It was the day of her birthday. Her first birthday since Kaku's disappearance.
Kate was feeling more exhausted than usual. Between working full time, her independent research, and staying in bars till early in the morning- it was now taking a toll on her body and her mental health. The anguish of being alone without Kaku on her birthday adding insult to the injury.
She slammed a fist against her bathroom mirror as she stared at her reflection.
What did she ever do to deserve all of this?!
Kate had always done her best to do the right thing. There were no specific events in her life that made her feel as if she deserved such punishment.
She grit her teeth. What if everything she was doing was for nothing?
Her mind began to spiral, but then Patricia's words from a month earlier rang in her ear.
"You deserve to have some fun!"
Kate recalled begging the universe for an answer as to how to make the pain end. Perhaps Patricia was the Universe's messenger...
She opened up her closet, pulling out a short, tight, black dress with a low back and low v-neck cut.
Kate would still ask any pirates if they'd seen Kaku and the others, but maybe...she would leave with one of them...
"Fuck it!"
There was a loud knocking on her door, taking Kate by surprise.
What the hell was that?!
She opened her door carefully, surprised to see Iceburg, Paulie, Tilestone and Peepley. They were dressed in nicer clothes than usual, and looked as if they were getting ready for a night on the town.
Kate panicked as she fixed her hair, hiding her face slightly as she wasn't wearing any make up. "Oh hey guys! What's up?" She continued to hide behind the door.
What the hell are they doing here?!
The 4 men looked at each other, Iceburg starting a countdown.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KATE!"
Iceburg pointed a thumb towards the street. "Go get ready. We're taking you out! We won't leave this spot until you come with us!"
Tilestone peeped through the crack "YEAH AND WE WON'T TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER!"
Kate tried to refuse, the 4 men convincing her otherwise. After a while she finally gave in, thinking it'd be okay for her to take a break. It was her birthday after all. "I'll try to be quick!"
As soon as Kate closed the door, Iceburg and the others looked towards a nearby alley. The mayor threw a thumbs up, Cutter raising his thumb in reply.
Cutter had made his way to Iceburg as soon as he left Bacha's, telling him about the destructive state Kate was in and how she needed Iceburg and the others there for her.
The General had also told him that Kaku was still alive, and that there was a chance he would return.
At first, Iceburg was caught off guard- having never met Cutter before. However, he could tell Cutter was telling the truth and quickly rounded up the others. He had already let Kate down once, and if he had the chance to save her from the fate Cutter had told him-he would do it.
Cutter wanted so badly to see Kate. Although it had only been a vision; it truly felt like he had lived through it all. 5 years of a wonderful life with Kate. All the visions stayed with him as memories, making his heart ache.
He couldn't help but worry, remembering what her place had looked like the first time he went over.
Maybe I can just say hi and help clean up...
He shook his head. He would see her again one day, but not until he fulfilled his promise to her.
Happy birthday, Kate.
Cutter reached into his bag, pulling out a green transponder snail with the World Government insignia on it.
"Cutter, CP1 is ready for your orders."
The General took a breath, preparing himself for the mission he was about to embark on. There was no going back after this.
"Prepare a ship for the Cipher Pol training island. Your orders are to find, and capture the members of Cipher Pol 9. Alive."
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Kate wore cropped jeans, white sandals and a lavender butterfly sleeve top.
They had dinner at a popular restaurant in the centre of the city. Kate couldn't help but chuckle whenever she remembered how delicately Tilestone ate, making the others look like barbarians in comparison.
Once they finished, Iceburg lead them to his "secret" ice cream shoppe.
Iceburg and Kate laughed as the other 3 gawked at the variety of ice cream flavors.
"Hm...well...are you having fun, Kate?" Iceburg watched as she ate a large banana split the owner had made her for her birthday.
Kate nodded, her mouth full of ice cream. "Yes, thank you so much for taking me out! I've had a lot of fun!"
The mayor chuckled. "The night isn't over yet!"
The 5 of them stood on the edge of Scrap Heap Island. The moon shone off the water, making the trash yard look serene. Tilestone had piggy backed Kate as her shoes weren't suited for the terrain, Paulie pointing it out constantly.
