Hello everybody,
I hope you can enjoy some great weather, wherever you are.
Today the ball will finally begin, but I have to inform you that I might not be able to post the next chapter in time, because I will leave for a competition on Wednesday and stay there for ten days (and I don't know if I can get any Wifi)
But afterwards I promise I will continue updating.
So thank you for all your comments, favors, and follows so far, I really appreciate so many people reading the story.
See you soon
Sharry
Chapter 26 – Beginning
-Zoro-
It was already dark when he finally reached the old Dracule mansion. Mr. Koumyou had insisted to accompany him back, which was unnecessary because he had left the most dangerous being of the island behind in the meeting room.
He bid the major farewell and with a sigh he closed the front door behind him.
What a day!
Gratefully he noted that neither the loud voice of the housekeeper nor the stern eyes of the landlord greeted him. He leaned against the closed door and simply enjoyed the silence for a moment. It was a small miracle that he was still alive.
He would have loved to go to bed right away and sleep for the next week, but he was quite sure that Mihawk would not let him rest until he would tell him at least something about what had happened. That man was too curious for his own good.
Not that Zoro wanted to talk about it. But it did not matter for what he wanted was not easy to get: His swords, his manhood, his sake. He sighed, this whining was pathetic.
Tired he took of his high heels and walked barefooted into the living room, but nobody was there. Maybe Dracule had been called to Suzuno again. Maybe he was alone in the mansion.
Although Zoro had not eaten anything yet – except for some biscuits and coffee – he was not hungry, only exhausted. Those hours he had spent smiling and faking politeness, had been much tougher on him than any dance session with Kanan could be, but at least he had been able to buy a little bit more time and he did not even lashed out for the ancient politician. He was actually kind of proud of his social behavior.
His head was still brooding and because nobody seemed to be at home, he could use a little bit of time to meditate before going to bed. Maybe it was good that the Shichibukai was not there, because he never got tired of telling Zoro that he did not think much of meditation.
As he reached the changing room however he met a surprise, because the door to the training room was halfway opened and all lights were on.
On the other side was nobody else than Hawk Eyes.
His eyes were closed and in a deeply concentrated manner he went through the basic fighting positions, which Zoro had had to relearn only few days ago, because Hawk Eyes had spotted tiny mistakes in his movements.
Astonished he watched the other one.
What an unusual sight. Up until now he had never seen the other one in action, except for that one fight against him, he had never seen him train.
Zoro did not understand why the other one was absolving the basics. Why for heaven's sake would the greatest swordsman in the world out of all repeat novice exercises, which any seven year old disciple got taught?
But as he watched he learned to understand. Simple movements, without variation, without embellishment but still the other one was more elegant than a dancer, more graceful than a cat, it was fascinating to watch him. The other one was doubtless master of his art.
And then Zoro noticed something else.
Mihawk looked different. For one thing the black haired one wore different clothes than usual, no button-down shirt or dress pants, which Zoro was used to see on him. The tight-fitting black T-shirt defined each single muscle in detail and the simple grey jogging pants seemed almost a little bit too loose, like it could slide down any moment. The deep worry lines on his forehead as well as the dark concentration which usually hovered over his face were gone. For the first time since Zoro knew the older one he had the feeling to not look at an old geezer filled with bitterness. He seemed young, almost vulnerable and somehow his back seemed broader in this clothing than Zoro remembered it to be.
How old was the other one actually?
Till know he had been sure that Dracule had to be barely younger than Homura but right now he thought that the difference between those two must be more than just a few years. Anyway this relaxed facial expression fit him way better than his usual fierce face.
For half an eternity he watched the other one, sitting on the floor cross-legged, astonished and amazed at the same time, until the other one looked at him.
How strong was Mihawk really?
-Miahwk-
Surprised he looked down at the other one.
He had not noticed him. He, elite warrior of his generation had not noticed that boy, who looked at him like an innocent puppy and had watched him for at least some minutes already.
After the youngster had left the house early, Mihawk had wanted to use his free day to – well – to do nothing for once in a while.
