All right, this is the last chapter in Bravery 4. Sorry for such a long wait. Thank you all for reading this, and all of my stories. You all are amazing readers. I hope you enjoy this.
Rose left us, and it wasn't a few days later when we were attacked by the marines. I thought we could easily deal with them, but then again, they had the three admirals all together, and the fleet admiral.
We were planning on leaving, and we were halfway to the ship when Luffy grabbed my wrist.
"Zoro, get everyone back to the ship. I will slow them down. If I'm not back in ten minutes, leave without me."
I bite my lip. He can't expect us to leave him here.
"But Luffy-"
He turned and looked at me, his usual cheery face grim and serious.
"That's an order Zoro."
I sigh inwardly. He always has to pull the captain's order card on me. I grab my swords.
"Fine, but you better get back."
I concentrate on rounding up the remaining crew and getting them back to Sunny. It was obvious we were out manned and out matched this time. The sooner Luffy get's here and we leave, the better.
I stand on top of the crow's nest, swords in hand, watching and waiting eagerly for my captain. I see him, so it shouldn't be that much trouble for him to get to the ship. That is, until I see who he is currently fighting. Akainu, the fleet admiral, and if I am not mistaken, he has some history with Luffy after the war. I grip my weapons even harder in my hands. God damn it Luffy, come on.
I see it happen with my own eye. I see Akainu pin him down like an animal waiting to be slaughtered. See him place the handcuffs surely made of sea prism stone. I tense, ready to jump, when I see Luffy look straight at me. I feel the weight of the captain's order on my shoulders. If I stay, and get captured, being the second line of defense against the marines, then the entire crew would be captured. I cannot disobey, and I can see it in his eyes, telling me to go.
I tense with indesecion, but I see Luffy's strong nod. He is waiting for me to follow his damn order, when I want nothing more then to save him. I nod back at him swiping my swords down. Wait for us, we will save you.
I hop back down to the deck, and deliver the unsavory order to Nami. Everyone has tears in their eyes as we coup de burst away from Raftel.
We waited several weeks, heading to Loguetown because we figured since Luffy was the pirate king, he would be executed there. We had no time to waste.
Yet on the way there, the atmosphere of the ship was tense and dark. More fights broke out between Ero-cook and I, and Nami seemed more irratible then usual. Everyone was on edge, moody. We all thought it was our fault.
We were sitting in the kitchen one day, all gloom and doom. I was thinking about my position. As first mate, wasn't it my duty to order everyone around kind of, to take care of this situation? To boost morale, or to do some sort of plan rescue him? What was I supposed to do?
Then I felt something with my haki. Someone else was on the ship. I was about to tell the crew when.
"Man, I leave the crew for three months and you all have fallen apart."
There is Rose, standing in the doorway with her usual smile painted on her face. She looks a little older, but at the same time, still the same old Rose. I hide a faint smile.
She quickly discerns something is wrong, and she isn't stupid enough to think that she came here for no reason. She knows something is amiss.
"Guys, where is Luffy?"
The concern in her voice in genuine, and she sounds ready to hear the worst. I, with the rest of the crew, explained what had happened, how we had failed to protect our captain. She listens carefully, before she sounded relieved. How could she be relieved in this sort of situation?
She explains that we still have hope, that since he is just captured, and not dead yet, there is still a pretty high chance we can rescue him. As she talks, I feel the oppressive atmosphere disband and the rest of the crew looks ready to fight for him again. Rose has appeared and has chased away the doubt, a sun to a dark night.
Her positivity is contagious, and it makes sense. We have already conquered the world, rescuing Luffy would only add to our list of accomplishments. We can do this. We were foolish to think we couldn't.
Rose automatically sits down, the perfect picture of casual. Nothing ever fazes her, and she has adapted to the situation as she orders breakfast, and asks for our den den mushi. She has effectively rebooted our system, ungunking our gears to get us moving again. She has already shed her other worldly self and resumed her role of the strongest in the world, strategizing and adapting.
She is calling others, and I hear her laugh as she talks to Jinbe. She is not foolish enough to think we were enough to face the Marines. I smile faintly as I watch her work, and then stand. Rose looks like she has control over the situation, and I need to train. I have been slacking these past few days.
I sigh as I set aside my swords, and pick up some of the weights. I glance at the custom weapon Rose had left in my care. How did she do that? More importantly, why couldn't I? I had tried to help the situation on the ship, I mean I was the first mate, and that should have been my job, but I didn't. Then Rose whisks in and gets everyone back on track. It was an amazing skill really.
I hear someone clammoring up the ladder, and it doesn't take much imagination to figure out who it is, even with haki.
"Hey Zoro."
I glance over at her. I had theorized that she would come back, but I didn't know it would be this soon. I sit down with her and she leans up against me, and it feels like she never left. I relax, until she asks me what is wrong.
I do feel like a failure for not protecting Luffy, and not getting the crew out of it's depressing mood. However, I'm not going to tell her that. But I am a fool. I know it when something is bothering Rose, and in turn, she knows when something is bothering me. I explained my mistake and she settles my mind.
"No, I think Luffy would be proud of you. You followed his order, in fact you kept the rest of the crew from getting captured too. You did great, and you only fail if he dies."
She thinks of everything so positively. She makes even the most hopeless situation seem possible, so I tell her that. She just smiles at me.
She calms my worries and doubts about myself easily, reciprocating what I have done to her in the past. She knows what makes me tick, and how I think, so it is easy to do.
I glance over at her. She is back in her Strawhat persona, but I worry about her. This takes the experience of Impel Down to the next level. This will be war, and her kindness will only detriment her.
Our communication has gone up even more over the past few years of her staying here, so much that it is almost like the silent communication between Luffy and I. I ask her silently if she is all right with this. She answers with confusion. I explain what I mean and she just shrugs.
"I will have to do the same as Impel Down, just focus on Luffy and not worry about anybody else."
Is she sure she will be all right with that? It will be a infinitely harder to do because she will be able to see and have the power to help them. But the determination in her eyes is hard to argue with, and her smile is twice as hard.
"I have to protect my captain."
I smirk at her loyalty. Her loyalty to Luffy is almost as impressive as mine, willing to even doubt her own beliefs and morals to protect the captain she serves. Not only a captain, a dear friend. True strawhat personality.
I ruffle her hair, and think about how much this girl in front of me has changed since she has come into our world. I didn't understand what a jewel she was when she was first hauled aboard, but it didn't take long to find out that underneath a whole lot of doubt was a person that could conquer anything.
"You've changed a lot Rose. I almost miss the old you though."
She looked incredulous.
"The one that was terrified of everything?"
Terrified? Her? Sure, but she acted in spite of fear, putting up a pretty decent front enough for people not to realize.
"You were? Fooled me."
"I didn't know you liked the weak me."
It's not that I didn't. I like people because of them, not for weaknesses. I like Rose for Rose, not for weakness or strength. I would like her regardless. Besides, protecting her, and seeing her smile and gratitude afterwards as a reward wasn't all that bad.
"It gave me something important to do."
She just gave one of her warm smiles.
"Yes, and now I can protect you to. It's not one sided."
Well that takes one of my pleasurable activities. Although, it has traded places with fighting along side the girl, which is just as enjoyable.
"But I liked protecting you Rose."
I could see her end of this, where she feels like a burden, but it gave me some sort of wierd purpose.
"I know, but I need to pull my weight."
She knows how much I liked protecting her? That's interesting. My eye falls on her custom weapon. She must not have trained in her world, not enough for her to be ready for a full out war. When I suggest the training, she accepts eagerly. I don't miss how she goes to use her sword first.
"I challenge you for the title of the best swordsman in the world!"
Man, she is bold, challenging me when she hasn't trained in a few months. She is joking, but I know how she trains, and her seriousness of it. If I take this lightly, I might lose, and I'm not going to lose to her. I will not hold back.
I rushed her, bringing down my sword.
"Hey, easy, I'm rusty remember."
I know, but not rusty enough to not block that. And I am not fooled. Her eyes sparking with excitment betray her whine.
"You should have thought of that before you challenged me to the best swordsman title."
I start slower then a full out fight, and weaker, waiting for her to pick up the pace, not me. After a few minutes, I see her fall into her normal groove. At first she was choppy, sloppy, and weaker then normal, but it was only due to lack of practice. It wasn't long before she was back to her normal self. Her training habits haven't changed, throwing herself seriously into the part.
I slowly began to relax in the familiar atmosphere. I had missed her training with me. Soon she abandoned her sword and grabbed her full custom weapon, and she has the right idea. She can't just train swords. I relax as she throws herself at me again. This was, dare I say it, fun.
It took an hour before I started to feel the effects of fatigue and I was starting to get out of breath. I had given up on those boring endurance runs since Rose left, but she is still moving like she first started. In fact, her endurance seems even more impressive then last time. I wonder if she upped her endurance training in her world.
Gosh darn her competativeness. I take a deep breath as I try to figure out how to deal with this problem. I couldn't let her have the title of best swordsman in the world over a simple spar, and when she is rusty too. I have to do something about this.
I smile inwardly as I come up with a plan. I throw her back and sheath my swords, rushing forward to tackle her into the wall. I could tell by the surprise on her face that even the great strategist had no idea I was planning such a thing. She hurriedly sheathed her own sword and quarterstaff as not to hurt me and I bodily rolled her into a ball. I accidentally bumped her head against the wall, but her face was so priceless I couldn't help but bust out laughing.
She sat up, looking indignant, but she couldn't stop that bright smile from crossing her face. She complains that she could have killed me, but I know better. I knew she wouldn't hurt me. I felt a little bad about hurting her, but she seemed all right so the guilt was gone in a second.
She looked surprised that I had stopped the fight because she would have won, and I was not going to give up the title that easily.
"Zoro, you are way out of my league. You don't need to fear me beating you."
I snorted inwardly. Yeah right. Rose had taken three months off and had managed to still keep up with me. She is truly incredible. It had been awhile since I had seen her put herself down. Has her world addled her brain?
"It's been awhile since you have underestimated yourself Rose."
Not since the weeks after Kaido, when she first started to become comfortable with her fighting style.
"I'm not. You are the best swordsman in the world."
I sighed inwardly. Seems like she has forgotten her own power she used to wield. How she was almost as feared as I was.
"You are the best woman fighter in the world remember? We are both the best."
Her eyes sparked and she laughed musically.
"Yeah, I guess you are right."
Of course I am right. I smile at her, so very happy to have her back. But enough of that. She probably has other people to catch up with, and as much as I would selfishly love to keep her time, she probably wants to talk to others.
"Well that was exhausting. I'm taking a nap."
I close my eye, but surprisingly she doesn't move from her spot.
"Zoro, I need you these next few days."
I opened my eye to glance at her. She still looks a little unsure of herself, but she is ready to face the world. At least, face it with me having her back. She thinks she needs me, and it is incredibly nice that she thinks that way, but she doesn't. However, I wasn't about refuse a request from her. I will protect her, help her, and support her in everything she does. She will get Luffy back, and I will not hold back to help in that regard.
I close my eye again, and give the same vow I did long ago, on a Celestial Dragon ship, in a similarly dire situation, where she was just as determined to save her nakama.
