A/N: Finally, Chapter 10. Sorry for the delay. The weather throws me off balanced. It started snowing again, and the pressure change -gah! Headaches suck. So I went to bed early, and I'm pretty sure I aced my math test today... But I have another test in another class tomorrow, and I haven't really studied, though i probably won't study at all except for at the beginning of class tomorrow before the test. Yeah. I'm the ullllllltimate procrastinator when it comes to school work. Except in Drama. You can't procrastinate in drama. Well, I suppose you can... I mean, we have a competition coming up and we're like, unprepared, so I guess you could sum that up to procrastination? Or just lack of time and effort? I don't know. I'm just acting in the play, what's it matter to me.

And tomorrow's FRIDAY! I'm stoked. Really. I love weekends.

Sorry. It's late. I'm rambling :P

Oh, in more relevant news, no update for "Of Dreams, Clouds and Mikans" tonight. There will probably be one tomorrow though.

But, I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 10

"There's a wall –it must surround the base," I said, speaking quietly.

"So let's break in there and destroy everything."

I patted his shoulder. "Try not to kill anyone. These guys are mostly Marines in training."

"Then they'll need training," He said, touching the hilts of his sword as he grinned. In the dark that smile looked malicious.

I kissed him as we neared the wall. "Don't have too much fun. Play nice."

"Nice?" He scoffed. "The world's greatest swordsman shouldn't have to play nice."

"You're not the world's greatest swordsman yet," I rolled my eyes playfully, wrapping my arms around his waist.

"You really think it's going to take us as long as three in the morning?" He asked, his hand coming up to rest gently on my hip.

"I think that gives us an extra hour," I grinned. "I think –"

"Just go on with it already," Hideki's voice floated out from a nearby bush. He stood up, his presence given away even if we hadn't seen him. Though I had to admit he was like an elephant going through the bushes. I had heard him the entire time. I thought maybe this was his way of showing that he really did care for his mother.

"Go back home to bed," Zoro growled. "I thought you didn't want to save your mother."

"I don't. Hikime does."

"Hikime's here?" I asked. This surprised me. Then again, the noise level made it more believable.

He gestured to the bushes beside him, and a little head popped up, hardly able to look over top of the foliage. He came around.

"Hideki, I don't care," Zoro turned his head towards me, his hot breath on my ear as he spoke quietly. "You could take him with you and he wouldn't be a bother for the most part, since he'd know how to stay away. But both him and the younger kid? No. Send them back."

"Both of you go back," I said, agreeing with Zoro.

"N-no," Hikime said, his eyes watering up immediately. "I want to see my mom!"

"Shut up," Hideki said, covering his brother's mouth harshly. "If you give us away here it ruins everything."

It wouldn't, but that was fine. I broke apart from Zoro, walking over and crouching down in front of Hikime. Hideki backed away a little, as I raised my hand to his brother's head, "We got it from here."

"I want to see her," He said, sniffling.

"We'll bring her back for you to see soon," I promised.

"I promise I won't cause trouble," He wiped his eyes. "And –and I'll be good, and I –I'll be quiet. Please… I want to come!"

I looked at Zoro for help. He shrugged. I sighed. Did it matter? It'd be like watching over Luffy to make sure that he didn't get in trouble –except for the fact that Luffy was strong and I would never have to watch him seriously in a battle.

"You'll have to do everything exactly as I say," I warned him. I mean, I could keep an eye out easily.

"I'll make sure he doesn't get into trouble," Hideki said.

"I'll leave that to you then," I stood up, giving him a single nod, "But you, too. Listen to me."

"We'll see." He said.

"I'll whistle if I need you," I told Zoro.

"What is he, a dog?" Hideki scoffed.

"No. He's more like a puppy," I said, watching Zoro's reaction. He scowled at me, but I just smiled. He knew I was just playing around.

"One demonic puppy," He rolled his eyes.

"Demonic puppies are what I live for," I kissed Zoro's cheek, and then pushed him towards the wall. "Go cause some destruction."

"That's all I get?" He grabbed my waist and brought me closer to him. "It could be dangerous."