But his head had been against it.
Not for one second his thoughts had stopped racing, not while he had tried to nap, not while he had tried to taste some wine, not while he had tried to read a book, not even while he had tried to read his newspaper, so he ended up doing the only thing that could really calm him down. He had trained.
His training probably seemed unspectacular for an ignoramus, might look simple, but he did not train for spectators.
As time had passed he had stopped brooding, even forgetting the image of his tomboy for few seconds.
"Roronoa." He mumbled, but did not continue. If the other one was here, the meeting had to be over. But why was this boy looking at him with those sparkling eyes. He had never seen him like that.
"So, what did Koumyou want?" He interrupted his own thoughts, but the pirate waved it aside.
"Some business stuff, but more important…"
"Stop avoiding my questions. You know that I am not found of that." He interrupted the other one immediately.
The pirate rolled his big eyes, which had lost the sparkle.
"Just to make things clear." The pirate murmured, but stayed seated. "I'm not in the mood for your deep and emotional stuff, okay? I've told you that I…"
"I just wanted to ask what you and the old major were talking about all day. Is Auntie Rosie back to visit you?"
Why was his tomboy so exhausting?
Said one bit his lip, apparently annoyed by himself.
"It's called monthlies because it only happens once a month, got it?"
"This is no topic I want to talk about! Please just answer my question!"
It looked like the youngster was already quite unnerved, he could tell by hi touchy voice.
The pirate sighed: "Okay, but no lecture, deal?"
Mihawk nodded, after all he could still change his mind later. It was kind of amusing that this boy still thought he needed to keep him at distance. Exactly this behavior told him that the other one was trying to hide something from him, maybe even trying to guard him from something. What a ridiculous, but nonetheless cute effort.
Roronoa folded his arms, still sitting.
"I got a proposal from Eizen." He said cold.
Mihawk choked on his breath. What the hell? He could not be serious? A proposal?
"What?!"
"Yeah, don't make such a fuss. I told him that I wouldn't work with him, but don't worry I was really polite and it wasn't a problem."
Oh, that kind of proposal, business.
"What kind of work did he offer you?" He asked, already calmer than before. He did not like that the other one tried to keep something from him, especially because he was the one who brought Roronoa into politics. Eizen was a dangerous man, everybody knew that. A man, who would do anything to become one of the world nobles and who stood in the front line of the most powerful men of the world government. Even Sengoku, Fleet Admiral and mightiest man of the Navy, would beware of losing him as an ally. Thousands of thoughts were chasing him, what would a man like him do to Lady Loreen? What could he do to Roronoa Zoro, if he knew?
But Roronoa looked at him cold.
"To make it short, he wanted that I work for him but like I said, I denied. So let's change the topic."
Lost of words Mihawk stared back. He simply rejected? Eizen would never settle for a simple 'No'. He was man who took what he wanted, no matter the costs. Mihawk needed to do something, but the other one would not accept any objection right now, the fight was over. He was not used to that much determination. If he would ask any further now, this conflict would turn into a war, so he nodded after a second. The other one would tell him, if necessary and he preferred not to fight the unnecessary.
"Fine. So what do you want to do? You know that I will not train you this evening."
Suddenly the sparkles were back.
"I just want to watch." The green eyes widened in pure amazement. "I just want to watch you."
The Shichibukai turned around. This look was dangerous for him.
Only one person had looked at him like that so far.
It was dangerous, why did Roronoa look at him like that?
Mihawk inhaled deeply. If he did not look at him, it should be fine. He did not need to fight him. He should be able to control his inner demons.
Why would the other one want to watch him by the way? This was not something impressive or complicated, but those sparkling eyes, like a child in front of the candy store.
He nodded with a sigh.
"Fine, but stay quiet."
The other nodded quickly, unusually squirrelly for the usual stern warrior.
And so he continued, with the unknown feeling of being watched by highly concentrated eyes.
-Zoro-
The following morning came soon. The day, everybody was waiting for, although with different motives.
On his way to breakfast the Shichibukai picked him up, greeting him in his calm way.
