WARNING: This chapter WILL confuse some of you. Just because I write like a maniac. But it will all be explained. Eventually.
I've started a new blog on tumblr (link on my profile) where I post snippets of my fics and stuff that I'm working on so if you're interested in reading ahead you can follow me on there. Already got 2 things posted :)
Also a bit of overlap between the 1st and 2nd scenes. Just thought I'd mention that.
Question: What is your favourite mystery in this fic thus far?
The prisoner's shackled wrists clanked as they walked. With each weighted step, they drew closer, nearer to their destination. No one spoke as cold, uncaring stone passed them by.
Drip. Drip. Drip.
The walls leaked, water trickling down the cracks in the rock. Ah, that's right; it started raining, didn't it? He hadn't bothered to notice, eyes focused on the prisoner's back. Proud, almost cocky—the same as always. Even falling so far hadn't marred that impenetrable aura of confidence he exuded. No matter how he tried, Blue stood as an impassable wall against him.
"Very well, I concede. Well played, good Sir; you have bested me."
The words he always wanted to hear, bittersweet as they met his ears. He dreamt of them—of beating him, being acknowledged by him—but not like that. Not like that. No, because through it all that bastard smiled.
Narrowing his eyes, he tightened his grip on the beating organ resting in his gloved hand. Sabo felt it, he knew—turned his head ever so slightly, giving him his attention. But just as he did, he returned to facing forward.
That admiral walked in front of the blond, dragging him by his shackled wrists—Aokiji, was it? He didn't care to pay attention when he introduced himself earlier in the night. The chain jingled as Blue tested its hold, boorishly ignoring the one leading him, his gait relaxed in stark contrast to the situation. Trafalgar remained wary of him, never hesitating to request he be put in a strait jacket—though he'd no doubt their prisoner knew how to get out of one of those as well. Of course, the government dogs couldn't be bothered with his request, not that it mattered; Sabo seemed to have actually given up.
Yet even falling so low, he acted as though nothing was wrong.
That decided it: before the night was through, Law would break him.
Echoing footsteps faded into silence as they drew to the interrogation room. Aokiji directed the prisoner to sit at the large table in the center of the room. He exchanged glances with the surgeon, nodded and closed the door, leaving just the two old acquaintances alone. Acquaintance—he scoffed at the word. That was all Sabo was meant to be—all he should ever amount to.
But…
Well, he would change that. No, better yet, he would bring the Blue Gentleman crashing down. He would erase him and then, at the end of the day, everything would be right.
If only it were that easy.
"Well?"
The doctor's mind was pulled from his thoughts. He found himself seated across from the blond, though he couldn't recall moving. Blue had a bored, tired look on his face as he rested his elbow on the table, his head in his palm as dull, dark eyes bore into him.
"Is this the part where you question me, Trafalgar? Ask me of my plans? My crimes?"
He returned the prisoner's stare evenly, leaning back to rest against the chair, fingers intertwined. "Why would I do that, Blue? I know all I need to know."
"Do you?"
Trafalgar's eyes narrowed, suspicious of his words. He knew he was just trying to get under his skin—to unnerve him. That was his game, always had been. He'd worry his victims, get them to question their security. It amused him. But Law wasn't as gullible as those fools. In fact, he was insulted the man would lump him together with such imbeciles.
Still, he never voiced his opinions. "I'm simply here to guard you while we await word from the Fist."
A chill ran up his spine when Sabo grinned; he'd never been on the receiving end of that look before.
"Oh? So the Hero of Low Town isn't available, hm? Well, that's a pity, I've been so eager to meet him."
Wait. "And why would that be?"
"Ah, but you know everything you need to know." The bastard was mocking him. Him—Trafalgar Law. Things had certainly changed. Well, that was mostly his fault. "Which reminds me: you told them of my lineage."
Same old Blue—he'd already figured that out, even locked up alone in his cell. "I did. I couldn't have my new acquaintances get in trouble for taking in a noble, could I?"
"So you got a noble to detain a noble," Sabo stated, musing himself with the chain of his cuffs. "I admit, I never thought the mighty Death Doctor would ally himself with government trash."
Law's eyes glanced over the table, spotting the prisoner's heart back in its jar. When had he put it away? Brushing the thought aside he tapped the jar threateningly, causing the blond's smirk to fall. Still, he had nothing to say to that. Perhaps it was childish of him to betray his life-long friends and saviours. Perhaps it was disgusting, but what did he care?
"Anything to turn a profit, isn't that right Trafalgar?"
He remained silent, allowing his fingertip to slide along the glass, tracing a vein of the heart.
"You know," Sabo began in a lower, smoother tone, "I never thanked you."
Not that crap again—had he somehow gotten a hold of alcohol? Was he drunk, not unlike the time he had the audacity to apologise not so long ago? Really, that weak side of his was putrid. Yet wasn't that what he wanted—wasn't shredding away his bravado to reveal the vulnerable, helpless noble what he always dreamed? To surpass him? And yet every time he saw it, it made him sick.
