Hey guys,
So sorry for the long wait! Here is Chapter 26! Thanks for understanding and being patient with me for the month of April. My last exam was on the 26, then I had to move. It was tough and really tiring. I'm settling fine into my new home, but I'll be flying elsewhere in a few days. So things are still pretty hectic. It has been ever since I had this opportunity to go across the world, it was really nice, but it also changed my whole schedule around. There was lots of to consider and all. Anyway, aside from my busy life (TAT) this chapter was actually pretty tough for me to write mainly because it is the calm before the storm. I kept wanting to skip ahead and write all the exciting scenes that'll be coming up, but I had to get through this first-which was pretty gruesome. Sorry if you were waiting on action for this chapter, but I promise I'll make it up in the upcoming chapters!
Here's a quick recap since it's been so long:
Charlotte's heart has gone missing and Law and Charlotte are having a race to see who can get it back first. Charlotte's heart is being held somewhere on Shinzou Island as their scared treasure. It is said that the Shimigami will be carrying the heart towards the Undead Forest full of Wilderbeasts that feast on humans along with the rest of the Deadens. As of yet, Law hasn't done anything while Charlotte has been busy preparing for her grand scheme. They're doing this while taking care of the twins, Kora and Kozu, who had been attached to Charlotte since their arrival. This lead them to the accidental encounter with their Rear-Admiral-in-Training-for-Admiral father and their Shimigami mother, whom resemble's Charlotte's own late mother. The chapter ends with Charlotte stalking away, her mood crestfallen as she spaces out, reminiscing about her past on the sub until she falls asleep and is carried to bed by Law.
Here's also a breakdown of Charlotte's past that's already been revealed (since I'm not going chronologically):
Charlotte, Age 6: Charlotte is branded as a slave and her mother is murdered.
Charlotte, Age 8: Starts as a combatant slave in the gladiator-style rings and battle royal death matches
Charlotte, Age 11(later half): loses/closes her heart.
Charlotte, Age 12: Meets and fights Acetoen, results in her shoulder-arm injury.
Charlotte, Age 16: Revolutionaries invade, Charlotte manages to escape. Meets Baako
Charlotte, Age 21: Present.
I really hope that helps! If not, please let me know with a review or even a PM what else confuses you. I know it's been a while.
As always, to my loyal reviews and readers:
LilyoftheValley104: Sorry for the long updates between chapters! I'll work on it! It's summer time so I should be able to get more things in free, but I can't guarantee anything as life does become busy due to unseen circumstances. But do those details about her hair color and eyes and what not help? Also, I've done a little recap thing at the top as a result of your criticque, hopefully it helps, please let me know. I'm still kind of not sure exactly how to do that-I'm not the best at summaries, but I will give it my all. Thank you so much for your continued reading! =) If you have any other ideas, please let me know!
StarliteOracle: Haha, I'm glad you loved Law. I'm a little worried if it seems sudden, but iunno, I guess it kind of make sense for him to have a realization now when she could be potentially leaving and she has lived life free from them too, right? Iunno... thoughts? =D
lilnightmare17: I will! I'm sorry for the wait on this chapter. It was tough to write and I absolutely had no time last month with all my exams and interviews... not even job/career interviews. Examination interviews for language classes. x-x But those are done =D So who knows, maybe faster updates? -fingers crossed-
Lucy Jacob: Have you ever thought of writing stories yourself? =O I didn't even think of Law having being part responsible for Charlotte's past slavery! You started off on the right track but then it spun out of control and landed in a whole different story! Unfortunately, I can't answer your questions just yet because the story hasn't progressed up to there yet, but let me answer your question with another question of my own: Do you think Charlotte knows about Law's days before his piracy. I'm trying to work in a more honest conversation between the two, but I don't know where exactly I can fit it in the current scenario given Charlotte's one-track mind and her growing unsatisfied hunger for violence. I feel like Charlotte's more worried about that right now than knowing when exactly Law saw her naked, etc. But it will come soon. I have a place planned for it! But until then, more flame fanning~
Jag: Hi new reviewer! =D Here's the next update! I look forward to hearing more thoughts from you =D
CoffeChocolate: I didn't even realize until later than I mis-remembered or just mis-spelt Charlotte's nickname as Latte instead of Lotte. But since I did, I just decided to keep it along, I hope you don't mind! Sorry! But don't be sorry for not reading, I totally understand. Sometimes I just want to have all the chapters there then do a reading marathon through it rather than read a little and wait forever. I'm glad you enjoy the Latte-Law moments, there'll definitely be more to come as for Charlotte's past... those are going to be slowly revealed. I'm not too sure exactly how she survived either. I'm going to guess her speed and small size since she's rather fast. But I know if it was me, I'd probably die rather pathetically in my first match. How about you? Do you think you can survive?
Supermeg12: Hihi! Welcome to reviewing, this is your first review right? I don't remember seeing your sn before. I'm very thankful for your comments, they make me smile sooo much. I love that you love my story and enjoy reading it. Trust me, it gets more interesting as it goes on, or at least it does imo and in my head where I plan all this. But we'll see if you think the same way. Anyway, here's a new chapter enjoy!
Thank you for all your patience with everything and without further ado, enjoy the story!
Disclaimer: I do not own OP, only the OCs
Chapter 26.
"The attack was already too fast for me to see what's going on! But what a terrifying power it is! And the winner is the one and always, undefeated champion of forty-three matches, "Deathbringer" Charlotte!" The announcer of the forsaken human blood fight tournament announced as the crowd cheered wildly, their attention focused on the child wailing towards the sky.
She looked about eleven, drenched from head to toe in the blood of the corpses that laid around her. Her heart throbbing cries filled the sky while her salty tears rained down from her face, stinging the wounds that she had received from those she had slaughtered in some kind of messed up definition of self-defence.
Charlotte was so tired, so, so tired. She barely had the strength to remain conscious, much less move, but she couldn't stop herself from wailing about those around her. She hated it all. Hated the fact of being forced to kill or be killed. She hated the pain that ran through her battered and bloody body and the more importantly the pain that ate away at her heart. She hated it all. She hated how she couldn't do anything about it. She hated how weak she felt. Most of all, she hated how she couldn't shut up.
The bloodied and now blunt weapon of a bent sword that she had used to pick out her last opponent's eyes before bludgeoning his head until it cracked in half clattered to the floor as she felt herself being hoisted. Two figures completed dressed in hazmat suit had entered the ring to drag her limp and willless body from the ring. They looped their fully covered arms under hers, being extra careful not to get the material caught on the chain collar hiding the entirety of her small neck. If a rip was to incur, then they'd become contaminated and be as filthy as the crying child they were dragging out.
The giant screens hanging in the air above the ring focused on the small and swollen face of the crying child. Her head seemed much larger than before from the inflammation that had started, not to mention the bomb collar that hid her tiny neck. Her violet hair was plastered to her face with blood from her opponents and herself. Her swollen red eyes were shadowed by her bangs, but the tears that ran down her split, bruised and dirtied cheeks were clear as day.
"Such unbecoming and disgusting behaviour." A masked female commented. Her expression was covered by the always smiling mask, but the tone of her voice was enough to shush Charlotte's already dying cries. The woman was disgusted at her tears. "What kind of monster cries at the death of those she killed? Just pitiful. I came here to watch a proper fight, not some wailing kid."
