One Piece Fan Fiction ❯ Broken, Only to Heal Again ❯ Incognito: Evasive Escape? ( Chapter 8 )

Chapter 8

 

Alone at his desk, a dark figure sat, contemplating the near future. His hands were joined in front of his face. Long dark fingers came together as his chin rested on his thumbs. His black eyes shone with power beneath the dark locks framing his face. He was a handsome man. Black hair that just barely touched the collar of his shirt, feathered in front with faint hints of grey throughout. High cheekbones, almond shaped eyes, and full lips complemented by a strong jaw and broad forehead. His skin was dark, almost the color of the milk chocolate he loved to eat. While his height was only average, his demeanor made him stand well above anyone else in the room.

 

The middle aged man rose from the seat behind the massive desk and strode to the window. He stood in thought, staring out across the ship's deck to the ocean. In only a few hours he would arrive. In only a few short hours, he could exact his revenge. How ironic it was that `he' just happened to land on that particular island. After all these years of searching for him, playing tag with rumors, coming up short… Finally it would pay off. He could almost taste the victory, and it was sweet.

 

He calmly walked back to his desk and reached for a photo. His eyes hardened and his brow became creased in anger. “I will avenge you. I swear this on my life.”

 

 

 

Zoro did his best to erase the look of hope in Teki's eyes from his mind. He needed to concentrate on the task at hand. Since the windows were too small for his bulky frame to squeeze through, he had to take the longer route. Said route just happened to carry a more exciting atmosphere as well. He had way too much tension in his back and shoulders. He needed to work the kinks out. Yes, that's why he didn't just make the window bigger. He needed to stretch, or something. Mentally he nodded to his logic. It sounded good to him.

 

The first objective on his mind was a new shirt. He couldn't go around topless showing off the areas he was injured. Speaking of which, he removed his bandanna and tore off the dressing wrapped around his head. He could do without it now that the bleeding stopped and the swelling had gone down. When done, he retied the black cloth. He was almost back to normal. Only a few things remained unaccounted for. A red and a black sword lay waiting on the desktop, eager to be reclaimed by their master. Zoro was not one to make any sword, or man carrying a sword, wait. His whole body twitched with anticipation of the fighting to come. When all three swords were securely at his side, he made his way to the door.

 

It seemed quiet at the moment, but he would remedy that soon. An evil grin crossed his handsome features. If that damn Cat thinks he can get away with this easy this time, he's in for a rude awakening. Zoro could handle being threatened. Hell, he asked for it most of the time. But when you involved his nakama, things rose to another level. Kuro was planning on killing his captain. A public execution similar to what Gol D. Roger had. He could picture it. The execution platform in the middle of the village square, or maybe built right here in the courtyard where he was tortured last night. Military from all over were probably headed this way. That must be why he wasn't executed immediately. Then there was Usopp. That poor kid, yes Zoro still considered him a kid, didn't stand a chance. He was a major participant in foiling Kuro's plans back on Usopp's home island. Nami was there, too, but she didn't do much. So little that she may not even be remembered by Kuro at all. Sanji, Robin and Copper were not with the crew yet, so all Kuro had was what the Marines had told him in their reports. They were all stronger now. And they were united in their fight to protect their captain. As brain-dead as he was, the crew loved and respected him.

 

A noise outside the door brought Zoro out of his musings. Marines were entering the hallway. From the looks of it, they had just finished lunch. One of the men just happened to be roughly the same size as Zoro. The evil grin returned. `Oh, why not?'

 

“..and then she said `What cow?” The group of men were laughing so hard they didn't hear the door open to their right.

 

“Good one Pete. Hey you guys ready for the execution tomorrow? I still can't believe that they caught him. Finally that filthy pirate will get what's coming to him. Ain't nobody out there that can beat Captain Kuro. Not even that idiot swordsman was able to stand up to him.” The Marine speaking happened to be the smallest in the group. He had greasy yellow hair and odd little square glasses. His eyes were so small and squinted that he almost appeared to be walking with his eyes shut. His laugh cut through Zoro like nails on a chalkboard. It was high pitched and almost hyena like. He would have hated him even if he wasn't a Marine.

 

“I know you guys aren't referring to me, now are you?” Zoro crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the doorframe. His eyes narrowed into slits yet the maniacal grin stayed in place. His ego jumped for joy when the men turned around and could do nothing but stutter many semblances of his name. “How about you guys join me in here for a little chat? You can come willingly, or I can…..” a hand went to the swords at his side.

 

The men visibly swallowed and nodded their heads. Fear guided their shuffling feat toward him, and he stepped back into the room to allow them to pass. The door shut with a deafening click. Each of the poor souls jumped visibly.

