Morning again, Law turned the page to the book he borrowed from the Marine's library as he took occasional sips from the coffee the girl had prepared. As usual she woke up long before him, he was mildly amazed that she could stay so perky throughout the day when she rose before the damn sun but he didn't complain too much since it meant he always had coffee waiting for him when he got up… What he did complain about, however, was the fact he had to deal with the damn Marines first thing in the morning because she ran off to find the kitchen and found herself in the men's living quarters instead. What made it worse was she was wearing one of their uniforms now because her normal clothes were being cleaned. It was weird seeing her dressed like that…
He gave her a sideways glance; she was beside him as usual. She sat sideward with her feet up on the couch and knees drawn up to use as a support for her notebook. She was drawing in it again, he had to admit she had quite the talent for it… he returned his attention to the book in his hands. He did not have much experience in dealing with cases of amnesia, he hoped this book would help him to understand… but it was still difficult. He couldn't even be sure what it was that caused her to lose her memory, a combination of the head trauma and something she might have seen during the attack perhaps… and that's assuming she even had any memories before those two incidents…
He sighed a little at his predicament… how should he handle it… Suddenly the book in his lap was covered by the girl's head as she stared up at him with that stupid grin of hers. "The hell are you doing?!" He exclaimed with a growl, she had no sense of personal boundaries.
She smiled brightly and showed him the drawing she had just finished.
"Eh?" He focused on the picture… of him. She had drawn him reading but… "Why did you draw me smiling?" He knew damn well he hadn't been.
She turned the picture around and wrote a little note in the corner then showed it to him once again, still smiling up to him. 'I like it when you smile.'
He blushed a little, did she have to look at him like that when saying such a thing. "Baka…" He put a hand over her eyes, he really couldn't stand how she looked at him like that.
"Ooooooh, how cute Law neeeee."
The sudden voice made him jump and he looked up to see the Admirals Kizaru and Akainu at the doorway to this common area. "Tch! What do you two want." He gave the girl a push to shove her off of his lap.
She flailed a little with a panicked expression before she fell to the ground at his feet, the notebook landing on her head. Her eyes got teary as she rubbed her now sore butt, that was so mean of him!
Borsalino chuckled as he walked up to the couch, the girl now kneeling in front of Law while hitting his chest with her balled up fists. "I just wanted to check on our guest, I didn't get to meet her." He gave her a lazy smile. "So you're Cora-Chan."
Law winced at that name, he didn't like it. He didn't like how her name was so similar to Cora-san's… She was so excited about it when she came back to him last night but he couldn't share in her euphoria, what were the odds…
She turned to the tall man, nodding with a pout. She liked laying on his lap but he always pushed her off when somebody came by.
"Oooooh there's no need to look like that little Hana." He held out his hand to help her up.
She tilted her head to the side in confusion put took his hand anyways, why did he call her a flower?
Sakazuki watched the exchange, Borsalino was wiping away her tears now while she still had that damn childish pout on her face. "Mihawk will be arriving later this afternoon." He said flatly, it was annoying having to wait on them to take their leisurely time on being summoned. They had still not heard anything from that spoiled snake princess but he already sent a Vice Admiral to forcibly make her attend if need be.
Borsalino smiled at the girl, she was being rather adorable with that silent laugh of hers as he cleaned off her face. "There you go little Hana neeee."
She continued to smile, this man seemed nice and she liked it. She started signing her appreciation but felt another whack to the top of her head.
"Note. Book." Law scolded her again, he reached up and grabbed her arm to yank her back down onto the couch. He didn't like the attention the Admiral was giving her, there was no telling what they were planning. "Any word from the other warlords?"
The yellow clad Admiral picked up the notebook that had fallen to the floor, the drawing of Law was on the front page. "Oooooh did you do this Hana?" He flipped through it, some pages had writing on it from her notes but others were drawings. "How talented neeeeee, look Sakazuki-kun…" He held up picture a few pages behind the one of Law. "She made you look less scary."
The other man eyed the drawing being held up, she was indeed talented to have drawn a picture of him after only seeing him once… He gave a grunt and turned away, but talented or not he was still wary of her. "Let's go." He only really came down here to check on Law and the girl, he had been told she had found her way into the men's quarters but appeared to be only an accident.
"Hey!" Law called out. "Are you going to answer me?" He hated it when they ignored him.