The 4 looked at the Mayor in confusion, Paulie being the first to speak. "Ay, boss...uh...what are we doing here? This isn't exactly a place for a lady..." he lit his cigar as he bit down on it.
Iceburg didn't reply, his silence making everyone more uncomfortable. After a few moments, Iceburg closed his eyes before taking a deep breath. "TOM! WHEREVER YOU ARE! THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING! I WILL ALWAYS BE INDEBTED TO YOU!" He caught his breath, as he looked at the others.
Cutter had told him that avoiding the topics around Kaku and the others was more detrimental to Kate rather than talking about it. Kate had held so much in and it was beginning to suffocate her. The mayor figured this was one way to provide relief.
The blonde foreman nodded, realizing what Iceburg was doing. He removed the cigar from his mouth, clearing his throat. "LUCCI! WHEREVER YOU ARE! NO MATTER WHAT! YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY FRIEND! YOU ASSHOLE!" Paulie's eyes began to water, thinking about the last time he saw Lucci.
Peepley and Tilestone cried as they held each other. "KALIFA! HATTORI! WHEREVER YOU ARE! WE HOPE YOU'RE SAFE!"
Kate looked at them in awe, her eyes beginning to burn as she climbed off of Tilestone. She walked as close as she could to the shoreline, looking up at the moon.
She clenched her fists as she closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. "KAKU! WHEREVER YOU ARE! I LOVE YOU! I'LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!" She bit her lip as tears began to stream down her face. "Come...COME BACK TO ME!"
The 5 of them wrapped their arms around each other as they sobbed. Kate feeling as if a weight had been lifted off of her chest.
She cried harder, gripping onto her friends. Her family. For the first time since Kaku's death; she felt hopeful. She knew that no matter what; she would never be alone.
I'll always have my friends.
-.-.-.-.-.-
Kaku and Melody sat under the apple tree that was a special place for them as children.
The long nosed man adjusted his hat, feeling flustered by how the conversation was going.
Melody pulled her necklace from underneath her neckline, revealing a carved wooden star. "Remember when you made this for me? I've been wearing it ever since. Whenever I'm scared or I'm sad...I just hold it and it makes me feel like you're right there with me..."
Kaku looked down at her, shocked by her confession. "Melody..." He watched as Melody looked at him before moving her face closer to his.
His mind began to race, unsure of what to do. For the past few days, Kaku couldn't shake the sudden feeling he had that Kate had moved on. He was feeling heartbroken, although there had been no proof that Kate had moved on. How much could he trust pure intuition?
It was true; Melody had known him much longer, and he wouldn't need to lie to her. Ever. She had grown more beautiful over the years, Kaku noticing this as he stared into her large blue eyes.
If Kate had truly moved on; was there still a point in seeing her? What if him showing up again ruined her current life? Was he really that selfish?
Melody's lips moved closer to his as she began to close her eyes.
The past few months had been exhausting. Kaku's body began to demand relief as he felt himself gravitating towards Melody as his eyes slowly began to close.
I hope you're happy, Kate...
The sound of several bones shattering snapped Kaku out of his trance. His eyes shot open as he looked in horror. Melody's head had been twisted 360 degrees, the broken bones being the ones in her neck. Her body fell to the ground, the shocked expression still on her face as her last breath left her body.
A man wearing all black and a ski mask began to walk towards Kaku.
The long nosed man grit his teeth as he prepared himself for battle. "You bastard!"
Kaku began to move quickly, bouncing from one point to the other in an attempt to confuse the man. To the naked eye; Kaku looked like nothing but small flashes of light.
The masked man remained still, carefully tracking Kaku. He furrowed his brows once he saw an opening, grabbing one of Kaku's legs.
Kaku scooped several rocks into one hand, throwing them at his opponent's eyes.
When the man in black went to dodge the rocks, Kaku quickly used his other leg to kick him.
Nice try.
The man easily grabbed Kaku's other leg, holding him upside down by his two limbs.
Kaku dug his hands into the ground, flexing his arms before spinning in a circle to free himself; the cloth from his pants and flesh from his ankles hanging in the masked man's hands.
The man laughed as he let out a long whistle, shaking his hands off. "Well, this has been fun, kid. But I'm afraid we're out of time." He quickly raised a gun, grazing Kaku's legs with several sea prism stone bullets.
