Savage Kill: I forgot to say, 'You're Next' is a horror/slasher film that came out in America about a year or two ago. Excellent, in my opinion, it's been awhile since I saw one and enjoyed it, besides a Rob Zombie film.

blob80: that's pretty freaking awesome lol. Well I hope you liked my story- that being said, I will be checking out your story after I update with this chapter.

Yes, I will be explaining more within the next two chapters, and you will even see Akainu make an overdue appearance. He will not be happy, unless you can count his madness for happiness. This will be one of the longer chapters, because it was very hard to create a good enough cliffhanger, with so much going on. Please enjoy!

•*•

Bad Decisions

"It is sad to see you go so soon, the crew as well as myself will miss you dearly. However, who is it that you will be meeting with, and are they trustworthy?"

'Trustworthy? That's something still to be debated on..'

"Yes, he is an acquaintance of mine from the Marina."

"Wait...you don't mean that pirate?"

"Trafalgar Law, yes him. One of the Supernovae. As frightening as it may sound to you, I think I can trust him, and we have set all the conditions in place to ensure our bargain is even."

The older man sighed, closing his eyes. "Listen, Aiko, I want to know that you are aware of that man, who he is, and why they refer to him as the Dark Doctor."

Aiko smiled wide. "I am very much aware of who he is, and many of the things he's done. But if he and his crew have gotten this far, it can't be all that bad. I also have a virve card from my friend Marco, if need be, that is my last resort. As much as I like doing things on my own, Sometimes you need an extra hand. Thank you for everything you've done for me, up until now. You don't know how much it means to me."

She extended her hand out, he smiled upon taking it, and gave her a firm shake. Throwing her bag over her shoulder, she waved them farewell and headed back into the icy town.

•*•

"I'm back."

'Unfortunately.'

The captain of the Heart Pirates gave her small smirk- a smirk she was starting to get all too familiar with. She sighed, throwing her belongings on the seat of the booth, scooting in next to it. The man across her was sipping on a glass of wine once again, before actually addressing her return.

"It would seem so. How about a drink?"

"Negative. That sounds like a terrible idea."

"You were drinking when we first met."

"That was then, this is now. I no longer have an appetite for boozing up."

"Because?"

Aiko sighed, leaning into the cushioned backing of the booths bench. "That's none of your business, Mister Law. I am here to get what I want, and so you can get what you want. I am not here to tell you my life story. I want to sleep, so please show me to the gaudy submarine of yours."

'Gaudy?' Laws eyes narrowed a bit, before he finally agreed. He got up from the bench, motioning for her to follow suit.

•*•

"Don't think you'll be getting your own room."

"Somehow that doesn't surprise me in the least. Whatever though, it's not like I'm some prissy girl who'd whine about something so trivial. I assume I'll be with your crew?"

A smirk played at his lips. Essentially he could do that, or...

"You could stay in my room if you'd like."

'What. The. Fuck?'

"I'd rather not."

"Suit yourself, but if you don't mind staying in a room full of, horny men, then by all means, be my guest."

"I-..."

Aiko shut her mouth, almost letting her secret slip. That would have just caused more problems, and even though she had no current affiliation with the Marines, it still wouldn't be good. This man before her would most definitely lock her away or just dice her body.

"You?"

"It's nothing. I've been through worse things than dealing with a bunch of hormone fueled boys."

Law shrugged, showing her to one of the rooms where his crew slept. Opening the door, a smell of sweat, and dirt mixed together wafted into her nose. Clothes were scattered about, most likely clean mixed with dirty. Porno magazines, halfway tucked under pillows, dirty boxers- yeah it was definitely, a place that never saw women.

"This is disgusting..." Aiko muttered under her breath. "What kind of captain doesn't make his crew clean up after themselves? I'm sure if there are any other rooms, they won't look much different."

"I will deal with them on that matter later. So are you accepting my offer? If not, I'll leave you to yourself, and cleaning up after them." He smirked, as his eyes darted to the woman who held a thick look of disgust on her face.

"It seems I have no other choice. I am not a maid, nor do I enjoy having to accept your kind offer. However, I will be sleeping on the floor."

"You will sleep on the bed."

"Fuck it. I'm tired of this conversation." She growled, throwing her arms in the air, accepting the fact she couldn't do anything about it.

