Would you be upset if I told you we were dying?
And every cure they gave us was a lie?
Oh! They mean it when they say we're dead and doomed
And every single symptom brings us closer to the tomb
And who will take the credit for our swift impending fall
Because it's not my fault

Would You Be Impressed- Streetlight Manifesto

"Yo." Ace grinned at the door.

"Shove it Ace. You're blocking the door." Zoro smiled in return and wriggled past the obstruction to get outside.

"How come you didn't get new swords?" The green haired man froze momentarily, unprepared for the sudden question.

"Uh, well…" he trailed off, unable to come up with a feasible reason.

"Thanks for waiting for me. I didn't think you'd actually wait till I came back to get new swords, which I did by the way but next time don't be so stupid!" Ace knocked his fist against the green hair.

"Eh, well I knew you at least at good taste in 'em." Zoro shrugged. Internally, he perked up. New swords?

"Well, anyways, these are way better than before. Not mine. They're Marco's."

"Marco's? Famous swordsmith and everything?"

"Yup! You nailed that. I work pretty close with him, so he was pretty interested in making the swords for you."

"You've got me excited."

"Hah! They're all yours." Ace handed the bundle into Zoro's arms. "Sandi Kitetsu and Yubashiri. Marco didn't make Kitetsu but he thought it'd be interesting. I don't know why but I think you'll understand." Zoro weighed the swords. He took one sword out in random and unsheathed it. A heavy feeling settled in his gut and his eyes narrowed. Ace sensed the change in the air. Goosebumps rose on his skin from the sudden chill. He twitched, curious about the sword but kept silent. This was Zoro's place. He had no right to interrupt.

"It's cursed," his friend stated simply. Ace gave start.

"What?" What was Marco thinking?

"Hm. I like it," Zoro grinned, twirling the sword around and watching the blade catch the light.

"Wait a second Zoro! It's cursed! Maybe Marco made a mistake. I could return it to him you know."

"No." Zoro's tone gave no room for argument. Ace sighed. The green haired man revealed the other sword and hummed approvingly, swishing it in the air. "Light. These are beautiful swords. Give Marco my thanks." He sheathed both of his swords.

"Yo boss what's wrong?" Sanji grew tired of the fidgeting, the desperate whines and the groans from Hatchan. Not to mention he was irritable from the endless menial tasks of cleaning this place.

"I'm sorry Mr. Sanji, but it's a problem of my own," Hatchan replied, twisting the hem of his shirt. "I don't think you can help." The blonde stopped sweeping and leant on the broom handle.

"Try me."

"Mr. Sanji…"

"Come on, Hatchan. I'm one of those rich scum with influential power and shit. If something is bothering you concerning money, then like it'd be easy for me to solve them for you."

"I appreciate your concern but this concerns a person, not money."

"A person?" Sanji frowned, then grinned. "Love problems?"

"No, no, no!" his boss waved his hands frantically. "She's… kidnapped." The chef's heart plummeted.

"I'm very sorry to hear that," he muttered awkwardly, grin sliding off his face. Hatchan sighed.

"Please, Mr. Sanji. There's no need to apologise. I'm praying that's she's unharmed but I don't like the possibility…"

"That she's on the slave market?" Sanji's stomach twisted. He heard of rumours that one of the managers, Joker, sold slaves in the underground market. There were protests to these, however, they were always shut down. He had always chose to turn a blind eye to these events, but now the matter was close, and he didn't want to see a person harmed. "How? Why? I thought the slaves were always exotic."

"She is special. Her job is dangerous but she excels at it. She spends so long in the water, people call her a 'mermaid'."

"Is she…?"

"She's developed more fishlike features I suppose but I'm guessing it links back to her ancestry."

"I've always thought they were stories." Hatchan chuckled.

"Sometimes, Mr Sanji, you spend too much time looking up at the eagles, you forget to look down and see the ants." Sanji barely resisted rolling his eyes.

"I suppose but dabbling with the underground is not advisable."

"The pull of a wealthy puppeteer is strong to the poor."

"I suppose the pull of pleasure houses is strong too."

"Mr. Sanji, most times, people do not do these things by choice. You underestimate the power of money."

"I don't underestimate it but mostly I don't ponder over my reasons of its use."

"Be very careful."

"Well tonight is casino night. I've heard sometimes there's slaves auctioned off. It's a rumour but I suppose there's a possibility she could be sold there."

"You've never seen?"

"I stay in the kitchen mostly and even then, I never stay that late."

"I don't have a hope of winning her," Hatchan wrung his hands. "But I'll try."

"What are you talking about? I'll buy her," Sanji snorted.

"Even with you, there's a very slim chance of buying her. She will fetch a high price."

"Heck, I'll try. I can get old Zeff and anyone else."

"Don't get too hopeful," Hatchan rubbed his forehead. "You'll end up disappointed."

Hohoho! c: Thanks for reading!