Kaku fell immediately, his energy leaving his body.
The last thing he saw were two familiar eyes glaring down at him before passing out.
"You'll thank me later."
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Kate woke up the next morning. For the first time in a while- she had a smile on her face.
Iceburg had been the one to walk her home, after he had insisted she live with him again for a while. Kate declined, saying she had things to look after.
Last night had rejuvenated Kate, and gave her the will she needed to carry on.
She walked into the living room, barely recognizing the place. Kate sighed as she looked towards the kitchen and the piles of dishes that waited to be washed.
"Well, no one else is gonna do it!"
She smiled as she rolled up her sleeves.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Cutter groaned as he adjusted his tie in the mirror. He was dressed in an all black suit with a white dress shirt and a red tie.
They've been hounding me to come down, but it takes a week before they have a meeting with me?!
He took in a deep breath, regaining his composure. It would take everything he had to prevent himself from lashing out. If it weren't for Kate; he wouldn't want to even breathe the same air as any of them. Especially him.
Cutter walked through the large golden doors of the World Government headquarters.
He took a breath as he entered the room, the five Gorosei watching as they sat on green chairs.
The blonde haired Gorosei smiled upon seeing Cutter. "I'm intrigued to know why you've requested a meeting with us. Have you changed your mind?" He leaned forward curiously.
Cutter nodded, holding himself back from what he truly wanted to say. His next few words would be utter lies, but he had to put his training to the test and ensure the Gorosei wouldn't find him out. "Yes. Upon reflection I realize that my heart and soul are committed to the needs of the World Government above my own. I would be honored to be a part of the Junior Gorosei committee. To show my dedication and competence- I have a few suggestions." He stood still, his face unchanged.
The Junior Gorosei committee was composed of future Gorosei candidates. To be considered, one would have had to excel in several different categories including combat, strategy, politics and analytics. Cutter excelled at all points and the Gorosei had been seeking him out for quite some time.
The Gorosei wearing a hat chortled. "Splendid! Now, let's hear these suggestions of yours?" He leaned into his hands, his curiosity peaked.
Cutter grinned, exhibiting to the leaders the confidence in his suggestions...although he wasn't completely sure.
If there is a God...prove it. Help me get through this.
"I suggest we reinstate CP0 mainly for confidential information gathering, as well as security tasks for the Celestial dragons. The pirates have been even more rambunctious as of late, and they require the best protection." He waited as the elders discussed this among themselves. CP0 had been terminated several years ago, as it was felt there was no need for the highly skilled Cipher Pol unit. Although CP0 was to be used primarily for security and not information gathering, Cutter added this aspect of the job in order to give the agents more flexibility.
The Gorosei with the blonde hair spoke. "Very well. What else?"
Cutter's face remained calm, knowing that they would be looking for him to falter even for a second. "I am unable to take the position on the committee until the 3 children on Monogatari who fell victim to ex-agent Melody are adopted. The same family isn't a requirement, but they must be in close proximity to each other. I will still be monitoring them." It was a stretch, but he had to try. He owed the children that much. The Gorosei were aware of why Cutter had stepped down from his previous position, and so this request did not come as a surprise.
The Gorosei with a hat nodded his head. "That should be simple enough now that Melody has been exterminated." He quickly jotted notes down into a small black book.
Cutter clenched his fist slightly. He wasn't sure how they would respond to his next suggestion.
Can't believe I'm doing this for him...
He shook his head.
No, it's for her.
He unclenched his fist before speaking.
"I have reviewed current Cipher Pol members who would be suitable candidates for CP0. There are 2 members of CP9 who were recently apprehended. I believe Rob Lucci would be the perfect ground leader of CP0 due to his skillset, knowledge and dedication to the World Government. The other man, Kaku, has a unique set of skills geared towards information extraction. They would be good pillars of example for future Cipher Pol recruits." He tried to conceal his nervousness. "I believe their failure was due to the direction given by Spandman. Had they acted on their own accord- the mission would have ended differently." He steadied his breathing, not wanting to break his "poker face".
