In The End
(Epilogue)
Authors Note
It's the moment you've all been waiting for folks,
The grand finale.
Thank you for all your continued support in my first fan fic, your comments and advice have persuaded me to continue writing, and I look forward to producing more work in the future ^_^ and with each fic I write, it is my hope each one will be better than the last.
Enjoy
The sun was at its peak in the sky; warm rays of sunlight warmed the deck of the Sunny and eliminated the bright blue sky in the afternoon heat. A pleasant warm breeze flicked at the pages of Robins book, bending the crisp, yellow pages as she briefly scanned through its contents .
Robin and Nami had been discussing the events that had unfolded over two months ago, Zoro's capture. The mysterious archaeological drawings on the cave entrance Sanji had described had left her curious. After much research she had concluded that they had no real meaning to them. The cave had been used for many years by various gangs and thieves for their dirty work but she could not find anything more.
'Do you think we should mention it to the others?' Nami asked, removing her shades from the top of her head and placing them on the table in front of her to grab a cool refreshing drink. (Provided by Sanji of course)
'I'm sure that they are all curious too Navigator San but we have not found out any useful information' Robin closed the book shut with one hand and placed it on the table.
'It may be possible to find out who is currently vacating the surrounding area but I'm sure finding out would be unmeaningful, after all Navigator San I'm sure you can agree when I say something's are better left unsaid'
The red head sighed before nodding in agreement and stretching her arms above her head before her joints clicked, slowing leaning back into the deck chair she was resting in.
Both the women watched in amusement as Luffy and Chopper were chasing Usopp around the mast; in an attempt to prise a small brown box from his hands, no doubt another new invention. Brooke stood at the bow of the ship, heartily playing his soul into his violin – well, he would – if he had one.
Franky was below deck out of sight, no doubt tinkering with something mechanical, and the savoury, delicious smell of the night's dinner wafted out of open kitchen windows filling noses with delight, no doubt Sanji was preparing enough fine feast.
This of course only left one other crew member uncounted for; Zoro.
But of course it was always only too easy to find him. He was as always occupying his spot against the mast, arms behind his head looking up at the sky.
As if in deep thought.
With a relieving sigh, Sanji dumped the last of the pans and cutlery into the sink to be washed. It wouldn't be done until after dinner as usual but he liked to think it made the counters less cluttered, and less prone to accidents.
Especially for a certain rubber, hyperactive captain.
Before he called the apes in and his two wonderful female sweethearts he needed a well deserved smoke. Pulling a lighter from his trouser pocket, he tried lighting a smoke but it only gave a dull click.
Damn thing...
Putting it to one side, he reached for the spare he kept by the window ledge, as he did so he couldn't help but notice a familiar blob of green basking in the last of the days sunlight.
Marimo...?
He was sure that he was not the only one of the crew to notice that the green haired idiot had been isolating himself from the others recently. He seemed to be in a constant slumber and only really came out of hibernation at meals time.
The one time of the day you could guarantee he would make an appearance was afternoon. Zoro practically hailed the sun, he was like a wild cat; he loved to stretch and soak in the sun's rays. Not that his crew mates blamed him, after being cooped up in the infirmary for a long time he had spent most of his time in the dark.
He spoke to the rest of the crew briefly throughout the day, perhaps if Usopp had a story to tell or Luffy wanted to bug him about something, but other than that they only really spoke at meals.
Everyone could tell he was still adjusting to 'normal' life back on the sunny.
Normal...
Sanji snorted, he was sure normal was not the right word. But they all knew it was just a matter of time before he opened out of his shell.
Lighting the cigarette between his lips he exhaled the smoke slowly before making his way over to the door leading out to the main deck.
'Oi pigs, grubs up!' he bellowed, before swooning in the direction of Nami and Robin.
'Nami Swannnn, Robin Chwan! Dinner is ready my dears!'
Sanji leaned against the wall, finishing the last of his cigarette whilst everyone made their way to the kitchen. All accept one person, who still lay fast asleep in the dying sunlight.
Zoro.
Throwing his cigarette overboard, Sanji walked slowly towards the sleeping swordsman. As he did, he couldn't help but take in his appearance.
With his arms crossed he could see the various few remaining healing cuts covering them, they were barely noticeable. Just like most of the other bruises and injuries he had sustained they were fading. It was almost as if they were never there in the first place. Except for one.
The scar left trailing across the swordsman's left eye.
It started from just beneath his eyebrow, and finished at the top of his cheek; in line with the tip of his nose.
It didn't seem to bother Zoro much; each one he gained to him carried the same message.
He needed to train more and become stronger.
The blonde chef sighed, he felt angry looking at it. Just like every other member of the crew he felt partly responsible for it being there.
He'd never tell that to Zoro's face though.
He wouldn't want the idiot knowing he actually cared for him a little...
Sanji stomach growled, interrupting him from his thoughts. This reminded him why he was standing in front of Zoro in the first place.
'Oi Marimo!'
The swordsman stretched out his arms above his head, cracking his aching joints and rubbed his eyes, to stare at the chef stood in front of him.
'When you've quite finished photosynthesising, you should come inside dinners ready you moron'
The blonde turned and headed for the kitchen, leaving Zoro staring at his back.
'It's probably poisoned anyway...'
Sanji turned sharply to face him.
'Did you say something?' he said, raising his eyebrows questioningly.
Zoro just smirked.
'Nothing, nothing at all'
And with that, the two Strawhat's slowly strolled towards the kitchen to join the rest of their crewmates.
Things were officially back to normal.
