.

ATTENTION!

IMPORTANT AUTHORS NOTE AT THE BOTTOM!

Enjoy the Chapter.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Muffles, stifles, incoherent verbiage. Call it what you may, but incomprehensible voices drowned his sense of sound - perhaps psychological as well.

"Where... am I?"

"Zoro."

A faint indistinguishable voice echoed his name. Unknown, yet surrounds him all the same.

"Who's there?!" He called to it. "Show yourself!"

"Zoro!"

It screamed this time, all more identifiable. He could recognize that voice... their voice. It's unmistakable. His friends, his crew, his allies cried for him. But he could not answer. He could not go to them. Something prevented him, and he didn't know what. It was frustrating - infuriating, and he did not like it. Whatever it is, he will uncover the truth. He would not allow this to go unchecked. His goals, his ambitions, his compassion and purpose - all that he has been striving to surpass have been given much more than simple 'meaning'. No, it was much more than that. This was his identity. This is who he, Roronoa Zoro, First Mate of the Straw Hat Pirates, right hand man to the most destined Pirate to be declared King, and soon to be greatest swordsman to ever live, truly is. He would not allow anyone to take that away from him - from them!

And then - like many unpredictable events that continue to shape his future, there came the cry. The cry that shattered him out of his mental state of vengeance, bringing him back to the unknowns of reality. The cry of helplessness which sought his presence. It was haunting and frustrating all the same.

"ZORO!"

Shooting out of his slumber, the First Mate of the Straw Hat Pirates shouted for he that cried for him.

"LUFFY!"

Panting out of the nightmare that mentally caged him, Zoro glanced around alarmingly at the unfamiliar room. It was spacious, luxurious, and downright confusing. His hands cautiously felt around his figure expecting some sort of pain or object that was not supposed to be there, only to sigh in relief once he felt completely normal.

"Where am I?" He hummed.

Kicking his legs off the bed, Zoro stepped onto the floor with his bare feet. His traditional dark green robes that were once torn into what he would consider to be rags had been professionally sewn back together and freshly cleaned before being neatly folded on an empty chair within the room. Taking this opportunity to change into his normal attire, he then spotted his swords placed on the opposite side of his bedframe closest to the window. The swordsman paced himself towards his blades, picking them up, and placing them back onto his waist. After, he gazed at the door - silently expecting someone would've entered by now. How odd. Exiting the room, he found out soon enough the place he was in was rather large.

"What kind of place is this?" He hummed.

Walking down the hallway, he began to call out to whoever may be near.

"Hello? Anyone home?"

Silence.

After a brief walk, he stopped in front of a random door to which he oddly felt inclined to see what was beyond. With curiosity overtaking his sense of judgement, he entered - only to lock eyes with a tiny blonde girl with twirly hair.

"It seems you've finally woken up."

"Um yeah, I have." Zoro agreed. "I do apologize for the intrusion, but if I may ask. Where are we?"

"A refuge with manners, it's not something I encounter quite often. As for where we are, we're in Betty's multipurpose room. It serves as my library and bedroom, I suppose."

"That must mean you're Betty?"

"Betty is a nickname, you may call me Beatrice, human."

Ignoring the human comment, Zoro wondered if he could finally get some answers about this place.

"Well, Beatrice. Are you the owner of this large... house?"

"The room is Betty's to protect. Everything outside is Roswaal's Manor, named after Lord Roswaal himself, I suppose." Clasping the book she read shut, she set it aside gently. "On another note, Betty has taken an interest in you. You've been asleep for nearly a month now. Emilia brought you to this manor in a condition unlike anything I've seen before. Honestly, Betty was certain you would've died. It's intriguing how you've managed to cling onto life."

"Are you saying Emilia didn't heal me?"

