One Piece Fan Fiction ❯ Broken, Only to Heal Again ❯ Torture endured and plans made ( Chapter 5 )

Chapter 5

 

Zoro woke up slowly. He was hanging between two posts, feet barely touching the ground and chained at the wrists. He lifted his head to take in the surroundings. It was dark out still. Lights shone from somewhere behind him illuminating the figures ahead. Lined in front of him were Marine soldiers; ten to be exact. All looked to be in pristine condition for fighting. Their muscular frames were obvious through their snug fitting uniforms. It was clear that escape wouldn't come easily. The Marines trailed him with their eyes, but didn't make any move. They seemed to be waiting for something. Turning his head to the side he finished surveying the area. High walls surrounded the yard. There was a gate in the center of the wall in front of him, just behind the line of soldiers. He had a feeling that there was a large building behind him, but he didn't risk turning his head.

 

“Well, well. Now ain't dis a perty sight.” A slightly familiar voice sounded out. Others joined in with laughter. “I'd say this'd be my lucky day, huh boys? What d' ya think?”

 

“You bet!” “Damn lucky.” “Hell, yah!”

 

“N jest what d' ya think we shud do with dis gift `ere? M'be we shud give em our thanks.”

 

Zoro could make out four different footsteps approaching him on the right from behind his field of vision. Soon the stench of the men caught up with their voices. It took all his willpower to not bring back up the little that was left in his stomach. Something nagged at him in the back of his mind. He tried to identify it, but it was just out of his grasp. A heavy hand landed on his shoulder and he slowly turned his head to find its owner. Zoro felt he should know the man, but couldn't place from where. A busted upper and lower lip surrounded a grimace (what that man was doing was far from being considered a smile) missing many teeth. One eye was swollen shut, while the other was bloodshot and twitching. The man's clothing was ripped in many places. Dirt and blood seemed to be the only things holding it together. The three men behind him didn't seem to be in much better condition. One with a casted arm, another limping heavily, and the third had no shirt, just a tightly bandaged torso. All were sporting busted and bruised faces. Why did this seem important? Again, there was a tug at his memory.

 

“We told you not to mess with us, Pirate! Now, let us return the favor.” The man disappeared from Zoro's vision once more. The remaining three backed away slightly. The line of Marine soldiers seemed to lose a bit of their stiffness. They seemed almost… dare he think, amused?

 

The sound of leather sliding against cloth made his head snap up. His vision darkened as a heavy throb reminded him that he had been hit in the head earlier in the evening. *SNAP* Before Zoro could register the sound, pain erupted from his back. *SNAP* It felt like his flesh was being torn from him. His eyes widened in realization. He was being whipped. *SNAP* Laughter burst forth from the men surrounding him.

 

“We told you not to ignore the Sergeant, didn't we? Serves you right.” The man with the broken arm almost fell over in his fit of giggles. “Care to hand over your drink now?” The men were doubled over, slapping each other on the backs. Some even sat on the ground to prevent falling.

 

*SNAP* “The great Roronoa Zoro, r'duced to a mere whippin boy. I musta done sumptin right `n my past life fer dis.” Sergeant seemed to be encouraged by the laughter. He doubled his force behind each blow. *SNAP*

 

Zoro yanked at the chains on his arms. The way he was strung up gave him almost no slack. There was no leverage with his feet barely touching the ground. His legs wouldn't even reach the posts due to the length of chain between his wrists and them. It was as if they were trying to crucify him without the cross. *SNAP* He was weak from lack of food, too much alcohol, and probably blood loss. He knew the wound to the back of his head was bad. *SNAP* His vision began to fade again. Between the pain in his head, and the ripping of flesh on his back, Zoro feared that he wouldn't be able to hold on much longer. *SNAP* Sanji's face appeared before him in his mind. `Tch, shitty-swordsman.' Yah if only he were really there, he'd kick all these guys asses and get Zoro out down. Then Zoro could beat the living hell out of him for not getting caught with him. *SNAP* The darkness won.