Grumbling he starred up at him while they walked down the stairs.
"How can you be in such a good mood that early?"
The older one grinned evil.
"Only the early bird catches the worm."
Zoro rolled his eyes.
"The early bird can kiss my ass!" and fell down on his chair.
Like always a healthy breakfast greeted them, although Kanan was nowhere to be seen.
The pirate grabbed his cup of coffee and cursed the day he had woken up, the day he had gotten that invitation and the day he had been turned into a girl. The other one was eating his tower of crumbled eggs after a short prayer and started reading his newspaper.
If this night would end up somewhat good, he would have only few days left before the other ones would arrive at Sarue.
"So what's your new idea for my training now?" He interrupted the silence. "I mean, now that I beat Kanan."
He had reached this goal earlier than the other one had expected him to do so, so another fight against the housekeeper was useless, but apparently the other one had his reasons not to fight him himself. Since their last training he wondered often for what reason, but because it was probably a topic of emotions and other ridiculous stuff he had decided not to ask the other one.
"No worries." The other one answered without even looking up. "I am far ahead of you, but we will talk about that tomorrow. Today my only goal is to survive that damn ball."
It was seldom that the other one used such words. Yes, this night would be fun.
With a sigh Zoro got up.
"Where are you going?" The older one asked and looked at him, but Zoro had smiled sarcastically.
"How long do you think will it take to put me in that freaking dress?"
In this very moment the door to the kitchen burst open and Kanan came in to pick him up.
And for another time he stood half naked in the dressing room, wearing nothing than bra, slip, and shoes. He hoped for the last time in his life.
Kanan was in the small chamber next to him to finish the last quick adjustments – because of the training his chest out of all had grown a bit – totally not his day.
Meanwhile Kanan's sister had shortened his finger nails and painted them now in a minimalist way. A lot of time had passed already and he wondered what would happen if he would be too late for the ball, but he was too lucky for something like this to happen. He sighed.
"So little one, now it should fit!" The housekeeper rushed in, the dress flowing in the air.
But before she could reach him, someone knocked at the door and opened it a bit.
"I would like to talk with our guest for a moment."
The dark voice of the Shichibukai sounded through the room.
"But only a minute." Kanan hissed, put the dress back into the room at the side, before the landlord could see it and walked past him, of course not without lecturing him swiftly about manners and time. Her mood was really unstable today. During the last minutes she had already cried two times. Shakky on the other hand winked at Zoro with a grin and walked outside.
"Come on, you just wanna see her naked, don't you?" She teased Dracule who ignored her completely and closed the door behind him.
When he noted that Zoro was indeed almost naked, he blushed and turned away. With slow movements he picked up the fingernail pieces from the little desk at the side, so he did not need to look at Zoro, who was surprised as well.
The Shichibukai was already wearing a black suit, with perfectly combed and fixed hair as well as polished patent leather shoes. Only the mask was missing.
"You have to go already?" Zoro asked calm. Now it would really begin.
The other one simply nodded.
"So what are you waiting for?" Something was different.
Hawk Eyes was not looking at him, he seemed nervous.
Now the older one turned towards him, while Zoro sat down at the raised platform where he had been standing before.
"You don't have to go, Roronoa!" Yellow eyes starred at him intense.
"It's too dangerous if Eizen already has his eyes on you. So it would be safer if you..:"
"Did you smoke something?" It seemed like the other one was going crazy, so many emotions were speaking out of him. He had lost his calmness. Nothing a man like should.
"But…"
"But you're an idiot!" He interrupted roughly. "So first, Kanan put her all into creating that dress for me, that's already reason enough for me to wear it. Second, I haven't learned all those damn dances to spend tonight on the sofa and third, I accepted the invitation and you will never experience that I'll break my word!"
The older one simply looked at him.
"Whatever is wrong with you, keep it to yourself. I can take care of myself, got it? So just stop worrying about me like I'm some stupid child."
The other one was not answering, simply meeting his view, but then he laughed hollow.
"It's strange." The older one mumbled. "You are the complete opposite of Sharak."
