Author's Note: Warning! This chapter will contain: trauma induced flashback. Please read responsibly! See end notes for a detailed explanation of where this trigger will occur! Hi everyone! Wow, it seems like it has been ages since we last saw each other! Unfortunately, that is because my laptop hates me and decided to bite the dust. And, since the world is ending, I'm looking at weeks before I can get a new one in. For that reason, I apologize if it seems like there's an unreasonable number of errors in this chapter. Everything was typed and edited on my phone and sometimes I just don't catch the autocorrect phrases that my iPhone decides to come up with. Thank you guys for being patient with me! There are only 2 chapters left after this! I played around a lot with where I wanted this chapter to end and how I wanted to do this. Hope you guys enjoy it!

Chapter Twenty-Five: Zoro

Zoro hates waking up. Hates being blinded by the sun for the first few seconds his mind is conscious and the way his eyes burn as he tries to rub them awake. He hates waking up with sweat coating his body and his heart pounding a mile a minute. Hates that his first instinct is to search the room for his nakama because for the first few seconds, he should be on Sunny, smelling the cook's food and listening to Brook play a tune to wake the crew.

At least he doesn't panic when he's greeted by a small room that is obviously neither the men's bunk nor the infirmary. It takes a few seconds of careful thought - digging his hands into his hair and breathing deeply - to remember exactly where he is and why he's wrapped in more bandages than he's ever allowed Chopper to use.

Luffy. Ace. Marineford.

Zoro's fingers tighten in his hair and he forces himself to take a deep breath in. Things have to change if he wants to save them, Vivi told him. And she's right. If he wants things to change, wants his nakama to live, things have to be different now.

Save them by risking their lives. What a shitshow.

That's what Marineford is. Zoro hadn't been there the first time and had never asked Luffy to talk about it - none of them had. But from what he's read in the papers and heard briefly from Mihawk, the War of the Beat would have been named more accurately if it had been called the Clusterfuck War. No respect or mercy from the Marines until they'd been scared into submission by Redhaired Shanks. Even then, it'd taken a lot for the living to retrieve their loved ones.

And now his crew wants to head straight into that. They don't know, how could they? But, Zoro knows. The Admirals will be there, all three of them. Kizaru will be there. And, if that lazy bastard is in the mood for "justice" he can level the entire Strawhat Crew in the blink of an eye. It'd barely take that to slaughter his crew. His crew that was full of monsters. Maybe not to the level of the Monster Trio, but still, fair more powerful than the crew now.

This can only end one way. With grief and pain. And, it's the most selfish thing Zoro has ever thought, but he hopes that fate allows him to be the one mourned this time.

The door opens and Sabo appears, clothes in hand. "Good. You're awake."

He hates the sturdy, almost chipperness in Sabo's tone. The way that the revolutionary seems to think that nothing can go wrong. He hasn't thought ahead. Hasn't assessed the situation properly. Because, Marineford is just an early death for them all.

Fingers snap in front of his face and Zoro starts, blinking up at Sabo's frowning face. A blonde eyebrow raises as Sabo offers him the clothes. A pair of black pants and an unbuttoned gray shirt.

"Zoro," he starts.

Zoro can see where this conversation is going. Because they argued about it for an hour after they'd hung up with Vivi and the others. Sabo wants him to wait here. Wants him to stay behind and rest while his crew out their lives on the line. He won't. Can't.

"No."

Zoro snatches the clothes away from him and forces himself to stand up.

Pain pulls at his body but its dull, barely noticeable. All he needs to do is keep his mind focused in Luffy. On the crew. As long as he thought about protecting them, the pain would be the last thing to worry about.

Sabo continues to frown at him as he slips the clothes on, brow furrowed in worry. Not because he actually cares, Zoro knows. Sabo must blame Zoro as much as Zoro blames Zoro. The words spoken last night linger in the back of his mind.

"You're just the man he died for."

Luffy died for Zoro. Whether he wanted the captain to or not. Zoro had no choice in the matter. And it isn't fair. Isn't what Zoro wanted. But, that doesn't matter because Luffy died for him. Because he wasn't fast enough. Wasn't strong enough. Wasn't good enough. And the only reason Sabo gives two shits is because he doesn't want Luffy to have died for nothing.

