Disclaimer: Still not mine. Ehhh.
That could have been the end of it.
The kid, cured and with a memory to tell would return his new hat to the Racoon on a promise of a better find in the open-sky world now waiting for him. No further obstacles would be encountered – the kid's guardian would guide both doctors out of her hideout through the labyrinth of underground tunnels leading straight to the docs. In the meantime, disappointed mercenaries and bounty hunters would be milling around the emptying streets, occasionally engaging in a causal skirmishes among themselves. All mayhem would've been missed from Sunny's deck, as the ship set sail on its way to Dressrosa.
This is how it should have ended.
Except that it didn't.
Law knew something was off the moment he heard Niis announcing her entrance. He wasn't finished just yet. What he was, though was tired, busy and in no mood for nonsense.
"What."
"It's for you." She held out the den den mushi. Her eyes flickered to the kid, whose body parts floated around in organised limbo. She seemed nervous before, now she looked pale.
Staw Hats' Navigator seemed convinced to wait for them on the deck. All other pirates gathered back at the ship already and their location should not leave them exposed to the mayhem in town.
Law motioned for a snail and the receiver to float by his side. Halfway through the operation, he had no intention of getting germs back on his hands. 'Out.' He mouthed at Niis, but she just stepped back and leaned against the wall. Sabotaging lifesaving surgery of her charge. Tch.
Things would've escalated, but the snail creaked and familiar voice carried over.
"Trafalgar Law." Talk about the persistence. Law wasted no time for being impressed.
What was with people interrupting his surgeries lately?
"Unless it is a matter of life and death," he ground out, returning to his task, "then I ask you to kindly hang up. I'm busy."
"So I've seen." Yes, this definitely rings a bell. "It really wouldn't have killed you to stay over for a chat."
This did not even deserved a comment.
"I didn't order the this break-in!" Snapped the woman as the silence lengthened. "There were supposed to be no explosives in that room anyway!"
"A poor excuse for an information broker." Law's eyes sought the traces of toxin throughout the kid's lungs. The removed particles clustered into a sphere at his right once removed. "Now, cut to the chase. In case you didn't notice, we're talking right now."
"I want to talk in private." Bounty hunter with information dealing background? A volatile combination. "You must know what this place is, and what lies beyond. These snails are unreliable as they are. Meet me up before you set sail to Dressrosa."
Halt.
If Law could wish for anything, any small mercy at the end of this already long day, it would be no further hindrance on his way out of this island. Not with Joker's domain wide open ahead of him.
"Come right after you're finished. One hour, no later. She'll tell you the address."
The snail creaked again and went asleep, marking the end of conversation. Law stared ahead for a moment, letting the parts of half-operated patient float around in silence that resumed.
He has gone so much out of his way to end it already. There is no need to dig himself further.
But what is one hour against thirteen years?
Niis took the still floating snail, somewhat tense. Well, she had a right to be worried.
"Uncle Rice has a guest?" Momentarily forgotten, Keith looked between the adults as much as allowed him his two-part split head.
"He does and will have some more soon." Law flicked the drifting body parts so that now poison free chest joined other, cleaned body parts. Stomach next. "I need to finish this bubble first, though. Tell the Racoon we're leaving as soon as I'm finished."
The toxic sphere was floating on his side, a tiny droplets consolidating into a faintly oval shape.
"Is it like a grapefruit yet?" The kid's eyes flicked to the thing.
"Still an orange."
For now.
"Is he healed?"
"Yes and keep these here if you want this state to last." The earrings glowed faintly, the light catching on the sheen surface of ice.
Niis took a half step back, staring at the ice cube shielding the jewellery from the outside world being thrown in her lap.
"His parents-"
"-were smuggling one of the most vicious poisons North Blue had the misfortune to bear." Law moved past her and glanced around the kitchen in search of a sink. Was there even a running water in here? The operation stations at his submarine were so much more handy. "Where's the Ra- Why are you still unable to move?" He all but demanded, catching the sight of the Straw Hat.
"I think the toxins from the book shop mixed with my pill." Admitted Racoon. "I had some herbs for it alre-"
"…never mind, we're going."
"Wait."
Law turned, Racoon in his grasp. Niis was standing at the doors with freshly healed, reassembled and still slightly mesmerised kid. He was holding Racoon's hat in his hands.
Law put Racoon back in his armchair.
"I'm going with you." Stated Niis as she and Law stepped aside, watching the kid reunite Straw Hat with his head cover. Law glanced at her sceptically. "What for?"
"He's my brother."
"The woman I spoke with doesn't care about any of you. Her business is with me and me alone. If you want to help," he added, before any counterargument emerged, "I'd like to borrow a den den mushi for this run."
