{zoro x oc} stick 'em with the pointy end

10. hello, again

{ play: queen persephone by dirty art club }

In Rainbase:

"Assassination is their area of specialty. We need to lay low," Zoro reminded his captain.

"I'll do anything I can to protect Nami, Vivi, and Neso from harm," Sanji winked to no one in particular. "I'm always happy to play Prince Charming for a lady."

"Smooth one," Zoro rolled his eyes, hating that Neso giggled at their blond crew mate.

"Smoother than you are Zoro!" Sanji turned red and looked to Neso. He may not know everything that went down between Neso and Zoro, but he had his suspicions that the swordsman had pissed her off.

It was a bustling city. The tall buildings provided much needed shade. Saloons and casinos were everywhere. In the center stood a large pyramid with an alligator on its tip. Luffy and Usopp ran off immediately in search of food and water.

"That's where Crocodile lives," Vivi pointed to the pyramid.

Zoro watched Neso take the sight in. He watched as she straighten her back, standing taller. She felt for her daggers, checking that her poncho would not get in the way.

"You guys, we gotta go," Neso pointed to Usopp and Luffy who were running with a team of Marines behind them.

They took off running, splitting up to try an shake the Marines. Zoro grabbed Neso's hand as she started to follow Nami and Sanji.

She stumbled, losing her footing for a moment, "Hey!"

"I'm not letting you out of my sight!"

The three were quickly surrounded, "Happy now?" Neso snapped.

He grunted and pushed the two women aside, "Go on without me, and don't even think about approaching Crocodile without me!"

After escaping the Marines, Zoro ran to catch up with Neso and Vivi, regretting the fact he let the two most determined to take down Crocodile go off by themselves. He made it to the pyramid to find they weren't waiting outside.

The inside of the casino was a mix of smoke, booze, and cool air. Loud buzzing and ringing ran through the air as various patrons won and lost their berries. Smoker was close behind them and he couldn't find Neso's silver hair anywhere. Distracted, he followed Luffy straight into Crocodile's trap for them.

Outside of the cage, Crocodile's raspy voice could be heard. Zoro looked over to find his face was scarred in the same way Neso's skin was.

"I will dispose of you all neatly and efficiently as soon as our guest of honor arrives?" Crocodile smirked.

"A guest?" Nami asked, looking around. Sanji, Neso, Chopper, and Neso weren't here.

"She'll be here any minute."

Zoro took a seat. He couldn't risk getting upset and losing focus.

"Crocodile!" Vivi shouted from the top of the staircase. She launched her attack as Crocodile turned to sand.

"Take a seat, it's time for the party to begin," Crocodile subdued Vivi, tying her to a chair.

He began to share his plans for the country - Operation Utopia. It was when he finished speaking that an object flew through the air, slicing his cheek.

Miss All Sunday and Crocodile turned.

Zoro stood up, the knife landed in the sealstone cage they were stuck in. It was one of Neso's, decorated with an opal stone. It's sharp edge was one he remembered watching her sharpen.