"For?" Despite his reserves, he wanted to hear him out. It was the least he could do, considering he stole that man's freedom.
"Protecting Ace from me," he elaborated, his voice soft, almost fond as a faint smile crossed his lips. He looked… satisfied? "I'll admit, I've grown fond of the moron. It'd have been a pity to kill him."
"Is that so?"
"It is." There was a slight pause as he gathered his words, fingering his blood-coated gloves. It was strange to see him with his mask on yet no coat; he'd left it with the soldier back at his cell. That was another oddity in his recent behaviour. What was going on inside that twisted brain of his? "Luffy's happy when he's around. With him there, I won't have to worry."
"Worry of what, exactly?" The best way to keep Blue in line was to keep him talking. Luffy was the perfect topic; that man never tired when it came to his beloved younger brother.
Again that grin returned as his hands danced about the cuffs, removing a stained glove from one of his hands. "He'll be safe. Ace won't betray me. He's not like you."
The surgeon did his best to remain straight-faced. Even still, he felt his eyebrow twitch. He wanted—
…He wanted what, exactly?
"How can you be sure?" he found himself asking, shocking even himself. "Your trust is misplaced, Blue. You trusted me. Now look where you are. Oh how the mighty have fallen." With what he'd done, it wouldn't be surprising if Sabo lost all his cards—every piece, every pawn. He'd captured the king. He'd destroyed the trust of every white knight the noble held in his arsenal, all with just one little card of monochrome ink. Portgas wouldn't stop until he had the blond's poor, oblivious head. He had nothing so why—how could he smile like that?
Sabo was unaffected by his words, choosing to slowly slip his finger beneath his other glove. "You know, my dear psychopath," he began—was he still calling him that?—as the thick, white fabric left his palm, "it really is a pity. I thought of you as my queen. You were so, so useful."
Cryptic as always, yet for a moment Law forgot to breathe. The queen was able to move across the board, yet Trafalgar thought of it as something else, just for an instance. But he couldn't have that. No, no, that wasn't right. "And Luffy the king?"
"But of course," the blond acknowledged, placing the second glove atop the first. His hands moved upwards towards his face, trailing the rim of his once pure-white mask. "My cute, gullible little brother. He means the world to me, really, but I don't think he sees that."
Something about what he was saying didn't sound right. Still, there was nothing Law could think of to say. He just waited. Listened.
Sabo's fingers coiled around the clasp behind his head and the surgeon's eyes widened as he watched, stunned, unable to look away. He wouldn't—not in a maximum security prison. No, no, no this wasn't right. Why?
The stained, white mask dropped to the table, lightly thumping against its surface. To Law that sound was loud, echoing again and again in his mind. What are you doing? Have you gone mad? But he couldn't say that, couldn't ask. He hated that the indifference had been washed from his face. He hated that Blue—Sabo could see that he was genuinely surprised.
"There are no two-way mirrors, Trafalgar. No hidden wires, no microphones. The only surveillance," he started, pointing to a corner behind him, "is right there. So long as I don't turn around, they cannot see a thing."
"And how did you come about that information?"
A light, airy laugh echoed throughout the room. It reminded him of the past. "It's quite funny, actually: my father gave a hefty sum to keep this place running just a scant few days ago. It runs on donations from High Town, as you know, and guess what he was funding."
Shit. In other words, Sabo knew more than he did about that base. While he couldn't do anything now, who knew when he would escape? That straitjacket was looking absolutely gorgeous right about then.
He hated being able to see his face, to look in his eyes genuinely for the first time in a long while. He felt naked, exposed to whatever Sabo wished to see.
"I've told you before, haven't I? What you're searching for isn't real. It's not Paradise."
He reached for the jar on the table, slowly, cautiously, hanging on Blue's every word yet doing his best to keep that fact hidden away. "I don't want to hear that from a privileged blueblood such as yourself."
Sabo returned his look evenly, almost pityingly, looking at him—within him, down to his very core. Those eyes, those terrible eyes. "Is that how you see me?"
Finally he broke the stare, unable to keep his eyes locked on the blond's deep, judgemental orbs. His mouth was dry, throat parched as he sat there. Since when had he become so weak? Why was it that, despite finally rising above his mentor, he still felt so small? Why had nothing changed in ten years? "You don't know what it's like," he found himself saying, the words flowing from his lips like water, "you haven't been there. All your life you've been a damn pampered brat. You haven't suffered like I have."
When he chanced a look at Sabo's face he found rage hidden behind that calm façade, an insulted ego begging to break through his mask. But it didn't last, replaced with a broken chuckle that contained no humor. The sound was jaded, spiteful as he reached up to cup his forehead, hiding his eyes from view. In a way, it reminded him of a scant few hours earlier, the manic laughter forever cemented in memory as Sabo realized his detainment was inevitable. Once more he had to look away, couldn't continue facing him even when the world faded back to deafening silence.
"You know," the blond started after a stretch, "you really should be mindful of what you say to me, Trafalgar."
What?
"After all these years you still underestimate me. I'm hurt."
