Note: Hello my lovelies! It has been a hot minute. And I sincerely apologize for that. I'd like to say I had an excuse, but honestly, the best I have is that I was busy with work and uninspired from exhaustion. Though, I did manage to summon the energy and inspiration to finally finish this story. I have some mixed feelings about it. Not sure if it came out the way I wanted, but it ended where and how i planned, so I suppose that counts for something! Without further ado, I hope you enjoy the final part of Where Angels Don't Tread. Here's to you guys for sticking with me. And hopefully I'll be seeing you with some more fics soon!

"Innsidh na geòidh as t-fhoghar e" ~ a Scottish Gaelic proverb

Translation: [Literal: The geese will tell it in autumn] All will be revealed in due course.

"What are you doing?"

"Why does every conversation we have start with you asking me that?"

"Because your thought pattern never ceases to be a mystery to me. And, before I forget to ask, what the hell did you do to your hair?"

Zoro takes a swig of sake and glares at his father. Behind him, he can hear Hawkins and Apu shouting and searching for him. Not that he cares. Thus far, the two small fries have proved to be nothing more than an annoyance. A few well placed slashes and the two are out of his way. Then hop right back up to try again.

If he cared more, he might as the two supernovas why they were working under Kaido when they'd once been captains of their own crews. But, right now, the only thing Zoro can bring himself to care about is the giant green dog sitting across from him. He pointedly ignores the hair question. Zoro is fully aware of how ridiculous he looks. But Kine'mon asked them to blend in. Even with half the island looking for Zoro - Kaido among them apparently - he should at least make an effort to blend in a bit.

"I'm taking a break before I move on."

"You could just-"

Could just kill them.

"No. I couldn't."

Luffy doesn't like killing. Luffy wants people to live with their mistakes. A philosophy Zoro doesn't quite understand. Leaving them alive gives them a chance to come back, stronger, and strike again. But, Zoro will respect it.

His father lets out an exasperated sigh and lays on the ground, settling his head on his paws. "Your captain is a strange one."

Zoro hums and takes another swig. The two supernovas have vanished. Off on the wrong trail. The two must be awful at haki because Zoro does nothing to hide his strength. If he's being honest with himself, Zoro is bored. He hasn't had any real fun in weeks. The magistrate's death caused a lot of raised eyebrows and Law was a bit out of reach, so Zoro just headed out of the cities. As long as he has sake, he'll be alright.

The loneliness, in no way, gets to him. And he most certainly does not miss sleeping next to a warm body every night. Nor does he miss Usopp's ridiculous stories and Franky's shouts.

"Oi!" A shout breaks the quiet around him. Voice full of excitement and energy. It stops Zoro's heart. Fills him with warmth and he spins as a very rubbery body shoots towards him. "Zooorrrrro!"

"Luffy!"

A smile breaks across Zoro's lips. He vaguely hears his father sigh in disbelief, but he doesn't think on it. Just turns to catch Luffy, pull his captain close. Breathe in the scent of open seas, rubber and sun.

"So, you finally made it."

"Shishishishi!" Luffy's laugh sends a shiver of relief down Zoro's spine. "It's been a long time!"

The captain wriggles lose and Zoro releases him without complaint. Even if he desperately wants to pull Luffy close and never let him go again. They have things to do.

Luffy threw the scabbard of a Kitetsu blade. He threw the scabbard of a Kitetsu blade. And then punched one of Hawkin's men in the face, while holding the sword. Zoro really, really wants to punch his captain in the face. Another Kitetsu blade. Zoro can feel it's thirst for blood. Demanding a competent welder to wreak havoc. Zoro would love to be that welder.

And hopefully keep the sword from murdering his captain.

Hawkins proves to be more of a pain in the ass than Zoro anticipated. The supernova's Devil Fruit is like nothing Zoro's ever seen. Between Luffy's being distracted by some shitty little girl and Hawkins unforseen ability to shoot nails into Zoro's flesh, Wano is turning into a bit of a shitshow if Zoro's being honest with himself. But, they get out of there without too much trouble. Less trouble than Zoro started off with, at least. And less of a scene, too. Which, Zoro thinks should count for something.

With the help of a very large woman, they get the little girl to safety. Her Devil Fruit - well, it isn't really a Devil Fruit, Zoro supposes. A Smiley Fruit, may be more accurate. Her Smiley Fruit power, is unsettling. Briefly, Zoro wonders if she may have the power to control even the Guides. Though, it isn't a theory he wants to try out.

It doesn't take much time to find the others. Zoro ducks back to find Law and his crew while Luffy tears through Wano in search of Robin, Franky, and Usopp. They meet on Sunny a few hours later.

Merry and Sunny greet Zoro with giggles. Chase each other around his legs and trip him up as he tries to pass them into the kitchen. Law steadies him with a smirk. Doesn't question it when he glares down at the two spirits.

"Oi, oi." Zoro keeps his voice low so the rest of the crews won't hear. "Cut that out, would you?"

"Wari, wari," Merry giggles before she ducks off again, Sunny on her heels.

Zoro shakes his head. Slips into the seat at Luffy's right side, across from Law.

"Just blend in," Usopp grumbles as he slips into his own seat. "All we had to do was blend in."

"Oi, let it go," Zoro snaps. "What did you want me to do? Slice my own stomach open?"

Not that he hadn't heavily considered that.

"No! You could have left your sword here."

Law chuckles. "I told you so, Zoro-ya."

"Fuck off," Zoro growls.

Law laughs.

Luffy frowns between them. Clearly upset that he isn't in on the joke.

"All of you, shut it!" Nami slams her hands on the table. She turns her head to Kin'emon. "How much trouble are we in?"

A lot. They are in a lot of trouble.

The entire island of Wano is looking for them. Well, more specifically, looking for Zoro. Who knew killing one little magistrate would cause the entire island to turn on him? For a bunch of people who he saved from a murderer, they're rather ungrateful.

Hordes of Kaido's men roam the streets. Streets that have Zoro's face plastered across them. The rest of the crew are lucky. With Wano cut off from the rest of the world, no one knows who they are. Technically, they don't know who Zoro is. They just know that Zoro murdered someone.

