Leaving - chapter 12 part 2
continued...
The tires squealed and the truck tipped precariously as he rounded another corner, praying against all odds that his gut feeling was wrong. Beside him, Ace held on tight to the dash to keep from flying around the cab as Smoker tested the old Ford’s limits. When the detective realized it was Sanji calling, he had taken the phone away and threatened the blonde with bodily harm if Zoro was doing something stupid. He didn’t expect to hear that an attacker had come into the apartment and for some reason Zoro believed his father to still be alive. Hope tinged with fear and apprehension gripped at him as he rushed to the run down industrial park on the outskirts of town.
“I’d like to get there in one piece if you don’t mind. I won’t be able to help him if you kill us both.” Smoker could hear the tension in Ace’s voice as the raven worried about his friend.
“Don’t worry; I’ll kill all three of you if this gets out of hand.” Smoker tried to push in the cigarette lighter only for it to fall out into the floor. “Damn it!”
“I tried to tell you I’m not finished working on it.” Ace reached for the still glowing object and ended up in Smoker’s lap as they took another corner sharply. He nuzzled into the detective’s crotch for a brief second until he was pulled up harshly by the hair of his head. “Owwww. Ok… we’ll play later.”
Smoker allowed the cigar to be taken from his mouth and watched from the corner of his eye as the feisty man lit it for him. The kiss that followed was short but full of promise. “Focus, Portgas. Or I’ll handcuff you to this piece of junk and leave it in neutral to roll down into the ravine.”
The cruiser was bound to attract too much attention so they had taken Ace’s pickup, praying that it would hold up until they got there. There were several rumors of where Moria’s suspected hideout was, but only one made any sense; an abandoned factory down by the river. Tires squalled again as he made the turn into the complex. Smoker’s mind kept mulling over the thought that his best friend might still be alive, though how and why were still a mystery. He could see the concern lined out on Ace’s face as well, knowing there were more questions than answers at the moment, but hopefully soon it would be clear. The building came into view and Smoker didn’t hesitate pulling into the midst of the other vehicles and stepping out.
The detective tossed off his jacket into the truck and checked his weapon. It didn’t go past Ace’s notice that the jitte was slid into some aftermarket loops on the back of his shoulder holster. “Take the east wing. Call and let your men know where you are. I’ll start in from the west and we’ll meet in the north.”
Ace nodded as he pulled the back of the seat forward to reach behind it and retrieve an old-fashioned gun belt with an impressive pistol on each side. He grinned up at the law official as he strapped it around his hips and gave the older man a suggestive wink. “I’ve been wanting to use these for a long time.”
“Just don’t expect me to look the other way if you get caught with them.” Smoker ignored the way the accessory drew attention to the slender hips and began walking.
“Hey Smoker.”
The off duty detective paused and looked over his shoulder but didn’t turn fully.
“What would you say if I told you I was willing to give it all up for you?” Ace wanted to laugh at how fast Smoker spun around to look at him with shock and disbelief. The raven smiled softly and turned in the opposite direction to run to his appointed place of entry. “Keep safe out there, Taisa.”
He could feel Smoker’s eyes on him as he hopped up on the dumpster and grabbed the bottom rung of the fire escape. Ace’s question held a lot of truth to it, but he wasn’t sure he was quite ready to quit the crime business just yet. He owed his life to Pops and the crew but they weren’t the ones to whom he had given his heart.
“Ace.”
The raven paused in his climb and looked over to the man who had given him another reason to live.
“I’d say you’re full of shit.” Smoker felt satisfied at the surprised look on his lover’s face and continued towards the east entrance. Ace’s laughter lifted a little of the weight in his soul as he reached for the door.
The minute he opened it, he knew something was wrong. The air was tinged with the stench of blood and he could hear screaming somewhere in the distance. Two men came running down the hall and Smoker drew his gun. They appeared scared out of their minds and he let them run past and out the door as they mumbled something about being overrun with demons. The deeper he traveled into the building the clearer the sounds of fighting became and Smoker followed it, knowing that he would find one of two people at the end.
