I'm updating. Yay! Just a quick note before you read this chapter. Zoro's attacks are translated from Japanese for those readers who speak English only. Sorry if it's an inconvienece. Other then that, umm...thanks for reading!

Chapter 13

Mr.1 removed his cloak and turned his fingers to blades and quickly prepared a counter attack.

"Oni Giri!" Zoro yelled and rushed toward Mr.1 and slashed.

There was a resounding clang as Zoro's swords were stopped by Mr.1's hand. Mr.1 then turned half of his forearm into a blade and slashed toward Zoro's stomach.

Zoro leaped back and landed on Vivi's bed.

Mr.1 didn't waste any time and immediately attacked again. Just as he slashed, Zoro jumped off and over Mr.1's head. Instead of hitting Zoro, Mr.1 slashed apart Vivi's bed.

"Darn! Vivi's going to kill me. Oh well. To late now." Zoro thought. Before he landed he slashed down with the two swords in his hands. "Tiger Hunt!" he yelled as he landed.

Mr.1 had no time to react and was pounded into the floor.

Zoro turned around and waited as the dust cleared. He saw a faint movement as the dust started to settle and just had enough time to put his sword up to prevent Mr.1 from ripping open his neck. However, he neglected to watch Mr.1's other hand.

Mr.1 brought his other hand forward. His forearm was already in the form of a buzzsaw. He shoved it straight at Zoro's chest.

Zoro stumbled back as a little blood trickled out of a small wound on his chest. He had been able to avoid the worst of the attack but the blade had still managed to leave a small cut.

"Not bad." Zoro commented.

Mr.1 just looked at him with the same emotionless face. "He's faster then last time." Mr.1 thought.

Zoro prepared for another attack. "Why can't I cut steel? I did it last time. Why can't I do it again?" he thought angrily. He channeled his energy equally between his swords and himself, creating a perfect harmony between swords and swordsman. "Oni Giri!" he said as he once again attempted to cut Mr.1. Still, it proved to be useless.

Mr.1 turned around. He crossed his arms. "Atomic Spar." he said as he uncrossed them.

Suddenly, everything around Zoro was being slashed apart. The chairs split into pieces as well as the bed. Even the bedroom tile was slightly damaged. Small, but painful, cuts appeared all over Zoro's body. Yet, he was still standing after the attack.

"That's it?" he asked, smirking. Thats' when he heard something behind him. A buzzing noise.

"Spiral Hollow." Mr.1 said as he dug the spinning blades into Zoro's back.

Zoro fell forward, almost dropping Wado in the process. He felt a burning sensation on his back, almost like his flesh was being burned off. Blood soon soaked his torn shirt and a little splattered onto the floor.

Mr.1 watched with little happiness as Zoro fell to the floor. The blades withdrew into his skin.

Zoro layed there a minute, checking to make sure there was still atleast one layer of flesh on his back. "What's wrong with me? I'm the World's Greatest Swordsman! I can't lose my title to someone I overcame years ago." He stood up, much to Mr.1's dismay.

"I thought I was done with you." Mr.1 said.

"Not yet." Zoro said. He made sure Wado was tightly in his mouth before continuing. "One chance to do this right." he thought. He ran toward Mr.1 who put up a hand to stop him, but instead of finishing his attack, he leaped over top of him, landing behind him. He sheathed his swords all except Wado. Then he put it up and began to draw it back out. "One-Sword Style-" but he didn't have time to finish. Mr.1 saw what he was doing.

"Atomic Spurt!" Mr.1 said and slashed at Zoro.

In order to avoid being hit by the attack, Zoro had to end his own attack and leap out of the way. "Darn! I was so close." Zoro thought as he faced Mr.1.

Mr.1, seeing that Zoro had failed, almost looked pleased with himself. "Atomic-" But this time, it was Zoro's turn to intrupt the attack.

He rushed at Mr.1. He stopped when he was beside him and ducked as Mr.1 turned to slash at him with his fingers. He then set up his attack. "Dragon Twister!" he said as he spun in a circle. Mr.1 was thrown upward by the blast of air but was still unharmed.

"This is getting to be annoying. I have to catch up with dartboard and the Vivi." Zoro thought. "I know a way but I haven't used it in forever. Oh well. I've got to end this. He's wasting my time!"

Mr.1 landed a little ways away from Zoro. He turned his leg into a blade and ran towards Zoro.

Zoro quickly moved and set up for his final attack. He took a deep breath, feeling the swords breathe with him. "I feel it. I can do it again. I have to protect my title and my honor." "I won't lose to you!" Zoro yelled at Mr.1. Suddenly, four extra arms appeared around him, each holding swords. He also had two more faces which also held extra swords. "Asura."

