015

— some like it violent —

SHE WAS GLAD TO BE OFF THE BOAT AS THE EARLY MORNING WAVES ROCKED THE BOAT, BUT SHE WOULD MISS HER EXTRA SLEEP. Oaklyn woke without a hangover or any nausea, probably something the golden scarab did for her. She had lost Usopp sometime in the night, and when she went to find Nami in the morning she was gone, with most of her things. Oaklyn found her way off the boat, shielding herself from the chilled sea air with her purple coat and black pants.

She wandered the docks, her eyes searching the smaller boats tied to the wooden pier, but she couldn't see Nami's bright hair anywhere. Oaklyn let out a sigh of disappointment and walked to the edge of the dock, looking out over the water.

The sea was foreign to Oaklyn in a different way than islands were and ships. Islands were steady, unmoving, nothing could really destroy an island—at least, nothing she could imagine could that truly destroy one. They were there, in memories and minds, and as fragile as they were, just like ships. Boats were destroyed left and right every day in pirate and Marine attacks, but they were always remembered and mourned.

The sea was not like that.

It was wild, untamed, changing constantly and incredibly dangerous. The ocean was also beautiful, holding secrets and life that would probably never be discovered or known. It was a daunting thought; it made her shiver. But she couldn't help the curiosity growing in her chest.

Oaklyn took a breath and stepped away from the dock, intending to continue her search for Nami. But she froze when she realised Nami was standing there, just at the end of the dock. She had a bag in her hand and a satchel thrown over her shoulder, panic quickly spreading across her face as she stared at Oaklyn.

The man from the bar, who Oaklyn could just recognise through her drunken memories, was preparing a small boat, ensuring there was enough room for Nami amongst the cargo and two other men.

Oaklyn stared at Nami, swallowing hard as she lost all her words. She was really going to go through with it.

◈

Visenya couldn't even bring herself to look at Zoro as he prepared before the battle, not that he would likely speak to her. If he would speak at all. She couldn't tell if it was the preparation or the nerves keeping him so quiet, but Visenya could feel her own nerves swell and grow as each second passed. She had just come to call these people her own, her friends, her home— and now Zoro would throw it all away for a duel.

Visenya followed Luffy and Zoro as they walked across the docks and back to the entrance of Baratie where Mihawk stood, waiting.

Visenya could feel her heart beating faster, her nerves growing into full panic. She had her sword in the pocket of her long coat, gripping it tight with her hands. She could feel the metal pieces digging into her skin, but it was the only thing keeping her focussed. Mihawk would recognise her hood, and definitely her sword so she would try her hardest to keep it hidden.

But if push came to shove, she would shove back.

Mihawk's eyes narrowed at Luffy, studying him closely. "Monkey D. Luffy," He called out in his cold, smooth voice. "I'm surprised the Marines would require my services for such a small package." Luffy didn't even budge in his spot, smiling at the War Lord. He tilted his head, his eyes zeroing on his hat, "Though I do like your hat."

"Enough," Zoro shouted, his voice loud and stern. "Let's begin."

"Zoro," Visenya said quickly. He glanced over his shoulder and Visenya softly nodded, "Win."

Zoro turned back to Mihawk, staring him down with his piercing eyes. Mihawk reached up and Visenya felt like time slowed as he reached for his blade. But instead of Yoru, he took the cross necklace from around his neck, opening the cross to reveal a tiny blade. It wasn't even bigger than Visenya's hand, but she knew he could still kill with just that.

"What is that? I'm here for a sword fight," Zoro didn't let his confusion show, but Visenya could sense it.

"I don't hunt rabbits with a cannon," Mihawk said swiftly.

Zoro's jaw clenched and his anger spiked. He gripped his swords, unsheathing them quickly and holding them at his sides. "I'm no rabbit," he warned.

Mihawk swept his leg back, his other arm poised behind his back as he pointed the cross knife at Zoro. "That remains to be seen," he said, his voice filled with. . . amusement?

Visenya could feel her panic burning in her bones, but she wouldn't dare show it on her face. She needed Zoro to win, if that meant hiding her fear and standing by Luffy pretending Zoro wasn't facing the most dangerous swordsman on the entire sea, she would do it.

Visenya held her breath as Zoro sped off, his feet pounding the wooden dock as he raced at Mihawk. Zoro went to strike him, but Mihawk didn't even flinch as he blocked the strike with the tiny sword. His gold hawk eyes narrowed at Zoro, and he pushed him back with ease. Zoro used the blades to catch himself and not a second later he was slicing at Mihawk again, but he dodged each and every strike as if it were nothing.

"Got you on the run, huh?" Zoro taunted but he was becoming more and more breathless by the second.

