Shortly after changing and feeding Henry, I rejoined Cheasle, Nami, and the others on the deck of the Going Merry. I noticed the look on Chelase's face as she spotted the home base of the Creed. "Cheals, what's wrong? Are you scared to enter the building?" While I was also scared to enter it, I knew that I had to enter the building to confront my fears about the past.
Chealse looked at me. "How are you not afraid of going to where the Creed started? This is where all of our abuse began?"
I looked at her. "Cheasle, you're wrong. This isn't where your abuse began. All the abuse that happened here wasn't for you. If you remember, I took the bulk for you. For all the recruits."
Zoro approached where Chealse and I stood on the deck, looking at the oncoming building as it rose amongst the clouds. He put a hand on my shoulder, sensing the fears that I was hiding. "You don't have to do this alone, Pretty Kitty. I'm here."
I smiled. "It's time to put an end to this once and for all, Zoro. All the pain ends now."
Luffy also joined us all happy emotions drained from his face. "So, this is the Creed's home base of operations. What madness hides in this building?"
I sighed. "Only the bravest and foolish dare to find out." I held Henry close to me, trying to comfort him. "It's ok, buddy."
Chopper hopped on the railing, trying to get a better look. It was clear that the reindeer was scared. "There is no way that this was your abuse started, Kat?"
I nodded. "Yeah, Chopper, it is." I placed a hand on his shoulder.
A few minutes later, the ship landed on the shore at the port of the town on the outside of the island. The people who still lived on the island avoided Luffy and the crew like the plague, but welcomed Chealse and me with open arms. Elizabeth sat on Cheasle's shoulder and William sat on mine.
Usopp looked around us. "Why are the townspeople avoiding us?"
Chealse didn't look at him. "They see you guys as outsiders. People who aren't of the Order don't belong on this island." She paused. "Even Henry would not be seen as welcome on this island."
Nami looked at her. "Why not? Just because he's half swordsman, half assassin?"
Chealse nodded. "Exactly. Bounty Hunters here aren't known for being friendly."
Henry started attracting attention to the group. It was hard for him to keep quiet for being only a newborn.
One of the townspeople came over to us. Drawing a knife to kill Henry. However, they didn't get very far. Zoro had gotten the feeling someone would try to kill his son. He drew one of his swords and held it to the assassin's throat. "Take another step near my son, and will not hesitate to kill you."
The local laughed. "You don't belong here, Pirate Hunter. Your son doesn't belong here. You've tainted the pure-blood of Shadow Kat."
Zoro looked at him. This man is insane. "I haven't tainted anything. I suggest that you leave before I run you through."
I looked over my shoulder and noticed that Zoro had disappeared. I didn't think anything of it. He'll be fine. He's just keeping an eye out for anyone who would hurt Henry.