"If it bothers you that much, Honey, we can always pay extra to have her tongue squished."
"Don't bother." A crescent moon shaped masked man interrupted. The way the he looked at her, with his heads held up and piercing dark eyes glinting through the slits of their masks, made it seem as if his next words were directed towards her. "She'll lose her heart soon enough."
Leaning back, Charlotte twisted her face to the side, appreciating the delicate powder on her face before leaning over the vanity again. A small paintbrush in hand. Time for the finishing touches.
Today was the day of the festival and the day for Charlotte's plan to come into play. The only time for her plan to work actually. There was only one part of the festival's itinerary that Charlotte really care about: the leading of the Deadens to the Undead Forest. The Shinigami, Kora's mom, Elora, would be the one leading the train of people with her and Charlotte's heart at the front of the line. That was the only time when her heart would be available to the rest of the world to see before it was placed in the forbidden and beast-infested forest. It was a small window, but Charlotte specialized in small windows.
Charlotte frowned as she spotted the darkening bags underneath her eyes. They didn't get better, even after last night accidental nap. Not that she slept well. She hadn't in a while now. It was part, no, the only reason why she kept awake. She was being haunted by nightmares.
Charlotte bit her lower lip as she grasped her other trembling hand. Her shoulders hunched up as she gripped at her left hand, trying to get the trembling to stop. It wasn't working. Actually, the opposite was happening, she was trembling completely now.
"Stupid Law." Charlotte blamed, her violette tresses falling around her. Why couldn't the bastard just wake her up? She had been avoiding sleep a reason. But no, he decided to carry her to bed. Yeah, a bed. Not the hammock that she usually slept in. A bed. A comfy bed. His comfy bed. Freaking stupid pervert! Charlotte hissed, lifting a shaking fist. Her body now trembling for another reason. Why didn't he wake her? Where was he actually?
Charlotte had awakened up alone in the giant bed. The spot next to her cold and unslept in. It was probably a good thing too. She didn't know what to say to the nosy doctor if he had seen the state in which she woke up. She hadn't woken up like most people having a nightmare. Sure, there was the fury of cold sweat lining her body, but that was barely noticeable compared to the dark aura surrounding her or the way her platinum eyes seems a little more than just crazy. That's is if the doctor would have been alive long enough to ask a question.
Charlotte tilted her head back, releasing a heavy sigh into the air, her platinum eyes half lidded. When had she gotten so caring for the stupid pirates? Stupid happy adventure lovers... She smiled at her unusual reflection. She had to admit, their adventures were rather fun. All her time with them had been... memorable, in one way or another. Though, she did wish she had more leeway sometimes. Still, she didn't want to give it up. That was probably why she still hadn't managed to decide on what to do afterwards. However, at this rate, given her condition, would it be worth staying if she was going to end up killing every one of those stupid happy adventure lovers?
When was the last time she went all out? Sabaody, wasn't it? Against Kid and Killer. Her lips curled up at the memory. That was a good fight, it got her blood boiling and sedated her bloodlust. Maybe she should go see him after she gets her heart back. Actually, it doesn't even have to be Kid, Killer was pretty skilled as well. The blond male was rather athletic. Above all else, they were as crazy as she was when it came to fighting.
I should go find them after. Charlotte nodded. Some much needed stress release was in order. Also, it'll put her back on track with her profession. She was a huntress after all. Her next target could be Kid. That's right... She mentally scolded herself. This is how it's always been. With this she didn't have to worry about hurting anyone...
Hurting anyone... The world seemed to dim around Charlotte as she pressed her clenched hand against the vanity's surface, the paintbrush creaking underneath her hand. How many people have she so selfishly injured for her own sake? How many lives did she carry on her shoulders?
She glanced at her reflection, her platinum eyes glowing with resolution underneath their pale color. Focus: get the target and move on! Her stitched red lips curved into an eerie grin. The color only added to the whole dead make-up she had going on.
Three-fourths of her face had been powdered white, the nose and her right eye area imitating the black holes of a skull. Her other eye was highlighted with make-up as well: dramatic red eyeshadow and a cat-like dark eyeliner stretching far past where her eye stood, curving along parallel with the stitches extended to her cheek. Rose red petals followed the black outline around her eyes, illuminating them while highlighting the little small equally red lips. A black etch line started from the center of her lips, extending on either side towards her cheek. Half of her forehead had subtle lines of cobweb stretching forth from it. There were a few more details here and there, drawing down from her face towards her exposed shoulder. The skin revealed also painted intricately, the bones highlighted.
Then there was the dress.
...
"What's taking her so long?" Cole huffed. He and a select few of the Heart Pirates, really just the two mechanics and Law were waiting for her. "She even came here before all us. Even when Captain was so gracious as to lend her his bed, she still didn't wait for us!" They were in Grebbon's Heartery again, getting ready.
Cole turned towards his sworn leader, eyes asking questions that he couldn't dare ask. Things had been oddly quiet ever since they arrived here. Law hadn't given them a single word on what to do. No plan, no nothing. Just an abundance of free time to do whatever they wanted while he followed after Charlotte.
Law only called for them once on this island: last night. But it wasn't for the same reasons everyone had thought. Law took the three mechanics, their nurse and Bepo to the twins' home or what was left of it. The place was totaled, a complete pile of broken fragments of a house like some kind of oversized puzzle. Their only order: fix the house. No explanation, no run-down of what had happened. Nothing but a simple order to fix what had been broken. It should have made sense given who he had called for, but they, still were curious as to how this would help them keep Charlotte from walking out on them.
But that became a second thought when Bepo screamed. Law had brought them straight to a large and bulky Rear Admiral.
"What have you come back for, Trafalgar?" Ignacio called, voice booming and eyes narrowing. The Pirates next to them jolting slightly.
What was Law doing bringing them straight to a Rear Admiral without telling them anything?
"I brought my people to repair your home." Law stated easily, jabbing his thumb over his shoulder.
"For what in return?" Ignacio wasn't stupid enough to believe that Law would be offering help without something in return. Especially considering that pirates usually take without consideration.
"Your wife." Ignacio's eyes widened at that and the burly man stepped forward immediately, his large hands already pushing his delicate wife to hide behind him.
"What in the world do you think that I'll hand ov—"
"—I want the information in her head." Law interrupted with a sigh. He slipped his nodachi off his shoulder, passing it to his loyal bear and motion for Rike to step forward with him. "If it puts you at ease, You can have my medical assistant while I speak to your wife."
"C-Captain?" Rike spluttered, shock clear on his face. Not only was the man much larger than he was, he was also a Rear Admiral. He wasn't someone that Rike could easily take on by himself. He didn't even know what kind of abilities this marine had up his sleeve.
"A medical assistant isn't enough for me to put my wife's live in the hands of a filthy pirate."
"Yet the lives of your children were fine?" Law jested, and ignored the large man's response, turning his attention towards the wife. "The decision is ultimately yours."