And now they want to murder him.

He thinks. If he was in their position, he would want to murder him.

But he also thinks someone mentioned something about taking him alive. Which seems weird. Because the magistrate seemed to imply that murder is punishable by murder. Not capture. So why would they want Zoro alive?

There's just no logic behind it.

The cook follows Zoro through the back alleys. Peeks around corners to make sure no one will spot them. Luffy's order had been firm and clear. They were to stick together and keep their heads down. At least until they figured out more about the country. Kin'emon, Momo, and Kanjuro sneak off with Luffy and Robin - or at least they think they're going to be sneaking. Little do they realize that Luffy doesn't have a bone of espionage in his entire body - while Law takes Chopper off to do some research on Kaido's Smiley Fruits. Meanwhile, Zoro and the cook get tasked with a bit of recon.

Zoro would far rather be basking in the sun, napping against Bepo. But he never gets that lucky.

"Oi," the cook says as they clambore onto a nearby rooftop.

Zoro's stomach rolls. The first time they're alone together since Zoro yelled at him and the cook wants to talk now. His tone screams it. An almost unsure and hesitant. Like he wants more time to figure out what to say.

Something stupid, Zoro's sure. The cook always knows how to say something stupid.

Mostly likely, he just wants to know what Zoro is. Like Nami and Law. Which might be entertaining, depending on how long it takes him to figure it out. Zoro does love to watch the other man squirm.

An explosion from across the way rocks the building beneath their feet.

"We should probably check that out," Zoro says.

"My bounty's higher than yours!" the cook calls as Zoro leaps to the next building.

"You son of a bitch."

The cook smirks as Zoro pulls Shusui lose and lunges at him. Strong, quick, fun. Like all their fights. But this feels different. Somehow, the cook seems stronger. As if all of their previous fights, he'd been holding back. Vaguely, Zoro wonders if he was. Which is laughable, really. The cook believed he was superior to Zoro. Now, he knows better. Now, he puts actual effort into it.

Zoro can't help but smile back. An actual challenge from the cook. Zoro's always known he was stronger. Stronger than most. But he's never had the honor of fighting the cook at full strength. He'd say he expected nothing less from a Vinsmoke, but the cook isn't a Vinsmoke. Hasn't been for years, according to his mother. So, he'll settle for saying he expected nothing less from Luffy's cook.

The fight doesn't cause a scene, per say. Whatever Luffy's doing across the island causes a scene. Zoro and the cook cause a minor disruption in the day to day going ons in Wano. The non-samurai around them squeal in terror and flee as the duo fly through the streets. Put a few dents in a few buildings.

By the end, the surrounding streets empty and the two Strawhats sit, panting. Apart from a few crumbling pieces of building, a light silence fills the air. Then, the cook laughs. Visible eye alight with amusement.

"Heard stories of marimos like you," he tells Zoro. "Zeff used to tell me stories when I was a kid. I thought he was just a crazy old man obsessed with sea tales." He frowns at Zoro. "You don't turn into a giant dog, do you?"

"No!" Zoro yelps.

The cook chuckles. "Whatever you say, Marimo." He lights a cigarette and looks up at the sky. "We should go. Sencho's got himself in trouble."

"Sencho's always got himself in trouble," Zoro replies.

But he stands anyway. This feels better. Feel right. The cook back to being an annoying thorn in his side, but back on the crew. Everything will fall back into place. Zoro's family is back together. Now, all he has to do is keep them alive.

Easy enough. Between Zoro, Luffy, and the cook, they've managed to keep the crew alive this long.

Luffy doesn't wait for them in the destroyed part of the town. The cook curses as he skids to a stop. Grabs Zoro's arm and pulls him back to keep him from running straight into the arms of Kaido's men. Snickering men and women of all shapes and sizes wait for them. Weapons slung over their shoulders. Standing there as their citizens continue to run and scream, a few of them injured on the ground and crying.

"Roronoa Zoro," one of them drawls, spinning the spear in his hand. "We've been looking for you."

Burning fabric taints the air as the cook readies himself to fight. Zoro frees Shusui from its scabbard and sneers at the group. "Well, you found me."

A snicker runs around the group. "I can only imagine the captain's face when we drag you back to him. He'll be ecstatic."

Zoro scoffs. A mere mortal believes he'll be able to capture Zoro. With or without the cook, it's no easy task. "Who says you're taking me anywhere?"

The small group begin to spread out. The cook moves with them, placing his back at Zoro's. A good move. Not that Zoro will willingly admit it, this people are strong. Heaviness sits in the air. A clear indicator of the danger they hold. White mist hangs around them all. Spirits of those they've murdered linger. Many of them. Voices hang on the wind. Warn him not to fight them. To run, run far away.

"Confident, for men in your position."

"Our position?" the cook echoes.

The group chuckle again. "Hai, hai." One of them holds up a katana, pointed directly at Zoro's chest. "You see, from where we stand, you're rather outnumbered."

Zoro bares his teeth. Feels the cook tense behind him. A silent agreement. They're both ready.

"From where I'm standing," Zoro snarls. "I couldn't really give a shit."

The cook lunges toward his opponents and Zoro does the same.

These men are strong, sure. Zoro won't take that away from them. They're by far the strongest people Zoro's fought in quite a long time. Though, it still isn't strong enough. A few good placed swipes. Flying slashes. The opponents fall one by blood carries on the wind. Smell sweet and crisp. Guides howl in the distance.

"Zoro!" The cook's voice catches his attention and Zoro turns.

A giant, unkempt beast stands between the two of them. Its green fur standing on end. Large, yellowing teeth barred.

Zoro's breath catches in his throat. "Run," he tells the cook.

The cook doesn't. He stands across from Zoro, on the other side of a crazed Guide. Smoke rises from his lips. Dances on the wind.

"Cook." Zoro's voice hardens. This isn't the time to prove what a good nakama he is. This is the time to listen to Zoro and keep himself alive. "Now."

