Broken Only to Heal Again

AN: Sorry for the long wait guys. Thanks for being patient. Please enjoy.


Chapter 19

Fanton looked at the two unconscious bodies lying before him. One was an unfamiliar blonde man, possibly the Cook from the Straw Hat pirates. The other was one that he had never wanted to lay eyes on again. He gripped his first mate by the throat and shoved him against the wall.

“Tell me why I should not kill you instantly for this atrocity?” He growled out. He loosed his grip just enough for the man to speak.

“You said you wanted Roronoa to pay. What better way than to take his son and his lover?” Jack coughed out.

“Lover?” Fanton dropped Jack to the ground and walked over to the slightly moving body. He kicked him hard in the ribs, sending the man flying into the wall behind him. When he fell, his face was visible.

Sanji groaned at the pain in his side. He fought to pull out of the darkness that kept dragging him down. He could hear people moving around him and faint angry voices. Slowly his eyes opened to assess the situation. Several Marines surrounded him. Ok, that was bad, but not impossible. He just needed his head to finish clearing before he could stand. He assumed the other bundle was Zoro, because of the green hair, until it began wiggling out of the blanket it was wrapped in.

“Teki.” Sanji whispered in fear.

Teki moved so he could see who had spoken his name. The sight of Sanji lying on the floor surrounded by Marines jolted him into action. He struggled to wobbly feet and tried to run across the room.

“Kasan! Aaahhh!”

He was picked up by the back of his shirt and suspended in the air. He continued to scream when he saw who had a hold of him. Fanton brought the back of his hand hard to Muteki’s face. The boy let out one last strangled sob and tried to be quiet. He buried his face in his arms and continued to cry.

Sanji’s blood boiled. First at the complete fear emanating from the boy, and then by the sight of that Marine bastard hitting his son.

“You son of a bitch! Keep your fucking hands off my son!” He stood on slightly shaky legs and attacked. The first man crumpled when Sanji shot out a foot to the stomach. Sanji then flipped to his hands and took out another with a spinning kick aimed at the head. He used the momentum to stretch out his other leg and catch a third Marine in the throat with his shin.

“Enough or I’ll kill the child right here.” Fanton lifted Teki higher off the ground. The fearful cry from the little boy caused the Cook to falter. Two men caught him as he fell. Sanji stilled at the sight and the depth of the ominous man’s threat sank in.

“So… your son?” Fanton was amused. So this man claimed to be the boy’s parent. Oh, this would be so much fun. “Now, now, I was under the impression that this was MY son. After all, I am married to his mother. Isn’t that right, Muteki?”

Sanji glared hard at him, unsure of what to do now that he was faced with the man who Saya married. Why on earth would she have passed up Zoro for this? His presence alone was suffocating and threatening. Sanji watched as Fanton set the boy down on his feet. The dark man took his hand from the Teki’s shirt and placed it on his green hair. Fanton yanked harshly and Teki cried out. His arms fell from his face and flailed to help regain his balance. Sanji could see the swelling already starting and the blood trail from the busted lip. Teki struggled against his captor’s hold.

“You piece of shit! You’re not his father. You’re a shitty bastard Marine who gets his kicks beating up kids. Teki is not your son! He’s a Roronoa.” Sanji yelled. Apparently that was the wrong thing to say, because he watched in horror as Teki was thrown. A man with sandy brown hair caught him before he hit the floor.

The Cook was so intent on watching Teki that he didn’t see the large fist that was sent into his own gut. Sanji coughed and watched as blood sprayed. Another fist to his stomach and his vision began to swim. Another to his face and all he could hear was his son screaming for him. Sanji quickly let his body go limp. He needed to regroup and rethink his escape strategy and hoped that if he pretended to be unconscious he could gain some useful information.

Fanton wiped his hands off and looked down at the bloody mess his newest prisoner was making on the floor. He would make a fine new toy after a bit of breaking in and he could easily be more fun than his current one.

“Take the pirate to the brig.” Fanton watched as two Marines picked up the ‘unconscious’ blonde and carried him out the door. He looked to Jack standing by his desk where the First Mate had Teki firmly in his grasp. He would have to deal with the boy yet again, but maybe now he could do things different. This time Roronoa knew about him. He could abuse and kill the child and leave him somewhere along the way for the bastard to find.

“I thought I was rid of you, gaki. Now I find that you have joined with the very pirate I have been searching for. So, tell me. How have you come to live with the man who killed your jii-san?” Fanton smiled, confident that the information would upset the child.

“He didn’t kill Jii-chan that mean Captain Kuro did! And Tousan kicked his ass for it.” Teki was scared to death, but he had seen how well his new okasan could fight and he knew that his otousan would be there as soon as possible. “I saved Tousan from the cell! You were going to kill him! I hate you!”

Fanton growled again. Here was the reason his prey was released. He finally had someone to blame. It didn’t even bother him that he had been misinformed about the real killer of Takuya. All he cared about was that someone was finally going to pay for screwing up his plans.

“Take the brat to my chambers. He’ll serve as a cabin boy for the remainder of his stay. When the blonde one awakes, clean him up and bring him to me. He’ll make a fine new toy.” The rigid Vice-Admiral ordered his First Mate.

