I do not own One Piece; that is in the hands of Eiichiro Oda

Chapter 21-Saving a stranger

A battle had immediately broken out in the auction house, Hunter didn't know why they had come here, but from the scowl she saw on Zoro's face she decided she'd rather not know. Hunter was immediately attacked by the guards of the auction house. She wasted no time to counter their attacks and begun fighting back.

Hunter ducked under her enemies and launched herself in the air, then diving towards them whilst she was spinning and wounded all of the enemies around her. Once she had landed she pulled out her daggers and finished them off whilst they were unable to move.

She took the next few seconds to catch her breath before ambushing a group of guards who currently were not fighting and were most likely back up. She lifted her left arm and brought it down, tricking the guards and then slashed them with the dagger she held in her right hand.

But Hunter's luck ran out there. She was trying to balance herself after the last attack when she felt a sharp, stinging pain in her back. Her body wanted to collapse on the spot, but her mind wouldn't allow it. 'I have to stay strong, if I fall here, they will not only be saving that mermaid, but me as well.' Hunter used all the strength she could find and defeated all of the guards surrounding her and then dropped down on a seat that was behind her.

She waited until the fight indoors was done and attempted to stand up to follow her crew outside, where many marines were sure to be, but fell to the floor. 'Get up, don't be such a loser Hunter.' She coughed and her back ached, pushing up from the floor Hunter stood up and found an arm wrapping around her. She looked to see Zoro, who had a frown on his face.

"Why are you bleeding?"

"I don't think it takes a genius to figure that out." Hunter answered sarcastically. Zoro looked at the girl and picked her up, "What the hell are you doing?" She asked.

"I don't think it takes a genius to fight that out." Zoro mocked, earning himself a dark glare from Hunter. She then snuggled into Zoro's chest and felt herself able to relax, if only for a few minutes.

"Who would have thought a few days without training would make me so weak."

"You're not weak Hunter, you're amazing and strong , you were just unlucky, that's all." Zoro reassured her.

Hunter smiled, despite her pain and was brought outside to Chopper. He bandaged her up without a second thought but still managed to lecture the girl as he was doing so.

"What were you thinking? Are you crazy? You should have been watching out. They could have killed you!" Hunter sighed and zoned out of Chopper's rant, she waited for him to finish his job and was going to stand up, but was only picked up by Zoro yet again.

"I don't think so." He said.

"Aww." Hunter pouted, "Why not?"

"Because you're hurt and I can't let you hurt yourself more." Zoro stroked her cheek whilst the crew watched Luffy, Law and Kid take on the marines. Hunter blushed at his action and held his hand as if to hide her face.

.

.

.

All the marines had now been wiped out and each of the crews had split, the Straw Hats, plus Yuu, still where the fight had taken place, where they were now speaking to Rayleigh, who as Hunter recalled, Shakky had mentioned. They agreed on getting their ship coated and hiding out for three extra days and split into teams. The group travelled together once more, just before they would go into hiding from the admirals who were soon arriving, their path however was obstructed by a very tall man.

Hunter, who was still in Zoro's arms heard him whisper, "Kuma."

"You know him?" Hunter asked.

"We ran into him at Thriller Bark, after the fight with Moriah, it where I…. got all my injuries."

Hunter's eyes widened, She had sworn to Zoro during one of their training sessions that she would help him during the tough fights so he never had to be alone again, but once she looked at her condition she realized that her crew and her brother would not let her fight.

"I want you to watch this fight." Zoro said as he placed Hunter away from the fight.

Hunter pouted, "But…"

"No buts." Zoro snapped and walked back to where he previously was. The crew had easily defeated Kuma but each claimed that it was too easy once the fight was over. Hunter was confused but when yet another Kuma, an admiral and large man appeared she decided she'd rather not know and just continued to watch the fight intently.

Just a few attacks from the opposing three had sent the crew into danger, Luffy, who for once seemed as though he was thinking ahead, yelled out.

"GUYS WE CAN'T FIGHT THEM, RIGHT NOW WE NEED TO ESCAPE, RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN!"

Each member obeyed Luffy's word and Hunter stood up so she wouldn't burden somebody by making them come back for her. She ran as fast as the pain in her back allowed her to, dodging the wild attacks that were sent through the air. Hunter noticed Yuu had stopped running and was facing her. "KEEP RUNNING." She screamed, distress noticeable in her voice.

Yuu didn't listen though, he ran towards Hunter and slung her over his shoulder, then proceeded to follow Luffy's order, but before they could catch up Kuma landing in front of them, punching Yuu and sending him backwards at an incredible speed. He managed to shield Hunter before their impact to a tree. Once they were able to move again, Hunter looked over to Yuu, to see blood coming from many of him limbs and his breathing uneven. She cried out as the realization hit her, Yuu had protected her, but by doing that, he had almost killed himself.

'Why am I so useless?'

Early chapter today, and hopefully by the end of next week they will be slightly more detailed chapters, with school holidays approaching. Thanks again to Thunderqueen-nat, who helped me with the inspiration for the chapters to come.

Hope you are enjoying- please review!

Alyssa xoxo