Time On Our Hands Ch 9 - 10

Chapter 9

(Like A Stone)

As a new day began like any other, a strange aura led many to believe that something wasn't quite right. The sun peaked out between the sky and the horizon with pure ease, illuminating everything within its path. Not far from the island of Mantumbi, was a large aqua coloured marine vessel, floating just offshore the island outskirts.

Anyone aboard the monstrosity who squinted towards the north east and block out the sun could spot another ship, calmly drifting across the tranquil sea with ease. Moments later, sunlight reflected across the entire ocean, and everything was golden. And the Sunny was defiantly no exception.

Aboard the H.S Maria there was a frantic frenzy of hands and feet as crew members fell from hammocks to the sound of an alarm and scrambled around on deck to assemble themselves in 3 large neat lines, facing the bow of the ship – a well rehearsed salute from each man on deck. All aboard were facing a rather tall, dark, slender man.

Captain Bailey.

A thin moustache drooped from under his nose to both sides of his mouth, outlining his cheekbones, making his face seem slimmer than it actually was. The gleam in his rodent like eyes took away any sense of innocence in his complexion and the authority about his persons was quite clear, when he began to speak, in a calm, relaxed monotone.

'Men.'

He nodded, and the serious look on his face let everyone know that was he was about to say was of extreme importance. And if anyone dared to interrupt they were toast.

'We have waited many, many months for this moment to come. And alas, the time has arrived.'

Hands clasped behind his back, he took several paces forward, along the many rows of marines studying each and every one of them individually. Almost as if he were analysing them, before continuing.

'We have suffered greatly, struggled, and been led off course time and time again. Before reaching where we are today.'

He stopped at the end of the line and paused to take a deep breath.

'I am pleased to say, the time has come.'

He smirked for a moment, before returning to stand at the bow of the ship, gazing out to sea. His vision pinpointing his attention to a small ship not far in the distance.

'Our goal, as I am sure you are aware is right under our nose. If our plan is to succeed, it must be carried out with no difficulty. Our assignment should be completed with no problems.'

Removing a hand from his coat pocket he grasped a thin, wooden handle of a dagger. Resting his elbow on the smooth wood in front of him, he readjusted his grip before swiftly flicking his wrist and sending the weapon hurting in the general direction of the Sunny.

'Gentleman . . . let us begin the games'

Chapter 10

(Situations)

It didn't take long for H.S Maria to catch up to the unsuspecting Sunny and its crew. Just as Bailey's crews were literally within metres of their target, they all hushed. Instructions had been given to circle the target, unsheathe all weapons and silently climb aboard.

And that, is exactly what they did.

Just as daylight encased the sunny, Zoro awakened to the pleasant, tingling feeling of the sun shine warming the side of his face. Wiping the gunk from his eyes his eyes to clear his fuzzy vision; he stretched out his arms above his head and soothed the stiffness out of the muscles in his arms and back.

He really had to find a way to stop himself from falling asleep whilst on night watch, after all, sleeping with your hands behind your head whilst sleeping upwards for hours on end on a regular basis, really doesn't do your upper body any favours. But sometimes habits are just too hard to break.

Resuming his usually lounging position, with his legs sprawled out in random directions he stifled a yawn with a groan and draped one arm over the prized swords in his possession.

Just as he chose to finish his 'well deserved' nap after a nights work, he briefly caught sight of a blade, glinting in the luminosity of the sun; travelling through the air at what he guessed to be the speed of light. Its target? Right towards his head.

As quick as a flash Zoro craned his neck to one side avoiding the full impact of the blade as it skimmed his face and imbedded itself firmly into the mast.

A stinging sensation across the swordsmans left cheek brought the familiar feeling of crimson blood, slowly dripping down his tanned face. By the feel of it, it would probably scar.

Great . . .

But right now, he didn't have time to worry about his looks, his thoughts registered to a navy coloured boat obstructing his vision of the sea. His eyes widened to the size of saucers as the shock hit.

Ahhh shit! when did that get there! I haven't been asleep that long . . . have I?

It then came to a certain swordsmans attention that perhaps falling asleep on watch was not the smartest thing to do. Maybe you should of considered taking Robin up on her offer. But that didn't matter right now.

His thoughts were rudely interrupted when a continuous series of arrows were sent flying in his general direction. Before his mind could register the situation he had just finished dogging each arrow when he found himself completely surrounded, by a rather large group of men in familiar marine uniforms.

'Shit . . .'

Maybe now was a bad time to feel claustrophobic, as he stared into the eyes of many vicious looking men.

Coincidently, in the men's courters Usopp had just awakened bright and early to finish tinkering with one of his latest gadgets, and start a new project to begin working on. Before hurricane Luffy would predictably crawl from his hammock in a few hours time, to disturb the morning's peace.

He heard a small thud on his way to the cabins exit, which left him slightly confused.

'What on ear-'

Figures in white and blue completely shadowed the surroundings of the Sunny. Filling the whole free capacity of the deck, circling the mast. Closing in on something . . . or someone.

Images of a green haired nakama came to mind as he pictured him sleeping against the mast in a soundless sleep. Realisation kicked in and his eyes widened in horror and fear for the safety of his friend. He could only think of doing one thing in the heat of the moment; and that was what The Strawhats number one coward did best.

Run.

Run with pride.

Zoro looked around, eyeing all the marines, currently preventing his from making a getaway of any sort. Well if he couldn't run past them, there was only one thing for it. Gazing down he instinctively made a swift reach for his swords, only to find before his fingers could brush the hilts there was a gut of air, as a man moving at the speed of light lunged forward at an alarming rate.

Before he could moved, he realised it was already too late.

A large hand viciously grabbed him by the hold of the neck, and threw him to one side. The sheer force knocked the wind out of him, and splintered the wood as Zoro's back made impact with it, followed by an unnatural 'snap' from his lower back as it pulsed in anguish.

Squinting his eyes, the pain left him immobilised and unable to move, as well as the slight hitch in his breathing causing his lungs to flare up. He could not move a muscle in fear of damaging his back more than it was already to an uncontrollable level.

Opening his eyes to slits, the last thing he remember, was seeing was a perspicuous, smug grin, followed by a pricking sensation on the tip of the shoulder as cold metal pierced flesh, and its cold contents were forced to flow through his bloodstream. A foot crushed his chest and then, complete darkness.

AUTHORS NOTE

Sorry! Tried to update but the website was messing me around

Disappointing, I know D: But I think it's better if I work on the next chapter

Till its A'okay

In every fan fic there's always at least one disappointing chapter.

And I think this is it xD, reviews are appreciated, until next time ;D