“Wait, new toy? What about…” The implications behind Fanton’s words sank in as Jack started to argue. He was being replaced. That blonde lover of Roronoa would be the center of his Master’s attention now. Anger and resentment began to settle in though he was unsure at just who it was aimed.

Teki’s frightened eyes looked up at him silently begging for help. Jack thought he had seen those eyes before when realization hit him. They were the same as Lady Saya’s. Things were beginning to fall in place. Apparently, this Roronoa Zoro had gotten to the Vice-Admiral’s wife before they married. This was all about revenge and Jack knew how sadistic his Master could be. There was a chance that he would even try to take this boy as a new toy. There were some things even he couldn’t allow his Master to do.

“Hai, Master. As you wish.” Jack stiffly bowed and stumbled from the room pulling Teki behind him kicking and screaming for help the entire way.

****TBB,OTHA****

Jack stumbled again as the pain in his groin affected his stride. He had his hand on the collar of Muteki’s shirt and was almost dragging the poor boy along. To think that this child might be subjected to the perverted ways of that fiend… Jack stopped abruptly and started to sweat. He just referred to Fanton as something other than Master. He had never done that before, mostly because of his fear of being dismissed, but also out of admiration for the man. He could handle killing meaningless people, torturing prisoners for information, and even the abuse of Fanton’s wife, but when it came to an innocent child, he couldn’t stomach the thought. His grip tightened on the shirt causing the boy to whimper. Those pure blue eyes looked up at him, one turning black and starting to swell. Jack felt his resolve breaking and knew he had to save him, even if it cost him dearly in the end.

Jack started walking again, quicker this time. They turned a corner and he pushed past several Marines. They looked down at the green-haired boy and began to whisper. They had been told that they were on a mission to capture Roronoa Zoro, but he had evaded them again. So was this his child and would he be used for bait? From the look on the First Mate’s face, things were not looking good. Would the entire Straw Hat crew be coming? If so, maybe they could be use to their cause.

These Marines were part of a small faction of people on the ship that had united against Fanton’s tyranny. During the mission, they decided that if they could gain the aide of some of the most powerful pirates in the Grand Line, maybe they could finally remove their tormentor. Secret hand signs were given and a message passed. ‘Cannon Room 3, one hour.’

Jack noticed the message and began planning. He just needed to find a way to use this to his advantage. He noticed one of the store rooms was open. Jack threw Muteki into the room before following and locking it behind them. The light was dim from the single bulb hanging from the ceiling. The Marine began unfastening his pants and started pushing them down. He turned his back to the boy, showing a little modesty. What he was about to do shouldn’t be done in front of a child anyway.

Muteki was scared out of his mind. He had tried to stay calm, but when he saw this large man pulling down his pants, he screamed again, wetting himself due to his fear. He backed himself into a corner and tried to curl into as small of a position as possible.

“Feh, don’t get so worked up. This isn’t for you.” Jack could feel the ship swaying slightly with the approaching storm. When his pants were down far enough, he took hold of his aching purple cock in his left hand and reached down to unfasten the metal ring with his right. It only took him a moment before he came all over the bland walls of the hold. He gave a strangled cry and stopped his fall with his free hand on the shelving beside him. He caught his breath and looked down at his still discolored, but now flaccid member. There was no turning back now. Jack fixed himself back into his pants and turned around. The child was still huddled in the corner, hiding his face.

“What do you know about Vice-Admiral Fanton?” Jack kept his voice low. He knew the kid was frightened enough after what he just had seen with that blonde. He could see the dampness on the boy’s pants and frowned. They would need to be changed soon. Jack began searching through the shelves trying to see if he could find something appropriate.

Muteki lifted his head up just enough to see the man’s pants were fastened again. His body shook as he thought of the dark, evil man. He had to force his voice to work, and still it came out in just over a whisper.

“He’s married to Kasan. She told me that he’s not my Otousan though. He doesn’t like me. I think it’s because I look like my real Tousan. He sent me to my Jii-chan a couple years ago. I don’t remember much. I know he used to hit Kasan, and me sometimes, too. I miss her.” Tears formed in his tormented eyes as he remembered all the pain he had received while in the Lord’s care.

“You do look like her, but more so like that swordsman. But your eyes are almost the same color as that blonde up there. You know he sacrificed his life for you. By him giving up, he saved you.” Jack studied the small face to make sure the weight of his words sank in. He had found a box with brand new men’s boxers in it and dug out the smallest pair. “I guess I’m doing the same thing too.” He rubbed his hand through his hair and sat down on a wooden crate, tossing the clean shorts to the boy.

“But… why?” Teki caught them, stood up and cautiously approached the Marine. He couldn’t understand why someone he didn’t know would do that for him.

“Because sometimes you have to face the wrongs you’ve done in your life and try to do something right to fix it.” Jack leaned back and closed his eyes, trying to block out the images of what would happen to him when Fanton learned of his deception. He almost jumped when he felt a light touch to his leg. Opening one eye, he looked down at a bruised and tearstained face full of curiosity and fear. “You hungry?”