But, he didn't. Luffy died so Zoro could save his nakama. And that's what he intends to do. Whatever happens to Zoro is fate's decision. Saving his nakama is Zoro's decision.

"Luffy would-"

"Never forgive you if something happened to me," Zoro parrots back. Because he's heard that at least a hundred times since he came to. "Well, tough shit. Because Luffy will never forgive me if I let something happen to his nakama. And, Luffy knows full well that I'm not going to listen to you. You aren't my captain. Give it up, Sabo."

The older man scowls at him. "I'm just saying, you're injured."

"This is nothing."

They both know it isn't. Zoro isn't fully sure he's ever been in this kind of shape before. But, it's better than it could be. He could be dead in that field. Could be comatose in the Sunny's infirmary. But he isn't. He's standing and talking. Preparing for war. Because fate is on his side.

He's not going to waste a stroke of luck when he has one.

They stare at each other for a moment. There's a familiar glint in Sabo's eyes. Zoro's seen it in several people's gazes before. The crew's, Law's, the Marines'. That desperate itch to know just what is going on in his head. None of them ask. They all know it's pointless. But the wonder is always there.

Luffy's eyes are the only ones he's never seen the question in. Because his captain has always been the only one who can read him. Zoro isn't ready to give that up. Not yet.

Not ever.

Sabo sighs, muttering something about talking to a wall. Zoro ignores him, crossing the room to grab his katana. His fingers trail over the red ribbon tied around Wadou's hilt. It seems shorter somehow, as though it would never wrap all the way around Luffy's hat.

Hat.

Shit. Hat. He's had Hat with him. Luffy's treasure, entrusted to him while his captain is away.

Zoro's gaze searches the room frantically, searching the table, the chair, the bedposts.

"Here."

He turns to Sabo in time to catch the strawhat. The edges are frayed, top flattened slightly, but overall, Hat is fine.

"It had a few knicks," Sabo tells him. "I had it fixed."

"Thanks." Zoro slips Hat around his neck, snatching his katana to put them in their proper place.

Sabo hums. "We should go. Or we'll miss our ride."

"Ride?" Zoro echoes, pulling on a boot. "I figured you revolutionaries had a way into Marineford."

"We do. But, Dragon doesn't want it used without his say so."

"And he didn't say so."

Sabo shakes his head. "He's barely okay with me going to rescue Ace. Not that it matters. No matter what he said, I'd go."

"So, who's our ride?"

Who can just waltz into Marineford with ease?

"Whitebeard."

Zoro blinks. "Whitebeard? The Yonko?"

Sabo nods. "That's the one. From what I understand, he was Ace's Pops. As long as they know we're going to save Ace, I don't see why they'd have a problem with is tagging along."

"You didn't contact them ahead of time?"

"Too much risk of the Marines finding out. Besides, we're going to save Ace. It'll be easy to convince them."

Sabo, sometimes, is way too much like Luffy for Zoro's comfort.

"So, you sail with Ace's little brother, yoi?"

Zoro leans against the railing of the Moby Dick to stare across the seas and nods. "I do. I'm his swordsman."

"That all?" Macro quirks an eyebrow. "Most swordsmen don't sail towards possible death to save someone who isn't a member of their crew without their captain even asking, yoi."

Turns out, Sabo's entire plan hinged on the fact that Ace's crew knew Luffy was Ace's brother and everybody knew Roronoa Zoro is a member of Luffy's crew. The bastard is all of the blind excitement of Luffy mixed with the calculated cunning of Nami.

Zoro fucking hates it. But, at least they're on their way to Marineford. And he knows they'll get there.

"Luffy doesn't have to ask," Zoro tells him. "Ace is his brother. He'll go to Ace. And I go to Luffy. Wherever he is."

Whenever he is.