-/-/-/-/-/-
“I remember the first time we met. Of course you were distracted and probably don’t recall.” Moria blocked and pivoted out of the way, his breathing labored from the taxing fight. The samurai had cleared his way through the substandard soldiers much faster than Moria had anticipated; catching the mastermind unprepared on the restrictive pathway. “You were playing with a young boy who had an uncanny resemblance to you. How is he? Alive I’m assuming. ”
Ryuuma sneered and landed a glancing blow to Moria’s cheek, leaving a trail of blood trickling down the man’s face. They could hear Oz rampaging around somewhere below them as they continued to fight one another on the swaying catwalk. A triumphant sneer spread across Moria’s face as the samurai was forced backwards several steps. Thinking he had the upper hand, the malicious master began to get cocky.
“Maybe when you’re gone I can get your son to take your place. I wonder if we can keep his mother’s body animated long enough to convince him to join?” the madman taunted. The moment the words escaped his lips, Moria knew he had made a grave mistake. The atmosphere around them seemed to explode as Ryuuma parried his attacks effortlessly.
“Her life… is no longer yours to control!” With a burst of raw force, Ryuuma broke through Moria’s defense and laid his blade across the large man’s throat. “Now yours… is over.”
His eyes closed and a plea for forgiveness was whispered as Ryuuma leaned into his sword and let the steel pass effortlessly through skin and muscle to end the battle in a river of red. Moria’s sword fell from his hand to fall the distance to the ground below as he clawed uselessly at his throat, his noisy gasps for air doing nothing but aide in the spray of blood across the walkway. Ryuuma wiped his blade across his sleeve, watching intently as the metal was cleaned and all traces of the tyrant were removed. His eyes glassed over with tears as he lowered the sword loosely to his side. Far below, a passionate battle cry drew his attention and his heart skipped a beat as Ryuuma watched his son enter into battle with a hideous creature he helped create.
-/-/-/-/-/-
Oz howled out in anger when his playtime was interrupted by the new man who just knocked the doors off their hinges. This one was similar to the man that Master said would make him better, but he carried two swords in his hands and one more at his side. The childish mind had difficulty processing whether it was enemy or foe, but since he had taken away his fun, Oz decided it didn’t matter. The mean man had to go.
The force of the fist that hit him in the chest was much greater than Zoro had anticipated and it knocked him back over several tables and into the far wall. A flash of light off something metal above caught his attention and he looked up to see the outline of another swordsman standing above.
“Dad?” Zoro’s voice was strained and he coughed several times trying to draw a decent amount of air into his lungs. He got to his feet and stumbled towards the retreating figure only to be hit yet again. Shaking his head to clear it, Zoro stood and faced the unholy abomination before him. Patches of skin from multiple donors were stitched together over a seven foot human frame that was probably meant to be male. Only one eye appeared to be installed, leaving the other socket empty above a makeshift nose. The mouth was animalistic, the jaw set clearly not human as well as the elongated lower teeth. Horns had been shoved into the head on each side, completing the demonic look; though Zoro had a feeling the creature had made that modification itself. This fight would prove to be the greatest yet.
Sidestepping to the left, Zoro felt the shift of air as the fist passed by him. Each swing was easy to see, allowing him the chance to dodge the blows. The power behind them warned the swordsman that he should continue to do so, but dancing around so much was getting him nowhere. Zoro swung down with both swords on the arm that just missed him, eyes widening when they cut through the flesh and blood appeared to flow from the wound. Oz cried out pulling his arm back and held it to his chest.
The door at the end of the catwalk overhead opened, letting in a stream of light into the room and startling the creature. Zoro growled low, anger taking over as he looked up to watch his father leave his sight for the second time in less than 24 hours. He ran for the ladder, leaving the earlier battle in search of answers. Halfway up, the ladder shook violently and Zoro turned to see Oz close behind. Fearing that it would be another 4 years before he could get this close to answers again, Zoro knew he needed to end this fight quickly. As soon as he was on solid footing, Zoro wasted no time in attacking again, slicing through borrowed skin everywhere he could and exposing the shiny mechanisms beneath. Wildly the creature began swinging, finally catching Zoro across the face in the midst of his blind rage. One sword was quickly placed between his teeth so he could grab the edge of the walkway to keep from falling.
Oz continued his rampage, knocking out support wiring and causing the catwalk to sag and sway. He busted through the metal planks beneath his own feet and crashing through, catching the opposite side as he fell. With a menacing sneer, Zoro used every ounce of strength he possessed and swung the black sword in his hand towards the battered arm across from him. The blade caught at the already weakened forearm and snapped the metal bones, sending Oz plummeting down. It landed on an overturned table, the leg piercing through the empty socket into the computerized brain.