Teki nodded to him and watched as Jack turned around and started looking through the shelf contents again. He quickly changed out of his soiled pants while the Marine continued searching for a suitable dinner. They were still too big, but it would do for now. His dirty clothes were tossed into the utility sink and he filled it with water to soak. If he was lucky, maybe he would be in here long enough for them to dry and he could wear them again.

After tossing aside several cans, Jack seemed satisfied and pulled out his knife to open the food. It was a can of peaches and can of beans, not the best meal, but better than nothing. Teki ate his fill; about half of each can, and set it down on the small crate beside him. He was still scared, but his spark of hope had returned. He watched as Jack finished rinsing out his pants and laid them out on a box to dry. Now he needed to go find Sanji before anything bad happened to him. They sat in silence for a while before Teki decided it was taking too long.

“Um, hey? Do you know where Kasan is?”

Jack had leaned back against the wall and was dozing. He rubbed his eyes, trying to decide if he should take the boy to Saya now or later. Later would be safer, and he needed to make that meeting first.

“It’s Jack, and yes, but we have somewhere to go first. I’ll bring your okasan to you later, after we make sure it’s safe. Can you feel the storm picking up? I think we’ve dropped anchor and are waiting it out. Maybe your crew will catch up sooner than expected.” He couldn’t help but smile at the look of pure joy on the little one’s face. It was only dampened by the outward signs of the Vice-Admiral’s abuse. Even so, it was a good thing he was a boy and not a girl. That would be hell to have to try to say no to someone with a face like that. Jack found himself chuckling and ruffled up the boy’s hair. “It’s time to go to that meeting. Your pants are still wet but they can finish drying on you, so hurry up and get ready.”

Teki nodded happily, thinking of how it would feel to be back in his new home. He dressed quickly and watched as Jack cautiously opened the door to look out. The passage was clear and they quickly left the cover of their hideout. Jack led him down several hallways, and to ladder going down below. Jack went first and waited for Teki to join him. They ducked into a few doors to avoid some of the Marines wandering around. Soon they came to a hallway that was dark, lights having been turned off for many yards. Jack took his hand and led him towards a pair of men guarding a door.

“You’re not welcome here anymore Jack, so leave before we have to hurt you.” The Marine said as he drew his sword.

Jack held his ground and pulled Teki behind him. The boy peaked around the man’s legs and looked up at the guards, his blue eyes reflecting his concern and worry. One of the men looked down at him and gasped in shock. He nudged the other man, currently having a staring contest with Jack, and pointed to the boy.

“Isn’t that? I mean… I thought he was dead.” The first guard mumbled.

“Why has he been brought here?” The second man took out his sword and aimed it at Jack’s throat. “What are you doing with her son? If you’re using him as some kind of bargaining chip, you’ll be sorry.”

“Jack-san, who are they?” Teki gripped the back of Jack’s pants tightly, hoping that he wouldn’t have to face another fight. “Will they take me to Kasan? I really want to see…”

Jack held his hand up for Teki to stop. He narrowed his gaze at the men and prayed they would let him in without a fight.

“He needs safe passage. Fanton has ordered me to bring him to his personal quarters to act as Cabin Boy. I refuse to allow that to happen, so I am stepping down and away from it all. He will not have this boy as long as I am able to fight.”

The Marines studied him for a moment, as if trying to gauge his words. The first man stepped away from the door and sheathed his sword signaling the second to open it. Jack held out his hand for Teki and the boy latched on immediately. They could hear harsh words being exchanged in the chamber beyond. Jack gave a gentle squeeze to Teki’s hand and started forward into the darkness. Shouts became clearer as they got closer to the light on the other side.

“Damn it! How the hell else do we stand a chance against him? I say we give it a try.”

“Right, play into the hands of vicious Pirates. That’s a smart plan.”

“Look at what they did at Arlong Park against those mermen. And don’t forget that they were the ones who took down Crocodile, not Commodore Smoker. There have been several other reports over the years about all the good things they have done for people. Hell they even defeated Axe Hand Morgan way back. That’s before they even got very strong.”

“So you’re saying we should trust them?”

“Well, do you have a better idea? We can’t stay under that bastard’s rule forever.”

Murmured agreements floated among them as they all agreed with the last statement. Jack looked down at Teki and motioned for him to be very quiet. He positioned the boy directly behind him so that he would not be easily seen and stepped into the light. Several angry curses were heard as the crowd parted and opened a path to the apparent leader standing in the middle of the men.

“What the fuck are you doing in here? You’ve got guts showing your face here.” The portly man in the center of the group scowled in anger as he advanced on Jack. “You’re one of the enemy, a traitor. What makes you think we’d welcome you here after what you did? Haven’t you caused enough damage?”

“I have, and I will cause a lot more damage before this day is out. Fortunately for you, my anger is directed elsewhere.” Jack’s tone caused the approaching man to stop a few yards away. “I have come to collect a debt.”

Shouts of rage rang from the gathered men. They were only about twenty or so of them, but Jack knew it would prove very difficult to defend himself and protect the boy at the same time. The portly man held up his hand to request silence, and the disagreements lessened.

“You used to be one of us, before you turned into Fanton’s little bitch. What debt could we possibly owe you?” The older Marine crossed his arms and frowned, his eyes barely able to be seen under thick brows.