"You call, I will be there, swords or no swords."
She smiles and I see her ease. Suddenly the ship is knocked to one side and I react instantly, catching Rose who fell over on top of me. I flipped her back to her feet as she said her apology. Typical Rose. However, I was alert, trying to discern the threat. Rose just laughed.
"Oh they are here."
What on earth was she talking about? I look down to see the sea kings. Holy crap, they are here to take us to Marineford? Rose's strategies never cease to amaze me. I see her face transform into complete awe and excitement, as if she had never seen a sea king before. She has never lost that childish innocence that reminded me so much of my captain. In fact, it reminds me so much of him that it hurts.
When Rose mentions the War of the Best, I freeze. I had forgotten that she knew what happened then, and from what I can assume, she saw a lot of deaths. I had always wanted to ask her what it was like, but I had never asked her. After making sure that everything was under control, I go back up to the crow's nest. I need to get ready.
I decide to do a little weight training, for a few reps, then take my nap. A few reps turn into a thirty minute workout. I wiped my forehead with a towel and glance down at the deck at the subtle shaking of the mast. Rose and Usopp are shooting at the mast. Looks like she is still training. She is like the sun: never tiring or burning out. I watch for a few minutes, watching her trying to improve steadily. I smiled faintly before sitting and taking my much needed nap break.
I was right in the middle of a nap when I felt something sting my haki. I opened my eye, trying to discern what it was. Rose.
It was strange. She was panicking, but was calm at the same time. I glance out the window to see her sitting on the deck. It looks like she is... oh it's a nightmare.
I stand, ready to go take care of it when I see Rose bolt upright, breathing hard, but my haki says she is calm. I see Nami go over, and let the debt witch deal with it. Sometimes Rose needs a sisterly touch, more then mine. I go back to sleep, leaving Rose in the debt witch'shands.
It wasn't long after that when I awoke to a different sensation. Rose this time was abuzz, like her entire being filled with an electrical current of excitement. What was she so excited for all of a sudden?
I traverse down to the deck and into the kitchen. I wasn't the only one. Most of the crew was gathered there. I was about to ask Chopper what the deal was when Rose came storming out of Franky's workshop, holding a bucket of water of all things. She slammed it on the table, explaining she might have a way to beat Akainu.
I raise my eyebrows. Akainu, the jerk who took down Luffy. Oh I can't wait to hear this one.
I listen intently to her strategy, feeling hope blossom in my chest. I point out supposed flaws, but it seems she has already thought of it. Yes, it could work. I'm not the only one either. Everyone else looks like thier hope has been revitalized and everyone is willing to work, all due to a strategy and words of encouragement from one girl.
She offers to help with the operation. As usual, trying to do so many things at once she forgets about more important things. She gets so excited and wrapped up in it she forgets that out of all of us here, she is the only strategist.
"Hey Rose, aren't you forgetting something?"
She looks at me innocently. I explain her role, that she needs to take care of other strategies. She looks only slightly dissappointed before nodding.
Everyone throws themselves into thier work. It's hard to imagine that not a few hours ago, we were huddled in this same room, feeling completely lost and hopeless. I drink sake as I watch Rose, her face crinkled in concentration and I can feel her tapping her finger on the table as she stares in one point on the table. I can practically see the gears turning, and it is facinating to watch her work.
The reason it is so fascinating is several reasons. One, she can switch personalities like lighting a lamp. She goes from laughing and joking to dedicated to her work in a split second. Secondly, it is hard to explain but it is almost contagious. The way she looks now, makes me want to go take on the world, and have ten times the confidence to do it. Her bravery is infectious.
Suddenly, the ship jerked to one side, I tried hard to keep from falling to the deck. When we checked and found out that we had found the current to take us to Marineford, I relaxed. We were getting closer and closer to finding and rescuing Luffy. I couldn't wait.
Supper was served, and it was still quiet, well quieter then normal since our bombastic captain wasn't there. I was sort of used to it since it has been a few weeks, but I could tell Rose wasn't used to it at all. To fill the void, she told us all the strategies she cooked up. I was impressed, but it wasn't unexpected.
It was also expected that Rose would be the busiest. If she is going to cook up the strategies, she has to be doing a lot of things. Controlling an entire army is no walk in the park, and I doubt she would just be willing to sit back and watch everyone do the work without her. She is more hands on anyway. She is an adapter, and with the power of an adapter, comes the multiple gifts she has. She is good enough to use all at her disposal to get the job done.
She gets up first. I finish my sake, before following her. She goes up to the crow's nest, and I find her staring out the window at the moon, awe evident on her face. I sidle up next to her and she smiles warmly.
We banter a little, before she asks seriously.
"Hey Zoro? You sure I can do this?"
Ah, there. I had wondered if the girl I comforted was still in there somewhere. She is faint, but still there. It's not surprising. Going back to a world with no danger has dulled her a little, making her more suseptable to doubt. This is familiar. I am not the man that had no idea how to comfort her at first. I know what makes her tick, how she thinks, and how to comfort her best. I smile at her.
"Why hello there, long time no see. I haven't talked to you in awhile insecure Rose."
She lightened up a bit. Then I asked.
"What are you afraid of?"
Doubt is caused by fear, and I am curious. She can't still be afraid of powerlessness. She is powerful, therefore there is no need to be afraid of it. I wonder what her fear is now.
"Failure."
Ah, yes, that would do it. I gently pull her into a sideways hug. Her fear is unfounded; it has no evidence.
"Have you ever failed to protect one of us before?"
She looked up at me with her doe like eyes.
"Plenty of times."
No she has. She has when it counted the most, in the direst of situations. That was when it counts. This is probably the direst of situations, and I know Rose will give up anything to make sure she succeeds. That I am not worried about, but she clearly is.
"You do not see what I see. You didn't see you down there."
She confused. Really? The strategist, whose observation skills are incredibly advanced, can't see her affect on us?
"You. When you were planning strategies, you had such determination and enthusiasim and straight belief that your plans would work perfectly, that the ice bullets would work, even though I know you haven't tested them yet. When you were digging up more strategies your face was so focused and relaxed, as if it came so easy to you, I feared for the marines who had to face you. Someone that works that hard cannot possibly fail."
That determination, that enthusiasm, and that belief seeped into all of us. We believe in your plans, and we believe in your abilities, even if you don't. We have seen it work before, and we know it will work now. She smiles up at me.
"And if that is what side I was going for? If I wanted you to see that side of me and not the insecure one who doubts?"
I would have known. I would have sensed it. I tell her as such and tell her seriously.
"You have a gift, much like Luffy's. Not one that draws people to them, but one who sparks hope and belief in the most impossible things. It's small, but it soon grows into something our enemies cannot possibly compete with. Your bravery does that Rose. The fact you are willing to push so hard gives other people bravery and strength too."
She had always done that, ever since she come here the first time. Time and time again she defied the odds, even though she was weak and scared, and she has pushed through to do the impossible. When people see that, they say if a person scared and weak can do that, what can I do? At least that's how I think of it.
She seems to smile genuinely and I can tell my comforting her worked. She thanks me, and I tell her to go sleep, and she leaves. I stay though. Before I go to sleep I have to to do something.
I had asked everyone about it at dinner. They all agreed whole heartedly. The person who should rescue Luffy should be Rose. All of us have the idea, to protect and to intercede if someone tries to stop her, but no one else does.
I pick up the den den mushi. It is not too late to call, especially Jinbe. He will be doing his own preparations.
He answers after the first few rings.
"Hello? Rose?"
"Jinbe?"
He sighs.
"Ah, Zoro-kun. What could you possibly want at this hour?"
"I have a favor to ask, a message to deliver to the other people that are alliancing with us."
I could hear his curiosity.
"What could that be, Zoro-kun?"
I blink, trying to think of how to phrase it.
"Rose likes to think that if everyone focuses on getting to Luffy, someone will get to him, which is a decent idea. However, there will be a lot of marines in the way, and it would be way easier if we protected one person to get through to him. I nominate Rose."
She is the most obvious choice. She is the quickest, has the highest endurance, and can avoid most fights. I believe if it be anyone, Rose would get there first anyway. I continue.
"Can you relay that message to the other captains, so they can tell their crews? To protect Rose and get her out of any fights she comes into?"
I can see the pensive look in the den den mushi's eyes and Jinbe affirms.
"Yes Zoro-kun, that is a splendid idea. I was planning on going to all of thier ships anyway because we need a way for all of us to communicate with one another. I was going to prepare a den den mushi for all the ships. I can relay the message then."
I nod. Good. Now that is taking care of.
"Thanks Jinbe, see you in a few days."
I hang up and descend to the deck. Time to catch up on my sleep.
The next days were spent in training, either Rose or myself. I trained haki, swords, and weights, even endurance in my own special way that didn't mean running around for an hour. I prepared physically, and mentally for the battle that was to come.
Finally the day came. I sat in the kitchen and watched as everyone came in. Rose was one of the last, but her eyes were bright and focused today. She was ready. I noticed how she was in her normal attire, of her green and brown, her hair pulled back. Those were her business clothes, the ones she used when she fought or did a serious job.
It wasn't until she batted her eyelashes at ero-cook did I understand her intentions. We were wound up tighter then a spring and she was trying to make us relax. I leapt at the bait and it actually worked. She was right; we do fight better when we aren't so stressed about everything.
Halfway through breakfast I felt it, the presence that was deep and strong, that reminded me of the ocean. Jinbe.
"Someone is here for you Rose."
She leaves. I decide to finish my breakfast. I need to have as much energy as possible to keep up with everything going on today.
Every one of us go out onto the deck to see Rose by the railing, talking in a den den mushi. I blink. Her determination, her strength, her enthusiasm, her seriousness, and her bravery make her practically glow brilliantly. I have never seen her more ready for a fight, and it is blinding. It makes me feel like I can conquer the world.
"...Thank you so much for helping us. I am forever in your debt."
"We all are."
Nami intercedes, and it is true. We could only dream of impossiblilites to pull this off without them, and it was incredibly daring to take the risk of angering the world government. I am grateful for thier help.
Rose says a few more words and hangs up, walking over, her brown eyes alight with a fire that is so strong I can feel it's heat.
"You all ready?"
I drew my swords out, feeling thier familiar weight.
"Of course."
We are ready. Let's get it started.
Coup de burst shot us through the air and we landed in the middle of the bay. I grip my swords as I search for Luffy. I almost chuckle at the startled yells of the marines. It's amusing, but it looks like they were somewhat expecting us.
There, Luffy is on something like an executioner stand and I have a sudden flashback to Logue town, where Buggy had almost decapitated him. I shudder inwardly. I will not allow that to happen today.
I can't tell his condition except that he is covered in chains, but I do recognize the imposing figure next to him. Akainu, the one man that has made me feel caution besides Mihawk, a truly intimidating and dangerous individual. He yelled at us.
"Straw-hats this is a pointless endeavor. Give up and go back, unless you want to be executed with your captain."
He's not bluffing; I know he would gladly do it even if we didn't retreat. I was about to answer back that he was an idiot for thinking such a threat would scare us away, but Rose did it for me, with more anger then I could ever express.