Mental, emotional and physical exhaustion hit him hard and Zoro’s hand began to slip. Half-gloved hands caught him by the wrist and began to pull. “Shit you’re heavy.”
Zoro looked up to see Ace straining to bring him up high enough to get a better hold. The swordsman swung his lower body to hook a foot on the rail and began to help. “It’s called muscle asshole so shut up and get me out of here.”
“Yah, yah.” Ace chuckled as he helped his friend to his feet. They looked down at the destruction and the immobile cyborg among the ruins. “Is it…”
“I fucking hope so.” Zoro put his swords back on his hip and headed for the door.
“Hey Zoro! The way out is over there.” Ace pointed to the other end of the building.
The green haired man shook his head and continued to where he had last seen the white cloaked man leave. “For just this once, trust me on this. I know where I’m going.”
Doubtful but curious, Ace hurried after him, unprepared for what was ahead.
-/-/-/-/-/-
Ryuuma stood on the rooftop watching the rising sun as it came over the horizon. Its rays danced over the wet surfaces, making puddles shimmer in the light. The cold air carried with it a familiar smell of smoke and a sad smile touched his lips.
“It’s been a long time, my friend.”
The response was barely a grunt if anything.
“She was so beautiful… and he took all of that away from her.” Ryuuma held his sword up before him, letting the sunlight play off the bloodstained surface. “I was so blinded by all of his promises of returning her to me that I lost all sense of humanity. He sent me to kill my own son, Smoker. My child. And had it not been for the fact that he is the only man I know to wield three swords, I would have gone through with it.”
“But you didn’t.” One hand he held his pistol, and with the other Smoker pulled the jitte from its loops preparing to defend in case his friend was truly lost to him.
A soft saddened laugh came from Ryuuma as he shook his head and lowered his sword. “No. I didn’t. But I can’t be forgiven for the lives I have taken.” Ryuuma lifted his head high and looked up at the sky. “I leave, knowing that what I did, I did for love and now I can finally be with my beloved. I’ll be able to hear her voice, feel her touch and see her bright eyes look up at me as they once did.”
“What about the brat? You think he doesn’t need you? Shit that idiot is more messed up than you could ever imagine.” Smoker cautiously circled to his side and tried to move in closer.
“He’s strong. And I’m honored to have him as my son.” The sword lowered slowly and Ryuuma bowed his head. “Tell him I’m proud of him.”
“Ryu, nooo!!!” Realizing too late what was happening, Smoker dropped his weapons and ran for the samurai. The sword penetrated through, almost catching the detective as he caught his friend and lowered him to the ground. “Ryu you stupid fuck! This isn’t the answer! Damn it you can’t leave me again! You can’t… can’t leave us again.”
“Forgive me… Sarah”
For the first time in four years, Smoker felt the tears of grief fall down his cheeks. A familiar hand reached up to wipe the moisture away and he was torn between pain and anger. Blood poured from where the sword had entered and turned as it was pulled out. Ryuuma had no intentions of leaving the rooftop alive; that was for sure.
“But why? You were my brother! Why didn’t you come to me for help?” Smoker allowed emotion to take over him and he pulled the dying man to his chest as he denied that he was crying. “We could have helped…”
The body in his arms went limp and Smoker knew he was gone. A soft touch on his shoulder startled him and he looked up to see his lover next to him. Tears shone back from Ace’s eyes and he knew the young man understood without saying a word. Ace knelt down and encircled them both silently, offering comfort and strength. Shuffling of feet alerted the detective that someone else was on the roof and he looked up to see Zoro watching them from several feet away.
“Did he suffer?” Zoro asked quietly.
Smoker nodded and laid the body down gently, closing the dark eyes for the last time. “He suffered for four years. Only now is he at peace.”
“Was he… did he…” Zoro stumbled to find the words to ask the painful question.
“Your father was the most honorable man I know. He did what he thought was right. You should be proud to carry the Roronoa name.” Smoker turned to look at him with a warning in his eyes.
Zoro’s return glare was just as strong. Nothing more needed to be said and Zoro nodded firmly. “I am.”
