My first fanfic so I apologise for low quality :) hope you enjoy it anyway.
… … …
CHAPTER 2: Red Woman.
Bepo was definitely ready to leave, the log post was set and as soon as the captain gave the order they would leave this smelly place behind.
"Oi, Bepo, how's the weather?" Penguin asked, glancing his way.
Bepo checked the sky once more, although they travelled below the waves in the submarine, it was still important to watch the sky. The weather in the New World was unpredictable and Bepo was constantly kept on his toes. It was up to him as the navigator of course, to make sure the Heart Pirates crossed the oceans safely.
The sky was clear, few clouds spattered the extending blue. The water was reasonably calm, waves beating against the side of the ship in steady rhythm. Suddenly Bepo noticed something out of place, there was something in the water, something red and slender.
Bepo leapt to the edge of the ship, it was a person!
… * … * …
Law awoke to hurried knocking on his door, he sat up jerkily, neck tender from dosing off at his desk, a map stuck to his cheek. He removed it hastily and directed his attention to the door, there was some sort of commotion happening on deck, he walked to the door warily.
Bepo; his navigator stood outside the entrance, a frantic expression on his face.
"What's the problem?" Law asked leaning on the door frame feeling somewhat relaxed at seeing nothing amiss on deck. Bepo was extremely emotional for a bear.
"Captain! We found someone, in the water." He explained.
"Found who?" Law inquired, not really interested to hear who his crew had fished out of the ocean.
"A woman, she was in a bad way, we were hoping you'd take a look."
Law followed the bear to the infirmary, he was always interested in a medical issue. When they reached the room, Law was surprised to note that he recognised the figure laid out on one of the beds. It was the red woman from the night before, how had she ended up in the ocean he wondered.
Taking a look at her it was obvious she was drowned by her pale complexion and slightly violet hued lips. But when he placed two careful fingers beneath her jaw he felt the slightest of pulses. She was drowned, but that wasn't all, she was also incredibly weakened physically. He recalled the way she'd smiled as that large pirate had stumbled around last night.
"She's a devil fruit user." He said simply, earning an impressed expression from his crew.
"How can you tell captain?" Shachi asked, his eyes skimming over the girl's body.
"It's a wonder she survived so long in the ocean, you'll need to get her dry, the sea water on her skin is stopping recovery." He said ignoring the question.
Wasting no time they got to work, drying the salt from her skin, clearing her air ways. Her pulse was slowly returning to normal, though her strength would take a while to recuperate.
She looked different than she had last night, in her weakened state the fierceness was gone from her features. Her brow softened and her lips parted slightly in sleep, the colour slowly returning to her face. In the light of day he discerned her features more clearly, small, straight nose, full rose-kissed lips and a slim curvaceous body.
Looking her over once more, Law noticed something protruding from her dress, some kind of parchment. He pulled free and realised it was a bounty poster.
Her picture had been somewhat distorted by the water but it was definitely her, Law narrowed his eyes slightly trying to make out the smudged ink.
"Red Woman" Poppy Rei
Bounty 30,000,000
He felt the corner of his mouth rise a little at her nickname, it suited her well. He hadn't failed to notice that red seemed to be her thing, out here everyone had something, Straw Hat had his hat, Law had his occupation as a surgeon, it was necessary in the new world to have a symbol that represented your name.
His eyes were drawn away from the poster as Poppy Rei began to stir.
… * … * …
Darkness began to part and Rei wondered if she were dead, the last thing she remembered was jumping from the cliff and cursing as the ocean stole her strength.
She should be dead, but she didn't feel dead. At least how she assumed death would feel, something like release, becoming numb. But as she became painfully aware of the throbbing of her head and the ache in her bones, she decided that she was most definitely alive.
Taking in the room around her, Rei felt confusion seeping into her like a cold breeze. Where the hell was she? The room was large, metallic, with high ceilings and no windows. She lay on some kind of bed slash table next to a machine that blinked with flashing lights she had absolutely no understanding of.