Slowly the man he respected returned.
"Your physics are so weak that I have to be careful not to hurt you by accident, while she had been so much stronger than me."
"You really know how to be supportive, you know?"
"But you are the first one, not only capable of protecting yourself, but also keen enough to refuse my protection. I really have no idea how to treat you."
Zoro sighed. "You're such an idiot."
The other one looked up surprised.
"You always talk about this emotional nonsense I don't give a damn about." He slowly got up. "So here I go again, only for you, my dear Mihawk. We don't need to talk that stuff and I really don't need to understand – or want to understand for that matter – what you're thinking, doing or feeling. I really don't wanna know all your secrets, okay? But…"
Zoro folded his arms with a grin. "For your understanding: I already accepted long ago that you will protect me, for you're an ignorant asshole, but only under my conditions and that means that I will make my own decisions." He turned around. "And now get off. It's damn difficult to control mine and your emotions at the same time."
Calm steps crossed the room and suddenly he could feel that the other one was standing directly behind him.
"What now?" He hissed darker than wanted.
But then he saw the long arms in front of his eyes, heard the strong heartbeat just behind him and felt something cold around his neck.
"This is a sign of my protection, you uneducated, ungrateful brat."
The door fell close behind the other one.
What did just happen?
He looked at the tall mirror. A filigree necklace with a golden cross graced his neck.
What was happening with him?
The door burst open and Kanan came back in.
"So sweetie, we have no time to lose. Oh, did something happen, child? Are you cr…?"
"Oh please, just shut up!"
-Mihawk-
He tried to hide his huge yawning behind a hand while he – the only person in the last row of chairs – had tilted his chair against the wall, and tried to sleep with folded arms and legs. Unfortunately the lecturer had a horrible high pitched voice, which was intensified by the microphones and speakers, so it was almost impossible to ignore him. For another time he wondered why he had to be here. Those dissertation and conversation topics did not raise his interest at all, even less than the ones of the yearly assembly of the islands.
In the main all this talk was only about how to make the rich ones richer and the mighty ones mightier. Additionally well-chosen facts from the Navy were told to the high society, of course sugarcoated.
Tired Mihawk rubbed his eyes and looked at the big clock, which ticked sardonically slow. The day took its time to pass.
"Geez, Hawky. What are you doing back here all on your own?"
The Shichibukai opened one eye and peeked out of the shadow of his hat - which he was not allowed to take to the ball of course - to see his childhood friend.
Rear admiral Cho, in his finest black suit under his snow white Navy coat, pulled a chair next to his and sat down quietly. He grinned from one ear to the other and his blond hair was neatly combed back, except for one curl, which swung around elegantly.
Up until few minutes ago Jirou had been the one at the front and had talked about large scale operations of the Navy, but mainly considering cost-benefit analysis.
"And, how did I do?" His friend asked in a whisper.
"At least you did not stutter." Mihawk murmured, without moving from his comfortable position.
Honestly he had not been listening to his former crewmember for even a second. Only thanks to the huge board in the front listing all the main topics, he knew what his friend had been talking about for half an hour.
"You're no big help." The blonde mumbled miffed and folded his arms as well. With his aggrieved eyes he looked like a little child, the blond curls and the complete absence of any facial hair – except for his eyebrows of course – did not help much.
"You should grow a beard." He mumbled and focused his view at the talking person in front, who must have noticed his look because he shivered.
"And you should buy some manners." The rear admiral grumbled.
Mihawk smirked evil and stroke his perfectly trimmed beard.
"Oh right, I forgot, not every man is able to do so."
"You know, sometimes I hate you!"
"What are you two rowdies talking about?" The major of Sasaki asked in his deep voice from the row in front of them and turned around.
Mihawk and Jiroushin shrugged together when he talked. They remembered their childhood too well, when the word rowdies usually got followed by some caring slaps in the face. Koumyou had never cared that they were children of influential families and had treated them like any other brat.
"It is rude to eavesdrop on other one's conversation. Turn around!" The Shichibukai replied calm.