Law fought the urge to stare at the floor, slowly lifting his gaze back to the noble's face yet never quite reaching it. "What are you—"
"Je sais ce que je suis, je suis ce que je sais."
Curiosity piquing, he made to look at the noble. All he saw was dark, piercing eyes before the lights went out. It was brief, instantaneous yet through it all he spotted something lunge at him. Instinctively he jumped from his seat to prevent the blow, get away, but his efforts were futile as a flash of monochrome and blond jumped over the table. Something drove into his throat. Wide-eyed he tried to breathe. Air left him. The back of his head smacked against the wall. His shoulder blades followed, the cool stone slapping against his flesh. Once more the lights flickered. Vision returned through brief flashes and he reached out, trying to grasp the forearm crushing his trachea. Suddenly he gasped, eyes wide, a searing pain in his palm.
The light returned. His speechless face stared at the noble's a scant few centimetres from his own. The glare he received was murder-worthy. As he regained his senses he turned his head slowly to the left where his hand was pinned to the wall, blood seeping from the stab wound in his palm. The liquid trickled onto the blade and dripped to the cement floor at his feet, dagger wedged perfectly between two stone blocks. It took him a moment to comprehend what he was seeing, his legs shaking under the unbearable weight of his body. He felt weak, embarrassed.
When…?
Eventually he registered the off sheen of the weapon—seastone. But how? Why? Slack-jawed, he turned to his assailant. Sabo's glare had settled. He looked quite pleased with himself, his expression aloof and uncaring of the surgeon's obvious pain. Law winced, the signals of pain from his nerves flooding conscious thought. Still, he couldn't think of anything to say—just watched, waited.
Eventually the force on his throat lessened, Blue moving his arm to instead fix Trafalgar's shoulder to the wall. Then he sighed, much as he always did.
"Oh, Law," he began in a low whisper, shaking his head in pity and some form of warped sympathy. "You shouldn't have told them of me, of what I am; you should have let them search me, at least. Too afraid to touch a noble, they never searched my person. Absurd, isn't it?"
He tried to say something back—though what, he didn't know—but as air left his lungs he chocked, coughing uncontrollably as he was still held against the wall, the seastone preventing him from fighting back.
"My poor, poor, gullible Law." The noble's voice was calm, almost melancholic as he sighed once more. "You say I'm reckless but look what's become of you. Look at where you are. More than I, it is you who needs to be careful monsieur."
What did he—
"Seven days and you'll know."
Ah, that's right. How many days had passed since then? How many mornings, how many nights? Senses muffled by the seastone piercing his flesh, he couldn't think straight. Still, he understood. And that just made him feel ashamed. Surpass the Blue Gentleman? He couldn't even detain him.
Damn it…
Sabo neared him, his lips brushing the surgeon's right ear, white-hot breath blowing over his skin. Quietly, softly, he spoke, "Don't think beating me is so easy. I made you; you can't fool me, Traffy."
Law bit his lip. He knew. He knew all along that he would be betrayed—that his long-time friend would turn against him. And the doctor, foolish as he was, fell in line like the perfect puppet.
This was his plan—what he aimed for all along.
He felt like a fool.
Gray eyes glimpsed past the blond to the table, falling on the jarred heart resting on its surface. If that cursed blade wasn't there he could use his ability—gain the upper hand. But of course, the Blue Gentleman wasn't naïve enough to leave such a weakness unattended. And though he hated to admit it, that was a trait Trafalgar admired of his former mentor; he could predict every possible outcome, every scenario, to end up on top.
He was brilliant.
"Ah-ah, that old trick isn't going to do any good," Sabo stated, instinctively knowing what he was thinking. He supposed that's what happened when you knew someone for so long.
He coughed, biting back the pain in his expression. He felt his anger burning back. "Then you better take it with you because when I—"
"When you what? When you break free? When you're able to use the Ope Ope no Mi? Go ahead. Try it. Kill me, I dare you."
Law bit his lip. Sabo wasn't scared of anything, was he?
"You can keep the heart." The surgeon hadn't the strength to react, his energy zapped by the blade. "I know how much it means to you, thanks to your little stunt this morning."
…He remembered that?
Fuck.
Law hated the confidence in his voice, that knowing gleam in his eyes.
"I'm flattered, really." The surgeon could no longer keep eye contact, his vision falling to the cravat wrapped around the criminal's neck. Sabo didn't accept that, though. Parting his cuffed hands as far as he could, he tipped Law's chin upwards, forcing them to lock stares. "It's truly a pity you care more about profit than family."
Trafalgar sneered at the comment but before he knew what was happening he felt the gentle press of lips against his own. The sensation was light, almost unnoticeable in his haze of pain. His thoughts stopped and he blankly stared as Sabo pulled away, smug grin firmly in place.
"Consider that a parting gift," he stated, releasing his hold on the surgeon. His knees shook, his own strength barely enough to hold himself up and keep the knife from tearing through his hand. Sabo didn't seem to care, taking a step back to grab his mask off the table. His boots hit against the floor in slow stride as he made his way to the interrogation room's exit. Before he left, though, he gave Law one last glance. "Au revoir, mon chéri."
