Hey everyone! Hope you are all well and ready for another chapter of Price of Freedom!
I will say now, I am sorry. This chapter is sad.
Thanks for all reviews, favourites and story alerts.
Review Resposes
Blu: Robin is a muddle of lies and evilness. But there is niceness deep deep deep down! I feel bad for making her so hated. Sanji and Nami were tricked by her, but you still wouldn't be able to be mean to Zoro would you? Well, I'd never be able to, cause I love him :P
Yusuke: Luffy did believe Zoro, he just believed Robin too. He is just too trusting of all his friends. But he is still Zoro's best friend, do not worry, the truth will prevail!
Sue: Anything involving Chopper is cute! :P Ahh so cute. I didn't realise how mean the chapter was til I re-read it, but I thought up that idea when re-reading the Skypiea arc. And Robins arrival, Zoro's mistrust, no-one believed him then either. Poor Zoro!
Sho-a0ycupid: Hi! New reviewers are always nice (though I do love all my reviewers). Robin is smart and cunning, that is how she can always make things work her way. She is do mean to the group!
Wandering Swordsman: Don't cry! Be strong! I apologise for Robin's 'punushment', and any sadness that may occur reading this chapter. Feel free to review in sadness later!
So enjoy!
Disclaimer - I don't own One Piece
Chapter 14 – Where True Faces are Shown
By the time Ussop had calmed down Chopper and returned to his guests, Robin had already instructed Nami and Sanji of their parts of the plan. Sanji was to get everything ready at The Baratie, and Nami was to make sure her mother gets in contact with Robin, so they can play their part. The pair thought Robin's plan didn't really seem that dangerous.
But then again, they didn't know the half of what was going to happen.
Robin was reclined in a chair, sipping coffee and smiling serenely as Ussop returned. It wasn't much longer afterwards that Ussop was waving his friends goodbye. Chopper remained behind to hang out; he only lived next door after all.
"I'm confused Ussop." The reindeer's voice was sad even if the tears had stopped. Ussop sighed.
"I know. I am too…"
"Robin is so nice! And clever and helpful! But Zoro is brave and strong and fun! And Nami and Sanji are ganging up on Zoro and I just don't know what to do!" Tears threatened to fall again so Ussop shushed him quietly.
"Shhh Chopper. I'm sure it'll all be sorted out tomorrow. Luffy's gone with Zoro so he'll get things sorted there, and Nami and Sanji will see they're being silly too. Just give it a day to all calm down."
"Hm, okay. I'll see you tomorrow Ussop."
Chopper shuffled across to his house in a way which was heartbreaking, and Ussop felt even more at a loss
'Yea, It'll all be back to normal tomorrow…' the king of liars Ussop used his talent to make himself feel better.
--
A week passed since the confrontation at Ussop's place. And Zoro hadn't been around the group all this time. He spoke to Luffy, at least, their small spat forgotten in favour for friendship at a difficult time. Ussop and Chopper had seen him a bit too; the swordsman would stop by on his way back from training (the gym was close to their houses, so it was harder to get lost).
But he refused to go anywhere near Sanji, Nami and especially Robin.
When everyone hung out at The Baratie, the absence of Zoro was evident. But no one mentioned it, instead focusing on making Robin happy. It was as if their guilt for Zoro was transferred to the source of his irritation.
It was tough, but they had to pull it together. For their friends' sake.
The atmosphere at the Redhair home was subdued that evening. Luffy was surprised when dinner was interrupted by the doorbell.
"Here, shitty rubber, I brought some lunch." Luffy's expression was a split of shock, from seeing Sanji, and joy, of having more to eat.
"Sanji? What are you doing here?"
Sanji brushed some of his blonde hair from his face and sighed.
"I came to make sure you and that Marimo come to the restaurant tomorrow night. Robin-chwan has decided to apologise. For some reason."
"Apologise?" Meat poked out of Luffy's mouth as he questioned
"Yes, baka. Making a big deal out of it, too. Seems she wants everything sorted out. She's booked the best table at the restaurant, the fancy restaurant even, managed to persuade the shitty old man to let you in."