“The debt is not mine, but another’s. I have stayed away from here since the day you cast me out, Oniisan.” Jack put his hand behind his back, making several men draw their swords. The silence that fell on the room was deafening when he pulled the small boy into the light with him. “The debt I collect today is Saya’s.”

****TBB,OTHA****

Zoro stood on deck facing the darkening skies with his eyes closed and began to pray. He didn’t believe in any Kami, but if it would help get them back, he was willing to try anything. He just wanted this nightmare to end. Last night had been both amazing and frightening at the same time. He had almost let his wall down and showed the baka-cook just how he felt, and now he wished he had. He had fallen asleep with the arms of the man he loved wrapped around him. Yes, he loved him and he had for years. Almost since the day he watched him fight against that merman Kuroobi in Arlong Park. His attraction to the man first began when he saw how those powerful legs kicked the shit out of that freak, and he started to fall hard. It had taken him until this moment to admit just how far.

Who the Hell was this asshole that had taken him? Not just his name, because Zoro already knew that, but what was the connection between the two of them? And why take Teki? What was up with that? What could the boy have to do with it, unless he was just trying to get to Zoro? He had definitely gotten to him, but why? Teki said that this Sanguine person accused him of taking something but Zoro had never met the man, so how could he have taken anything? If anything it was that bastard that was the thief.

Robin approached Zoro carefully.

“Bushido-san. I have been looking over the information I acquired from the base. I have found the true name of this Sanguine Kaname. He is Lord Kaname Fanton, Vice-Admiral of the Marine ship The Sanguine Blade. Do you know him?”

“Yes, Lord Fanton. I would be honored to be your wife.”

Zoro growled at the name. “In a way. But just who is he?” He rubbed his head with a bandaged hand. His nakama needed to be brought up to date on everything. Between all of them, maybe they could figure something out. “Gather everyone to the galley.”

The Archeologist nodded and left to find the crew. Zoro walked into the room and frowned. Why did he pick this room? He should have stayed out of here. It still held the lingering smell of cigarettes and something else. It smelled like Sanji. Zoro closed his eyes and tried to imagine the Cook there making dinner. He’d be yelling at Luffy for getting his hands in everything. He’d be fawning over Robin and Nami, making special treats for them. He’d be kicking Zoro’s head for trying to steal a bottle of rum before dinner. Maybe he’d even be trying to teach Teki something. He could almost hear his son calling him ‘Kasan’. The illusion was broke when Luffy barged in and almost knocked him over.

“Gomen, Zoro. Hehe. I’ll just go sit down.” Luffy grinned and ran to his normal spot at the table. Soon the others came in as well. When they were all seated Zoro began.

“About six years ago, I met a girl. I was young and stupid. We never even thought about her getting pregnant. When I came to ask her to marry me, she was accepting a marriage proposal to a man named Lord Fanton. I believe it is the same Sanguine Kaname that is now chasing us.”

He looked to Robin as she laid a supportive hand on his arm. Zoro nodded his thanks. “He claims that I’ve taken something from him. I just don’t know what it is. But whatever his reasons, he’s now taken something that belongs to me again. First it was Saya and now Sa…” Zoro closed his eyes and clinched his fists the best he could. “The fucker took my son.” He needed to say it to the Cook first before he spoke his feelings to the crew.

Luffy stood up and threw his fist into the air. “Let’s go kick his ass! We need our Cook and our ototo.”

Zoro’s resolution was echoed by all. Nami brought out sea charts and showed them where they were going. There was a storm fast approaching, but she assured them that they could make it thorough. Robin laid out the files she had on the Sanguine Blade’s capabilities and manpower. She and Zoro went over every inch of the ship’s layout trying to decide where they might be keeping the prisoners and the best route to get there. Usopp talked with Chopper and Luffy about the new explosive charges he had purchased at Somerton before hurrying off to make a set of black sails for the ship. It would help them approach the Marine ship at night with a little more stealth.

Zoro paused in his discussion and looked at Luffy. Nami noticed and nudged the Captain in the leg with her sandal. He looked in the direction she pointed and returned Zoro’s stare.

“Thank you, Captain. All I have ever asked is that you not get in the way of my dream. I vow that even after it is achieved, I will always stand by your side, for as long as you need me.” Zoro bowed to Luffy. Luffy grinned and slapped him on the back. Zoro was thankful that it had been healing quickly.

“That’s good to hear, because I’d be really mad if you took my Cook away.” Luffy laughed at the puzzled expression on his First Mate’s face. Robin and Nami joined in his laughter while the other two mimicked Zoro’s confusion.

Though Luffy’s antics helped keep the edge off of things, the underlying tension continued to build. Between the storms getting worse and the realization of how many Marines were on that ship, things were not looking good. They knew the severity of the situation and everyone was preparing for battle. The biggest concern was if they could get there in time. No Kami would be able to save anyone on that ship if the prisoners were harmed and no one stood a chance against the Swordsman now. Even Mihawk would suffer if he came between Zoro and his family.

****TBB,OTHA****

Sanji kept quiet as he was being carried to his cell. If he made a wrong move, Teki would be killed instantly. He needed to know more about where he was and what was going on. Listening to the Marines that carried him he learned that everyone was deathly afraid of the commanding officer. He needed help. He prayed that Zoro would be waking up soon.

