Broken Only to Heal Again

AN: I'm working on this, slowly but surely. RL is causing problems, so there's a bit of delay. Only a few more chapters to go I think. Bring a box of tissues for this one... and no hate mail please.

Chapter 21


Usopp kept looking back to the battleship as they rowed towards the Merry. His feelings of unease grew with each passing minute. Something was wrong, and he couldn’t help but think that it had something to do with Saya. He should have gone after her, but he really didn’t have a choice. He had promised to get Teki and Saya both back to Merry, but it didn’t necessarily have to be at the same time, right? He’d just drop off Teki and go back for Saya with the Marines and it would all be fine. The rain had eased up so he could make out Nami and Robin’s figures on the deck as he approached. Teki stood up and started waving at the women, causing the small craft to rock dangerously. Usopp tackled him as the small boy shouted out and laughed happily.

“Robin-san, Nami-san! I’m back!” Teki couldn’t control his happiness as he struggled against Usopp’s hold.

Nami and Robin sighed in relief as they helped the men board the ship. Chopper came running out of the Galley and tackled Teki in a huge hug sending them both to the deck laughing.

“I was so worried about you! Are you ok? What happened to your face? Is Sanji OK? Where are Zoro and Luffy?” Chopper’s flood of questions was answered by the ship’s Marines.

“My name is Han; we are part of the resistance fighting against Vice Admiral Fanton. We were sent here by Straw Hat to retrieve your ship’s Doctor and Nico Robin. He and Roronoa are on their way to retrieve the other prisoner, so we need to hurry. Fanton currently has your cook in his quarters.” The Marine was unsure just what to do in the presence of these Pirates. They were just two very beautiful women and a small deer of some sort, but their reputation told of them being very deadly individuals.

“Oh no, Sanji-kun. Please be safe.” Nami gasped and looked out towards the Marine ship. “Let’s get closer. Chopper, the anchor. Usopp, take these two and man the main sail. Robin can you handle the others? Good.”

Within a short time, the Merry pulled along side the Sanguine. Chopper and Robin took off to find Luffy. Usopp left with one Marine to find Saya. Teki stayed behind with the other Marines and Nami. The one thing on everyone’s mind was the safety of their beloved cook. It was amazing to see the sheer number of people willingly mutinying against Fanton’s leadership following orders barked out by a heavy set man standing on deck.

“Oi, Teki-kun!” he shouted. “I see you’ve found your friends; your okasan should be returning shortly, so stay put.”

“Hai, James-san.” Teki nodded and waved as two ragged men approached James. He turned back to Nami and began asking questions again about being a pirate.

“We lost Lady Saya, sir. A group of Fanton’s men intercepted us. We were not able to follow. The only place we have not looked is the wing where Straw Hat is fighting. We couldn’t get there without casualties so we decided to come back here and await orders. I think that the remaining men loyal to the Vice-Admiral have converged in that area. What should we do?” The men were slightly bruised and obviously out of breath.

“If she is there, then the Pirates will keep her safe.” James looked forlornly towards the commander’s quarters and hoped that he was right. There was an ominous air about and it all seemed to settle around that section. “Stubborn woman.”

****TBB,OTHA****

Chopper followed his nose and ears, to led Robin straight to Luffy. He was in the middle of a battle with several higher ranking Marines who seemed to be holding their own with shields of sea stone. Usopp followed closely behind Robin. Seeing that Luffy, Chopper and Robin would be nearly useless against the sea stone shields, he fired off several Kayaku Boshi to clear the remaining men blocking the path to where Zoro and Sanji should be. Luffy, Chopper and Robin ran on while Usopp stopped at Saya’s chambers on his way, to see if he could find his missing charge. Fear gripped at his stomach as he searched her room and came up empty. Shouts from down the hall made his blood go cold and he raced to join the others.

Luffy saw Jack lying in the hall and stopped to check on him. He was unconscious, but alive and Chopper began working on him immediately. Robin and Luffy approached the set of broken black doors and gasped as they walked inside.