I covered his lips with my hand, grinning deviously. "Consider it a reward for doing a good job."

"I expect a better reward than that," He muttered.

"Just go," I said. "I'll see you soon."

Zoro grabbed the wall and pulled himself up. He crouched, looking down at me. In the darkness he looked like a demon perched there, waiting for someone to walk by and pounce on. He withdrew only two of his katana, and then slowly stood up straight. Like a dark angel ready to take flight –my knight was ready to go and slay that dragon.

"Let's go," I said to the two boys. "Let's get out of here before he gets too excited."

I went along the wall until we were a good distance away. There were bushes on the other side of this small stretch right here. I climbed on top of the wall with the help of my powers, and then helped the two up beside me. I slowly lowered them down, and then jumped down after them.

"Wait," I said, shushing them as they began to say something.

"AHHHHHH! IT'S RORONOA ZORO!" Someone screamed.

"Wait," I repeated as Hideki started to get out of our hiding spot. Many feet ran past us, going to wear their intruder now stood, ready to take them all on. Then the coast was clear. "Now we can go."

I led the way, sneaking across the yard to the building as Zoro knocked the Marines around like they were nothing. We hid between two walls as more Marines ran out. A loud alarm was set off. Lights were flashing. An announcement came on across the speakers:

"This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill. Trainees, get your shit together now and get down to the west wall. Roronoa Zoro has infiltrated the premises. He seems to be alone. There has been no sign of the other Straw-hats. We are not sure if they're plotting or if the swordsman is just lost. Get out there and show him that we are not ones to be trifled with. I repeat –"

I noted the positive tone the Marine at the microphone was trying to set. But even as they ran by I could see Marines panicking slightly. To some this would be a big leap. To others nearing the end of their training, this would be a chance to put their name out there and make it as a big time Marine in a short period.

"Keep your head down," I told them, pushing Hideki and Hikime forward gently. "Turn this corner here. We'll enter, then go and find the cells they keep criminals in. Hopefully, there'll be a guard with keys. If not –"

"Mom's not a criminal for having me, is she?" Hikime asked.

I stopped, kneeling on the ground there, making sure the coast was clear and placing both my hands on his upper arms gently. "Of course not –children are not evil, remember?"

He nodded.

"I'm sure she'll be happy to see you," I pulled him into my arms, embracing him warmly. He wrapped his small arms around me. Hideki just watched. "Do you want a hug too?"

He rolled his eyes, "Can we just keep going?"

I smiled, nodding and getting up. I took Hikime's hand and led him along the way. We came across an empty entrance, which further led to an empty hallway. We crept along in silence. I would put an eye in the palm of my hand and look around corners up by the ceiling, out of a Marine's normal eyesight.

Then two men suddenly came out of a nearby door. Quickly, I crossed my arms in front of me. "Seis Fleur Twist."

Hands sprouted, twisting their upper bodies around. I could hear their backs crack, and I walked over, wordlessly making Hikime and Hideki stay there. I knelt down in front of the two men.

"Tell me," I said, caressing the cheek of one. "Where's the cell that –" I realized I didn't know her name.

"Aiko," Hideki told me.

"Thank you," I looked over my shoulder at him.

"Where's the cell that the bounty hunter Aiko is being kept?"

"Why should we tell you?" One spat.

"Because I have the upper hand," I shrugged.

"Oh, okay. She's –hey! As if that's a good reason!"

"I thought it was a good reason," I murmured, tightening the grip my extra hands had on them. I looked at the younger, more frail looking one. "Do you know?"

"Basement," He said, whimpering slightly in pain. "Its entrance is on the other side of the building. East wing."

"You won't be able to get past the guard anyway!" The first said spitefully, glaring at his partner.

"I'll make do," I told him, twisting them around completely. I left them there with their bodies resembling pretzels.

"You do know… that the basement stairwell… is in the south wing, right?" They said, each word filled with pain. My ear that I'd left on the wall was doing its job just fine.

"Of course I know… I wasn't going to give her… the right directions."