The Guide snarls at Zoro once before it turns to look at the cook, baring its disgusting fangs. Zoro frees Kitetsu.

"Now." If the cook makes him say it one more time, Zoro's going to beat his ass all the way back to Luffy.

Their eyes meet for a long moment. Then, the cook takes a step back and turns away. "If you're not back in an hour, I'll kick your ass."

"Tch."

The Guide turns back to Zoro as the cook disappears down the street. Around them, Kaido's men groan. Try to pull themselves out of the unconsciousness Zoro and the cook beat them into.

"Who are you?" Zoro demands, eyes locked on the glowing red of the Guide. "What do you want?"

The Guide growls. Lowers itself to the ground, as if ready to pounce. Kitetsu screams in anger. Swirls around him. Zoro tightens his grip on his katana.

"You can't kill me," Zoro warns the Guide. "This isn't going to end well for you."

For either of us.

The Guide lunges. Zoro swings Kitetsu at the beast's head. Guides generally can't be killed, but rumors have always spread around. Cursed blades hold power. Possibly the power to stop a Guide.

Sharp teeth clamp down on Kitetsu's blade. The sword seems to tremble as the Guide tightens his jaw. Small pops fill the air. Cracks appear in the sword's metal blade. A curse forms in Zoro's head as the metal shatters. His blade broken. Ruined. Gone. The Guide's solid being slams into Zoro's chest and knocks him to his back.

Rotting breath assaults Zoro's nostrils as fangs linger above his face. He gags against the stench. He struggles against the heavy body on his chest. Moves his hand toward Wado's hilt. Desperate to get this weight on his chest. Even if he can't kill the Guide, he can get it away from him.

Dirt shifts around him as Kaido's men begin to awake. The Guide's eyes seem to light up as they rise and Zoro realizes its plan. Not to kill him. Not to fight him. To capture him. To bring him to Kaido.

A booted foot slams into Zoro's temple. Darkness reigns.

He awakens to cold stone on his back and burning on his wrists. Zoro bites his lip. Ignores the blood that beads from pain and trickles down his lip. He opens his eyes. A cell door sits before him. Stone walls all around him. Both wrists are held to the wall behind him. Forcing him to stand tall. His head pound. Blood dries to the side of his face.

Silence and emptiness hover around him. Wherever he is, no one watches him.

Because they know. They know the Buxus Iron chains in his wrist will keep him trapped. Know that it's like Sea Stone for Guides. Zoro is trapped.

Not for the first time in his life.

But Luffy will come for him. The cook gave him an hour. By now, they know something's wrong. His nakama will come for him. He just has to wait.

Maybe take a nap.

… Definitely take a nap.

Footsteps shake the room around him. Zoro's chains rattle even though he hasn't moved. He peeks his eyes open. Looks up at the giant being that sits on the ground in front of him. Large horns stick from his head. Wild brown hair. Body scared and tattooed.

None of that surprises him. Zoro expected the captain of the Beast Pirates to be a scarred monster. What he didn't expect were the red eyes that bore into him. The tinge of once green hair poking through the roots of his hair.

He heard the Beast Pirate captain was nearly impossible to kill. He assumed he was like Luffy. Determined and strong. Too stubborn to die.

Now, with the pull of the In-Between dancing around them, Zoro knows better.

Kaido lets out a hum of interest. His red eyes scan up and down Zoro's body. Zoro stares back at him, eyebrow raised.

"You've grown," the giant man says.

Zoro blinks. "Eh?"

"When last I saw you, you would fit in the palm of my hand."

Zoro glares at him. "I don't know you."

Kaido chuckles. "So young. Idiolistic. Soon, you will learn, young Zoro, mortals only disappoint you. To spend time on a single mortal, even a group of mortals. They grow weak. They die. Leave you alone. Cold. Betrayed."

"Are you done?"

The speech is old. Zoro's father has given him this speech time and time again. And every time, he's been wrong. Mortality will disappoint Zoro. Time and time again. Zoro's accepted this. But his nakama - his family - will never disappoint him.

Kaido's eyes harden. "I'm doing you a favor. In here, you won't have to watch them all die."

"If you touch my nakama," Zoro growls. Lets his own eye flash red. "It will be the last thing you ever do. I promise you that."

Kaido rises without a word and stomps from the room. Zoro waits for him to leave. For the shaking to stop. Waits until he knows he's completely alone to wriggle in his chains. His heart slams in his chest.

Another halfling. Another invincible man. And Luffy's decided this is the emperor he wants to take on. The crew won't make it out of this alive.

No matter how strong. How fast. How determined. Kaido can't be killed.

The iron cuffs bite into his skin. Flesh peels away as he tries to force his hands free. Blood trickles loose. Coats his arms as he twists, turns and struggles.

He won't let that happen. He can't.

By the time the battle starts, Zoro is covered in his own blood. The ground trembles. People's shouts fill the air. But, he's free of his chains. None of Kaido's men are left in his little dungeon.

Everything hurts but Zoro moves. The In-Between's veils refuse him. Still unable to pass by the Buxus's Iron's fairing hold. It will take time, Zoro knows. Time for his strength to return. By the time he finds the fight, he'll be at full strength.

Wado and Shusui call out to him as he slams through the cell door. Ignores the burning from the Buxus Iron mixed into the steel bars. Kitetsu remains silent. Another dead blade for him to bury.

He ties to to his belt with Wado and Shusui anyway. After all they've been through, the sword deserves the same respect Yubosuri had received.

"Yosh," he breathes. Tears the sleeves off his arms to wrap around his bleeding wrists. "Yosh."

The streets of Wano swim with screams, blood and ruined bodies. Zoro ignores the people running by him. Slamming into him. He spots Kaido's men, limb and unconscious. Some with limbs sticking out of rocks or building pieces. Law and Luffy have been there.

He follows the bangs. Fire. Shaking. Follows the screams. And the white spirits that dance toward him. Guide him toward the monsters that need to be stopped.

Eerie howls carry on the winds. Guides sit on the edge of the country. Eager to take fallen souls.