****TBB,OTHA****

Fanton could feel the tip of his cock forcing its way past the clinched ring of muscle in Sanji’s ass. He gripped harder on the pale hips and tried to jerk them back onto his swollen member. He drank in every scream that erupted from the blonde’s throat, loving the way he had already started going hoarse. He could feel the head beginning to slip in just as the door to the room burst open, bringing his prey to him sooner than he had expected. He tried to press further into Sanji, eliciting another scream from the Cook, and barely was able to keep from laughing at the horror stricken face of the Swordsman as he processed the scene before him.

Fanton was barely able to pull away from Sanji and draw his sword when Zoro attacked. With concise movements, he dodged the first hit and blocked the next barrage of attacks. He pulled up his pants over his still hard cock, letting a finger take the drops of blood from the head and lick it off, mindful of the cut in his tongue from the Cook’s teeth earlier. He faced his opponent and smirked in satisfaction as he caught Zoro taking a sidelong look at Sanji’s battered body. His shackled wrists were raw and to the point of bleeding. His shirt had been pushed up to his chest, showing off the bruising on his ribs, stomach and hips. The cook’s pants were trapped on his claves, leaving him exposed no matter how he tried to hide. The blood training from his ass tipped the scale, serving to further boil the Swordsman’s blood. Even if Fanton had not completely penetrated the blonde, he had done enough damage for Zoro to think otherwise.

“He sure was a pretty thing. I can’t wait to finish.” Fanton taunted.

Zoro brought out Wado and placed her in between his teeth and balanced Kitetsu and Yubashiri as he fought to maintain composure. To lose his cool would only result in him being defeated. Not even bothering to call out his attacks, he charged at the black man, a silent Tora Gari on his lips. Fanton brought up his blood red blade parrying all three blades at once. Both of them cursed the confined quarters as they fought to gain the upper hand.

Fanton’s single blade against the legendary three remained an even force for the moment. Zoro’s swords crossed in front of him as he rushed Fanton’s offensive upward attack and brought them down hard, slicing into the black man as the tip of the red blade cut into Zoro’s thigh. A scream could be heard from behind them, but both men were too focused on each other to pay any mind to it. Fanton’s next attack aimed for Zoro’s throat was blocked with ease. The Vice-Admiral yelled out in pain as white hot fire shot up from his left forearm. Looking down, he could see a long deep incision, bleeding profusely through his white uniform jacket. Fanton angrily shouted when he realized that he could no longer hold onto his sword with both hands.

“Go back to the pits of Hell from whence you came.” Fanton cradled his arm against him and thrust out at Zoro’s exposed chest.

The blow was barely deflected and pierced his shoulder an inch before Zoro was able to force the sword away from his body. He used the opportunity to send Fanton crashing through the wall back into his personal office. Zoro came after him slowly, allowing his focus to settle again.

“If I do, I’ll take you with me.” The edge in Zoro’s voice sent chills through Fanton’s normally stoic outlook.

The Vice-Admiral surged forward and was met with a cry of Tou Rou Nagashi from the Swordsman. Fanton was indeed a skilled swordsman, but having to favor his arm like that, he was at a severe disadvantage. Multiple cuts and lacerations began to show on his pristine white clothes. He let a small sound, almost a gasp, escape as he saw the picture of his past laying face up on the floor. The smiling face of a handsome young man stared out of the broken frame, obviously laughing at whatever he had been looking at. Fanton locked swords with Zoro and sneered at the shorter man.

“You took from me the one thing that gave my life meaning, so now I’m taking everything from you! I took your first love, your son, your lover, and when I’m done taking your life, I’ll make sure your crew joins you.”

“You’re one fucked up son of a bitch. I’ve never even seen you before today. How could I have taken anything from you?” Zoro spat in his face.

“Seven years ago you came across a young man, with his entire life in front of him. All he desired was a word of recognition from you, and you denied him that. You told him he wasn’t worth the air he breathed after you defeated him mercilessly. I came home to see him thrust his own sword through his chest, telling me he couldn’t live with such a disgrace. I held him as he took his last breath, still proclaiming his admiration of you. YOU of all people! I was the one who loved him. I was the one who trained him! I was the one who held him every night. He died because he was not worthy in your eyes, not even caring anymore how much he meant to me. I lost the man I loved because of your heartless actions. And now you’ll pay.”

