CHAPTER TWO.⠀✶⠀Ride or Die, the rest of my life.

✶

⠀⠀⠀⠀No waves rock against the wooden docks, the waters rippling but otherwise calm. The planks of wood are linked together to form what serves as a shipyard for the town. A shipyard where many ships come and go, day in and day out. It's Shells Town, after all. A town with a Marine base standing tall and proud for everyone to see.

⠀⠀⠀⠀With a Marine base in the town, people are certain the Marines will keep the town and its people safe by bringing any criminals to justice. They are proud to call themselves Marines. But, since Asa's last visit, the people's trust in those who are supposed to protect them has dwindled. The town is filled with Marines, she doesn't want to stay in town any longer than necessary. All she wants is to go in and out, collect the bounty Zoro came here for, and then leave. In and out, as simple as that.

⠀⠀⠀⠀The faintest winds blow by with the scent of salt, and sand. Although the sand was only a few minutes away, Asa could faintly smell it in the salty sea air. She wouldn't say she particularly missed land, but a brief break from the sea couldn't hurt, she supposes. Just in and out, as simple as that.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Zoro wraps the rope tightly around the wooden bollard, securing the sailboat to the docks of the shipyard. Asa notices the sloop on the other side of the wooden planks, specifically the pattern of green and yellow triangles painted on the side. She doesn't know why but it feels as though the sloop belongs to a pirate, or someone along those lines. Asa steps off the sailboat, the wooden planks creak quietly. She looks around; the shipyard and the people are rather quiet in the midday sun. (There must be a vessel or two with a stash of plunder. Or simply anything worth taking. (Maybe.))

⠀⠀⠀⠀She adjusts the neckline of her shirt because her shoulder is too warm in the hot sun. The sun is brighter and warmer than yesterday. Perhaps she should change into a different shirt. She knows the fine line on her shoulder will not disappear completely, but she had hoped it would fade a little more. It's still too easily seen, too apparent, too visible.

⠀⠀⠀⠀She moves her hair to cover it, the long strands shifting in her ponytail to obscure her shoulder. Perhaps it's just her, but it still feels too visible.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Heaving the body (well, half of one) in the sack onto the dock from the boat, Zoro mutters something under his breath that Asa couldn't quite hear. Any lingering discomfort she had felt has disappeared, though her tensed shoulders say otherwise. Asa reaches out to grab the edge of the sack, but Zoro pulls it just out of her reach.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"I got it." He says, tightening his grip before he starts to walk down the dock, dragging the sack along. Her hand shields her eyes from the sun as she hurries to walk beside him, matching his footsteps. (Her footsteps are silent without her even trying.)

⠀⠀⠀⠀From where they are, the great Marine base can be seen standing tall and proud. At first glance, the base appears to be the heart of Shells Town, with all the other structures appearing to be nothing more than an afterthought. It's as if the base━the supposed foundation of the entire town━was built first, and everything else followed. It was a solid foundation at first, but over time, it appears to have failed those who stood on it. Or, rather, those in power abuse it instead of using their power for good.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Since Asa's last visit, the people don't seem to fear the Captain any less. (He doesn't deserve that title. Never did, never will.)

⠀⠀⠀⠀Zoro can feel people's stares as he walks past with Asa by his side. Well, it's not every day that you see a man dragging a sack that holds half of another man's body. She never imagined she'd partner up with anyone, let alone a pirate hunter, but look at her now. They're now partners in crime, literally.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"I need something." He mutters, just loud enough for her to hear.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Hey, you━" He looks around. Her lithe shadow is gone. She is gone. She's nowhere to be seen. "━coming?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀He hates it when she does that.

⠀⠀⠀⠀It's no use trying to search for her, once she's out of sight, you won't be able to find her unless she wants to be found. He knows she'll find her way back to him. She'll find him somehow. Somehow she always does.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Soon enough, Zoro finds a tavern. Almost everyone looks at the sack he's dragging at his feet as soon as he walks through the doorway. Some stare curiously at the sight of the three katanas at his waist. Zoro was not born to blend in it seems. At the bar counter, he places the sack on top of a stool with ease before turning to the bartender.

⠀⠀⠀⠀His palms press against the top of the bar, "A bottle for me, and one for my friend." The woman glances briefly at the body in the sack, seemingly unfazed. "He's had a rough day."

⠀⠀⠀⠀She hands him two bottles, the glass quietly clinking. He picks up one of the bottles as he turns around to lean against the counter. Out of the corner of his eye, he notices a little girl peeking from behind the corner of the counter. She giggles, a smile on her lips that reaches her eyes, before hurrying away. To get something? Maybe?

⠀⠀⠀⠀Then, suddenly, Asa appears beside him. (Seemingly out of thin air.) He tries not to flinch, but finds himself doing so against his will. No matter how often she does it, he gets startled every time. He's still not used to it. He hates it when she does that.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"What you needed, was a drink?" At this point, she isn't surprised anymore.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Could you stop doing that?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Doing what?" She asks, feigning innocence, before she takes the other bottle by his arm, taking a slip of it. The alcohol is too bitter for her taste, but it'll do.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"What you always do, disappearing and reappearing without a single sound. It's annoying." He leans his forearms against the top of the bar counter, pouring the alcohol into a cup. She tucks a stray strand of her black hair before taking another sip of the drink.