Standing over her, was Trafalgar Law, his dark grey eyes ever so slightly gleaming with.. amusement?
Rei pushed her confusion aside, the shadow of last nights anger warming her blood.
"You." She said, not trusting herself to say anymore before he explained himself.
"Is that any way to greet someone who saved your life?" Law said looking at her disinterestedly.
Saved her? Something adjust to humiliation flared inside of her, but she pushed it down. She wouldn't let him see her un ease.
"How very chivalrous of you." She said, feeling a little more confident when her voice came out steady.
"Not at all, you can thank my crew for fishing you out of the ocean." He said, his tone irritatingly flat. "By the way, how did you end up in the sea?"
Rei clenched her jaw and replied slyly, mimicking his words from the previous night.
"I believe that's my business."
She wouldn't admit to him that she'd been chased like a rabbit by hounds, it was like this where ever she went. Either by pirates or marines, she was always getting into trouble. It was difficult, being on her own meant she could travel quickly and nimbly but it also meant that when push came to shove, it was all up to her muscle alone and if she couldn't handle the weight... there was no plan b.
Law was silent and Rei wondered if perhaps she's pushed the Shichibukai too far. But when she saw his expression, it was tinged with slight curiosity.
Suddenly an idea came to her.
At first, she dismissed it as nonsense, there was no way she'd stoop to that level. But as it disobediently took form in her mind, it started to make sense.
She would not survive another mistake like last night, that she was forced to admit. As much as it pained her to tie herself to others, she needed to join a crew. The Heart crew were widely renowned as strong, capable pirates and their captain, though intolerably self-righteous, was a Shichibukai. Meaning they did not only have protection from pirates but immunity from the marines as well.
Even though her pride took a suffering blow at the prospect, Rei wasn't one to pass opportunity by, especially when it's dark eyes were staring her so arrogantly in the face.
Plastering on an easy looking smile, she sat up, bringing herself as close to his eye level as she could. Gods, he was so tall! "Why did you save me by the way?" she asked innocently.
His eyes remained stoic, but Rei sensed a wariness drift across his features. Before she had time to dwell on it he spoke, "What did you do to Barty Verrin?" He asked dismissing her question.
Rei's mind went blank, "Who?" She asked, slightly annoyed he'd changed the subject.
Law's face hardened,"Last night, you blinded him didn't you."
Something in Rei's mind clicked, he was referring to the oaf from last night, now that he'd mentioned it she did recall him telling her his name. But she had been more focused on Law at the time to really take any notice. "Oh, that. I ate the Sense-Sense Fruit."
Curiosity made his dark eyes a little brighter, "Sense-Sense Fruit?"
So he was interested in her power, this was good for her, "Yes, I can manipulate the five senses, smell, touch, sight, etcetera."
Law nodded, deep in thought, "So you did blind him."
Rei chuckled lightly, "Actually I did the opposite, I enhanced his sight so much it became disorienting."
One of Law's dark brows lifted slightly in reply, he was impressed, she could tell. Even if he wouldn't show it.
"What crew do you belong to? They'll be getting worried having their devil fruit user missing." Law asked, his usual impassive expression returning.
Rei sent him a surly smile, "I doubt it, I don't belong to any crew as of yet" she said, swinging her legs off the bed, ignoring the way the material of her dress had gathered up around her thighs.
"Any opening in yours?" She asked, her tone light and flirtatious. Laws eyes narrowed slightly, his expression unreadable.
"No, not at the moment." He said flatly and Rei's heart sunk a little. Damn, that trick usually worked. But she wasn't about to give up.
"Come on, you're missing a great opportunity here." She chided, leaning back on her arms.
Law looked her over, his gaze sweeping over her body in one lingering movement. Rei felt her skin warm as his dark eyes passed over her, after what felt like a life time his gaze met hers again.
"I doubt it." was all he said before turning away.
Rei felt her blood boil, she wanted to tear that smirk of his face.
