere sombre and calm as they worked.
The rest of the crew were taken to the tavern where they were seated and brought drinks and food. Franky joined them after a short while sitting down silently, picking up a bottle of cola and drinking deeply. A disembodied hand appeared from the tabletop and rested comfortingly on Franky's arm. He looked down from where he'd tilted hid head back to drink, then across the table to Robin, offering a weak smile.
Shuffling footsteps had them all turn to the door as the elderly woman came in. Three other people, two women and one man, accompanied the woman. These people distributed themselves between the crew tending to wounds. One of the women started work on Sanji; he managed a half-hearted mellorine fit before she took hold of his shoulder, silencing him quickly as she manipulated it back into place. After that, he was in no condition to even whimper the word mellorine. Instead, he sat silently; his pale complexion tinted a sickly shade of green. The woman bathed each of his wounds carefully and dressed them in turn. A mixture of pain and worry for Zoro preventing him even trying to keep up his usual flirting.
The elderly lady smiled fondly at Sensei and clasped his hand as he pulled a chair out for her. Once she was seated, she looked around the crew then spoke softly,
"We will never be able to thank you enough for everything you have done today. You cannot begin to appreciate the extent that his will change our lives. For years we've longed for our happier days to return… many of us had given up, many of us had accepted that our lives were to be as miserable as the Brotherhood cared to make them. You really have changed lives." She smiled warmly.
"We lost your little Bro though." Franky sniffled, meaning Takeo.
"Takeo knew it was coming… He helped to direct you to the statue did he not?" She shifted in her seat until she was comfortable. A number of the Brotherhood will be endlessly grateful to you for releasing them. A portion of their numbers is made up of unwilling members such as Takeo. He was forced into it thinking if he sacrificed himself his family would survive. The Brotherhood would wait until the individual had given three sacrifices, at which point they die if they don't make another sacrifice every couple of months, they would then kill the families or destroy whatever the individual was trying to protect when they joined the Brotherhood."
The depraved tactics the group had used visibly sickened the crew.
"Takeo would then have two choices. Stop sacrificing and eventually die a slow and painful death, or, continue to sacrifice and wait for an opportunity to take revenge. Takeo took the latter option, but he was cruelly robbed of his sight shortly after his first attempt at killing Goran. Goran had been the one who murdered his younger sister and mother. Following that he tried to take his own life…" She paused and shook her head sadly. "The Brotherhood Priest kept him alive, then told him he'd kill children of the same age each time Takeo attempted suicide. He was living for the sake of others…and living in pain. He was existing because he had to, but his heart and soul cried out to join his family and many of his friends. When someone dies with a smile on their face like Takeo did, it will always be a sincere smile…. Your last feelings are always genuine." She finished quietly.
There was silence for a while as they contemplated what the woman had said.
"You brought back one of our own, and I must say, though he is still himself he is so much more. I have faith that he will survive, he's far too pig-headed not to…" She stated breaking the silence. When that comment pulled a snort from Sanji and a few chuckles from Usopp, Nami and Robin the woman's smile widened. "Oh, you think you know his pig-headedness? You should have seen him as a child! He wandered into town, none of us know where from… challenging anyone who could fight left right and center!"
As Sensei and the old lady, named Mariko, reminisced about Zoro as a child, it took the crews mind off the depression that was threatening to creep up on them.
Chopper had been working on Zoro for over an hour, quickly stopping the bleeding from the raw tattered wounds all over his back. Zoro's body had already endured so much before these grave injuries… Chopper worked silently, his brow creased in concentration as he sutured, cleaned and dressed the swordsman's wounds. Out of all the crew, Zoro had to have received the most medical attention from the little reindeer. The lengths he was willing to go to in order to keep his dream alive and protect his crew always taxed his body to the limits. I Don't know how long your body can keep doing this Zoro.
Zoro's hand twitched on the bed, instinctively clutching at the sheet as Chopper bathed one of the more severe wounds, but other than that one reaction Zoro was still and silent.
Chopper was another two hours before he felt confident; enough that all the first mates needs were tended to. He had just taken a seat when a familiar voice came from the doorway.
"Do you want to get some rest? A drink or some food? The rest of the crew are in the tavern a little way down the street." Sanji was peering around the doorframe, his shirt replaced by a multitude of bandages, arm in a sling.
Chopper looked torn between the rest he clearly needed and the duty to his patient.
"You look like you could sleep right now. It's ok I'll stay, get some rest." Sanji placed his good hand on the Doctors shoulder, "Get some rest and something to eat Chopper, you'll be more awake to care for Zoro when you come back. I'm sure I can manage with the moss ball for now… it's not like he's going anywhere."
Chopper smiled, though Sanji's usual attitude towards Zoro was there verbally, the look in his visible blue eye held no irritation, just concern.