⠀⠀⠀⠀A smirk tugs at her lips, slightly teasing. "Annoying? Because you get startled every time?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀((Yes. But that isn't the only reason why.))

⠀⠀⠀⠀He scoffs, faintly. Though there's a ghost of a smile on his lips. "In your dreams, Asa."

⠀⠀⠀⠀The little girl from before comes back as Asa sits on the bar stool on the other side of the sack. Rika looks at Asa curiously. "Who's she?" She asks with a cheeky glint in her eyes.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"No one." Zoro says, his voice back to its usual monotone. The words didn't feel right on his tongue. Weird. Why did it feel wrong to say that?

⠀⠀⠀⠀Asa looks around the entire tavern, careful not to meet eyes with anyone. She wouldn't have expected this many Marines hanging around in this tavern. There's one too many. Too many Marines, too many people, too many eyes. But perhaps rather than robbing every person blind, she'll take just a thing or two. Though it'd still be risky. But she supposes, where's the fun in playing safe?

⠀⠀⠀⠀"What's this?" He notices the plate in Rika's hands, turning to her.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Rice balls. For you." She replies, her voice sweet.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"You made them yourself?" He asks to which Rika hums in confirmation, her smile growing wider. "What's the brown stuff?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Chocolate. Makes everything taste better."

⠀⠀⠀⠀Then the woman behind the bar calls out the young girl's name. Rika turns around, bumping into a blonde man. Just by the man's attire and sword, Asa can already tell who he is. He's a Marine, one with a bad haircut. Asa places the bottle down as she hears the plate fall to the floor, clattering. The bar suddenly falls silent, all eyes falling on the Marine.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"You stupid, stupid girl." Asa and Zoro watch as the blonde Marine steps on one of the chocolate rice balls, squishing it. Rika lets out a quiet gasp. "Why don't you watch where you're going?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀The same woman behind the bar (who Asa can tell is Rika's mother from their resemblance), calls out to her daughter. "Rika, apologise to our guest." Asa's jaw tenses. There's something like fear in the woman's voice.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"I'm. . . I'm so sorry." Rika struggles to say. Asa doesn't have to see the young girl's face to know that she's scared.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"I'm. . . I'm so sorry!" He mocks the way she struggled to say the words, stuttering mockingly and faking the tremble in his voice. His face twists into a fake crying face. Then, a warning, or a sort of threat, "Next time, I won't be so nice."

⠀⠀⠀⠀Zoro turns to look at the Marine, his back leaning against the bar counter. "You dropped my food." He says lowly before kneeling down and picking up a bit of the mushed rice ball on the floor. Zoro puts his palm to his mouth, eating the chocolate rice ball as the blonde Marine recoils in disgust. Zoro hums in satisfaction, "Delicious."

⠀⠀⠀⠀Asa can feel the smile tugging at her lips as she takes another sip of her drink. Zoro picks the plate up from the floor with the remaining rice ball and places it on the bar counter. "Now you eat one." Asa hears the Marine laugh. "And apologise to the girl."

⠀⠀⠀⠀The Marine takes a step closer to the swordsman, "Do you know who I am?" Asa can't help but let out a laugh. All bark, no bite. The Marine's eyes land on her as he hears her laugh, his eyes glaring.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"You're a shithead Marine with a bad haircut." Asa says, sipping on her drink.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"What she said." It's as if Asa knew exactly what he was going to say. Zoro looks at the Marine from head to toe. "A shithead Marine with a bad haircut." He repeats her words, slowly turning away to retrieve his cup.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Oh. The pair seem to have hit a nerve.

⠀⠀⠀⠀The blonde Marine grunts as he takes out his sword from its scabbard at his waist. Asa takes another sip of her drink, standing up. Gently, Asa pulls Rika closer to her, away from Zoro and the Marine.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Zoro's eyes close briefly, pressing his palms against the counter. "I wouldn't do that." He warns, his voice low. Dangerously low.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Oh, come on, tough guy. Three swords?" He laughs, taunting, provoking as he glances at everyone else in the tavern. "I only need one." He says. All bark, no bite.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Okay. But it's gonna hurt."

⠀⠀⠀⠀With a grunt, the Marine swings his sword at Zoro. Unfazed, Zoro easily blocks the attack with the hilt of his black katana before striking the Marine in the face, sending him face-first into the floor. The Marine whimpers, crawling away. Not so high and mighty now, huh? Marines from around the tavern decide to get involved. Asa pulls Rika further away as two Marines rush to Zoro, swords in hand. Rika tilts her head up, looking up at Asa before noticing the sword at the young woman's waist. Asa looks down at the little girl, feeling her stare.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Rika looks back up at her, "Are you going to help him?" She asks quietly.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Asa shakes her head, finishing the rest of her drink. "He's got this."

