Hello everybody,
it took me a little bit longer to get back at my computer, but from now on the uploads will be weekly again.
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Have fun with the next chapter
Sharry
Chapter 27 – Masked
-Zoro-
He held his head low as he sat in this row of chairs in between unmarried women. The girl to his left breathed unusually loud, the smell of his strange perfume tickled his nose and somehow his right foot started to feel itchy.
His heart was beating like crazy. If someone would have told him that one day he would be at the Navy Ball in a pretty dress and on high heels, waiting for some idiot Shichibukai to dance with him, he would have laughed at that person, not even taking him serious enough to feel insulted.
But even worse was, that he out of all, proud swordsman, self-confident man, was so nervous that whole waterfalls of sweat rushed down his back.
A loud gong greeted him and the huge doors to his right opened soundless.
An "Oh!" sounded in unison from the group of men and Zoro stopped breathing, his eyes never leaving the little golden cross. Kanan had not been happy. She said it was unacceptable to mix golden and silver jewelry. But he was certain that the other one had given it to him to be able to find him, which was why Hawk Eyes had asked Kanan to leave them alone, simply for that. And although Zoro did not want to rest on the other one's protection, it kind of calmed him to know that the other one was there. It was almost as good as the back of the cook against his own during a fight.
But he dismissed that thought quickly, if the cook would see him like that…
The first men went past him and he could not believe it. Some of the first hooves which made it past him were undoubted the ones of that brainless swordsman.
Zoro recognized him by the sound of his step and his unmistakable scent. What did that idiot up to?
He could not be serious?!
Zoro wanted to jump up and strangle that idiotic man of a Shichibukai but he did not.
And someone like that claimed to be greatest swordsman in the world?
Angered he waited for somebody to stop in front of him.
Another gong hovered through the hall and immediately a hand showed up in front of him.
Well, he could play that game as well. Certainly he was not helpless.
With the next gong he took the offered hand and got up with the following gong, walking to the dance floor, where he curtsied and waited like Kanan had told him. He heard nothing except for his beating heart.
Suddenly the music came to life and he walked those three steps forward, bowed again and lifted his hand and froze.
The man in front of him was Homura.
His heart was racing, but he had to stay cool in front of that man! He would not give in to that man!
Carefully he placed his hand at Homura's upper arm for he was not able to reach the shoulder comfortable and allowed that man to place his hand at his hip. His skin seemed to burn under those fingers, which had injured him so heavily not long ago. He could almost feel that giant wound, which was nothing more than history, to rip apart again as the other one grabbed him stronger and pulled him along.
Homura smiled at him through his red mask and Zoro could already see something like victory in those grey eyes.
But not against him!
He did not need no Shichibukai to beat that guy. He showed his best Nami-smile, grabbed the other hand a little bit harder as well and showed him everything he got.
Not for nothing Shakky had paid a lot of attention to make his boobs look great.
So he would fight with the weapon of a woman, no problem.
Luckily he was really not bad anymore in dancing. Since he had learned and kind of understood what Mihawk had taught him, it was even easier, still horrible, but doable. He just had to remember to use this ability on purpose.
When the third best swordsman in the world turned him out he noted how many eyes were watching him. Well Kanan had already told him that the color of his dress – although white was no actual color – had been only worn by few throughout history. Of course it had been his luck that Eizen had found a liking in him. One of few human, who could influence the world nobles. Thanks to this tomorrow the whole world would know him.
During the second turn he could see the yellow-golden eyes of his teacher, who looked at him astonished. The other one had even stopped dancing with the girl in the bright green ball gown and simply stared at him with open mouth.
His defiant smile grew a little bit as he noticed that the other one had really not recognized him and he smiled at him superior.
Did he not say that he would play the game to his own rules?
Back at the chest of his dancing partner it was impossible to observe Mihawk, but he actually had some other problems right now.
"You really look breathtaking, my honorable Lady Loreen." Homura whispered as slippery as an eel. The exact voice that once had prophesied him his own death.
Lovely he smiled at the other one.
"Thank you, sir." He answered as polite as he was able to, while imagine so many different, cruel ways to defeat that guy one day.
The first song ended but Homura held him tightly. It was obvious that he would not let go of him just yet.
The next dance was much slower and offered the dancer the possibility to talk with each other, almost like the older one had planned it.
"I have to admit that I am surprised that the honorable Mihawk did not fight for the spot in front of your chair." The marine continued a seemingly trivial conversation.
"Are you saying I am depending on him?" Zoro asked carefree.