Elora swallowed the lump in her throat, glancing up at her protective husband then back at the notorious pirate. She didn't know much about pirates besides the little that her husband would sometimes let slip. He didn't want to shatter their sheltered world free from violence and the such. That was part of the reason why he never stayed in town too long. It was so that she wouldn't accidentally venture too far into his mind and see something unpleasant. Her abilities had drawbacks, but it also held advantages. For example, she knew exactly whyLaw had chosen to offer his medic up for the trade. It was his fighting ability and style. From what Elora could read off Law, Ignacio wouldn't be able land a hit on Rike—rather, Ignacio would have wasted all his energy in trying; Rike would be able to redirect any attack. The exchange would have put Law in the advantage still. Elora knew that and Law knew Elora would know that too.
"So what do you say?" Elora met the man's stormy eyes, her eyes reading past them.
"What do you want to know?" Elora mustered, however, she remained at her husband's side. She wasn't going to step aside from her own safety without knowing exactly what she was walking into.
"Tell me about Charlotte." Law commanded. He knew that Elora hadn't explicitly done something to the huntress, but her presence had an immediate effect. Not only that, Elora seemed to know something given her ability and it was about time that Law learned some things about Charlotte.
At first, Cole had thought that Law was going to analyze Charlotte and her moves before making one of his own. That was why Lay had been so passive. It was their first time actually seeing Charlotte in the flesh as a hunter. Who knew she was so prepared; she had been in such a hurry the whole entire time. Even as Cole was stuck with her chores, allowing her more time, Charlotte barely stood around. She was busier than he was. And he had all his chores, and her insane amount of chores. Just how many times have she pissed off Law?
Her chores weren't the point. Law never set up a plan, didn't even decree an order after that night. He didn't say anything to them. Where they really going to let Charlotte go? Today was the big day. Today was the day where Charlotte's plan went into play and if it succeeds, then she'll be walking away with her heart. If the don't move, then that was it. She'll be gone and out of their lives for good. There was no way Charlotte would stay, Cole was certain about that.
He wouldn't mind it if she did, either. He'd prefer it. Without Charlotte the crew can go back to the way it was. His crewmates wouldn't be fawning over some witch monster and he wouldn't be getting into as much trouble from fighting with said witch monster. Also, there'll be no one there to call him 'Old'. Life would be good! Great even!
Oh! Cole jumped, grinning slyly. Perhaps Law finally realized how much better off they would be without Charlotte and that was why he hadn't planned anything. He was planning on getting rid of her without actually having to do any of the work. Ah, life just got a whole lot sweeter!
"That's not the reason, you know, Ojii-san." A small voice peeped from beside him.
Slowly twitching his head to the right, then down in slow, mechanical movements, Cole felt his face fall flat at the little brat. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE? AND WHO ARE YOU CALLING 'GRANDPA'?!" He shouted, swatting slightly as he hurled his hands into the air in a flipping motion.
"I'm here for my beloved Charlotte! I want to be the first person she sees on her big day." Kozu was proudly pulling on his suit jacket. He was done up for the festival too. Half of his face has been painted to resemble that of a skull. He was also wearing a fitted maroon suit. He had even dressed accordingly to match hers. He didn't know what she'd be wearing exactly, Kora wouldn't tell him, but he managed to get a rough estimate.
"I don't think you got what the witch was trying to say last time." Cole frowned, stuffing his hands into his suit pockets. He too was dressed up. The three of them—the mecha trio—alongside Law were suited up for the occasion. If they hadn't been, they'd to be noticeable, not that they weren't used to dressing up. Law was cautious like that. Most, if not always, when they reached a dangerous island, Law will get them to suit up to avoid any unnecessary troubles. "She was saying 'there's no way in hell that she'll da—" The weapon master found himself unable to finish the rest of the sentence as Shachi clamped a hand over his mouth and started dragging him away.
"Shh!" Shachi hissed. Cole was really insensitive sometimes. That or he was just really, really dense. He gave Kozu a nervous laugh, hoping the kid wasn't going to read Cole's mind for the rest of the sentence. "Charlotte sure is taking her time."
"Girls take longer to get ready." Kozu replied wisely causing the rest of the Heart Pirates to gape at the six years old. The kid knew more to life and dating than they did, or at least that was what it seems like with the way he had said it. "I would hate being a girl on this day; there's so much to do to set up. There's the dress, the make-up, hair, accessories, and they had to make sure it all matches together. We, males, get it easy. We just have to put on a suit and draw a skull on our faces."
"But Kora's all done and ready to go." Penguin blanched, pointing to the twin. She was dressed in a jellyfish dress in color matching Kozu's with the other half of her face painted in a similar style. Hers did have more details though. The blue rings around her eyes were trimmed with a layer of petals to which lace extended from. Also her lips were extended and etched into to resemble teeth. She was also wearing a white lacy hairpin to go with her frilly dress. Kora almost looked like an undead child bride with the amount of detail given.
"I have a much smaller face than Charlotte does." Kora responded easily. "And less hair." Her pink hair had been tied into a simple braid and coiled around her face to form a rose by her right eye.
"But she still needs to put in her heart." Cole groaned. The only reason why he had decided to tag along instead of hanging out with the rest of the crew in the deck was because he wanted to see the final touches of the mechanical heart. Also, Charlotte's additions made it seem extra unique, given how delicate the work seems to be like. Oh, he just couldn't wait to see the final product! The freaking slow poke! How long did she need exactly?
"Ah! She's coming!" Kora shouted with glee and the weapon master snapped his face around, a giant smile on his face just as the submarine's door opened. Never had he thought he'd be this happy to see the blasted woman.
The sound of suede and silk slipping smoothly past each other echoed throughout the suddenly quiet deck. Shock was a clear understatement as the males quickly drank up the sight before them, their eyes raking up from fair glimpses of skin and fishnet stocking only for it to disappear underneath a layer of silk frills and luxurious deep red. Their eyes continued their upwards creep, following the folds, and falls white soaked in black and red stained fabric that hung off her hips like a river though the mountains. Fastened around her hip like a tailored piece of the dress was Charlotte's signature scarf, tied into a large flat double bow that blended naturally into the dress. As if cursed or just loved by Death itself, two long winding skeleton arms creeped through the dress' folds and around Charlotte's body, ready to love her or end her or both with the way it looked as it clawed at her clothes, trying to disrobing her. The arms were faint almost like the real un-see-able death and like death itself, it seems like it was holding Charlotte's life in its hands with the way its long, boney fingers dipped into the hole on her chest.
The dress ended with a reverse halter; a thick band of mesh over a thicker band of red trimmed with black lace tied nicely around her neck held the dress up. The front of the dress remained opened, her chest covered in a low sweetheart neckline.
Her lavender hair had been curled and pinned up halfway for a waterfall effect. The way she parted her hair had changed too, allowing her to have voluminous side swept bangs that disappeared behind her ears, mixing in with her curls. Fixed on the opposite side of her head was a Victorian-style hat decorated with roses, feathers and ribbons. The hat was perched perfectly on her head to cast a mysterious sort of shadow across her face, enunciating the sultriness of her ruby red lips without giving out too much of the undead aspects. The casted shadow worked perfectly to leave her 'alive' side uncover, adding onto the image of a sultry, beautiful and sexy living women.
"Sorry to keep you waiting." Charlotte lifted her head slightly as she spoke, the shadow creeping further back to reveal the secret hidden in the shadow: the undead part of her face. Her platinum eyes glinted bewitchingly, adding to the whole surreal feel.