"It is also rude to talk during a speech." The older man answered, but turned around, after his wife – the only present woman – hit her elbow against his side.
The minutes went by slowly, while the man at the podium lost track of his speech and stuttered something in an unsettling high tune.
"Say, Jirou." He mumbled finally. "Do you have some free days left?"
His friend looked at him from the side.
"What do you want, Hawky?" He asked suspicious.
Mihawk grinned under the shadow of his hat.
"I need your help." He answered plain.
"Again?" The blonde sighed a little bit louder than needed. "Hey Hawky, I'm really glad that we got to spend some time together but I'm slowly getting worried. What did you do this time?"
The Shichibukai could see how the Viking in front of him tried to turn towards them to follow their quiet conversation, but was already noted by the alert eyes of his wife.
"But completely without reasoning my friend." He answered, barely loud enough that the man in front of him could hear but not understand his words. "This matter is less about me but more about my impatient disciple."
"Loreen?!" This time the rear admiral was loud enough for several people from the row in front of them to hear them. Some turned around and looked at them confused.
Disapproving Mihawk rolled his eyes.
"Pay attention to your volume please." He murmured cold.
Now the blonde scooped a little bit closer, obviously curious.
"What happened? Is she alright?"
The Shichibukai regarded him for a second and shook his head about it.
It was more than interesting to watch how people reacted as soon as he used this name. The cursed pirate seemed to hold an unfamiliar power, he did not know anything about himself and only spared Mihawk. Everybody else seemed to fall for that delicate, fragile Loreen and her charms, wanted to help her, wanted to be liked by her. Only Mihawk knew the truth, knew that Loreen was nothing else than a rude, pigheaded pirate, who did not like to receive help.
In quiet words he told his friend what he needed him for, while those green eyes grew bigger and bigger. As expected Jirou accepted silently, almost drowned by the loud clapping and moving of chairs as the last lecture was over and everybody got up.
The former crewmembers were the last to leave the room into the long hallway, which would lead them to the grand, varnished ballroom, as soon as the female guests were seated. Somehow he prayed that Roronoa was able to behave.
Their silent conversation was interrupted as the major padded them strongly on their backs.
"My dear Dracule and my friend Cho." Surprised both of them turned to the Viking.
"Oh, young friend, where is your mask? And give me that hat; you will not need it in there. Besides what are you doing here in the back? You have to go to the front, like all the wifeless men." He laughed loudly, drowning several surrounding conversations.
Mihawk sighed, put on that ugly red thing and walked towards the end of the hallway. In his back he could still hear the dark voice Koumyou's. For another time he noted his status as men went aside to let him pass. However not because of fear or respect, as one might could think, but because of disdain and disgust. Regardless of his well-honored family name he was still a Shichibukai, a pirate and therefore nothing more than society's scum.
Their snotty faces made him smile. He was so grateful that he was not one of them.
Finally he reached the giant double winged door. His heart pounded louder than he would have expected. The last time had been so long ago, he remembered the heavy burden of a navy coat lying on his shoulders and how he had spent the night listening to the tiniest order of his superior, while he had tried to act like he would enjoy the game.
The burden he carried today was something totally different. He was not allowed to make a single mistake.
"How does it feel?" He could hear the detested voice of his almost brother-in-law, who winked at him from behind his red mask. "As a leper?" He did not sound dismissive, but certainly not friendly as well.
"You know only one word would be enough and your father and I would do anything necessary to clean your record. Someone like you, despite your disgraceful past, would still be welcomed by the Navy, especially to help rebuild your family's name."
Mihawk did not even look at the other one.
"Not needed." He answered calm. "I feel quite comfortable in my role as society's scum and I am not planning on ever changing that again."
The man next to him laughed softly and shook his head.
"I already expected that it would be no problem for you."
Somehow those words filled him with worries.
"However you should keep in mind that roses are supposed to bloom in a garden not in a dump."
Slowly he starred at the man at his side.
"Compared to anybody else here, my valued Mihawk, you cannot offer her anything."
Nataku smiled almost kind.
