Notes: Just a few notes, Yukihana Rei does not own One Piece or any of the characters in this story with the exception of the OC's (aka. Maki Rin)
Rated M for violence, language, suggestive themes, and to cover anything that may come up in later chapters.
- Chapter 1: Pride & Imprisonment -
The day had started out much like any other, the crew had been sent to gather supplies and had agreed to meet back at the nearby inn later that afternoon for some drinking and relaxation. It had been few months since they had entered the Grand Line from the North Blue, though even the Captain had to admit the spring weather of Hakun Island was a pleasant change from some of their more recent stopping points. Even Bepo seemed to be enjoying the cooler change of pace from the sub and was sticking close, carrying the Captain's nodachi over his shoulder, just in case they ran into trouble.
If what Law had heard was right, then there was a small Marine base next door to the town, so despite the weather and the general friendliness of the town, the Surgeon of Death had no intention of sticking around here long. Perhaps, the smart thing to do probably would have been to avoid the Marines all together, but the Grand Line hadn't left them very many options. Every ship started on one of the seven islands and from there, was forced to follow a particular route until it ended at that Red Line, the halfway mark of the Grand Line. Besides, where was the fun in slinking around? The crew needed to resupply and a break from the monotony was always a good thing. Perhaps they'd even get lucky and find something interesting to occupy their time while they waited for the Log Pose to reset. After all, it wouldn't be the first the Heart Pirates had stirred up a little trouble.
As he gathered the last of the medical supplies they'd come to stock up on, Law was just about to head for the inn, when he'd glanced over his shoulder. Bepo was standing behind him, but instead his focus seemed to diverted to something further down the street. "Something wrong, Bepo?" He questioned, following his first mate's gaze a little ways down the street towards what appeared to be the town square, though something about it seemed strangely vacant with the exception of several marines which were flanked out around some kind of dark iron work and the citizens who clung to the edges of the street corners looking on from a distance.
Bepo's attention quickly reverted to his Captain before pointed down the street in confusion. "I think somethings going on..." He admitted somewhat hesitantly, but seemed to realize how strange the growing crowd of onlookers was. Not that the Captain could blame him, though the more Law watched the more curious he became about what was not only so fascinating, but the strange construction. The Marines had a habit of building weird stuff, but this had to be the first time he'd ever seen something like this. With a quick motion of the hand, Law ordered Bepo to stay close and follow him as they neared the scene cautiously, curious as to what all the fuss was about.
A few citizens looked on with great fascination at the free-stand structure, the thick iron bars resembling something similar to a jail cell or a cage of some sort. However, it seemed odd that they would place something like that in the town square. "Oi, what's going on?" Law asked one of the locals that seemed to be watching with that same overly curious skepticism.
The man appeared to be in his late forties or so, with a short gray beard and wearing a white apron over his clothes as he lingered next to the door of the butcher shop. "Oh, you haven't heard?" The stout man replied with a cheerful grin. "About a week ago, the Marines arrested some pirate in this town. Although, from the looks of it though, seems they're going to execute her soon." He explained, though didn't appear to concerned over the matter.
"Her?..." Law repeated as a brow arched curiously, so it was a female pirate. "What makes you so sure the outcomes going to be an execution?" The Captain questioned in a steady tone, rather intrigued by the whole notion that it seemed so obvious, even to a civilian. Then again,... Now that he thought about, ever since their arrival, they really hadn't seen to many other pirates. It had been more than a little peculiar, especially considering they were in the Grand Line.
"Simple, because Captain Rikard, the man over the nearby base, has a very 'unique' method of dealing with criminals." The old butcher explained solemnly. "That cell was built to hold those that have been accused of crimes worthy of execution, especially piracy. Once there, they're deprived of food or water in an attempt to either extract a confession or obtain information in exchange for leniency. In most cases, a person can go mad in that and it serves as a warning to the others. It's not the prettiest method, but considering what this town was like before, it's not to surprising the Marines give Rikard such a long leash." His words tapered off, as he lit up a cigarette and allowed his eyes to return towards the square, though showed little remorse or empathy over the matter.
Law allowed a faint noise to escape him to show he understood, but said little else. It was obvious that what they were looking at was simply another scare tactic, order obtained through fear. The Marines had been using it for centuries now, publicly executing criminals and pirates. However, openly demonstrating the torture and psychological break down of someone condemned to death, that was a new one, even by Marine standards. Guess that explained why the pirates were so sparse on this island, those that weren't dead had probably left to avoid facing the same fate. Of course, the Marines were all about results and as long an officer kept up the appearance of order in the town, he was probably free to do as he pleased with both the town and it's criminals, whether they were actually guilty of such crimes or not. That could be an unsettling thought, considering the prospects of winding up on the bad side of one person, could very easily end you up on the gallows.