The door creaked shut, leaving Trafalgar to slide further to the floor, the dagger ripping through his palm. He cringed and bit back a whimper, forcing his shaky legs to straighten. He lifted his unmarred hand to the weapon, panting as he fought against the seastone's crippling effects. Vision clouded, he stared at the jarred heart, watching it thump thump as proof of its owner's life. He took a deep breath, gripped the handle with every bit of strength he could muster, pulling it from the wall. At first it didn't budge. Then, slowly, it slid from the rock and his hand. He choked out a cry of pain, throwing the weapon to the ground.
Seconds passed as he stared at it, eyes on the red reflection of the blade. He wanted to fall, to allow himself to slip into unconsciousness. But he couldn't have that. He was angry, humiliated, and as his strength returned to him he stepped over to the organ on the table. Thump thump. Removing the lid from the jar, he reached in, grabbing hold of the mass of tissue. It would be so easy, just squeeze and—
Do it.
He swallowed, watching as the beating quickened. Was Sabo running?
Do it.
His grip tightened slowly, his index finger pressing against an artery. That was all a life amounted to; weak, fragile, it could be taken away with such feeble effort it was almost sickening.
Do it.
Sabo could die. He could be killed, just like that.
"Hearts are only beautiful while they're still beating."
His lip quivered, fighting back frustration as his hand went limp. Of course he wouldn't do it. He couldn't and Sabo knew that. He was using him. After all, where else would it be safest? Pulling back the collar of his hoodie, he pressed it to his chest, closing his eyes as it slid into the vacant hole left behind. Law's was elsewhere—hidden as a precaution, in case his nighttime confrontation with the Blue Gentleman went awry.
What am I doing?
He leaned on the table, ignoring the throbbing in his hand as he sighed. He'd been had. He'd been fooled. Once more the Blue Gentleman was five steps ahead. When had he figured out Law's plan? When had he decided to allow himself to be brought in? For what purpose? Why did he want to get in?
"Damn it!" he growled, smacking the jar to the cement floor, uncaring as it shattered into tiny fragments. He took the moment to calm himself—collect his thoughts. No, he wouldn't lose, not that easily. Not without a fight.
"S-sir?"
He spun around, glowering darkly at the woman standing in the doorway. He never heard her come in. She was the one who guarded Blue's cell—what was her name? It didn't matter. He saw her clenching the fabric of her pant leg, nerves shot as they stared each other down. Finally he sighed, collecting himself. He just let some woman see him at his weakest point. It was a disgrace.
"Your hand…"
"Call your superiors," he commanded. "Tell them the Blue Gentleman has eluded us."
Her eyes widened. "R-right," she said with a nod, retrieving a baby den den mushi from her pocket. "His heart?"
The surgeon turned around, not allowing her to see his face. He bit his lip. "He took it. We've lost our leverage."
For just a few brief moments of silence, Trafalgar thought. Sabo was up to something; he wanted to be caught. But why? What could he possibly gain by being arrested? Why go through the trouble?
"…What?"
He turned to the girl, eyes narrowed. The tone of her voice did not sound promising.
Quickly she noticed his expectant look. "I can't get through to them. It's like—"
"The connection's been severed," he stated. So the flickering lights were part of it. But how? Who was he working with? "Go," he ordered. "Find your superiors and tell them what's happening."
She nodded firmly. "I'll tell them to send some men to the exits."
"No."
"…What?"
Sabo wouldn't leave after that. He was after something. "Tell them to search the lower levels."
He could see that she was confused but she didn't question it. "What about you, Sir?"
His mouth curved into a malevolent smirk, holding within it all of his anger and frustration as he straightened his back, walking past her and into the hall. Now, where did he leave his nodachi? "I'm going for a walk."
The door shut, echoing loudly throughout the halls. He leaned back against its sturdy frame, releasing a long, shivering breath as he collected himself. He could feel the sting of frustrated tears behind his eyes, never surfacing, his lip shaking as he fought back wild emotions. There was no time for self-pity, no time to hurt. He knew that yet still he had to pause, gather up his lacking motivation.
If someone asked him only a week before, he would have said his trust in his family was unconditional. Were he told Law would betray him, he'd vehemently deny it. As bastardly as his antics could be, he always honoured their bonds. Even through the darkest of times, they stood side-by-side.
So why?
Biting his lip, heart racing in his chest—or not in his chest, as fate would have it—he shook his head to free himself from his thoughts and ran.
The officers at Police Headquarters, the building next to Impel Down, had been tipped off about his presence. That was what the Blue Gentleman's prisoner had told him after much persuasion. But Sabo never told anyone of his plans. He kept to himself; the only one to know he was even considering breaking into the place was the Surgeon of Death. From there it wasn't hard to connect the dots. Even still, he kept hoping he was wrong—that, by some miracle, Law had nothing to do with it.
No, stop. There was no time to worry about that. What's done is done.
