2 days later, once the snow had passed and temps slowly started to go up people started to shovel the snow off their houses the sun melting off the snow on the roofs trying to help the villagers. Dalton was up making coffee and breakfast for Nami, Zoro, Usopp, and Sanji. He looked out the window noticing that snow had covered not only his village but others as well. He noticed Zoro coming out of one of the spare rooms. "Morning."
Zoro didn't say anything but threw on his coat before heading over to the door. It was clear that although he was grateful for what Dalton did for the crew, he was single-minded. Zoro wanted to be with me and our son.
Usopp spotted Zoro. "Zoro, you're not gonna stay for coffee or breakfast?"
Zoro shook his head. "My place is with Pretty Kitty."
Dalton walked over to Zoro and put a fatherly hand on his shoulder. "I understand that you want to be with the woman you love. I admire that, Zoro, but you have to eat something. Please wait a little bit for the snow to melt."
Zoro soon relented. "Fine."
Back in the castle of Dr. Kureha, I had gained enough strength to leave my bed and explore the castle. I had a robe on to cover my nightgown that I wore. I leaned against the window sill looking out at the white landscape below me. I sighed hoping that Zoro would soon be with me and our son. Oh, Zoro I wish you were here.
Dr. Kureha saw me looking out the window. "So, you're finally strong enough to walk around?"
I turned around. "Yeah. I'm grateful that you saved mine and my son's lives. As well as Luffy's."
The old lady smiled. "It was Chopper who rescued you both. But as doctors, we must keep all our patients healthy and safe." She walked over to me and placed a martial hand on my shoulder. "Chopper informed me that you wish to be with your fiancè down in the village."
I nodded. "That would make me very happy, Dr."
Kureha chuckled. "You are Dr. Lee's daughter. I see him in you."
I blinked. "You know my father."
"William and I always communicated by letters. Although we live in different parts of the world, we always ask each other for professional opinions on medicine. When we were informed that he and Sasha were expecting their first child, I confess that I was excited. The day you were born, I never saw him cry."
I sighed. "My father didn't want me to join the Order. He always wanted me to study medicine but when I started showing an interest in weaponry he understood that being a doctor wasn't something I had my heart on. He encouraged it has I grew up. The day that Red Beard came to our house to take me away my father tried to fight but it was no used."
Dr. Kureha smiled. "I'm sorry to hear that. William was a good man. He's a stubborn man, but one that I respect more than anything." She stood up. "But I will see to it that you and your son are returned to your fiancè. Also, you can simply call me Kureha. I wish to teach you what I've taught Chopper. I have the feeling you will catch on quickly."
I chuckle. "Will it take me 6 years?"
Krueha smiled. "No. William did teach you the basics of medicine?"
I nodded. "Yes."
Over the day, I expanded my knowledge of medicine. It was good to have a motherly figure in Dr. Kureha for a little while at least. It was amazing to learn that all kinds of potions could heal, cause curses, and help expecting mothers. Such as myself. Kureha taught me cupping and other means of healing the body.
Kureha smiled. "You're catching on very quickly, Katherine. I'm proud of you. You need to pace yourself during your training. Once you have your son, you won't be able to practice as much."
Luffy was off trying to convince Chopper to join our group.
Back in the village, Dalton, Zoro, Nami, Sanji, Usopp, and some of the villagers were preparing to come to Dr. Kureha's castle to come to me and Luffy. Dalton addressed to group. "Men, we are simply going to visit Straw Hat and Katherine to make sure that Dr. Kureha has offered them protection and health. We are not going to attack."
Nami looked at Zoro. "Hey, are you ok?"
Zoro nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm jut nervous that something has something to Pretty Kitty and our son."
Usopp followed Nami and Zoro's glance toward the mountains. "I'm sure they're doing just fine."
After an afternoon of training, I headed back to my room to rest. I paused and heard what sounded like squeaking. I turned my head and noticed mice running around the empty hallways. As I opened the door to my bedroom and smiled seeing William. "Hey, bud where did you come from."
William landed on my shoulder before dropping a locket into my hand with the letters Z+K.
I opened the locket and smiled, seeing a photo of Zoro. This must have been the necklace that my father had given Zoro. I placed the necklace around my neck. I gently ruffled William's feathers. "Thank you, buddy."
I sat down on the bed. Not long I heard boots running through the halls of the castle. Going on the side of caution, I drew my sword. I could feel William's talents tighten on my shoulder, but not to the point of drawing blood. "It's o, bud. I hear it too." I noticed that the handle of the door jiggled.
The door opened slowly and I spotted the footwear. The figure entered my room. "You know it's inappropriate to enter a women's room without asking permission." I held my sword and the intruders back.
Zoro smirked. "I think I'm an exception to that rule." He turned around.
I blinked. "Oh my God! Zoro you're here!" I run to him nearly jumping him.
Zoro smiled holding me close and playing with my hair. "It's me, Pretty Kitty. I'm here and I'm not gonna leave you again." He kissed me passionately. "Are you and our son ok?"
I nodded. "He's healthy and moving. Kureha and her assistant Chopper have been looking after us. Where are the others?"
"Trying to find Luffy. The boy needs to be on a leash."
I smiled and leaned against his chest listening to his heart.
Zoro chuckled and ran his fingers through my hair. "We're gonna leave this place soon, my love."
Dr. Kureha poked her head into my room to make sure that I was ok when she spotted Zoro. "So, you're the young man that thinks it ok to break into my home?" She paused for a moment seeing that my eyes were closed. "I see." She smiled a small smile and closed the door. "William, you brought up a good girl." She said quietly to herself.