"I'm sorry, but I think you have forgotten who you are dealing with. We are pirates, and by no means listen to any orders marines give us. Also, he is our captain and king, and we are inclined to protect him, and nothing you say will change that."
Whew, I whistle softly, hiding a smile. Just yelling at probably the most dangerous man in the world without flinching, her bravery is still as impressive as ever. Akainu had no come back, and when Rose gestured to the marines, I gladly leapt off the ship. I have to clear out as many marines as possible for Rose. I hear ero-cook follow me with a shout, and Robin and Nami after. Then I land, ready to face the army of marines standing between me and my captain.
The regular grunts didn't stand a chance. I did my usual attacks for a lot of enemies and it reminded me of the time we went against a hundred thousand and Fishmen Island. Just like then, this wasn't too difficult. I was stupid for doubting in the first place.
Suddenly a shout came from both sides. I smirked demonically. Right, we have reinforcements of probably the best fighters in all the blues. I take a moment to glance at the pirates surrounding us on all sides. Then I see a brown and green blur flash past me on my right. Rose, most definitely. I manage to let off a good luck before the marines attacked me again.
I need to follow her to make sure she stays out of fights. I take care of a few groups of marines around here, hoping to draw as much attention to me, and as little as possible to the girl sprinting across the battlefield. She needs to make it.
I suddenly hear panic around me and glanced up to see burning fists raining down like the wrath of God or something. I stand still, slicing through any that come near me or any other allies near me. All right, take care of a few more, then go after Rose. Man, she must be turning me into a strategist.
I have a slight break, and turn my haki toward her, trying to find her in all the chaos. There, she's stopped. Why is she stopped? I look toward her and freeze. Oh. That's why.
Mihawk is standing in her way.
Dammit, I forgot he would be here being a warlord and all. I need to get to her as quickly as possible to get rid of him before he defeats her. Rose is strong no doubt, but I'm not sure she can beat Mihawk, and at best she will have injuries and be exhausted.
I started plowing through the marines toward them, my swords like a scythe to wheat. I focus on them for a few seconds and when I look up again, I see Rose gone and Shanks has taken her place. I breathe a sigh of relief. Looks like he is following the plan we proposed. I turn my attention back to my orignal mission of drawing attention to me.
So I took my job seriously. It got monotonous and old really quickly. These grunts were like flicking flies. I put little strength into my hits, pacing myself. If I had to guess I would need to save my strength for a later fight with vice admirals and admirals. There was no need to work hard on men that didn't need that much strength.
I had taken down maybe two hundred by myself, and I feel like I hadn't even dented the huge marine force. I sigh inwardly before continuing on, toward the platform. I sent out my haki again, trying to find Rose. Did I need to intervene on her part? Ah, there she was, standing at the foot of the executioner platform. She is right there, but she is not moving. No, she is, fighting against the three admirals.
I choked slightly, and double checked. Yep, the three admirals. What the heck was she doing? I wouldn't even dare to tackle all three of them at once. Her bravery has only increased because of the confidence in her strength, or better yet the importance of the mission to succeed.
I don't know why she even attempting it, then again, she has probably gone as far as she can by herself and will need help to the scaffolding. I need to get there, but I'm not stupid enough to think I am enough. I could maybe distract one, maybe two, which still leaves one to impede Rose. No, I need help.
I send out haki, sensing for people close to me that were allies and could possibly hold thier own against admirals. Two people fit the criteria. I yelled, holding off a rear admiral with two swords.
"Ero-cook, Sabo!"
Within ten seconds both appeared, Ero cook grumbling, while Sabo looked serious but relaxed.
"What do you want mosshead?"
I flung the rear admiral into another group of marines.
"We need to go, Rose needs us."
I didn't have to say anything else. Ero-cook of course was willing to do anything to save his darling Rose-swan, and Sabo was informed about the plan. When both glanced toward the platform to see Rose getting kicked by Kizaru, they reacted. They both started forward, and I did the same. Rescue Rose, to rescue Luffy. We have to make it.
I glance upwards to see Luffy. He is sitting, still swathed in chains and Akainu at his side. He is surveying the battlefield below him, and his eyes find me. It was if time stood still. He smiled faintly, and I answered with a smirk of my own.
You are here.
Wait a little longer. We will rescue you.
I knew you would come.
I'm sorry. About not protecting you. For taking so long.
Words passed between us in that split second, using our connection that we always used, our bond that no one else shared. He just nodded at me, and my smirk widened. Now, to get Rose to him.
Sabo, Ero-cook and I burst through the last of the vice admirals to see Fujitora pinning Rose with his gravity, Kizaru planning to laser her, and Ryokugyu hoping to punch her. We all chose our opponents within a split second.
"Rose!"
I thrust my sword underneath Fujitora's flicking it away from Rose. I see in my peripheral Sabo tackling Ryokugya and Ero-cook taking on Kizaru. Good.
Rose relaxed, and I didn't need haki to feel gratitude oozing from her. It wasn't even because we were saving her from people that would have killed her either. I knew it was because she wanted to move forward, and we gave her a way to.
"Zoro, can you do that thing you did in Alabasta? The one Vivi and Chopper to get them to the top of the clocktower?"
My mind whirled back, remembering how I gave them a boost in midair. This would be easier because I actually had solid ground to push off of.
"Be my guest."
Anything to get to my captain. She landed on my three swords, unafraid. I whisper to her.
"Good luck."
I don't add the other things that need to be said, but I can tell she heard them anyway. She nodded.
"You too."
Right, I was fighting Fujitora. Unfinished business from several fights actually, none of which I had managed to beat him, but had ended in a draw or one of us had to withdraw for various reasons. I would focus on him next. I threw Rose up as far as I could, and let my eye make sure she was safe on the platform before turning to my enemy. I have done all I can. Now I just need to trust Rose to complete the job.
She has trusted me infinitely, and just like that time with Z, I will trust her to bring my captain back to me.
I clash swords with Fujitora, keeping him from using too much gravity to the best of my ability. Now that I think about it, would defeating him really be the best idea? Out of all the marines, Smoker and him are probably the least corrupt ones not completely taken in by the World Governments brainwashing. No, I don't have to, but I have to fight seriously if I wish to distract from the rescue operation going on directly above our heads.
He was really strong, and I am glad I asked ero-cook and Sabo for backup because there was no way I could try to take them on by myself. I slashed at him, but he blocked it. It was really surprising considering he was blind, but his observation haki must be incredible.
I suddenly felt something dropping toward us with my haki. I dodged out of the way to see Akainu drop and hit the ground, shattering it like it was glass. I glance upward while the three admirals retreated to check on thier leader. I couldn't see anything, so I can only assume Rose was with Luffy. I smile faintly as I regroup with Sabo and Ero-cook, ready to face the admirals again.
We have to distract Akainu too. I want to give Rose enough time to get Luffy out of his chains. I feel caution still me as I raise my swords against the fleet admiral. I'm not scared of the guy, just wary. It wouldn't do to have us murdered here.
"Oi, Roronoa Zoro, who is that man?"
I glance over at Sabo, who was looking at Akainu with something like bloodlust. Right, Akainu had killed Ace. Sabo must be wanting revenge, and I am right there with him. Before I can answer, Akainu made a move to go back up to the top of the executioner platform.
I dart forward, intent on keeping him here, but I was blocked by Fujitora. Sabo and Pervy chef did the same, desperately trying to stop the fleet admiral, but the other admirals got in thier way as well. I sent an attack at Akainu, one I made sure had some sembelence of Haki. He only hesitated, before leaping, not fazed in the slightest. Gosh he is tough.
I have to hurry and defeat Fujitora. If I know Rose, she will want a quick getaway, so I have to finish this quickly. I threw myself at Fujitora, making him go on the defensive. I felt the slight brushes of gravity and haki, but I ignore that. I just have to give him enough pain for him to stay down.
Within a few minutes, both of us broke apart with several injuries. I glance backwards, toward the battlefield and am pleasantly surprised to see Rose tugging Luffy by the hand, dragging him toward the ship. She got him. She rescued him. I glance back at Fujitora. One more attack, only one to keep him down and then I can go protect them.
"Oni giri."
I spun, my swords creating wind and slashes around the admiral. I don't see if it is working or not because I am gone, chasing after my captain and the girl who rescued him. They were surrounded by marines on all sides. I held my swords in a familiar formation.
"108 Pound Pheonix!"
I shouted, breaking through the mraine blockade with ease, along with everyone else on the crew. Looks like I wasn't the only one to notice our captain was back in the fray. The marines back up as we all tackle Luffy while Chopper looks after Rose. I ruffle his hair with a grin.
"Told you."
It is refreshing to see his Luffy like grin and hear his Luffy like chuckle.
"Shihihihi, thanks Zoro."
He smiled sadly, almost apologetic as he embraced Nami and Brook.
Sorry about that order. I know it was hard.
I just shrugged it off and patted his shoulder. It was hard to leave him, especially when it was so against his character. We had him back now, that's all that matters.
"Guys we need to go."
Rose brings us out of our reunion. Oh right, kind of in the middle of a war. I forgot. I glanced over at Rose to see how she was doing. I blinked. Blood stains her clothes and arms, and she has bandages covering her. Her face is worn and weary, but her eyes still glow faintly. She is exhausted and injured. Adrenaline must be doing an excellent job of keeping her going. It's not surprising. She has put a lot of responsabilities on her shoulders.
She continues to argue with Luffy and Sabo, who has joined the fray, to not fight Akainu. I understand both reasonings, and I'm not surprised Rose let's both of them go and orders us to keep gaurd.
"Hey want to fight with me Rose?"
That's something we haven't done this time she is here. I haven't fought side by side with her. She grins and like that, the exhaustion is gone, well hidden any way.
"Of course Zoro."
I feel her small back press against mine and relax. With Rose at my back, I can trust her to cover it, and it give me a chance to watch over her and make sure she doesn't get any more injured. She has done more then her share of work.
"You are injured."
I state the obvious, feeling blood soak through her shirt onto my back. She just chuckles.
"Yeah comes with the job. How was Fujitora?"
Like we were training up in the crow's nest, trying to make this a social event. I hide a smile as I decimate a group of captains and grunts.
"Not bad, I barely won. I heard you met Mihawk."
I feel her snort and her lithe movements, followed by a shriek of pain.
"Yeah, he really wanted to fight me."
Yes I remember the interest he had in her when we had our last fight together, when Rose had been the unshaking support I had needed. I remember how his golden eyes gleamed when she called out to me. He was curious about the girl that I had trusted, and who had trusted me.
"Yes, I had heard he expressed an interest."
I feel the sigh more then hear it as I block a sword from my left.
"I don't know why. I'm not that great."
I smile faintly. Still modest Rose, even after you turned this war into our favor? I get my swords ready and Rose, reading me, hits the ground quickly.
"Dragon twister."
My attack lifts around a hundred marines in the air, swirling and cutting them left and right. I nodded in satisfaction and turn to see Rose off a little bit already tackling the next force of marines. I'm sure she is keeping an eye on the situation with Luffy and the others, and I know she will come back to fight with me again if the need arises, so I turn back to my own battes, making sure to take on marines that would be worthy of my time.