Marco hums softly before he turns, back leaned against the railing and stares across the ship. Behind him, Zoro knows, Sabo is trying to make a plan with Whitebeard. Fitting in and being able to convince people of his intentions has always been Sabo's strong suit. Zoro doubts he would be the Chief of Staff for the Revolutionary Army any other way. But, despite the fact that they know Zoro's face and seem to all agree that he and Sabo are there to save Ace, this crew still doesn't trust them.

"But, it's more than that, yoi. Isn't it?" Marco asks.

"Eh?"

"There's something wrong with the two of you. I can feel it. Pops can feel it. Most of the crew can, yoi."

"We're here to help save Ace."

Marco nods. "I know. That isn't a lie. Pops would have tossed you overboard if it was. But, you two. You don't belong, yoi."

Enel had said that to Vivi. The princess told Zoro after Skypiea that the false god had known he and Vivi didn't belong. That they'd come from another world. Kaku had said something similar. Known that Zoro was out of place. Whatever that island had done to them had left its mark. A mark that anyone with Observation Haki seemed able to pick up on.

Maybe that's why Luffy and the cook took everything in stride. They've known for a long time that Vivi and Zoro are branded from another world.

Unsure of what else to say, Zoro simply offers Marco a grunt. The first division commander frowns at him.

"He," Marco motions to Sabo. "Is here to save Ace. But, you are here for more. Yoi?"

"I'm here to protect my captain," Zoro answers. "That means protecting Ace."

"You aren't going to tell me anything."

"I just told you everything you need to know. I'll die for Ace, if that means protecting Luffy."

Zoro really should have foreseen it, if he's being honest. Marineford is a war, afterall. A war full of screams, panic, fire, and death. They hit Zoro as a bundle of fear, boiling deep beneath his skin. His fingers tremble around the hilts of his swords but he refuses to let it go further than that. Especially now that Luffy is here. If he keeps his focus on his captain - because his captain is alive and he needs to keep his focus long enough to get his captain out to sea - he'll stay in control.

All of Zoro's nakama are alive. The cook fights just feet from him, helping clear the path to Ace. Arms appear from random Marines, breaking backs and necks all around them. Somehow, Franky's shouts carry over the battle as Usopp's exploding stars touch down on either side of them. The chill of Brook's attacks move across the field, Chopper's hooves click against cement. Lightning rains down from the skies. And, the unmistakable rush of blue that can only be Jinbe.

It had taken every ounce of Zoro's discipline not to throw himself at Jinbe when the helmsman emerged with the rest of his crew. After months of longing for the calm and steadying presence, joy fills Zoro's chest every time he sees Jinbe.

All of Zoro's nakama are alive and all of Zoro's nakama are here. He clings to that as burning flesh fills his nose, showing him the fire filled forests instead of rock walls. His nakama are alive. No matter what happens, they will live.

A streak of yellow catches Zoro's eye as he cuts down another Marine and he turns to face it. One of the biggest mistakes Zoro has ever made.

Kizaru stands - towers - over him with a bored eyebrow raised high. Bored because, at the speed of light, it doesn't take much to kill whoever you want. No matter how many or how powerful. Kizaru can slaughter them all. Has slaughtered them all.

No. No. Don't do that. Don't think that.

Zoro's legs lock up. Enma and Kitetsu tremble in his grasp. IT hurts. Everything hurts. Blood coats him. Every slash and bullet wound drums with numb pain.

"Zoro, help me!"

"Oi, oi, don't leave us!"

"Go! Save our shitty captain!"

Their voices fill his mind. He can smell their blood in the air, so thick and heavy, he thinks he might taste it. Dead. Dead. Dead. Because Zoro isn't fast enough, strong enough, good enough. He's a failure. Failed his crew. Now, he's the only one left. All that stands between Luffy and Kizaru. All that stands between his captain's dream and certain death.

The blinding yellow begins to build up again. Suddenly, his nineteen, soak through with his own blood, foot placed firmly on his back, and Kizaru is going to kill him. Too slow. Too weak. Too worthless. But, now, he isn't trapped beneath Kizaru's foot. He's free to move. Free to strike out with Enma or Kitetsu. But, he can't move. Kizaru's focus is entirely on him. And that's good. It gives Sabo time to get Luffy off this place. Luffy will live and that's good.

