The Swordsman's Cat ( Zoro X Reader)

Chapter 39 : Alone But Loved

Chapter 39 : Alone But Loved

As you slowly woke up, you couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness in your bed. Your ears drooped slightly as you realized that for the days to come, this would be your usual morning routine. Zoro, after his morning training, wouldn't be there to find you and start the day together.

With a sigh, you got up and changed from your nightgown. Just then, a familiar knock echoed through the room, followed by your grandfather's voice, "Y/N-chan, are you decent?"

You couldn't help but giggle as you opened the door, revealing your grandfather's smiling face.

"What's up, grand-papa?"

He walked in and took a seat beside you on your bed, concerned but caring. "I just wanted to see how you were holding up. I also noticed that Roronoa is nowhere to be found."

Your laughter filled the room as you replied, "Getting lost is his unique skill, after all."

Rayleigh's eyes wandered to your fingerless gloves and the metal bracelet that locked them in place.

He couldn't help but be curious and gently rubbed his finger against the intricate designs. "What an interesting bracelet and glove. Is there something you're not telling us, Y/N-chan?"

Your cat ears twitched as you grew nervous, stuttering slightly, "W-whatttt, ha-haha, not that I know of, Grand-papa."

Rayleigh decided not to press further and changed the topic instead. "I'm surprised that you won't be joining Luffy-kun's adventures. I know he would love to have you as part of his crew."

A warm smile graced your face, but deep down, you wrestled with your own desires.

"And I would love nothing more than to be a part of it, but... My instincts tell me that it's not the right time yet."

Rayleigh sensed your inner conflict but didn't push. Instead, he made a request, "Y/N-chan, humor this old man of yours for a moment and close your eyes."

You hesitated for a moment but eventually complied. The room fell silent, and you could feel your grandfather's hands on yours. A peculiar sensation washed over you as your hands suddenly felt lighter. 

Panicking, you opened your eyes and saw that your hands were now bare, free from the shackles and fabric your father had crafted to protect you. Rayleigh wore a gentle smile as you quickly withdrew your hands and hid them against your chest, your expression a mixture of surprise and concern.

"Grand-papa, I... This isn't..." You struggled to find the right words to explain.

Rayleigh embraced you, his actions conveying understanding and reassurance. "Does Mihawk know?"

You calmed down within his comforting embrace and mumbled, "Daddy was the one who put them on me."

"Mihawk was never the kind to be so obsessed with your safety before. Dying in front of him was one reason for locking you up, but now we know there was another..." Rayleigh tightened his hold on you.

You nodded, still nestled in his chest. When you felt ready, he gently pulled away, concern in his eyes. "Does Roronoa know about-"

You shook your head quickly, and he sighed. "Would you like to tell me what happened?"

"Sure, Grand-papa! I'm a parallel version of your granddaughter from another world, and in my world, your world is a TV show that I obsessively watched. I died and ended up here because the original Y/N didn't want to live anymore due to the constant cycle of torture and death. So here I am, trying to do justice to her legacy. Also, we both made a deal with Death!"