The Princess and The Swordsman (ZoroxOC)

Chapter 67

"It'll just be for a moment."I chimed in. Nami looked at us, "Stop? What for?" she asked, "We have a very important mission for Karoo." I explained. Shae tipped her head, "For Karoo?" Shae asked. I nodded, "Yes." I answered. Nami nodded, "Very well." she said. We dropped anchor as Vivi and I dismbarked with Karoo following. We stood on the beach with everyone watching; Zoro and Ace from the ship, Sanji from in front of the ship, Nami, Shae, Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper from behind us; "Karoo, we need you to go to Alubarna Palace and deliver this letter to our father." Vivi said softly.

Karoo squawked as I continued, "It contains everything uncovered by Igaram, Kell, Vivi, and myself. The details of Crocodile's nefarious plans for this country are in here. Also, it lets him know that we've returned to Alabasta safe and sound and in the company of brave friends willing to help us in our struggle." I said softly. Vivi smiled at Karoo, "Well, then. Can you do this for us, Karoo?" Vivi asked.

Karoo squawked again as he suluted us. Vivi tucked the letter away, "Now, be careful to conserve your water, 'kay?" Vivi asked him and he squawked again, "Go let our father know, Karoo. There's hope for this kingdom at last." I said. Everyone bidded Karoo goodbye before he took off running in the direction of the capital. Vivi leaned on me, "Thank you, Karoo." she whispered and I smiled, "And good luck, old friend." I added on.

"Alright! Let's set sail!" Luffy shouted as everyone climbed back on the ship. I looked over and saw Ace and Zoro talking as I made my way to Zoro's side and Ace walked away. As we sailed away, I noticed a rather strange sight; a gentleman with red hair and a huge, black desert wolf by his side, were watching us. He wore a white shirt with black jeans, a brown belt, and a silver chain attacked to his belt and and hanging on his side. his toned arms were crossed over his chest and his yellow eyes met mine. My eyes widened in shock, "No way." I whispered as the man smirked.

"Evie? Evie, what's wrong? Evie, talk to me." Zoro said from beside me as I felt myself trembling, "Zoro, that's-that's him! That's Willow!" I exclaimed. Zoro followed my eyes as Willow kept watching us, "The wolf is his pet and his partner, Yami." I explained, "If Willow knows we're here, then so does Crocodile." I said as I took Zoro's hand in mine and squeezed it, "So, he's the one who can control time." Zoro remarked and I nodded, "Yes." I answered. Suddenly, the sound of a transponder snail ringing filled the air. 

Everyone looked over and saw Willow for the first time, "Who is that?" Nami asked as she and the others ran to us, "Willow." Zoro answered. Willow answered his snail, "Yeah? Need something from me, Ms. All Sunday?" he asked in a calm and collected voice. his voice was deep, deeper then Zoro's and Ace's voices, "The Boss needs you to return, Willow. Come back immediately." Ms. All Sunday said. Willow smirked, "Very well. I'll see you later." he said and hung up. He climbed on Yami and rode off at full speed to return to Crocodile.

"He's scary." Usopp trembled. I nodded, "He is. and He shows no mercy to anyone. I'm sure if Ms. All Sunday didn't call when she did, we would all be dead." Vivi said softly. I shook my head, "To think he was watching us." I said softly before we all turned away, my mind filled with questions. Why was Willow just watching us? Why didn't he go after Karoo? Why did he let us live?