Surreal was an underestimation for her beauty though. Despite the eerie theme, Charlotte truly looked like some deity. It wouldn't be hard to imagine that she was the descendent if the actual undead Cephenrene.
"What are you all gawking at?" Charlotte questioned, working a fine brow at them. She was completely clueless to the spell she had placed on them. "Or better yet, why are you guys even—You!" She dashed forward, jabbing her manicured nail at the tall doctor's chest when she spotted him. "How dare you drug me!" There was no way that Charlotte would have fallen asleep without some assistance. She did feel abnormally tired after the meal. The full effect probably took longer to go through her body than the children's allowing her to just stay up for the fight.
"And why would I waste sleeping pills on someone who looked as if they'd pass out at any moment?" Law shot back, easily. His eyes half-masted.
"Don't play that game with me. You even tucked me into your comfy bed! Trying to get me to sleep passed the big day so you can steal my heart away from me again." Charlotte smirked, raising to her tiptoes to get closer into Law's personal bubble. Her eyes challenging his like always. She couldn't help but feel somewhat happy that he had some kind of plan, even if it did try to get into the way of hers.
"Unlike you, I rather not tell my opponent of my plans before they happen so they can't work their way around it." Law replied with a smug smirk. "I do wonder though, why you were so keen in letting me know what your plans were. Do you perhaps wish that I foil your plan and snatch away your heart again? Or are you giving it to me now?" His smirk grew when Charlotte pulled back, her face contorted slightly and a pink flush growing on her face, noticeably through the white powder.
Bashfully jerking her face to the side, Charlotte mumbled, "P-please! I was just being considerate of you: I thought that maybe you needed a handicap. You only have Bepo and his nose against my years of hunting experience. It wouldn't be even a challenge if I didn't give you something."
Law's smirk dropped slightly at that, but he didn't let the words get to him. Instead, he gripped at her chin, jerking it up. "Really now?" He teased, leaning in towards her personal space. "Are you sure you're not doing that so you have something to blame for when you're on my ship?" His grin grew again when her face started to grow hot again. Bullseye.
Law smirked, reading the emotions and thoughts play across her always expressive face. She was so obvious. This was better. As long as she was out of her game, she was so obvious. He could read her. Her deep red lips parted and Law knew that the next words out would be a defiance of some sort. "T-That's not-"
"There you guys are!" Ignacio cried, as he slammed the large metal door open and into Charlotte. His eyes spotted the children immediately. Even without his marine uniform to remind them, the Heart Pirates all tensed out of a natural reflex. Though that seem to go unnoticed by the strangely joyful marine. "You're all going to miss Mommy's big parade at this rate." Then again, he was a soon-to-be-admiral. Indirectly, knowingly or not, he was belittling them.
"But Daddy, I want to be with Charlotte-nee during the parade." Kozu huffed, crossing his arms across his small chest when his dad tried to pick him up. Unlike his twin sister, he didn't run into the large man's open arms, upsetting him into trying to hug the little rascal.
"With Bloody Boa?" He jerked back, face scrunched up. His son with a criminal? He wasn't going to allow it! "Bloody Boa what trickery have you placed upon my son?" He challenged, voice bellowing as he scanned the room. "Eh? Bloody Boa?" He couldn't spot the girl with the giant red scarf anywhere.
"Right…" Charlotte hissed from behind the door. "Here!" On the word, she straightened her raised leg, shooting the door off its hinges and towards the giant marine who quickly shoved Kora onto his shoulders so he could grab the incoming door.
The rest of the room grew silent as the sudden change in mood spread across the room like a ring of dust from the heavy door. The Heart Pirates' eyes jumping between the upset Charlotte and the man still holding the large door, wondering what in the world was Charlotte doing trying to pick a fight with a Rear Admiral when they didn't have to? Didn't the thought of how dangerous it could be ever cross her mind? Then again this was Charlotte they were talking about.
Law eyes narrowed as he took in Charlotte's unusual stance, her body bent at the waist, lowering her closer to the ground while her legs spread out further apart. One of her arms were hanging before her while the other was hidden behind her back. It was a different stance than her usual boxer-like stance. Though the biggest change was the look in her eyes. They seemed to glow eerily in almost a blood lusting way.
"I thought I said no violence, Bloody Boa." Ignacio called back, his voice seemingly calm but the loud undertone beneath it spoke otherwise.
"I would appreciate it if you would hold up your end too." Charlotte spoke as she straightened. Glad that her voice was holding much better than she was. "You attacked me with the door first." She clenched her fists behind her back, trying to calm her nerves. "You also seem rather aggressive just now calling me."
"Yeah Daddy," Kozu pouted, shocking his own father. His son wasn't going to side with him either? Ignacio glanced around, his eyes landing on Grebbon for help, but the heartsmith quickly looked away not wanting to be involved. He was alone. "Charlotte-nee did nothing. She's gentle and pretty."
Gentle? The Father exclaimed mentally. Did his son not see the way the woman just ripped the door from its hinges with a single kick? Pretty… he paused, his eyes scanning up and down the woman for the first time. He couldn't get a good look at her the night prior since it was so dark, but now in the light, he has to admit Charlotte was a very close second to Elora in terms of beauty. "If only she was a normal instead of a-a-a ZOMBIEEEEE!"
Charlotte sighed at the scream, at least people were noticing the hole in her chest like she wanted it to.
"For an island that celebrates the dead you guys sure are easily scared of dead things." Shachi pointed out while Charlotte wordlessly strolled towards Grebbon, plopping onto a black stool. "Oh, if you're getting started, I want to see.
"Charlotte-nee is Cepherene's descendent." Grebbon explained to the heavily breathing father, still trying to catch his breath. Though his hands were already reaching into Charlotte's body. "Let me know if it hurts…" He muttered. This was the first time he has ever physically set up one of his heart inside someone's body.
"Mm.." Charlotte hummed, pulling her face out from watching the weird tools nearing where her heart should be. The mere thought of it, even if she didn't have anything there, was enough to give the girl goosebumps. "How much longer do we have before your Mother makes her parade?" Charlotte asked, her voice slightly airy from the whole ordeal. It'll be a lie if she said she could feel what was going on in the crevasse. She couldn't, but the idea still freaked her out.
"Thirty minutes or so." Charlotte hummed at the response, turning her head up to stare at the ceiling. Thirty more minutes. She chanted mentally. Thirty more minutes until she can grab her heart.
"Cepherene's descendent, you say?" Ignacio repeated, turning towards the heartsmith, his eyebrow quirked slightly. That wasn't right, Charlotte wasn—his eyes locked with the platinum ones and he paused. "I never knew that." He grimaced at his lie. Never did he think that he was going to be helping a known criminal. The things he does for his children.
Do not disrupt my plans. That was the message hidden behind Charlotte's eyes. He had complied, due to their past agreement and because of it, he learned something else about these criminals. They were cunning. They knew about Grebbon's situation and were using it against him. At least that was what he thought when he announced the secret that Grebbon's being harbouring. "Then there's no worry for your fiancée is there? She'll be back from the forest in no time." For them to be tricking the hopeful Grebbon into thinking that Cepherene's heart will be with them.
"Eh? Grebbon, your fiancée's a Deaden?" Kora asked, running up to the now still heartsmith.
"She was marked by Elora a week ago." Grebbon muttered quietly.