Luffy is the man who will be King of the Pirates.

And that's a dream Zoro's willing to die for. Like the rest of his crew.

"Zoro!" Luffy screams.

It's okay. It's okay. Don't get in the way. Don't get in the way. Let me do this. Let me die for you. Like them. It's all I have left to give.

Hands wrap around his shirt and he's yanked to the side as the beam of light shoots out. It grazes his shoulder as he falls, landing hard on top of someone else. The smell of tobacco and flash of blonde hair make their way to him.

But, no. That's not possible. The cook is dead. Dead. Dead. Dead.

Blue flames erupt around Kizaru and the Admiral's attention is drawn away.

"Zoro!" Luffy shouts again. "Come back!"

Come back. Come back.

The cook shoves Zoro up again, lips pulled in a snarl. "Oi." Both the cook's hands fist in Zoro's shirt. "Look at me, you bastard. Tell me where you are."

Zoro squeezes his eyes closed, trying to will away the noise and see what's really in front of him.

"Shit," the cook mutters. "Luffy, he can't-"

"Zoro," Luffy orders. "Come back."

Come back. Back to Marineford. Off of that island. Zoro opens his eyes again, looking up at his captain and nodding.

"I'm here," he tells them. "Sorry. Sorry. I-"

"Stay away from Kizaru," Luffy tells him, shortly.

The name sends a shiver down his spine but he nods. Face still full of uncertainty, the cook pulls Zoro to his feet again. His legs pulse slightly from overuse but he tightens his grip around Shuisu, turning his gaze to the battlefield again. He can spot the others, one by one. All alive. All still fighting.

Like he should be.

"Let's get to Ace, Sencho," Zoro says.

Luffy eyes him carefully, searching for any signs of the island lingering. After a long moment, Luffy nods. Zoro feels the cook's frown, his nervous eyes moving from Luffy to Zoro and back again.

"Luffy," the cook protests.

"If Zoro says he's okay, he's okay." Luffy spins on his heels and dives back into the fray.

The cook catches Zoro's arm before he can follow. Danger flashes in those blue eyes, a demanding challenge for Zoro to lie to him. The warmth from the cook's hand burns against his already too tight skin.

"Oi, look at me. Put your pride aside for ten seconds and-"

Zoro wrenches his arm free, glaring back. "Don't touch me."

Worry flashes through blue eyes. "Zoro, listen to me. I can't protect Luffy and protect you."

"I don't need you to protect me, shit cook."

I don't deserve for you to protect me. I couldn't protect you.

"You listen to me, marimo." The cook jabs a finger into his chest. "I warned you. If you thought for ten seconds I was going to let you die out here, you were going to regret it. I meant that. You don't get to die here. So, you better tell me right now if you can keep going or if I need to have Vivi-chan take you back to the ship."

"I'm fine," Zoro growls through gritted teeth.

"Well, that's bullshit and we all know it."

"Fuck you."

"No, fuck you. And fuck your shitty pride. Can you keep a clear head or do I need to send you back to the ship?"

"Get out of my way," Zoro orders, shoving the cook aside.

Ahead of him, Luffy throws another group of Marines out of his way. He cries Ace's name again, shouting for his brother to hold on. Zoro's heart stutters as he looks ahead of Luffy. Another group throws the surrounding Whitebeard pirates back, ready to face Luffy. Clenching Wadou between his teeth, Zoro lunges after his captain. All three of his blades meet Yoru, stopping Mihawk's attack before it can reach Luffy.

The surprise on Mihawk's face lasts barely a second before it's replaced with a small smirk. "Roronoa."

"Luffy." Zoro touches down in front of his captain, refusing to break eye contact with his rival. "Go on ahead. I'll handle him."

It's strange. Once, this would have been exciting. Zoro would have felt a fire burning in his chest and veins. Felt the itch to fight. To win. To be the absolute best. Now, he just feels strangely empty. Facing Mihawk lacks the need he once felt.

His stomach churns uncomfortable at the realization. Zoro isn't sure what he wants anymore. Not outside of saving his crew. It's like everything, his ambition, his dream, have all been sucked out of him. Like they died with his crew.