Homura fell for his trap. "Oh no, of course not. It simply pleases me that I have the honor of being your first dance partner."
"Really? Do you expect something from this?"
His heart was beating fast, but he did not show his fear. He would win this game of power, he would made sure of that. Even if the other one was able to hear his pounding heart, he would not give up.
But it seemed he had underestimated the older one, because he simply smiled and turned him out again. But as he pulled him back in, he placed his arms around Zoro's waist so that they were walking forward and backward into the same direction.
"How do you like your first ball, Loreen?" He asked calm, while they danced arm in arm and watched the other couples.
"I have not seen too much of it by now." He answered just as calm.
"It really is a whole new world from what we know, isn't it?"
Zoro could not deny that.
"Of course this world is nothing more but a dream for the commoners, a fantasy for a single night. But for the likes of us it can become reality."
Homura smiled down at him, before he pushed him away again to go back into the traditional dancing position.
"The likes of us?" Zoro asked ignorant.
The older one laughed softly.
"I can see that you are not like those peasants, honorable Loreen. Mihawk might think of you of an ordinary girl, but I can see who you truly are."
"Oh, really?"
It took his all to not start laughing loudly. If the other one would really know who he was, they would not dance like this any longer.
"Loreen." The other one continued seriously now. "I know that Mihawk can be attractive with his darks secrets and bad boy image, especially for young ladies like you."
Zoro could not stop smiling, he was way too curious to find out where this dance would lead him. He had not expected to begin the ball with a challenge. But slowly his worries changed into malice. He had thought of the other one as someone threatening, but as Loreen it was almost too easy to take him on.
"But please believe me when I tell you that he is not the right company for a lady of your standards."
"You think so?" He asked plain and followed the other one's step.
"Loreen, every single man in this room would be a more suitable match for you than this pirate from the streets. And everybody here would feel blessed to offer you what you deserve."
Well, this was anything else than subtle.
"I know that a warm-hearted, sweet-natured person like you would never give up the hope to save a criminal like Mihawk. But please keep yourself in mind. A lady like you has to remember her reputation as well."
"Mr. Homura?" He finally entered the monologue. "What do you want to tell me?"
The older one leaned towards him and whispered softly.
"My beloved Loreen, whatever he has offered or promised you. I can double it and I am one of the most prestigious vice admirals there is. All doors are open for me. I can take care of you. I can guard you. No matter what you want, you will receive it, because you deserve the best this world has to offer. Loreen, believe me, together we can make it all the way to Mariejois."
Surprised Zoro missed a step and stumbled over his own feet, he would have fallen if the other one would not have held him.
Did this guy, who had been engaged to Dulacre's older sister, just try to hit on him?
That was disgusting! This guy could easily be his father, maybe even grandfather.
Homura smiled politely, while the music died out.
"I understand that this must be sudden for you, my Lady. I just wanted to show you that Mihawk is not your only option. You could reach so much more if you came with me."
And now Zoro could no longer hold back his laughter. Surrounding dancers turned towards him but he could not stop himself. He could see that Homura did not know what to do with his reaction.
"My honorable Homura." He answered barely controlling his voice, this was too hilarious.
"So you think you know what I want and need?" He continued, ignoring possible listeners. "And you think that you out of all can offer it to me?"
He grinned widely but Homuras smile froze.
"You have no idea who I am, Homura, and you have no idea about what I want or what I need."
The music was down now, the second dance was over.
"However you're not wrong if you claim that I deserve the best."
Slowly he stepped towards the other one.
"So why do you think should I bother with a third-rate swordsman if I can have the best one?"
He smirked evil and curtsied quickly.
"Thank you for this dance, sir."
He did win this fight, while he left the dance, almost floating up the few stairs, which lead to the bar. Now they were even.
This was revenge for what he had done to him, for destroying their party, destroying that day, which his captain had wanted to celebrate that much.
Not before he reached the top and took his first glass of punch he noticed those eyes on him. But he did not care, after all he had won.
"You like the grand entrance, right?"
One of the round tables was occupied by the Shichibukai, who was sitting alone, a glass of wine in his hand.
"So this is what you understand under keeping a low profile?"
Snorting Zoro sat down across from him and crossed his legs. He rolled his eyes although he was not sure if the other one could see it through the mask.
"This wouldn't have happened if this idiot here in front of me hadn't chosen the first girl in a green dress that comes along."
He could see how the other one blushed beneath his mask.