"Are you sure you should be spending your last moments together playing with someone else's heart instead of being with your fiancée?" Law commented from the side. That's what normal people would have done.
"Who'll put the heart in your friend then?" Grebbon replied curtly and glanced up at the lady. "Don't fret. It's part of the job."
"But…" Charlotte started, but her voice disappeared as Grebbon stood up, patting her on the shoulder.
"It won't be the last time I see my darling." Grebbon declared, boldly and Law frowned. "Your heart is all set up, Pretty Lady."
Charlotte's thank was easily drowned out as the Mecha trio surrounded her quickly, checking the handiwork with awe and admiration. She snapped the first incoming hand that reached towards her chest, bringing one of her arms to cover her exposed heart. "If you want your hand, you'll leave it out of my personal space." Charlotte threatened as she scooted back. She jumped when her back landed against a flushing Penguin's chest. Charlotte's eyes narrowed. "The same goes for you too."
"Sorry," Penguin warned, half-seconds before looping his arm underneath hers.
"Atta Penguin!" Cole jumped, and shifted his attention towards the defenseless Charlotte, a perverse grin on his face. "Aheh..." He started as he advanced, chuckling lightly to himself. "Now, let's see..." Cole was leaning forward, one hand curled under his chest, holding at his head up while he studied the metal heart, the other pressed against his hip.
"I-I said no!" Charlotte huffed. Oh, how she wanted to give the guy a right hook... or two... maybe three and a knee. Unfortunately, she wasn't rly mobile with her limbs held behind her. She had tried kick, but Cole easily caught it, telling her to shush while he studied the thing. "P-pervert!" Charlotte screamed when the male's face was practically between her breast. His nose was already in the vicinity.
"E-eh?" Cole pulled back. Just in time too as Charlotte punctuated the scream with a Penguin's body slamming to the ground. The nimble woman had somehow escaped and managed to slam Penguin into the ground, while trying to kick Cole in the chin. "Aw, come on! We came all the way here today just to see the final product and now that it's complete you won't even let us see it?" Cole complained lightly, a little too lightly for Charlotte's taste. Something was going o—"Grab her! She's in heels! She can't move around fast!" Cole shouted, and the three of them pounced forward… and their heads collided together.
"Hah!" Charlotte spat, her bare feet dangling out of the dress' edge. "As if I'd wear those feet cages!" She had tried them on earlier that morning. Getting them in wasn't the problem, the problem was she couldn't move in them. Since when was walking on pins ever a good idea. It was difficult, unstable, and her feet hurt after three minutes. It was not fun. It was a good thing too it seems. "See ya boys!" She cooed before dashing out of the door, leaving the rest of the people in the heartery.
"That wasn't a very lady like position for a lady wearing a dress." Kora commented after Charlotte had left, her face blanked for a moment. Spinning around, she sat comfortably on her father's large shoulders and rested her hands on his head. "Let's go see Mommy."
"I'll come with!" Grebbon called, rushing out after the family. He reached down to hold little Kozu's hand. The group completely forgetting about the remaining pirates.
"Che, didn't the woman have any thoughts for others? What now?" He came all this way, even dressed up to see the final product and all he managed was to get a glimpse of the general silhouette of the damn thing. Didn't even get to see the details of it.
"You may return to the submarine if you wish." Law stated shocking the rest of the pirates.
"C-captain?" Penguin called uncertainly. "Are we really not going to do anything to stop Charlotte?"
"Did I ever say we're not?" Law pushed off the threshold. "I'll be at the parade waiting. I expect you to have a good reason for attacking your crewmate." With that vague order Law left with a small ringing of the door. He had other things to attend to if he wanted his plan to work out well. Like he had hinted at earlier, he wasn't going to be broadcasting his plan to his opponent. Though it did seem that his rival did forget a certain fact in her calculations. Where Charlotte may have years of experience, he has an army of resources compared to her one-man show. While she was busy trying to get everything ready, Law had been taking it easy by having his crew do the work for him.
"Charlotte?" Elora repeated, her small face settling into a small frown. "I do hope that you have not done anything to the sweet girl." She said, stepping out from behind her husband, her hands clenched still beside her.
"She's asleep." Law stated easily and Elora's clenched fist softened.
"Oh, that's good. She looks like she needed the rest." Elora sighed, pressing a hand against her bosom. "You know, I can't tell you a lot about that child." Elora played with her hands as she started. "It is also not my story to share. From what I know, I'm sure she doesn't want anyone to know about her past. I'm sorry to disappoint you." She told calmly, and despite the fact that she was denying one of the Worst Generation, her eyes remained clear and calm, completely unfazed and unafraid at her decision. She would stay by it no matter what was to come.
"It looks as if I wasted a trip down here." Law sighed earnestly.
"Before you leave Mr. Handsome, there is something I can tell you." Elora spoke, her voice strangely wise. "That girl knows neither friend nor foe, only survival."
"You're saying she has killed friends before." Law rephrased.
"I'm just saying it may be in your best interest for you and your crew to part ways at this chanced fork in the road." Elora clarified. "That is just my advice as the God of Death."
...
"Hey, look what I found!" Shachi cried joyfully through the sound of metal clanging against metal. "It's another replacement heart!" He held up the metal contraption as if it was a prized trophy for all to see. In a sense, it was for the mecha trio. They had been searching for another one ever since Charlotte left them hanging.
"Let me see!" Shachi abided, placing the fist-sized rock on the glass table while Penguin turned on the small lamp next to it. Three pairs of eyes darted across the small contraception instantly, taking in any small detail and strange metallic devices. Their hands were busy writing down notes and things for further research for every small detail they found intriguing which was almost the whole thing. Penguin had even gone off to grab one of Grebbon's work journals for further analysis.
They weren't joking when they said that that this small little device was one of the most intricate ones they have ever seen. Even the lazy Cole was busy trying to figure out how the device worked as a system. Unlike the two mechanics, he cared less about the outer shell, but more of its connections. Cole worked on the offensives while the other two worked on the defenses. That was part of the reason why Charlotte's would have been the optimal one to examine. Her add-ons—the thin veins to not only hold up her heart but allowed her senses to connect—was a perfect thing to study. If he could figure out how the connections worked, then he wouldn't need to waste time getting into weapons bay to attack. He could do it all wirelessly or at the very least with mobility.
"Uwah!" Shachi screamed, falling onto this butt while Cole's grin grew. The heart. It was alive! "That scared me!"
"I wonder who it's connected to…" Cole muttered, picking up the delicate thing and holding it up for a better two while the two mechanics screamed worriedly at him. They were dealing with someone else's heart. What if they were to screw up and some innocent was to die on their hands? "Ah, it's through radio waves." Cole noted, tapping on the light green circle on the flat side of the aorta.
"C-Cole!"
"Don't tie your panties in a knot. It's not going to do anything." He ran a hand through his short hair. "Looking at this, it's a pretty big radius." He acknowledged, surprised to see such an intricate thing embedded into such a small area. Grebbon really was one of the best heartsmiths on the island.
"Do you think we can get Captain to think of bringing Grebbon on board?" Cole suggested, grinning happily. If Grebbon was on board, then there was no rush in trying to figure out what was what. He could learn at a leisurely pace and even collaborate together.
"He probably even has some medical knowledge considering his line of work." Penguin agreed, happily.
