"Thank you for coming, Mihawk."

"I didn't really have a choice, did I?"

"Don't be like that... you know this is for the best."

"This? Do they even know?"

"No... that's why you're here. To tell them."

"I didn't think you would be such a coward, Roger."

"...I know... just...watch out for them, okay?"

"Yea...fine."

"Captain?!"

The crew was a mess trying to find their Captain. It was...sad to say the least though from the tears in Rayleigh's eyes at least one of them knew what was happening. Even if it was only the bare bones.

Mihawk took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. Because of that coward he was most likely going to be enemy nummber one with the crew for a long while.

Grief did that to people. Turned their minds against themselves with what if's and why's. A way that tore you apart inside until you could come to terms with things.

"All hands-on deck!" Mihawk's voice rose above the commotion and like well trained dogs they all obeyed, even Rayleigh.

He looked out over the crew. Saw their relief as they looked on him and the way they relaxed. If anyone could find their Captain, it was him of course and wasn't that just a bitter bite? They trusted him, hell they put their lives in Roger's hands for the longest time and now they would be delivered with this?

Bullshit.

"Roger was taken into custody by the Marines."

The roar of disbelief and outrage nearly knocked him over. It was loud. Harsh. Disbelieving even. How could he blame them? Roger was the strongest mortal on this planet only rivaled by Edward.

"You will not pursue him or the marines." He continued on over their disbelief. "If you attend the execution, you will not interfere. You will disband and go separate ways. You will not take revenge on your Captain's death." Mihawk said with a steady voice, watching as their anger started to surface.

"What the hell do you mean?!"

"That's bullshit!"

"What the fuck are you on Mihawk!"

He took a deep breath and looked at Rayleigh. The Dark King took the few steps to close the distance and turned to the crowd. "You'll listen to Mihawk." He said and the entire crew went silent. "For whatever reason... this is how it is. If Mihawk says to do this, then Captain told him to. We...we won't be pursued if we stay out of sight, and you all know Captain doesn't want us hunted like dogs. We lay low for a while and build our lives." He said, tears running down his face as he spoke.

Even though it was backed by the first mate... resentment was still there. He could see it in their eyes. The way they held themselves. They'd sailed so long with Roger that this wasn't going to be easy for any of them and... it would be harder for him.

He had to ensure the execution went uninterrupted...

"I'll take my leave, Rayleigh." Mihawk said and he turned on his heel.

He didn't get far though as a hand tightened around his wrist. He turned and looked down at Shanks. The straw hat was slotted on his head, and it looked like the teen was two seconds from breaking down completely.

"He was your friend...your brother. How could you say that? We have to save him!" Shanks choked out.

"No."

"B-But!"

"You will listen, Shanks."

"How could you be so-so...heartless." Shanks let go of Mihawk quick, eyes widened. "You're a monster."

It stung.

It hurt so much, but he had promised Roger to do this. To tell them and make sure that they were safe and if it meant he had to be the bad guy... so be it. He would do what he had to in order to keep them all safe.

"I guess I am."

Mihawk turned and he left swiftly.

He hurried back to his quiet castle. The soft pattering of feet as people moved around doing daily chores. Mihawk had finally made it home after all...and this would be where Roger came to rest until he decided to move on. Or maybe the man would decide to just move on without stopping... he wasn't exactly sure, but he knew Death would give the man that choice.

A shuddering breath left him, and he dropped down in his seat heavily, shutting everything out. He had just a week before the execution, and he knew he would have to stop the stupid crew from doing anything.

They weren't really stupid though.

Back then he would have even done the same.

Times changed.

Mihawk groaned and rubbed at his eyes before a whimper slipped through. He never thought he would get so attached to people. That he would become so close as to call them family even though he knew that he would outlast them all.

It wasn't fair.

Another sound left him and he pushed himself up. He had things he still needed to do and then he would be heading to the East Blue. Logue Town as it were.

The week passed by too quickly. He had laid out wards across the town square that would prevent anyone on the crew from interfering or getting caught. It was helpful...and hurtful all at the same time.

"Your crew hates me now." He said softly, looking at Roger sadly.

"They'll come around. Give them time." The man...King, spoke roughly. His eyes focused on the Marine with them rather than Mihawk himself.

A hum left him and the other stepped forward. Garp the Fist. What a frightening man and also the one credited to this... capture.

"Everything is set to go..." He said, jaw clenched tightly.

"Right," Mihawk nodded and he stepped back. "It's been good, brother..."