The music was already playing loudly and Zoro observed the dancing ones. In front of all he could see Jiroushin and beautiful blonde. She was slender and almost as tall as the rear admiral himself and the way they danced told everybody that they were deeply in love.
Zoro could not deny that he was quite satisfied with his actions. Oh, why should he make himself smaller than he was? He was pride itself right now. He had shown his arrogant teacher that he was actually able to take care of himself and showed Homura up at the same time.
Who would have known that he would start to enjoy this ball?
Wirth another sip of the punch he put the empty glass aside. Within few seconds a man with a grey mask appeared out of nowhere, bowed deeply and took the glass away. Zoro noted his strange neck- and armrings, almost choking the man, but he did not say anything.
"Explosive metalrings." The Shichibukai murmured and caught Zoro's attention. "To make sure that all of those slaves behave."
His voice was cold but also dismissive, making clear that the older one did not think too high about slavery.
"So?" The other one continued, now that Zoro looked at him again. "What were you and Nataku talking about? He seemed somewhat displeased at the end of your dance."
Surprised he tilted his head. Apparently he had not talked as loud as he thought. The Shichibukai did not hear his words, although the music had been missing, which was now giving their conversation some privacy.
For another time he watched the dancing ones. Should he tell the other one? Worrying him even more than he already was? After all he had been able to do it on his own, right?
"So?" Mihawk repeated after some minutes in his calm voice and looking at him with those clear eyes.
He tried to act normal and scratched his eyes under his mask, shrugging his shoulders.
"At first we were making fun of your stupidity."
Now those hawk eyes became dangerous, but the other one did not say a word, behaved like the cold strategist. Zoro liked that look, it filled him with lust for a fight.
"I mean, you were probably the only man who ignored me. You out of all."
Oh, he sounded more offended than he actually was. Actually he did not really care about the other one asking him for the opening dance or not. But that the older one had not recognized him kind of hurt him.
They had spend so much time together during the last week, so that even he noted the cold, masculine scent of the other one immediately and now did he out of all, the only one who knew who he truly was, not recognize him, just because he was wearing a different dress and a mask? And he had been the one with the great speeches about protecting Zoro, after all he had given him that damn necklace.
"But then we realized that we wanted different things and I ended the conversation."
That was no lie. Homura wanted to win Zoro's heart and Zoro - well - he wanted to kill that bastard.
The Shichibukai observed him thinking, but did not answer, instead he emptied his glass.
Immediately a girl with ponytail and grey mask showed up and refilled it. She was wearing those strange chokers as well.
"Your skills have improved." The black haired one continued their conversation and took another sip, without even glancing at the girl. "Your dance did not disgrace yourself and it puts me at ease to see that you can use your new ability so naturally already."
They shared a glance and the Shichibukai sighed.
"You did use it by accident again."
Zoro was annoyed that the other one was able to read his face despite of the mask but he hated even more that the other one was right of course. Right now and here he wanted no lecture of his teacher but the strongest booze they had to offer.
"My sweet Loreen!" Suddenly he was greeted by the strong voice of Sasaki's major, who approached their table happily and fell on a chair next to him, breathing heavily.
Almost like the Viking had heard Zoro's thoughts, he placed a glass in front of him. Unfortunately the fluid inside was of an ugly pink color and a green something swirled within. Shocked he stared at the strange drink, not sure what to do with it.
"Tenkai, we did not even dance for two dances." His wife murmured slightly offended and sat down next to her husband and the Shichibukai, holding the same drink in her hand like the one in front of Zoro.
Hawk Eyes on the other hand seemed to be amused by Zoro's horrified look.
"So what were you two cuties talking about?" Koumyou asked, desperately trying to change the topic, raising his beer from Zoro to Mihawk, who shared a quick glance at the strange and unfitting nickname.
"We were only talking about the dances." Mihawk answered truthfully and was the first to collect his calm as he looked at his old friend. Mrs. Koumyou on the other hand still seemed mad.
"Yes, and you ruffian allowed some useless navy cadet to snatch away your first dance with Loreen. You should be ashamed of yourself, young mister!"
"He is no cadet." The major whispered uneasy. "She danced with Homura Nataku, some high-ranked Navy officer."
"So what?" The woman in the black gown hissed. "We worked so hard on making Loreen the lady of the night and you do not even value her enough to spare a glance at her."
Like a mad mother she was scolding the Shichibukai.
"And you did not even dance with her. How should that poor little thing feel?"
Zoro was well aware that he was the poor little thing, but the counterattack was already launched by Hawk Eyes.