Mihawk seems to realize it too. Despite being able to block most of the attacks thrown at him, the rival's smirk falls as they continue. His strikes feel lazy. Undeserving. It should insult Zoro to his very core.

It doesn't. He just feels empty.

Once he saves his nakama, Zoro will have nothing.

Pain blossoms across the left side of Zoro's face. Red envelopes his entire left and Zoro stumbles back, back of his hand moving to his eye. It comes away bloody. Everything to his left goes black. Empty.

For the second time, Zoro's distraction in a fight against Mihawk has cost him his eye. The pain should stop him. Freeze him in his tracks. The pain should be scary. It should hurt. Yet, somehow, it's the best thing Zoro's ever felt. With his mind wandering so far, Mihawk could have killed him with ease. But he didn't.

Because this isn't meant to be their fight. This battle isn't about dreams. Mihawk has no plans on fighting to the death here. No matter how disappointed Mihawk is in his lack of passion at this moment, he wants a real battle. A real challenge. Maybe, if Zoro manages to make it out of Marineford, he can give him one.

Another group of Whitebeard pirates rush in around them. Zoro takes the opportunity to duck out after his captain. Blood burns against his tongue, his balance only slightly off. After so many months with full vision, it takes him a few good swings of Kitetsu and Shuisu to regain his depth perception again.

"Firefist is free!"

Shouts ring out around them. The Whitebeard pirates let out a cheer. Zoro stumbles to a halt beside Luffy as his captain - and the rest of the battlefield - look up at the execution platform. Nami, Viiv, and Sabo all stand at the top of the platform. Ace's cuffs have been removed and Luffy's oldest brother sits on his knees for a moment, staring up with wide eyes.

Then, he lunges and tackles Sabo to the ground. Whatever Ace shouts at the blonde is lost in the sea of cheers and cries around them. Zoro assumes that it's a declaration of amazement and relief. Right up until Ace's fist slams into Sabo's face. Both Nami and Vivi let out sharp cries, probably protesting the violence.

Luffy lets out a wild laugh. "Sabo's in trouble, shishishi!"

Ace's assault lasts only a moment before he rests his head on his brother's chest. From the angle and distance, Zoro can't hear what Sabo says, but he can see Sabo's hand in Ace's hair and smiles crossing the girls' faces.

Ace is free. Now, they just have to get back across the battlefield and onto a ship. Hopefully without running into the Admirals again.

Still laughing, Luffy rockets off toward the platform. Growling under his breath, Zoro follows him, the cook on his heels. Head of them, both of Luffy's brothers and the girls land on solid ground again. Sabo and Ace appear to be bickering lightly, though they fight Marines with alarming ease. As though they've been doing it their whole lives.

"Ace!" Luffy shouts, diving to cling onto his brothers. "Sabo!"

"Oi! Luffy, you idiot!" Ace snaps. "Do you know how dangerous this was? What were you thinking?"

"Shishishi!" Luffy rockets off Ace's back to attack another close group of Marines.

"Nami-swan! Vivi-chan! Are you alright?" The cook dances up to the girls, through the group of unconscious Marines around them.

"We're fine, Sanji-kun. Right Vivi?"

"Oh my God!" Vivi's eyes find Zoro and she shoots forward, hands touching his face. "What happened to your eye?"

"Stop touching me," Zoro tells her, shoving her hands away. "Why do I have to keep reminding you idiots that we're in the middle of a war?"

"The order I am about to give will be my final captain's order!" Whitebeard's booming voice catches everyone's attention. "All of you, survive this. And find each other again in the New World."

Zoro can't be sure he's ever respected the strength of another man more than he Whitebeard's. Spewing blood with a literal hole in his chest, the man stands tall, unwavering. The kind of strength Zoro wishes he had. The kind of strength that would have saved his nakama.

Unsurprisingly, his crew scream their protests. All of which are ignored. One by one, tears in their eyes, Whitebeard's crew follow his orders and begin to pull back.

"Ace," Sabo grabs Ace's arm and pulls. "Let's go."

Ace refuses to move. Zoro snatches Luffy before his captain can move forward to help, eyes searching around them for Akainu.