"What is he?" Mr.1 wondered. He knew that whatever it was, it wasn't going to do him any good. He dashed at Zoro, his fingers all like daggers in an attempt to end his attack.

Zoro sheathed all of the swords. He then prepared to unsheath them. "Nine-Sword Drawing Technique." he said and pulled them out.

Mr.1 never had a chance. He went down without a sound, blood flowing from the nine deep cuts on his chest.

The extra arms and faces disappeared from Zoro. He sheated his three swords once again and took off his bandana and retied it around his arm. His back burned where the flesh had been ripped off, but that didn't stop him from going after Sanji and Vivi. He ran from the destroyed room leaving behind Mr.1 and Vivi's ruined bed.

Somewhere in the Desert

Nami exited the stone building. The sun was just beginning to rise as she shut the door behind her. In her arms was Luffy. She didn't know why she couldn't leave him. He was going to die soon anyway. But something inside her just wouldn't let her leave him.

She began her juorney back across the desert. Now that she knew where she was, it wouldn't take her long to reach Alubarna. She could fell the faint movement of Luffy's chest as he took slow, shallow gulps of air. Once again, she questioned why she had brought him with her. She could have made better time without him.

Regardless, she still made good time and was in Alubarana in about 15 minutes. The streets were deserted and, despite everything, Nami couldn't help but think that she was supposed to be attending Vivi's wedding that day. How much had changed in the few short hours, well almost a day, that she had been in Alabasta?

She pushed the thoughts away and continued running. Carefully though, so as not to drop Luffy. The palace came into view.

"I wonder were Sanji and Zoro are?" Nami wondered. She suddenly came to a halt outside the palace gate, not knowing what to do. "Are they still inside? Or are they somewhere in the city by now? Maybe Vivi left with them..." Nami thought.

That's when she saw a blur of black running through the courtyard. "Sanji!" she called out as she recognized him.

"Nami-swwaaaannnnn!!!!!!!" Sanji called as he waved with a heart in his eye. He came rushng over to aid her in any way possible.

That's when he noticed Luffy and his face turned grave. "What happened?"

"I'll explain later." Nami said, brushing the question off. "Where's Vivi and Zoro?"

"Oh, those two. I got Vivi to leave her room so Zoro could have his little fight with some guy. But once we got down the hall, Vivi said she had to stay. I couldn't get her to come and I can't force a lady to do anything." Sanji explained.

Nami sighed. She had been hoping that Sanji could convince Vivi to escape. And, on top of that, Zoro was in another fight. "We have to go back and get Vivi out."

Sanji nodded with enthusiasm.

"Open the gate." Nami commanded.

"Stand back." Sanji said. When Nami was out of the way, he gave a solid kick and the gate swung open.

"Thanks. Now, come on." Nami said. They raced toward the palace, Luffy still being carried by Nami. She refused Sanji's offer to carry him. There was no time for that now.

"Where are the guards?" Sanji asked, noting the courtyard's lack of security.

"Probably on their way to Nanohana with the rest of the Royal Guard. I'll explain that later too." Nami said. Right now, her mind was foucused on convincing Vivi to escape and dragging Zoro away from one of his stupid fights. Also, she wanted to find a place for Luffy to lie down. Why, she didn't know.

They reached the palace doors, which Sanji pushed open, and continued running. They stopped short when they reached the main corridor.

"Where's Vivi?" Nami asked.

"Up those stairs." Sanji said, pointing at a staircase to their right. Without hesitation, they quickly made their way up it.

Nami found that they were in another long corridor. Sanji took the lead and led her up another couple of staircases before making a left turn into a smaller corridor. Now Nami knew where she was. She smiled at the sight of Vivi and Zoro walking towards them. As they came closer, her smile faded as she saw a cut on Zoro's chest and blood flowing from several other small cuts on his arms and legs. He had been in another fight. Just what she needed.

"Nami!" Vivi cried as she walked up to them. She went to embrace the other woman but at that time, noticed Luffy. "Is he..."

Nami shook her head. "Not yet but he's bad. I tried to cover his wound. It's a good thing someone took his shirt off. The more minor burns and cuts need the air." Nami said, concluding her examination of Luffy's injuries. "Do you have somewhere to put him?"

Vivi shook her head. "My bedroom is out of the question. Zoro...never mind. We'll find somewhere." Vivi said. She turned around and began walking down the hall, gesturing for them to follow.

When Zoro turned around, Nami gasped. "What happened?!" she cried. I leave you for a few hours and this is what happens?!!"

"Nami- san, it's okay. He did it to help Vivi." Sanji said. He didn't want his precious Nami more worked up then she already was.