"What do you think this woman wants with us?" Asked Chopper, as they made their way through the canals. It took them a moment to convince Niis to stay. Your and your brother's covers are blown, said Law. Pack your things and wait with the kid for him at the harbour.
Chopper hoped Law was exaggerating.
They settled for stuffing his hat into Chopper's bag this time, as pill's after effects seemed to still linger. Chopper didn't want to risk his antlers by letting unacquainted with the process wrestle with his hat.
The important thing was that he had it back, against all odds. They managed to retrieve it.
Together.
Law was silent for a moment. "I think she's an information broker. Either a freelancer or working for someone bigger. She already knows we're heading to Dressrosa."
"Eh?! How!? Wasn't it a secret between you and Doflamingo!?"
"That's why I want to see her." Chopper felt Law shift his grip slightly on him. Maybe playing the key ring would've been better this time around. Easier, definitely. "I need to know who is she working for."
"She said something about poker." Chopper watched the stalls they've been passing by with admittingly faded interest. He's had enough of shopping for today. In any role.
"What?" Law's steps seemed to falter for a moment. Chopper blinked. That was quite a reaction to such an off-handed remark.
"Niis talked with her first and she said something about gambling." He explained. "Jackpot, or something." Chopper almost felt Law's puzzled look on him. He squinted up. "That's how Nami and the others talk when playing poker."
A beat.
"And you play it… a lot?"
"It depends on Nami." Chopper looked down, feeling his face scrunch in search of memory. "Zoro says it's a ruse and Luffy keeps losing his cards, but she makes sure we sit through at least two rounds a month. It's all for their tabs."
They walked in silence.
"She's not going to make us play, is she?" Ventured Chopper. The thought seemed improbable, but this day was crazy enough to keep the possibility in mind. They had no money and, on Chopper's part, no clue on how to play. "We probably owe them for the damage to their base…"
The human seemed to consider the question.
"No games. Not unless we want to."
They stopped just two streets short of the house Niis has given the address to.
Propped against the wall, Chopper watched the tiny lights appear again as Law scanned the building. Three dots.
Law seemed to hesitate for a moment. "I'll do the talking. You just keep quiet. There's a chance she might try get some answers out of you."
Sitting idle wasn't what Chopper was hoping for after the events of the day.
Still, he nodded.
"Room. Shambles." Chopper fully expected them to be teleported again. The yelp and soft thud surprised him as the familiar looking man materialised before them. The attendant.
"South dock, now. They're waiting." Law reached to pick up Chopper from his place. From the place he was being hauled up, Chopper couldn't decide if attendant was looking more terrified or relieved.
The sound of running steps died out by the time they reached the house entrance.
"No need for such dramatics. I was letting him go anyway." The woman seated on the other side of the room looked up from her notes. She stashed them away, but faltered as she caught the sight of Chopper, currently dangling in Law's grip in resigned limbo. "My name's Vindi and I asked for a private meeting."
"Is that why you have your assistant hiding on the first floor?"
"Touché." The woman gave annoyed sigh. "You can't be too careful these days. Mr Snarl!"
There was a creak of a floorboards above and the sound of footsteps coming from the stairwell. Law cast a quick glance as the man appeared at the stairs and joined the woman.
"I'd ask if your companion can keep a secret, but you seem to put a fair deal of trust in Straw Hats lately."
"What do you want?"
"I want you to turn back from here."
Law waited for continuation. None came.
"You want me to leave this sphere." He repeated in a flat voice. From his place across the room, he saw woman's assistant cast a quick glance over the window.
"What's your deal?" Law felt his palms close over the hilt of his nodachi. The Racoon in his other hand was utterly still.
"Mine? None. I'm just relying a message from someone who wants to meet you."
"Personal invitations are in a good tone."
"Like I said, you can't be too careful nowadays." She fixed him with a levelled stare. "This is unfortunate place. Too many prying eyes. Too many ears."
One person backup and open cards. She was too straightforward.
Not Joker, then.
"Besides, he's still busy with the mess you left at Punk Hazard. You're stepping on the toes of big people, Law. Watch your feet or you might get crushed."
"I'll fit him into my busy schedule."
"You won't and we both know it." She sighed in exasperation. "Come on, Law, that's childish. Your Warlord records are anything but reassuring."
That was another matter entirely.
"Someone's coming." Spoke silent so far Racoon. He strained to turn towards the window. Law's eyes darted to the broker, who looked alarmed. Her assistant moved to the window, but froze as Law grabbed his weapon.
Coming here was a waste of time.
"I leave petty underworld squabbles to you. I have all the assistance I need and my time is limited."
The woman looked about to retort, but was interrupted as the doors burst into the room with its hinges still attached.
"Maurice Draught!" A well-built, balding man stormed in. He faltered at the sight of people inside, before his face split into incredulous grin.
"Would you look at that, it's a jackpot!"