 

“You have something I need.” Zoro pointed to the largest of the men. “Strip.”

 

“Like Hell I will!” Shouted the blushing man. He'd be damned if he was going to let a Pirate take him. “No way I'd let scum like you take me. I'd rather die!”

 

The others paled at the man's refusal. If he refused, then one of them would be next.

 

“Please, just do it. You're more likely to survive than any of the rest of us” said one.

 

“We promise to never tell” said another.

 

“Shut up the lot of you! He'll probably come after us when he's done with him anyway so what does it matter?” The stupid blond regarded Zoro with disgust.

 

Suddenly Zoro busted out laughing. “Y-y-you morons! What makes you think I'd even want to touch you?” He wiped the tears from his eyes. “I just need the baka's uniform to get out of here. Kami, you guys are stupid!” His eyes hardened again, his mouth thinning into a frown. “Now do you need to be told again?” Zoro drew his sword and pointed it at the man's throat.

 

Sweat appeared on the man's brow, and he shook his head. With fumbling fingers and even more shaking hands, he began to remove his clothing. First he tossed down his hat, followed by his shirt. Next he kicked off his boots as he tried to work the buckle on his belt. Finally the pants joined everything else and he stood in only a pair of pink boxers with little white kittens on them. Zoro couldn't help but snicker. Apparently neither could the others.

 

“Let's go downstairs.” Zoro gestured to the door at the rear of the office.

 

The men were making their way to their destination when the idiot of the group, Blondie, decided to make a run for it. Deftly, Zoro brought down the butt of his sword on the back of the man's head sending him crashing to the floor. His movements were fluid and quick. With his eyes still downcast at the fallen man, he raised his sword.

 

“Anyone else?”

 

Dust clouds came up behind them as they ran down the stairs into the now destroyed holding cell.

 

Absently mindedly, he picked up the irritating man. He tossed him down the stairs after his fellow comrades. It must be something about the hair color that makes them so irritating. A flash of another annoying blond filled his mind. Zoro sighed as he barricaded the door. He really needed to let off some steam, but he couldn't risk ruining the man's uniform before he got into it. Now he didn't have to hold back. It was just in time. More voices were beginning to fill the hallway just outside.

 

Quickly Zoro changed clothes. He opted for his own boots, not liking the idea of trying to break in another pair. He took his harkama, folded it and tucked it away inside the uniform shirt. He didn't have another on the ship and it was part of his signature look, damnit. Adjusting the swords in an unfamiliar belt, he stood ready to face the challenges awaiting him. His bandanna hid most of his hair, but just in case, he dusted off the cap and placed it on his head. Hopefully he could make it to the courtyard before he needed to draw his sword. He hated fighting in cramped areas.

 

With a deep breath, he opened the door and walked out into enemy territory.

 

He walked swiftly down the hall, nodding in greeting to a few of the Marines standing idly in the corridor. No one seemed to take notice of the fact that he had three swords hanging at his side and none of them were military issued. So far, so good. He rounded the corner and began to descend the stairs. A Lieutenant brushed shoulders with him. Thinking nothing of the contact, Zoro continued on without a word. Until he felt the man turn around and stare after him. `Shit.'

 

Zoro hurried down the flight and swiftly ducked into another corridor. He continued walking briskly. He heard someone calling from behind, trying to get his attention. Other Marines began to turn their attention toward him. `Shit, shit, shit. Not good. I at least wanted to make it out of this building first.'

 

"Hey! You, there!" One of the Marines had come out of the stairwell and spotted Zoro. Zoro cursed his luck and took off running. He dashed into one of the long corridors and skidded to a halt.

A dozen burly pissed-off Marines with swords drawn blocked the way.

Zoro sighed, drew two blades, and met them head on. No use trying to run now. He'd just have to make the best of the cramped quarters.

He caught the nearest blade on its downswing between the two of his own. He twisted his wrists, and knocked the sword out of the Marine's hand. Tightening his hand around the hilt and sliced cleanly through the now unarmed man. Steel clanged against steel as he blocked, parried, and disarmed the other men.

More armed Marines poured into the narrow space from behind him, as the last of the twelve fell. Zoro sprinted up the corridor. Another Marine stepped suddenly into his path from a side-door and he rebounded against the huge man's belly. Cracked, crooked teeth filled the Marine's mouth, exposed when he leered at Zoro's fallen form.

Zoro's eyes narrowed and he sliced up between the Marine's legs. The Marine howled.