Zoro.

He remembered the way things had felt last night. He had wanted so bad to kiss him. He wanted to know what it felt like to have those rough lips against his. He tried to remember if it was a dream or not, but he thought that just maybe, he had been wrapped in the Swordsman’s arms during the night.

He stilled his breathing as he heard the door open again, it could have been thirty minutes or three hours, later. He had no idea. The swaying of the ship on choppy waters was making it hard for him to get any real sleep, each roll making him worry for the safety and speed of his nakama’s arrival. He could feel the person approach and lay a very soft hand against his face. The touch was soothing, comforting and he instinctively leaned into it. A soft humming began as the hand was removed and replaced with a warm wet cloth. Whoever it was, they were cleaning him up. Maybe it was a nurse, or maid, but whoever it was, Sanji was grateful for their kind treatment. He opened his good eye and looked at his caregiver and saw a beautiful young woman with porcelain skin, silver-white hair and bright blue eyes. Eyes that looked just like Muteki’s.

“Saya?” He choked out.

Saya’s head whipped up to look at him and studied him close. He wasn’t familiar to her. She would have remembered his odd eyebrows. He must have been handsome before he was attacked. Now his left eye was swollen shut and an ugly purple color. She watched him sit up and noticed his slight difficulty. When he was propped against the wall she spoke.

“Who are you? How do you know my name?” She slid her hand to her leg where she kept a small knife hidden.

Sanji raised his hands in a sign of surrender, having no intention of incurring the wrath of this woman. He tried to decide just how to tell her about everything. Where should he start? Did she even know about her father? He sighed and figured it would be best to just answer basic questions. They still didn’t know why she was with this mad man in the first place. It might be better to play it safe.

“My name is Sanji. I’m the cook aboard the Going Merry. I met your father back at Somerton. He showed me a picture of you. He said he hadn’t seen you in quite some time. He was a good man.” Sanji saw the tears well up in her eyes and reached out to hold her. She willingly fell into his arms and began crying. “Shhh. It’s ok. I know. He loved you so much. Besides, you need to be strong for your son.” She shoved herself off of him and grew suspicious.

“What do you know about my son? Have you seen him? Is he ok?” She grabbed the lapels of his jacket and yanked him forward so they were nose to nose. “I swear if you have hurt him…”

Sanji placed his hands on hers and shook his head. “I haven’t done anything to him. But you need to hurry. I can’t say anything about that fucker out there.” Sanji looked towards the door and scowled. “I swear I’ll fucking kill him when I get my hands on him.”

“He’s here? No! Fanton will kill him. What have you done?” She jumped up and ran to the door.

“Me?! That piece of shit is the one who took us. I was fucking asleep when they came. Shit. I wonder what happened to Marimo. Man is he gonna be pissed when he sees what happened to Teki.” Sanji stood up and ran a hand through his hair.

“What happened to my son? Is he ok? Why would this ‘Marimo’ care?” Saya turned to face him. She could see the difference in their height now. She barely came up to his nose. His hair had fallen over his black eye and she wondered if it always fell that way. She watched as he patted his jacket and pants looking for something. His lack of an answer was beginning to frighten her. “Please. What happened?”

“The last I saw, he was being held by one of the Captain’s lackeys. He had only hit him once but I bet his face probably looks like mine by now. He threatened to kill Teki if I didn’t back down. I couldn’t let that happen. I’m not sure what happened after that. He was still up there when they brought me here.”

Saya stood quietly as she processed the information. There was still one question he didn’t answer. “And ‘Marimo?’”

Sanji chuckled at that. Oh this was going to hurt. He would be responsible for reuniting the lovers. Now that she was in the picture he didn’t stand a chance. Saya and Zoro would be together and he would be alone. What irony. He continued searching his pockets. “Where are my cigarettes? Damn it! I need a smoke.”

“Sanji, who is it? Please, is this ‘Marimo’ Zoro?”

Sanji sighed in resignation and nodded. “Fucking dumb ass Marimo Swordsman. He’d better bring my fucking cigarettes.”

Saya sank to the floor by the door. Zoro was coming. He was finally coming. She closed her eyes and smiled her first real smile in years. It didn’t matter if he forgave her now. He would keep their son safe. That’s all that matters. She opened her eyes to look upon a very sad man. It dawned on her that this must be the man that had taken Muteki to the pirate’s ship.

“You. You took Muteki. The nurse at the base told me that a blonde man promised her he would keep my son safe. It was you, wasn’t it?” She stood up and walked over to him. She placed her hands on his arms for balance, and standing on her tiptoes she kissed him softly on the lips. Sanji’s eyes widened in surprise. “You’re a good man to take care of another’s son so willingly. Thank you.”

“It’s nothing. Teki has become like a son to me. He didn’t know if you were gone or not. Now that we know you’re alive, I’ll make sure to have him stop calling me Kasan.” Sanji blushed. To be kissed by the same woman who had kissed Zoro was strange. He hadn’t even realized the slip he had made about the boy’s new name for him.