Zoro speeds up. Shoves his way through the hordes running in the other direction. His feet move as fast as they can. He calls to the In-Between, reaches for it. Still just out of reach.

The path of carnage leads to the city's center. A sight that shocks Zoro to his core. He tried to believe Luffy would need help against Kaido. Tried so hard. But, this is Luffy. Brave, strong, powerful Luffy. Everytime Zoro thinks he'll need help, his captain proves him wrong. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't imagine Luffy needing help against Kaido.

His nakama are sprawled across the group. Memories of Thriller Bark come to him. His nakama unconscious or unable to move. A giant man looming over Luffy, reaching out for him.

Zoro pushes his legs. Forces himself to run. Calls for the veil. For help. His fingers brush the veil and he pulls it around him. Uses it to move to Luffy. He grabs his captain, pulls him out of the way. Kaido's fist slams into the ground and he roars in rage as Zoro struggles to his feet again. Pulls Shusui loose.

He shoots away from Luffy. Brings Kaido's attacks with him. The anguished scream of his name comes from Luffy's lips. Zoro ignores it. Too busy trying to move from the barrage of attacks from the Beast Captain. Kaido jumps through the veil after him. As fast as Zoro. Constantly on his tail. Wado and Shusui shudder each time Kaido collides with with, shakes Zoro's arms.

Nami screams Zoro's name next. A deep growl fills his ears. Zoro makes the mistake of looking in the growl's direction. Sees shaggy green fur and red eyes.

Kaido's fist slams into Zoro's stomach. Most of his ribs shatter. His back hits a half standing building. Darkness envelops him again.

Screams of pain drag Zoro's mind from broken bones and burning cuts. Not Luffy's. Not Nami's or Usopp's or Sanji's. Not Robin's or Chopper's or Franky's or Brook's. No. Zoro knows this scream, even if he's never heard it before.

Law.

The name echoes in his soul. Snaps his heart into pieces.

Bepo cries out for him. Sachi and Penguin's voices don't join him. Last Zoro knew, they were bloody and unconscious. But Luffy's cry does. The ridiculous nickname he's given Law rings with despair and agony. Rage for Kaido. Vengeance for those that dare hurt someone he cares for.

But Luffy's energy hasn't returned. Still depleted from a fight Zoro missed.

He forces himself up. Stares up at the carnage before him.

Law lays in the ground. Unmoving. Blood surrounds him. Kaido raises a fist. Prepares to strike the unmoving captain again.

"Yameru!" Luffy screams. Tries to get up. "Yameru!"

Sabaody attacks Zoro's memories. Slams into him with the force of the sea train. The others. Desperate to get away. Zoro. Unable to move. Fight. Save them.

But that was then. This is now.

Kaido's fist comes down.

Other memories swirl around Zoro. Law's touch. His smirk. Those understanding eyes. The way way he tasted different every time. Always new. Always needy. Eager.

Zoro isn't in love with Law.

But he loves Law.

In the distance, a guide howls.

"YAMERU!"

Zoro's shout drowns out the others. Carried with enough rage filled Conqueror's Haki to freeze Kaido in his tracks. His left eye snaps open. Power surges through his body.

A Guide snarls from its spot beside Kaido. Zoro can't bring himself to care. He forces himself up. Knuckles white around the hilts of his katana. He moves. Uses the In-Between to plow into Kaido. The Yonko falls away from Law. Zoro turns his attention toward the Guide.

The remaining shard of Kitetsu calls for vengeance. Zoro grants it. Pulls the ruined blade loose and rakes it across the Guide's exposed side. Red spills against green when the sword knicks against the spirit's side.

The Guide roars in pain. Vanishes from Zoro's sight. Reappears from the veil behind him. Zoro dives away, hits the ground and rolls. Tension shoots through his back as Kaido moves to strike him. Both opponents move toward him.

Before he's forced to choose, Zoro feels it. He laughs. Spins back to face Kaido. Throws Shusui up to block his attack. The growls of Zoro's father clashing with Kaido's dances like music to his ears.

The Yonko glowers down at Zoro. Lips pulled back in a snarl.

"You hurt my nakama," Zoro growls. "I'll kill you."

Kaido slashes down. In the distance, Zoro can hear the others yelling. He pushes it to the back of his mind. Only has time for the clash of the blades. The sound of snarls and whimpers as two Guides clash beyond his monster Yonko strikes again and again. Slices into Zoro's skin. A well placed hit slams him into a brick wall. Ribs snap and mend as Zoro scrambles to his feet. Throws himself at Kaido again.

Rage pounds through him. Everything Zoro's done. All the training. All the begging. For this. To defeat those that Luffy can't. His captain's feelings don't matter. His nakama are in danger. Law could be dying.

Disappointment lingers on the horizon but Zoro refuses it. All of it.

Kaido throws him again. A hundred yards away. Turns back to the others as Zoro pushes himself up again.

No.

Blood flashes through Zoro's mind. The blood of his friends. Lonely nights. Being stuck alone again.

No.

Zoro wraps himself in the veil. Dives into the In-Between. Throws himself back out in front of Kaido.

"Zoro, no!" his father calls.

If he didn't want Zoro to do it, he never should have taught Zoro how in the first place.

Zoro's hand grips Kaido's pant leg and pulls the veil. Pressure builds through Zoro. White erupts in his eyes. His muscles tear as he pulls Kaido into the In-Between. Physical form and all.

His father screams out behind him. Nami's cry of terror soon follows, Brook and the cook calling after her. All three of his nakama furious as they realize he's taking them all out of the fight.

The calls fade away as he and Kaido drop into the In-Between.

The giant Yonko swipes at him again. Zoro jumps backward. Stands straight.

"You want to fight me here?" Kaido laughs. A deep, mocking rumble. "Do you know the consequences of your choice?"

Yes. The In-Between and the mortal world are different. In the mortal world, injuries will heal. Death avoids them at all cost. But here, locked in the In-Between, pain treats them like mortals. Physical beings in the In-Between means a physical body to feel pain. A physical body to die.