"Really?"
"Yea. So just, make sure that idiot comes too. They'll be plenty of expensive rum for him. Tomorrow evening, at six. Got it?"
"Okay! See you tomorrow Sanji!"
Luffy slammed the door and ran back into the house, declaring the great news to Zoro.
"Hey! Zoro! Guess what! There's gonna be the awesomest meal at the Baratie tomorrow! You gotta come, yea?" The green haired man looked up from his swords and grunted.
"What?" He put down the cloth he used to clean his swords.
"Robin's having a big meal for us tomorrow at the Baratie and they'll be food and rum and MEAT! It's gonna be great!" Zoro scowled.
"I'm not going anywhere near that woman."
Luffy pouted. Zoro couldn't resist the pout, right?
"Please Zoro. She's trying really hard, at least give Robin a chance."
"…" Luffy's eyes got bigger as he brought out the big guns.
No one could defend against the puppy dog eyes.
"…"
Eventually, Zoro cracked.
"Gah! Fine! I'll go, but I won't be happy about it." Luffy's face shone
"Shihihihihi! Thanks Zoro! This is gonna be great!"
--
It was rush hour at The Baratie; suited and booted couples and families sat and enjoyed the luxurious food and calming atmosphere of a top dining experience. In the centre of the room sat the biggest table. The centre of focus in the beautiful room, the tape was currently occupied by a single person.
Sanji sat, finishing up a cigarette and making sure the table was set properly. Mentally, he was checking the preparations
'Meats cooking…Cake is baking…drinks chilling…30 minutes to make salad…'
The cook had everything set. All that was left to wait for the guests to arrive.
It was taking all he had to stop Sanji thinking about Robin's plan. He did exactly what she wanted, but somewhere deep inside, felt apprehensive about it. Something smelt off, but Robin-chwan was too lovely to lie to Sanji.
Wasn't she?
His thoughts were interrupted when two visions of beauty walked towards the table. Nami was dressed in a beautiful dark green dress, dangerously low cut, while Robin was wearing a black and lace dress, covering her upper half but showing off all her long legs, which were hidden behind knee high boots. Both women smiled at him and all rational thought left his mind.
"Nami-swaaan! Robin-chwaaan! You are both looking radiant this evening! My heart leaps at the joy of being near you! Please, take a seat and let me fetch you a drink!" The chef was about to swirl toward the kitchen when a quieter, adorable voice piped up.
"Sanji, can we get drinks too?"
"Yea Sanji! Drink! Food! Meat!" Luffy chorused behind a thirsty looking Chopper as they and Ussop and Zoro sauntered through the door. Unlike his beautiful ladies, they made no effort to dress up (except Ussop, who was wearing a smart shirt at least. And Chopper didn't count, as the reindeer didn't really wear anything other than shorts anyway). Sanji tutted
"Of course, I'll bring a tray out for everyone." The four sat and greeted the girls, and Luffy nudged Zoro encouragingly. The swordsman turned to Robin, and nodded curtly.
"Nice to see you, Zoro-san" Robin smiled courteously at Zoro, and some of the tension in the room lifted only slightly.
"Sanjiiiii I'm hungry!" Luffy's banging on the table quickly evaporated the rest, and everything felt like normal instantly.
"Luffy! Be quiet, try acting properly for once!"
"Naaa Luffy you're making Nami mad! She'll become a demon!"
"Ahh, Demon? Nami's a demon Ussop?"
"Why of course, I remember the day I first tamed the evil demon Nami…"
"No Chopper! Ussop! Arg!"
"SANJIIIIII!"
Indeed, it was all very much back to normal.
--
The food was ready earlier than anticipated, and Sanji soon returned followed by many waiters, all bearing the most delicious food and drink imaginable. As they placed it down, Robin spoke
"I purchased the ingredients myself for cook-san. I hope you enjoy it"
Every plate held one of the friend's favourite foods. Chopper cheered at the fresh leaf salad in front of him, and Ussop grinned as he was presented with a delicious looking joint of Lamb, glistening with flavour. Luffy had created a pool of saliva, just staring starry eyed at the giant place of meat infront of him. Even Zoro looked impressed at the plate of freshly caught fish meat in front of him.
