𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗻.

sixteen.

* * *

   I follow my friends down the dock towards where Mihawk is waiting. My stomach is twisting in knots. I emptied it twice last night.

   As we reach him he ignores me, sliding his eyes to Luffy. "Monkey D. Luffy, I'm surprised the marines would require my services for such a small package. Though I do like your hat-"

   "Aim for my hat one more time I swear-"

   "I don't understand your attachment to that thing I swear," dad rolls his eyes.

   I watch Uncle Shanks carefully as he picks the fuzz from his hat. He brushes it off with a grin and places it over my head. "I'll never understand how a grump like him had a daughter like you."

   "Get that thing off her head."

   "Dad," I glare at him, "call off the duel."

   "Sora," he glances from me to Zoro, my name rolling off his tongue with a certain distaste. "It's been a long time. Where've you been?"

   "Please," I beg him.

   "I've always told you not to whine. Let's get this over with." He yanks off his necklace, unsheathing a tiny sword from his cross.

   My face falls as Luffy pulls me backwards.

   "What the hell is that? I came for a sword fight."

   "I don't hunt rabbits with a cannon."

   Zoro draws his swords, "I'm no rabbit."

   "That remains to be seen."

   Zoro charges, going to strike only to be blocked by the edge of Mihawk's sword. He doesn't move from his position as he throws him backwards. "You're strong. But fighting isn't all about strength."

   Zoro continues to swing "stop talking1"

   "You're like a frog, croaking in a well," he dodges, "croak, croak, croak."

   Zoro runs forward, jumping-

   Mihawk stops him with a blade to the chest. My breath catches as the tiny sword digs into his chest. I'm going to be sick again.

   "Did my daughter not warn you of this? Why not run away?"

   "Because then my dream will be lost forever!" He jumps backwards.

   "You're brave I'll give you that, so I'll give you the honor of killing you with yoru," he draws his sword.

   Mine was almost an exact replica of his. Only made slightly smaller to fit my hands. It was my 10th birthday gift. I couldn't pick it up till I was eleven.

   Zoro unsheathes his white blade, "that's more like it."

   He attaches his black swords, spinning them as he holds the white one in his mouth. They charge at one another, clashing, then sliding to a stop just past one another.

   Slowly, Zoro's swords fall apart, his white blade dropping from his mouth. He slowly picks up the white one, turning around.

   "You're defeated. Why do you persist?"

   "Wounds on the back are a swordsman's biggest shame."

   He extends his arms and I clench my jaw.

   Mihawk gives a hint of amusement, "magnificent."

   I feel someone touch me, turning to find Nami behind me, her hand in mine. Suddenly this all feels very real. I turn back to the match, opening my mouth to attempt to stop it one last time but it's too late.

   He strikes Zoro across the chest.

   He hits the ground.

   "Zoro!" Luffy runs to him.

   This can't be happening.

   "Monkey D. Luffy, what's your goal?"

   "I'm going to become king of the pirates," Luffy answers only half-heartedly, more focused on ensuring Zoro's health.

   "King of the pirates? A much more treacherous path than even defeating me."

   "I don't care! I will!"

   "Perhaps," he shrugs, "This world could use a few more wild cards."

   "Roronoa zoro. It's too soon for you to die, grow strong and come find me. I'll be waiting." He looks over to me, "Sora, I found your sword among Buggy's things. Do be more careful. And come home sometime won't you? The ship is quiet."

   He throws my sword down, turning to walk away.

   This is what I've been searching for the past two years. This? I regretted running away the moment I was gone. I let my resentment for him fester but I never stopped looking for him. And now he's in front of me.

   Tears roll down my cheeks, "dad!"

   He doesn't stop, "you know where to find me."