"You can stay till you recover, but then I want you off my ship." He said before leaving her sitting there flustered, her temper rising as the door closed behind him.
"Bastard." she mumbled, straightening her dress.
… * … * …
As Law stood in his post, overseeing the duties of his crew as they prepared to leave, his mind drifted back to Rei. He had left her in the custody of Bepo, ordinarily that might have been a poor choice but he could think of no one else in his crew who could be oblivious to her whiles. He recalled her sitting back on her hands, large chest thrust out in front of her like a proud bird, she could be very persuasive. However the bear had taken his orders very seriously and was keeping a close eye on her every movement.
Law thought back to their conversation, she had suggested she join his crew. Law was not one to base recruiting on sentimental relationships, those either came later or they didn't. When deciding on whether to accept a new member it boiled down to how they would benefit the crew, he had to admit Rei's powers were interesting and could maybe even prove an asset to his quest. But there was something off about her he didn't trust, she reminded him of a fox, cunning and sly.
She unnerved him, which was never a good sign.
Making a very diplomatic decision that her presence would cause more harm than good, Law left it at that.
… * … * …
The red woman, who had introduced herself as Poppy Rei sat at the far corner of the room, a bored expression on her face. Bepo had been given strict instructions to watch her and because Law had never entrusted him with such a task before, Bepo took it very seriously.
But so far there was nothing to watch, Poppy Rei merely sat there frowning to herself, completely ignoring Bepo's presence. He watched her anyway, remembering that the captain had said she was a tricky one.
"I'm not going to cause any trouble you know, I'm hardly in the spirits to try." Poppy Rei said, her voice was like syrup and smoke. It drifted across the room to Bepo and made his fur stand on end.
She was right of course, although some of her strength had returned, she was in no shape to go against and entire pirate crew. Despite Law's warning, Bepo felt himself relax a little.
"I've been instructed by the captain to watch you." Bepo said, feeling slightly proud at the sound of authority in his voice.
Poppy Rei though, didn't seem quite as impressed. "Honestly, I understand he doesn't trust me." She complained getting up and walking a small circle through the room, "But the nerve of him.. I'm being baby sat by a bear for crying out loud." Bepo was about to cut in and defend his position but she raised a red nail-polished hand to silence him. "No, don't say anything Bear that's exactly what it is."
Suddenly Bepo felt silly and began to apologise furiously, Poppy Rei just looked at him, the anger disappearing from her face. "No, now there's no need apologise... What's your name Bear?" she asked, her golden eyes had softened a little and reminded Bepo of honey.
He stopped apologising and relayed his station to her, "Bepo, Navigator to The Heart Pirates." he exclaimed forming a salute, the comical impression of which he was completely oblivious.
Poppy Rei smiled, it was a nice smile. "Well Bepo, call me Rei if you like."
Bepo didn't know what the captain had thought was tricky about her, he thought she was nice.
"So Bepo, how about giving me a tour of the ship? I could use a walk to stretch my legs." Rei asked, smiling at him, hands at her hips.
Bepo thought about it, Law had told him to watch her, he never said anything about keeping her in the infirmary, besides Bepo needed to check on the others soon anyway to make sure they were headed in the right direction. Deciding it was okay as long as he continued to keep an eye on her, Bepo agreed.
It didn't take long before she was introduced to the rest of the crew, who had been waiting keenly for her to emerge for some time. She smiled at them charmingly and learned their names, everyone seemed to be taken with her right away. Everyone but Jean Bart, he just stood there, enormous arms crossed over his broad chest glancing at her warily.
Rei smiled at him anyway, ignoring his obvious distrust.
Bepo decided he liked her, things seemed brighter with a her on board and he wondered if there was a chance the captain might let her stay.
… * … * …
"How are things?" The haughty voice asked through the den den mushi.
Law fought the urge to growl, he hated this part. It was a necessary sacrifice for his position and the benefits it granted, but reporting to Marine headquarters never failed to leave a bad taste in his mouth. It was all he could do to remind himself that he was playing them, not the other way around.