"Waaa Sanji-kun, this looks great! Thanks, you too Robin!" Nami exclaimed joyously as she began to eat. The rest of the table murmured in agreement between mouthfuls of food. As Sanji ate his food, he kept glancing over at Zoro, an action that was causing discomfort for the green haired man. When he noticed Nami kept glancing towards the door, he spoke up
"Oi, is something the matter? Or do you just want me to compliment your food, crap cook?" Sanji blanched
"What? Are you going crazy shitty Marimo? No compliment from you could make me happy."
Zoro grunted and shook off the uncomfortable feeling. Everyone looked happy enough, so he shouldn't worry them, right? He didn't want to cause any more friction between the group. He shrugged and spoke to the blonde whilst eating
"Che, either way, the food doesn't taste bad, cook."
Sanji gaped at him speechlessly. Did Zoro just compliment him? The bad feeling in his stomach twisted in guilt.
The table turned to Zoro when he dropped his fork and shook his head.
"Zoro, you feel okay?" Luffy cocked his head in concern, and Zoro exhaled deeply.
"Yea…just need a drink that's all."
Nami stared from the corner of her eyes as Zoro slowly reached for his mug of rum, downing the contents.
He got two thirds of the way through the mug before he spat it out across the table.
As Ussop shrieked at the unpleasantness of his now ruined food, Zoro turned to Sanji wide eyed.
"What the hell have you done, cook?" Sanji turned away with a guilty expression and lit a cigarette, and Robin answered for him.
"He just did what I asked, Zoro-san." The table all looked up at the elder woman, who was now watching Zoro with mild amusement.
"Witch! I knew it!" Zoro quickly stood, recoiling in disgust from Robin, but staggered as soon as he stood.
"You may have noticed it in your drink, but there was poison in your food as well I'm afraid." Zoro fell back onto the floor, growling, as Luffy, Ussop and Chopper cried out
"Sanji! What did you do to Zoro? Robin, Nami, what's going on?"
"Uhh, Sanji…you poisoned him?...You didn't do that to our food too, did you?"
"Zoro! Are you okay?!"
Robin stood and stopped Chopper from running over to the fallen man.
"I suggest you stay at your seat, reindeer-san. Long nose-san your meals are fine, don't panic. The tranquilizer was meant just for Zoro-san."
The restaurant stared at the scene unfolding in the centre of the room, and in the silence Sanji moved over to sit next to Nami, hiding behind his hair.
The silence broke as the kitchen and front door slammed open, and the windows shattered as the room filled with police, and all their guns were trained on the strawhat friends. Many of the other diners screamed in surprise.
"Nobody move! This is an arrest! Fight back and we'll have to shoot!" The police captain shouted to the room. He was a big man, with greying hair and smoking two cigars.
"Ronona Zoro, you are to come with us."
--
Luffy looked between the police, his friends at the table, and Zoro on the floor, with extreme confusion.
"Zoro, what's going on?" From the floor, the green haired man glowered at Robin, frozen in a half-crouch.
"I told you Luffy, I said to watch her." Chopper gasped in realization, and shook his head.
"No, Robin, is it true? Did you?" Robin had moved towards the police and smiled sadly
"Yes, reindeer-san, this was my idea," Her words were spoken loudly as she addressed the whole room "Runaway Slave Roronoa Zoro is to be sent back where he belongs. I can only thank Nami-san and Cook-san for assisting in his capture."
The other diners gasped and stared at Zoro, the usual murmurs of disgust sent his way. Yet he, and everyone else at their table, stared at the shocked looking Nami and Sanji.
"Robin, I thought you said this was just to teach him a lesson? You tricked us!" Nami looked outraged, and Sanji placed a hand on her shoulder in support as Robin replied.
"This is a lesson, Nami-san. Zoro-san needs to learn his place, my boss has been adamant at his return. I must thank you for getting the police to help."