 

Driving the Marine back, Zoro hacked his way down the corridor. He had no idea where he was in relation to where he'd been. Darting forward, he careened against the intersecting archway and tripped over a sprawl of bodies in the next corridor. Bloody boot prints walked a path on their heads.

The roar of angry Marines sent him running up the corridor desperately wanting to fight in a clear space. He turned on his pursuers suddenly, swinging his sword in a full, high arc. The sword tip got stuck in the ceiling.

"Shit." Zoro yanked on the sword and the ceiling came crumbling down, burying everyone, including himself, under the rubble.

 

Slowly Zoro dug himself out from beneath the wood and stone. He could see light from a window, or maybe an open door just ahead. With a burst of energy, he pushed toward it.

 

Marines patrolled the courtyard, having being brought to attention with the ruckus inside. Zoro counted more than fifty, a high number for guarding such a small space, and figured they'd gathered specifically to intercept him. Zoro grinned wolfishly. It wouldn't do to keep them waiting.

Trying to get a hold of the adrenaline pumping through his body, Zoro drew a katana and charged.

Being out in the open, the Marines had seen him coming and had their swords drawn long before Zoro met them. It didn't save them. Zoro twisted and spun, his blade flashing in the sunlight. He blocked and parried fluidly, dancing surefooted over the well beaten earth of the Marine practice ground. Blood spattered and flowed from fatal wounds. Death cries rattled in the air.

”Enough.” A voice shouted from behind. How it carried over the screams of the fallen was beyond him. Maybe it was because he had been searching for just that voice among all the others.

 

“I see the mouse has been let out of his cage. I'll have to remedy that. No matter. You were supposed to be delivered alive, but accidents do happen.” Kuro stepped out into the open, dusting off imaginary flecks from his shoulders as if to say `You aren't worth my time.'

 

Kuro signaled to the men flanking Zoro and they charged.

 

Zoro had expected this, and even if he hadn't been, the men were no match for him. He turned and impaled two of the men who'd charged on the tips of his blades. He went into a backwards roll with the impact and rose to his feet in one smooth movement. He pulled his katanas free and swung in a sharp circle as the two men collapsed. The blades whizzed over their heads, slicing the air with enough force to send a shockwave bowling over the others. Kuro stood alone before him.

Kuro threw his arm up, smacking Zoro's katana aside. The clink of metal against metal revealed Kuro's gloves were still his favored weapon. Zoro grinned gleefully and balanced on the balls of his feet for an attack.

Kuro flash stepped and Zoro leapt in the air before the attack hit him. He blocked with his katanas on his descent. It seemed that the Captain of the Black Cat Pirates hadn't gained much strength or technique since their last fight. Zoro's brow furrowed in disappointment. Kuro's neatly pressed suit was shredded under the sharpness of Zoro's blades and the metal clashing together caught the sunlight. Zoro jabbed, sliced, and parried until Kuro was backed against the wall, bladed gloves broken yet again.

 

“You made a mistake telling me what you were going to do to Luffy. A big one. You see, we Straw Hat's tend to be a bit protective of our nakama. When you threaten one of us, especially our Captain, the rest take care of the problem.” With each word Zoro inched closer, bringing his two swords together in a scissor-like manner against the Marine Captain's neck. “Luffy is safe now. For your sake, Usopp better be the same. Tell whoever it was looking for me that you failed. I suggest you forget the execution. We'll be leaving the island now.” Zoro closed his swords just enough to touch Kuro's neck. “Something to remember me by.” The blades grazed the pale throat drawing lines of blood; lines that would forever mock the once proud man. “One for each time we have defeated you. The number of lines will only go up if you continue to pursue us.” Zoro backed away wiping his blades on his pants.

 

Kuro fell to the ground in fear and humiliation, stunned that he had lost yet again to one of the infamous Straw Hat Pirates.

 

Kuro's remaining Marines roared in anger and charged. There were seven, brandishing swords and knives. Kuro's own personal guards so to speak. Zoro sheathed his katana, closed his eyes, and centered himself. He pulled Wadou from the loop on his borrowed. He could hear booted feet pounding on the courtyard.

With a sharp sweep of his arm, he unsheathed Wadou, dropped three opponents on his left, and resheathed her in her hilt. Slipping the sheath back in the loop on his waist, he jumped in the air, turning his body towards the four on his right, as he drew two new blades. He slashed downwards on his descent, taking out two more. Spinning as he landed, the last two were felled with clean slices across their chests.

Zoro straightened from his stance and resheathed his katanas. He stared challengingly at Kuro. Whimpers of pain came from the fallen men around him.

 

Clapping was heard from the direction of the gate. With one last glance at Kuro's fallen form, Zoro took note of the newcomer.