Zoro took a step back and broke their swords apart only to watch as Fanton ran back into the bedroom, and towards Sanji.

“But I think I’ll take his life first.” Fanton brought back his sword as he ran, preparing to thrust into the shivering pale figure, huddled in the center of the bed and still shackled to the wall.

“Sanji~” Zoro screamed and ran, praying he could close the distance in time.

A small black and white form appeared in Fanton’s way as he crossed through the broken wall. A dual set of swords deflected his blood red one and caused him to turn slightly off course, embedding the tip of his sword in the wall above Sanji’s head. Fanton yanked it out and turned on the new intruder letting out a cry of utter hatred. He swung at them growing even angrier with each missed attack. They were moving as if in an intricate dance, one barely missing the other with each pass of the sword.

Saya knew that she had to avoid getting hit by him at any cost. His strength alone would break through her defense and kill her instantly. She dodged and bent in impossible ways, resembling Sanji’s flexibility in her moves as she tried to land a hit on the imposing man. He backed her against the wall and turned again to resume his attack on the blonde imprisoned on the bed.

Zoro had paused at the opening in the wall to watch this transformed woman fight with the grace he never knew she possessed. It happened so fast that he didn’t have time to process that she was in danger. All he could think of was how fluid and precise her movements were. When Fanton turned back to Sanji he ran to jump between them.

“No!” Saya thrust out and cried out in joy as she felt the tip of her sword pierce his lower back.

Zoro dove onto Sanji, hoping to protect him from the impending blow, only to watch in mid air as Fanton turned and jabbed his sword into the woman’s stomach, turning the blade as it was withdrawn. His sinister laughter rang out in the room.

“Saya!” Zoro screamed, rolling off of Sanji and redoubling his attack on the black man.

The force of the Swordsman’s blows began sending vibrations down the length of the red blade and soon Fanton could no longer hold on. It dropped to the ground and Fanton tried to block the next blow with his bare arm. The Vice-Admiral screamed as he watched his hand fly across the room, completely severed from his body. He could only stand there in awe as all three of Zoro’s blades came up from the ground in a long sweep and sliced him from groin to throat.

Zoro stood there panting for a moment before turning to Saya. He carefully set his swords aside as he knelt beside her. He ripped the bandanna off his head and used it to press against her wound. Zoro searched her eyes, but knew it was too late. Nothing could save her now.

“Z-zoro,” she started

“Shh, don’t try to talk.” Zoro felt the tears come and didn’t even bother to wipe them away. “Why did you do that? What about Muteki? What do I tell him? In just a few days he will lose both his Jii-chan and his Kasan. How could you do this to him?”

“I couldn’t let him lose his new okasan,” she whispered. “And I couldn’t let you lose love again. He’s a good man, Zoro-kun. Don’t let him get away.” Her eyes closed and he could see her breathing slowing.

“Take these, and make sure he gets them.” She took Zoro’s hand and placed it on the hilt of her tachi. “ I l-looo…”

Zoro screamed out her name and held her close as her breathing stopped. He shook with rage at the fact that he had already killed the bastard responsible for her death. She had been dead in a way for many years in his mind, but to find out the reasons for her betrayal only to have her viciously taken in front of him was tearing him apart. All he had left of her now was their son, and he wondered if Teki would forgive him for not being able to save her. He had promised that everything would be ok, but it wasn’t. Saya lay lifeless in his arms, her blood soaking into his clothes and the floor. The weak groans and the chink of the chains binding Sanji to the wall reminded Zoro of the other victim in the room. He kissed Saya lightly on the forehead before setting her back down on the floor. Slowly he stood and approached the bed to check on his Cook. He held his breath as he took in the injuries he could see, and wonder about what wasn’t showing.

He reached out and pushed back the curtain of hair covering Sanji’s face and gasped at the damage there. His eye was completely swollen shut and purple, his busted lip still running blood down his chin. Zoro brushed his thumb across the red line to wipe it away and frowned when Sanji jumped at his touch. Well, what did he expect after what had just happened. He could hear Luffy’s shouts in the hall and decided the best course was to get the Cook decent first.