 

Zoro came to face down on the ground. The first thing he noticed was the throbbing in his head, then the pain in his back. He reached up to feel the size of the bump and noticed his hands shackled behind him. The next thing he noticed was that he wasn't alone. He could hear shuffling coming from a few feet in front of him. Slowly he opened his eyes to evaluate his surroundings. `Oh, so that's who that was.' Luffy was sprawled out on the floor; drool soaked the shoulder of his vest where his mouth lay. Zoro shifted his eyes to look around more. Great. A cell. It actually reminded him of when they were caught by Crocodile. A cage like cell in the middle of a large room. The bars were probably made with that damned sea-stone as well. No one else seemed to be in the area. Zoro tried to sit up. He was sure that the damage to his back would heal, but for now it served to be a hindrance to his movements. After careful maneuvering, he managed to get to his knees. He crawled over to the bars and used the muscles of his jaw to help pull himself to a standing position. The few windows at the top of the walls provided minimal light. It must be just past dawn judging the color of the sky. A table was set up in one corner with several chairs surrounding it. If he strained his neck he could see the base of a stone staircase to the right. That seemed to be the only exit. He turned at the movement behind him. Luffy seemed to be waking up.

 

“Ugh. My head.” Whined the childish captain. “What happened last night? Zoro? When did you get back? We missed you! What did they do to you” Luffy jumped up and ran to his first mate.

 

“Oi, Luffy. Take it easy. I'll heal. There's more to worry about here than just a few cuts. We're not exactly fine here.” Zoro indicated over his shoulder to the cage bars. “It wouldn't surprise me to find out its sea-stone, too. Just what happened at the inn last night?”

 

Luffy looked lost for a moment. Then recognition filter though and he jumped up shaking his fists. “They hit Nami! You bastards!!! Show yourself! Come out here so I can kick you ass!” Luffy grabbed the bars of the cell and immediately fell to his knees. “Sea-stone.” He said wearily.

 

“Baka. I tried to warn you. They even took my swords.” Zoro frowned at this finding. “Looks like we'll be here a while.” Zoro leaned his head against the iron door and frowned.

 

“Oh I wouldn't say you'd be here too long.” A man with slicked back black hair and glasses descended the stairs. He wore a tailored black suit with a crisp white shirt underneath adorned with a thin black tie. The growing light from the windows only served to shadow the man's face as he walked up to stand before them. His head was slightly bowed forward, reflecting light off his glasses and making it harder to distinguish his face. It was at this time that Luffy noticed the man's shoes. Black and grey stripped.

 

“Kuro! You son of a bitch! Let us out.” Shouted the enraged straw hat captain.

“You! I should have known that you would show up again. What is it you want?” The hatred could be heard just dripping off Zoro's voice. “I'm sure you didn't ask us here for tea. State your business.”

 

“My, my. Aren't you the anxious one?” The heel of his hand was used to push his glasses back on his face as he raised his head and glared at Zoro. It was indeed the Captain of the Black Cat Pirates, also known as Klahador. Why was he here of all places, and with the Marines? “I'm merely a pawn in this game just as you are. My satisfaction comes from the fact that you will go down knowing it was I who captured you. Your fate lies in the hands of another. Now,” his gaze shifted to Luffy, “unfortunately for the captain, I'm afraid the stakes are a bit different. You will be handed over to the Marine Headquarters for execution. I of course will collect the bounty and the fame of being the one to take down the so called invincible Monkey D Luffy.”

 

“Wait! What do you mean my fate lies in the hands of someone else? Just who the hell are you working for? My bounty is higher than most out there and you're willing to just let that go? What the fuck is going on?” Zoro was livid now. He'd been captured, first off. Then the fact that that his head was busted open, he'd been whipped, and they took his swords. He was not in the mood to be messed with. He couldn't even reach out to grab the man with his hands behind him like they were. “Damnit! Answer me you piece of shit excuse of a pirate!”