The smirk he had on his face, only grew as she was finally seeing she had no other choice from the get go. Finally down the hall, they arrived at a thick metal door, distanced away from the others. Upon entering, Aiko noticed, that it was very well kept, not even a speck or spot of dust on anything. Shelves of books, lined the wall nearest her, a desk littered with papers and a book at the far side, and a double bed in another corner.

"I know you're a doctor, so I essentially could just sleep in your infirmary, right?"

Closing the heavy door behind them, he leaned against the wall. His hat shading his eyes over, and a small glint from his earrings sparkled in the light.

"My infirmary is for sick, hurt, dying, or any...experiments that might take place. You are none of those, therefore you will be staying here, that is an order."

Aiko rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Don't be such a hard ass. I would prefer not to sleep next to a man I don't know."

Smirk growing ever wider, and more sinister, he slowly approached the peeved woman standing dead center in his quarters.

"What?" She sneered through her teeth.

He chuckled darkly, grabbing her face with his hand- squeezing it tightly so her cheeks were ballooning out. The expression of growing anger, only pleased the Dark Doctor even more.

"Listen here woman. You are on my ship now, and if you want me to uphold those stupid conditions of yours, you damn well better do what I say."

"Fuck you."

He laughed again. The brim of his had darkened the circles under his eyes even further. His face merely a few inches away from her own. She had to admit, as demonic as this man was, he was quite good looking- but that wasn't something she was going to dwell on.

"If that's what you want."

She felt her face grow hot, out of anger, and embarrassment. Repeatedly punching him in the chest, so he would back off, but he just stood there with a demonic look on his face, unmoving.

His hand still painfully squeezing tighter and tighter, he finally shoved her away violently, causing her to stumble back and fall on her ass. The pissed off look she kept giving him, was something he was finding more delightful by the second. She was 'his' plaything for the time being, and if she dared escape, he'd just take her heart, and lock it away forever or...simply end her.

"I don't like being ordered around, nor spoken to by a woman in any such manner. Now be a good compliant girl, and make yourself at home."

•*•

"Hey Haru?" Kasmir called out in a monotone voice, startling the man as he read the paper.

'Haru? I am not that stupid child anymore.'

"What is it?" He mumbled, not bothering to face the man behind him.

"You think she'll be okay once we return her to the Baron?"

There was a few moments of silence before he answered, with a sigh.

"Sure. But then again it's all debatable. There's more riding on this than just some normal person. She managed to not take the exam, for one, which will bring her into even more trouble. Then on top of that, she carries much more responsibility than either you, or I."

"...and her marriage?"

"I wouldn't know." He replied harsher.

"...touchy subject? What're you still in love with her or somethin'?"

Haruto slammed his palms on the desk in front of where he was seated- turning slowly towards Kasmir with a heavy sneer on his face.

"I was never in love with that stupid girl."

Kasmir rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say."

"Leave my room. NOW." His usually calm demeanor, was about to be shattered, if he didn't put a stop to Kasmir's incessant blabbering. Blabbering about things he had no idea about.

•*•

Bored as hell, and sitting in a room with a man who previously shoved her onto the ground, Aiko sighed getting off the bed. She grabbed her coat, scarf, and slipped on a pair of boots, before proceeding to the door.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"Does it really matter? I don't think so." She mumbled, opening his bedroom door.

Law sighed, turning away from the book he was reading, and have her a sly stare.

"It does."

"I'm going to look around, my insomnia is keeping me from sleeping."

"Is that so? Then go to the tavern and hang out with my crew."

"Why would I want to do that? Hang out with a bunch of drunk idiots? No thanks."

"Regardless, you will be meeting them in the morning, might as well get used to their shenanigans."

"I'll think about it."

The sleet hit her back as she slowly made her way through the town, boots crunching through the snow, leaving a soft imprint of footprints behind her. For a winter town it baffled her how many people were out and about, as if the weather wasn't even a factor to them anymore. She could feel the tips of her ears, and nose, become numb- even through she wore a scarf around her face.

"My my, what a cute girl you are." A strange voice sang, merely inches away from her.

Turning around to see who it was, her eyes widened at the young man. Dammit. The pearly white uniform, black boots, and Marine hat, she recognized all too well. But the person that all of those articles were adorning, wasn't someone she was expecting to see ever again. The pale skin, chestnut brown hair, pulled back into a ponytail, sparkling chartreuse eyes...it couldn't be...