"I would like to remind you of who I am." Mihawk said cold. "My guest found an excellent dancing partner in Mr. Homura and I gave my guest the credit he deserved."
The major's wife seemed even more offended than Zoro was, not even listening to the harsh words of the Shichibukai. Zoro meanwhile meet the other one's view. It was impossible to say what the older one was thinking in reality.
With a silent sigh he took a sip of that horrifying sweet drink, which tasted like melted sugar and covered the complete taste of alcohol. Who would like to drink something that nasty?
Suddenly the older one looked away, as a loud laughing couple approached them with fast steps.
Shining like the light of the sun, the smiling wife of the rear admiral sat down next to Zoro. Her tight-fitting black dress with small green stones, underlined her breathtaking figure.
Her long, blonde hair fell openly down her back and danced with every motion.
Zoro could not help but blush. He could not help but drown in her warm, heavenly blue eyes behind the simple mask. He could not help but melt by her laughter, while she still caught her breath from dancing.
She was the most beautiful woman he could ever imagine and although he was in the body of a woman right now he knew immediately why Jiroushin had fallen for her. Not only was her beauty beyond comparison, but also her complete being shined with lust for life and affection. Zoro already noted that he could easily fall for her and he was well aware that he was not the crazy love-cook.
"You have to be Loreen." Her voice was surprisingly deep and lascivious, like she wanted to seduce him right away. Her voice somehow reminded him of Robin, her eyes were similar as well, but not the same, they were missing those dark secrets, those cold years of fear. "I'm so glad to finally meet you. I am Lirin."
She took his hand, her grip was determined but soft, strong but delicate.
The rear admiral next to her emptied Hawk Eye's wineglass, his smile never leaving place. The Shichibukai only raised an eyebrow at his friend's action but did not say a single word. Then Jiroushin leaned towards Zoro and started telling him stories about his wife.
The way both of them grinned at him made him feel like he was looking at siblings. The same big smile, the same well-formed cheekbones and the same kind eyes, only different in their colors. This couple was the complete opposite of Mihawk and him.
Wait! Stop!
Hastily he rethought his thought, while he continued the polite small-talk with the couple. The Shichibukai only watched them, while the elderly couple excused themselves to greet some other friends of politicians at the bar.
He should not think like that!
Only because the rest of the world thought about Mihawk and Lady Loreen as a couple it was not like he should care about that stuff. Mihawk was his teacher, his…friend and the guy he wanted to beat someday. Everything else was irrelevant.
After minuets of friendly conversation, warmed by the soft laughter of the couple, the rear admiral got up again.
"My dear Loreen, please dance with me."
Surprised Zoro looked at him, uncertain about how to react.
But then he realized that the other one had asked him because several men were on their way up to him, their eyes reminded him of those zombies from Thriller Bark. He had no choice.
Smiling gratefully he took the offered hand and followed the other one down to the dance floor, passing disappointed faces.
-Mihawk-
He watched his tomboy dancing slow circles with his childhood friend. The white dress a fitting pendant to the white navy coat.
"Mihawk." The friendly voice of Lirin greeted him as she smiled kindly. "Would you like to dance with me as well?"
His childhood friend's wife had accepted him from the beginning. If she had doubts about him she was all too well in hiding them. Right now as well she was kindness itself.
"I apologize, Lirin." And he meant in. "But I do not dance."
Her striking blue eyes grew a little, but she smiled softly.
"That's alright."
With calm movements she took a glass filled with a clear fluid from a passing waitress.
"She really is gorgeous." She said. Mihawk followed her eyes down at the dance floor. She was obviously watching the cursed pirate.
"I can understand what you like about her."
Mihawk drank his wine. It was not like he thought of that blonde woman as a friend. They had met once or twice during the last couple of years and she had welcomed him warm-heartedly. But except for that one time they never had any profound conversations.
However she was one of few who were allowed to use his first name without regretting it later on and that actually meant already a lot.
"After talking for about five minutes? I doubt it." He answered slightly sarcastic.
But he did not object her assumption that he liked the pirate. He liked especially those little fights with the youngster, or this small, evil grin the other one loved to show him. Right now he was grinning as well, but much kinder as he looked at Jiroushim.
"She's strong." Lirin meant honest. "She is such a pretty, fragile thing, I would love to wrap her in cotton wool."
Suddenly she looked directly at Mihawk. "But she seems like she had already seen more in her few years than others during their whole lives. Her smile hides so much."
Her surprisingly good knowledge of human nature caught him off guard, but he was aware that this woman had been the one, who had ripped apart Jirou's mask all those years ago, when they still had been pirates.