"Ooooh don't worry Law, I'll come tell you if we hear anything else." He gave the girl a pat. "As long as it means I'll get to see little Hana again."
She smiled at him again, a thought coming to her as she grabbed her notebook and wrote it in hurriedly "Will you have coffee with us?"
The Fleet Admiral scoffed as he continued to walk away. "I don't drink with pirates."
Borsalino gave a wave as he followed the other man out. "Another time Hana neeee."
Law just grumbled to himself, he couldn't wait for this to be done and over with so he could get back to his own tasks.
The girl scooted closer to Law so she could snuggle up to him, notebook in hand.
"What are you doing now?" He said with a sigh, it was too early to deal with her clinginess.
"Why do they hate pirates so much? Don't you work together?" She didn't understand it at all, she kept hearing the Marines talk bad about Law and the scary clown faced one. Then the nice man's own crew had said mean thing about the Marines before they showed up here… Why was it that everyone was so mad at each other for?
He patted her head, she really had no idea how the world worked. Such a soft hearted girl that wanted everyone to smile as carefree as she did… "Don't worry about it Cora-ya…" He turned his attention back to the book he borrowed, did he really want to look into this more? Would not helping her to get her memory back really be such a bad thing? She might have been a pain in the ass right now but not knowing about how terrible the world was is almost a blessing… he sighed again, but living in ignorance would just mean she'd be easier to manipulate by people that would use her. "Why don't you go relax in the room, I have some more research I'd like to do."
She gave a pout. "I want to stay with you."
"Why do you always argue." He rubbed his brow, it was really too early for this. "Just go to the room and stay out of trouble for once."
She stomped her feet lightly to show protest but did what he asked anyways, he was always so nice to her so the right thing to do would be to listen to him… this time. With a final pout she stood up, now… which way to the rooms…
Sakazuki stared out at the headquarters below him, exhaling large clouds of smoke from his cigar as his eyes caught sight of Marines running about across the way to accomplish some task. It took a while to move the whole base to the new world and there was still plenty of things needing done… hm? Something floated past his face, then there was another… flower petals?
He leaned out onto the ledge of the balcony and looked up to see where the petals were coming from… The hell?!
Coracias was hanging over the edge of the balcony, she had seen the smoke rising from below her and leaned out to see who it was. She had only been able to see the top of his hat though which is why she took from flowers from a pot in the hallway to get the person's attention. She waved happily as she saw it was the other Admiral person that was with the nice one from before, she hadn't gotten to talk with this one much and she was kind of curious about him.
"Why are you wandering around on your own? Where is Law?" He growled, he didn't like the idea of her roaming about. There was still no telling if she was trying to spy or what the hell she was doing.
She tossed the rest of the flowers away and swung her legs over the edge of the balcony, she wanted to go to the floor below but she knew if she tried to find her way there she'd get lost… like she did before when Law told her to go back to the room.
What was she doing? Sakazuki watched her as she lowered herself down by gripping onto the balustrades, was she trying to get down to his balcony? She'd end up falling right past him…
She dangled there for a moment then began to swing her legs back and forth, she wasn't exactly sure what she was doing but she was pretty sure she could swing herself to the area below if she let go at the right moment… hopefully that is.
He watched her start to swing, so that's what her plan was. She had deceptively strong upper body strength to be able to hold on while doing that and how would she even know… He took a step back as she let go, she managed to fall onto his balcony but the landing was far from impressive as her behind took the brunt of the fall.
She kicked and rolled with teary eyed expression as she rubbed her butt to get the pain to go away, it hurt it hurt it hurt!
"What the hell are you doing." He glared down at her as she flailed about on the ground, he noticed a bag on her back that was clinking as she moved. Did she have weapons in there now?
She stood up and brushed herself off with a pout, that didn't go as well as she was hoping it would. She pulled out her notebook and flipped through the pages till she found the picture of the nice Admiral from before and showed it to the man.
He arched a brow. "You're looking for Borsalino… He's not here."
Another pout, she wanted to ask him questions but perhaps this one would know the answers. She turned to a clean page, jotting down her question then showing him. "Will you have lunch with me?"
Lunch? He looked to his watch, he hadn't realized it was that late in the afternoon already… He eyed her she was reaching into the bag she had and pulled out a thermos. So that's what she had in there… where did she get them? "I'm not hungry." He walked back into the room without another word, he'd call to have someone take her back.
She pouted as she jogged past him to stop in front of him. "Liar, I can hear you." She pointed towards his stomach which made a little groan sound. "I'm not a pirate, so eat with me."