"A-Aron?" She stammered backing away slowly from his person.

He smiled brightly, placing his gloved hands deep into his pockets.

"Yup. The one and only. Strange to see you, I thought you were dead."

'Dead?'

Her eyes narrowed. "Why would I be dead?"

"Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, wrote a report that you had gone 'missing in action'. I didn't want to believe it, but seeing as how you fell off the map almost completely...well I couldn't see why I shouldn't believe it. It's like you just disappeared into thin air. "

'That sick cigar smoking bastard.'

"So he's Fleet Admiral now? Doesn't really surprise me... He's probably going to kill me himself, if he gets word I'm still alive. The only reason I can think of him doing that is because if he wipes my existence away, he can justify killing me himself without any backlash on his part. Right?"

"Probably." He replied smiling even more, rocking back and forth on the heels of his boots.

"So what have you been...you know what...let's not talk here out in the open."

He shot her a perplexed look, tilting his head to the side.

"Whys that?"

"Look at yourself Aron, you're in uniform, and because of what I'm currently doing, I shouldn't be in contact with you."

"Fine. Fine. I see what you're getting at." He scratched his head, trying to figure out where they could go without her getting into trouble.

It had been at least six years since she had seen Aron. Within those years apart, her old subordinate had gotten taller, he had become more physically fit, but his personality was still as childish as ever. They were at one point good friends, to say the least.

"This cafe is usually pretty laid back, most of the Marines don't come here either because it's filled with families, and older people."

"Why? 'Cause they can't find any tail to chase or booze to guzzle?"

"Correct!" He beamed happily as they sat down at a table near the back.

Aiko smiled at him. This journey of hers had given her so many surprises, and noted to herself that she'd have to jot them down later in her new journal.

"What can I get you two?" A petite waitress sporting a blue bob with a little yellow bow, asked, flashing a small smile.

"Just hot tea, black, with sugar."

"I'll have the same as her."

Aiko rolled her eyes at the boy.

"You've always shadowed my footsteps. Even when you first met me. You need to think for yourself."

"Oh but I do. I recently got promoted, well it was almost two years ago, but still. Anyway, I looked up to you. I hate to say it, but it was your own personal sense of what justice is, that got me to want to follow you."

"...you don't realize that it means a lot for you to say that, but...I am not that person anymore. I still keep to those same beliefs, but now that I've been a free woman, I've seen and learned so much more."

Just barely above a whisper, and a slight lean over the table, Aron spoke. "With a power like yours I'm sure you have. But why do you keep the Kairoseki?"

Aiko frowned, looking at her hands- they were shaking slightly just by the sheer thought of why she needed them.

"I...have to. It...no, they, keep me sane."

"Sane? What're you talking about?"

"You know I can read thoughts as well as search a persons memory- it's kept as a seal to make me stronger, but at the same time it helps keep things out. Do you understand Aron? If you were as great of a subordinate as I remember, you'll figure it out on your own."

A long moment of silence had passed between the two. Their tea had finally been served, when Aron started to speak again.

"...it must be an overwhelming feeling being able to hear thoughts that are unwanted. How far does it range?"

Aiko smiled. "Well...I would say about five meters."

"Five meters?! That's insanity..."

"It's more than insanity. It's hell. When I first ate the fruit, it was bad- I could feel myself slipping. Sakazuki noticed it too, when we would train- I would get incredibly unfocused, but I could read his thoughts on how he would counter attack. Still, it threw me off my game a lot. If I took off one set of rings, I would be fine. A person could simply brush against me and I could hear their thoughts. I wouldn't have to even lift a finger...like if you were to give me a hug or a handshake, I could even share a thought or memory of my own with you. When I started working under Sakazuki, it was fairly easy for me to pass on information by a simple handshake. But when I went to Impel Down, my orders were to convict as many criminals as I could. I can't even count how many executions I caused...and because of what? A goddamn fruit, and that cigar puffing tyrant."

"I see. I won't ask anymore...but what I want to know is what you're doing out here? Why have you ventured out this far?"

Sipping her tea, she looked him dead in the eye. "I'm going home."

Aron's eyes widened at her bold statement.

"Do you realize the magnitude of what you're doing? Do you? How would you even get that far out?"

"I'll figure it out."

"You don't understand! Ever since what happened damn near a year ago, this side of the Grand Line has been fucked up. People are being ravaged, pillaged, executed, arrested. Everything! Countless numbers of Naval ships are sailing as well as being deployed. The Supernova are causing a ruckus everywhere."