Sanji bit down on his cigarette and looked away, not daring to meet anyone in the eye. Nami floundered
"But…you said…I thought…Oh, Zoro…" She turned to look at the captured man with pain, but before she could apologize
"How COULD you! He's our friend! Nami, Sanji what were you thinking?!" It was not Ussop who they expected to talk, but he shouted at them enraged, fists shaking. Chopper was bawling, inaudible words muttering through the sobs.
And Luffy just sat, his mind a whirlwind of friends, old and new, trusted and betrayed. His hat hid his face as he stared at the table.
Near Robin, an elderly woman asked her quietly.
"Excuse me, your boss? Who do you work for?" Robin smiled at her.
"Roronoa Zoro is the property of Sir Crocodile. He is eagerly awaiting the return of his slave from South Blue." She gave a smug grin at Zoro as the gasps of surprise voiced from diners again, all eyes back on him.
He growled and made a move to stand, one hand on his swords.
"You bitch!"
He got no further, as hands and arms grew around him, gripping tightly at his wrists, shoulders and feet, pulling him tight against the floor. He snarled and growled, fighting in vain to get free. The tranquilizers were taking hold as he felt his body shut down.
"Robin, stop it! Zoro!" Chopper went to help the captive, but was firmly reminded by Robin.
"Any wrong move reindeer-san, by you or Zoro-san, then I shall make these men shoot. Now please, sit down." Chopper looked between Robin, whose normally calm face was shadowed with anger, and Zoro, who's normally proud persona was slowly crumbling in defeat. He sat back down and Zoro stopped struggling.
It came as a surprise when Luffy ran out the restaurant.
"Luffy!" Zoro was sure he called after his friend, but so did at least 2 others. He watched the straw hat run down the street, and didn't notice until too late the four police around him. He felt chains tight around his wrists, cuffing them together, and the same loosely round his feet, enough so he could still walk.
As one attempted to remove his swords, he growled and pushed them off.
"Get your hands off them." He heard the click of guns pointing at him, but kept giving the poor officer a glare dark enough to burn through his head. He felt a familiar person near him, and saw the blond hair of Sanji slowly taking his swords away.
"I'll look after them Zoro, I promise" The cook's eyes with awash with guilt "I'm…I'm so sorry Zoro, I didn't realiz…"
"Get the fuck away from me, bastard." Zoro made a move to attack the blond, but the drugs were slowing him, and he was stopped by the butt of a rifle cracking against his skull. He stumbled to the floor as the felt blood warm at his temple.
His friend's cries of concerns were muffled, as was the voice of Robin.
"Put him in the cart, I'll meet you at the docks."
The room dulled as he felt himself dragged out, and the voices of upset from his friends were the last thing in his mind before the tranquilizer took full effect, and he fell unconscious.
--
Luffy paused in an alley, chest heaving as he fought his emotions. He had trusted Robin, and now that had caused his friends pain. And now Zoro…Zoro was going back.
Luffy didn't need to remember the scars on the green-haired's back to know what awaited his friend on his return to slavery.
He was hurt, and guilty. He should have believed Zoro from the start. But he didn't, and now it had cost them all. His mind raged as he thought of Nami and Sanji, and he cursed them for being so easily tricked by Robin.
Then again, it was easier that way. Easier to blame them than note that he was tricked too.
The dark alley was silent as he fought off tears, punching the wall in anger. He was so wrapped up, he didn't notice the presence lurking in the shadows. He only did when the net wrapped around him, and he felt strangely weak. The body moved closer, and he felt an arm at his neck.
The voice was familiar as it whispered to him, and he felt a sting at his neck, and a burn of foriegn liquid entering his body.
"Sorry, Luffy-san, I didn't want to do this…"
He registered the familiar form of Robin before he succumbed to darkness.
-.-.-
Ahhh noo!! The story picks up and bad things happen! Robin is evil! Ussop and Chopper are upset! Nami and Sanji are guilty! Zoro is doomed! Luffy is kidnapped! What will happen?!
This chapter makes me sad, how I love the mild angst and drama!
Next chapter - Robin and Zoro talk? What becomes of Luffy? The friend's reactions! It all progresses!
Thanks for reading! - Pamplemoose