It was like an itch in the back of my mind when I saw a young man loading a rifle. It should have been something so common on the field, but this time, it felt important. I slashed down another enemy and turned again, following his aim. I tense my hands and teeth gripping into my hilts.
He is aiming at Rose.
I move before I have time to think of consequences. All I know, is that I cannot let him shoot at Rose. I will protect her no matter what. I see the hammer draw back, and Rose is still oblivious. I find myself facing the kid, readying my swords to slice it in half. I sliced cannonballs in half before, this is just a tad smaller, and faster. I was only halfway ready when he fired.
I fumbled, tried to work out my plan, but failed.
The bullet hit me right in the chest.
I staggered, feeling pain spreading from the point of entry like fire throughout my entire body. I coughed lightly and blood trickled from my lips as I felt my knees buckle. Damn it. I screwed up. At least I protected-
"Zoro!"
I heard a shriek, but it sounded far away. I feel gentle hands flip me over onto my back and start to touch my chest that is quickly becoming soaked with blood. I blinked and saw Rose kneeling over me. Her face looks a little scared, but her eyes have that focused way about them as she feels my chest. I wince as her gentle fingers get closer and closer to my injury. She whispers something, but I can't really hear what she is saying.
"Chopper! Law!"
Gosh darn this hurts. I try to move, but I feel something slapping my cheek.
"Zoro you freaking idiot. What were you thinking? Why did you do that?"
Fear. Anger. Worry. Pain. Guilt. All these complex emotions formed a ball that made up Rose at that moment. I could feel thier strength with my haki. I have to calm her down.
"Relax Rose, I am going to be fine."
Sure it hurts, but I have survived way worse. Bullets aren't enough to kill me. She snaps at me, her face forming a frown, one so unused on her face I had to stop. It must really be bad.
"No, you are not. Most people in my world die after getting shot in the chest."
Oh man, she is going to have a stroke if she keeps this worrying up. I try to sit up, but pain causes me to cough and she shoves me back down. I continued, trying to keep my voice from shaking.
"That is your world Rose, not ours. We are stronger here."
I feel two other people join our little party. There was some talking I could barely hear, my hearing went muffled for some reason, before I felt something uncomfortable, but tolerable. I grunt and look down to see Law shoving his hand through my chest. It was so strange; I could feel him pushing through organs and tissue, picking up several pieces of metal in the process and barely felt any pain.
Rose started to talk to me, I think trying to distract from two doctors operating on me.
"You idiot. Why did you do that?"
I smile. Doesn't she know I will always protect her? I would rather be where I am now then her lying on the ground bleeding out anyway. Besides, doesn't she realize what she has done?
"You are our main weapon in this war Rose. You came up with the strategy. You were the one who got to and rescued Luffy. You are the one who gave hope. Me, I'm just a swordsman. I'm not important."
Yes, that's right. In this war I haven't done very much besides defeat enemies. I at least can add protecting Rose to my list of accomplishments. She bows her head, whispering in my ear.
"No Zoro. It's the other way around. I am from another world. Who cares if I die here? You don't have another world to go to and are a part of the original crew. If I go, you all go on with your lives. If you die..."
I felt Law thrust his hand threw my chest again and I tensed, grabbing onto the closest thing I could find, which happens to be Rose's arm. This time it was not only unexpected, but painful as well. I hear an apology but the pain keeps me from hearing it completely. I relax on Rose, focusing on her precious words. What the heck could that have meant? Does she not think herself as one of us, ever after all of our adventures, after all that she has done for us?
"No, you are wrong Rose. You are apart of the crew too, and I care if you die, and I know everyone else does too."
That was the last thing I could say as I slowly fell unconscious. It was like sinking through water. I couldn't feel anything at all, which I suppose is not a bad thing. I blink several times, thinking. This is going to be a doozy getting over, and Rose is sure going to be pushy about my recovery. I've been injured before, but I have never felt worry that strong from her, which speaks volumes about how serious this injury is. I sigh inwardly; I just hope I don't worry her too much.
The dark waer suddenly shines bright, and I am back in my old dojo. I narrow my eye in surprise glancing around.
"Hey, Zoro."
I tense. That voice. It couldn't be. What kind of screwed up dream was this? I turn to see Kuina standing in the doorway, her hand holding onto Wado Ichimonji like it is the most natural thing in the world. I relax.
"Ah, Kuina. What is it?"
This is beyond weird, but if it is just a dream, I don't really care. Better then waking up to intense pain.
She smiled at me, which was strange because she almost never smiled at me.
"Thank you Zoro. You fulfilled our promise."
I smiled faintly. I did, didn't I?
"Of course I did. Did you doubt me?"
She shook her head.
"No, you worked hard. I watched."
I sighed at her praise. I felt so much at ease here. I had forgotten where I really was, on the battlefield of a war. That's right, I need to wake up and get Luffy to safety. I need to hurry this dream along. I asked.
"So, what are you doing here?"
"I'm here to take you away."
I cock my head. What on earth does that mean?
"What does that mean?"
She smiled and extended her hand, but before she could say anything, a strange look fell over her face, like she was listening to something. Her face softened, almost pityingly, before she started to chuckle. What was going on?
"Kuina?"
"I'm sorry, Zoro. I can't take you quite yet. Someone really wants you back, and they begged me to leave you here. Not to mention they threatened to fight me for you."
She chuckled again, before gesturing to the door.
"You may leave Zoro, but when you come back, I expect to test your skills."
I nod at her, understanding.
"Of course. Until then Kuina."
I walk out the door and suddenly it is completely dark again. This time though, I hear sounds, muffled, but sounds.
"...hard Rose but...move..."
"Let's...Rose."
"...he's ali..."
Something like laughter mixed with sobbing filled my ears. What was happening now? I decide to sleep for now, and rest. I fall back down in the darkness, letting Rose's voice lead me there.
The next time I open my eyes, it is to a familiar wooden ceiling. I am in white sheets. I sit up with a jolt, and hiss through my cheeks in pain at the sudden irritation of my injury. As I thought, I am in the infirmary. Chopper who was right beside me laid me back down in an instant.
"Zoro! Stay in bed if you know what is good for you baka swordsman!"
I do what he tells me for the time being. I feel so tired, and sore for some reason.
"Chopper, what happened? Is the war over?"
Chopper shook his head as the sound of cannon fire from Sunny permeates the air.
"No, not quite. We did all we could with our field first aid, but Rose thought it was a good idea to bring you here out of the line of fire. You woke up faster then I thought you would."
Oh, so that's what happened. I glance down and see a new line of stitches on my chest. Great, another scar. I felt blind in here though. So disobeying my body, I sit up and try to get out of bed, but Chopper shrieked.
"No Zoro."
I winced at the loudness.
"Relax, I just want to go back on deck to watch, not participate."
No, just to watch the progress of my nakama. Chopper sighed.
"Fine."
I stumble over to the door, and open it to the deck. I blink in surprise at the scene before me.
Everyone else is on deck, pulling on Rose, who is locked in the grasp of something... is that Akainu's magma? Finally they pull her free just as I step out onto the deck. I make sure there is no one missing before smiling. Rose is grinning like a fool, and I see it happen with my haki a split second before it does.
No! I jump forward, reaching for Rose's hand as I see the magma fist lunge toward her. All pain is gone as all of my brain is focused on the girl in front of me. I have to protect her. No one else has noticed yet. I don't even have time to congratulate Luffy on his escape. I am so close.
It grabs her and yanks her off the ship, almost in slow motion. Rose's face. I don't like it. It is like she has given up. No not given up, resigned to the fact she is captured. Once again, she is playing the decoy allowing us time to escape, but this time I refuse for her to be alone.
I leap off the deck suspended, still reaching. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the deck dissappear beneath me. Oh, they did Coup De Burst. No wonder Rose had given up. I stretched out my hand and grabbed hers. Her brown eyes shot open in surprise and her mouth drops open. Looks like she didn't expect me.
"I'm glad I leapt when I did."
I really am. I would not have her distract the enemy like she did that one time in Impel Down. At least now I won't have to worry about her and watch over and protect her myself.
"You idiot, what are you doing?"
She asks worriedly. I was about to answer when we slammed into concrete. I skipped across the stone, bowling through several ranks of marines. Well shoot. I tried to stand and steal swords, because brilliant me I left mine on the ship. However, it was a pipe dream. The pain I had been busy ignoring came back full force, and I stumbled. The marines were on me in a second and one was kind enough to hit the back of my head with a rifle butt. It didn't take much to knock me out anyway, as weak as I was. I just hope Rose will be ok.
I woke up slowly, mostly staying on the verge of unconcious and concious, where I could hear, but didn't really feel motivated to wake up completely. The longer I am here, the less time I spend in pain.
I jolt toward the side of concious when I feel warm gentle fingers on my throat. Who was that? The fingers barely skim over my injuries. Then I feel someone lean against me. Oh, it must be Rose.
I relax again, before I start hearing her mutter to herself. My haki picks up her panic, and I struggle to wake up. If she is panicking, something must be wrong, and I need to...protect...
"I will do anything to stay, please. Give me a chance."
Who was she talking to? The panic suddenly dissipated. I hear her mutter again.
"Fine, I will stay."
I don't think twice about it. She must be fine now, so I go back to sleep, for the time being, enjoying the warmth I feel radiating on my arm.
The next time I wake up, I am alone, and my injuries from yesterday are throbbing like mad. I open my eyes to a cell. Oh, we must have been captured yesterday. It looks like we are in Impel Down. Lovely.
Wait, where was Rose? I swore she was here not too long ago, wasn't she? I'm not imagining things am I? Maybe I am. I feel out with my haki, ignoring all the other presences I sense and instead focusing on a little ball of light. Rose. So she is here, I wasn't mistaken.
I relax, leaning back against the wall. I'm can do nothing right now, except watch over her with my haki, and even then I can't help her or protect her. So I am limited to just sitting here and waiting until she comes back.
I'm not too worried. Rose is a big girl, and can take care of herself. I say that, but I remember the state she was in the last time I came to rescue her here. I shake my head to clear the memory of her, shaking, clutching the front of my shirt, almost in tears because of her potency of fear. She will not do that this time. She is stronger, and much braver then last time. Besides, I feel no panic from her, not very much anyway.
It was strange, her mind would go from slightly panicked to calm every few minutes. I frown. If she comes back messed up like last time, I will kill that Sadi-chan in the most horrible ways possible. I can let that entertain my thoughts for the moment.
Suddenly fear unlike anything I have ever felt swamped my mind, making me shudder at it's strength. Rose! I sit straight up and look around, trying to find the source of her pain. What was she doing to her? I have no doubt that Sadi-chan is the one hurting her. I just hope she is ok.
Then it's gone. I wait impatiently, but soon I see that witch carrying Rose, not her walking. That worries me. If Rose isn't walking, she must be in intense pain. Sadi-chan tossed her in our cell like she was a sack of potatoes and left. Rose lay there, limp and lifeless. I crawled over, only slightly worried. Rose would hop up with a smile right?
"Rose? Rose!"