"He'll probably be out for a while yet Sanji; he lost a lot of blood. Sleep's probably the best thing for him."
"You think he's going to be ok then?" Sanji's face turned hopeful for a second before he schooled his expression into something more neutral.
"I've done everything I possibly can." Chopper slid off the chair and stood tiredly, "His body has been pushed well past its limits… It's all up to him now. According to Mariko-san said, so long as he "wants" to survive he will. Since it's Zoro we're talking about, I don't think he'll be giving up anytime soon."
Sanji just nodded and absently seated himself in the chair that Chopper had recently vacated, his eyes never leaving the first mate. Chopper smiled again, Zoro and Sanji were a good match, stubborn as hell, liable to fight rather than talk but he highly doubted anyone else would suit either man.
"I'll be back in a couple of hours. Any problems, just shout."
"Ok." came the plain and simple reply as Sanji got comfortable. Chopper turned and went to join the rest of the crew so he could grab a bite to eat and grab some sleep while he could. Whoever had patched Sanji up had done a good job, Naga was sleeping on the ship with Emiko watching over him and the children and Zoro had someone to watch him. Perhaps soon the crew would be back to normal again… or at least as normal as the Straw Hats ever got.
Zoro was laid on his stomach to keep pressure off his back. His face was turned to face Sanji. He noticed that the customary knitted brow was present… and that comforted the cook somewhat. It meant that the swordsman was in there brooding about something, still being a stubborn ass rather than giving in to his injuries completely. The peaceful expression he had seen on Zoro's face when he'd been floored at the temple had been something that scared him. Zoro was never completely at peace; his soul was restless to become the best swordsman in the world, which meant he was always brooding over a technique, burning to fight, to improve.
He sighed as he leaned back in the chair, crossing his legs over at the ankles, "You'll be the death of me one day Marimo…" He thought back to the numerous occasions Zoro had been patched up by Chopper. Secretly he'd been worried each and every time it had happened. He really didn't want his golden hair to turn grey with worry and the only way he'd be able to ensure that would be to leave Zoro to his own devices… That wasn't going to happen; not now he'd had a taste of what it was like to be with the first mate. He sighed again and chuckled at the notion of buying hair dye.
According to Choppers diagnosis, Zoro wasn't expected to even regain consciousness for two days.
"How is it he manages to sleep more than us no matter what the situation is?" Usopp had asked before the crew agreed on a shift pattern for watching Zoro.
The crew busied themselves during the day. Usopp and Franky began work on restoring Sensei's dojo. Nami and Robin explored more of the town with Luffy in tow, keeping him out of trouble until they found a group of children playing a game Luffy was interested in. The game soon dissolved into Luffy letting them use him like a bouncy castle.
Chopper was shown some remedies specific to the island by the three healers of the town while he wasn't looking after Zoro. Brook helped him to pick some of the herbs and also kept the little reindeer company when he decided Naga and the children could be moved back into the village.
Sanji directed people to cook with him, having one arm out of commission really did rile the cook, but he found some able enough people to help and was soon lavishing the place with the best food they had ever tasted. When he wasn't doing that, he was by Zoro's side. Late In the evening of the first day the blonde had taken over from Usopp.
Sitting down in the chair, he'd pulled close to Zoro's bed Sanji lit a cigarette, smoking as he thought about the events of the last few days.
"Zoro has to want to survive" That phrase had gone round and round in his head so many times that day.
"You had better want to survive shit head… 'Cause now you've gone and made me care… Not that I didn't care before, but, that was just as Nakama… now… now we're more aren't we?" He flicked his spent cigarette into the makeshift ashtray he'd been provided with, blowing a smoke ring upwards as he slumped in his seat.
"Come on shitty swordsman…wake up, I've got no one to bitch at…" Sanji said in a bored tone as he closed his tired eyes for a second.
Slowly, very slowly he managed to crack his eyes open. Quickly he sat bolt upright and looked around, memories of where he was and what he was supposed to be doing coming back to him. Early morning sun light was pouring in from the window.
"Shit…" He said scrubbing at his eyes and wincing as he tried to move his injured shoulder too quickly. Gingerly he stretched his back popping in several places. "Fucking hate sleeping in chairs." He yawned.
"Come sleep over here then." A gruff voice said from in front of him.
"Marimo? What the fuck are you doing awake? Wait… how long have you been awake?" Sanji said startled from his grumblings.
"I'm awake because I can't sleep. As for how long… I'm not sure, not long." Zoro swallowed, licking at his dry lips and coughing lightly. He moved his arms up so that he could push himself off the bed.
"Don't you dare." Sanji said sternly, standing and retrieving a glass of water. He took it over and helped the swordsman drink in the awkward position he was stuck in. "You're best off staying still, so for once don't be an ass and do as you're told."