"Fine commander." The word felt heavy on his tongue, Commander. He was a Pirate Captain, he answered to no one. Yet here he was, a government toy.
No, I'm in charge, this is all part of my plan. He reminded himself.
"You'll contact us if anything goes amiss." The den den mushi asked, although it was clearly not a question.
"Of course." Law responded mechanically.
There was a noise of approval before the communication device went silent, and so another call was endured without cutting the snail in half.
Sighing, Law leaned back on his chair, the events of the day mingled with his fatigue had finally caught up with him. He still hadn't found it, he had to be careful though. If he looked too hard someone would catch on, but if he wasn't thorough he'd never find what he wanted.
Where is it?
A knock on the door shattered his reverie, "What is it?" he asked, fingers massaging his temples. The action did nothing to soothe the irritation that occurred when Poppy Rei strolled into his cabin.
Getting up from his chair he met her at the entrance, "I thought I asked Bepo to watch you." He said more to himself than to the troublesome woman.
She merely smiled and gestured outside, "He is." Law peered over her shoulder to see Bepo waving sheepishly from a short distance away. "I see." He muttered, before nodding dismissively to the bear and closing the door.
"Why are you here?" he asked, his headache pounding behind his temples. Rei sent him a playful smile, "maybe I just wanted to see you." she teased, averting his question. He didn't have time for this, "Not here, what are you still doing on my ship? You must be recovered if you have enough energy to badger me."
Rei expression hardened a little as she walked around his desk, "I came to give you another chance to accept my offer." She said casually sitting in his chair.
Of all the.. Her offer? Law's headache was worsening by the minute. She had some nerve, didn't she fear him at all? His eyes narrowed as she leant forward on his desk, feigning obliviousness to the cleavage she was now flaunting. "So?" she inquired.
"I believe I already made my opinion clear on that offer." he said through clenched teeth.
His reply didn't seem to faze her though, instead she only acted as if he hadn't spoken at all. "Really Law, it's obvious you don't like me for some ridiculous reason. But is that any excuse to deny a strong ally?"
She was right, he hated it but she was right. The New World was a dangerous place and he needed strong allies, as many as possible.
But was his reason ridiculous? He didn't think so, there was something about her that unnerved him, that got beneath his skin. She was trouble, and he had enough trouble as it was.
But a gut feeling wasn't a valid cause to reject a strong ally, not when the safety of his crew was involved.
Law studied her carefully, as if judging a distance before jumping. She was conniving, that much was obvious, she ruffled him more than he was comfortable with, and she was strong, but as strong as she was, he was sure she wouldn't beat him in a fight. If a time came that he needed to deal with her, he could do it easily. Until then, she might prove useful somehow.
But just to be safe, he'd leave it to his crew to make the decision.
This plan was just as ineffective. Every man on board voted she stay, even Bepo. Only Jean Bart seemed reluctant, saying he'd leave it to the captain to make the call, but that he didn't care for the idea.
Law hadn't expected them all to fawn so much over this woman, some of them, but not all.
She smiled at him as the rest of the crew prepared to submerge, her eyes smug.
"Pleasure working with you, Captain." She purred. Law felt the hair on his neck stand up, but found it difficult to discern the cause.
… * … * …
She'd done it, she got her protection. Though looking at the expression on Law's face she wondered if she really was safe, he really could be intimidating when he willed it.
"What?" She asked innocently, ignoring his glare.
His face hardened, "My crew seems to be rather fond of you, even Bepo …you really are ruthless."
Rei felt her anger flare at what he was insinuating. "Are you suggesting.." She broke off not even finishing the thought. "Look, I don't need to go that far. Besides, I like Bepo I think he's.. dependable." She wasn't lying, the bear had a certain charm she admired.
"So did I." Law mumbled, Rei thought it was more to himself than her though. She laughed at his uncertainty."Are you jealous?"