Sanji stiffened at Zoro’s gentle touches, but didn’t try to back away. He remained still as Zoro picked up the key on the nightstand and unlocked his hands. He let Zoro help pull his pants back up and sighed in resignation as the Swordsman helped him to stand. Sanji looked over to Saya and wiped away the tears as they started to fall down his face. He pushed himself off Zoro and staggered to the door as Luffy and Robin entered the room.

Luffy immediately shouted for Chopper and ran forward to help his cook before he fell. Sanji cringed and held up his hands to ward Luffy off, teetering to keep his balance as he started for the door again. One look to Zoro’s tear streaked face was enough for the Captain to keep quiet. Luffy watched as his First Mate gently removed the belt and sheaths from Saya’s still body and hung his head in sorrow. He lifted it again slightly to look for any other bodies and found the mangled form of Fanton lying several feet away.

“Zoro, is that the bastard who did this?”

Zoro nodded his head and watched as Chopper tried to fight with Sanji to check him over. He gathered Saya’s swords and using her belt, hung them on his left hip. He wiped the blood off of his own before returning them to their rightful place. Usopp came through the door and paled at the amount of blood everywhere. He opened his mouth to greet Sanji, but no words came out as he took in the haunted look on the Cook’s face. It was then that the Marksman noticed Saya, his cries interrupting Chopper’s fight with the blonde.

“Oh, Kami… Saya! Oh, please no! Oh, Zoro, I’m so sorry. I tried to stop her. They sent two Marines after her to protect her and told me she’d be safe. I wanted to take Teki back to the ship first then I was going to come back here and get her. Oh no. I failed. You trusted me, and I failed. I-“ Usopp rambled on through his tears. He knew had screwed up the one thing that he had been asked to do, and his mistake had cost the life of someone very close to two of his nakama.

“Usopp, enough. She made her choice.” Zoro’s voice was soft, but the emotion carried and Usopp shut up immediately. “We need to… She needs…”

“We’ll take care of it Bushido-san. Do not worry.” Robin brought forth a blanket from somewhere and covered her body.

“I’m sorry we didn’t get here in time Zoro.” Chopper placed a small hoof on Zoro’s uninjured leg.

“I need to tell Teki he lost someone else today.” Zoro said numbly as he walked to the door, pausing only to put a hand on the small of Sanji’s back and giving a light push. “Let’s go shitty-cook. I think we’ve spent enough time on this fucking ship.”

Sanji nodded absently and began walking. The others shared concerned looks as they watched their broken nakama walk down the hall and turn the corner. They quietly followed unsure of exactly what had happened in the room, and knowing that they might never find out.

****TBB,OTHA****

Sanji felt like everything was a dream, well more so a nightmare, but none the less unreal. He remembered the panicked feeling as Fanton locked him to the bed and began stripping him. His legs were pinned and he had no way to overpower the huge man on top of him. Had Zoro been a few minutes later, he would have been severely injured. As it was, he could walk, but not comfortably so. The biggest pain he had was in his heart. He remembered the look of horror on Zoro’s face when the Swordsman burst into the room. It was quickly replaced with rage and something Sanji couldn’t identify, even if he wanted to. He tried to calm his body down after the trauma it had endured, but each shift of his legs brought forth pain in his ass, reminding him of what almost happened.

Then when Saya had entered, he tried to call to her, tell her to stay away, but his voice wouldn’t work; his throat raw from screaming. He could see the admiration and pride on Zoro’s face as he watched the woman fight, feeling the stabbing of thousands of swords to his heart at every passing second. His heart almost stopped when Fanton had Saya cornered then turned back on him. He felt Zoro’s body covering his and then the panicked cry escape the Swordsman’s throat as Saya was run through. He watched the ferocity with which Zoro attacked the man, giving no mercy and he slaughtered him, gutting from groin to grin. Sanji’s heart broke when he heard the emotionless swordsman cry as Saya died in his arms. Zoro’s hesitant touches seemed to confirm a part of him still loved Saya.

‘He must be disgusted to even be near me now knowing she died because of me. If I had been being able to fight him off, she’d still be alive. I fucked up. He’ll never forgive me. Shit, I can still feel that bastards hands on me.’ Sanji thought as he allowed Zoro to assist him in dressing. All he wanted to do was to fall into the man’s arms and be held while he cried, but pride and shame kept him from doing just that. Pain shot through his body as he stood. He didn’t know how Zoro could let anyone do something like that to him and enjoy it.