"It has...and Mihawk...Garp. After all this, make sure she is okay. Please."

"Of course." Mihawk nodded and then slipped out of the room.

He left the guarded area and into the crowds. People made way for him, uncomfortable from the cold and depressive aura he was giving out in steady pulses. Mihawk was making his way over to the teen's. They'd obviously chose to ignore him...

They were wearing dark cloaks and jumped when he wrapped his arms around their shoulders, tugging them against him. Shanks and Buggy weren't the only ones there, but they were the only ones with intent to do something about this. He wasn't going to let them squander the sacrifice their Captain made for them... even if the selfish man made him hide it away.

"You two will not be causing trouble." He said lowly and felt them struggle.

"Let us go you bastard!"

"Stop! You can't, Mihawk! Please!"

The two were choking on their tears as they struggled. Mihawk silently weaved a shield around them to protect them from being heard... or hearing.

He looked up and watched them bring Roger to the stand. The words filtered in softly as the boys froze against him. Promise of treasure and glory. How vain...

Mihawk closed his eyes and covered the boys as the ax swung up.

Then down.

"No!" The screams were loud in his ears.

All he could do though was hold them as they screamed and cried. As they cursed his name and pulled away. When he turned to Shanks, he didn't bother avoiding the hit that came across his face. He didn't mind it... even as they stormed off with anger and grief in them.

"Why's everyone so excited? Didn't we just kill the bad guy?"

Mihawk looked over to the short ensign. He took a deep breath and rubbed at his bruising eye. "It isn't so black and white. There is good and bad in all walks of life. Remember that, kid. Not all pirates are bad and not all Marines are good." He said and rubbed the silver hair before slipping into the crowd to vanish. He had a few things to check on now, after all.

First things first though... he had to find out where the hell he was going to hide the Oro Jackson and then he had to go grab Rouge. Easy...

Not.

It was not easy.

It took him two months to get the Oro Jackson back to Raftel. To hide it among the thicket in the middle of the island. Preserved and untouched. Even if someone did make it, which was improbable, they wouldn't be able to get near unless his wards considered them worthy. Friendly.

It took another month to prepare things in the East Blue. A small island called Dawn. Foosha village was a small fishing village that was unnoticed and unremarkable. A perfect place for Rouge to hide while everything cooled down. The world had been in turmoil after all and he could hardly expect her to feel comfortable on Death's Isle...

He shook his head and grimaced at the lost souls. So young... some not even being born yet.

Senseless murder and it was happening just because they didn't want Roger to have kids.

Ridiculous.

Mihawk grit his teeth and he hurried up the steps further. They hadn't gotten to Baterilla yet and he felt Rouge's soul along with that Monkey's.

"...ready?"

Mihawk burst through the door, sending a scowl Garp's way. "She will be coming with me, Garp. I set her up a place on Dawn Island and will be staying with her till this dies down." He said firmly, daring the man to say otherwise.

Garp frowned, but he didn't say anything in response. He just nodded and looked at Rouge... the simmered flame. She was... so sad. In mourning really and neither could blame her. Roger had acted less like a pirate around her and more like a man in love. His love for her had almost exceeded his love of the sea as well.

"I won't let harm come to him." She said softly, fingers steepled over her flat belly.

Mihawk tensed and then he sighed deeply, walking over to her. He took her hands in his with careful movements, "I know, Rouge. We have to go now though, okay?" He asked her and watched the tear slide down her face as she nodded.

She was leaving her home. Her friends and family. Everything she knew would be left behind because the World Government was too petty.

"We will be on Dawn Island in Foosha village. Try not to make it obvious if you visit. I would hate to start culling the numbers." Mihawk said as he wrapped his arms around Rouge, keeping a careful eye on Garp.

"Understood..." Garp said and looked away.

Wasn't hard to see how torn up over this he was as well. So much senseless death... when would it end.

"Hold on tight." Mihawk murmured and in one breath to the next... they were gone.

Death - Yes, this is gay. Yes, it is OOC. Yes, it is an Au of sorts. This is why it is called FAN-FICTION. I write for fun and post it so if anyone is into it they can read to. It isn't meant to be perfect. It isn't meant to be top of the line. It's meant for fun and for the hell of it. If you don't like it then just don't read it. It won't hurt me if you do or don't. That being said, I do appreciate those who are enjoying the story, thank you for the kind words. I post it for ya'll and I'm happy you're enjoying it.