"I know the world is in an uproar, but there are some things I need to take care of. I don't know the outcome, but I might have a fifty percent change of living, and leaving for good."

"I don't know much about your home island, but from what I've read at HQ, it isn't pretty. Rather barbaric for an island of natural scientists. Akainu obviously won't tell me anything, so I did a little research awhile back. It's really hard to get solid information about Providence, seeing as how they're neither allies, nor enemies of the World Government."

"Well one thing is for certain, I will be detained. That is a fact. But someone, I don't know who, is after me. Five years ago, someone burned my home down. I don't know who, or why, but if they want me dead they're going to have to try pretty fucking hard."

A long pause of silence came from her old friend across their table, scratching the stubble on his chin as he thought.

"...maybe Akainu?"

Aiko couldn't help but laugh, giving him a look that said, 'you're fucking joking right?'.

"Yeah, no. We both know how he operates. He's an action kind of man, and loves to take matters into his own hands."

"You're right about that. So...maybe an enemy you may have made over the years? How'd you find out you were being targeted?"

"I received a letter. It was unexpected, and the script of the letter, as well as the wax seal that held it shut, still perplexes me."

"Were there any letters, or a crest maybe, stamped into it?"

"D.M."

'D.M...? There's only...no it couldn't be...' Aron thought to himself.

"...are you positive that those were the initials?"

"Sure as shit. Why, what's up?"

"Aiko...listen. I don't know what you had going on in your life before we met, but you have gotten yourself tangled in an iron web of problems, and pleasure. He wouldn't send a letter unless, you had made some sort of significant difference in his life."

"Who are you talking about?"

"How much time did you spend in HQ?"

"Quite a lot of time. I also managed to, at one point, listen in on a few of the Shichibukai meetings- though a lot of it was mostly grown adults acting like children."

"I see. Well, all I can say is, whatever affiliation you had with him, isn't over."

"Who is this man you keep referring to?"

"The Worlds Greatest Swordsman."

The look on Aiko's face started to heat up- cheeks tinged with pink. She silently stuttered, trying to find words, any words at all, but her mind was blank.

"Is there a story that you'd like to share?"

"I...I was so young and stupid."

"...and?"

"I-I've never slept in a bed together with anyone in my life...but that doesn't mean I'm a virgin.."

Now it was Aron's turn to be stunned in silence. All he could do is stare at her, mouth agape, eyes like saucers, watching the blush on her face darken with each passing second. The mug held in his hands almost falling to the floor.

"...far as I know, you're the only other person, besides he and I, that know that. It's gonna stay that way or I'll fucking beat it out of your memory."

"...I can't believe that you...and he, of all fucking people! Why him?!"

"Shh! Keep your voice down. Why does it bother you?"

"It doesn't bother me, I can't see you in that light in the slightest. I just never thought you would give it up to that man...he's not exactly, the friendliest of people."

"I know...the stern, coldness, and his sense of order and justice is what initially attracted me to him. But that's dead, and there are no feelings anymore. We are friends."

"How'd he even know you were alive?"

"Who knows? He's a dog of the military, and he travels quite often, I would assume he picks things up. Maybe Sakazuki even told him, because he sure knows I'm not dead, yet."

"Well however that happened, it seems to me like your little escapade is far from over."

"It would seem to be that way, yes. Maybe I should speak with him soon."

"Sakazuki or Mihawk?"

"Well that's a tough one. They aren't the nicest or most forgiving of people. Anyway, it's getting late, I have to return to the people I'm traveling with."

The duo scooted away from the table, finishing off their mugs. Aiko smiled to the boy, as he extended his hand out for her to shake. Taking his hand, with a solid grip, she smiled more.

"It's been nice seeing you. If I ever decide to join the ranks again, I'll be sure to come see you first."

"I doubt that you would, but then again, who knows? You were pretty notorious for galavanting around for adventure. Even if it meant defying orders."

They laughed together at his friendly words, before going their separate ways.

•*•

The increasingly cold wind hit her face, sending a shiver down her spine as she made her way back to the submarine of the Heart Pirates. It was probably a few hours away from midnight, so she decided go back to the tavern to see the ruckus his crew was causing.