"Friends?" Asked Law curtly in broker's direction.
Her sour expression was enough of an answer. "Unless you plan on getting to the point anytime soon, Rophn, leave. This place's taken."
"Yes, it's taken by me." The man motioned at someone outside of the house. Only now, Law had sudden impression of armour and steely edges in the shadows outside the doorway. "You're on the list as well. Bosses got tired of waiting."
He took a further step forward and faced the information dealer. He tried to retain Law in his field of vision.
"Vindi Nor, you're hereby dismissed and to answer for the damages along with these two pirates. I'll get to this smuggler another time."
Law's gaze flitted between the broker, her assistant and the intruder in question. His fever was better now, but after some minor fights and a surgery he couldn't afford a long struggle. Internal power shifts of local underground didn't concern him, yet…
Four targets were better than two.
"Room." He heard a curse somewhere close, cut off as he hit the cobblestoned street.
His spheres were becoming erratic. It was a time to slow down, puns be damned.
"Where are we!?" the Racoon in his grasp strained to look around. Some of his mobility was returning at last, but Law chose not to test its' extent right now.
"Not far away enough!" He darted to the nearest alley, allowing his rather vague sense of direction lead him to the docks. If they make it through this district, the rest of the city shouldn't be covered by Triad just yet.
They had less than half an hour to the sunset. Hiding was out of the question.
"Did you get a look at how many hunters was there?" He ran along the slippery street, straining to hear any sounds of pursuit.
"I'm not sure!" terrified and desperate, the Racoon was clutching at his bag. "There was a real crowd!"
Then why these streets were so empty? They should've at least spread some men over the closest alleys. Law's last sphere wasn't that big; he just needed to exit the building and sending off the broker didn't require that much of perimeter either.
He turned into the next street. The attendant's house was on the outskirts of trade district. The next part of the town were docks.
Open sea shimmered from afar in between the openings of the buildings as he run.
"I think there is someone on the roof."
Law cast a quick glance in said direction. The Racoon was still straining to follow the acclaimed presence with his eyes. It could've been some shadow or particularly lucky bush sprouting from decaying tiles.
It didn't matter. Hu turned again into the alley, almost slipping on the wet cobblestone. They were entering the docs-
-pooof, went the flare.
The crack of flare carried over the rooftops, followed by the outpour of colours. Vindi's head snapped towards the source of signal. They spent years on these streets. Pursuit was of problem to them.
In any role.
"They found us!" Racoon squeaked. Law, busy assessing the closest surroundings for other lookouts, paid him no heed. He lunged to his left, entering yet another street. He could already hear the distant shouts in the distance behind.
Damn.
He couldn't bring the hunters to Straw Hats.
Another turn, different street, this time branching away from the shore. The Racoon kept clutching at his bag in terrified suspense.
He almost dropped it as den den mushi in Law's pocket began to ring.
"What now!?" Snapped Law, fishing up the device in a rush.
"Hey, Traffy!" Straw Hat's voice was definitely what Law wanted to hear at the time like this. "Sanji's making Takoyaki , you better hurry!" There was a hum of static as some shuffling on the other side, following the statement.
/What are you doing, Luffy?/
"Where are you right now, Straw Hat?" Maybe there was a way to meet up at the other side of the island. It would save Law the trouble of fighting Triad's henchmen on the way.
The receiver creaked and a new voice joined the conversation.
"We are sailing to the North Bay, like you wanted." It was Straw Hat's Navigator. "What's wrong with you? You sound weird." Navigator's voice was lined with suspicion. "Are these fireworks?"
The sprouts of signals were following in Law's wake.
Too late for changes. Law looked around wildly, having reached the end of the alley. His eyes caught the sight of the stalls in the yard nearby. He was back at trade district.
"Wait for us at the bay. We'll arrive shortly." He stuffed the snail back into his pocket, turning into the courtyard.
People were looking up from their tasks as he hurried past, dodging some late customers and weary sellers folding their business for a day. The place was too busy for an all-out race, yet there was too little of a crowd to just blend into it.
"Law!" He looked over his shoulder and back they were, the information broker and her assistant, just entering the same yard.
Should he bother to ask where the hunters were? The far end of the street seemed suddenly crowded and noisy. Flares kept sizzling over the rooftops.
These signals were the problem. If he could get these people before choosing the path…
He cast a Room in an off-handed manner just before turning into the next street. The person with a signal gun managed to curse and stumble backwards in surprise before Law knocked the damn thing out of his grasp.
"Jack of Cards, Law!" He sviwelled around and yes, the (persistant) broker was already with him on the rooftop, assistant just pushing himself up over the edge. The noise below intensified. Law turned to her, taking a step back to find a stance-
-and fell.
Too late he realised that recent rainfall and decaying tiles provided poor standing. He fell with Racoon's panicked outcry over the rush of air in his ears.