"Well, as long as it was to help Vivi. But still, we'll need to do something about his back." Nami said as she gave a defeated sigh. Even after all these years, Zoro still couldn't resist a challenge.

Vivi suddenly stopped and opened a door on her left. She led the way into a large room full of beds, which Nami immediately recognized, and shut the doors. It was the room they had stayed in after the Barouqe Works ordeal. Vivi waked over to one of the beds and motioned for Nami to lay Luffy there.

Nami walked over and placed him on the bed. She took his hat, which had been tied around her neck by it's string, and placed it beside him. "Why this bed?" she asked Vivi.

Vivi was silent for a moment. Then, as she gazed at Luffy's still face, she replied quietly, "It was his last time."

Nami nodded as if she understood. She stepped back and Sanji layed a comforting hand around her. She gladly accepted it.

The others remained silent as Vivi sat down beside Luffy. There were tears gathered in her eyes but they didn't fall as she gently stroked his thick black hair. A few minutes passed before she stood up and faced the others.

"Zoro, we need to get someone to look at your wounds." Vivi said.

Zoro looked surprised. He hadn't been expecting this. "I'm fine." he said.

"No! We have to find a doctor. Surely Crocodile hasn't taken them all." Vivi retorted.

"Umm...okay..." Zoro said uncertainly. He wasn't sure why Vivi was insisting he see a doctor. He had been injured before.

Nami turned and looked at him as if to say, "do it or else."

He gulped. "So...where are the doctors?" he asked.

"I'll go find them." Vivi replied, obviously pleased. But, before she could reach the doors, they opened.

A small voice called out, "Hello?"

"Anyone here?" another one called.

Vivi broke out into a grin along with Nami, Zoro, and Sanji. "Tony-kun!!! Usopp-san!!!" Vivi cried as she embraced each of them warmly.

"Sorry if we're late. We got lost." Usopp appologized.

Vivi looked at the man standind in front of her. He had grown since she had last seen him. There was also a more mature air to the person standing in front of her. Chopper of course, hadn't changed. He was still the same childish, neive, yet very cute reindeer that he always had been.

Usopp finally noticed Vivi's clothes, the bloody Zoro, Sanji's solom expression, and finally Nami's tattered cloak. "What's wrong?" he asked.

Without a word, Vivi stepped aside and allowed the two friends to enter. As they stepped inside, they finally saw Luffy lying on the bed.

"Luffy!" Chopper cried and rushed over. Usopp quickly followed.

"B-B-But...I don't understand." Usopp whimpered.

"Sit down. I have alot of explaining to do. Nami can help." Vivi said. They all quietly followed her orders and took a seat on the vacant beds. Vivi started from the beginning and told the entire story, including the details. When she finished, they all stared at her with blank expressions.

"So...he's...alive?" Chopper asked.

Vivi nodded.

"Then I have to help!" Chopper cried and jumped up.

"Tend to Zoro's wounds. There isn't much we can do for Luffy now. It's just a matter of time." Vivi said bitterly.

They all looked at her as a shocked silence fell over the group. She had all voiced their worst fear. Luffy couldn't be saved.

Without another word, Chopper turned to Zoro and pulled off his backpack. He began by doctoring the small cut on his chest and then moved to the deeper wound on his back and finally to the smaller ones on the rest of his body.

Meanwhile, everyone else either consoled each other or held quiet conversations.

Vivi sat down beside Usopp. "How did you guys get in?" she asked quietly.

"What do you mean? It wasn't hard. There isn't any guards. From what you've said, it sounds like most of the guards went to Nanohana." Usopp replied thoughtfully.

Vivi looked down at the floor, her bangs falling infront of her face. "I was afraid of that." she said.

At that time, Nami stood up. "What are we sitting here and sulking for?" she asked. "We're not helpless! We can stop this thing. Mr.1 has already gone down so let's take Crocodile down with him!"

"Nami! We can't do that!" Vivi cried in horror.

"Why not?" Nami replied.

"Because...because...because..." Vivi stuttered, trying to come up with a valid reason.

"You have to trust us. So what if we don't have Luffy? Together, we can do it!" Nami said reasuringly.

Vivi bit her lip as she looked away from Nami. "If I say yes, we might all die. But if I say no, it's like I don't have faith in them at all." Vivi thought. She looked back at Nami, her mind made up. "Okay...let's do it." she finally said.

"Good! Then let's make a plan!" Nami cried. They all gathered around and by that afternoon, they had planned Crocodile's downfall.

So, what did you think? This was my first time trying to write a sword fighting scene. It was hard but I think it turned out sort of okay. I'll leave that up to you though. Anyway, no promises on updating. I'm not sure how long the next chapter will take. It should be sometime in the next week though. But for now, see ya!!!