The Gorosei seemed to be surprised by his suggestion. After several minutes, they had decided that it was indeed a smart move. The members of CP9 were highly acclaimed within the World Government. The Gorosei wearing a hat looked at Cutter, trying to see if he had any ill intentions, to which he detected none.
"Anything else?"
Cutter couldn't contain his grin. Since the first two suggestions were approved; this one would definitely pass.
Might as well have a little bit of fun.
"Instead of having Spandam excommunicated- I feel a more fitting punishment would be for him to work under Rob Lucci." He continued to fight off his grin. He despised Spandam, and knew how much the coward would protest against such a notion.
The Gorosei laughed, once again surprised by the suggestion. They handed him a paper approving his requests.
The blonde Gorosei gave Cutter a look over. "It is up to you to speak to the individuals you had mentioned. CP0 has been reinstated and will report to you from now on."
Cutter nodded before exiting the room. "Thank you...father."
To have your position succeeded by a family member in the Gorosei circle was extremely rare, and was the reason why Cutter had been constantly getting pressured to join the Junior Gorosei Committee.. Cutter had refused to use his family ties to the Gorosei as leverage on any occasion. His father had abandoned him and his mother as soon as she was impregnated, only claiming to be Cutter's father when Cutter started showing promise as a future Gorosei in the recent years.
Today was the only exception.
Being the son of a Gorosei did in fact give him the upper hand in not only his position- but how he was viewed by the members of the World Government who knew.
Cutter couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed in himself, grinding his teeth as he shook it off. He owed Kate his life, and this was a small price to pay.
Now to deal with the other two...
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Kate stared at her living room and kitchen from the hallway. She had spent several days cleaning, and the difference in cleanliness made it look as if it had been renovated. She made her way to the pictures, running her hand down the frame a picture of the 3 orphans on Monogatari. Kate felt something change in her as she gently removed the frame from the wall, placing it on the floor.
She continued to remove each picture frame until the wall was bare. Kate looked around the room again, realizing that this place no longer felt like home.
Maybe the only way for me to truly move on...is to move on.
Kate smiled sadly to herself as she nodded her head. She had gained back the will to live, and was not going to waste a second of her life any longer. She would live her life to the fullest, and find true meaning to it again.
It's been fun, Water 7. It's time for me to go...
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Cutter entered Lucci's cell cautiously, having told the guards to wait outside.
Lucci looked up and snickered, the flesh on his wrist exposed from trying to get out. Hattori walked in circles inside of a small bird cage on the floor.
Lucci continued to snicker as he looked over Cutter. He had heard about Cutter in the past. He had a reputation of being merciless to both enemies and subordinates, but the amount of missions he had completed starting at the age of 3 had made him a legend around the World Government headquarters. "I should be flattered to have you do my execution." He spat at Cutter's shoes.
Cutter sighed and walked closer to Lucci, unphased by his display of disrespect. "Now, is that any way to speak to your new boss?" He held up the key to Lucci's handcuffs.
Both Lucci and Hattori looked up in shock. Lucci had been prepared to die for the last few days. Perhaps this was a sick joke Cutter wanted to play before finishing him off? May he wanted to give him a false sense of hope before taking it all away? Lucci couldn't help but enjoy the idea of how sadistic it was. "New boss? I don't follow."
Cutter carefully examined Lucci's eyes- still unsure if he was calm enough to be uncuffed without it turning into a struggle. "I've been assigned as the new leader of CP0, and I didn't want your talents to go to waste." He twirled the key between his fingers. "But there is one rule, and should you break it- I won't hesitate to kill you myself." He continued to examine Lucci. While he had his own reputation among the members of the World Government, Lucci also had a reputation for being just as brutal.
Lucci nodded his head, asking Cutter to continue.
Cutter held up a finger. "The rule is that all my orders are absolute. Got it?" He was now mere inches away from Lucci's face, wanting to instill the fact that he didn't scare him. He undid Lucci's handcuffs, causing Lucci to fall onto the floor.
Cutter began to exit the cell, pointing at a bag near the entrance. "Those are your items. There is a transponder snail in the bag. Do as you please for now, but await my call." He turned back to face him. "And another thing- stay away from the woman from Water 7 named Kate." With that he left.