"It'll be nice if Rike or Captain was here to tell us how anatomically correct it is." Shachi commented. If he did know some then Law wouldn't have to spend time teaching him and it would increase his chances of being a new addition. The ginger received a smack against his head though.
"Captain's busy with more important things!" Penguin scolded.
"I know! That's why I said Rike. You didn't have to hit me. But he's busy to doing something secret for Captain."
"What are you two babbling about? Law made everyone learn some basic medical knowledge when they first joined. Everyone but the dumb crazy hunter should know something as easy as recognizing a heart."
"Oh," The two mechanics whistled, hands on their hips at the technician's bold words. "Really now? How does this heart look to you? Is there anything wrong, Dr. Cole?" This was coming from one of the laziest male on the submarine.
Cole jerked back instantly as the two mechanics rested their face against the glass, staring at him expectantly. He was probably the worst person to ask. Well, minus Charlotte of course. He took pride in the fact that he was more medically adept than the woman. However, the extent to that was very questionable. Like what he had done when prepping for their performances on Muses Island, he was often caught trying to escape. It was because of it that Cole ended up spending many hours in the submarines ducts. This lead to him working on the submarine's inner circuitry.
None of that mattered at the moment. Right now, he was being challenged on his medical knowledge and he was no way going to shame himself. Not in front of the other two idiots who tried doing the same thing.
Squatting down so that he was eyelevel with the metal heart, Cole scanned his eyes across the heart's silhouette, humming in acknowledgement as he did so. Slowly, with a hand resting on his chin, Cole closed his eyes in mock concentration. I have absolutely no idea! He cried in his mind after a few moments of deliberate humming. He knew enough to say that it was a heart, but anyone could after Grebbon had so gracefully explained from day one. That wasn't enough though. Not for the two mechanics. The technician peeked lightly only to snap his eye shut and hum louder. The two idiots were still staring at him with their smug grins, just waiting for him to say something wrong and stupid.
Think! Think! These two don't know anything either! I just need to say something that they don't know and we'll all be good. I'll sound smart and those two idiots wouldn't be of the wiser. The issue was… what did the two even know? Think! What classes did they skip out on together? He just needed to make some bullshit answer about that general topic that the two didn't know about. Think!
Snapping his eyes open, Cole raised his index finger slowly. "There's something missing here." He declared and snapped his raised finger at a ninety-degrees angle, pointing towards the center of the heart, right next to the left ventricle. "There should be a lump right here." He snickered behind his smug mask. He had realized it at the last moment: the heart before them was different than the one that Charlotte was currently wearing like a broach. Charlotte's metal heart had a small lump right there. He didn't know what exactly was it for, but Charlotte's heart was complete.
Unfortunately, Cole skipped out on his luck as well. "There shouldn't be a lump there."
"Eh?" Cole blinked.
"Yeah, the heart only has four ventricles. It wouldn't make sense for there to be a random lump. It's not like there was a vein extending from there either." The two mechanics glanced up at the sheepish technician. "Oi, you weren't trying to feed us some false information so you can seem smart, were you?" The two gasped. "You were!"
"No, of course not!" Cole rebuffed quickly, trying to save his hide. "I only said that because Charlotte's heart had a lump there!"
"Charlotte's did?" The two mechanics stilled, glancing at each other in confusion. A weird lump on any part of the body could mean a cancerous tumor. But why would Grebbon put a tumor on a metal heart? "What did it look like?"
"Uh… it was small and patch like hill. Sort of like a microchip used in..." Cole's eyes widened and bolted from the others, running back to the storage room, throwing things around.
"Yo, what are you doing? Grebbon's not going to be happy when he comes back to see his place totalled." Penguin warned, crossing his arms as he stared at his crewmate, emptying boxes.
"Don't just stand there. Help me look." Cole couldn't hope to be more wrong. He liked Grebbon, he was a fellow innovator like the three of them. But...
"Care to tell us what's so urgent about a small chip?" It was Shachi this time, joining his best friend at the threshold, the two of them leaning on either side.
"Those heart, they communicate through radio waves and the only way to intercept one is through another radio wave." Cole explained as he searched. "In a sense you can hack into someone's heart by joining onto the same frequency and cancelling out its own waves with new ones. Normally this is near impossible without a receiver chip. The small chip attached to Charlotte's heart is a receiver."
"Wait, hack? But the heart isn't fully connected to Charlotte. They shouldn't be able to take control over her." Shachi exclaimed.
"Knowing her, she'd probably fight back from being controlled." Penguin added.
"It shouldn't be possible to hack someone's body. Like you said, it's not connected to their physical body. I don't think Grebbon wants to take control of Charlotte's body anyway. There's something else that the chip is attached to. That's probably what he's going for."
"You think Grebbon is behind all this?" Shachi gasped in disbelief. But they had shared such good times and information together when the three of them stayed afterwards to watch him work.
"There's no one else who could have placed anything on the heart. We would have noticed right away if anyone else but Grebbon worked on it. We were here practically from day start to day end. The only person who touched the heart in the making was Grebbon."
"What was the receiver attached to?" Penguin asked, stepping forward. He wasn't going to stand still for this either. As much as it upset him, he crewmates came first.
"I can't say for sure. It was wrapped up as part of the heart's outer layer, but judging from the size and the shape. It was probably gunpowder and a sparkler." Cole muttered, clearly not pleased with the thought himself. If he was right, then Grebbon just attached a bomb into Charlotte's body.
"A BOMB?! Are you sure?"
Cole shook his head and his hands stilled as he found what he had been desperately hoping not to find. Swallowing the thick lump growing in his throat, Cole turned to face his buddies, the thing dangling in his hand. "No, but there's gunpowder and equipment for a remote detonator here."
"At least we got a good reason to stop Charlotte now." Shachi called as he and Penguin ran towards the door. "Oi, Cole, what are you doing? We don't have time to waste. Charlotte's going to be on any moment now!"
"I know. She'll be in the middle of the parade, drawing attention to herself. How do you expect us to get close enough to rip out the heart? If Grebbon was to see us coming, there's no saying that he won't detonate earlier."
The door swung shut as the two mechanics stilled, glancing down at the ground. Cole had a point. That'll only put Charlotte at even more danger. The two of them were melee fighters, they'd to get close to do anything. By then, they'd be too late.
"Maybe we can get Captain too…" The idea died as the group realized that finding their Captain would be difficult too. He was dressed like most others here. The point was to blend in, after all. They didn't have enough time to find him.
"Captain gave us permission to stop Charlotte by any means, right?" Cole confirmed, his eyes already glossing across the several things in the heartery. There were definitely usable things here, things that he had been trying to try out too. "Penguin, try to find Captain and let him know. Shachi, I'll need your help."
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to build a weapon." Cole announced and started shouting for Shachi to gather him the right parts he'll be needing as he pulled out his toolbox, rolling them flat.
Ten minutes… Cole grimaced, checking the clock on the side. Ten minutes until Charlotte's big reveal and most likely when Grebbon will detonate the bomb. That meant he had six minutes to build some sort of weapon contraction in a place that wasn't his own office with whatever little materials they can scrape together. Two minutes to bring it within range of Charlotte and one minute to fire. Things were going to be tight. Cole grinned as Shachi dumped the pieces before him. Ten minutes was plenty.