Making a sharp turn left, he groaned. The cuffs made running awkward, more so than he thought they would. When he attacked Law back there he was certain his plan would backfire and that he would get overpowered. Somehow he made it out safely. Another lucky break was that the tall one hadn't been the one keeping an eye on him—Aokiji, was it? It was no secret he was strong, not to mention that he was a logia user. Fortunately he was also laid-back, finding no qualms with Law, a criminal, watching their prisoner. He supposed that was because of the brand new surveillance system they'd acquired—the one that a certain noble donated recently. They'd be regretting that after tonight.
He glanced up, mood lifting when he saw the surveillance snail up ahead with its eyes closed. He didn't know what his partner had done to them, but every single one he'd come across was unresponsive. Maybe there was something to look forward to; even without Law, he wasn't alone. The temporary power outage was the signal that everything was ready on his end—that Sabo could start whenever he pleased. Fortunately he wasn't in a cell at the time.
As much as he hated his father, he really had to thank him for the success of that little adventure; he was the reason Impel Down was the sole building in Low Town with electricity. None of that would have been possible without him.
The more he thought about it, the more curious he got—just what had been done to the surveillance snails?
Not that he was complaining.
Now, where were the stairs again?
Sabo skidded to a stop, back against the wall as he heard footsteps in the corridor ahead. He felt the cool wetness of the bricks soak through his shirt, sending chills down his spine. While waiting for the steps to pass he consulted his mental map. If he remembered correctly, he'd been brought to the first basement, a level containing nothing more than the soldiers' barracks, holding cells and three interrogation rooms. Prisoners weren't kept on that floor. There were six levels below that, two stairways connecting them on the northern and southern ends of the prison. Now if only he could get his bearings…
The echoing sounds of footsteps faded into the distance, leaving him to breathe a sigh of relief. As luck would have it, he was completely unarmed, having left his seastone dagger with his captor. His various staffs were likely taken in as evidence of his crimes and as much as he hated to admit it, he wasn't sure he could retrieve them with his hands cuffed as they were. The only option was to run—to reach the lowest level of Impel Down without being seen.
Was he scared? Ha! He was the Blue Gentleman! For six years he'd slipped from the grasp of law enforcement on an almost daily basis!
…Okay, maybe he was uneasy but scared? No, just cautious.
The blond dashed down the hall, doing his best to keep a balance between the noise of his footsteps and his speed. As he thought more he realized that, for a maximum security prison, the place was rather poorly guarded. Was there a reason for that?
Voices met his ears from up ahead. He bit his lip, ducking into the nearest room he could find. He left the door open a crack so he could peer out and watch the soldiers run by.
"—can't believe that. Shit! It's all because they trusted that damn criminal to watch him!"
Sabo smirked. So they were talking about him, were they?
The voices grew louder.
"Where're the others?"
"They're at the entrance!"
"What? Why?"
Three men sprinted past the room, completely oblivious to the person listening in on their conversation. Well, that explained a few things. And Sabo knew just what they were talking about. Oh yes, things were going along beautifully! They had such good timing!
Suddenly he became aware of a muffled sound. Brows knitted in confusion, he turned towards it. There, backed up against the wall was a young, pink-haired, bespectacled boy trembling and frozen in place. Sabo's eyes roved over the room, spotting two bunks and a desk. Perhaps he should have been more careful about where he hid.
"P-please don't hurt me! I-I'll do anything!"
He grinned.
On the other hand…
Sabo found that place disgusting. Criminals hollered at him left and right, either making threats or threatening to make threats should he leave them in their cells. Well, he cared little. He would have to thank that boy—Coby, was it? He was a good kid. Apparently he was to be the Fist's pupil; he'd just been rescued from enslavement in High Town by that brute Garp. In any case, he led him to the stairs and now, six flights later, he found himself in the bowels of the so-called maximum security prison. He'd been met with such little resistance, though, that it was laughable. Well, he supposed he had the friendly fellows upstairs to thank for that.
A loud bang rumbled from above, shaking the walls and ground. They certainly were a rowdy bunch.
Ignoring the muffled struggle on the higher floors, the Blue Gentleman proceeded down the rows of cells, glancing within each one. They were all big names at one point or another, some who caused trouble well before the blond was born. He wouldn't have been surprised to even find members of Roger's group still locked up in there. Then he spotted someone—an interesting fellow only notable by the large scar running horizontally across his face and the deadly look in his eyes.
He stopped.
"My, my, my," he began in amusement. "Sir Crocodile, it's a pleasure."
The man stared at him, sitting at the back of his cell. "Who're you supposed to be?"
"No one in particular." His smiled dropped and he glared, though the prisoner couldn't see the venom hidden behind his mask. "If I recall, you're the one who almost killed Straw Hat, correct?" He received no answer, though one wasn't needed. "Be grateful there are bars between you and I."
"What was that, brat?"
