Hey!I survived! And, I've got a new Danny Phantom story up for whoever wants to read it! It's called, Get Real, and you'll know why later in the story. Anyways, here's the next chapter! Business like usual, you know, right?

Disclaimer: Oh. My. GOD! I LOVE YOU ZORO! Ahem. Oh, sorry, I don't own One Piece or my beloved Zoro. Only Caridi/Heidi and the story line, because, as you should hopefully be able to tell, I made up the way the story goes.

ENJOY DAMNIT!

Chapter 11: Saving Caridi

The feeling of weightlessness entered Caridi's body as she floated in the now crimson water around her. She struggled to move, though she subconsciously knew she couldn't. What's wrong with me? she thought, her eyes half closed from fatigue.

She didn't understand. Why couldn't she move? Either she was in shock… or there was some unexplained problem with her. She squinted her eyes in concentration, trying fruitlessly to move even her pinky toe.

She almost sighed, but that would waste what little breath she had left. Caridi shut her eyes, giving up all hope of escaping this watery prison. Lightheadedness overtook her. It was difficult to resist the urge to put her hand on her head.

She felt something underneath her as she faded into unconsciousness.

Zoro pushed himself closer to Caridi. Why isn't she swimming away? he thought, trying to make sense of this. Why isn't she out already? She had the build to be an excellent swimmer. Maybe her wound was holding her back? He didn't know, but either way, he needed to get her out soon as well.

Ignoring the pain now erupting in his back, he pedaled himself further towards the now unconscious girl. He grabbed her from underneath, stopping her before she was dangerously close to the bottom of the lake. Zoro saw something red in his vision and looked around. Hopefully there weren't any fish in here. He swam over to a nearby rock and shot off it, sending him flying in the surface's direction.

He broke through and took in a deep breath, savoring it. Appreciate air. he thought. It'll kill you if you don't. He looked out towards the water's edge, making sure that guy wasn't there. He heaved a sigh of relief. He must think he's done his job… But what was his job?

Nami was still underwater when she spotted the girl. Her eyes widened as she registered who it was. It's that girl from the office! she thought, looking closely at her. She was soon surprised again as the man they were looking for- Zoro, right? - swam up under her and carried her to the surface.

Well, what a way to meet up…she mentally sighed and physically rolled her eyes as she paddled around looking for Luffy, whom should have been right behind her.

Meanwhile, on the surface….

Luffy scratched his name into the dirt as he patiently awaited Nami's arrival. His smile was broad and he was thoroughly enjoying himself. Nami could handle it. Just because he couldn't swim wouldn't kill her.

Something broke the surface to the lake and Luffy's head immediately jerked in the direction of the noise. He cocked his head over. When did those get there? he asked himself, looking at the three swords on the bank. He carefully crawled over to them, making an extra effort not to grab the attention of whoever, or whatever, just came from the water.

He put out his hand, almost touching them, when a familiar voice rang out. "Hey, Luffy! What are you doing out here? And hands off the swords!" Luffy stopped in mid-poke as he accepted who it was. His smile broadened as he called out, "ZORO! WE FOUND YOU!"

Zoro shook his head. "Yeah, and I found Caridi." He nodded towards the girl he had with him, her black and red hair lightly held over her eyes.

Luffy gasped as Zoro brought her up onto land, seeing all the wounds she'd obtained. Zoro took her pulse. Luffy stood on pins and needles awaiting the answer. When Zoro sighed, Luffy feared for the worst, but Zoro then mumbled, "She'll be alright, the dumbass."

Luffy did the happy dance we all love and looked back over the water. "I wonder where Nami is…" he murmured, then turned his attention back to his crewmates.

Okay! I hope you liked it! Please Review like I know you will! I really love to read them! Thanks for the encouragement and whoever -not aloud to mention names, I know perfectly well who said it- said that Rita was just a joke, you're damn strait. I went 4 days without power for 25 MPH winds and 2 inches of rain. THAT pissed me off. But now I'm back and better than ever!... Hopefully.

Oh well, R&R OR YOU WILL FEEL THE WRATH OF MY MIGHTY FLYING FIST!

Now... cookie?