The crease in his brow deepened. "I'm concerned, I don't trust you but my crew does. If that's how it is, how can I have absolute trust in them?" Once again Rei had the feeling he was talking more to himself, completely ignoring her presence.
Tired of being ignored she said. "Oh, stop being so dramatic! I'm just making nice, I am a part of the crew now isn't it important they like me?"
He stiffened at that, his eyes narrowing as he looked at her once more, "I'm the captain, I think it's more important that I like you."
Rei smiled, "Oh?" She said walking towards him slowly, her hand resting gently on his chest "And, do you like me..Captain?"
"No." He said flatly, but Rei had felt it, felt his heart quicken beneath his shirt. She was going to have so much fun with him.
Rei sighed, stepping away in mock defeat. "What happened to you, huh?" She asked walking around the room, "Where's that spontaneous guy I read about two years ago, the one that goes up against the Celestial Dragons, frees slaves and rescues enemies during a war." She said turning towards him again.
He frowned, "You met him yesterday when he decided to save a conniving woman from death's door. Look how that's turned out." He replied angrily.
"You're such a bore." she said dismissing his comment, "wasn't there a time when little Law used to have fun- or do you not even know how anymore?" She teased, smiling up at him, challenging him.
His grey eyes darkened as he retaliated, "wasn't there a time when little Rei was a sweet, chaste little girl her mother could be proud of?" He said gesturing to her attire.
Rei grinned, it had been so long since she'd exercised her wit like this. "Oh, we're hitting below the belt are we? Fine I'll bite." She said twisting around until she was face to face with him. "Wasn't there a time when your libido wasn't as dry as the Alabastan desert?" Something in Law's expression flashed dangerously, Rei's smile grew, she'd hit something.
"So tell me Law, where did you put them?" she inquired, casually moving closer.
His jaw was clenched and Rei could tell she was getting to him,"put what?" He asked through his teeth. Rei smirked, her lips hovering a breath away from his ear. "Your balls- you know after you cut them off." That was it, he snapped.
"You're just to conceited to accept the fact you aren't as irresistible as you thought." He said glaring down at her furiously.
Rei shrugged, to elated by breaking his control to be scared. "Could be, or maybe you're just gay."
His tattooed hand came down to grasp the neckline of her dress. "You're pushing your luck." He warned.
Rei continued to taunt him "That's funny I thought I was pushing your nerve."
Suddenly he let her go, an attempt to regain his composure. "You're not half as clever as you think you are." he said disapprovingly.
But Rei wasn't finished yet, this man did something to her temper that rivalled all else. "That would still make me twice as clever as you." She said pointing a finger at his chest "You think you're so smart Trafalgar Law, that's your biggest mistake."
"And you think you're smarter than me, that's yours." he said, brows lowered.
Rei threw her head back with a short HA! "Please, if you were smarter than me, you wouldn't have let me on your ship."
"Is that a threat?" Law suddenly went rigid, his eyes narrowing.
Rei walked to the exit, deciding to leave before she really jeopardized her place on the ship. "You're so smart, why don't you figure it out?" was all she said before closing the door behind her.
She wasn't done though, not by a long shot. Trafalgar Law was an arrogant, callous bastard and she wanted to see him squirm.
… * … * …
Author's Note:
Hi, I know I didn't note anything on my first chapter, but there are a few things I wanted to say.
First, I received some constructive criticism previously and would like to note that I took their advice and concerning the 'canonical' aspect. As a One Piece fan I realised that my first post hadn't been entirely accurate, but I hope that the newly edited version sits well with readers. I appreciate any comments that help me to make this story the best it can be, so please don't hesitate to review.
Second, concerning the world building, I want it to stay true to One Piece, but because hardly any information about the Heart Pirate crew has been cannoned, this is difficult. There for I apologise if it appears a little vague, I am simply trying to stray from making things up that don't belong in the world of One Piece.
Lastly, the story is set after the time skip, before the Punk Hazard Arc. Incase anyone is confused :)
Thank you for reading, please review!