"She might still like you, but after tonight she will see what all of us already know. You are not good enough for her and she will leave you behind."
The loud sound of a gong surprised them and silenced any words. The doors swung open untouched.
From behind of the Shichibukai's back one combined sound of surprised and awe hovered through the hallway, while all men stared at the long row of sitting, single women.
But he only saw her.
Not for one second he doubted that the completely veiled girl with the sparkling green dress and a fragile body figure in the last third of the row had to be his tomboy. The dress showed a pompous full skirt, while the top was simple and tight-fitting. High-necked and floor-long, with transparent lace and short sleeves. The mask hid the complete face and was the image of a green-golden butterfly.
Mihawk had already expected his guest to wear green or at least dark green. Green was the sign for representatives of the higher society; dark green showed that one was at least part of that higher society. Green was superior to any yellow or orange colors, which were given to the commoners. Above green were blue and purple, describing the navy delegates and the simple nobility, followed by red and crimson, the colors of kings and queens and the higher nobility. The few world nobles, who were of course not sitting at those chairs, wore only silver and gold, women as well as men, so they did not have to wear the same colors like the peasants.
"She is truly the shining star of the night." The marine next to him whispered humbled but Mihawk did not want to hear his words.
At the behest of the drums he was one of the first to walk down the row of chairs, to be able to reach Roronoa. He was surprised how easy it was, to head down the row, only few tried to pass him.
As planned he stopped in front of his tomboy, who held his head low like all the other women.
Another gong hovered through the hall and all men bowed in unison. With a superior smile Mihawk offered his hand to the pirate.
With the next gong he could feel the tiny hand touching his. Yes, his tomboy would be helpless without him, but he was here to save him.
At the sound of the third gong most of the women got up and Roronoa followed him to the dance floor, where the Shichibukai bowed and the other one curtsied.
In the background the gong sounded several times, until all unmarried men had found a dancing partner. As usual the number of women fit the number of men perfectly; the organizer took care of that, no matter the cost.
And then the music of the opening dance started, an almost forgotten melody, reviving ancient memories within Mihawk as he made those slow, three steps towards the other one, bowed again, took his hand and put the other one at his hip.
The music grew louder and the dance became alive.
"So, like I told you, I was there to guard you." He whispered with a grin, leaning forward to the other one. Thanks to the high heels the pirate seemed much taller than he remembered and his hands seemed longer because of the gloves.
"I beg your pardon, sir?" A soft, a little bit scarred voice greeted him.
Surprised he looked down while he turned his dance partner out and brown eyes meet his own confused.
This was not Roronoa!
Dammit!
How could that happen to him? Him, greatest strategist and cold-minded tactician? How did he not notice that this was not his tomboy? What had distracted him that much that he had lost his concentration?
As he pulled the stranger close again he could hear her sigh.
"She is gorgeous, isn't she?" Pure admiration spoke from her voice while her view went past him.
Within the dance Mihawk turned around and froze.
His heart lost its beat and the world stopped moving. For half of a second those sparkling green eyes behind the silver-white mask met his view and he could swear he saw the other one wink at him.
The girl he had mistaken as the pirate was a beauty, but she was nowhere near comparable to Lady Loreen.
The center of the stage wore a strapless, tight-fitting, floor-length dress, which danced around the slender legs with every step like it weighed noting. A long slit showed silver shoes, perfectly fitting the silver applications at waist and neckline. The dress as well as the fingerless gloves with a single loop for the middle finger shone in the brightest white. The likewise white mask covered - just like the ones of the men - only the area around the eyes and was decorated with silver stones. A silver-white veil covered forehead and hair all the way down over the low-cut back. The cherry-red painted lips smiled softly and underlined the pale, noble skin tone of the pirate, who danced the opening dance elegant in the arms of his partner.
Almost nobody ever got the order to dress in white because of a simple reason.
White meant: Invited by the world nobles
For another time the pirate turned his back towards the Shichibukai and this time he noticed who was dancing with his tomboy.
It was nobody else but Homura Nataku.