He didn't have time for that trash, opting to cut their confrontation short and walk away before he got… unpleasant. Besides, with his hands cuffed like they were, he could only make empty threats. He supposed he should be thankful for the bit of length the chain had, allowing him at least some maneuverability. He was certain after this they were going to decrease the length, though—make it so the prisoners could barely part their hands.
This was going to be such an embarrassment for the prison staff—he loved it.
Finally he reached a nameless cell on the far end of the hall. He stood in front of it, looking at its sole occupant, scanning his state. He was a little worse for wear, chained to the wall by seastone. His left sleeve lay empty at the side of his person, head lowered to stare at the ground. The silence between them felt awkward. Sabo doubted the prisoner even noticed his arrival. The way they treated their inmates was disgusting.
Clearing his throat, he straightened his back. "Eustass," he called.
Chains rattled as the man looked up, revealing two scars—one over his eye and another starting at his forehead, disappearing under his prison uniform. My, how time had changed him. When had they last met? A year ago? Two?
His gaze was foggy, clouded with the seastone's negative effects. Seeing him like that reminded Sabo of what he'd done to Law, stabbing him as he did. Even a man as big and strong as Captain Kidd fell powerlessly under its mercy.
The redhead's eyes narrowed as he looked the Blue Gentleman over. Sabo knew how horrible he looked, his mask painted with dry blond, hat torn and clothes dishevelled but, well, the prisoner wasn't looking any better. "You…"
"So you remember," the blond noted, speaking softly. He could sympathize; that man had been in there for quite a long while. While he knew they needed to hurry, he didn't want to rush things. They hadn't been on the best of terms when last they met.
Grabbing at his belt, he removed a key ring he'd acquired through… dishonest means—of which manipulating a scared boy and breaking into an empty office was involved. "I'm here to make a proposition. However, we haven't the time to discuss it. Shall I free you first?"
"What's the catch?"
"There isn't one," he assured, but the prisoner still looked skeptical. "Killer sent me. He's the reason I'm here."
"…He's alright?" Kidd asked hesitantly.
Sabo chuckled. "He's better off than you are, at least." He drowned out the other inmates' calls, the pleas to be freed and the shouts of profanity as they tried to get his attention, noticing the keys he held. "So, Eustass, what'll it be? Are you going to trust me?"
After a moment of silent contemplation, the redhead grinned. "I suppose killing you could wait."
Sabo returned the look. "A wise choice, good Sir."
Omake
Prisoner 1: Hey blondie! Hey you! Look over 'ere a sec! -is ignored- Oi, I'm talking to you, shithead.
Prisoner 2: He has the keys!
Prisoner 3: What?! Who the hell is he?!
Sabo: -furrows brows and tries to ignore as he walks-
Prisoner 2: I don't know but I wouldn't mind a piece of that -nudge-
Sabo: -eyebrow twitch-
Prisoner 3: Hey kid, let us out, why don't ya?
Sabo: Just keep walking... don't pay any attention.
Prisoner 1: Didn't you hear the man? Unlock our cells before we make you, you little brat!
Sabo: -stops-
Prisoner 1: -grins- That's more like it.
Sabo: -turns around, glares-
Prisoner 2: Shit! Isn't that...?
Prisoner 4: -swallows- The Blue Bastard...
Prisoner 2: Blue Gent.
Prisoner 4: Whatever.
Prisoner 3: H-he's the reason I'm in here!
Prisoner 2: He catch you?
Prisoner 3: No, I turned myself in to get away from him.
Prisoner 5: Coward.
Prisoner 2: Apparently he's been protecting this rookie - comes after anyone who lays a had on him. I don't blame ya.
Sabo: My good Sirs, would you kindly SHUT UP? I'm not here for you pests.
Prisoner 1: What did you call us, you little shit?!
Sabo: -turns- And YOU. If you're asking a favour then you shouldn't threaten the person you're asking for help. Congratulations; you're all imbeciles. Now LEAVE ME IN PEACE -storms off-
Prisoner 2: ...Someone's in a bad mood.
Prisoner 1: ...Fucking drama queen.
Sabo: I heard that, monsieur!
Prisoner 1: Oh I'm SO sorry! Did I hurt your feelings?
Prisoner 4: He's going to get us killed. We're all going to die.
Prisoner 2: Thanks a lot, shithead.
A/N: ARE YOU CONFUSED YET? I hope not too much. Sorry, things will be explained once the thing with Impel Down is over, I just didn't want to ruin the mood by being like "So this is what happened before they got there!" because... yeah, it would make it even more dull than it already is.
If you need clarification I wrote some key points below. Everything else you'll have to wait for an explanation. If you already understand it all then just ignore it. For people who are thoroughly confused, here's a summary of what you need to know:
-Law told the Impel Down staff that Sabo was a noble. Because High Town nobles 'reign' over Low Town, the guards technically didn't have the authority to detain Sabo, which is why they went to go get Garp (he's of noble lineage so he could properly arrest Sabo). But because they were scared of his noble status, the guards didn't want to touch him (I've mentioned it before how nobles are known for executing people for stupider reasons - remember Law's flashback where he thought he'd be put to death for breaking into High Town? Though Roger was the last person executed in Low Town, fun fact.) so they were stupid and never searched him for weapons. One of the stupidest moves ever, I know, but it goes to show how afraid the people of Low Town are of the nobles. So Sabo was able to keep his lovely seastone knife. Law thought he was helping but forgot that most people aren't as brave as he is.