She groans as I turn her over on her back, skimming her for injuries. She has blood on her arm, and is looking pale, but besides that and her day old injuries, she is fine physically. Mentally I have no idea. She grabbed my wrist and I see a look of pain cross her face.
"Oi, are you ok?"
I'm not a doctor, so I can't do anything. I feel so useless just watching her in pain. I wish I could do something to bring that smile back to her face. She started to whisper.
"I'm ok. I'm ok. I'm all right. I'm going to be fine."
I bite my lip. She has fallen back in her routine of using her coping mechanism. Which means she isn't fine at all. I tell her and at least she acknowledges it as such, and apologizes. Why should she apologize for pain that she is when I am the one who failed to protect her?
I see her ready to sit up, and the look of pain that crosses her face. No, she has done enough already. I gently pick her up, carrying her over to the wall while carefully avoiding any injuries she had. I wait patiently as she leans up against me, filling me with warmth. She is still here, and not dead. Now to get to the problem at hand.
"You didn't answer my question."
She said calmly.
"Yeah I did, I said I was ok."
Saying you are ok because you are fine and saying you are ok because you are coping mean completely different things. I sigh inwardly. Still trying to be strong I see. I told her that it wasn't and she actually laughed lightly.
"I truly am though."
I gaze at her scrutinally. Her laugh wasn't faked, and it looks like she is a little worse for wear, but not broken. Physically she has several new injuries, and mentally, if she is laughing, means she can't be too bad off. But I am not going to give up that easily.
"You were scared."
I feel her flinch.
"You weren't supposed to feel that idiot."
I hear the fondeness in her voice instead of anger, so I let the insult slide.
"What happened?"
She sighed, and brushed it off casually.
"Nothing, just a poison that made me hallucinate things is all. I hallucinated Sadi-chan killing you."
I feel her tremble against me. That would explain the mild panic attacks. Something like seeing me die in front of her would upset Rose, but she would have been smart enough to realize it was a hallucination, and that's why she had spells of calm. But that didn't explain that overwelming fear I felt at the end.
"That wasn't all was it?"
I glance over at her to see her staring at her hands. The pieces fell into place as I remembered what had happened last time we were here.
"She cut off your fingers."
She almost looked ashamed.
"Yes. I had almost made it to the time limit and I had convinced myself that you weren't dead when she... I was so overcome with pain I forgot it wasn't real. I was stupid."
No, she wasn't. There is only so much mental torture you can take, much less then physical torture. It must have been a constant battle with her mind to convince her that everything she was seeing and hearing wasn't real. Add pain to the mix and I'm not sure grown men would be able to stand it. Not to mention, the imagination is a terrible place in that situation. You imagine more bad then good.
"No, you did well. Nothing worse then stuff your mind makes up."
I glanced over to see her unconsciously wrinkle her nose, and I saw blood run down her lip.
"What about your face?"
That blood is fresh, no way from yesterday. It looks pretty bad, a remnants of broken nose. She tapped it, wincing slightly. She snapped softly.
"I got hit, what do you expect?"
I raised my eyebrows. I can tell she is angry, but not at me, which I am happy for. She noticed and sighed.
"Sorry, she used my own weapon."
Her own...It's official. I am going to kill her. I am going to lovingly murder her, bring her back to life, and murder her again. There are some lines you definitely shouldn't cross. I have a special connection to my weapons. They have personalities, and are alive to me. I can't imagine them in someone elses hands, let alone torturing me with them. I just imagine that woman using Wado, Kuina's own sword, to torture me and it makes my blood boil.
This is slightly different though. Since Rose is an adapter, she has many weapons. I would only get cuts. Rose can get clobbered, cut, and shot at. Her injuries would be in a variety. I notice the slice on her arm too and feel such a strong surge of emotion, of protection toward Rose, I let my demon aura out.
"That bitch, I am going to kill her next time I see her. How dare she-"
"Relax it's fine."
Rose is awfully calm for the situation. Then I see her eyes, hard as the steel I usually carry.
"If anyone is getting her, it's gonna be me."
Fine, I guess that can be ok. Rose deserves her own revenge. I shift and wince as the throbbing increased for a second. I had forgotten about my own injuries, worrying about Rose like that. She noticed.
"Speaking of injuries, what the heck is wrong with you?"
Huh? What was she talking about?
"What the heck were you thinking, jumping in front of a bullet like that?"
Oh shit. I should have known I would be in for the lecture of a lifetime when Rose got back. I sigh inwardly and decide I could just take a nap and hopefully avoid the situation, or at least ignore it.
"No Zoro, you will listen to me."
I sigh. Looks like I'm not getting out of this one. I am used to these from Chopper more then Rose, but when she gives it to me, she gives it to me good.
"Look Rose I am fine."
It hurts like hell, but other then that I am fine. I decide to rest some more.
"You died Zoro!"
I tensed. Did I hear right? I died? No way. I open my eye and looked at her. Rose moved in front of me.
"In what way is that perfectly fine? You have no idea."
She grabbed my shirt in her hands, nuzzling into my chest, desperation leaking into her tone.
"I almost lost you. Never in my life have I felt anything like that. I was so scared, so weak. It took everything to keep going. Zoro please."
She isn't lying. Rose would never overexaggerate. I must have really died, and I must have really worried her. I can't even imagine what I would do if she died. I have to make sure.
"I died?"
She nodded, and I felt her tremble.
"Yes. It took Chopper, Law, and me everything to bring you back."
So three people, two and a half doctors fought to keep me alive. Why didn't Chopper tell me any of this? When I get back, I am totally asking him the full story, but right now, I need to calm Rose's fears. I could feel her fear just from remembering what happened, and it was quite strong. I was about to say something when she beat me to it.
"I was supposed to protect you remember? I was the one to keep you alive, not the other way around. Do you know how guilty I would have felt, how horrible that you had died because you had taken a shot meant for me?"
I sigh. This is nothing I can fight. I can't fight Rose when she is like this, so...not like her. I try explaining my actions.
"I knew you would be ok. I knew you were strong enough to handle it."
If there was anyone that doesn't crumble under pressure it would be Rose. Past adventures proved that. I knew she would have been fine with me being injured because she would have been able to counter it first of all, and second, she deals with things as they come. She meets things head on, and I knew she would be strong.
"But I wasn't Zoro. I couldn't. I almost shut down completely."
I tense at that word. Almost. Almost carries a lot of weight. So I asked what she could have meant.
"I almost froze, but I...I kept moving because I needed to save you."
I smile gently down at the girl burying her head into my chest. As I suspected, Rose wouldn't just sit still and watch me die. That's not her style. I said years ago she would never hesitate when one of us was in trouble. At least she has grown strong enough to realize that it is true, instead of denying it like she used to.
"You have grown Rose. I told you you would never freeze when one of us was in danger."
I feel her warm breath against my chest in the form of a sigh.
"Sorry, I was selfish. I pulled you back when I needed you. I was only thinking of me."
Because of her 'selfishness', I am now alive. How could she feel bad about that? She was really shaken, and Rose is rarely shaken. I reassure her with the promise I have always given her, petting her hair to soothe her.
"You call, I will be there, swords or no swords."
Even if it is into the afterlife. Now that I think about it, that would explain a lot of things about that wierd dream I had. I pondered aloud.
"I just thought I went to sleep. I saw her too."
I feel Rose stiffen in my arms.
"Kuina?"
I narrow my eye. How could she know who had come to see me? I nod against her head, her hair tickling my chin.
"Yeah. I thought I was dreaming. Now her words make sense."
She sits up, confusion and wariness playing on her face.
"What did she say?"
I think back, trying to remember her exact words. As I recalled what my childhood freind said, the pieces fell into place. I smirked.
"She said someone really wanted me back, and that someone begged her to leave me, and that this person would fight her for me."
I have no doubt in my mind who that could be. Only Rose would think about fighting Kuina for keeping me alive. Challenging a ghost, definitely Rose's style.
"Hmm, I wonder who that could be?"
She looked embarrassed, and a little ashamed.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to. Heat of the moment and all that. I was just spewing whatever I could think of. Man, I didn't expect her to hear all of that. Now she probably thinks I'm a big old meanie. I didn't really want to challenge her to a fight, I was just scared of losing you."
I chuckled at her. Her thinking is unfounded. I'm sure if Kuina was alive, Rose and her would be great freinds.
"No, I think she thinks you care."
Rose sits back down next to me with a relieved sigh.
"So, about escaping."
As usual, already on top of escape plans. That's our strategist for you. Rose will have us out soon enough. I stay calm as I tell her.
"All right I will leave you to strategizing then, Miss Strategizer."
She yawns.
"Well then, let me prioritize. Wake me up in ten minutes or so."
I snort. She is just going to nap? Here? After the hellish experience she was put through? She has got guts of steel, or mental srength.
"You are just going to nap in the most dangerous prison in the world?"
She protests and lays her head against my arm.
"Didn't stop you. Besides, this antidote hasn't worn off yet, and I think better with naps."
I chuckled as I feel her get comfortable. I glance down at her as her breathing evens out. I can tell by her face she is absolutely exhausted, and who wouldn't be. She went through a war yesterday, sprinting to try to rescue Luffy, going through the stress of me dying, organizing troops, Akainu, and our capture. Now she was shoved out of sleep and been tortured. When she gets back to the Sunny, I am making sure Chopper makes her sleep.
I furrow my brow. Rose has been working so hard, and I have done nothing to protect her. I let her be tortured, and because of me protecting her, I apparently caused her more stress. Am I becoming a burden to her? I will make sure she escapes. I look at her again and feel myself tense at her injuries. She is in pain, I am sure of it, but not a word of complaint. She is strong, stronger then I have ever imagined when I gauged her potential years ago. I just hope we can survive this.
I hear the boots on the floor and gaze out of our cell to see that devil woman stalking toward our cell. Rose is still out cold, and no way am I letting that demoness get near her. I sit up straight, eyeing her warily. She trailed her whip behind her, it making a hissing sound on the stone floor.
"Roronoa Zoro, you are awake."
I blink, not answering her. She motioned out of the cell.
"Would you like to come with me? I would love to punish you for interrupting us last time."
And I would love to punish you for hurting Rose, not once but twice, under my watch. She gestured again, her face becoming more tense as I refused to comply.
"If you would like, I would love to take Rose-chan again. It would be so lovely to hear her screams again."
No, I didn't protect her before, but I most definitely will now. I gently lean Rose's head against the wall off my shoulder, careful not to wake her. If she knew I was going with this lunatic, she would interfere, and I can't have that.
"Careful, I don't want to wake dear Rose-chan. She has already had a long day."
I glance at her. I know, because you made it long and greivous for her.
"No, let's leave her out of this. I would like you all to myself."
She licked her lips, moaning with pleasure.
"Hmm, oh Roronoa Zoro, I can't wait to hear your screams."
What a freak. Jeez, How could Rose stand to be even near her? I'm surprised she didn't come back pulling her hair out. I slowly walk toward th door, testing out my day old injuries by walking. It smarted, but not enough to keep me from doing anything to escape. Sadi-chan reached for the door.
My observation haki saw the move a split second before it was made. I could barely register the action or think about reacting myself when Sadi-chan pulled the door open and Rose was already halfway across the cell.