 

“Pirate?” Scoffed Kuro. “I think not. I, my good man, am a Captain of the Marines. A ranking officer. You are nothing compared to me. As for your fate. Let's just say that you will receive a surprise visit from your past, ex-Pirate Hunter. Ku, ku, ku.” Kuro stepped up to the bars and peered at Luffy. “You're a lot quieter than I remember. Last time we met you continued to shout the entire time. Perhaps a cat got your tongue?” His voice laced with malicious humor.

 

Luffy raised his head to meet Kuro's eyes. “Where's hat?”

 

The ex-pirate, now Marine officer, actually looked puzzled. Then, as if a light had turned on, his expression turned gleeful. “Oh, yes. I remember. That silly straw hat that you are so widely known for. Hmmm. I'm actually not sure what happened to it. I'll be sure to burn it when it's found.”

 

Luffy lunged at the bars trying to reach through to grab the man's coat. He held out as long as possible before his knees gave way and he fell to the floor completely weakened. “You bastard! If you do I swear I'll make you regret every moment you breathe.” Even in his powerless state, somehow the straw hat captain made his voice carry the depth of his threat.

 

“And before you even ask, Roronoa, your swords are now mine. You will no longer need them where you are going.” He began to laugh a hauntingly wicked laugh as he made his way back to the stairs. “Make yourselves comfortable gentlemen. I'll even have supplies brought to tend to your injuries. Everything will be clear soon enough. I expect you to meet your fate by sundown tomorrow. Even your long-nosed friend will find his end.” The sound of a door closing barely muffled the laughter of the wicked man.

 

“We have to get out of here. Let's just hope that none of the others get captured as well.” Zoro sat down and started to think. He hated to think. It gave him horrible headaches. “Fucking ero-cook. What the hell was he thinking rushing out like that? That damn asshole better not damage my swords.” The grumbling continued as Zoro became lost in thought.

 

Luffy stood at the front of the cell, staring into nothingness. The thought of Kuro burning his hat had him so mad he couldn't see straight. He turned to Zoro with a serious expression gracing his features. “We'll just have to wait for the others to get here.”

 

The door at the top of the stairs opened again. A young boy in a marine uniform appeared with a basin of water and other supplies they supposed were for Zoro's injuries. A small panel in the bottom of the cell door was opened and the items were pushed in. The boy quickly shut closed the opening and ran out of the room.

 

“We need to get you taken care of Zoro. I'm not as good as Chopper, but I promise we'll get back to him soon so you can get treated properly.” Luffy helped Zoro over to the bench lined on the back wall.

 

When Zoro was laid on his stomach, Luffy began to peal away the torn shirt from the wounds. It was a good thing that Zoro's pain tolerance was high. Bits of dried flesh and blood came with the tattered material. The cuts were not clean like a blade would make. They were jagged and swollen. Fortunately, they were not too deep. Luffy took a clean rag and soaked it in the water. He began to clean the wounds to the best of his ability. His hands shook with rage as he took in what they had done to his nakama. Zoro was like a big brother to him. He cheered Luffy up when he was bummed, helped distract Sanji so he could get a snack, and he backed him up in a fight. He always looked out for him, even if it was Zoro that got him in trouble in the first place. The idea that someone out there wanted Zoro to be in this much pain made Luffy see red. Unfortunately, the true red he was seeing was Zoro's wounds at the moment. Luffy applied the salve to the battered flesh and helped Zoro sit up. The remaining cloth was used to wrap around Zoro's torso to keep the dirt out of the open wounds. A few minutes later and Zoro's head was cleaned and bandaged as well. It was the best that could be done until they could get to Chopper.

