CHAPTER 2 - Black Fang

The sights did not bode well with the island shrouded in fog. They had come upon a large tree stump inside a forest, a landmark of reference as mentioned by Leila. It began to rain and the situation turned aggravating. Despite Sanji taking the lead inside the hostile forest, he was glad of Leila's assistance. She had a better idea of their whereabouts and consulted the former with directions. She did not take the lead with the possible danger against enemies from the fortress, or pirates. The worst possibility of being encountered by Bartholomew Kuma.

"There are some very evil men in that place." Leila admitted, "I'm glad that we were able to get out in time."

"I hope you are not going back?" Brook asked.

"I'll need to sooner than later. I guess I'm a confirmed traitor to them after that incident." Leila said.

"We appreciate your help leading us back." Zoro said, "You must have business against your foes. It has nothing to do with us, so we won't stop you."

"Ah, I know. Please don't worry about my situation. You have helped me more than I could've asked for."

"What's wrong with you, Moss Head? We'll head into battle if the lady demands." Sanji retorted.

"Don't preach me, Stupid Cook. Or have you forgotten that we need to get back to the others? A Warlord is on the loose and anything could've happened whilst we were out." Zoro mentioned.

"I'll have to agree." Brook nodded, "There was no sign of the Warlord, and I doubt he would've left just like that."

"Anyway Brook, how did you find us all the way into the prison?" Zoro asked.

"I found your conversation with Warlord Kuma back on Thriller Bark. After the battle we had shared against Moria and Oars, I was willing to lay my life on the line if it could've saved you both from death, but upon arrival on the shore, you both were unconscious and surrounded by a group of horsemen. The Thriller Bark disappeared back into the fog. The ship sailed back into the mysterious waters." Brook explained.

"Those horsemen belonged to my unit." Leila mentioned, "I apologise for dragging you into my troubles. I was the one who gave the order."

"Not your fault." Zoro said, "It was coincidental and managed to get some rest. Besides, we have a better idea of the island and that would prove advantageous later."

Brook continued, "I followed the horsemen the best I could've and arrived upon the fortress in the middle of nowhere. It was controlled by an organisation named, Black Fang."

"I'm a part of the same." Leila revealed, "Or at least I was."

"The name sounds distressing." Sanji said, "What do they do?"

"Led by their leader, Brandon Reed, the Black Fang was responsible for fighting against monarchical corruption. They aided lands that were suffering from poverty."

"Helping out the unprivileged commons. I like their ideology." Zoro appreciated.

"Or so it was supposed to be until a new threat slithered into the organisation. A woman named Sonia had married the leader and things began to change after. The Black Fang was no longer what it was believed as before."

"I know. Women can be as wild as the sea. The Sonia lady must be some woman." Sanji expressed his wisdom over women.

"Hey!" Zoro retorted, "That woman is an obvious threat, or are you that stupid?"

"Shut your trap, Moss Head. I'll decide who's good and evil." Sanji replied.

Both of them were at each other's throats and prepared for a brawl.

"We don't have time for this." Brook stepped in.

"Come on, stop this." Leila disliked the idea.

The belligerents withdrew their hostility, resuming the journey.

The rain grew worse and the hour was running late. Before they could've camped for the night, big trouble took over. Zoro went missing in the possible time.

Meanwhile, a group of people had disembarked ashore. A pirate Captain commanded the ship and mentioned to wait until their return. The group decided to lay perimeter and set up camp for the night. With everyone busy with their work, the commanders discussed the situation whilst outside.

"We don't know who might be out there, but it seems we are into Black Fang territory." said Hector.

"I will find my father and face the enemies. They have done an outrageous act." said Eliwood, "We will move out first light in the morning."

"I have heard of the Black Fang. But why are they after Eliwood's father? Is it ransom?" Lyn asked.

"Who knows? But it seems a reasonable thought." Hector said, "The Black Fang used hunt nobles, the corrupted ones who'd lead their lands into famine from their own greed. In one way, they seemed to bring justice upon those corrupted lords. I guess that has changed now."

Eliwood agreed.

One of Hector's subjects named, Matthew had shown up.

"Any news?" Hector asked.

"No, my Lord. Leila hasn't shown up. I'm having my concerns." Matthew said.

"So do I." Hector nodded, "I guess we should not have sent her on this mission."

"You shouldn't blame yourself, my Lord. Leila and I are spies of House Ostia and this was an important mission for the quest." Matthew was determined, contrary to his thoughts. Hector understood his concerns.

"Let's hope for the best. We'll send a search team to find Leila's whereabouts. I hope you wouldn't mind leading the team?" Hector asked.

Matthew nodded, "Thank you, my Lord. I'll do my best."

He took his leave.

A hand drew in from the shrouds and muffled Lyn off her place.

"What the…" Eliwood drew out his sword. Hector and he discovered a stranger, who had taken Lyn as a hostage with a knife on the neck.

"Let me go!" Lyn shouted.

The abductor observed the woman and felt a familiarity with her presence.

"Very well."

Everyone was surprised as Lyn was let loose. Hector and Eliwood believed it was a trap. "Despite the fact that I could've killed you, it would bring me shame to execute a fellow nomad from Sacae, in such manner." the abductor said, "If you are looking for the Black Fang, I would turn back if I were you."

"You… you are a nomad from Sacae!" Lyn observed the man.

"If you don't change your mind, I'll be waiting, and I'll show no mercy." the man disappeared into the woods.

"Party's up. He is dangerous and we'll need to take him out as soon as possible." Hector said, "Prepare the men. We are going after him."

Eliwood decided to agree. Lyn was confused, but followed Hector's lead for answers. A group was assembled and sent into the forest to confront the mysterious nomad.

"Hmm… this place seems awfully familiar. I can't believe they got lost." Zoro was in the middle of nowhere. All the trees looked the same and the night did not make things easier. It wouldn't have helped Zoro either way, as he continued moving ahead.

Meanwhile, Leila's concern had compelled to lead the rest of them in a different direction. They ran through the hostile forest.

"A nomad named Uhai has been given responsibilities to handle intruders in the forest. He has his troops scattered around the northern side of the forest. I don't know if your friend shall be able to handle them." Leila said, "I'd best hope he does not stumble upon Uhai under any circumstances."

"His bad sense of direction is the only thing we should be worried about." Sanji remarked.

Later in the night...

"I see, so your leaders have sent you to find me." Uhai stared upon a lone man from his horse.

"I don't know who you are talking about." the man replied, his face shrouded in the darkness.

"I'll commend you for facing us all alone. You must be a formidable scout. But it's sad that your journey ends here."

"My journey doesn't end until I have become the greatest swordsman."

Uhai's men lit a few lamps to identify the intruder. The man drew out his three swords.

"Very well." Uhai observed, "I'm Uhai, from the Black Fang, and I'll accept your challenge."

"And I'm Roronoa Zoro." The swordsman, ready for a fight.

TO BE CONTINUED...