"Luffy!" Nami screams. "We have to go! Now!"

"There are no words," Whitebeard says, eyes moving to Ace as he pulls free of Sabo's grip. "Was I a good father?"

"Of course!" The tears in Ace's voice are obvious.

"Then go."

This time, Ace allows Sabo to pull him away. Zoro spins Luffy around, shoving him toward the escape route as his brothers follow behind. Shots ring out around them, fleeing pirates shot in the back. Zoro's teeth clench. Typical Marines. No honor. No respect.

Luffy's pace slows, each step unsteady. Zoro's arm moves out, steadying his captain as they continue on. Whatever he'd gone through to get here seems to be catching up with him.

"I suppose it shouldn't surprise us that you're running." Akainu's voice sounds like nails on a chalkboard. "With a captain like this. A loser from a dead era."

"Ace!" Sabo shouts.

Zoro glances over his shoulder, almost running straight into Luffy as his captain stops as well.

"Take that back," Ace growls.

"We need to go, Ace."

"He bad mouthed Pops."

"He did it on purpose, Ace." Sabo wraps a hand around Ace's arm and pulls him backward. "He wants this. Don't give it to him."

Akainu keeps running his mouth. Sabo's grip tightens, more desperate as he tries to pull his brother away. Luffy tries to turn back as well, only hitting his knees after a few steps. Zoro's heart pounds in his chest, eyes moving from Sabo to Ace to Luffy.

Something Sabo says seems to freeze Ace in his tracks, flames flickering around his body. For a moment, all is still. And, then, Sabo manages to pull Ace backwards. Back toward Luffy. Zoro lets out a long breath, hefting his captain onto his feet again. Luffy's knees seem to fail him almost immediately.

"I got him," Ace says, pausing to heft Luffy onto his back.

Sabo pauses beside them, lingering as though to ensure Ace doesn't turn back around as Akainu shouts in frustration. Ace's knuckles turn white, eyes full of rage and teeth clenched firmly. Zoro understands the sentiment. If someone talked about Luffy like this, it would take all of his strength to keep from fighting as well.

"Go." Sabo shoves him and Ace.

The Marines continue to shout around them. Zoro keeps Ace on his right side, watching his captain's brother with careful consideration. Ace wouldn't risk Luffy's life for his temper. That's the point, Zoro realizes. The reason Ace carries Luffy is to keep him from turning back. Boiling skin continues to taint his nose as they run. Akainu continues to kill any and everyone he can get is hands on.

That's okay. He won't get Luffy. That's what matters. Akainu won't get Luffy. Or Ace.

This changes this. This saves his nakama.

A brief glint of yellow. Ace vanishes from his sight. It takes Zoro a full minute to realize it and stumble to a halt. Blood tumbles down Ace's leg as Sabo helps him up, Luffy sitting up on his knees as well. Across the battlefield, Zoro sees Marco lunge at Kizaru again. Distracting the Admiral before he can strike again.

What he's done is enough. Enough to stun them. Enough for Akainu to catch up.

"Zoro," Luffy yells. Orders. "Go! Get everybody to the ship!"

No. No. No.

He isn't leaving Luffy. Will never leave Luffy. Not to this.

"Zoro! Go!"

Zoro's hands shoot to Kitetsu and Shuisu before he thinks about how angry Luffy's going to be, letting Armament Haki coat the blades as he lunges forward. He barely makes it in front of the brothers before Akainu's magma coated fist. It clashes against his blades instead of Sabo's back. Digging his heels in, Zoro locks his legs, pushing against the fist with all his strength. It does little good, both blades inch toward him.

Akainu lets out a dismissive scoff.

Luffy screams behind him, Sabo shouting as well.

Not for the first time, Zoro wishes he could be stronger. Wishes he had the strength he needs to do anything other than play catch up.

His crossed blades press against his chest, searing hot despite the Armament Haki. Even if they block the magna fist from touching his skin, the blades still burn against him. It hurts. Zoro thinks it might be the second worst pain he's ever felt. Second only to losing his nakama. His skin melts, sweat pouring down his face.