⠀⠀⠀⠀Before one of the other Marines can draw any closer, Zoro pushes a bar stool over and kicks it, tripping the Marine. The Marine falls over with a yelp, his sword flying out of reach. Another Marine charges forward, swinging his sword, which Zoro dodges with ease before slamming the man's head into the bar counter hard enough to knock him unconscious. His three earrings swaying as he moves.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Zoro turns back to the counter, picking up his cup. He downs the rest of his drink before throwing the cup at an approaching Marine, straight into his chest. A solid hit. The Marine grunts in pain, dropping to the floor. Rika's mother quickly picks up her daughter before hurrying away from the commotion. When Asa notices another Marine approaching from the side, she smashes the bottle against his head, knocking him out cold on the floor.

⠀⠀⠀⠀(Well, fuck it. (Ride or die.)) So much for the simple in and out.

⠀⠀⠀⠀The blonde Marine from before swings his sword at Zoro once again, trying to land a hit but Zoro dodges, again, and his sword lands deep into the counter instead. Then, Zoro grabs hold of another Marine's wrist, forcing him to block an attack from another Marine. Hitting them with the hilt of his katana, the Marine's head collides with a pillar while the other is sent to the floor. Zoro hasn't even unsheathed his blade even once. Though, admittedly, he doesn't want to make too much of a mess. Blood can be too hard to clean off, after all.

⠀⠀⠀⠀He deflects their attacks, forcing their swords to collide, and swings his leg forward and back, landing a kick on both the blonde Marine and the other caught in his grip. And again, Zoro sends the both of them falling to the floor in pain. He swiftly dodges, again, twisting from side to side. Asa hears a thud from behind her and looks over her shoulder to see a young woman with orange hair dragging an unconscious Marine. The orange-haired woman pauses for a second, meeting Asa's eyes. Asa just waves her off, gesturing for her to drag the body further away. The young woman understands, doing so before Asa turns back around to see Zoro doing a cartwheel off a table, over a Marine.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Then, Zoro lifts the Marine up and throws him over the bar counter. The Marines are beaten up and bruised, while there is not a single scratch on Zoro's skin. They did not land a single hit. Not even a small scratch. Zoro did not even draw his blade once. Not even once.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Zoro slams the blonde Marine against the counter, gripping his shirt's collar tightly. Zoro moves his face closer, "You shouldn't draw your blade unless you're prepared to use it."

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Don't kill me, please." He begs. Zoro can see the fear in his eyes. "My father will give you anything you want."

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Who's your father?"

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Captain Morgan." Asa hears the blonde man say. She lets out a quiet, wry laugh. Of course, he's Axe-Hand Morgan's son. Helmeppo. (His name is so. . . laughable. It's hilarious.)

⠀⠀⠀⠀"He's in charge of the Marine base." Helmeppo adds.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Zoro clenches his jaw, his eyes looking to the side at Helmeppo.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Then he owes me money."

⸻

⠀⠀⠀⠀Night has already fallen, with a half-moon in the sky. From a distance, all of the town's lights look like floating lanterns. The streets and the shipyard slowly fall silent, more and more people giving in to the allure of sleep. But at the same time, with all of the lights in town still on, some people are refusing to turn in for the night. Shells Town is peaceful. It's quiet. It's perfect.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Except for one single thing.

⠀⠀⠀⠀It's been hours since Asa last saw Zoro. It's been hours since Zoro left that tavern, dragging Helmeppo out. Collecting a bounty had never taken him this long before. Zoro should've already been back by now. But in all the places Asa had looked, she couldn't find the green-haired swordsman anywhere.

⠀⠀⠀⠀He may have gotten lost, she supposes, but no matter how lost he gets he always finds his way back to her, somehow. Somehow he always does. So, where is he now?

⠀⠀⠀⠀Asa pulls the red ribbon from her hair, letting her black hair cascade down her back. She looks out the window, staring at the half-moon.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Zoro, where are you?

⸻

⠀⠀⠀⠀The night air is cool against his skin. Shells Town is peaceful at night, he admits. It's quiet. Zoro doesn't feel as tired as he thought he'd be.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Zoro wonders what Asa might be doing right now. With the half-moon rising so high in the sky, she could've already fallen asleep. At least, she'd be in a better situation than he is now, tied up on a wooden cross in a yard just outside the Marine base. Anywhere else is better than here, he supposes.

⠀⠀⠀⠀(Back there is better than here.)

⠀⠀⠀⠀At the very least, Captain considers today's few hours to be the first day of being strung up in the yard. One day down, six to go. Seven days is nothing to him. It'll go by quickly. But once the Captain lets him go, will Asa still be there waiting for him?

⠀⠀⠀⠀He looks up, staring at the half-moon.

⠀⠀⠀⠀I hope so.

YUMI'S NOTE! sooo this chapter was just shy of 3k words,, & we got a glimpse of our fav tangerine-haired girl hehe. this chapter's title; "ride or die, the rest of my life" is a line from the song bonnie & clyde by (g)i-dle's yuqi. basically one of ZoAsa's theme songs :P also!! fight scenes are not one of my strongest suits but i at least hope it was decent enough [sob].

✶ ⸻ and as always, i hope you all enjoyed this chapter :))

( unedited )

PUBLISHED ⸻ september 27th 2023