He gave a grumble as he eyed her hiding behind that notebook. He might have been… a little hungry but that didn't mean he wanted to share any meals with her. "What are you doing?" She had gone over to his coffee table and began unpacking her bag.
She smiled to herself as she opened up the bento box the nice men in the kitchen gave her, they all thought that she was a marine too… most likely because she was wearing their clothes. They seemed to want her to help with lunch but she didn't know how so she just made these onigiri and took the thermos with some cups.
Sakazuki gave a grumble, she was ignoring him and it was starting to piss him off.
She poured a cup of tea and held it up to him with a smile, she was glad it was still hot.
He took a deep breath to calm himself, she had to be an idiot… He gave a grunt, just this one time…
She gave a large smile as he sat down and took the cup from her, she opened up the bento and slid it over so it was in between them then grabbed the notebook. "Black tea and Spicy Onigiri, I hope you like." With that she picked up one of the rice balls and handed it to him before she took one for herself.
He eyed it carefully, not sure what to take by her serving him before herself… poison maybe? No, she was already sipping her tea… With a grumble he bit into the rice ball, it was a little too salty for his tastes but he didn't mind the spice. Seemed she filled it was a seasoned salmon… All in all it was… enjoyable.
They ate in silence for a moment, she made sure to keep his cup filled and nibbled on the rice ball with a happy smile on her face. She liked this very much. Once her Onigiri was gone she washed it down and took up her pencil and paper once more. "Can I ask you question?"
He sighed a little and finished his tea, giving a nod as she held up the thermos to refill his cup. "Go ahead." He wondered what she could possibly want to know.
"Why do the Marines & Pirates hate each other so much but work together?" No matter how much she thought about it she couldn't figure it out.
"Hmph…" He stared into the cup, a legitimate question… "In the pursuit of absolute justice a man must be willing to do anything, even if those means are… undesirable."
She tapped her pencil against her lips as she thought about that, she wished she understood even a little of what he was talking about… "What is Absolute justice?"
He set down his cup and crossed his arms, she really was an ignorant girl. "It means to do whatever is necessary for the good of the world, no matter how dark or cruel it may seem. No matter how many lives might have to be sacrificed it is all excusable to ensure that justice is upheld."
"So justice means you help people no matter what?"
He smirked at her simplified definition. "Yes."
That made her smile as she breathed a little sigh of relief, as long as it meant they were helping then it's ok and that means that Law also believes in justice since he helps people. That made her feel better to know that both of these men were good people.
"We are done eating." He changed the subject, it was time for her to go. He indulged her whims enough and there were things he needed to get back to. "I'll have someone take you back to your room."
She packed away the lunch and turned to him again with a final question. "Can we eat together again?"
That made him arch a brow. "Why?"
"I want to see you again." She stood up slipped the backpack on with a smile, she liked sitting with him.
He couldn't help but scoff at that, he doubted that she understood how that sounded.
She bent over so she was face to face with him, holding up her pinky finger with a smile. "Promise?"
"What are you doing?" He gave a grimace at her being so close, why was she holding up her finger like that with that idiotic smile again and that note… did she really expect him to promise such a thing just to entertain her?
She gave a silent laugh and picked up his hand, wrapping her pinky around his.
"Tch!" What was she thinking being so upfront with him and touching him unsolicited… "Fine, we can share another meal." He took his hand back and lit a cigar, damn childish girl.
She clapped her hands happily, her smile even wider. She was looking forward to the next time they could have lunch, with that she leaned in quickly and gave him a kiss to his cheek then made a B-line to the door.
That stunned him and he sat dumbfounded for a moment before gritting his teeth that bit his cigar in two. "What are you playing at girl!"
She spun with a wave then disappeared out into the hallway, today was turning into a really fun day.
He growled to himself as he spat out the bit portion of cigar, damn that idiotic girl. He rubbed his cheek where she kissed him, he didn't understand her at all.
"Cora!" Law yelled at her as she was brought back, it was well past dinner time when she was found wandering around outside.
She hid behind the marine that had brought her back, Law looked really unhappy but it wasn't her fault that this place was so big and confusing. She meant to come back to the room after she left the Admiral but somehow she ended up in the training yard and some scary man was yelling at her to run with the others, then she ended up in the kitchen and was scolded for taking the lunch stuff and had to peel potatoes. After that she was taken to mop up a hallway, she was so tired and wanted to cry. It was because of this stupid uniform that everyone thought she was a marine person too.