Mihawk stopped his attacks in a second, "Hardly." His voice was almost bored, but he still flung Zoro away as if he weighed nothing. Zoro crashed into the dock, groaning as the pain raced through him. Visenya winced, breathing hard through her nose. It was not looking good, and it didn't make her feel any better when Luffy's smile vanished.

Usopp looked up at them, his eyes wide in fear.

"You're strong," Mihawk admitted as he watched Zoro use the swords to push himself up. "But fighting isn't all about strength."

"Stop talking and fight," Zoro ordered, running at him again.

Every slash and strike Zoro sent at Mihawk was pushed away with ease. Mihawk barely even moved, and when he did his steps were small. Zoro slashed hard and fast, using all of his strength and anger, but not a single hit landed.

"You're like a little frog croaking in a well," Mihawk taunted him, grabbing his arm. "Croak. Croak. Croak." Mihawk tossed him aside as if he were nothing.

Zoro crashed into the wall, shock and pain making him freeze in place for a moment. Visenya could see him wearing down, taking deeper and deeper breaths to try and catch his breath, but he was filled with anger and determination. With a rush of anger flooding him, Zoro raced out and jumped high, ready to slash the War Lord down.

Mihawk pierced his shoulder with the cross blade.

Visenya barely saw it coming, and she choked on the air she breathed when she saw the blood staining his shirt red. Luffy gasped and took a small step back in shock.

Mihawk's eyes narrowed at Zoro, watching the anger still burn in his eyes, even while he was still impaled on the sword. "Why don't you retreat?"

"I can't—" Zoro wheezed, his voice low and filled with pain. "—or my dream will be lost forever."

"You're brave. I'll give you that," Mihawk mused, and he pulled the small blade from his shoulder. Zoro stumbled back and fell to his knees, trying to catch himself with his swords but his body was on the verge of exhaustion. "So I'll do you the honour of killing you with Yoru."

Visenya's eyes widened, and she wanted with fear as Mihawk reached back and unsheathed the deadly Black Blade. The blade was nearly as tall as Mihawk himself and the sharp golden edge reflected the sun as he aimed it at Zoro.

Zoro spun his sword to hold both in his left hand. "That's more like it," he said with a nod. Zoro unsheathed the third sword and set it between his teeth, biting hard on the handle. He took the other sword from his hand and rose to his feet, handles crossed, and blades pointed at Mihawk. Win, Visenya thought.

Zoro began to spin his swords, and soon they were spinning so fast they were a blur.

"Come on," Luffy whispered.

Zoro and Mihawk ran at others, swords raised high as they jumped and swung, their swords clashed in the air. The sound of metal hitting metal hit their ears, ad it was so loud in made Visenya stumble back. Mihawk landed in a crouch and Zoro on his knees, his swords held out in front of him— but then they shattered.

Luffy stared with wide eyes.

Zoro's exhausted arms hung at his sides and his final sword fell from his mouth to the floor amongst the shards of metal. But Zoro still persisted, taking the white handled sword and using it to push himself to his feet.

Zoro let out a pained groan and Mihawk turned to him.

"You're defeated," he called, slinging Yoru over his shoulder. "Why do you persist?"

Zoro took the white sheath from her belt and slid the sword in as he spoke, "Wounds on the back are a swordsman's greatest shame." Zoro held his arms wide, ready to receive the final blow, one worthy of a swordsman.

His hawk eyes narrowed at Zoro, his head tilting as he wanted Zoro. "Magnificent," Mihawk mused.

Visenya swallowed hard, trying to push her panic down when someone grabbed her hand. She looked up at Luffy, her stomach turning in knots as she saw the terror in his eyes. Visenya gripped his hand tighter and stepped closer.

And then Mihawk slashed Zoro across his chest.

Blood splattered across the deck, the dark liquid already staining his shirt such a dark red it was almost black. Zoro fell back, his body hitting the deck with a heavy thud. Luffy squeezed Visenya's hand too tight, but it distracted her from the feeling of her heart falling into her stomach. Zoro softly gasped for air, trying to keep his eyes open.

"Zoro!" Luffy screeched Zoro's name, dropping her hand and rushed over to Zoro as quickly as he could.

Oaklyn rushed past Visenya over to Zoro, racing to take the scarab from her neck and place it on the slash. Visenya didn't notice when Oaklyn, or Nami, had joined them but it was long enough that tears had stained Oaklyn's face. 

Mihawk took a step closer, but Visenya stepped out, taking her sword from her pocket and pointing the red laser at the War Lord. They had finished their duel and now Mihawk would make good on his threats to Luffy— she would not let that happen.

Mihawk stared at her sword and studied her closer, tilting his head one way, and then the other. "I know you," he said, his voice laced with shock and confusion. "I'm surprised. I thought he would have killed you."

"You have overstayed your welcome," Visenya warned.

He kept his hawk eyes on Visenya for another moment before they shifted to her captain. "Monkey D. Luffy, what's your goal?"