He digs his heels into the ground, trying to keep himself from falling back. Trying to keep Akainu from his captain. He won't let this happen. He won't let Luffy lose someone he loves again. Not Ace. Not Sabo.

The strangled grunt of pain escaping Zoro's throat turns to a scream of agony as the hot blades press further into his skin. His already abused muscles turn against him, knees bending as they weaken beneath him.

"Yameru," Luffy says, voice trembling, full of tears. "Yameru."

Get him out of here, Zoro wants to scream. Get him somewhere safe. Don't let him die. Don't let his dream end here. Save him. Save Luffy.

"Yameru. Yameru!"

Get him out of here.

If Zoro dies, he has to know that his captain will live. Luffy has to live. Zoro can die, but Luffy has to live.

"YAMERU!"

Conqueror's Haki, so much stronger than Zoro has felt from Luffy, slams into his back. Akainu flies away from him, slamming into the rock wall behind the execution platform. Marines and pirates alike collapse around them, unable to withstand the rage rolling from Zoro's captain. His knees give out, a cold arm wrapping around his chest to hold him up as his blades slip from his fingertips.

"On your feet, marimo," the cook orders, voice deeper than Zoro's become accustomed to. "The right hand of a king doesn't belong on his knees."

The cold feels familiar. Too familiar. Heart slamming against his chest, Zoro raises his gaze. The cook's face is blurry, older. That shitty little beard is back. But it isn't right. It's out of place. So out of place.

"Get away from my swordsman," Luffy growls.

Jaw trembling, Zoro looks back to the spot in front of him. Luffy turns, his form blurry as well. As though Zoro's eyes have stopped working correctly. It doesn't keep him from seeing the x-shaped scar - the one Zoro will not let him have - or the way sadness swirls in his eyes.

"O-oi," Ace breathes from behind him. Because Ace is behind him. Luffy is behind him. "Luffy, that's. Oi?"

Zoro can't pull his gaze from his captain. Can't stop the tears gathering in his eyes. Can't stop the way everything seems to fade to nothing. Nothing but him and his captain, standing across from each other. Nothing but Zoro and his captain.

It isn't until the cold vanishes from Zoro's chest that he forces himself to look away from his captain. The cook is gone. Horrible realization settles over him. Zoro's gaze moves back to his captain.

"Luffy." He hates the way his voice trembles.

His captain's lips twitch in a sad small.

Zoro shakes his head. No. No. "Luffy?"

His captain's eyes close, chin dropping. Such sad acceptance.

No. No. No. Luffy can't leave him. Can't leave him now. Not when Zoro can see him for the first time. Not when Zoro's just gotten him back. No. Please no.

"Luffy." His chest heaves. Zoro knees give out. "Luffy, please don't leave me behind!"

Pain flares through his body as he drops his head to the ground with a sob. The silence rings around him, trembles through him. Silence. Because he's alone. His nakama have left him and he's alone.

"Zoro," His captain's voice whispers, cold fingers running through his hair. "Never."

Warning! This chapter will contain:
Trauma Induced Flashback
Please read responsibly! After coming face to face with Kizaru in the midst of the war, Zoro confuses past and present, believing himself being the last of his crew alive to protect Luffy from the Admiral. Luckily, Sanji is there to save the day with some help from Marco! The scene is short and a little disjointed, since Zoro's mind is a little out of sorts!

The scene begins with:
"Kizaru stands - towers - over him with a bored eyebrow raised high…"
The scene ends with:
"Come back. Back to Marineford…"

So, we're getting really close to the end now! Like I said, there are only two chapters left after this! Zoro managed to save Ace and the spirits of the Strawhat crew will do anything for their marimo! Next time, the War of the Best comes to a close. Vivi finally discovers her position on the crew. And grief rocks the entire crew.
Hopefully the next update will come sooner than this one! Again, apologies for any extra errors and for such a wait. Losing my laptop has been a huge pain. Especially since updates for both Two Steps Forward and Off the Worn Path were saved on that instead of google docs. Because I'm a moron.
For the time being, remember to stay healthy, stay sane, and stay safe out there!