"Do you know the consequences of yours?" Zoro snarls in return.

"Fighting mortals has made you over confident."

"And made you weak."

Rage fills the air around them. "I should have slaughtered you in the cradle."

"Well, here I am."

Fighting in the In-Between proves to be an awful decision for Zoro's health - though, it's a wonderful decision for his nakama. As long as they're safe, the immense pain flooding through Zoro's body doesn't matter.

Kaido snaps Zoro's arm with ease. Leaves him with cuts and bruises. Most of his energy spent on the trip to the In-Between. But, the Yonko underestimates Zoro. Believes that his size will win the day.

So, he doesn't see it coming when Zoro slams Kitetsu's remains onto his neck. Blood spills onto the floor. A rising tide of red.

Zoro collapses to his knees. Soaked in the blood of his opponent. His vision swims dangerous.

Howls fill the air. Dozens of Guides appear. Growl as they circle him and Kaido's lifeless body. His fingers tighten around Kitetsu's hilt. Hoping the cursed blade will save him one more time.

Two of the monstrous dogs leap forward, digging their teeth into Kaido's legs and dragging him backwards. Out of the room. Out of Zoro's sight.

One by one, the rest of the Guides trickle out of the room. A few send soft growls in his direction. Meaningful glares.

Behave, the gazes tell him. Your father isn't here to protect you now.

Zoro sneers after them, but keeps his mouth firmly closed. He has more important matters to attend to. The familiar presence nearby sits at the top of the list.

Law's space in the In-Between looks identical to his captain's quarters on the submarine. He looks up from his bed as Zoro stumbles in. Eyes wide when he first sees Zoro. Go even wider when he registers all of the blood.

"Zoro," he breathes. Shoots to his feet and steadies Zoro when he sways. His usual nickname vanishes. Makes room for the concern in Law's voice.

Zoro forces a slight smile on his face. "Yo."

"What the hell did you do?" Law demands.

Zoro knows blood stains his teeth as he smiles. "I came to bring you home."

Law blinks at him. Stares for a moment. Then sighs and tugs Zoro to sit on the bed.

"Zoro-ya." That voice is soft. Begs for understanding. Acceptance.

Pain slams into Zoro's chest. He knows this tone. "No," he says before Law can continue.

"You didn't let me finish."

"Don't care." Blood burns Zoro's throat as he swallows it. "You have to come home."

Law's gaze darkens. "You don't get to make that decision."

Zoro grabs Law's arm as he starts to move away. "Oi, what are you on about?"

Law shakes loose. Takes a step back. Zoro's throat tightens. "Maybe," he says slowly. "Maybe, I'm ready to not go back."

"Don't talk stupid!" The snarl leaves Zoro's lips before he can stop it. "I didn't trek all the way in here to leave you."

Law's brow furrows. Lips twist down in an enraged frown. "I didn't ask you to do that."

"Well, what the hell else was I supposed to do?"

"Leave me."

"Bakayaro!" Zoro shoots up. Pain tackles him. His body protests violently. Knees drop him back onto the bed. "Selfish bastard."

Leave him to die. Let him leave Zoro. He can't do that. He can't let someone else he cares for die.

Law glared at him. "I think that's the pot calling the kettle black, Zoro-ya."

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

"It means your guilt is for you," Law snaps. "And my death is for me!"

Zoro's words stick. Freeze. His jaw slackens and he stares at Law. The Heart Captain's chest heaves. Eyes water in the barest trace of emotion.

Definite, angry.

Zoro's own eyes water. Shame tinges his cheeks. An apology sits in the tip of his tongue.

Law's gaze softens. A long sigh leaves his lips and he sits on the bed beside Zoro. Neither of them speak. Zoro tries to get his tongue to work. Tries to tame the tears forming in his eyes.

"It's time for you to go home, Zoro-ya," Law says softly.

A slight sob breaks past Zoro's lips. But he doesn't protest. Law's right. The guilt in his chest doesn't belong to Law. It belongs to Zoro.

He should have been quicker. Stronger. Better.

Law's fingers trace down his arm as he stands, limbs to the veil. He doesn't look back. No matter how much his mind screams for him to do so.

He steps through the veil. Drops to the ground beside Law's still, bloody body. None of his wounds heal. His broken arm screams. Ribs drum against his chest. A true sob leaves his lips. Head leaned against Law's shoulder.

Shouts. Calls of his name echo around him. He ignores them. Curls against Law's body as close as his body will allow him.

"Zoro." Luffy's voice is soft. Hands touch Zoro's back. Rub down his shoulders. "Zoro."

Zoro doesn't answer. His captain is here. He's safe. Zoro lets his consciousness fade. Pain vanishes. Remorse doesn't.

The In-Between doesn't call to Zoro. Leaves him in darkness. Restful sleep that still leaves him exhausted. Vaguely, he hears Chopper. Maybe Luffy.

His imagination hears Law.

His guilt hears Law.

"Zoro's awake! Zoro's awake! Zoro-"

"Mugiwara-ya, shut up."

Zoro's eyes focus at the gravelly, annoyed grumble. He turns his head to the side. Regrets it when his vision swims and his head pounds. It takes a moment for things to refocus.

Law sits up in the bed beside his. Wrapped in head to toe with bandages. Luffy sits beside him in a chair, wrapped up similarly.

His chest heaves. Shock and relief churn his stomach. Law. Law is alive.

The taste of stale blood lingers in Zoro's mouth as he blinks over at them. "Lu-?" He can't manage more than a syllable of Luffy's name passed his thick throat.

Luffy bounds up and over to him. "Zoro's been asleep for days," the captain whines. "Longer than after Kuma."

"Wa-" The rest of his apology sticks, same as Luffy's name has.

Luffy frowns. Fingers brush across Zoro's cheek. "That's okay. Zoro can go back to sleep if he's tired."

Sleep sounds pretty good. Zoro's eyes wander over to Law. He fights to keep them open as the other captain looks back at him.

"Law?" Law's name comes far easier. The single syllable slips through as a rough whisper.