Law came over and gave her a solid smack to her head. "How did you get so lost?! All you had to do was go to the room! The room!" He pointed back behind him where there was now a large sign that read 'Cora's room, follow arrows.'
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get lost." She was teary eyed as she held up the notebook defensively.
He snatched the pad of paper from her and smacked her over the head again. "From now on you're not allowed to go anywhere by yourself!"
"Gyahahahaha!" A laughter came up from behind them where Buggy was reclined across the couch of the common area. "Still having trouble with that pet of yours?"
Law whirled around, he was not in the mood for this clown. "Cora-ya, go to the room and take a bath. The old woman brought your clothes back." The tone in his voice was calm as he gripped his katana and cracked the knuckles of his free hand. "You, Marine." He turned half-way back around. "Lock the door on your way out."
A cold chill ran up the marine's back and he retreated quickly, he didn't trust that smile on Law's face. It might be best to inform the Admirals…
"Hey! Hey!" Buggy started to back away. "What are you thinking? You… You can't…"
Coracias didn't stick around to see or hear what Law and the ugly faced man were talking about, she followed the signs that were put up that led her back to the room she shared with Law. Laying on the bed was her kimono, freshly cleaned and dried. She couldn't wait to get rid of this uniform… oh? Beside her regular clothes was a pair of folded up pajamas with a note 'A woman needs more than one outfit, you can keep this for now.'
She smiled as she picked them up, it was nice to have something to sleep in now. With a smile she went to the bathroom to wash up, it was really small and nothing like the bathing area that the nice old woman took her to but she didn't mind.
Sakazuki leaned against the armrest of his chair, the smoke from his cigar swirling about him. Tsuru had come to deliver her report on the girl and her apparent sister but it didn't do anything to relieve the headache that was building over the matter.
"Nothing could be found." The woman sighed as she sat back, it was just her and Akainu now but she was certain that Kizaru would be informed later. "The world government does not acknowledge any nobles under the name 'Kuren' and there's never been a marine with that family name either."
He exhaled a large cloud of smoke. "So that woman in the picture with Coracias was just pretending…" an insult in its own right but what purpose did it serve.
"So it would seem." Tsuru crossed her arms with a sigh, it was a predicament to think there could be someone out there covertly pretending to be a marine but doing so in a manner to remain undetected. If this woman was using the title for dubious means then it would have come up someway but simply put the woman was in the wind. "I did manage to find information on this island that Law reportedly found the girl at."
Sakazuki gave a grunt. "Is it anything we should care about?"
She thought on that for a moment. "I'm not sure yet, a team of marines did investigate the island after an occurrence was reported but it appears the attack was by a pirate group of unknown affiliation." She held her chin in thought. "Something odd did happen on that island though…"
He arched a brow at that. "What do you mean?"
"I studied the photos taken from the attack, the bodies of the pirates were circled around one area and when the circle was expanded outward civilians were found with the same wounds. Their bodies were mingled with those who had been presumably killed by the pirates so the suspiciousness of their deaths was easily overlooked."
"Hmmm…." Bodies circled around a central location and expanding outward… "A weapon was used on that island."
She nodded. "That's what I believe as well but I've never seen wounds like this, the people affected by this weapon had blood running from their ears, eyes and mouths. No autopsies were performed so what actually killed them is unknown."
He mulled that information over, it was a curiosity but there was nothing that directly warranted his concern. "See if any other islands had victims with similar wounds but don't expend too many resources on the search, I don't think this is going to be an issue we'd need to concern ourselves with." A knock at his door drew their attention, what could it possibly be this far into the evening? "Come in." He said in a gruff voice, eyeing the man in the doorway that nervously looked away. He hated it when people couldn't maintain eye contact, it was a sign of weakness.
"I'm sorry to bother you but it appears the warlords Law and Buggy are…" He cleared his throat, not particularly thrilled about having to be the barer of this news. "They're fighting… in the common area."
Sakazuki clenched his fist that turned into a bubbling cluster of lava, what the hell were those little upstarts thinking! "Well get your ass back there and stop them!"
Tsuru smirked a little, she didn't doubt the longer it took to gather all the Warlords the more altercations they'd have to deal with. Not to mention that girl, who has already caused quite a ruckus for just being here for two days… How troublesome.
To Be Continued…