Okay, this is a story based on a picture that xX-Avast-Xx sent me. Way to go chicky! So the first chappie is dedicated to her. It's a ZoLu, (duh) and it might take a little longer than usual for this one to get underway because I have so many other projects on the go at the same time, not to mention mid-terms are coming up and my long hair is quickly becoming short hair from stress. So, yeah, don't be surprised if this fic sits for about two or three weeks but then, as soon as the holidays start, look out because I am planning to do so much updating it'll make your Zolo plushie's run for cover. So prepare yourself for the first chappie of...

Palace Guard

Chapter 1

The kingdom of Merry Go was a peaceful place. Nothing ever seemed to go wrong with the king on his throne and all the townsfolk were happy but, everyone gets greedy and everyone thinks they are being oppressed at some stage in their life.

"Announcing his highness, Prince Monkey D Luffy!" a voice blared through the quiet of the winter morning. The air was crisp and the uniforms were pressed for the day that the prince would come to inspect the army. Boy, were they in for a surprise.

"Is that me?" a voice returned. The announcer sighed.

"Yes!" he called. There was a giggle and then a small boy of around 17 walked through the door, his black hair was mussed so it went in every direction and his uniform was slightly out of place in the drab grey of the soldier's quarters. He giggled again, holding his hand over his mouth. He had wide inquisitive eyes and a happily smiling mouth that led most people to believe he was rather stupid.

Most people were right. The prince walked past his announcer, the dark blue uniform he was wearing was striped with rich royal red and the black, uniform pants set it off nicely. A gold belt hung around his waist and a small dagger hung from it in a ruby encrusted sheath. Oh yeah, it was good to be the prince.

"The soldiers are awaiting your inspection." the announcer said formally, his bright pink hair and blue glasses making him a little brighter than most of the others around the kingdom.

"Thanks Koby. You can take a break now if you like." Luffy said happily as he looked around. Koby almost smiled.

"I can't Prince, I'm on duty." Koby replied. Luffy sighed and grinned.

"I know! Let's play a game!" he called. Koby did smile this time and shook his head.

"We can't, Lu-" but he was cut off by a loud yell from outside. Koby hurried to the door and peeked out. There was another yell and Koby slammed the door shut and locked it.

"It's the townsfolk!" he cried scared. Luffy was still looking at the wall, apparently counting how many bricks had been laid into it. Soldiers hurried here and there and one in particular made Luffy look up. He narrowed his eyes as he saw a green haired man run towards a cupboard and pull out three awesome looking swords. He grinned and ran down the stairs towards the man.

"You! Hey, green haired guy!" Luffy cried. Koby followed him down, his face pale and his legs shaking.

"Your highness, we have to get you out of here!" Koby cried. The green haired man was suddenly next to them. He quickly bent one knee and bowed before standing straight again.

"Prince, go out the back, we can defend here while you escape." he said, his voice gruff. There was a crash and the room went silent as the soldiers stopped to look up at the door.

Another crash and the door bent inwards, creaking momentarily before falling completely in and hitting the concrete with a clang. Luffy was pushed to the back of the group by the green haired man.

"Go Zolo, get him out of here." a rugged looking man said, his voice quiet. He had wide eyes and Luffy tilted his head interestedly. How come he had never invited these people to play with him before? They looked cool! Especially the other guy with the black sunglasses. He looked wicked!

"He-" he began but was cut off by a hand over his mouth.

"Yosaku(a/n I have the feeling this is spelled differently. Please tell me the proper spelling and I will write it the right way in the next chapter), Johnny, be careful guys." the green haired soldier said before shoving Luffy in front of him and waiting a moment.

"Where the hell is the little royal brat!" a voice yelled.

"We are soldiers of the guard, we do not tell you where anything is!" Johnny yelled. Zolo sniggered quietly.

"When the soldiers run forward, go towards the back wall of the room." Zolo's voice whispered in his ear. Luffy nodded.

"Y-yeah!" the quavering voice of Koby joined in. The burly man standing on the top step laughed.

"You! The green haired fool in the back! Turn and face my pistol you imperial dog!" he yelled. Zolo frowned and his lip twitched but he turned and stood tall, hiding Luffy's small form with his own.

"Where is the prince?" the man demanded.

"I don't know. In the palace maybe?" Zolo returned sarcastically.

"Don't play games. We heard the rat's voice here before we came in. He called out to a green haired guy and you're the only green haired guy in here. Where is he? Tell me now or I'll shoot you where you stand!"

"I'd like to see you try." a voice said from the left of him. Zolo turned swiftly and saw the prince standing on the bottom step of the stairs. How the hell had the kid managed to get past him? Zolo was about to hurry forward when the townsman shot a bullet over his head.

"Stay…" he commanded. Once again, Zolo's lip twitched but he stayed. "So, the palace rat has come out to play? Time for you to die like the rest of your family." and he raised his pistol towards Luffy who frowned. The boy's eyes darkened and the scar under his left eye twisted slightly as his mouth twisted into a ferocious snarl.

"I won't die." Luffy said before leaping up the stairs and drawing the small dagger from it's sheath. The steel glinted, it's wavy length looking deadly in the dim light. A shot rang out, but Luffy was too quick and by the time the man had reloaded, a dagger was in his stomach. He gasped and looked up, the other townsfolk looking on in horror. Luffy pulled the dagger out, a blank expression on his face.

"Was he the only one with a gun?" he asked the rest of the on lookers. Zolo was stunned and his face showed it. Of all the odd things in the world he had ever seen, this was the oddest. The other onlookers ran for it, not willing to bear the brunt of Luffy's dagger and the young boy placed the weapon back in it's sheath. He smiled as he looked down at the soldiers.

"Now, about that game?" he asked. Koby was first to speak.

"Your highness?" he shrieked. Luffy paused, blinking his eyes innocently.

"Yeah?" he replied. Koby nearly fainted but one of the soldiers caught him in time.

"We need to get out of here." Zolo said and started up the stairs. "If the rest of his family is dead, then the only one left is the prince."

"Right." Johnny agreed walking after his friend. Zolo smiled as he walked past the prince. Luffy pouted for a minute and then the impact of Zolo's words sunk in.

"My family?" he asked quietly. Zolo paused before walking out the door. He turned back to see the prince looking quite lost and his heart went out to him.

"Prince, we need to get you out of here. If you come with me now, I can protect you, now come on." Zolo explained. Luffy looked up at the green haired swordsman before his mouth clamped together in a determined line.

"Right." he replied and then followed the swordsman as he walked out of the door.

Sorry I had to cut it there but tell me what you think and yeah, just review to your hearts content my fellow authors and my precious readers. My precioussssss. Oh dear lord I need to get out of the sun.