Lucci quickly freed Hattori from his cage, still puzzled by what was happening.
Perhaps Kaku's relationship with that girl was worth it after all...
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Kaku stood against a wall, his arms dangling outwards as his hands were cuffed below his shoulder line.
He looked up wearily as he heard footsteps approaching.
Kaku squinted his eyes as he tried to make out the figures in front of him. To his surprise he heard his cell open. Two men came in and removed his handcuffs.
Cutter entered and motioned at the two men. "Leave us." He stared at Kaku as the two men left.
Kaku failed to hide his shock. "What...what are you doing here?!" He then chuckled, feeling somewhat delirious from the torture and starvation. "Let me guess; you're here to kill me?" He sighed. "Yupp, I deserve it. Sure do." He closed his eyes, welcoming his just punishment.
He focused, trying to ensure his last thoughts weren't the fear racing through his body, but his most precious moments with Kate.
Kaku's mind wandered to when him and Kate had first met, their first time holding hands, their first kiss... He found solace in their memories together.
Oh, Kate.
Cutter handed him a bag, causing Kaku's eyes to shoot open.
The ex shipwright took it cautiously. He looked inside and found himself confused. "This...this is my stuff?!" He dug inside frantically, trying to hold back tears as soon as he felt his necklace. It was almost as if he had found a piece of Kate.
It's still here!
Cutter huffed as he watched the younger man continue to rummage through his bag. "You're working for me now as part of CP0. Lucci is in command, but you all answer to me." His face remained stern as he stared at Kaku. His feelings were conflicted, but he was a man of principle and knew this was the right thing to do...no matter how he felt.
He could have had her all to himself. Had he just overlooked the fact that she still longed for Kaku...he could have married her. He would have finally had the family he had dreamed of, with the woman who managed to reach him somehow.
He loved her.
He sighed.
That's why I have to do this...
Kaku put on the necklace before standing up to face Cutter, coming to attention and saluting at his new superior.
"I'm ready for your orders, sir." He stayed in position, grateful to be alive...but unsure of the implications.
Cutter couldn't help but laugh at the situation. "I know I should leave you here. As much as I want to, there's someone waiting for you...and you've disappointed her enough." He clenched his fist, trying to hide his pain. "Your first order of business is to go see Kate. The first mission won't be for a while so you'll have to wait for my instructions. There is a boat ready for you at the harbor. Whether you decide to tell Kate about your occupation is none of my concern. This isn't CP9. You don't have to hide or pretend anymore." He began to walk away. "Also...ensure that you take care of her." He shot a glare towards the younger man. "I won't think twice about putting you in your place, got it?" He continued to walk away as Kaku returned to his salute position.
He failed to hold back his tears. "Thank you, sir. I won't take this for granted."
The blonde Gorosei appeared from the entrance, looking Kaku over carefully. "My, my, so you're the great swordsman of CP9? I heard you also share the ability with Cutter that enables you to tell whether a person is lying by taking their pulse. Is that right?"
Kaku returned to attention, a chill rushing down his spine once he realized who the man was. "Yes sir, that is correct."
Cutter held himself back from rolling his eyes.
What the hell is he doing here?!
The large man motioned as he walked back towards the exit. "There are some papers that need to be filled and tests that need to be done before you may leave. That goes for you too, Cutter."
Cutter bit his tongue, holding himself back from speaking out. He despised that he was being given orders by him of all people. "Yes, sir."
Kaku and Cutter followed along quietly. Kaku steadied his breathing as he hid his impatience. He was so close to seeing Kate again...
Just hang in there a little longer, Kate. I'll be there soon.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Kate stood on the edge of Water 7, the wind carrying her hair off her back. She wore white flats, and her white sundress.
The city was quiet, as it was around dinner time. The sun was beginning to set, a glorious mix of purple and orange filling the sky.
The past week had been a complete change from how she had been living for the past year. She felt as if she had been emancipated, but there was one more thing she had to do in order to truly feel free. Kate felt it was the only way.
A smile came upon her face as she breathed in the sea air. Her thoughts wandered, and she found herself thinking of Kaku. She pictured his smile, and could hear his laugh in her ears.
"I guess you kept your promise after all, Kaku. I'm no longer afraid of the water."