Sirens could be heard closing in on their location and the three men knew more questions than they could answer waited for them. Carefully Smoker removed the sword, grimacing as it scraped against the spine and ribs. He threw the offending weapon across the roof and clenched his fists tightly until the wave of grief that hit him was under control. Slowly, the detective picked up the lifeless body and turned to face his waiting godson. When Zoro held his arms out, Smoker didn’t hesitate to hand his friend over. As Zoro shifted the weight to better carry the man, Smoker pulled the roof’s access door open and made sure there were no other surprises waiting for them.
They walked somberly down the stairs, Smoker leading the way and Ace making sure that Zoro stayed on path. The building appeared to be void of any life now and their footsteps echoed eerily in the halls. By the time they reached the ground, over a dozen police and emergency vehicles had arrived. Guns were pulled on them as they exited the front doors, but fortunately Smoker’s familiar face was easily recognized and they passed through to the waiting paramedics. It took a lot of effort and coaxing to get Zoro to release his father, but finally the swordsman relented; his eyes never leaving the man until the ambulance doors closed. His wounds were treated as the crews began to sift through the rubble, exclamations of shock and horror heard everywhere. Windows were broken and all the doors propped open so the men could withstand the smells inside.
Zoro sat on the tailgate of Ace’s ford watching everyone run around. It all seemed so surreal to him. The fact that his father was alive all this time had been dampened by the sight of the sword being thrust through his body as he apologized. If Ace had been the first one up the stairs, he might have missed it. Zoro shook his head to clear his mind and turned back to watching Smoker and Garp argue over whose jurisdiction the case belonged. An annoyingly familiar scent ticked his nose and Zoro steeled himself for the barrage of questions he wasn’t prepared to answer. When nothing came, he turned to see the somber face of the man who had set all of this into motion.
Sanji took one last drag off the cigarette and crushed it out on the edge of Ace’s truck. “After calling Ace, I went to check that storage facility you asked about. It looked like someone had already been there though. A couple of boxes were empty and several were knocked over as if there was a struggle. I think whoever fought there was locked inside because the door was busted outwards.”
“Inside? Who would lock someone in? Could you tell what was missing?” Zoro’s interest was piqued at the new development and he focused his attention on learning more. Anything to take away from the void that had settled in his chest.
Sanji sat next to him and handed the grief-stricken man a lunchbox. “Eat first. There’s plenty of time to talk later when it’s not so busy around us.”
Zoro nodded as he glanced over the area. “So you feel it too. That we’re being watched.”
The cook leaned back and braced himself with his hands as he tried to appear relaxed. “Whoever it is, they’ve been following me since I left the storage. I can’t seem to ever get a good look at them though, and I never saw a car tailing me. It’s really weird.”
Body after body was laid out on the ground, the fatality count rising higher than any of them had ever seen at one incident. A few times someone was still found alive, but never in good shape. Sanji tensed as they watched the paramedics carry out a stretcher with a short, round man who was moaning dramatically though he didn’t appear wounded.
“Fucking Hildon. I remember that asshole.” Sanji pulled the pack of cigarettes from the pocket of the borrowed hoodie and shook the last one out. “He was the little bitch of the operation. He had all of the shit jobs and played messenger most of the time. Too bad he survived.”
“Hn.” Zoro turned his attention back to the building and wondered how many more they might find still breathing. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end again as he tried to find his watcher in the crowd. His brow rose in question as he spotted a strange figure by one of the nearby buildings. He appeared to be hiding his face behind the wall and leaving his body standing out for everyone to see. ‘Peeking in reverse’ thought Zoro. The stance seemed somewhat familiar though. As if he had seen it before. And recently too. His eyes went wide as his memory caught up and the connection was made. “Oi! That’s the kid from the video!”
“We’ve got a live one!”
There were shouts from the building and everything came alive. Police came from all directions with their guns drawn, preparing for whatever might be coming out. Emergency technicians came running as well. The commotion caused Zoro to lose site of the figure and the swordsman jumped to his feet, running in the direction he had last seen it. What he heard next made him stumble and almost fall.
“Her pulse is weak, she’s barely with us!”
“Hurry! We need to get an I.V. started immediately.”
“She must be one of the test subjects.”
“There’s not much of a chance.”
Zoro spun around and watched as they carried a weak and fragile looking woman out of the building. Her head was shaved clean and her body covered with only a hospital gown. Dark almond eyes fluttered open to meet his and her lips moved stiffly as she mouthed his name. Zoro. A look of pain passed over her face as she closed her eyes again and lay still.
“No,” Zoro whispered.