ROO-
His world turned white from pain.
Voices came into focus, as well as wealth of pain and nausea. The feeling of draught was teasing his cheeks and neck. Throughout the pain he felt strange sensation of… hanging.
"-own the Darla Street and Empty Avenue. With torches. And keep an eye on the water. They're bound to float up."
Something wet was dripping on him from above.
"Anyone got a good look at the house? We need to report soon."
"Gronn and Elezte-"
Willing his eyes open, Law looked up.
Human-transformed Racoon was hanging by the hand over the window sill, the other one being what was stopping Law from plunging into the canal below. He had his bag in his teeth.
Why was he tearing up?
Tired and battered, Law wouldn't have trusted his stamina to teleport them safely to the docks right now.
Thankfully, getting on the other side of the window was another matter.
The streets were emptying. The last of the customers were hurrying to their homes with a bundles of shopping. The stalls were gone, only the most hopeful salesmen were still outdoors, counting their stock and packing it carefully for the next day. Orange glow warmed the windows. Purple twilight spilt over the sky with ribbons of pink and yellow trailing after the fading sun.
They walked in silence.
It was a different kind of silence than that on their way to the laboratory. Chopper stole a glance at the human at his side. They decided on longer route to avoid the hunters probably still deployed to watch the canals. All in all, they made it through. Chopper recovered his belongings. Law got his answers, even if it has cost him some bruises.
"What."
Chopper looked up. "Thank you for helping me get my things back." He said earnestly. Being reliant on rival pirate was difficult to admit, and yet…
"Don't get distracted. We formed this alliance for a purpose." Law stared ahead, walking firmly in steady pace. For all they've been through this day, Law seemed relatively unaffected by the rush, fights and injuries. Chopper wasn't really sure how much of it is a composure of habit and composure of… strategy. If it is any.
Chopper thought of Punk Hazard, of Mocha and other kids. He thought of Usopp and wanted posters. Luffy's enthusiasm at having guest on their board came to his mind.
Unknown is the foundation of fear.
Would he risk a brittle camaraderie by reminding him this?
"There is a lot of things I need to learn." He said at last. "And I'll get there."
That earned him a glance.
"You had your fair share in this search."
The warmth of acknowledgement spread through Chopper. His arms waved almost on their own. "D-don't even mention it, jerk! It's not like I'm gonna believe you!"
"By the way, since our problem is solved, say no word about it to anyone on board."
Eh?
"What? Why would I even-"
"-want to distract him like that!" Pink strands surrounded Racoon's mouth as he emerged back from his delve into the snack. Cotton Candy Lover, indeed. It was a stroke of luck for Law to remember a still open sugar shack they passed on their way.
An easy solution born of from burst of inspiration and dusted memory.
At last.
The sea shimmered in the twilight before them. Early stars cut through the colourful clouds above.
Straw Hat's ship stood out as stark contrast between the sky and bright water on shore. Law watched the orange dots of light move on the top deck as they drew near.
"They are here." Glancing over the railing, Roronoa called in the general direction of Straw Hats' kitchen as Law and Chopper were climbing up the deck. A set heads appeared in a doorway. Scent of grilled meat wafted over from the inside.
"Good, we were just talking about going looking for you." The Navigator walked out the dining room, glancing at Law, gaze trailing to the still content Racoon at Law's side. "Off we go, then. Franky?"
"Tra-guy!" Straw Hat all but barrelled from the dining room, just as the Shipwright moved out of the doorway. It took one look for Law to work out what happened here – freshly bruised face and definitely unrepentant grin were enough of the clue. He looked briefly at a fine exhibit of grilled octopus almost thrust in face.
"Check these out! Got them from this island, Sanji's preparing his own reciepe of Takoyaki!"
Unsurprisingly, he was cut off by retribution catching up to him from the kitchen ("Not ready!").
Law stepped back, letting the onset of intervention between Straw Hat, his cook and instantly sugar-sobered doctor happen as the rest of the crew spread over the deck to prepare for the journey. He nodded his thanks to Roronoa who left his post to follow to the kitchen. Law sat down on his usual spot, glancing at definitely not amused by the ensuing ruckus Ceasar.
Stars were taking over the sky. He leaned his elbows on his knees, taking in the struggle on board. Worst Generation in a flesh, huh.
The news on their volatile alliance has not yet died out, and he's already had two detours on his way. Three, If G5 and Ceasar's little unwilling patients were to be included.
Enlisting Straw Hats was a gamble on Law's part. Their involvement might destroy years of his plans, or may turn out being a jackpot.
...jackpot. The theme of gamble was haunting his borrowed life, now following openly. Still, it was alright. Law was through with hiding.
They were leaving at last.
Straight to Dressrosa.
Hopefully.