Beatrice scoffed. "Heal you? She was barely able to stabilize you. Betty was the one who healed you, I suppose. Betty doesn't possess any interest in human affairs. It doesn't necessarily matter to me whether you live or die. Still it leaves a questioning lump down my throat wondering who you are, what you are, and what was it that attacked you."

Before Zoro could respond, the appearance of two maids who look very much identical appeared in front of Beatrice's doorway. Other than the obvious difference in hair color, the two were pretty much a mirror match.

"Sister, Sister, it seems our guest has finally woken up."

"Rem, Rem, our guest also seems to be completely healed."

The two sisters, unwavering in their posture and without glancing away for a second to address one another - were much weirder than anticipated.

"Rem, Ram. Did you find him?"

A third person, Emilia, had made herself known to all nearby. Rem turned to address Emilia first, followed by Ram.

"Emilia, our guest is taking an unmonitored tour around the manor."

"Emilia, our guests' behavior is rather suspicious and is recommended for needed correction."

Zoro eyes lightly twitched at the word. "Correction?" He wondered.

"You two, be kind to the guest. He's confused." Emilia smiled at Zoro. "I'm Emilia. I believe we met earlier in the Capital. It was a very... swift and untimely event."

Zoro couldn't help but remain silent and just - study her? The silence between them grew somewhat awkward, and Emilia began to lightly sway on her feet showing that she was slowly becoming uncomfortable with the prolonged silence.

"You don't remember anything about me from before that?" He finally said.

Taken aback by his first words, Emilia couldn't help but blink.

"I-I apologize. I'm afraid I don't quite understand what you mean."

Zoro sighed, rubbing his face in a dragged manner.

"I- uh, never mind. I must've hit my head very hard earlier." He claimed intending to drop the subject.

"I see. Well, I'd suspect so. You weren't exactly in the best condition when I brought you here."

Zoro mentally sighed seeming grateful she took the bait and decided to drop the subject.

"I'm Zoro, Roronoa Zoro."

"Zoro." Emilia spoke his name curiously. "I like that name, it's quite interesting. Say, Zoro. Would you mind accompanying me, if only briefly?" Glancing over the swordsman's shoulder, she locked eyes with Beatrice. "If you're fine by that, Beatrice. I know we must've interrupted you two earlier."

"Betty has no objections. In fact, Betty was just about to ask him to leave, I suppose." She answered.

Emilia nodded in gratitude. Turning away, she subtly gestured Zoro to follow her.

"Well then, Zoro. Shall we take a walk?" With that being said, Emilia along with Rem and Ram exited the library.

Zoro took one look back at Beatrice who motioned the 'shoo' gesture. Shrugging, he followed Emilia out the door to wherever she intended to lead him.

During their walk around the manor, Emilia had begun to fill Zoro in on everything that transpired from the moment he fell unconscious after his supposed battle with the Bowel Hunter. How she along with another man name Reinhard had arrived witnessing the scene of Felt bandaging him up as best she could, which ultimately led to her trying to heal his wounds. Despite her best efforts, she was unable to truly heal the Swordsman. Initially, Emilia was convinced that the two had been working together to steal her insignia, but after a brief explanation from Felt of what happened she couldn't help but become flustered with the way she handled herself.

While this happened, Emilia explained how Reinhard van Astrea had taken an interest in him. In fact, he intended to take him back for questioning after she finished her treatment. She couldn't understand what peaked his interest, nor would he tell her, but she knew the Sword Saint was skeptical of him. She knew Reinhard typically acted on the well-being of the Kingdom, but this here didn't necessarily sit right with her. She felt indebted to this man and intended to care for him regardless of what Reinhard may believe. And so, with the most persuasive and plead-filled request to allow this man to remain in her care - along with the distraction of a shocking discovery of Felt's involvement as a Royal Candidate, Reinhard agreed. No later, Emilia was able to escort Zoro to Roswaal's Manor where she knew who would be able to give him the proper care needed.