"I'm going to become the King of the Pirates," Luffy's voice was strained with anger and sadness as he answered.

Mihawk tilted his head, "King of the Pirates, hey? That's a much more treacherous path than even defeating me."

"I don't care," Luffy snapped, turning to look over his shoulder and glare at him. "It's what I'm going to do."

"Hmm. . . Maybe you will at that," Mihawk hummed, and his eyes moved back to Visenya, "This world could use a few more wild cards."

Luffy turned back to Zoro, squeezing his shoulders as he watched the scarab try and piece the skin back together. "Roronoa Zoro, it's too soon for you to die," Mihawk announced. "Grow strong and come find me. . . I'll be waiting." Mihawk slowly turned his head before walking away, leaving the crew in their shock.

Visenya hid her sword again as Usopp and Nami rushed over to Zoro's half-conscious body. "He's losing so much blood," Usopp said cautiously, watching Zoro float in and out of consciousness. "Will the scarab help?"

Oaklyn shrugged softly, "Not permanently."

Visenya stepped over to Zoro, her stomach twisting in terrible knots as she saw just how bad it was. Even though the blood and the torn fabric of his shirt hid most of the damage, she could still see the deep gash running across his skin. The thought made her head spin, the wound was hidden by his own blood. She was sure she would vomit but she couldn't look away, they couldn't lose Zoro.

"He's gonna be okay," Luffy insisted, but his voice was oddly monotone, the colour in his voice slowly draining. "Hey, Zoro, can you hear me?" Zoro let out a soft groan and Luffy tried to pull himself together, trying to smile. "He said it's too soon for you to die."

"Luffy—" Zoro croaked. "If I fail to become. . . the world's greatest swordsman," Zoro let his words trail off as he tried to look up at Luffy. "You'll be disappointed. Right?"

Luffy shook his head, disbelief flashing across his face for a moment. "You could never fail me," Luffy promised, smiling harder at Zoro.

"Never. . . again," Zoro gasped. "From now. . . until I beat him." Zoro moved through the pain to unsheathe his final sword and raise it high above, gritting his teeth as he shouted his promise to Luffy to anyone who could hear. "To become the greatest swordsman. . . I will never lose again!"

Luffy stared at Zoro's raised arm, as he listened to Zoro make his promise. But then Zoro's arm dropped to the side, eyes closing as he quickly fell unconscious.

"Zoro?" Luffy called, his hands gripping Zoro's shoulder tighter. "Zoro?!" Visenya stared with wide eyes as she watched Zoro lay there. "Zoro!"

◈

Visenya could feel the mix of adrenaline and panic surging through her body as they tried their hardest to manoeuvre Zoro without damage. Oaklyn threw the doors to the kitchen open and quickly cleared everything from the countertop. Nami shouted, scolding Usopp as his grip slipped for a moment and nearly let him fall.

"I didn't. He's really heavy," Usopp said in defence. On a small count of the three they heaved him onto the kitchen island. "I mean, he's got a really big head. It's, like, freakishly big."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Nami scoffed, as he raced off to grab something.

Luffy leaned over Zoro, shaking him ever so slightly. "Zoro? Hey, can you hear me?"

"Where's the first aid kit?" Usopp asked, already searching the cabinets.

"Do we have a first aid kit?" Nami questioned.

Visenya took her jacket off, tossing her sword on top as she grabbed her gloves and pulled them on. She carefully took the scarab from his skin and passed it back to Oaklyn. "It's done all it can for now," Visenya said softly, as she turned her attention back to Zoro, carefully peeling away the fabric of his shirt, cutting off the other pieces that got in the way.

She could feel her heart rising into her throat, but she forced herself to focus and save her friend. "Usopp get me a towel," Visenya ordered and Usopp nodded, rushing off. "Does someone have a needle and thread?" Visenya looked up at Nami and she nodded, rushing down the hall. "Do you have—?" Visenya turned to Oaklyn, but she was already holding some sort of disinfectant. "Thank you."

Usopp handed a towel to Visenya, and she folded it tight and laid it across Zoro's chest. "Luffy come here," Visenya said but Luffy didn't answer her. Visenya reached for him, but he stood still, completely frozen in shock, eyes staring at Zoro's unconscious face.

Visenya bit the tip of her glove with her finger and pulled it off, tossing it aside. "Luffy," She called again, reaching out and grabbing his wrist. He looked up at her, his cloudy eyes clearing for a moment. "I need you to put your hands here." Luffy followed her direction, pressing his hands to one side of the towel. Usopp quickly did the same, pressing his hands to the other end of the towel and applying pressure to the gash.

Zoro stirred in pain, a groan rising from his throat. Luffy winced and looked up at Visenya. "It's hurting him," he whispered.

"Good," Visenya mumbled, taking the needle and thread from Nami. "It means he is alive."