( Monsters everywhere )
The tires squealed and the truck tipped precariously as he rounded another corner, praying against all odds that his gut feeling was wrong. Beside him, Ace held on tight to the dash to keep from flying around the cab as Smoker tested the old Ford’s limits. When the detective realized it was Sanji calling, he had taken the phone away and threatened the blonde with bodily harm if Zoro was doing something stupid. He didn’t expect to hear that an attacker had come into the apartment and for some reason Zoro believed his father to still be alive. Hope tinged with fear and apprehension gripped at him as he rushed to the run down industrial park on the outskirts of town.
“I’d like to get there in one piece if you don’t mind. I won’t be able to help him if you kill us both.” Smoker could hear the tension in Ace’s voice as the raven worried about his friend.
“Don’t worry; I’ll kill all three of you if this gets out of hand.” Smoker tried to push in the cigarette lighter only for it to fall out into the floor. “Damn it!”
“I tried to tell you I’m not finished working on it.” Ace reached for the still glowing object and ended up in Smoker’s lap as they took another corner sharply. He nuzzled into the detective’s crotch for a brief second until he was pulled up harshly by the hair of his head. “Owwww. Ok… we’ll play later.”
Smoker allowed the cigar to be taken from his mouth and watched from the corner of his eye as the feisty man lit it for him. The kiss that followed was short but full of promise. “Focus, Portgas. Or I’ll handcuff you to this piece of junk and leave it in neutral to roll down into the ravine.”
The cruiser was bound to attract too much attention so they had taken Ace’s pickup, praying that it would hold up until they got there. There were several rumors of where Moria’s suspected hideout was, but only one made any sense; an abandoned factory down by the river. Tires squalled again as he made the turn into the complex. Smoker’s mind kept mulling over the thought that his best friend might still be alive, though how and why were still a mystery. He could see the concern lined out on Ace’s face as well, knowing there were more questions than answers at the moment, but hopefully soon it would be clear. The building came into view and Smoker didn’t hesitate pulling into the midst of the other vehicles and stepping out.
The detective tossed off his jacket into the truck and checked his weapon. It didn’t go past Ace’s notice that the jitte was slid into some aftermarket loops on the back of his shoulder holster. “Take the east wing. Call and let your men know where you are. I’ll start in from the west and we’ll meet in the north.”
Ace nodded as he pulled the back of the seat forward to reach behind it and retrieve an old-fashioned gun belt with an impressive pistol on each side. He grinned up at the law official as he strapped it around his hips and gave the older man a suggestive wink. “I’ve been wanting to use these for a long time.”
“Just don’t expect me to look the other way if you get caught with them.” Smoker ignored the way the accessory drew attention to the slender hips and began walking.
“Hey Smoker.”
The off duty detective paused and looked over his shoulder but didn’t turn fully.
“What would you say if I told you I was willing to give it all up for you?” Ace wanted to laugh at how fast Smoker spun around to look at him with shock and disbelief. The raven smiled softly and turned in the opposite direction to run to his appointed place of entry. “Keep safe out there, Taisa.”
He could feel Smoker’s eyes on him as he hopped up on the dumpster and grabbed the bottom rung of the fire escape. Ace’s question held a lot of truth to it, but he wasn’t sure he was quite ready to quit the crime business just yet. He owed his life to Pops and the crew but they weren’t the ones to whom he had given his heart.
“Ace.”
The raven paused in his climb and looked over to the man who had given him another reason to live.
“I’d say you’re full of shit.” Smoker felt satisfied at the surprised look on his lover’s face and continued towards the east entrance. Ace’s laughter lifted a little of the weight in his soul as he reached for the door.
The minute he opened it, he knew something was wrong. The air was tinged with the stench of blood and he could hear screaming somewhere in the distance. Two men came running down the hall and Smoker drew his gun. They appeared scared out of their minds and he let them run past and out the door as they mumbled something about being overrun with demons. The deeper he traveled into the building the clearer the sounds of fighting became and Smoker followed it, knowing that he would find one of two people at the end.