"Go to sleep, Zoro-ya. Mugiwara-ya and I are fine."

Zoro glances back at Luffy. The crew, he wants to ask. What about the crew? Is everyone else safe? They were all so bloody and hurt when Zoro pulled Kaido away.

"Torao's right. Everybody's okay." Luffy smiles. Places a sloppy kiss on Zoro's forehead. "Zoro needs sleep. Toroa and I will be here when you wake up!"

Zoro ignores the pain to give him a slight smile. He closes his eyes. Let's true sleep pull him from pain.

"What were you thinking?" his father demands. "You could have died!"

Zoro lays back on the floor of his space and stares up at the ceiling. "Hai. You've told me that before."

"Then why did you do it!"

"To save them."

His father groans. "You are incorrigible!"

"I didn't die."

"But you could have!"

"I still don't understand why."

Another groan. "Because your physical being would have been here for the Guides."

"I still don't get it."

"Zoro!"

"Dad."

"God, go back. Got back to your mortals. I can't deal with you anymore."

"No," Zoro replies, stubbornly. "It hurts."

"Who's fault is that?"

Zoro's apparently. His father swears up and down that he told Zoro injuries he received in his physical form while in the In-Between wouldn't heal like normal. Zoro doesn't remember that discussion in the slightest.

"Zoro."

"What?"

"Go!"

Zoro heals slower than he expected. Mortal speeds seem ten times longer when he's used to his wounds closing instantly. Law, the lucky bastard, heals faster than Zoro. And he's about ready to know exactly what that shit is all about. Because Law was on the verge of death and now the no good, son of a bitch waltzes into his room with only a handful of bandages and a barely visible limp.

"You're an ass," Zoro tells him firmly.

Because he is.

"I won't apologize." Law's voice is just as firm.

Because he shouldn't have to. Zoro never expected him to.

They leave it at that. Law never tells him why he chose to walk through the veil again. Though, the smiling shape of Corazon gives him a hint.

Luffy is unusually clingy. Zoro has almost died plenty of times, but this is the first time the captain's been needy. He seems to hover near Zoro at all times. Demands the swordsman's attention, even once Zoro can stand and walk around again. A sour look seems to take Luffy's face every time Law takes a seat near Zoro. Or so much breathe in his direction. Which is strange.

Perhaps, Luffy's just worried. Something in the back of Zoro's head says jealousy. Luffy is jealous of the newfound bond Zoro and Law have formed. But, that's ridiculous. Luffy's never been jealous of Zoro's friendships before.

Wishful thinking, Zoro's sure.

"Yo." Zoro drops a bottle of sake in Law's lap and settles beside him to stare out at the setting sun.

With his submarine tied to Sunny, the Heart Captain and his crew spend most of their time basting in the sun on Sunny's warm decks. Law seems to have taken to the back of the ship - not that Zoro's surprised. Out of the way and quiet. Just the place for Law to hide away from everyone else.

"What are you sulking about?" A dull, ghost of pain tickles against his ribs and back as he sits beside Law.

"I'm not sulking, Zoro-ya." Law pulls the top off the sake and takes a long gulp.

"No," Zoro mocks. "Not at all."

He settles back against the ship's railing, arm brushing against Law. A comfort. Law is here. Real. Alive.

Law moves away.

Zoro blinks at him. His brow furrows. He can't still be angry. It's been weeks. And Law has proven not to be a person to keep his mouth closed when something's bothering him.

"We're leaving tomorrow," Law tells him.

"Oh." Zoro tries to keep the disappointment out of his voice.

The Heart Pirates were never meant to stay with them, he knows. Law may not be after One Piece, but he's also not the type to follow. Even Luffy.

"Suppose I owe you a proper send off then," Zoro says softly. Leans close to put his lips on Law's collarbone.

Again, Law moves away.

"Oi," Zoro says.

"For a smart man, you prove to be quite an idiot, Zoro-ya," Law tells him.

"Eh?"

"Your being with me is breaking your captain's heart."

"Eh?"

Law sighs. "Luffy is in love with you."

"Don't talk stupid."

Luffy, in love with Zoro? Ridiculous.

"He told me to stay away from you," Law continues. "If I wish to remain allies with him, it's a request I'll have to grant."

Zoro's heart pounds in his throat. "What are you on about?"

Law turns to look at him. A strange look in his eyes. Sad. But, relieved. Happy, maybe.

Bittersweet.

The Heart Captain pulls something from his hand. Places it on Zoro's lap. Places his lips to Zoro's cheek.

"Goodbye, Zoro-ya."

Zoro stares at the veil, rolling Law's ring in his finger. The Heart Captain's words ring in his head, echoing over and over again. Luffy, love Zoro? It's outrageous. Laughable. Unthinkable. Luffy's request for Law to stay away from Zoro wasn't out of love. It was out of necessity. Luffy couldn't have a swordsman whose loyalty could inch in any other direction.

"What are you doing?"

His father sits beside him. Without his usual exasperated air. Now, he sounds curious. Concerned almost.

"There was a time when you didn't complain that I came to visit," Zoro tells him.

"And there was a time that you didn't dodge every question I asked you. It appears both those times have passed." A small smile pulls his father's lips as he takes the ring from Zoro's hand. "Your acquaintance has gone?"

Acquaintance. That's what they're going? Zoro bites back the correction of "fuck buddy". Maybe "friend with benefits". But fine, if it makes his father feel better, Law can be his acquaintance.

"Hai. His crew set sail yesterday."

"And are you sulking here because you miss him?"

"I'm not sulking."

His father scoffs. Tosses the ring back. "No, you never sulk."

Zoro snatches it from the air and slides it onto his ring finger. "I'm not sulking."

"Sulking. Hiding. Whichever it is, you're doing it."

"I'm not hiding."

"What's the problem, Zoro?"

Zoro drops his gaze. Spins the ring on his finger. This isn't something he needs to share. He can sulk in his own angst just fine without his father scoffing at the idea of getting attached to a mortal.

"Is it because you're worried your mortal doesn't love you?"