"Which leads me to wonder." Stopping in her tracks, unknowingly she faced the yet to be claimed Pirate. "Why were you seeking to purchase the insignia that was stolen?"

"To give it back, of course." He answered.

"Really?" She inched closer attempting to uncover a facade, much to Zoro's dismay.

After a subtle pause and an awkward atmosphere, Puck decided to make himself known.

"I don't know, lia. He seems truthful enough. I wasn't able to detect an ounce doubt."

"So it seems that girl was indeed telling the truth." Emilia hummed along with Puck.

Puck nodded before floating around Zoro. "Say, you don't seem very surprised to see me. Usually most have a bewildered or questionable look at my appearance."

"I've encountered many talking animals. It doesn't necessarily faze me anymore."

"I'm not just an animal, but a great spirit. Though I am curious to understand who or what it is you've met."

Pinching Pucks cheek, Zoro playfully wiggled it before releasing him. "Maybe i'll tell you if you're able to answer me one thing. What island are we on?"

Puck rubbed his cheek and Emilia tilted her head in confusion.

"Island? I don't believe I understand." The elf wondered.

Puck greed. "Neither do I. It's not something well-known. To give you some clarification, you are within Lugnica Kingdom. Specifically Roswaal's Manor which is about a 2 day carriage ride straight to the Capital. It's strange you don't understand where you are, we're in a very well known area after all."

Zoro sighed. "I see, I'm afraid I don't quite understand much either."

Just then, before they could continue their conversation, Rem and Ram approached addressing Emilia.

"Emilia, Lord Roswaal has returned. It is requested that you come inside." The twins spoke simultaneously.

The three looked at one another briefly. Realizing that this conversation would have to be put on a momentary pause, they headed inside to greet the owner of this fine establishment.

With the scene changing to that of a dining room, we find our otherworldly protagonist finishing up a rather large amount (though not nearly as much as Luffy) of food. Emilia had been fascinated by the sight of Zoro who ate practically what she presumed to be his own body weight. To make matters even more intriguing, the Swordsman's belly had barely grown. She could only wonder where the heck did all of this food go? If she didn't know any better, she would've assumed she was sitting next to the Sin Archbishop of Gluttony with the way he ate. One things for certain, the size of his appetite had kept Rem and Ram busy for quite some time.

Roswaal L Mathers, the owner of this large establishment, like Emilia, had been watching Zoro eat with an amused expression. He's never seen many with an appetite quite like this, if any at all. It was certainly a sight to behold.

"Hmm, I do hope you're enjoying yourself my esteemed guest. My maids have certainly put forth a great effort in satiating your appetite." Roswaal commented.

Zoro set aside what was certainly his last plate. Stacking it atop numerous of others, he leaned back into his chair patting his stomach in a satisfied manner.

"I certainly appreciate the hospitality. It's been a very confusing time in my life, and I have yet to fully understand the situation I'm in."

"Hmm, you're a very interesting man, Zoro. Of all places, you've come to the mansion of Margrave Mathers within the Kingdom of Lugnica, a place that holds significant influence over the region, yet you say you have no understanding of what's going on."

"Well, I wouldn't necessarily say I came here willingly." Zoro clarified.

Taking a small glance towards Emilia, the Half-Elf noticed and looked away with a small flush on her cheeks. She felt judged and embarrassed by her one-sided decision earlier, but she didn't regret it.

"Though your careful use of words made it seem as if there is something big going on in this kingdom." He continued.

Roswaal hummed. "You're quite attentive in listening, but you are right. The Kingdom is not necessarily in an agreeable state, after all the King's throne has been vacant for quite some time."

"That sounds detrimental."

"Don't be so concerned. The entire Kingdom is in fact aware of this. We are currently being managed by a council of wise-men and they are in the process of selecting a new king. Interestingly enough, you've managed to make contact with Lady Emilia which now subjects you to being connected with my household."

"Lady Emilia? If what your status says about you is true, Emilia must be a very important figure if you're addressing her as such."