His storm gray eyes soon shifted back to the cage. Sure enough, it was a long way from empty, though he might have almost overlooked the sight for the simple reason that what was standing there was not your typical idea of a pirate. Instead, it was a young woman, and a rather small one at that, who didn't appear to be any older than her late teens. The fact that she was dressed in black jeans and boots, with a dark red top covered by a long black coat that flared out at the bottom and fell to about her knees in length, only seemed to make her blend into the shadows cast in the cage by the noonday sun even more. Fair skinned, her features seemed to contrast against the dark-brown hair that appeared almost black, and that had been tied back by a single white ribbon. Her eyes were closed, which at first, made her appear to be sleeping. Her back was leaning lazily against the bars, one foot was propped up, allowing a slight bend to the knee. The chains from her wrist shackles could be seen hanging loosely in front of her chest, showing little signs of life, even as the Marine closest to the cage was reading aloud some list of charges that she had apparently done or committed for everyone to hear.
Now, normally, being read your rights was something most people would have been keen to hear, especially considering this islands reputation and habits of dealing with the criminals. However, the young woman seemed so disinterested in the little spectacle, that she had simply opted to take a nap instead. "Hey! Are you even paying attention?" The Marine Captain suddenly barked, apparently not to fond of being ignored.
It was at that moment, the girl finally opened a single honey colored eye, glancing up at the Marine with some level of general annoyance for the disturbance. "You got a point to all this or have the Marine's decided to adopt a habit of boring their prisoners to death?" She questioned back, just as straight faced as one could imagine.
The Marine Captain that stood there, looked to be in his thirties with a muscular build, his blonde hair slicked back and seemed almost unusual against the rich, dark tan. A long white scar could be seen over his left eye, as his dark brown eyes stared down in annoyance at the young woman, who was about a foot shorter than himself. Confidently, he moved forward until he was standing next to the cage, making his height and muscular structure all the more apparent in comparison to the so-called pirate.
"The point is - your being charged with assault on a Marine Officer and conspiracy to commit Piracy, both of which are punishable by means of public execution. However, provided your willing to cooperate, we might could afford to be more lenient." The Marine explained with a cool smirk, as the young woman's gaze lifted and narrowed on him threatening. "You may not have realized it yet, sweetheart, but your not in the best position to be giving me the cold shoulder. Do you really want to die to protect something as insignificant as your pride?" He questioned calmly, as though the solution was the most obvious thing.
Growing quiet for a moment, the young woman soon pushed herself up from the bars on which she was leaning, allowing a steady sigh to escape her as she started forward toward the side where the Marine was standing. "I keep telling you - I'm not, nor have I ever been a pirate." She answered, her tone loosing it's razor edge to something more civil, somewhat softer and steady. "But I suppose, that's not really what this is about, is it?" The young woman asked, lifting a hand to rest it on the Marine's chest with a smile that seemed to give some air of flirtation.
"Maybe your right, it isn't the smartest thing..." The Marine's smirk widened at the girl's words as his victory now seemed more apparent than ever, especially as the long slender fingers that peaked out from the black fingerless gloves coiled their way around his blue tie. With a small tug that clattered the chains on her shackles, she drew him closer and his face downward toward her lips, pulling him so close that there was barely any space in between now. It seemed an all to intimate moment,... at least until the devilish smirk flashed across her face and her knee shot upward, slamming hard into his crotch.
Almost everyone watching from the Marine's subordinates to the civilian's jaws dropped as the once proud Marine Captain's face contorted in agony. "C-Captain Rikard!" His subordinates shouted in unison, though the realization was a little to late. With a hard thrust outward, the accused pitate pushed the man backwards, releasing his tie and allowing him to fall into a crumpled state onto the cobblestone square.
A soft chuckle suddenly emanated from the cage, as the young woman simply shook her head at the pathetic sight. "It's not the smartest thing I've ever done, Captain, but it is the only option I can live with, no matter how short that time may be." The young woman explained, the proud smile on her face seeming to take amusement from watching his subordinates attempts to get him back to his feet. "Those charges are false and you know it, I'm not about to bow my head to a man that isn't even my equal and sure as hell, not to you. Besides, I'd rather die on my feet than live on my knees like a dog." She added with a smirk, in a matter of fact tone.
"Y-You... Bitch..." The Marine Captain managed to wheeze in pain as he pushed his way upright once more.
Moving to the middle of the cage and pushing the long end of the coat out of the way, the young woman soon dropped into a cross-legged sitting position, still facing the Marines with a subtle smirk. "Oh, and Captain, a word of advice... Should you ever make the mistake of calling me 'sweetheart' again, I will personally shove my foot so far up your ass, not even Gold Roger could find it." She called out in warning, those golden eyes smiling mischievously as the Marine let out a huff in agitation.
"And here I was considering being lenient on you, because you were a woman. It seems you've left me no choice." Rikard hissed back at the woman with icy glare, before turning back towards his men and the onlookers. "The accused pirate, known as Maki Rin, has refused to cooperate and having been found guilty of crimes against the World Government, is scheduled to be executed tomorrow at dawn." He announced clearly for all to hear, though the effect was enough make a few onlookers cringe, the pirate behind him showed little reaction.