 

Zoro turned and looked at the distressed face of his captain. “Oi, Luffy. Don't worry about it. I've had much worse. If it hadn't been for the blow to the head, I wouldn't be like this now. And if I hadn't been drinking so much, I wouldn't have gotten hit in the head. Damn, I fucked up. All because my stupid mind is playing tricks on me. I let you guys down. It's my fault we're in here.” Shame was a feeling that was unfamiliar to Zoro, but he knew it when he felt it. Because of his actions, he put the entire crew at risk. He dropped to his knees in front of his Captain and bowed his head to the floor. “Gomen nasai.” He sighed. “Sumimasen.” He had failed one of the few people left in this world that mattered to him.

 

There was a loud snap of wood, a slight pain in his wrists, and his arms were free. Zoro looked up to see Luffy over him.

 

“We make mistakes. All of us do. I wouldn't have you as first mate if I didn't trust and believe in you.” Luffy held his hand out. “Doo itashimashite.”

 

Zoro nodded and took the offered hand. He made a silent vow to never drink like that again. “Let's just hope that the others know where we are and show up soon. We need to warn Usopp that Kuro's here. He mentioned that Usopp would be meeting his end too.”

 

“Yah and Sanji needs to cook me breakfast. I'm starved.” As if on cue, his stomach protested loudly.

 

Zoro sighed. “Soon, Luffy. He just needs to get some sleep so he can kick us out of here. I suggest we do the same.” Zoro sat down on the bench and leaned his shoulder against the wall. He closed his eyes and was soon snoring lightly. Luffy tucked his arms across his chest and pouted. The sun was now shining directly through one of the windows and into their cell. He was hungry and bored. Not a good mix in any circumstance, but stick him in a tiny space and that just spells disaster.

 

 

 

It was early morning and the sun had risen just enough to shine directly in the eyes of the beloved cook of the Going Merry. Sanji squeezed his eyes shut and pulled the covers up over his head to block out the intrusion. He groaned, remembering the events of the night before. `Zoro. Luffy. You guys had better be ok.'

 

He gently lifted his hand to his face to check the damage. Chopper was a great doctor. But then Luffy always had to have the best of everything. Sanji knew that there would be some bruising and tenderness still, but he would heal much faster than the average man.

 

Sanji sat up and swung his legs off the edge of the bed. He fished in his jacket pocket for his favorite bad habit. Placing the slender object between his lips he struck a match. He took a long drag and held it in for a moment before exhaling slowly. Sanji placed it back between his lips and stood up. He needed to get ready and meet the others. They were going looking for the guys today. He needed to get going.

 

The remaining crew of the Going Merry met him in the girl's room. Robin was there reading the morning paper and drinking her coffee. Nami sat on the bed with a distant look on her face. Luffy's hat was clutched in her grasp. She seemed to be taking things very hard. Usopp and chopper were talking quietly between themselves. Usopp appeared to be showing him something hidden in his bag.

 

“Good morning, cook-san.” Robin greeted Sanji with a smile as she opened the door. “Your injuries look much better this morning. I trust you slept well?”

 

“As well as to be expected, Robin-chwan, and you?” He did his best to put as much happiness as he could in to his voice, but even a stranger could tell it was strained. Robin only smiled and nodded to him. Sanji looked to Nami's stricken face and began to worry. “How is she doing? Is there something else going on that we don't know about?”

 

“It is for her to tell. Nothing serious, just bad timing I suppose.” Sadness hinted at the edge of Robin's voice. She shook her head and motioned Sanji into the room. “Please have a seat. We should be discussing the best way to go about finding Captain-san and Bushido-san.” At the mention of their captain, Nami got up from the bed and joined the crew at the table. Chopper and Usopp also put away their private discussion and drew up their chairs.