I blink and Rose is almost out the door, Sadi-chan drawing back in surprise and fear. I follow her quickly, because if I don't Rose will probably not slow down.
Rose tackled Sadi-chan to the floor as I glanced around for more gaurds or visual den den mushis witnessing our escape. When I turned back around Rose had grabbed her weapon, swinging it over her head. I almost cringed at the audible snap as Rose brought it down on Sadi-chan's face. She tossed the torturess into our cell, dusting off her hands. The look of satisfaction on her face makes me smirk.
"Remind me not to get on your bad side."
She was right, she needed no help taking care of that mad woman. Rose just gives me a look and I can see the intense focus back in her eyes. Her power nap did wonders I see.
"Yo, do you know where your swords are?"
I jump, brought out of my thoughts. Oh yeah, I didn't think to grab them.
"I left them on Sunny. I didn't have time to grab them."
She looked at me angrily and I started a bit.
"Why did you jump again?"
Unexplained hostility laced her tone. She was angry with me for jumping with her? Because she wanted to protect me? Besides, is now really the time to discuss this? I shot back, defensively.
"Is now really the time to be-"
"I'm not moving Zoro."
Her tone held no room for argument. I sighed, and muttered softly.
"I didn't want you alone in this hellhole by yourself. I needed to protect you."
I didn't, not after last time. She sighed and gave me her sword, telling me to use it as a weapon. I am grateful for any kind of sword right now. I just hope with this injury I can protect her. She goes the stealthy route, as usual, wanting to get out without stirring up trouble, and for once I agree. WIth our injuries I can't guaruntee anyone's safety for one floor, let alone six.
She lead through the paths through the cells. I can feel the energy building in her body. She is excited to escape as well, and sometimes her excitement can lead to rashness.
I sense the guards approaching. I reach out, grabbing Rose about to run blindly into the intersection. I tuck her back against the cages as the gaurds run by. I feel her gratitude more then hearing it; silence in being stealthy and all.
She pointed up and I looked up to see the cages. Ah. I see. I hop up and back, landing on the top of the cage, still holding onto Rose. She looked around for the exit. I breathe as quietly as I can. Even I can tell I am pushing myself to my limit. This injury really is a pain. She spots the exit but before we can move on...
"Hey, escaped prisoners!"
I stare coolly down at the gaurds and notice some carrying katanas. Ooh, I would like some yes please. I ask Rose, making sure before taking a course of action.
"Are we still taking the stealthy approach?"
Rose looked pensive, but I could tell what she would chose by the fire in her brown eyes.
"Well since they know we escaped and all, that option is kind of out the window."
Good, I would like to bust some heads anyway, just an experiment to make sure I am in fighting condition. Besides, the sooner I have three swords, the safer I will feel.
I bounded off the cage, aiming for three men with swords with the one Rose had generously let me borrow. I feel Rose follow close behind me, and it wasn't long before I felt her back just barely press against mine. I take a deep breath, and I start to destroy the gaurds in front of me.
We worked well together, like usual. Being usual sparring partners had led us to an understanding that even me and Luffy didn't have. I would feel her leave my back for an instant, and I would retreat until I felt it again. Even though I was injured, these guys were nothing, and I chose the greatest person to trust my back with.
I gave her her sword back after I had swiped a few from the enemy. She needs as much advantages as possible; she is injured as well. She takes back her weapon, and steals a trident. I take my eye off of her for a second, monitoring with haki rather then eyesight.
Suddenly Rose just goes blank. I couldn't pick up anything with my haki. I glanced behind me to see Rose falling backwards, and a guard pulling back his trident handle. That bastard hit her.
I reacted instantly. I couldn't catch her with my hands, otherwise I would jeopardize us both. I simply knelt and pushed backwards until I felt her fall on my back. I kept my swords up to protect us both and say clearly.
"Rose."
It was more out of concern then anything, but also something to bring her back to the present. I wasn't sure I was able to carry her all the way back up to the top floor. She was strong; she could handle this.
I feel her become not as limp, tenseness coming back to her back. I shove back hard, enough for her to bounce back to her feet. She stumbles a little, but lashes back against the gaurds.
"Thanks Zoro."
No, I'm just glad to be of some help. I stand and also fight back against the prison gaurds, until I hear.
"One last attack, and then run. Make it a good one."
Sure thing. One to take care of all of these guys, coming right up.
"Dragon twister."
The whirlwind of swords swept the men up in a screaming pleading mass. I couldn't admire my work because Rose had already grabbed me and was running toward the stairs. The force of my own attack almost pulled us back, but with a little extra effort we were running up the staircase.
We barely survived one floor, and there were no threats on that floor besides gaurds. We didn't have to deal with heat, or cold, or spikes, or creatures. Can we even make it to the top floor in our condition?
Shut up Zoro, stop complaining. When has something like this stopped you before, especially when it comes to Rose? She will make sure it happenes, and you have always made sure to protect her. So I change the subject by asking our brilliant strategist.
"Isn't the next floor the floor with the snow?"
I see her tense.
"Yep. Just keep sprinting until we reach the exit."
Hmm, surprisingly lacking in detail and has a million flaws. Not like Rose at all.
"Not one of your better plans."
She whirled around, and I can read her like a book. I am not the only one with doubts on escaping. She is just as worried about it as I am.
Suddenly, I hear something that makes me pause for the slightest of seconds. I thought I just heard Luffy. But that is not possible; it's way too convenient. My eye widens in surprise as Luffy actually comes flying down the staircase, falling and tackling Rose.
I relax as I see her laughing and bantering with our captain. He looks much better then the last time I saw him. A day on the open sea with the freedom of the waves and sky has done him some good. He isn't the only one. Rose seems much more hopeful now.
I am doubly surprised to see none other then Trafalgar Law following right on my captain's heels. He came to help? This is almost too good to be true. Law could just teleport us to the top without us dealing with any guards or tortures. I glance discretely at Rose. She is hiding her pain and exhaustion well.
Law encases us in a blue sphere.
"Room."
We were standing in snow, then fire, then sand. Up we went through the floors in split seconds. Then we were on the second floor and right in front of the basalisk. I grab for my swords but Rose has already taken care of it with a swipe to the face. She quickly reminded Law of the floor above us being the spiked one, and we were off again toward the top. This was way easier then running up a billion stairs.
Finally, we reach the top. i recognize the regular stone and cells of the very first floor. Luffy points excitedly.
"That way! To the exit."
The four of us start in the direction that Luffy pointed. I glance up to see Magellan, Sadi-chan, and some other short man blocking our path. Rose picks the short guy, and LUffy pounces toward Magellan, which leaves me with Sadi-chan.
I can't help the gleeful bloodlust that fills my body, singing in my ears and rushing through my veins. I clutch my swords tightly in my grip, thier blades promising pain and blood. I want to pay this woman back ten fold for what she has done to Rose.
I slash, my swords accurate in thier cutting, like an artist with a painting. I almost seperated her limbs from her body, and her torso was a bloody mess. I snort in satisfaction as I move on. Rose was sprinting ahead of us and Luffy, Law, and I were right on her heels.
She suddenly trips, falling flat on her face. That isn't like her to trip like that. Then I see the whip around her ankles. I am about to stop when I see Rose raising her weapon. She has got it taken care of.
We were almost completely out. We were so close. Rose rushes past us and jumps, Nami, Usopp, and Chopper pulling her aboard as Law and Luffy leap after her. I glance behind us to make sure none were close before following.
The deck was chaotic as usual. I sat down, trying to ease the pain in my chest. Nami and Franky were already trying to get us out of here, and Luffy was laughing at an exasperated Law. Wait, where is Rose?
I glance over to see her sleeping on the deck, a peaceful smile adorning her face. I see it has all caught up to her. Good, she needs to rest.
Chopper picks her up in his human form and turns to me.
"Zoro, come with me. I need to give you a check-up."
I dutifully follow the doctor into the infirmary, more for making sure Rose was all right then actually for my own purposes. He laid her quickly in a bed and turned to grab bandages, asking.
"So what all injuries did she get in there?"
I think back, trying to remember them all.
"She has a broken nose, and cuts on her arms. She was also poisoned, but I think they gave her the antidote."
Chopper was in full on doctor mode now, mixing medicine, tying bandages, and reading medical textbooks.
I seat myself in a chair a few beds down from Rose, as not to get in the way of the little doctor. He finished with Rose and turned to me.
"What about you? Did they do anything to you in there?"
I shake my head. Rose had taken the brunt of it, and I didn't even get hurt in the fight to escape. He sighed finally relaxing.
"Fine, but I need to change your bandages and check your stitches."
I sit still as he puts his hooves over my wound.
"Chopper, is what Rose said true?"
He looked up for a split second before resuming his work.
"What did she say?"
I narrowed my eye. I have to confirm what Rose said. She isn't one to be mistaken or overexagerate, so I have to be sure.
"Did I really die?"
Chopper tensed, hesitating for several moments. He sighed.
"Yes Zoro, you did, and if it wasn't for Rose you still would be."
I blinked. So it was true.
"I didn't think you could be brought back from the dead."
Chopper shrugged.
"I didn't either. I've had some close shaves in the past, but none as close as yours."
I have to know what happened exactly, to know the true extent of what Rose did to save me.
"What happened?"
Chopper kept up his methodical bandaging, but he explained.
"Rose did so much. Law and I were just operating on you and you passed out. She refused to leave you, and when I mentioned you had lost way too much blood and needed more she was the first to volunteer, even though she had lost blood on her own account."
Sounds like Rose. When one of us is in danger, she gets reckless and committed to doing anything to help, even if it damages her. I wish I was conscious to tell her not to be so...Rose like. Chopper continued.
"Rose was the first one to realize something was wrong. She checked and found you had no heartbeat and weren't breathing. She just kind of took control."
I could see it now. Rose's eyes focused so intently her brown eyes hard as steel as she belts out orders. It wasn't hard to imagine.
"She told Law to use countershock on you. I started to do CPR, while she just kept checking on your status, telling us to keep doing it over and over."
Chopper swallowed hard.
"Law and I didn't know what she was doing, or telling us to do. We just thought she was in denial. Both of us as doctors have seen it before in families of patients that have deceased. We thought she was delusional with grief. She just told Law to use countershock again and again. So after a few times, we told her we needed to stop."
Again, it was way to easy to imagine this scene, and it ripped through my recently injured heart. Rose would never leave my side; I know because in the same situation, I wouldn't leave hers. If I truly had died, I couldn't even imagine the fallout.
"She wouldn't listen to us. I have never seen Rose like this. She almost screamed at us to keep going. She sounded so desperate. I think she would have done anything to be in your place instead."
He looked at me solemnly.
"She cried for you Zoro."
I tensed. Rose...cried for me? Never have I seen her cry while she was here. Down yes, dissappointed and frustrated and tears of pain of course, but never from sadness. I had hurt her way worse then I thought. I stared at the ground, trying to picture it, but my mind refused to. It was unpicturable. Chopper stepped back, finished.
"She told us one more time, then she would quit. Law did countershock once more, and that's when you started breathing again. She was so happy, and back to her normal self within a few seconds. She told Law to transport both of us back to the Sunny so I could take care of you properly while she would take my place as one of the doctors on the battlefield."