-Problem? They had trouble finding Garp and when they did were told he was 'busy' and that he would try to hurry over soon.
-When Sabo says that he was looking forward to meet Garp, it's because of his relation to Luffy which Law doesn't know about.
-You may have guessed, but Law's feelings are very conflicted.
-As you know, Sabo realized that Law was going to betray him the day before he actually did (though Law thinks he always knew because he doesn't know that) meaning his plan was devised literally last-minute. That's why he wasn't sure how things were going to happen and that the only signal he could take action was the lights going out. His father (who you guys have yet to meet) donated the money for the new surveillance equipment which was just installed. As a show of what was done with his money, he received blueprints showing what his money was put towards (the surveillance system! :D) so Sabo used that to prepare himself.
-You all know about Law's fixation with money and how he's called High Town 'Paradise.' Well, Sabo's theory is that he wants to gain wealth and power to do what Shanks did and become a noble, but obviously Sabo doesn't support that because he hates High Town like everyone else. Law didn't confirm or deny that, though he did share some of his feelings on the matter.
-Remember when Sabo learned he wore the 'shroud of death' and told Law to protect Luffy if something happens to him? Well he basically stated that he acknowledges Ace now (remember when they switched bodies and what he said about him?) and wants him to protect Luffy now that Law's turned on them.
-For the queen reference, just think of the role the queen plays in chess and what uses it has. Law, for a second, was thinking of its importance, though, and not its function. Same with the king for Luffy.
-"My cute, gullible little brother. He means the world to me, really, but I don't think he sees that." I'm sure you all realize it, but unbeknownst to Law, Sabo was talking about him -_-;;
-"Je sais ce que je suis, je suis ce que je sais." - I know what I am, I am what I know. There goes Sabo and his crappy French again~ But yeah, that line's pretty important ._.
-Contrary to popular belief, Sabo's not a complete asshole. He cares about Law and (even though Law doesn't believe it) is very torn up about his betrayal. Remember what he and Luffy said about traitors in the veeeeery beginning of the fic? Yeah. But he puts up a brave front. Still, he's HOPING Law hasn't completely turned on them and, in that hope, leaves his heart with Law. Fortunately the traitor couldn't bring himself to kill him. Still not on his side, though.
-I based the cuffs they used on the ones I remember from the anime (the ones Ace had on when they were walking him out of Impel Down) so they have a longish chain. Though, after this little embarrassment they're probably going to switch to shorter ones... I feel bad for the prisoners now u_u
-In anticipation of the possibility of something going wrong, Law left his own heart safe in the base (he trusted Sabo would at least put up a fight - after all, he's seen Sabo's desperate side e_e;;) and then put Sabo's heart in the space left behind by his own.
LONG AUTHOR'S NOTE IS LONG. Sorry, just wanted to make sure everyone was on the same page before the fun starts next chapter~~
To my lovelies~
Mon Esprit Libre: Calm down. It's a minor typo in the author's note; it's not even in the actual chapter -_-; Not like I'm going to proof-read replies. Honestly you're the only one really complaining about long updates here so I don't know what you want me to say :/ Read in segments, get used to it or stop reading. The story's progressing a lot better than it was before with the new length. Well be angry if you want but there's a space between the 1st and last scene with Sabo because there're hours between them and all the scenes are in chronological order ._. You thoroughly confuse me...
Frostheart D. Blaize: No, why would my hands hurt after typing? They're not even long chapters; I've got a oneshot I'm working on that looks like it's going to be around 20,000+ words. Yes, Garp was a noble. I mentioned it back when he showed up. Only nobles are allowed in High Town.
kickassdani: You're welcome!
Greyheart: You shall have to wait and fine out :P Yep, Ace misses Luffy. His feelings are beginning :D
bloodytears87: What part confused you? It was probably explained above :P You're not SUPPOSED to know why Law betrayed them XD This one clear things up? HA. But some things will start being cleared up next chapter so no worries :3
teengens: Lol fool? She may be an OC but she's meant to represent the feelings of everyone from Low Town :P That's how the Blue Gentleman's actually seen. That's what everyone thinks of him. He is, by no means, a good person. Actually that makes me wanna test something... I should try writing OCs and canon characters and switching their names to see if you guys react differently based on whether they're canon or not :P It wasn't that long. This story tends to get the most updates out of all my fics. Lol why would I change it because of what's happening in canon? It's my story, not Oda's. He owns the characters but I come up with the plot ;) Lol did you already forget that Haruta was captured by Law? XD
spoons-are-evil: I don't like OCs because they're generally poorly written but I'm beginning to see the stigma surrounding them. I'm starting to feel kind of bad because I don't give them a chance even if the writer is good :/ Well she might be frequently seen around Law and other government officers because it's easier than constantly making new OCs, but she'll never be very important to the plot. Lol I learned it in psychology class in first year since it's a psychological disorder and I thought it fit well with what she was meant to represent. They're blood related :) Well one was obviously Luffy, but I'm not saying who the other one was yet ;) Interesting theory! You're starting to catch on :D Yes, Law framed Sabo. Haruta's a boy in this one. Well, to be more specific it's a crossed out S XD Yes, our baby is back. I kinda with they were a little more bastardly in canon :P Oh well. Yep! We're almost at 1 year!