…
The whole conversation wasn't much help to the Dark Doctor. One good thing did come out of it: Charlotte was dangerous. He knew that from day one, her skills were fierce and her movements a haphazard. It was like she had been raised in the wild. One that he thought he had tamed. Clearly not. The little mouse that always managed to sneak out when trapped turned had turned into a full on predator the night before.
Against him.
Law could have sworn that he had been cut. But whenever he looked at where his wound would be, he was proven wrong. There wasn't even a shred of evidence that the huntress had moved. Nothing but his heart pulsing, his skin perspiring, and his hand twitching for his sword. All she did was release her bloodlust.
Charlotte was dangerous beyond compare if that was what her aura in itself could cause such a reaction. What would happen if it wasn't just her aura anymore? Law scowled as he stared up at the woman with the always theatrical emotions perched on a tall black street light. His eyes boring into the small of her back, imagining of the scar that laid there.
"Rike-ya," Said medic glanced back over his shoulder, glancing at their silent captain. Their late night trek back to their ship had been one in silence. No happened after Law's talk with Elora. The group worked diligently to build back the twin's home. After that, they went straight back. No orders, no nothing. Until now that is.
"Yes, Captain?" Rike jumped, jumping into a salute.
"I want you to do research on Miss Charlotte. Take Bepo-ya with you." Law simply ordered. "Report everything back to me, but be discrete."
Charlotte leaped from the alleyway, perching herself on a dark street pole in the middle of the parade of people. Her platinum eyes leaped across the human flood, trying to find the one person of interest. The one dressed in the black headdress and white mask, holding a box. Fortunately for the huntress, it wasn't a hard task given how the flood would split like the red sea for the Shimigami and the Parade of the Deadens.
Raising to the point of the lamp post, Charlotte made her presence known. Her red lips curled upward as the people below lifted their gaze from the parade towards her. White teeth peeked out when those silent, confused and curious eyes landed on the boxed hole in her chest, then the metal heart there.
"Shimigami," Charlotte bellowed over the crowd's murmured questions, extending her long arm out towards the front of the parade. "Return to me my heart." The crowd roar louder, their question of who the lady was 'answered'. Their thoughts bouncing off each other and influencing others until the whole crowd were brainwashed to believe that Charlotte could only be Cephenrene's descendant. Their ability sure makes my job easier. Charlotte thought happily, her gaze refocusing on her target.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the crowd, Grebbon glanced at his grandma for reassurance. She nodded back, and reached out to massage his stiff shoulder. This was something they had to do for the sake of future. Even if it was against their norm. Grebbon exhale deeply as he flipped the plastic cover up and thumbed the small button. The small chip on Charlotte's heart beeped orange.
"I'm sorry…"
...
"Why are we all the way over here?" Shachi shouted, grabbing his hat as he slid across the plains. This was no where near the crowd of people below or Charlotte. They were standing on a hill far away from the noisy crowd and the obnoxious looking doll. "I thought you said you know where you were going!" Shachi scolded while the technician ignored him to set up the large catapult looking thing he had built. "Oi, what are you doing getting comfortable? Charlotte's not here. She's over there!" Shachi pointed towards the growing crowd of ants. They looked like idiots all gawking at Charlotte like moths attracted to a light.
"Shut up, and let me do my work." Cole snapped after a while. He hoisted the large thing onto his shoulder, and wrapped his hand around the makeshift trigger. "It's a range weapon. We can't get close too close to her without risk of getting caught."
"But we're not range fighters." Shachi gasped at the grin that Cole was subtly sprouting. "You better not be using this as an excuse to attack Charlotte!"
"Shut up already! I'm not that petty!" Cole huffed, though that wouldn't be bad either he thought and realigned his scopes. "You're not." He corrected hotly. "You forget, I'm the sub's weapon master. I can use any weapon including ranged ones." Cole murmured, his cheek pressed against the cold metal, waiting for the scopes to fix.
"Shit! It's already turned on! We don't have much time. Quick, load the ammo!" Cole ordered.
"This thing?" Shachi voiced, questioning the orange blob in his hand.
"JUST LOAD IT!" He shouted, keeping himself and the weapon steady as Shachi pulled the long string back. "Okay… Four…. Three…. Two… YOU BETTER BE GRATEFUL FOR THIS YOU STUPID SNAKE!" He pressed the trigger and the weapon cracked loudly against his ears.
…
"There you are! Captain!" Penguin shouted as he spotted his ever quiet captain leaning against a building, half hidden in the shadows.
"Penguin-ya," He acknowledged, pushing off the edge. "I take it that you have some news."
"Yes, there's a bomb attached to Char—"
Whoosh.
Their heads snapped up, catching sight of the zooming orange Bob as it shot past them and towards the still-rambling huntress.
Boom!
"—lotte's heart…" Penguin's voice trailed, not that anyone was paying any attention to what he was saying anymore. His voice was already drowned out by the sound of panicked screams and the raging sound fire crackling. "C-Charlotte…?"
…
"Did we make it?" Shachi questioned, glancing worriedly at the small fire blazing about in the courtyard.
Zooming in, Cole scanned the courtyard, trying to figure out what was going on through the mess. "Damn all these moving people. Just how am I supposed to find the rat woman n—ah!" Cole pulled his eyes of the scope, leaning back as he rolled the makeshift weapon off his shoulder. "Man, that thing was heavy." He sighed, exhaling into the air.
"Oi! Did you find her? Is she okay? Stop being lazy, damn it!" Shachi scolded, kicking the technician over as he was about to take out a smoke.
"Oi, what do you think you're doing, kicking me?" Cole snapped, slamming his hand on the ground and jeering up at his crewmate. "Do you want to fight?"
"Stop trying to make everything about fighting! Just tell me what happened to our girl!"
"'Our girl'?!" Cole's face twisted in disgust. "Are you stupid?"
…
A few moments earlier, Charlotte was standing perched on the lamppost, a crowd slowly forming around her as if she was truly some deity. This I can get the hang of. Charlotte grinned, enjoying the limelight as if it was some guilty pleasure.
"It's Cephenrene! Her descendant is here!"
"She has returned!"
"Cephenrene!"
"Cephenrene!"
Charlotte straightened her posture, and squared her shoulder while bringing an extended finger forward, repeating what she had done prior. "Shimigami. I wish for you to—"Something's coming? Charlotte thought, turning to glance over her shoulder, though the recognition was too slow. Platinum eyes widened and Charlotte only managed a gasp before the strange orange and teary-eyed slime-y thing shot through her, grabbing and ripping her metal heart from her. My… heart…? She tumbled forward, off her high horse, landing into the ground with an ungraceful plant.
Shit… Charlotte cussed, So close… She muttered, her hand reaching forward towards her boxed heart. It was right there in her reach, all she had to do was grab it. Clench her fist around it, but..
Boom!
An orange flame erupted around her, cutting Shimigami and her heart from view. So this was your plan… Law… She thought, a small accepting smile on her face as she blacked out.
"CHARRRLOTTTEEEE-NEEE!"
…
"Daddy… stop fighting!" A voice cried through the darkness.