Sanji jumped when Luffy approached him and held off the worried Captain, thinking that he might be able to figure out what happened just by touch. He would never speak of this to any of them. Sanji even fought off Chopper, knowing that the Doctor would want a full examination and that would raise the suspicions of everyone on the ship. Sanji couldn’t afford to let his beautiful ladies know just what transpired behind these doors. They would never look at him the same again. Zoro’s hand on his back seemed to burn even though it was barely there. The slight push had him moving, then the fire was gone, and Sanji wanted nothing more than to have it back at any cost. But, Zoro refused to look at him. Probably because all he would see would be his dead lover or the man who killed her. Sanji felt like jumping over the rail into the dark waters below. Only the sound of his new son kept him from doing so.

“Kasan! I was so scared he would kill you.” Teki ran and jumped on Sanji, pulling a cry of pain from the cook.

“Teki take it easy, he’s injured.” Zoro went to take his son from the blonde’s arms and was met with heated resistance. He watched as Sanji held the boy closer and buried his face in the messy green hair. Slowly Sanji turned to Zoro and handed the boy over before continuing onto the Merry and disappearing below.

Sanji locked the washroom’s door behind him and began to strip as he turned on the water for the shower. He stood under the spray and scrubbed his skin until it threatened to bleed from the force of his actions. He could still feel those dark hands all over him even long after the man had stopped breathing. Sanji closed his eyes and could only see Zoro’s tear streaked face as he held the woman close in his arms. All he could hear was the sounds of Zoro’s screams echoing in his ears. Disgusted with himself, Sanji turned off the water and began drying off. He reached for his clothes only to find them missing, looking around he noticed even his shoes were gone. Someone had unlocked the door and come in while he was trying to scrub away the memories of the day. He jumped when the door opened again and a small voice called his name.

“Sanji, are you done?” Chopper poked his head in, and seeing Sanji wrapped in a towel he went ahead and entered.

“I’m fine Chopper, really. I just AHH.” Sanji was cut off by a stern look and a poke to his bruised midsection. “What the hell?”

“You’re not fine, now let me see. If you don’t then I’m going to have Zoro and Luffy come in here and hold you.”

When the little reindeer went into Doctor mode, there’s no arguing with him. Sanji sighed and lowered the towel further down his hips, trying to save a little modesty, and allowed Chopper to continue his exam. He was given a cream for his wrists to help with the chaffing from the shackles, and strict instructions to take it easy so that his ribs and stomach could heal properly from the abuse inflicted. Sanji was about to leave when he was stopped again.

“Um, Sanji… I still... I need to check the other injuries, too.” Chopper had seen the way Sanji was walking and knew that there was more damage than he had shown him, and from the Marines descriptions of Fanton, the Doctor could regrettably imagine what those injuries were.

Sanji stiffened and wanted to deny that he was hurt elsewhere. He knew that there was damage, but if he admitted it, it was like admitting that it actually happened. Pity was the last thing he needed, or even wanted right now. What he did want was to forget it even happened and go on with his life. Besides, the bastard only got part of the way in, so it wasn’t like he completely raped him, right?

“If you can sit down without pain I’ll leave you alone about it, otherwise you’re not leaving this room until I’ve had a look. I promise not to tell anyone.” Chopper was concerned for his nakama’s physical health as well as their mental well being. He needed to make sure that Sanji would be ok to resume his duties in the kitchen without fear that he would bring harm to himself.

Sanji grumbled and tried to sit on the closed lid of the toilet, failing to hold back the wince as pain shot through his ass. He sighed in defeat and agreed to let Chopper take a look. The damage wasn’t as bad as he had expected, but still required a humiliating close up exam and an embarrassing bottle of laxatives. He hobbled off to the men’s quarters to curl up in his hammock and hopefully sleep thanks to the pain medication Chopper had insisted he take. He woke early the morning the next day to an eerie silence and the smell of smoke.