His fingers freeze. Gaze locked on the ring. Words die before they can reach his tongue. Before his they can even attempt to form a sentence.

"So it is."

Zoro's cheeks burn with embarrassment. "There's nothing to worry about. He doesn't love me."

"The surgeon thinks he does."

A groan leaves Zoro's throat. "Law, his name is Law. Have you been spying on me?"

"No." A short pause lingers in the air. "I was bored."

Zoro can't find the energy to be annoyed. Instead, a small huff of laughter leaves his lips. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees his father smile.

"Maybe you should talk to your mortal."

"Luffy," Zoro sighs. "His name is Luffy. And he isn't mine."

"I think your nakama may disagree."

"Yeah well, how would they know?"

"How do you?"

Zoro looks up at his father. Blinks rapidly. "Eh?"

"How do you know your captain doesn't love you if you've never asked him?"

"He doesn't."

"How do you know?"

"I just do."

Silence. Zoro watches the veil. Beyond it, he can hear the voices of his nakama. When he climbed up to the crow's nest, Luffy had been chasing Usopp and Chopper around the deck while Jinbe stared at them like they'd grown extra heads. Nami locked away in her charting room, the cook in the kitchen, Franky and Robin flirting while Brook laughed at the crew's antics. An air of happiness and cheer.

Raftel lies ahead. Robin and Nami have solved the mystery. Luffy's dream will soon be complete.

But Zoro can't find it in him to put on a show. Law is gone. The Heart Pirates have their own adventures to achieve. And Zoro hasn't felt so alone in a long time. He didn't expect to miss them this much. To search the deck for Bepo to nap against. Penguin to yell at. Or Law to relieve stress with. To feel wanted with.

"You seem certain of that." His father breaks the quiet. "As though you know it's an indisputable fact."

"It is."

His father scoffs. "Zoro, I've been alive for many centuries. And in those years, only three things have proven to be indisputable. If you do not go after something, you will never have it. Secrets hurt others worse than they hurt you. And your love can never be returned if you don't tell someone they have it."

Zoro looks up as his father stands. Words don't form.

"You've always been brave, Zoro. Don't let fear rule you now."

Zoro's mouth feels dry as he lingers in the kitchen's doorway. The cook is finishing up dishes behind him. The rest of the crew has wandered off to bed. Everyone except Luffy. The captain sits on the figurehead and stares out at the moonlit sea. Fear coils in Zoro's stomach. He twists the ring on his finger. Shifts from foot to foot.

"Oh, for fuck's sake, marimo," the cook groans. "Just go."

Zoro glares over his shoulder. "What?"

"You've been skirting around like Usopp for twenty minutes now. It's driving me crazy."

"I'm not skirting around," Zoro snaps.

The cook frowns at him. "Just go talk to him."

"Don't tell me what to do, cook."

"Then don't be a chicken shit."

"Oi, fuck off."

"No, you fuck off." The cook drops his cloth into the soapy water. "Luffy's been moping for days. And don't think Nami-san and I didn't notice you've been going to that marimo land of yours. Probably sulking just as hard."

Zoro bites back correcting him on the In-Between. He glares at the cook instead. "I wasn't sulking. I was thinking."

"Did you think about what a chicken shit you're being."

"Fuck. Off," Zoro growls out.

The cook glares back at him. "Look, we're not dragging this shit out. I know that you're emotional distance or whatever. And you have all these stupid self worth issues. Fine, whatever. That's for you to work out. But Luffy doesn't deserve you skirting around and avoiding him because you're too afraid to admit you're in love with him."

Zoro's face burns red. "I'm not-"

"You can lie to me all you want, marimo," the cook quotes Zoro from months earlier. "But you can't lie to yourself. And we both know you can't lie to Luffy."

Zoro sets his jaw. Tries not to let himself tremble. The cook makes more sense than Zoro wants to admit. Luffy can read Zoro better than anyone else. And it scares him. Because Zoro will never be able to keep this secret. Not like this. Not with Law's words in his brain. Not with his father making far too much sense.

Not with his heart tearing in two.

If Zoro talks to Luffy now, the secret is out. Luffy rejects him. And Zoro loses his best friend and his family, all in one go.

"Zoro." Rarely does Zoro's real name leave the cook's lips. And never has he looked at Zoro with such patience and understanding. "Luffy doesn't wait until I show up to fall asleep. He doesn't seek out Usopp to take a nap. Doesn't crawl into Robin's bed when he has a nightmare. He loves us all. But not like he loves you." In three steps, the cook crosses the room, spins Zoro and shoves him out the door. "Get the hell out of my kitchen."

The door closes behind him. Leaves Zoro standing in the light of the moon. Above, he can feel Merry and Sunny watching him. Their breath baited.

Zoro lets himself breathe. Swallows hard and crosses the deck. Luffy doesn't look at him as he leans against the rail, looks out at the sky.

"Does Zoro love Torao?" Luffy asks.

"Yes."

Watching Kaido try to kill Law. Seeing his blood spill. Fearing he might die. All of it dragged the realization from Zoro. He loves Law. But.

"Is Zoro in love with Torao?"

"No."

No. Zoro will never be in love with anyone else. Once upon a time, he thought he might be. He told himself that he could move on from Luffy. That one day, someone else would light up his world. Shower him in affection. Make him feel safe. Loved. Wanted.

Those times have passed.

Zoro will never be in love with anyone else.

"Good." Luffy turns to him, a serious look on his face. "Cause I don't wanna hate Torao. I like Torao. But he can't have Zoro. Zoro's mine."

Zoro's gaze moves up. Meets the fire burning in Luffy's big brown eyes. Hope tries to boil in his stomach and he squishes it down. Because it can't be. It can't.

"Zoro's mine," Luffy repeats.

He hops off the Sunny's figurehead. Stands inches from Zoro's chest and stares up at him. Zoro swallows hard. Bites his bottom lip. His heart hammers in his chest.

"Does Zoro love me?"

"Hai."

"Is Zoro in love with me?"