hitomi65: Glad you like!
mi0chan94: And now you know :D
key46812: You'll have to wait and find out :P I will~
Leite Destiny: I look forward to seeing the finished drawing~ You can decide whether it's a half-mask or full, I never mentioned :) Draw what you imagine! But yes, I envision him with a white button-down under his tailcoat. Lol I planned on making a few comics about it but... no time XD I'm glad you like the pacing because I hate rushing XD If I'm not careful, though, we'll have like 2 more years of this :P Nope, I don't post spoilers :P Law's going against Sabo. He's not intentionally helping him out, if that's what you're wondering. But he doesn't hate Sabo, as you know. Oh no, he's not falling apart muahahaha. Just wanted you guys to think that for a while - he's bouncing back after his sloppiness earlier in the story. Actually Blue is the- ah, I see what you did there! Making me divulge stuff... Yes, High Town and Low Town used to be Edge Town. We shall see what Marco's role is later in the story :P Pfft no, the 200 people won't be explained for a ridiculously long time XD Makino also won't be for while. As you know, the story moves slow. Too much to fit into so little space XD Feels weird thinking I have fans... which is why you guys are my lovelies instead I guess :P
narsiltoanduril: It's fine, I'm happy you reviewed at all ^^ Yup, Sabo's being framed. Yep, it was Sabo's heart. Lol she meant it was familiar because she saw it earlier in the night when they went to arrest him. Hehe yes, Marco's reaction was awesome XD Awe you're so sweet~ Hope you enjoyed this update as well! You're welcome~
Miih-chan: Here it is!
Diclonious57: It's the anniversary of his son's death.
94Insane: Nope. Well, he didn't INTEND to help. How much Luffy knows about the Blue Gent will be revealed later.
The-Chibi-Master564: If Garp got there first he would have been screwed XD Good question - maybe we'll find out at some point :P Lol as I've stated, Ace will NOT find out anytime soon.
samiya88: Glad you enjoyed the OCs perspective :) Law can do that because he's an asshole :P You're welomce :) It was my pleasure!
AyumiUK: Thanks for all the reviews! AcexHat is awesome XD Lol I liked your little omake XD Extortion Bar. That's a good synonym for it :P Lol yep, Shanks more-or-less OK'd their relationship. Croc being Luffy's mother... That would be awesome XD Just... such a perfect edition to an already messed up family. Thatch is VERY lucky he didn't try to blackmail Sabo ;) Nope, he didn't even get to see Garp :P Unfortunately I couldn't see the links without the site name...
RawR: Glad you like! Lol the omake chapter won't happen if I can't think of something to do for it :P
Son Goshen: His goal is actually a very big one. One that he might never be able to achieve. I didn't say that. Nope. Hehe sorry for making you miserable ^^; Here's more~
Yvonne Park: I never get sick of my readers! Or reviews :P Here's an update!
Starry Roses: Here's the next chapter~ You'll have to wait for the one with Lu, though. Sadly does that sometimes u_u
CameronEmma: You'll have to wait to find out~ The one who pretended to be him was Law.
Dreamerall: Sabo IS like this story's embodiment of badassery XD Please try to refrain from outright mentioning spoilers in reviews ^^; We want to keep it vague for anyone who might be reading the reviews but isnt' caught up with the manga. I'll tell you more about Marco's past. Eventually :P
Guest: Don't inflate my ego XD Well Law certainly is attracted to Sabo, but Sabo's more brotherly right now. Lol too late - it's depressing already XD
CyberneticPasta: Glad you enjoyed Syn! She was fun for me but I know how much people (including myself) tend to hate OCs ^^; Yes, death has his heart ;) Glad someone caught that! Here's more~~
(SO SORRY FOR THE EXTERMELY LONG AUTHOR'S NOTE. It had to be done u_u So it's been snowing about 8 hours now and it's supposed to continue until morning... I REALLY want buses to be cancelled. If they are then I can't go to university and I get an extra day of vacation :D But with my luck and the fact that we're Canadian, they'll be like "Pssh, it's up to our thighs? Stop whining and walk it of, ya Mary Sue!" and I will freeze in the cold and harsh Canadian winter. But until that happens, enjoy the last holiday update! And please try to avoid blunt manga spoilers, just in case someone who's not caught up reads the reviews. I'm caught up so you can hint at them, but don't outright say them. We wanna keep this safe for everyone, even people who only stick with the anime :D Love you all! Adieu~)