****TBB,OTHA****

Zoro and Teki watched as Sanji vanished from sight. Zoro wanted to run after him and make sure he was ok, but with the way he had shoved everyone away, it seemed like a bad plan. He was relieved when he saw Chopper head in after the blonde, knowing that the Doctor was just what his Cook needed right now anyway. Looking down at his son in his arms, Zoro braced himself for what needed to be done now.

“Sanji-kasan is my only okasan now, isn’t he?” The young boy’s voice was barely above a whisper. His blue eyes looked up into his father’s startled black ones and for a moment, Teki didn’t look quite as young as he actually was. “I heard the Marines talking. Otou-, I mean Lord Fanton killed her, didn’t he?”

Zoro closed his eyes, remembering the look on Saya’s face as the blade slid into her stomach and Fanton’s laughter. “Hai.”

“But, you killed him, right?”

“I did.” Zoro opened his eyes slowly, afraid of how his boy would react to losing so many important people in such a short time.

“Then Kasan’s wish came true. She said you would help us. No more nightmares now.” Teki snuggled into his father’s embrace and yawned big. “Can I go see her? I want to say goodbye.”

“In the morning, we’ll all say goodbye. Right now we need to get a little sleep.” Zoro shifted Teki’s weight in his arms and took off both sets of swords, laying them gently against the railing before sitting down with his son in his lap to take a nap.

An hour later, Chopper had Luffy take the boy down to the men’s cabin so he could examine Zoro and treat his wounds. It would only be a few hours until daylight and everyone needed to rest, the trials of the last few days catching up with them. James had agreed to have his men keep a lookout for any ships approaching their location and listening for any messages over the radio. Saya’s funeral would be held just after dawn.

Zoro washed up after Chopper had finished bandaging his thigh and shoulder and went to check on Teki and Sanji. Both were sleeping soundly, exhausted from the all the activity and stress. He placed Saya’s swords in the wall locker for safe keeping and went to the couch. He placed a kiss on his son’s forehead before walking over to check on the Cook. Zoro brushed some of the hair off of Sanji’s face, jerking his hand away when the blonde started to whimper. Angry with himself for not getting to the ship sooner, he stormed out of the cabin and resolved to sleep on deck. He missed the soft whisper of his name on Sanji’s lips as he let the hatch drop shut.

****TBB,OTHA****

Morning came and Zoro woke from his fitful nap to golden rays of sunlight creeping over the horizon. He rubbed his eyes and stood, knowing what was coming and trying to ready himself for it. He headed to the Sanguine Blade to assist in the preparations and see if there was anything that needed to be retrieved from Saya’s room for her son.

A few pictures and books were all that stood out in the room. Nothing special, but then again, he assumed that Fanton didn’t allow her to have much in the first place. Zoro gathered the items and stopped when he stepped on a squeaky board. Using a letter opener from her desk, he pried up the wood and pulled out a small jewelry box made of cherry wood. Inside was an assortment of necklaces and earrings, as well as a small black velvet bag. Curious, Zoro opened it and emptied the contents into his hand. Two solid bands of gold fell out. One was hauntingly familiar, while the other was one he had never seen, but felt like he should have.

The smaller ring was his mother’s, given to him many years ago and kept hidden until he found the perfect woman. The intricate etchings were worn with years of wear giving the ring a cherished look. The woman who had owned this had worn it faithfully, never taking it off for anything until handing it down to her son. Zoro remembered how angry he had been to have lost it that day. He had thought about going back and finding it, but his ship was already leaving and it wouldn’t wait. Even after her death, Saya was trying to make up for all the hurt she had put him through.

The second ring was a duplicate of the first, but much larger, as if made for a man. The same etchings were engraved on its surface, making them a matching pair. Wedding bands, saved for the day when he would come and rescue her and make her his. Markings on the inside of the bands caught his attention. Zoro held them up to the light to read the inscription.

My love, on his mother’s band. My everything, on the new one.

The last words he had spoken to her in love were forever imprinted on these rings. His tried to visualize what life would have been like if he had stayed with her. The image of a smirking blonde standing at the stove on the Merry with Teki beside him covered in flour kept getting in the way. Would they ever be that way again? Had Fanton killed the fire within him, or just made the flames die down momentarily? He was afraid to even touch the man right now. Every time he did, Sanji would jump or whimper, and it killed Zoro to know that he was the cause of it all. If he hadn’t run away back then, none of this would be happening right now. Takuya would be alive and well, along with Saya and they could be happy together somewhere.