“Kasan? But you’re a man. Why would he call you that?” Shock registered on Saya’s face. Could it mean that he and Zoro were together? That would make sense. His willingness to take Muteki in, his fierce protectiveness, and the sadness at seeing her, it all added up. Her heart ached and yet swelled at the same time. To know that Zoro had found new love after her betrayal eased the pain she had been carrying. But, at the same time, she realized that she truly did lose him for good. “Do you love him?”

“Teki means the world to me.” Sanji said strongly.

“No, not my son. His father. Do you love him?” Saya watched as Sanji fought to find the words he wanted. His reaction told her everything she needed to know. Even if it wasn’t love, it was enough. There was a bond between them. A bond that would keep her son so much safer than anywhere else on the world. “I see. Then I would be honored if you would accept the title he has given you. He will need someone else to watch out for him while he is on your ship.”

Sanji met her eyes squarely and resolved himself to face this like a man. He anticipated she would be sending her son back to the Merry with him for his own safety. She was a proud woman, and for her to sacrifice her position like that was noble. He bowed deeply.

“I am the one who is honored. I will live each day with the promise to keep him safe. He will always be your son. I would never take that from you.”

Loud voices could be heard coming down the hall. He quickly lay back down on the cot and feigned sleep. The door burst open and men entered the room.

“We’ve been looking for you everywhere. You have been ordered back to your quarters. The storm is worsening and everyone needs to be secured in their quarters.”

Sanji listened to her agree and everyone left, slipping the lock in place. He groaned knowing that there went his chance for a quiet escape. He hadn’t been laying there long when the door was thrown open again.

****TBB,OTHA****

Muteki watched as Jack walked out of the light to return the way they had entered. He had begged and pleaded with the funny looking fat man to believe that Jack wanted to help. Eventually they had agreed, and a messenger was sent out of the room with orders. Some of the men on watch that night belonged to the group and they were supposed to be on the lookout for the Straw Hat’s ship. If they could get Captain Luffy and Tousan here, they could save Kasan and get away.

He was sitting in a corner playing with a piece of chalk when the messenger returned, bringing someone with him. The petite woman clasped her hands over her mouth and started to tremble. Teki shouted with joy and ran into her arms.

“Kasan!”

Saya fell to the floor holding him as close as she could. He had grown so much since she had last seen him that she was afraid he wouldn’t remember her. When his eyes lit up and he shouted her name her heart leapt with joy. He looked so much like his father now, with the exception of longer hair and blue eyes, one of which was currently swollen. He would be a major heartbreaker when he got older.

“Oh, baby, how I’ve missed you. You’ve gotten so big.” Saya ran her hands all over his face and through his hair trying to memorize every inch of him. She didn’t know how long it would be before she could do this again. She hugged and kissed his face trying not to cry. The bruising angered her, but she had been forewarned by the cook and handled it well.

“I’m five now, Kasan. I’m old enough to go to school now. Jii-chan got me classes at the dojo. I was doing really good. Now Tousan is teaching me. Oh, yah! I finally got to meet him. He’s awesome! He took out the doors of the cell at the base with one swing of his sword! I want to be that strong some day. He kicked Captain Kuro’s ass too!” Saya giggled at him as he swung his arm in exaggeration of Zoro’s feat. Teki’s excited face fell as he remembered why Zoro had done that. “Jii-chan’s gone now.”

Saya had smiled and nodded at his ramblings trying to catch every word. Her eyes watered again at the reminder that her father had passed. “I know. I got to see him before we laid him to rest. But he died to protect us. Let’s remember the good things about him, ok?” Teki nodded and snuggled into her hold. Saya looked up to the group’s leader and mouthed ‘thank you’ to him. He nodded to her and went about his business organizing the uprising. Playing with Teki’s bright colored hair reminded her of the boy’s father. She wondered how much he had changed in the last six years. They were so young when they fell in love, only 16 and 15. He would be a grown man now, maybe even taller and sexier than he was in the past, as if that were possible.

“Tell me more about your father. I haven’t seen him in so long. And tell me about this new okasan you have.”

“You know about Sanji-kasan?” Teki saw the smile on her face and knew everything was ok. “I really like him. He’s a cook, but he’s really tough. He is going to teach me how to cook one day. He also has this really cool way to fight. He uses just his legs. I watched him and Tousan fight once. It was scary but cool too. Tousan used all three swords against him and he didn’t go down. Oh and Tousan bought me my own set of bokken too. I’m gonna learn Santôryû! He looks so cool when he does it. Even Sanji-kasan says so.” Teki looked a bit lost for a moment before speaking again.

“ Umm… Kasan? Is it ok if Tousan loves someone else now?”

Saya melted at the innocent look on her son’s face, and prayed that he never lost that outlook on life. After meeting the blonde she was forced to face the facts that her first love had moved on from her. She had already known it in her heart, but hearing it out loud was a different matter. Seeing just how much Muteki liked him made her acceptance that much easier but not without pain.

“I met Sanji-kun earlier and I like him very much. I think your otousan made a good choice with him.” Saya kissed Teki on the top of his head and pulled them both up. They walked over to a more comfortable place to sit and spent the next hour trying to catch up on the past two years, with an emphasis on the last two days. Their reunion was cut short when a messenger came telling them the Going Merry had arrived and was currently within cannon range. Men scurried off to intercept the Pirates before they attacked, and try to negotiate an alliance.