I swallowed hard. I hadn't understood the gravity of the words that Rose told me in the cell, of how much I had put her through. She had to gamble with my life, risk everything for a chance that I might not have come back, and go against two doctors to keep trying. She must have trusted me to come back. No wonder she was so frantic in the cell for me to understand not to do that again. That had hurt her way more then it ever hurt me.
I glanced over at the girl a few beds down. I really hadn't done anything but hurt her this trip she has been here. Chopper rubbed his sheepishly.
"I was actually extremely concerned for her safety as well as yours. She was going to have an emotional break down if you if you had actually died."
I stand. I need some time to think about this.
"All right, thanks Chopper. Watch over Rose for me."
He shook a hoof at me.
"No weight lifting."
I waved in response and went out onto the deck. I saw Luffy sitting on the figurehead, a sight I had missed very sorely. I walked up behind him.
"Yo Luffy."
Luffy turned, and grinned. He leapt down.
"Zoro, I'm glad your ok."
I smirked faintly at him.
"That makes two of us."
He glanced out into the horizan and took a deep breath.
"Rose helped me out again."
I nodded. He wasn't the only one. Rose had literally saved my life. He grinned once more.
"We are meeting up with all the other people that allianced with us to throw a huge party tomorrow. That's where we are going now."
I nod again. Yep, drinking until I pass out sounds like a good idea. But right now, sleep sounds even better.
"Glad to have you back captain."
He waved as I walked to my bunk. I needed time to think and rest.
I laid there for quite awhile, thinking more then sleeping. I just kept thinking about what Chopper told me. I made her cry. Me, of all people, the one who comforts her the most, made her cry. I remember what she said, the first day she came here.
Zoro, I need you these next few days.
I shake my head and roll over. She needed me and I basically abandoned her. No wonder she was so distraught. She thinks of me as her support, like on a building, and when I died, I almost took that support away. She seriously thinks she needs me, and I pulled the rug out from under her. It was a good thing I was brought back; I don't know if she could have handled it.
It would have been so easy too. If she hadn't given me blood. If she hadn't insisted on continuing the treatment. If she hadn't talked to Kuina to beg her to leave me. If she hadn't insisted on that one final time. If she hadn't...I wouldn't be here.
I sit up. All is quiet on the ship. It is the middle of the night, and everyone is sleeping. I quietly steal out of bed, out onto the deck. It is a full moon tonight, and the stars twinkle in the darkness of the night sky. I quietly stalk over to the infirmary.
Chopper is sleeping at his desk, a low candle burning faintly. Rose is still sleeping peacefully, curled up into a loose ball, relaxed and not a trace of pain on her face.
I pull a chair up next to her bed, placing my fingers together. I have a lot to say to her, I'm just not sure how to word it. I guess I should start with the obvious.
"You did a great job Rose. You pulled everything off. Everyone is safe, we got Luffy back, and we escaped Impel Down. If it wasn't for you, we might have lost."
Rose did nothing. I stared at my knees.
"I also want to thank you for saving my life. If it weren't for you, I would have died. You worked so hard."
It's a good thing she is passed out, because I am not a man of words. I don't think I could tell her all this if she was conscious. I sighed.
"I'm sorry Rose. I'm so sorry to put you through all of that. It must have been difficult on you. I didn't mean to make you cry honest. I didn't realize you cared about me that much."
No, that wasn't entirely true. Rose is a person who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's the type of person to like anyone unless she knows they are evil, or they do something to her she doesn't like, or to her freinds. I guess it is so strange because I am not the most likeable person. I am not named a demon for nothing. To find out that someone would genuinely panic and basically fight so hard to save my life is incredible.
I sigh again and Rose shifted in her sleep. I froze, waiting until she settled again. She yawned and snuggled back into the sheets. I placed my fingers gently against her forhead, checking to see for a fever. There was none. I smiled faintly. I had said what had needed to be said. I stood and walked back to my bed. Within seconds I was asleep.
I awoke to complete chaos and noise. I sit up and glance out of the room to the deck. We are surrounded by ships of the alliance, and I remembered Luffy telling something about that yesterday. With a yawn, I go and decide to get as inebriated as possible.
I was on my third barrel when I hear a raucous yell.
"Hurrah!"
I almost choked on my drink and looked around to see Rose walking on deck, surprise evident on her face. Oh, she decided to get up huh?
Luffy called from the crow's nest getting everyone's attention.
"Oi!"
I looked up to see him hanging off of it. He raised his mug.
"A toast."
I raise my glass.
"To all of our allies. Thank you for saving me! Kampai!"
I shout to the skies.
"Kampai!"
They deserve it. They committed and stuck with us until the end. They are true nakama. I drain my cup, and refill it quickly. Luffy continues.
"To the nakama who organized all this! To Rose!"
I glance over at the girl in question. Her jaw is hanging down in shock. I chuckle as I shout my approval.
"To Rose!"
And just like that, the party went back to normal. I start to have a drinking contest with the Red haired pirates, and good lord, they might be the only ones on the ocean that can party better then us. I mean Luffy did learn how to praty from the master himself, Shanks. It's kind of scary how this guy so laid back and half drunk can be a yonko, but it's just as scary seeing Luffy as the pirate king.
I continue to eat and drink, knowing that they will fuel a speedy recovery. I see everyone else partying, and Ero-cook is going to die at this rate. Robin is mingling with the revolutionaries she had stayed with over the two year period after the war. I notice Franky talking about robots to some of the heart pirates.
I noticed Rose making rounds. She looks like she has a mission to complete. Ah well, as long as she has fun.
It is hours later when everyone decided that the party needed to end. One by one they left, leaving us all alone. Ero-cook made us lunch and I gladly took some.
Rose was acting kind of strange. She kept asking to see our dreams and telling stories of our past adventures. Not that I complained. We sometimes need to relive our past to remind us of our hard work to complete our dreams.
She went off on her own for awhile. Luffy was the one who asked.
"Does Rose seem...off?"
Everyone else nodded. Robin smirked.
"I bet I know why."
Soon, Rose came wandering back. Robin asked casually.
"Rose, are you leaving today?"
She paused, and looked a little skittish, which was strange.
"Yeah, how did you know?"
Robin chuckled.
"You alway act like this when you are about to leave."
Yeah that is true. She rushes to try to fit in everyone in a short time period. She sighs.
"Yeah, in about an hour and a half."
I don't feel the horrible crushing feeling like I usually do when Rose leaves. Maybe because she might come back. She came back this time, despite living out all of our adventures with us. So there is no reason why I should doubt her coming back. Luffy confirms what I said and I see Rose's face drop.
"Well, about that."
I froze, staring at her. Her tone suggests something is wrong, that we are wrong in our assumption.
"I will never come back here. This is my last time."
The crushing feeling is back, only this time, it's ten times worse. Wait, never? As in ever? At least the past three times I could have the hope that she might come back because she didn't know either, but now it is serious official she isn't coming back. Admist our protests, Luffy actually asked the important question.
"How do you know?"
Rose seemed to stumble a bit with her words before she took a deep breath.
"The thing that brings me here and takes me away told me."
That force thing spoke to her, after four times coming here? It chose now to be the most appropriate time. This was way too fishy. Why would it tell her now that this was the last time? Something must have happened. Rose continued.
"Yes, I made a decision and it kind of told me that because of that, this had to be my last time here."
A decision huh? Rose sure has made a lot of them this trip. What could have been the dealbreaker. Luffy asked.
"What was the decision?"
Rose shook her head.
"Nothing."
Nothing my foot. Something important must have happened, and it must have been something we don't like if she is hiding it. Luffy and I looked at each other. He asked.
Did something happen while I was gone?
I shake my head. I think of all the things Rose did on the ship leading up to the war. Nothing merits this punishment. Luffy narrowed his eyes.
What about in Impel Down?
I freeze. I was the only one with her in Impel Down. I was asleep most of the time, but there had to be something. I ignored the rest of the conversation, thinking back. Not during the escape, not during our talk, not during her torture, not when we first got there...
Wait, something did happen. I wracked my brains, trying to remember. She had panicked over something didn't she? I was half conscious, but I try to think of her exact words.
I will do anything to stay, please. Give me a chance.
FIne, I will stay.
Realization hits me like a thunderbolt. I ask.
"Hold on a second, is that what you were talking about?"
Everyone looks to me. Luffy asked out loud instead of using our telepathy, because everyone needs to hear this.
"What Zoro?"
Of course, it all makes sense now. The whole scenario is playing through in my mind, and it fills me with dread. She couldn't have, but I know Rose most definitely would.
"No Rose, tell me you didn't."
She looks surprised.
"Wait, weren't you asleep?"
I shake a no.
"Light sleeper remember."
"Zoro-san, what did Rose-san do?"
I spat, in obvious dislike of the choice.
"She made a deal with that thing. She sacrificed her future trips here to stay one more day."
No, this can't be happening. I could see it all play out. The force taking her away and she, desperately wanting to stay, to protect me I might add, stopped it. It offered her the choices, and she weighed them carefully before choosing, but just because she chose the way she did, didn't mean I was happy about it in the slightest.
"Why the hell did you do that?"
She stays calm, watching me.
"Is it not obvious?"
I hissed angrily.
"You did it for me didn't you?"
This is my fault. If she didn't feel obligated to protect me, she wouldn't have made that choice. I robbed her of her oppurtunities to come here again. Why doesn't she hate me? Why did this happen?
"You baka, I would have been fine. I would have made it through."
I can tell I am frustrating her, but she still manages to stay calm.
"Tell me Zoro, have you ever been tortured by Sadi-chan?"
I stiffened. I didn't think she would bring that up.
"No but-"
"Let me tell you what it is like then. She is mean, nasty, and sadistic. Those are probably nice compared to what she actually is. She enjoys pain and despair, and her main goal is to make you scream your throat raw, and she enjoys it."
I don't doubt that, but I am confident in my own abilities. I wanted time with her anyway after she treated Rose last time. Rose didn't need to take care of me. I can take care of myself just fine. I love her help, but not when it is such a detrimit.
"I would have been fine."
Rose jumps to her feet, her eyes blazing with anger I never wanted directed at me.
"No you wouldn't have. She was going to take you, but I volunteered. Usually I wouldn't worry about you Zoro, but for goodness sakes you are injured."
I stepped forward, hoping to make her back down because I was at least a head taller then her.
"This is nothing, just a scratch."
"No Zoro, you died in the war, that is not a scratch."
Crap, I heard several gasps. I didn't want anyone besides Rose and Chopper to know about that. Now Luffy is going to lecture me and everyone else will worry. Now though, isn't the time.
"So what? I would have survi-"
"Zoro she would have taken you to that room, taken off your bandages, lovingly snipped all of your stitches and laughed as you bled to death. It doesn't take much to kill you in your condition, and she wouldn't have cared. You are an infamous pirate. She would have killed you and not cared in the slightest."
I am stubborn, but Rose is even more so. This argument is not going to end prettily. I get I was in danger, I understand, but she didn't need to go that far for me.
"Luffy would have come. He did."