Turning back towards her with a smirk as he straightened his tie, the only change he noted was the fact that her features had fallen into something far more calm and unreadable. "Guess we'll get to see how sharp your mouth can be when your looking down from the gallows." The Marine called back with a knowing smile, as his subordinate picked up the pace behind him. "Post guards around the perimeter. I don't want anyone getting within arms length of that cell until tomorrow morning, do I make myself clear? No more funny business." He explained seriously, as the young man nodded in understanding.
"Yes, sir!" He answered, offering a salute as the Captain walked... Well, that wasn't the exact term. Limped would have more appropriate to describe the saunter as the Marine made his way back towards his office.
Meanwhile, as the Captain faded into the distance, the onlookers quickly began to disperse, probably assuming the show was over. However, there was one observer that lingered, just long enough to catch the small fox-like grin that momentarily slipped onto the young woman's face. It was almost strangely inappropriate considering what had just happened and an act that truly intrigued the North Blue Captain.
"Oi, Bepo?" Law spoke up, glancing over at his first mate, who quickly turned his attention downward. "Let's head back to the Inn." He stated simply, though the bear offered no argument, as they walked he seemed to pick up on the subtle smirk of amusement that rested on his face.
"Captain?" He questioned curiously, allowing the words to linger in the air a moment.
"I think this town just became a lot more interesting." The pirate explained with a knowing smile, as the polar bear continued to look on with some bit of confusion.
"EHHHH?" The crew screeched in shock, staring across the table in shock at their Captain, who was now lounging back comfortable against the crimson cushions that lined the booth, wearing a familiar smirk.
"Captain, you can't be serious? Breaking out a condemned prison on an island controlled by the Marines, that's got to be suicide." Shachi finally managed to stammer, apparently the first to actually vocalize what ever member of the crew seemed to be thinking after hearing his plans. Although, he was careful to keep his voice down, not wanting any of the other patrons or locals to get wind of what they were discussing, due to the gravity of the subject.
"I'm being perfectly serious." He answered straightly, already having explained what they had witnessed earlier in the day and his most recent scheme.
"So, you want us to initiate a fight with the Marines, just to break out one woman?... No offense, but aren't they're other ways to find girls on an island?" Penguin informed him seriously, still in something of a shock. Law could be reckless at times, but nothing like this.
Law's brow furrow silencing the crew, apparently having already made up his mind on the matter. "This has nothing to do with her gender. However, if I'm correct, then she may prove rather useful in obtaining what we want." Law explained calmly, earning a few curious looks from the crew at just how confident he seemed about this mysterious woman.
"What makes you so sure?" One of the crew chimed in, though many of them seemed to have some uncertainty, there was no point in fighting it once the Captain had made up his mind. Of course, everyone had already learned first hand that Law had an innate ability to figure out what made a person tick, whether it was physically or mentally. Which seemed to only further the rest of the crew's curiosity as to why the Captain seemed so adamant about breaking out one condemned criminal.
The pirate's smirk only widened as he reached over to Bepo, who quickly handed him what appeared to be a book of some sort. Dark brown leather encased it, appearing worn by time and experience, with various pages and faded papers crammed into it messily. Sliding onto the table where everyone could see it, the fact that they were looking at someone's journal became more apparent. A few brows raised at the gold buckle clasp seemed faded by time, but it was the circular design on the front that was the biggest curiosity. Pressed into the leather to form what appeared to be the image of moon, obscured and shrouded by what appeared to be either clouds or mist.
"I happened to run across that in her room. As luck would have it, she was staying here at the inn prior to her arrest and I was able to convince the owner to let me look around." Law answered, though no one dared asked how he managed to connive his way into the girl's room. Chances were he had either lied, or worse, threatened them to get the key, because Law had never been the person that took 'no' for an answer.
"It contains not only sea charts of the Grand Line, but notes and information on the New World. It's also not the only interesting item she happened to be carrying with her." He informed them, though the crew immediately seemed to catch on to where he was going with this. Most people didn't carry around that kind of information and the book alone was incredibly valuable, especially for a pirate. However, if that book really belonged to her and it was one of various useful items, then the Marines hadn't simply arrested your average run-of-the-mill pirate. If nothing else, she was someone with a knowledge and ability to obtain such treasures and that talent was certainly tempting to anyone with dreams of sailing the Grand Line.
Shachi, like the rest of the crew, was still looking on in amazement. No one could ever say the Captain didn't have his moments, but something still seemed to elude him. "So, how are you going to break her out of that holding cell? You said, we only have till dawn tomorrow. That means we have to act tonight, right? Isn't that going to be cutting it a little close to when the Log Pose is suppose to reset?" He questioned, though the notion soon earned a curious chuckle out of the Captain, which immediately raised a few eyebrows.
Leaning forward and laced his fingers calmly in thought, a knowing smile could be seen on the Captain's face. "I have a few ideas..." The all perked up, ready to listen to and all to aware that they were in store for a very eventful evening, especially if Trafalgar Law had any say in the matter.