"This way," I said, turning the boys at the next corner.

"But east is –"

"They lied. It's south, so let's go," I told Hideki.

"Wait," Zoro said, standing up straight and holding his one hand up in the air to get their attention. The sound of feet on dirt, unsheathing swords and gunshots came to a halt.

Zoro looked over the army of men that stood in front of him. They all stood there, their weapons drawn, both swords and guns alike. And they were all pointing at him. He sheathed his swords momentarily and grabbed the bandana from off his upper arm in a fluid motion, then took the moment to tie it around his head.

The Marines just watched him, quivering as the demon moved nonchalantly in front of a mass of enemies. There were sounds of shuffling –no one spoke.

"Alright," Zoro grabbed his first sword, placing it in his mouth, then grabbed the other two. "I'm ready."

And the battle resumed.

"I win!" Usopp exclaimed, jumping to his feet. "I beat Nami for once! I beat her! Ha! Ha!"

"Want to play again?" Nami asked, having thrown the game when the guys started getting tired of always losing. "Or are you going to be a chicken and take your money and go?"

"I'm not a chicken!" Usopp said. "Of course I'll play again! And I'll win again! Just you watch! There was this one time I had played against the world's greatest poker player, and I even beat him!"

"Really?" Chopper exclaimed.

"He's lying," Luffy said, leaning into Nami. He wasn't playing cards like Brooke, Franky, Usopp, Chopper and Nami.

"Get. your. head. off. her. shoulder." Sanji said punctually from the couch as he, too, watched the five of them play. He was uncomfortable enough as it was with Robin being away with Zoro. And then Luffy was here, acting like that. Oh, it was frustrating. He really wanted to kick someone.

"Leave him alone, Sanji," Nami said, dealing a new hand.

"Yes~ Nami-swa~an," He cooed. "Would you like another drink?"

"Yes please," She said, nudging her glass towards him as she picked up her own cards and looked them over. He got up, taking it and heading out the door. Nami moved a few of the cards around and yawned.

"Getting tired?" Franky asked, adjusting his own hand. He glanced at Usopp, "Maybe that's why you won. Nami's not at the top of her game."

"You slept in today, so I'm surprised you're tired now. Look at me! I got up at the crack of dawn and I'm still raring to go," Usopp said, suppressing his own yawn.

"Can I use your lap, Nami?" Luffy asked, pulling at her sleeve.

"There's a pillow on the bed," She said, but moving so that he could anyway. He took off his straw-hat, setting it off to the side and then lying down, his head resting against her thigh.

"Get a room," Franky teased, placing his first bet.

"Shut up," Nami said, looking up at Brooke, who hadn't placed his bet nor picked up his cards.

"Is he sleeping?" Usopp asked.

"I can't tell. He doesn't have eyelids," Franky said.

"I think he is," Chopper said, inching closer.

"Let's draw on his skull," Usopp said, reaching into his pocket.

"Don't use permanent marker," Nami warned, putting her cards face-down on the table and leaning back as she yawned. "Let's make this the last round."

Sanji returned with Nami's drink, "Here you are, Nami-swa~an!"

"Stop laughing! The lines will be wiggly!" Usopp said to Chopper, also trying to contain his laughter.

Suddenly –"BOO!"

"AHHHHHH!" Usopp and Chopper jumped away from Brooke. "Scary!"

"Where?" Brooke looked around frantically.

"YOU!" They snapped.

"Yohoho!" Brooke laughed. "Well, on a serious musical note, I'm going to sleep. A skeleton does need his beauty rest."

"Beauty rest is for those with skin," Nami said to him. "Not even going to finish the round?"

"I'm afraid not," Brooke said. "Though I may be willing to, if –perchance –you'd be willing to show me your –"

"Well, that's too bad," Nami interrupted purposefully. "I suppose we'll play again tomorrow."

"And I'll beat you again!" Usopp exclaimed.

She snorted as she got up, carefully reaching to grab a pillow that had fallen off the bed and setting it underneath Luffy's head. She stood up, looking down at their sharpshooter.

"Not likely."