"Sadi-chan came five minutes after I made that deal. If I wasn't there, she would have taken you instead. In fact, she wanted to, but I interfered. She would have probably dragged the torture out, but it would have taken her at most an hour to kill you. You would have died. Who the heck cares if I come back and the crew is missing one of its members. Do you know how guilty I would be, how these guys would blame me? There is no point coming back to a crew incomplete. It would not be the same."
Rose was basically breathing fire. I had never seen her this heated, at least toward me. She stepped forward, not intimidated by me at all.
"Besides, you are asking me to go back on being a Strawhat. No matter what, under any circumstances, are we supposed to abandon nakama. Never."
I gulp. Damn, the girl is terrifying, even more then me. I don't move, but I subtly shrink away from her. I understand her point of view, I do, but there had to be a better answer. I however, won't give up without a fight.
"Don't you see, you are abandoning your nakama now. What if we need you in the future and you can't come back. That is abandoning us."
Rose didn't flinch, but narrowed her eyes angrily.
"I am not abandoning you. I am trusting you."
Trust? What could she possibly trust us with?
"You all are perfectly strong by yourselves. You don't need me to help you out of situations. You have lived without my help before, you can do it again. You will be fine, because you are the Strawhat pirates."
After all the help she has given us, that is what she tells me? We needed her in the past, we will need her in the future.
"This time we didn't need you? If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have gotten Luffy back. Don't be stupid, of course we need you."
"You can survive without me."
"It was still a stupid decision to make."
She crossed her arms.
"What? Making a decision that could possibly hurt a person for a nakama? Where have I heard that before? Every single person on this crew has done it Zoro. It is a strawhat trait."
She continued giving examples of everyone risking their lives for our nakama. She leaned forward, whispering.
"And you don't call your own decision at Thriller Bark reckless and saving nakama? Don't you dare critisize me when you have done the exact same thing."
I tensed. I am just angry because it is Rose, because while we did those things, none resulted in death or us not seeing the person again. However, even if I argued it, Rose would have a rebuttle; she always would have. She thinks she did the right decision, and so she would be passionate about defending herself. This could go on for ages. I needed a few minutes to think, at least kind of rationally about the situation.
"Fine, whatever."
I take to my domain, and lock the trapdoor, sitting against the wall. How could this have happened? More importantly, why did I let it happen? I am supposed to protect her, and she ended up protecting me.
Now that I think about it, no wonder she was so angry when she asked why I jumped with her. I had forced her hand to make that stupid decision.
I was angry at Rose, but more angry at myself for causing all this. This was all my fault. If I hadn't jumped in front of that bullet, I would have been strong enough to handle Sadi-chan's torture. If I hadn't been passed out, I would have told her to go instead of stay. If I hadn't jumped, she wouldn't have felt obligated to stay and protect me. Gosh it makes me want to cut something to ribbons.
I feel her climbing up the ladder, and smile faintly. You can't get in Rose. I hoped she would give up, but no, I was stupid to think she would. She used her ropes to climb in through the window, trying to sneak up on me.
"You know you can't sneak up on me right?"
I feel her sit next to me.
"I wouldn't have to if you let me in the normal way. Come on Zoro, you know I wouldn't give up just because you locked me out."
Yeah, but I had hoped she would sense my unwillingness to see her right now. Too bad for me, Rose doesn't care.
"Zoro, come on. I leave in like an hour. It would be totally the worst thing ever if I leave and we are on bad standings."
That's true. The last thing I want is Rose hating me and I hating her when she leaves. I would never get over the guilt. I told her I understood why she was so angry at me and she just sighed.
"No, not nessecarily. Luffy would have come to rescue me anyway, and he could have gotten captured again for nothing because I wasn't there. It was a good thing you did."
She's just making excuses. She laughed, actually laughed, joking around like she wasn't about to leave forever. She tells me to lighten up, and I automatically respond that it is one hundred percent my fault. I look over at her as she smiles.
"Nope. I had to stop coming here eventually. I've had just about enough adventures to last a lifetime. I belong in my world, not here-"
"Liar, you belong here with us."
How can she still say that after all the stuff we have been through together? She fits in so well here, there can't possibly be another place she belongs besides here. She continues, still smiling that fake smile.
"Again, it's time for me to stay one or the other. I fulfilled both of my dreams. I don't need to come here anymore."
I grab her wrist, unable to see her lying any longer. This is hurting her, I know it is because it always hurts her to leave. This time it's only worse because she knows she is never coming back. I tell her she doesn't need to hide her pain from me, and she frowns. Got her. She was trying to make me feel better, but it hurts me way worse when she pretends she is all right.
She apologizes for arguing, and I sigh inwardly. I apologize as well; I shouldn't have yelled at her when I was angry at myself. She didn't deserve it.
She jokes around about leaving, saying I will probably stay alive longer. I look at her seriously. No, I have been both, and her not being here, me having to go through day after day without seeing her bright smile is way worse.
She smiles, sliding in front of me. She raises her hand, covering my one eye. Her hand is warm, and I still feel her presence with my haki, warm and filling, like a warm cup of sake on a snowy day. She remarks kindly.
"Just because you can't see me, doesn't mean I'm not here."
I relax. Still, I want to see her, not just feel her. Something rests against my forehead and I feel her breath ghosting my nose.
"I will always be watching over you. No matter what."
That almost makes me lose it. It's like Kuina, watching over me. The sudden gravity of the situation hits me. I am about to lose one of my closest freinds, forever. I will never see her again.
I slowly pull her towards me, trying to memorize her warmth, to keep her as close to me as possible. I don't want her to see me like this, not this weak. I just want this one moment, and I will never ask anything of her again.
She tenses at first, not from dislike but from nervousness and worry.
"You know it's true though. You all are strong. I believe in you all to conquer anything the World Government throws at you. I just won't share those adventures with you is all."
That isn't the point Rose. We need you for other reasons besides your strategic advantage. We need you so when you leave, everyone isn't sad, that there isn't a huge gap. It's like the quiet wrongness you felt when Luffy wasn't here. It isn't the same without all nine of us here.
I remember all the times I had with Rose, remembering the fun, adventures, joy, happiness she brought. The training, the fights, the tag, the injuries and growth, the bravery that defined her, even when she first came aboard.
I didn't even realize I had tears dripping down my cheek until Rose teased softly.
"You big softie."
I shook the tears off.
"Whose fault is that?"
She chuckled.
"It better not be mine. I didn't want this to be all sappy and stuff."
We sat there like that for a few moments. I tried to think of the words to convey to her how sorry I am for causing all this, the pain she will leave with us, with me.
"I don't want you to leave."
"Sorry."
Her apology is filled with kindness and sorrow. I accept it willingly. She sounds like she understands. I let go of her and she sits back. After a few seconds, she grins all too familiarly. I say.
"I don't like that look."
She giggled gleefully, and that confirmed it. She is definitely suspicious. She leaned in close before leaning back. I watch her every move carefully. I felt something brush my leg and suddenly Rose is gone, yelling.
"Tag, you are it."
I sit still, completely surprised and allowed her to escape down the ropes. It's obvious she is trying to distract me, and to cheer me up. She is right; instead of moping about her leaving, I should be enjoying what little I time I have left with her. I grin as I shout in mock anger.
"Rose!"
I unlocked the trap door and swung it open. Everyone was already scattering and the picnic swept inside. We are used to the procedure. Rose is laughing and hopping around, ready to play. I leap to the deck, calling her name. She raised an eyebrow, her grin mischievious and infectious.
"You sure you want to challenge me Zoro?"
I hesitate, before deciding yes. This is the last game, I want to go all out. Before I start though, Rose has already taken off. I chase her around the deck, everyone else getting out of the way. I know her endurance, but maybe if I trap her. However, her strategist part also comes into play. She always makes sure she has at least one escape route.
I chased her by the mast and tripped over Usopp who was crouching behind the mast. We ended up in a heap and Rose almost busted a gut laughing before she was gone again.
We played for awhile, laughing, running, juking, and teasing all other occupants. I focused on Rose at almost all times, trying to burn her into my memory. I didn't even start up my usual arguments with Pirate A.
I was chasing Rose when she just stopped. I rammed into her, instinctively grabbing her arms to keep her upright.
"Tag? What's wrong?"
"Five minutes left."
Right. She is leaving us forever. We all circle around her and she smiled, saluting to Luffy.
"Yo, captain, permission to leave the crew?"
I think I might have choked a little, and I feel Rose stagger inwardly too. That hurt us both. Luffy folded his arms firmly.
"Nope."
Rose looks confused, tried to protest, but Luffy shook his head.
"Nope, no matter where you are, you will always be a Strawhat pirate. You will always be my nakama, remember?"
He is right. Rose will always be one of us, whether she is here or there. Rose's smile grows genuinely, thanking her captain that she has protected time and time again. She apologizes for not being able to protect him anymore and most break at that. We all give reasons that we will miss her that we want her to stay. Through it all, Rose stays stronger then all of us. She smiles kindly.
"I believe in you all. You just have to have adventures without me. You will be fine, I promise. I will always be watching you all succeed. Please don't cry."
No, no we won't be. She pats the deck, before tossing me her customized weapon.
"Here, a keepsake. Keep it in the crows nest again."
I catch it clutching it in my hands. I will keep it there and always remember the person who wielded it.
When she started singing, I felt my soul start to shatter. Her pitch is beautiful, the most beautiful I have ever heard her, but I can hear the care, the love of her nakama, and the sorrow of leaving us woven into her tone. I am the first to pull her back into a hug against my chest. Everyone is quick to follow up, crying and sobbing, and I am no exception this time, just a few tears.
She is trying her hardest to cheer us up, but this is a two way street. We wish to give her solace too because we all know she is hurting too. We want to ease her pain, like she is with us.
She finished the song with a whisper.
"Thank you."
I stiffen. What?
"Thank you for allowing me to join your crew, to train with you, cook with you, fight with you, protect you, laugh with you, cry with you. Thank you for allowing me to travel at your sides in your adventures and quests to accomplishing your dreams."
Of course Rose. You don't need to thank us. Thank you for all of your hard work, your protection, your dedication, your kindness and caring, your strength, your fun, your bravery that has shaped this crew. We wouldn't have made it without your help.
"Thank you."
Luffy started to sob, tears flowing down his cheeks.
"Baka, we are supposed to be thanking you."
Rose wipes her tears and smiles so widely my own cheeks hurt. That image is banded into my mind. It is so Rose, so familiarly Rose, that I have to. Then, she is gone.
We do continue our adventures, but it takes us many weeks to get over the true loss of Rose.
She was right, in one aspect. Everyday, even though I didn't see her, I felt her presence. It was like she was watching over us, even now. I would always look over at her weapon, hanging on the spikes in the crow's nest, before resuming my naps. Sometimes when it was strong, I would half expect her to come clamoring into the crow's nest, with a smile and a request to train, or play tag.
I felt her everywhere on the ship; it was comforting in a way. I always kept her weapon with me, and over the years I never forgot the strongest woman in the world. I spread tales of her strength. I miss her dearly, but I know that she is still out there somewhere. I smile when I think about her, and in the end, I will always remember her and her bravery.