She smiled before stepping off the ledge.
Kate squinted in the water. The ocean was calm, the sun shining through the liquid ceiling.
It wasn't so bad.
She relaxed her body and closed her eyes.
She thought back to her time with Kaku.
She thought about how he loved to laugh, his bright eyes and nose that would always get in the way of things.
She thought back to how his touch felt, from the top of her head to the tip of her toes.
How he would have been a great father. Loving, caring, smart, not to mention the fact that he adored children.
How she would always miss him.
Kaku...
A rift in the water caused her eyes to open.
Orange?
Kate gasped for air as Paulie pulled her back onto land, his skin tone pale and his orange target shirt soaked with sweat. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING, KID?! WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?!" Paulie was headed home from a meeting with Iceburg when he saw Kate jump. A bewildered look came upon his face when Kate started to laugh.
The raven haired girl continued to laugh as she sat up, wringing out her hair. "Paulie! I did it!"
Paulie growled. "Did what?! Give me a damn heart attack? Damn right you did. You're out of your mind! I'm gonna get you some help-"
"KATE!"
The two looked as Iceburg came running. Paulie had forgotten some papers, and Iceburg was following him until he watched Paulie bolt towards the water. He had also seen Kate jump.
The mayor knelt down as he looked Kate over. "What's gotten into you?! Are you-"
Kate placed a hand on his arm, a large smile on her face. "Iceburg, I'm not afraid of the water anymore!"
The two men looked at each other, bewildered looks on both their faces.
Kate laughed. "The water...felt really nice. I was going to swim back up, but Paulie pulled me in before I got the chance. I can't believe I did it...I really did it!" She threw her hands in the air triumphantly. The fear that had plagued her life for so long was finally gone. She had accomplished what she had set out to do when she decided to come to Water 7. All she needed was the encouragement of the man she loved...even though he was no longer with her.
Thank you, Kaku.
Iceburg removed his orange striped suit jacket, draping it over Kate's shoulders as her swimsuit was now visible under her dress. "Let's get you dried up."
Kate nodded as she pulled his jacket around her. "Actually, there's something important I needed to talk to you both about."
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Kaku and Cutter stood facing each other on the dock of Mary Geoise. It had been a month of constant tests, and interrogations. The Gorosei had wanted to ensure none of the CP0 members had ill intentions against the World Government or the Celestial Dragons before allowing them to operate freely. To their relief- they detected none.
Cutter had instructed Lucci to go and find the other CP9 members, as they had managed to escape during CP1's raid of the training island.
Kaku slung his backpack over his shoulder, his excitement showing through his smile. "Thank you again, Cutter. You can bet your bottom dollar I'll keep my word. To all your orders."
Cutter rolled his eyes as he turned away. "Yeah, whatever. Just don't forget what you, Lucci and I discussed. I don't want to have to discuss that again." He looked over his shoulder as Kaku nodded.
Cutter had reinstated CP0 not only to free Kaku; but to extract his revenge on the World Government.
As he had suspected; Lucci and Kaku were both wanting revenge against the World Government after how they were treated following the Enies Lobby incident. They would keep the Celestial Dragons close by, and perhaps be able to use them as hostages or bargaining chips in the future. They would also keep close tabs on the Revolutionary Army. Cutter had been following the doings of the Revolutionary Army for several years. He believed they would be successful in bringing down the World Leaders one day. When that fateful day would come; CP0 would be ready...to join in bringing them down.
The blonde man huffed. "Well, what are you waiting for? Get out of here already, long nose." He clenched his jaw, his heart ached knowing that Kaku would be with Kate soon, and any hopes he had of being with her again would be gone for good.
This is the only way she'll be happy.
Kaku came to attention and saluted once more. "Yes, sir!" He jumped into the boat and shortly began to row.
The long nosed man called from a distance. "Cutter!"
The CP0 leader looked back at his subordinate, raising an eyebrow.
Kaku made a writing motion with his hand. "Make sure you contact Kate! She used to always talk about how much she missed you!" He beamed as he continued to row.
Cutter continued to walk away, hiding his smile as well as the small tear forming in the corner of his eye.
You do your part first, long nose. That's the only way I'll be able to see her again. When she is finally happy.