Lirin was gifted to see human beings the way they truly were.
"She has the face of three." She mumbled in cryptic words more to herself than to him. "One polite and kind, one cold and rational."
Those words however were nothing new to the Shichibukai. After all he knew Loreen just as well as he knew Roronoa. He had already noted how the other one switched between those personalities depending in whose company he was.
"But then there is that third one, behind those masks."
For a long time she looked at the dancing ones. Mihawk followed her look. His tomboy seemed to have a good time. He had never seen him laugh like this before, carried by the arms of his childhood friend. Something within Mihawk hurt.
"You really should take good care of her." Lirin said and looked at him again. "You seem to be important to her."
-Zoro-
He should dislike that he was dancing with a navy officer, as a man, in a dress, claimed to be a woman, never out of sight of those stern yellow-golden eyes.
But actually he had fun.
The rear admiral behaved like a young boy, dancing ridiculously clumsy, whistling the wrong tune and clapping out of the rhythm.
Laughing he jumped around Zoro, missing the beat every single time. Like a kid he grabbed Zoro's hands and pulled him into circles. He forgot the surrounding glances and could not stop himself from letting go.
He had learned to appreciate the Shichibukai, learned to appreciate the serious, thoughtful friend. Learned how valuable their shared time was, as well as in training as apart from that. He had learned a lot, grown a lot, matured a lot. The Shichibukai had taught him that he must not lose control, must not become unalert if he wanted to become the greatest.
But keeping all that in mind he had forgotten something really important. Something he had never expected to miss.
For the first time for eternity, in the arms of this foolish blonde, he was able to let his mind be silent, to simply enjoy the flow of time. They stumbled over their own feet and laughed about themselves. The rear admiral's hands lead him blindly in-between the other dancers, who jumped aside surprised. The lively music and the older one's laughter hovered through his ears, while for the first time since he had left his friends, he enjoyed useless fun. The last time he had laughed like this it had ended in a disaster.
"Trust me for a second, Loreen." He could suddenly hear the rear admiral voice close to his left ear.
Confused he looked up at the other one, who took both of his hands an maneuvered him into a surprisingly fast dance. Without knowing what he was doing he simply stared in those green eyes of his smiling dance partner.
"What are you doing?" Zoro mumbled uncertain, but the other one simply grinned.
In the next moment big, strong hands grabbed his hip and threw him into the air.
His heart missed a beat.
He pulled his arms close to his chest and rotated unbelievable fast.
The next second he was back in the other one's arms, who let Zoro's fragile body almost slide all the way through his fingers and threw him away under his legs.
In the last moment Zoro felt the other one grab his wrists and pulling him back, throwing him back up in the air and catching him.
When he opened his eyes he was safe and sound in the strong arms of the rear admiral who turned slowly to the fading music.
Surrounding people observed them impressed.
Surprised he inhaled deeply, slowly realizing what the other one just had done.
The rear admiral still laughed. "You're as light as a child!"
"You're the only child here." He replied grinning, grateful that he was back on his own two feet.
But suddenly the face of the older one became serious.
"Loreen, I need to talk with you." He began but interrupted himself.
"I beg your pardon, Rear Admiral." An unfamiliar, dark voice came from behind Zoro, who still tried to collect himself from the dance while already wondering what the other one wanted to talk about.
Why did everybody wanted to talk to him?
"May I ask for your dance partner?"
Slowly the pirate turned around.
"Certainly Vice Admiral Comil." The rear admiral next to him answered and saluted.
But Zoro did not notice that.
He stared in shook at the broad-shouldered man with blond wavy mane, bald patch and mustache. Neither the black suit nor the typical admiral coat could hide the well-fed belly. The eyes behind the black mask were squinted to small lines and the thick lips did anything but smile.
But that was not what shocked the pirate, as he bowed harshly and let the other one take his hand.
"I am so surprised." The marine said, while Zoro hold up to his view. "I would have never expected you to be here."
His deep voice vibrated merciless through Zoro's body.
"I wonder what the honorable Hakkai would think about this. Oh there he is by the way."
Comil nodded to the right and Zoro followed his gesture.
There, not even ten steps away, at the end of the dance floor stood the commandant of the former G-6, an eye-patch covering his once healthy right eye. One half of his face was completely scarred by badly healed burns and the once friendly and kind man looked cold and haggard. Even the black mask could not hide it.
"Look what he has become." The man in front of him whispered. "Look what you have done, Roronoa Zoro!"