"These guys disrupted the festival!" Another, much deeper voice proclaimed. "I told you not to bring violence to the people! I can't believe I trusted
"But Dadd—"
"We only retaliated to an attack that was made on us." Another voice responded. It sounded different from the first two. Deep like the second, but less as emotional. It was kind of emotionless actually as if the person was talking calmly. It seemed familiar, this type of voice.
Actually, all their voices seem familiar.
Urgh… Charlotte groaned, rolling over. It's so loud.
"Our people are kind! They—"
"There was a bomb attached to this heart!"
Wait, what?
"The only thing attached to that heart seems to be you three idiots!"
Heart? What in the world are they talking about? A bomb—The images of the giant orange wall ran through her mind. "My heart!" Charlotte cried, jolting upright.
"She's awake!" A small voice shouted and the next moment Charlotte knew, two lumps had attached themselves to her waist. "You're okay! You're okay!" It was the twins.
"You look better too." Kora reached up, pointing towards Charlotte's lacking bags.
"Ah, I'm fine." Charlotte muttered, shocked at their scared face. "Where's everyone else? I heard a lot of voices." There was no one else in the room. Throwing the blankets off herself, Charlotte slipped out of bed, the two children still attached at her waist. I'm not injured? She paused, staring at her own arms. But I was so close to the fire.
"How is that thing still in tact anyway?" Charlotte jolted. That was Ignacio.
What thing? As if to answer her mental question, Charlotte's eyes immediately landed on the metal contraption in the mecha's hands. "There was an octopus!" Charlotte blurted, immediately.
"An octopus?" Ignacio repeated, turning to look at their intruder. "Let go of my children, Bloody Boa!" He called and immediately the two children dropped from her waist, and running to their father's side.
"I remember a wall of orange appeared after a 'boom'. At first I thought it was fire, but it turned out to the skin of an octopus. A really large and inflated-looking octopus. It kind of looked familiar."
"That'll be the octopus that we brought on board and Law modified. His name is Pico and he has stretchy skin. He also fire-resistant.." Shachi explained with a smile, the small octopus clinging to his shoulder.
"Oh…" Charlotte blanked alongside the other clueless parties in the group. They clearly weren't expecting that answer. However, Charlotte was the first to revive, stomping her way forward and grabbing the mechanic up by the collar. "Now, why was that thing flung to me like some baseball to knock out my heart? You knew how important that time was for me! Why did you interfere?"
"Wouldn't that be the best time to interfere?" Law interrupted, taking on Charlotte's wrath easily.
"So you thought shooting me out of the sky and taking my replacement heart was a great idea?!"
"Actually, someone beat me to it." Law jerked his face over his shoulder towards the tied up Grebbon and his mother. "They're the one who planted a bomb in your heart."
"But why…?" Charlotte questioned. "I didn't do anything to you."
"What do you think was going to happen to the Deadens if you back the heart?" Grebbon snapped, jeering his face to the side while Ignacio's jaw dropped. Grebbon really did plant a bomb. "Cephenrene's heart was able to restore those who were Dead of Heart. Cephenrene's descendants' hearts should have the same ability as well. The Undead Forest is full of Wilderbeasts. It'll be better for them to return sooner." It's dangerous for them there. It's dangerous for his fiancée.
"Whether I take back my heart or not has no effect on whether those people heal." Grebbon snapped his head up. Eyes wide at the huntress standing with her arms crossed and the biggest sigh escaping her lips.
"Charlotte-nee isn't really Cephenrene's descendent." Kora confessed.
"Sorry, for deceiving you, I guess." Charlotte shrugged.
"But that mean…" He gasped, eyes widened in shock for a moment before guilt washed over him as he realized that he was really and truly wrong.
"The man who brought your heart in told us that in two week's time, a lady would come asking for the heart and that we'd lose the island's treasure that he had just gotten back for us. He meant that your heart was Cephenrene's!" The Grandmother exclaimed, stepping up for his grandson.
"The man who gave you the heart?" Charlotte frowned. If the heart was given to them, it wasn't a trade. Someone didn't see the heart on an errand or something and decided to trade it for their heirloom back. What was their purpose in giving them their heart? More importantly, how did they know exactly when she was coming. It has exactly two weeks after her heart went missing when she first arrived on the island. "What was the guy's name?"
"Name?" Grebbon repeated, glancing at his grandmother for help. She shrugged, not sure herself. They were drawing a blank. Surely, the male had said it, but for some reason, they weren't able to recall. All they could remember was the male's strange message.
"A-A…Ac..teon…" Charlotte jolted, her eyes darkened. "His name was Aceteon!" Kora jumped, her hands clenched in small fists around her bottom. "I remember because he was a such a strange guy."
Aceteon? Law frowned. He's been hearing this guys name a lot recently. "And you believed this Aceteon person?"
"We didn't have a reason not to? He brought back to us our treasured heart. Then as the time went on, that fact brought us more and more joy. Especially for Grebbon when his fiancée was sentenced to the Undead Forest."
"Grebbon, you can't use that as an excuse to attack people. Criminal or not!" Ignacio scolded, clamping a hand over the male's shoulder.
"Bu—"
"It's not worth it!" Ignacio declared loudly, cutting off Grebbon's rebuttal. "Your fiancée will come back either way." He spilled, running a hand through his hair. "You don't know this-only Elora, the Shimigami, is supposed to know this, but I've also noticed this from my travels oversea: we are not the only one with this ability. We are more naturally predisposed to it, and as a result, we've have it stronger than most. But, Deadens are like normal people. They need to have their Kenbunshoku Haki awaken first."
"Kenbunshoku Haki?" The audience repeated, though for different reasons. Unlike the other citizens, the Heart Pirates all knew what those words entailed and what it entails. "Kenbunsoku Haki is what our ability is called. It allows us to sense the presence of other naturally, even if they are concealed or out of our view range. If you get it strong enough, or have a natural predisposition, you can even read what's the person's planning on doing before they even know it." Ignacio explained anyway. "We can't live in this island without Kenbunshoku Haki. The fastest way to awake those abilities is through experience. That's why the Shimigami brings them to the Undead Forest."
"So that means…"
"Your attack was for naught. The heart's not needed." Law summarized in a strange finality that ended everything in silence. There weren't any interruptions, nothing at all but an odd silence. It was as if everyone was coming to terms with everything. But that wasn't the odd part. The odd part was rather how Charlotte never butted in to collect her heart. In fact, she was strangely silent.
"I-I'm… so—eh? She's not here?" Law spun around at that, taking in his surroundings. Grebbon was right, she wasn't there. But she was there a while ago.
"Charlotte-nee?" The adult's attention turned towards the sheepish children staring and confirming with each other on something. Nodding, the children turned to face Law. "She left for the Undead Forest!"
Things are building up for sure! Don't you agree? Charlotte missed her window and her heart is with the human-eating Wilderbeasts which she once again charged into first hand without much thought. Also, Acetoen was the one who gave them her heart! Didn't see that coming did you? Any thoughts people? What did you like most, didn't like or want to see more? Also what shocked you most? I thought Pico's existence was rather shocking. He wasn't planned, it just came at the spur of the moment and thanks to OP world, it fits! xD I imagine Pico to be rather cute looking. Maybe I'll drop Pico out one day when I figure out how to draw on the computer better. Are any of you guys digital graphic people or just like to draw on a drawing pad in their free time have any tips for me? I'm all ears.
As always, R&R!
~Airi