-/-/-/-/-/-
“I remember the first time we met. Of course you were distracted and probably don’t recall.” Moria blocked and pivoted out of the way, his breathing labored from the taxing fight. The samurai had cleared his way through the substandard soldiers much faster than Moria had anticipated; catching the mastermind unprepared on the restrictive pathway. “You were playing with a young boy who had an uncanny resemblance to you. How is he? Alive I’m assuming. ”
Ryuuma sneered and landed a glancing blow to Moria’s cheek, leaving a trail of blood trickling down the man’s face. They could hear Oz rampaging around somewhere below them as they continued to fight one another on the swaying catwalk. A triumphant sneer spread across Moria’s face as the samurai was forced backwards several steps. Thinking he had the upper hand, the malicious master began to get cocky.
“Maybe when you’re gone I can get your son to take your place. I wonder if we can keep his mother’s body animated long enough to convince him to join?” the madman taunted. The moment the words escaped his lips, Moria knew he had made a grave mistake. The atmosphere around them seemed to explode as Ryuuma parried his attacks effortlessly.
“Her life… is no longer yours to control!” With a burst of raw force, Ryuuma broke through Moria’s defense and laid his blade across the large man’s throat. “Now yours… is over.”
His eyes closed and a plea for forgiveness was whispered as Ryuuma leaned into his sword and let the steel pass effortlessly through skin and muscle to end the battle in a river of red. Moria’s sword fell from his hand to fall the distance to the ground below as he clawed uselessly at his throat, his noisy gasps for air doing nothing but aide in the spray of blood across the walkway. Ryuuma wiped his blade across his sleeve, watching intently as the metal was cleaned and all traces of the tyrant were removed. His eyes glassed over with tears as he lowered the sword loosely to his side. Far below, a passionate battle cry drew his attention and his heart skipped a beat as Ryuuma watched his son enter into battle with a hideous creature he helped create.
-/-/-/-/-/-
Oz howled out in anger when his playtime was interrupted by the new man who just knocked the doors off their hinges. This one was similar to the man that Master said would make him better, but he carried two swords in his hands and one more at his side. The childish mind had difficulty processing whether it was enemy or foe, but since he had taken away his fun, Oz decided it didn’t matter. The mean man had to go.
The force of the fist that hit him in the chest was much greater than Zoro had anticipated and it knocked him back over several tables and into the far wall. A flash of light off something metal above caught his attention and he looked up to see the outline of another swordsman standing above.
“Dad?” Zoro’s voice was strained and he coughed several times trying to draw a decent amount of air into his lungs. He got to his feet and stumbled towards the retreating figure only to be hit yet again. Shaking his head to clear it, Zoro stood and faced the unholy abomination before him. Patches of skin from multiple donors were stitched together over a seven foot human frame that was probably meant to be male. Only one eye appeared to be installed, leaving the other socket empty above a makeshift nose. The mouth was animalistic, the jaw set clearly not human as well as the elongated lower teeth. Horns had been shoved into the head on each side, completing the demonic look; though Zoro had a feeling the creature had made that modification itself. This fight would prove to be the greatest yet.
Sidestepping to the left, Zoro felt the shift of air as the fist passed by him. Each swing was easy to see, allowing him the chance to dodge the blows. The power behind them warned the swordsman that he should continue to do so, but dancing around so much was getting him nowhere. Zoro swung down with both swords on the arm that just missed him, eyes widening when they cut through the flesh and blood appeared to flow from the wound. Oz cried out pulling his arm back and held it to his chest.
The door at the end of the catwalk overhead opened, letting in a stream of light into the room and startling the creature. Zoro growled low, anger taking over as he looked up to watch his father leave his sight for the second time in less than 24 hours. He ran for the ladder, leaving the earlier battle in search of answers. Halfway up, the ladder shook violently and Zoro turned to see Oz close behind. Fearing that it would be another 4 years before he could get this close to answers again, Zoro knew he needed to end this fight quickly. As soon as he was on solid footing, Zoro wasted no time in attacking again, slicing through borrowed skin everywhere he could and exposing the shiny mechanisms beneath. Wildly the creature began swinging, finally catching Zoro across the face in the midst of his blind rage. One sword was quickly placed between his teeth so he could grab the edge of the walkway to keep from falling.
Oz continued his rampage, knocking out support wiring and causing the catwalk to sag and sway. He busted through the metal planks beneath his own feet and crashing through, catching the opposite side as he fell. With a menacing sneer, Zoro used every ounce of strength he possessed and swung the black sword in his hand towards the battered arm across from him. The blade caught at the already weakened forearm and snapped the metal bones, sending Oz plummeting down. It landed on an overturned table, the leg piercing through the empty socket into the computerized brain.