Visenya set the thread on the counter and Nami furrowed her eyebrows. "You're not gonna stitch it now?"

"I cannot leave it exposed, and you cannot lay fabric on top," Visenya said matter of factly. "I need bandages, but we have none."

Nami looked down at Zoro and her jaw clenched as she fought whatever emotions she had. "Can you use something else?" she asked, her voice shaking again.

"I need a second skin. . . I need a fish," Visenya mumbled. Nami furrowed her eyebrow again and Visenya quickly shook her head. "I will explain, just stay here and keep pressure on that."

Visenya quickly rushed from the boat, trying her hardest not to collide with staff and pirates as she raced to Baratie. She quickly found her way to the side entrance of the kitchen and threw the doors open. Zeff and Sanji who stood inside jumped with surprise, but Visenya barely spared them a glance as he raced for the fridges.

Sanji called her name and Zeff shouted curses at her, but she couldn't hear them, not really. She was so entirely focussed that the world and the sounds around her had mumbled, like she had been submerged underwater. She was in shock, and denial, but she had to push through it all. She could deal with her mess of emotions later.

She closed the fridge door with a huff, finding it empty of what she needed. When she turned Zeff was making his way toward her, trying to grab her but she dodged around him and rushed for the other fridge. However, Sanji managed to grab her.

"Visenya." Sanji turned Visenya to face him and when she met his eyes, she let out a breath that sounded more like a sob. Sanji's eyebrows turned and he gently squeezed her arms, "What's wrong?"

"Zoro, he's dying," Visenya confessed. Zeff stepped closer, concern washing over him and Visenya stammered slightly as she looked up at Sanji. "He— he fought a War Lord, and he lost," Visenya said through a shaky breath, her chest heaving as she began to panic. "He has a wound on his chest. I can stitch it, but I need—"

"Bring me my kitchen knives and a bottle of our best whisky," Zeff ordered, stepping past Sanji. Sanji's face turned from concern to confusion as he watched Zeff toss his apron aside. "And a fresh yellowtail from the cooler. Bigger the better."

"A yellowtail?" Sanji repeated, his voice pitching higher a moment.

"It's for the skin," Visenya mumbled, "where's the cooler?"

Visenya led Zeff and Sanji to the Going Merry, holding the kitchen doors open. "I— I thought you were getting a fish!" Nami hissed, watching the two follow Visenya in.

"Do you wanna save your swordsman friend or not?" Zeff argued, stopping at Zoro's side. Nami, Luffy and Usopp carefully stepped back, Oaklyn moving to hang off of Usopp's arm nervously. Zeff carefully pulled back the towels and Visenya tossed them away.

Sanji set a basket on the end of the counter and Zeff immediately took the bottle whisky out and popped it open. "Is that to sterilise the wounds?" Usopp asked nervously.

"Hell, no. That'd be a waste of really good liquor," Zeff scoffed. He quickly took a few mouthfuls before setting it down. "You know how to clean it?" Zeff asked as Sanji took out the knife set and put yellowtail on the chopping board.

Visenya nodded quickly and took the disinfectant Oaklyn had given her and a cleaning cloth Sanji handed her. She quickly started to clean away the blood, Nami standing on her tippy toes to see but she didn't wanna stand to close and distract her.

"So, where'd you learn it?" Zeff asked, sliding the whisky toward Visenya. Luffy and Usopp shared a look of confusion, and the chef shook his head. "Fish skin. It's an old seaman's trick."

"It grafts to the skin," Visenya explained, setting aside the dirty rags and she took the needle and thread "It helps the skin heal faster, and leaves behind a second skin to protect the new flesh." Zeff made a sound of approval and handed the whisky to her. "An old friend."

After a shot of whisky Visenya started to stitch Zoro's skin back together, careful of how tight she made the stitches. Usopp had to step back and look away, his stomach still queasy after the hangover. Visenya didn't entirely blame him, she threw up when she was first learning to stitch a wound.

Zeff sliced away at the fish, cutting the skin as thin as fish could possibly be cut and laid it out on a chopping board. He waited until Visenya tied off the thread to lay the fish skin down. Sanji handed him the delicate pieces of fish skin and the others watched him lay it across his skin. And once he had done that they wrapped the skin with bandages.

"Is he gonna be okay?" Oaklyn asked, looking up at Zeff.

Zeff took a small breath and shrugged. "Look, I'm not gonna lie to you. He's lost a lot of blood," his confession made Nami turn away. "It might be too late for him."

"But it might not be," Luffy mumbled, still looking at Zoro's closed eyes.

"He's got one foot in each world right now, caught between life and death," Zeff explained, his eyes moving over the crew. "You have to find a way to keep him tethered to our world. Talk to him. Tell him stories. Sing him sea shanties for all I care. He may not reply, but at least he'll know his crew are still with him."

— lethal lust —