****TBB,OTHA****

After stopping at the kitchens for a late dinner, Jack made his way through the ship to return to his quarters for some long needed sleep. He had left the child with his brother and the rest of the resistance group after a long heated argument. He frowned in confusion as he remembered the boy standing up for him. Such an innocent being should not be thrust into a situation like this. He could only hope that he would be kept safe from Fanton’s wrath. A young Marine almost crashed into him as he approached an intersecting corridor.

“Oh, thank Kami I found you! I’ve been looking everywhere. Vice-Admiral Fanton is headed to his quarters shortly and is requesting that you bring the prisoner to him immediately.” The man braced himself against the wall and fought to catch his breath.

Jack nodded to him, but scowled realizing that this would screw up the plans greatly. He did an about face and made his way to the brig. For now, he would have to comply with the order, but hopefully everyone would be in place soon and he wouldn’t have to actually turn the blonde over. Those damn pirates better get their asses in gear and start storming the ship soon or all would be lost. He approached the guards stationed at the prisoner’s door and waved them aside before throwing the door open.

The Cook had risen from the cot and looked as if he was bracing himself for an attack. Jack stood there looking at him, trying to judge his strength and ability for a moment before speaking.

“If you wish for that gaki to be safe, then I suggest you come quietly. This is not the time to play hero.” The sandy brunette kept his words laced with anger, but emphasized the ‘play hero’ part. He could see the slightest change in the blonde’s face and knew that his cryptic message had been received. The pirate might not understand completely, but he knew that something was going on and would cooperate for now.

Sanji eyed him wearily, trying to decide if he should place any trust in him or not. He got the idea that there was more in the Marine’s words than what he just said, but what the hidden meaning was, he didn’t know. This was the man who was last holding Teki. Did he have a change of heart and decide to help them? Highly doubtful, but not impossible. The Cook had learned to take the word ‘impossible’ out of his vocabulary not long after he started sailing with a childish Captain named Luffy.

Sanji’s hands were cuffed in front of him, yet another oddity, and he was lead out the door. The guards from the door flanked him and kept their guns ready as they walked towards a destination yet unknown to the blonde. Sanji started to worry. He needed to keep Teki safe, but how could he possibly do that if he was dead? Then again, if he started to fight now, not knowing just where Teki was, it could cost him the child’s life instead. It was a hard decision and one not to be taken lightly.

They entered Fanton’s private quarters to see the large man sitting at his desk with his hands folded under his chin, elbows propped on the flat surface. The two accompanying Marines were dismissed, leaving only Sanji and Jack to face the ominous figure.

“Where is he?” Fanton’s voice was low and steady, relaying the intensity of his anger.

“Away from you.” Jack stood firm in his decision to hide the boy. “I won’t let you do this to him. He’s just a child.”

Sanji looked between the two of them slightly confused at first before realizing just who it was they were speaking of. Muteki. So this supposed right hand man of Fanton’s had decided to turn against him. Sanji breathed a sigh of relief knowing that his son was safe. He wondered if Teki had been taken to Saya or not.

“And his mother? What have you done with her?” Fanton got up from his chair and started to walk around the desk. “I thought that maybe he had made his way to her, but her room is empty as well. Did you not think I would find out that it was you who deceived me? I trusted you, as my servant, my partner.” He stood towering over the younger man, a look of what could be considered pain in his face.

“Partner?” Jack spat out the word like it was a vile tasting poison. “I have never been you partner, only your tool, you toy to play with whenever you get bored. I looked up to you once, but no longer. A child is an innocent, not to be tainted by the likes of you. I will not let you have him.” Frightened as he was, Jack held his ground waiting for the first blow to hit him. Fanton didn’t leave him waiting long.

The first strike sent him sailing into the bookcase by the door. Fanton was on him in a second, his fists flying like a wild animal on a rampage. Jack did his best to defend himself, using his knees and feet and arms to help pry the insane man off of him. They rolled across the floor knocking over lamps and tables in their mists. Sanji backed up trying to decide if he should help or escape and find Teki. He felt indebted to this Marine for helping hide the boy from harm. When Fanton reached for his sword, Sanji sprang into action, landing a solid blow to the broad chest of the Vice-Admiral with the sole of his black shoe.

Fanton landed in a heap beside his desk, wheezing from the lack of air entering his lungs. Sanji stood tall blocking Jack from Fanton’s view. Jack spat blood on the ground and tried to get to his feet.

“I’ll handle this pansy ass, you go make sure that they get off this ship safely. Luffy will be here before too long.” Sanji kept his back to Jack but could feel the man struggling to get up. He would be of no use here, best to get him out of the way.

Fanton laughed humorlessly. “It will be quite some time before this storm passes. Your friends will have to wait it out in that little ship of yours. Help will not get to you in time, my pet.”

Sanji smiled as he thought of several remarks that his beautiful Navigator might have to say about that. “You underestimate my nakama, maybe you should do better research next time. My lovely Nami-swan will sail the Merry right through this storm without a scratch, she’s that good.”