Mental, emotional and physical exhaustion hit him hard and Zoro’s hand began to slip. Half-gloved hands caught him by the wrist and began to pull. “Shit you’re heavy.”
Zoro looked up to see Ace straining to bring him up high enough to get a better hold. The swordsman swung his lower body to hook a foot on the rail and began to help. “It’s called muscle asshole so shut up and get me out of here.”
“Yah, yah.” Ace chuckled as he helped his friend to his feet. They looked down at the destruction and the immobile cyborg among the ruins. “Is it…”
“I fucking hope so.” Zoro put his swords back on his hip and headed for the door.
“Hey Zoro! The way out is over there.” Ace pointed to the other end of the building.
The green haired man shook his head and continued to where he had last seen the white cloaked man leave. “For just this once, trust me on this. I know where I’m going.”
Doubtful but curious, Ace hurried after him, unprepared for what was ahead.
-/-/-/-/-/-
Ryuuma stood on the rooftop watching the rising sun as it came over the horizon. Its rays danced over the wet surfaces, making puddles shimmer in the light. The cold air carried with it a familiar smell of smoke and a sad smile touched his lips.
“It’s been a long time, my friend.”
The response was barely a grunt if anything.
“She was so beautiful… and he took all of that away from her.” Ryuuma held his sword up before him, letting the sunlight play off the bloodstained surface. “I was so blinded by all of his promises of returning her to me that I lost all sense of humanity. He sent me to kill my own son, Smoker. My child. And had it not been for the fact that he is the only man I know to wield three swords, I would have gone through with it.”
“But you didn’t.” One hand he held his pistol, and with the other Smoker pulled the jitte from its loops preparing to defend in case his friend was truly lost to him.
A soft saddened laugh came from Ryuuma as he shook his head and lowered his sword. “No. I didn’t. But I can’t be forgiven for the lives I have taken.” Ryuuma lifted his head high and looked up at the sky. “I leave, knowing that what I did, I did for love and now I can finally be with my beloved. I’ll be able to hear her voice, feel her touch and see her bright eyes look up at me as they once did.”
“What about the brat? You think he doesn’t need you? Shit that idiot is more messed up than you could ever imagine.” Smoker cautiously circled to his side and tried to move in closer.
“He’s strong. And I’m honored to have him as my son.” The sword lowered slowly and Ryuuma bowed his head. “Tell him I’m proud of him.”
“Ryu, nooo!!!” Realizing too late what was happening, Smoker dropped his weapons and ran for the samurai. The sword penetrated through, almost catching the detective as he caught his friend and lowered him to the ground. “Ryu you stupid fuck! This isn’t the answer! Damn it you can’t leave me again! You can’t… can’t leave us again.”
“Forgive me… Sarah”
For the first time in four years, Smoker felt the tears of grief fall down his cheeks. A familiar hand reached up to wipe the moisture away and he was torn between pain and anger. Blood poured from where the sword had entered and turned as it was pulled out. Ryuuma had no intentions of leaving the rooftop alive; that was for sure.
“But why? You were my brother! Why didn’t you come to me for help?” Smoker allowed emotion to take over him and he pulled the dying man to his chest as he denied that he was crying. “We could have helped…”
The body in his arms went limp and Smoker knew he was gone. A soft touch on his shoulder startled him and he looked up to see his lover next to him. Tears shone back from Ace’s eyes and he knew the young man understood without saying a word. Ace knelt down and encircled them both silently, offering comfort and strength. Shuffling of feet alerted the detective that someone else was on the roof and he looked up to see Zoro watching them from several feet away.
“Did he suffer?” Zoro asked quietly.
Smoker nodded and laid the body down gently, closing the dark eyes for the last time. “He suffered for four years. Only now is he at peace.”
“Was he… did he…” Zoro stumbled to find the words to ask the painful question.
“Your father was the most honorable man I know. He did what he thought was right. You should be proud to carry the Roronoa name.” Smoker turned to look at him with a warning in his eyes.
Zoro’s return glare was just as strong. Nothing more needed to be said and Zoro nodded firmly. “I am.”