As soon as she pushed past the door of the place, she was hit in the face with someone's drink. The stench of cheap liquor was all over her scarf, and her hair. The noise died down, and a few people were staring at her. Anger was starting to boil at an impeccable rate, within her.

Without so much as a word, she removed her scarf, drying the liquor off her hair, and walked straight out the door. Not too long after, and far down the snow blanketed street, she heard the crunching of snow behind her, quickly.

"Hey sorry 'bout that." The boy said, drunkingly slurred.

She turned to face the voice. It was the same man as last time, with 'Penguin', on his hat. She gave him a short once over, frowning in the process.

"No point in yelling at you, it'll just be a waste of energy."

"...so you're good then?"

A curt nod from the woman.

He looked her over again- a grin on his face as if satisfied.

"You're pretty cute y'know." He blushed.

Aiko shrugged. "Well if that's it, excuse me."

Grabbing her wrist before she could start her walk, he tugged her towards him.

"What is it?"

"Come hang out with us! It'll be a blast! There's not many cute girls in this town...that are well..."

"No I don't think so. I don't really have the energy for all that nonsense."

"Well where are you headed? I feel like I've seen you before..."

Aiko smiled. "I'm sure you'll see me again soon."

Even in his intoxicated state, her words utterly confused him more than the liquor in his body. Watching her walk away in the direction of the edge of the island, where they themselves, had made port not so long ago.

•*•

"'Contours of The Human Psyche?' I thought you were a doctor, not a psychologist."

"It's the same ballpark. Study the body, study the mind. In order to fully understand how human being works and functions, one must be educated in all aspects."

"Valid point." Aiko replied, slipping the rings off her left hand.

The look on Laws face was that of a perplexed man, but he knew she was going to show him something interesting.

Without thinking, Aiko grabbed his shoulder with her jewelry free hand. She felt him tense as she made contact with his hoodie- knowing he didn't like being touched, but how else would she show him what she had found?

She hated this, betraying an old friend, but she would be dammed if she wasn't going to resort to any means necessary to achieve her goals. With a sigh, she pulled her hand away from the man sitting at his desk. A glint of happiness danced in his eyes. Oh yes, he was definitely starting like this woman more, and more. Aiko placed the jewelry back on her fingers, before making her way to the bed, that she would be unfortunately sharing.

"You are quite a piece of work, Miss Aiko." He replied in an eerily pleasant tone- one that sent a small shiver down her spine.

•*•

"Miss Aiko, would you be able to gather some information about any, if at all, Marine bases or ships on any part of the island?"

"Not if you plan on killing anyone. I don't work for blood."

'Not anymore you don't.'

He frowned at her. But it was part of the deal he made, but then again, she said he couldn't kill anyone...that didn't include his crew.

"I never said I was going to kill anyone."

Trafalgar Law, watched the woman in his quarters carefully, awaiting her initial response. Her eyes squinting into thin slits, as if questioning his words'- after a few moments of silence he gave her answer.

"Fine, you have a deal. But I'm going to do it on my own time."

"Feel free to take your time, however I want it done by tomorrow evening."

•*•

"On the north side of the island, there are two ships, and a small naval base. Each ship consists of a crew of about fifty people. There are no admirals aboard the ships, but there are four vice admirals. No prisoners on either vessel, but there are Kairoseki cells down on the lowest levels. Vice Admiral, Kokuto, runs the small base, and he is currently in possession of a large amount of gold, as well as, a large collection on rare books, and maps. He doesn't fight unless provoked, but he does have a strange Devil Fruit ability- able to control the magnitude of ones five senses. Close combat fighter for obvious reasons, but he does use a flintlock, as well as small daggers."

Even if she had shown him some things, she also knew a lot more about it than he still did. Regardless of how much information she had left out, he was still very pleased with her findings.

"How did you figure all this out?" Hoping she would give him a clue as to why she was such an enigma.

"I simply asked a cute Marine in town to have some tea with me. Obviously he thought nothing strange in the matter, and agreed. We shook hands when we departed, and that's how I got it."

There was more to this, more than she was letting on, and it bothered him quite a bit. As nonchalant as she was acting about this, there was definitely more to this, 'going home' business. He, himself, hadn't heard much about the island itself, besides from what Doflamingo had told him. But from what he did hear, the way everyone on the island was taught to use natural sciences, and the high rate of excellent doctoring skills, greatly peaked his interests. That being said, it isn't easy,