Fanton charged and swung his fist at the Cook’s head, only to watch in awe as Sanji bent effortlessly backwards and dodged it. In that moment, Sanji brought both his feet up and caught the dark man square in the jaw, again throwing him across the room.

“Get the fuck going, asshole. Make sure they’re safe!” Sanji yelled at Jack who was sitting slack jawed, staring at the scene before him.

Jack jumped in surprise and nodded to the blonde. He hurried out the door to look for the missing woman and to inform the others of the slight change in their intended plans.

Sanji turned back to Fanton only to be caught in a full body tackle. They crashed through a wall and ended up in what appeared to be a bedroom with the large man practically straddling the cook. Although Sanji didn’t fight with his hands, it didn’t mean he didn’t use them when fighting, so having them bound was hindering his actions.

“It seems to me you have to beat your subordinates just to get them under you. And even then they up and leave. Fucking pitiful.” Sanji taunted him, trying to buy time for Jack to get away.

Fanton brought a fist to the blonde’s face causing his vision to blur for a second. Sanji kicked both feet up and hooked them beneath the square jaw, then brought Fanton crashing backwards down to the floor. Sanji rolled to the side and stood.

“Were you one of those kids whose mommy didn’t love him enough? You got picked on by the bigger kids in school? You compensating for something?”

Fanton reached behind him, grabbed the leg of a chair and threw it at Sanji. The chair splintered into pieces with a solid kick to its seat. Fanton was right behind the kick and swung out barely missing the blonde’s shoulder. Fists were met with powerful kicks each time, hard soled shoes tearing into the flesh. Fanton opened his hand on the next swing and caught Sanji’s foot. Using the Cook’s momentum against him, he threw the blonde to the other side of the room. They stood on opposite sides of the bed bleeding and panting.

“Maybe it was your daddy? Was he away a lot when you were young? Didn’t have time for you? Did you feel neglected?”

Sanji wanted to laugh at the irony of the situation. Here he was getting his ass kicked by a bloodthirsty man and he was baiting him into a frenzy. What was he thinking? He braced himself as the man charged at him again. Zoro better hurry the fuck up. He didn’t know how much longer he could stand against this maniac. If he could only get some more room to maneuver, it would help. Fighting in these tight quarters was difficult. At least the madder the dark man got, the more predictable his moves were, but unfortunately they seemed to get more powerful as well. A few more jabs were thrown before Sanji dodged and brought his heel down on the dark man’s spine, sending him crashing to the floor.

“Why do you want me anyway, huh? I didn’t do shit to you. I thought it was that shitty Swordsman you were after. He fucked your woman didn’t he?” Sanji saw the darkening of the aura around Fanton and knew he had hit home. “You thinking maybe you’ve never been able to satisfy her after she’d fucked Zoro?”

“Shut the fuck up!” Fanton stood up and blocked the kick aimed at his head with his forearm. He grabbed the leg just below the knee and swung Sanji around into the post of the king size bed.

Sanji went crashing though the wood and landed in the middle of the mattress. Fanton was on top of him instantly, pinning him down. He pulled Sanji’s cuffed hands up above his head and secured them in a metal ring mounted into the wall where the headboard should have been. Panicking, Sanji encircled his legs around Fanton’s torso and squeezed, hearing the crack of ribs under the strength of his hold.

“Oh I get it… I get what you are… You are compensating.”

The Marine officer cried out and gripped Sanji’s throat effectively cutting off the Cook’s air supply. Sanji increased the pressure on Fanton’s chest and struggled to breathe. Fanton planted his other fist into Sanji’s still aching stomach and the blonde’s death grip began to lessen. Another punch and his legs fell away leaving Fanton free to move again. The Vice-Admiral used his grip on the pale neck to bring Sanji’s head up off the bed and crush their lips together. Sanji did the only thing he could think of and bit down hard on the tongue trying to invade his mouth. Fanton cursed and let go of his neck bringing down a heavy hand on the already bloody face.

Sanji was seeing stars, comets, meteors and everything else before his eyes. He was barely holding on to consciousness by a thin thread. He could feel his pants being removed and tried to fight against it. His pants were pulled down to his calves and something was holding them there immobilizing his legs. He heard the sound of a zipper being pulled down and tried to focus his vision on what was going on. He fought violently against the shackles holding his arms to the wall as he was flipped to his stomach. Fanton shoved his knees between Sanji’s legs and placed them on the pants, stopping his movement again.

“Fuck you Son of a Bitch! I swear to every Kami out there that I will kill you! Shit! Get the fuck off me Asshole!” Sanji struggled as he felt something at his virgin entrance.

“Oh yeah, you’re really fucking pretty aren’t you?” Fanton had only undone his pants enough to release his growing member. He grabbed the blonde’s hipbones with his bloody hands and admired the flex of the lean muscle in the smaller man’s ass and thighs. The ease in which he was able to bend this new toy had excited him instantly. He was going to enjoy destroying this pale piece of flesh beneath him before tossing him overboard with a life vest. Hopefully Roronoa would find his battered and broken body on his way to rescue him. Then he would do the same thing to his son and the boy’s mother. With a hysterical laugh he began to enter the Cook, thriving on the screams that were echoing in the room.