…Somewhere other than on the Going Merry with all his nakama.

Zoro had the strong urge to begin pounding his head on the desk by where he knelt on the broken floor. It was a vicious circle of pain. If he had done that, then he wouldn’t have met Sanji, and consequently his fight with Mihawk outside the Baratie wouldn’t have taken place either. Love might have been there with Saya, but all his dreams revolved around Sanji. It was with the Cook that he would meet his life’s goals, and it was with him he wanted to share everything, including his son. Teki deserved happiness, and seeing how the boy’s face would light up around everyone upon the ship, Zoro couldn’t see leaving him anywhere else. Nami and Robin stepped into the room just as Zoro was pocketing the rings.

“Oh, Zoro, we didn’t mean to interrupt you. We just came to pick out something to redress Lady Saya in. Is there anything special you want her to wear?” Nami spoke kindly to him, respectful even.

Zoro turned back to the wardrobe, looking over the clothes inside completely clueless as to what he should do. Noticing his confusion, the women came forward and began to look through things, picking up a dress here and there, admiring the late woman’s taste in clothes. A gown of deep sapphire was pulled out and Zoro stopped them.

“That one. It was Takuya-san’s favorite.” He didn’t need to tell them it was also the dress she had worn the first time he had met her.

With that said, the girls left and hurried to finish dressing Saya for the ceremony. Zoro bundled up what he could deem necessary to keep and returned to the Merry to wake Teki. They quietly exited the cabin and Teki went to clean up in the washroom.

“Keep him busy for me for a little while longer. I still have a few things to do.” Zoro told Usopp as he crossed back to the Sanguine.

“Zoro, I’m really sorry.” The Marksman told him. Dark circles were under his eyes and he looked absolutely miserable. He had felt so guilty and responsible for her fate that he hadn’t slept at all that night.

Zoro knew he could talk and talk and nothing he said would make much of a difference right now. Usopp would have to understand in the long run, and learn to accept that sometimes things just happen. In the end, he settled for the most profound thing he could possibly say; the only thing that would sink in to the thick skull of the long nose pirate.

“Thank you.”

Zoro turned back to the Marine ship and went to talk to James to find out the status on the preparations. They had a small pyre built on one of the lifeboats to use for Saya’s burial. Being in the middle of the water had left them with few choices.

Marines and Pirates filled the decks as Zoro carried Saya out. Teki came running over to him as he laid her on the platform. The two of them stood there, hand in hand for several minutes before Teki began to cry. Zoro picked him up and held him close, letting him express his grief in the only way a child knows how. One by one, their nakama came up to pay their respects, with the exception of Sanji who was still recovering down below. Luffy was the last to approach and stood at Zoro’s side as the Marines took their turn saying goodbye. Jack came last and stood on the swordsman’s other side, making sure to keep his guard up, least he join the Lady in the land of the dead.

“Teki, it’s time.” Zoro sat him down and with Luffy’s help lowered the boat into the water below. A few of the marines had been waiting and helped take the vessel out to a safer distance. “Do you want to do this?” Zoro held Usopp’s slingshot out to Teki and a couple of small bullets.

“Will you help me?” Teki wiped his face and nose with the back of his arm as he took the weapon and ammo.

Zoro nodded yes and together they aimed for the rear of the pyre. It took three shots, but they managed to ignite the wood. Slowly the flames engulfed Saya’s body and all that could be seen was the red hot flames on the water. The only sounds breaking the silence were that of mourners crying for the loss of someone so kind and gentle. Nami had run to Luffy when Teki fired the second shot, and together they stood, watching as a woman they hadn’t even had the pleasure of meeting, floated further away. Crouching on the deck, with his arms wrapped around his son, Zoro looked up at the sound of a lighter being struck next to him and met the eyes of a troubled Cook. A single tear escaped from a blue eye before it was quickly wiped away. They both turned their attention back to the fire on the water and remained silent until the flames died out, the wood having burned to the water’s surface.