The yes sticks in Zoro's throat. Breath tries to keep the word in. Lip trembles. Zoro doesn't want things to change. Doesn't want to lose Luffy.

"Is Zoro in love with me?" Luffy asks again.

"Hai." The word slips lose. His lip trembles. "I'm sorry."

Confusion crosses Luffy's face for a moment before he blinks. His face softens. He stands on his tip toes. Puts their faces inches from each other. Zoro's chest heaves. Nerves tremble through him.

"Zoro shouldn't be sorry. I'm in love with Zoro too."

The captain's lips capture his.

Warm. Luffy is warm. His arms wrap around Zoro's neck and pull him close. Zoro's body freezes. Chest heaves against the pressure and warmth. Sunshine and happiness. It takes only a moment for him to move. His arms move to Luffy's waits. Head ducks so the captain doesn't have to stand on his toes anymore.

Against his lips, he feels Luffy smile. Break the kiss for just a second to look up at him.

"Zoro's mine," Luffy says for a third time.

"Hai," Zoro breathes. "Zoro's yours."

Raftel takes them months to conquer. On the eve of Zoro's twenty-third birthday, they take One Piece. Zoro slices through Mihawk's defenses. Takes his title on pure talent and determination. Luffy has an invisible crown upon his head and an unbeatable bounty on his life.

Zoro pities the moron that tries to cash in on that bounty.

The divine plan of the universe blesses Zoro with ten more years. Ten years of smiles. Laughs. Kisses. Love.

Ten years before the reality of consequences hits them all.

Luffy's energy fades with time. He slows down like most people do when they age. But, he slows down the way a sixty year old would, not a thirty-year-old.

The price of his gears slams into him with sudden, unbelievable force.

Zoro always knew he would lose his crew eventually. Knew he needed to come to terms with their mortality. He just never dreamed it would come so soon.

At first Luffy tries to deny it. Tries to act like he always has. Been time and a shortening lifespan takes its toll.

Zoro has vague memories from when he was small. An old man - his mother's father - lay in a bed, pale and weak. He remembers crying. Remembers asking Grandpa not to go. Remembers it not working.

His memories of watching Luffy's life fade will never be vague. For the rest of his existence, Zoro will remember his captain's pale face. Tired eyes. Remember Luffy struggling up to kiss him one less time.

"Zoro will take care of our nakama," Luffy whispers. No question in his voice. "Bring them to me when they're ready?"

"Hai, Sencho." Zoro strokes a hand through Luffy's hair.

He doesn't cry. Won't cry.

Zoro's guilt is for him. Luffy's death is for Luffy.

He follows his captain to the In-Between.

Luffy's spirit is young. Maybe nineteen. He grins from within Sunny's decks. Laughs and hugs Zoro. They lean against each other in false sunlight until Zoro's father arrives.

The path to the Doors of Death are cold but not as dark as Zoro always imagined they would be. Luffy holds his hand the whole way there. Zoro tries not to hold on too tightly.

A familiar face waits just outside the doors. Bright orange hat and smiling face. Luffy releases Zoro's hand, tears streaming down his face, and throws himself into Ace's arms.

Zoro leaves his captain, dead but in good hands, before Luffy can see the tears in his eyes.

Brook follows Luffy less than five years later. It takes another forty for Franky and Robin. Usopp goes another twenty after them. Then Nami. And Chopper.

Each of them greeted by faces of lost love ones. Each time, Zoro walks then down the hallway. Listens to Brook sing. Franky cry. Robin give advice. Promises Usopp it won't be scary. Lets Nami threaten to haunt him forever if he doesn't take care of himself. Lets Chopper ride on his shoulder.

Zoro's seventy-five - but he looks about thirty - when the cook finally gets sick enough that it's clear he won't get better. Zoro sits at his bedside as he hacks and coughs. Bitches that Zoro's the one to take him on his journey, instead of a beautiful woman.

"A woman would have to be around you first," Zoro mumbles.

"Baka marimo." Any hint of fight faded from the cook's voice says ago.

"Shitty love cook."

Three in the morning, Zoro crosses into the familiar kitchen of the Baratie. A young cook leans against one of the counters, smoking.

"Isn't that what got you in trouble in the first place?" Zoro growls.

The cook rolls his eyes. "I'm dead. What harm is an imaginary cigarette going to do to me?"

"Make you look like an idiot. Though, to be fair, you do that just fine on your own."

The bickering continues even after his father appears to lead them down the hallway. By now, Zoro knows the way himself. But he isn't allowed close enough to open the doors. That's how he gets sucked into the afterlife. Apparently, even a sliver of mortal causes a vacuum effect.

Sora and Zeff wait outside the door for the cook. Great him with smiles and a kick to the head.

Jealous twinges in Zoro's chest. But he forces himself to smile as the doors swing open.

His last nakama.

Zoro will be alone.

"Oi," the cook calls. "You coming or what?"

Zoro blinks at him. "Eh?"

"I'm the last one, right?" The cook nods his head toward the blinding light beyond the doorway. "Let's go."

Zoro's eyes shoot to his father. Finds his human form for the first time in years.

"Of all my children." His father places a hand on his shoulder. "You, were my favorite disappointment."

Go. Be with your family.

Tears swim in Zoro's eyes. With a final, encouraging squeeze on his shoulder, his father pushes him toward the cook. The blond smiles slightly. Wraps an arm around Zoro's shoulders and steers him toward the light.

Zoro's legs feel numb. Jelly like. Not quite fear. But, uncertainty. The afterlife is one he never considered. Never dreamed of.

The light of the door is surprisingly warm as it spills over his body. A small pull grips him. Drags him forward, with or without his permission.

The doors creak shut behind them. Light so bright, Zoro can see nothing but white. For a moment, panic seizes his chest. Maybe this was a mistake. He should have waited. Should have stayed to take care of Usopp's grandkids and the little navigating cooks.

Death doesn't belong to Zoro.

Then, in the distance, he hears a cry of joy.

"Zoooooorrrrrrooooooo!"

A laugh pulls itself free of his lips. He takes a step into the light.