 

Nami drew in a deep breath. “There are Marines stationed here. That much we know for sure. What we do not know is why they took Luffy and Zoro, but not the rest of us. I think it would be best if we split into groups to find more information.” Everyone nodded in agreement. “We need to find out the extent of the Marine forces on this island, and where the boys are being held. I have a feeling if we find out more about the Marines, we might have a better knowledge of why they were taken. Something fishy is going on here. We should also try to find out who it was that had an eye on Zoro. He mentioned it not long after we left the docks, so I think we should start there. Usopp, Robin and I will see what we can find out about the Marines here. Chopper, you and Sanji should head down toward the Merry. See if you can find out where Zoro went after he left us yesterday.” The more she handed out instructions, the calmer she seemed to get.

 

“Hai, Nami-swan. We'll start with where he left us and work our way back to Burning Street where I found him last night.” Sanji got up to leave, motioning to Chopper to follow him.

 

“Hai! Don't worry, Nami. I'm sure they'll be just fine. This is Luffy we're talking about here. Just wait `till he gets hungry. Nothing will hold him back then.” Chopper threw his hand up in the air, showing his confidence. “And with Zoro at his side, I don't think any cell in the Grand Line could keep them very long.” A large smile crept up on his face.

 

Nami relaxed visibly. Her shoulders slumped forward, but a small smile appeared on her face easing the frown lines. “You're right, Chopper. We just have to believe in them, like they do us. They know we will come for them and they will hang on until then. It's what they would do, right?”

 

“Right.” They all chorused.

 

Nami walked to the window to gaze at the sun, rising in the sky. `Be safe, my love. I promise I'll tell you the moment I see you. I won't let you be taken away again. I'll grow stronger, so I can help protect you like you do us.'

 

 

Chopper and Sanji had been wandering the market area for about half an hour when an old man approached them. Most of his hair had been lost with age. His skin withered and spotted with the many years apparent that he had seen. The clothing adorning the elder spoke of his high place in the village. It was apparent that he was well respected by the way people bowed slightly to him with warm smiles. “Good morning, good morning.” He said quickly but politely. The poor man almost tripped over his robes in his hurry to greet the pirates. “Pl-pl-…” the man gasped trying to catch his breath.

 

“Slow down, ojiisan. You'll hurt yourself.” Sanji placed a hand on the old man's shoulder. “What seems to be the rush?”

 

The old man took a moment to catch his breath before looking up to the cook. “Please, you have to help me.” He had tears in his eyes and it was obvious that they were barely being held back. “They're all in great danger. You must follow me.” With this said, he turned and walked away quickly. He paused only a moment to look back and motion the two to hurry along.

 

“Well, what do you think? Should we go?”

 

“Do we have any other choice?” Chopper asked. “Maybe he knows something about what's going on.”

 

They followed the hunched figure thru the crowd, and soon found themselves in a residential area. The homes were simple, but well maintained. Wooden shutters hung neatly by the windows, letting in the morning light and a small breeze. The smells of breakfast floated from many of the said windows, reminding Sanji of the provisions he still needed to purchase. `If it hadn't been for that baka-Marimo, I would have been doing that now instead of looking for his ass.'

 

They stopped in front of a blue house with a beautiful cherry wood door. A rainbow of flowers graced each side of the walkway leading to it. The door was pushed open to reveal a stylish sitting room. The furniture was elegant, and sophisticated. A plush burgundy colored couch was placed in front of the large fireplace. Two chocolate brown chairs sat to the right separated by small table. A beautifully sculpted coffee table was the centerpiece of it all. Made of the same cherry wood as the front door, the surface was polished so that one could see its reflection perfectly. Intricate carvings of tigers adorned the legs. To the side, against the wall, a curio cabinet was filled with photos and trinkets from unknown lands. A young girl in a maids outfit came into the room carrying a tray with tea and biscuits.

 

“Thank-you Mia. That will be all. Please, have a seat, young man. Your pet is welcome as well.”

 

“I'm not a pet!!” Shouted Chopper. Highly offended that, once again, he was thought to be only an object, he turned up his nose and crossed his arms in a huff.

 

“Chopper here is our ship's doctor, ojiisan. He's a reindeer, but he's also our nakama. Now you said something about everyone being in trouble?” Sanji patted the pouting young companion on the top of his hat and made his way to the offered seat.