Sirens could be heard closing in on their location and the three men knew more questions than they could answer waited for them. Carefully Smoker removed the sword, grimacing as it scraped against the spine and ribs. He threw the offending weapon across the roof and clenched his fists tightly until the wave of grief that hit him was under control. Slowly, the detective picked up the lifeless body and turned to face his waiting godson. When Zoro held his arms out, Smoker didn’t hesitate to hand his friend over. As Zoro shifted the weight to better carry the man, Smoker pulled the roof’s access door open and made sure there were no other surprises waiting for them.
They walked somberly down the stairs, Smoker leading the way and Ace making sure that Zoro stayed on path. The building appeared to be void of any life now and their footsteps echoed eerily in the halls. By the time they reached the ground, over a dozen police and emergency vehicles had arrived. Guns were pulled on them as they exited the front doors, but fortunately Smoker’s familiar face was easily recognized and they passed through to the waiting paramedics. It took a lot of effort and coaxing to get Zoro to release his father, but finally the swordsman relented; his eyes never leaving the man until the ambulance doors closed. His wounds were treated as the crews began to sift through the rubble, exclamations of shock and horror heard everywhere. Windows were broken and all the doors propped open so the men could withstand the smells inside.
Zoro sat on the tailgate of Ace’s ford watching everyone run around. It all seemed so surreal to him. The fact that his father was alive all this time had been dampened by the sight of the sword being thrust through his body as he apologized. If Ace had been the first one up the stairs, he might have missed it. Zoro shook his head to clear his mind and turned back to watching Smoker and Garp argue over whose jurisdiction the case belonged. An annoyingly familiar scent ticked his nose and Zoro steeled himself for the barrage of questions he wasn’t prepared to answer. When nothing came, he turned to see the somber face of the man who had set all of this into motion.
Sanji took one last drag off the cigarette and crushed it out on the edge of Ace’s truck. “After calling Ace, I went to check that storage facility you asked about. It looked like someone had already been there though. A couple of boxes were empty and several were knocked over as if there was a struggle. I think whoever fought there was locked inside because the door was busted outwards.”
“Inside? Who would lock someone in? Could you tell what was missing?” Zoro’s interest was piqued at the new development and he focused his attention on learning more. Anything to take away from the void that had settled in his chest.
Sanji sat next to him and handed the grief-stricken man a lunchbox. “Eat first. There’s plenty of time to talk later when it’s not so busy around us.”
Zoro nodded as he glanced over the area. “So you feel it too. That we’re being watched.”
The cook leaned back and braced himself with his hands as he tried to appear relaxed. “Whoever it is, they’ve been following me since I left the storage. I can’t seem to ever get a good look at them though, and I never saw a car tailing me. It’s really weird.”
Body after body was laid out on the ground, the fatality count rising higher than any of them had ever seen at one incident. A few times someone was still found alive, but never in good shape. Sanji tensed as they watched the paramedics carry out a stretcher with a short, round man who was moaning dramatically though he didn’t appear wounded.
“Fucking Hildon. I remember that asshole.” Sanji pulled the pack of cigarettes from the pocket of the borrowed hoodie and shook the last one out. “He was the little bitch of the operation. He had all of the shit jobs and played messenger most of the time. Too bad he survived.”
“Hn.” Zoro turned his attention back to the building and wondered how many more they might find still breathing. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end again as he tried to find his watcher in the crowd. His brow rose in question as he spotted a strange figure by one of the nearby buildings. He appeared to be hiding his face behind the wall and leaving his body standing out for everyone to see. ‘Peeking in reverse’ thought Zoro. The stance seemed somewhat familiar though. As if he had seen it before. And recently too. His eyes went wide as his memory caught up and the connection was made. “Oi! That’s the kid from the video!”
“We’ve got a live one!”
There were shouts from the building and everything came alive. Police came from all directions with their guns drawn, preparing for whatever might be coming out. Emergency technicians came running as well. The commotion caused Zoro to lose site of the figure and the swordsman jumped to his feet, running in the direction he had last seen it. What he heard next made him stumble and almost fall.
“Her pulse is weak, she’s barely with us!”
“Hurry! We need to get an I.V. started immediately.”
“She must be one of the test subjects.”
“There’s not much of a chance.”
Zoro spun around and watched as they carried a weak and fragile looking woman out of the building. Her head was shaved clean and her body covered with only a hospital gown. Dark almond eyes fluttered open to meet his and her lips moved stiffly as she mouthed his name. Zoro. A look of pain passed over her face as she closed her eyes again and lay still.
“No,” Zoro whispered.
( Monsters everywhere )