"Right again, Zoro. You sure are a keen young man. It's only moral to address someone of higher status with such respect."

"Does that make you the Princess of this Kingdom or something?" Zoro addressed Emilia.

"Well, not necessarily."

Pulling out a familiar object, Zoro watched her place the stone encompassed by strange engravings on the table. He was certain they meant something, obviously he didn't know what - nor did he care.

"My true title is actually a Royal Candidate that could become the 42nd ruler of Lugnica Kingdom, with the backing of Margrave Roswaal L. Mathers. This stone basically signifies my qualification for the position. It's basically a touchstone that determines if you are worthy of inheriting the throne." She explained.

"Well, it's a good thing you managed to get it back. It would've been bad if actually managed to be sold into whatever black market it was heading too."

"I-I, um." She stammered before finally giving in. "Y-yeah, you're right. Thank you for at least stopping the transaction. You're truly my savior this time around. I would've been disqualified undoubtedly if I wasn't able to take care of a small insignia."

"She's right, you've done us a great deed."

Roswaal abruptly stood to his feet speaking with much high regards to Zoro and proclaiming proudly that he would grant any wish or request he desired to the upmost of his capabilities. However, during his spiel of gratitude, Zoro had tuned out those words along with everything else going on in the room. Instead, his attention had been focused onto the crest Emilia placed onto the table earlier. He felt oddly lured to it, as if something about it sought his attention. Curiosity got the best of him, and like a cat that loved to get its claws on everything new, he couldn't help but do the same.

Reaching over, he grasped the crest with his fingers - shuffling it to the palm of his hand. At this time, the room had grown completely silent as sheer improbability - happened. Even Roswaal himself couldn't help but utter in disbelief.

"Impossible!"

There - the symbol which rested gently against the skin of an illogical candidate, said to have been prophesized for none other than five, had glowed.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Yeah, yeah, I know it's been like 3 or 4 years. Life happens and honestly, I haven't found much interest to write until recently. Anyways, rewatching some earlier episodes of Re:Zero, I realize how much faster the plot will begin to progress if Zoro were to be the main character instead of Subaru. I'm just throwing this out there, but I don't expect Zoro to ever be using 'Return by Death' besides what happened in the first chapter. His character doesn't fit the use of this power any more than an introduction to something abnormal happening. I think I'll have an interesting conflict built between Enma and the curse though, who knows.

I believe I mentioned this before, but I don't have any knowledge of the Re:Zero Universe outside of the Anime. I've never read any Manga's/Novels, but honestly, I may just start doing so to get a better understanding of the world beyond the anime. I understand there may have been a few things I'm doing now that would jeopardize some historic meaning in the Re:Zero universe, but that is a decision I will attempt to make into something that works. I hope.

I'm looking forward to writing out an encounter between Zoro and Julius and/or Reinhard in the upcoming Royal Candidacy introduction. Honestly, I have an assumption that Zoro may not like Reinhard so much, not as a person, but as a swordsman. I believe once he understands Reinhards 'Gary Sue-like' powers, he will feel insulted by how much of a cheat these blessings feel. What do you guys think? I know Zoro is a man of hard work and dedication especially when it comes to perfecting his skills. But would he really go so far as to confront someone he'd consider a fraud? If you read this, feel free to give your point of view in the review. It'd help a lot to understand others perspective.

Also, I'll be going over and making small tweaks or adjustments to the first two chapters. I already have, but I might do it a few more times for confirmation. Mainly for grammatical errors, but some scenes should also feel better and more attentive.

Anyways, sorry for the short chapter. It's shorter than what I tend to write, but I felt it was a good spot to stop for now. Hope you all enjoyed, and I'll see you all in another 3 or 4 years :) (Joking, I hope)

Ciao!

~TheLivingMyth

(P.S should I bring another character from One Piece? I'm not too certain how to include them. What do you guys think?)