"Hai Sanji-sama." Zoro replied mockingly. "What happened?" He shifted uncomfortably. "I remember the big bastard on my sword… but nothing after that."
"Destroy the statue; you destroy the link keeping the Brotherhood alive after all their sacrifices. Anyone who had sacrificed for a substantial amount of time just… rotted away, the rest of them aged, old wounds opening up… It was pretty grim. You passed out, having been forced into making a sacrifice yourself; you reacted to the statues destruction to." Sanji perched on the end of the bed.
Zoro nodded, "What about Takeo?" He asked, his voice giving away that he had an idea of what had happened.
"He didn't make it… forced into too many sacrifices to be able to survive."
"Damn… I'd hoped…" Zoro sighed, "If I'd stayed around instead of leaving the island… kids like Takeo wouldn't have…"
Swiftly Sanji crouched in front of Zoro's bed, "Shut up baka. Think about it properly. If you had stayed, you would be dead. Doing what you did, leaving the island, being a pirate hunter, and joining the crew… it all made you stronger. If you hadn't left you would have died, we wouldn't have stumbled on the island…and if we had who knows if we'd have survived. The island would still be waiting for someone who can cut all and nothing… whatever the hell that means... you'll have to explain one day."
"Hnn… I suppose you make sense… sometimes." Zoro said grateful Sanji was around to make sure he couldn't ponder on the "what if's" of his past actions. He tried to shift again.
"One of us has to shit head. Stay. Still!" Sanji said exasperatedly.
Zoro scowled at the blonde, his back was itching like hell and he wanted to lie on his side at least, he never slept on his front. A playful gleam came to his eyes "Hai…Sanji-sama. You're a bossy bastard." He chuckled before leaning down and capturing the cook's lips, the kiss slow and full of the need he found awakening now that he had Sanji to himself with no fight to worry about.
"I'm gonna give you a damn reason to call me "Sama" when you're better shit head." He said as he pulled away from the first mate.
"Why wait, this isn't as serious as it looks." The swordsman gestured to his back by jerking his thumb in that direction.
Sanji was about to give a scathing reply when the door opened abruptly, a blushing navigator stumbling in as Chopper, Luffy and Robin, who was giggling, followed.
"I think Nami-san would be tempted to agree with Zoro…just so she can be a voyeur again." The raven-haired woman laughed more at Nami's embarrassment.
"Well, thankfully they will be taking their doctors advice and resting until both of them are better." Chopper said, growing into his larger form to emphasise his stern words. He busied himself around the room as he gathered what he needed.
Luffy had gone back to the door and was shouting about Zoro being awake. Much to Chopper's consternation the room filled quickly with over-excited children, grateful adults and the rest of the crew. All of them asking Zoro questions at once.
Sanji stepped back and waited with Robin at the far side of the room. Secretly… very secretly, Sanji was proud of the shit head. These people were here to thank him for risking himself to set them free. What made him all the more proud was the way the praise and thankful gestures were accepted. Chopper had helped the first mate to sit up so that he could talk to his sudden flood of visitors properly. The thing was… Zoro had no idea what to say. He sat quietly as people gave their thanks; cheeks dusted a light pink as he blushed in embarrassment. As far as the swordsman was concerned, he hadn't done anything to warrant this kind of treatment. He hadn't done to for the thanks, he had done it because it was the right thing to do… the only thing he could do to make the situation right again.
"I think Kenshin-san is a little taken back by the sudden fame he has earned." Robin said quietly to the cook, her delicate hand shielding the laugh she was trying to stifle at Zoro's discomfiture.
"Heh, he'll get used to it." Sanji left the room smiling; deciding that now Zoro was awake there would be no doubt Luffy would want to celebrate.
Sure enough by the time Sanji had started work in the kitchen he'd been borrowing he could hear Luffy, Usopp, Brook and Franky yelling about a party/banquet/feast/celebration.
"Saaaanjiiiii! We're having a…Ooof!"
"Party?" Sanji finished as Luffy was forced to a skidding halt by a dress shoe to the face. "I know, get out of the kitchen, I've already started preparing." He stamped his foot down on a wandering rubbery hand. "Out. Now." Sanji growled. "If you so much as sniff at any of the food I'm preparing you get veggies and that's it."
Luffy left with more speed than Usopp running from a monster, and much to Sanji's satisfaction he stayed away the whole time he was creating the feast. The people working with him worked quickly and with high spirits.
The whole towns' spirits were raised as the Mugiwara Captain succeeded in drawing them all into the party spirit. The main street of the town was quickly decked out in festival banners, lanterns, and streamers… anything they could get hold of.