 

“Oh, my, a doctor you say. How very rude of me. I do apologize. My name is Takuya. I am an advisor to the Marines stationed here.” At this Chopper screams and puts his hands over his face.

 

Sanji jumps up and grabs Takuya by the front of his robes. “Look old man, what kind of game are you playing here? You seem to know who we are, but yet you bring us to your home and tell us you work for the very people we despise the most. What is it that you think you're doing?” Sanji was pissed. Here he was searching for his nakama and this old fart decides to invite them in for tea? He'd had it. He tossed the man back into the couch. “That's it, we're leaving. Chopper let's go.”

 

“Please!!” Shouted Takuya. “You're the only ones who can fix this. I need your help. I'll pay you anything I can, just hear me out.” At this the man finally started to cry. He fell to the floor pleading and sobbing. “You have to save them. You have to!”

 

`Ok, this is weird. Now what.' Sanji looked to the man on the floor and back to Chopper. The little reindeer only shrugged his shoulders in response. Sanji stood over the man and leered down. “You have five minutes. If this is a trap, you'd better start praying to whatever gods you believe in while you're down there that they save you before I get my hands on you.”

 

Hope shone in the old man's eyes as he sniffled and nodded vigorously. He stood up and brushed himself off before sitting down on the couch. “Tea?” he asked nervously. When the pirates shook their heads `no' he poured only a cup for himself. “Please sit. I will tell you what I know about your captured friends.”

 

He took a deep breath as if to settle himself as they settled into the chairs offered. Sanji pulled a cigarette from his jacket and struck a match on the heel of his shoe. He took a long drag and squared his eyes on the old man before him. Takuya seemed to shrink under the stare. He cleared his throat and began.

 

“They are being held at the moment in the interrogation room. It's located in the bottom of the central tower. The only access to it is from the Captain's office on the second floor. The room itself is almost completely underground. There are a few windows just above ground level, but they are very small. There would be no way to enter through there. Escape will be impossible without inside help. I will make some inquiries and talk to the few people that I can still trust. All of this needs to be done soon. Your Captain is due for execution tomorrow at sundown. As for Roronoa, I have not found out what will happen to him. It can not be good. I do know that he is injured. To what extent I do not know. There were rumors that Sergeant Tajimaru and his men were let to deal out his punishment. If that is true, then we have a whole new set of problems. Those men are known for their cruelty. Apparently Roronoa attacked them earlier in the day yesterday. Tajimaru and his men had just gotten back from a mission that went poorly.”

 

“Let me guess, somewhere over on Burning Street, right?” Sanji asked. Takuya nodded. “Yah, I was there. Bastards got what they deserved if you ask me.”

 

“Um, why are you telling us all this? What do you get from helping us?” Chopper asked. “You are one of them. You can't expect us to just trust you without a reason. Too many weird things have happened for us to just take your word on it.”

 

“Oh my, of course.” Takuya seemed to shake himself out of thought. “Come. I want you to meet my grandson. I think things will be much clearer then.” Takuya sat his tea back on the tray and rose from the couch. “This way. He's studying in his room.” They were led down a hallway to a closed door. Looks of curiosity were exchanged between the visitors. Takuya knocked softly. “Teki-chan, there's some people here I want you to meet.” He called out sweetly. He turned the knob on the door only to find it locked. “That's odd. He never locks the door. Teki? What are you doing in there? I know you're dressed, now open the door. Muteki?” Takuya began to bang on the door. “Young man, open the door this instant! I will not stand for this!” He turned to Sanji, “I apologize, he usually isn't this stubborn. I don't know what's gotten into him.”

 

“Stand back.” Sanji lifted his foot off the floor and gave a sharp kick to the door next to the latch. The wood splintered and the door swung open to reveal a small bedroom. There was no one in the room and the window stood open wide. “So where is he?”