Nami and Robin stumbled upon Mariko. The older lady was standing at the end of the street, tears streaming down her face.
"Mariko-san! Are you ok?" Nami asked as they rushed to her side.
"Yes, I'm… I'm more than ok!" She said through her tears. Turning her face towards them, a huge childlike smile graced her aged features. "It's the first time in years this place has looked so beautiful, and the people… the people are happy, so very, very happy." She managed to say before clinging to Nami and bawling happy tears. Robin and Nami smiled at each other, it was as if a dark storm cloud had finally lifted and the villagers were allowed to live, not just exist.
After his numerous visitors had, left Zoro carefully sank back onto his bed, slowly easing himself down.
"Zoro! Not on your back!" Chopper squeaked.
"Chopper, it doesn't hurt to lie like this and it stops the damn itching, it's driving me crazy!" Zoro said huffing moodily.
"Itching? It shouldn't be itching yet… let me look." Chopper ordered as he pulled a stool over so he could inspect. He had used a salve the local medical experts had raved about… they said it stopped bleeding and promoted healing quicker than anything else that had tried. Gently he cut away a section of the bandages, a surprised gasp leaving him. "Oh my…"
Zoro tensed, "What? Is something wrong?" Zoro pictured a whole manner of horrid things in the thirty seconds Chopper kept him waiting for an answer.
"No! Nothings wrong…I need to get a stock of this stuff before we leave." The Doctor said absently as he cut away all of the bandages. Underneath the heavy dressings, there were traces of blood on the material… but no open wounds on Zoro's back; instead, there was a latticework of new pink flesh. It would still be delicate and tender, but what an improvement!
"I'm changing your dressings Zoro; we can use lighter bandaging now, the salve the villagers provided has worked wonderfully."
By the time Chopper was almost done re-dressing the swordsman's rapidly healing wounds Sanji had been able to complete most of his preparation and any of the slower cooking food was well on its way. He was sure Luffy wouldn't dare to sneak food even if he wasn't there… all the people helping him had been advised to threaten Luffy with vegetables. He walked in to find Chopper alternating from keeping Zoro propped up, as he seemed to have fallen asleep, and trying to wind a bandage around the muscular figure.
Chuckling Sanji stepped up and lightly supported the first mate, so that he wouldn't fall forwards off the bed. "Better?" He asked Chopper quirking his visible eyebrow.
"Easier." Chopper agreed finishing up and allowing Sanji to lay the swordsman down on his back, soft snoring immediately issuing from him as soon as his head had touched the pillow. "All the visitors tired him out."
"Awww poor Marimo." Sanji teased as he sat down in his customary place by Zoro's head.
"Shut-up Curlicue." Zoro mumbled groggily, "M'not completely asleep …yet."
"Shut-up yourself shit head, go to sleep and rest while you can… there's a party tonight courtesy of our Captain."
Chopper left to find Usopp on the promise from the cook that he would make candyfloss for the little Doctor.
The blonde heaved a sigh and relaxed back in his seat.
"You sound as tired as I feel." Zoro mumbled turning on his side to face Sanji, the bandages rippling as the muscle underneath moved.
"No… just thinking how you'd better never do this to me again."
"What?" Zoro cracked an eye open to regard the cook.
"You ever try to sacrifice yourself for me again and I swear… I'll kick you shitty sword twirling ass…ok?"
"Hnn… that. I can't promise you anything when it comes to that. I didn't even think about it, it was an automatic reaction. It's what Nakama do… isn't it?"
"Nakama until the End huh?" Sanji said leaning in to nip gently at Zoro's lower lip, and then he kissed him, slowly, thoroughly, working over the swordsman's mouth until a low groan issued from the first mate.
"Mmm…Yeah. I guess. I'd do it again without hesitation… so I'm sorry, but, unless you can guarantee you won't ever end up in that situation again, I can't promise I won't do this to you again." He murmured pulling back from Sanji and lying down again. "I'd do it at the drop of a straw hat for Nakama…so… you don't stand much of a chance do you?"
"Why?" Sanji asked sitting back again.
"'cause you're…More…Than Nakama…" Zoro replied as he drifted off into a deep sleep.
Sanji smiled warmly as he was just about able to catch the swordsman's mumbled and sleepy words. "More than Nakama…until the End." he whispered lighting a cigarette and resuming his quiet, now somewhat smug, watch of Zoro… his swordsman.
_Epilogue To Follow_
It took me long enough I know... you'll have to forgive me though, I had a spell in hospital :( All better now though! There will be an epilogue... just how smutty it gets is entirely up to you... *cue evil grin* R/R please!
Huge thanks goes to those readers still supporting me even though I've dragged them through hell and back waiting for my updates. Gomen Nasai *bows VERY low*
I hope you enjoyed it XD