Chapter 9
Warnings
I kind of earn the Graphic Violence tag in this chapter. While not extreme gore, it is quite dark.
There are also some torture and suicidal thoughts. If these are triggering to you, please do not read.
If you would like to avoid this section, please skip from 'Sea Prism' to 'xxx XXX xxx' I will put a summary in the end notes for you for this chapter.
The attack was swift and brutal.
Law jolted up from his reading nest in the library as the first shots were fired in the otherwise silent house. Sharing an alarmed look with Robin who had sat up straight from where she had been curled, dozing, in her favourite armchair, the pair shot to their feet at the sound of glass smashing nearby.
Cursing at not having Kikoku with him, Law and Robin ran out of the library and into the arms of soldiers, a few quick kicks from Robin in a few sensitive places followed by strong blows to their necks and they were down. Law knew Robin was terrifying in her own quiet way, but her actions had been disturbingly fast. They leapt over the bodies and continued heading down the main corridor.
"We need to get everyone out." Robin called to him as they sprinted. "Sanji and Nami should be resting in the west wing, Chopper will be in the infirmary, you get him, and we will get out via Sabo's study." A mischievous smile appeared as she looked over at him. "You know the way to the infirmary, right?"
"…Really? You are teasing me now?" Law deadpanned.
Robin smiled sweetly at him before parting from him in the main hall to dart down the corridor to the right leaving Law to swear to himself about the sense of humour of the people he had found himself with as he went left.
Law dashed through the house, avoiding conflict where he could and taking swift action where he had to, not once slowing his pace. He skidded to a halt in front of the infirmary door before cautiously opening it in case of an ambush but hoping to find Chopper sleeping inside.
Instead, the young child was sitting cross-legged, surrounded by pill bottles as he completed an inventory check of the pharmacy, while bobbing his head to music playing through his reindeer themed headphones they had chipped in to buy him for his eleventh birthday. Seeing Law enter out of the corner of his eye he dropped the headphones to hang around his neck and Law could head faint notes of a popular musical playing.
"Torao? What's wrong?"
Law silently cursed that Luffy's nickname for him had apparently passed around and had now stuck but now was not the time to correct the doctor in training. "Marines are raiding the house; we need to leave."
"But…" Chopper looked sadly at his unfinished task and Law understood, truly he did.
But an inventory check was not worth dying over.
"Now!" he snapped, grabbing the kid around the waist and into his arms, ignoring the stream of protests.
"What about the others, Nami, Sanji, Robin?
"Robin is getting them; they will meet us outside." Law reassured while hoping he was speaking the truth. Mindful of his charge, Law took a slower route back through the house, this time taking the time to avoid the soldiers rather than plough through them.
Heading towards Sabo's office at the rear of the mansion, Law thought he could smell smoke and sniffed cautiously as he ran. It was getting the stronger the closer they got to the office, soon he could see the thick smoke billowing down the hallway and crawling into his lungs. He heard Chopper start to cough in his arms and he shifted the kid so his head was buried more in Law's shoulder as he gripped Law's favourite yellow hoodie tight.
The mansion was on fire.
A fire that the bastards had probably set in the main office.
Law heard loud barking coming from the right of him, hands full, Law kicked open the next door he came across on that side and was relieved to see a small reception room featuring delicate patio doors which quickly gave way to the heel of his foot.
Law hissed slightly as he put his foot back down; running and kicking down doors, was a lot less fun without shoes on.
Making his way through the broken doors, careful to avoid glass, Law could see the orange glow to the sky and feel the heat in the area, cautiously checking to see their exit had been unnoticed by the attackers and thankfully that seemed to be the case for now, so he retreated towards the nearby treeline.
With the advantage of distance, Law could see that a large portion of the mansion was burning, lighting the sky an apocalyptic orange. He felt a great sadness as he saw the section of the building he knew housed the library succumb to the flames.
He remembered his hometown burning, the memory briefly overlaying the scene in front of him.
A cold hand brushing the tear from his cheek brought his mind back to the present and the eleven-year-old in his arms who was looking at him in concern.
"I'm sorry Dr Chopper."
Law set him gently on the ground but held a hold of his hand as the child took in the sight of his burning home before burying himself into Law's side as sobs shook him. Hearing a low 'woof' nearby, Law gave a soft whistle and was pleased to hear another soft bark nearer before catching sight of Bepo's large frame running towards him, Kikoku held firmly in his jaws like an overgrown stick.
"Good boy Bepo." Law enthused rubbing the dog's head as he took the nodachi from him. Chopper poked his head out and smiled down at the dog who was, despite the circumstances, dancing on his paws, showing off how proud he was of himself.
Chopper unstuck himself from Law and instead buried himself in Bepo's soft fur as Law looked around. Where was Robin with the others? Had they gotten out in time?
He pulled his phone out of his front pouch and called Sabo.
Alert for Robin, Law easily heard the movement in the trees heading towards him and Chopper. Bepo's warning growl wasn't encouraging.
"Who is there?" Law called out; one had resting on the Kikoku's hilt in readiness as he slipped the still ringing phone into the back pocket of his jeans.
A relic of Law's violent past emerged from the treeline.
"Vergo." Law spat.
The first Corazon, Doflamingo's most trusted henchmen.
Law's handler within the Donquiote family.
"That's Mr Vergo to you brat."
Law smirked, hiding how his stomach clenched in remembered fear at the rebuke. "Not anymore, find a new hobby now your boss is dead?"
Vergo's face remained expressionless. In the years Law had known him, he had never seen the man show anything other than contempt and it seemed that emotion existed solely when dealing with Law.
"I work for Kaido now."
Law's grip on Kikoku tightened and he unsheathed an inch of steel in warning. "From one slave trader to another, you never change do you Vergo? So, why is a King's lacky working with Marines to attack Revolutionaries?"
Law barely drew his sword in time to block the thick bamboo staff that had some flying at his face.
"It's Mr Vergo brat, have you forgotten your lessons in manners?" Vergo insisted, putting more pressure into his bamboo, causing Law to step into his guard, before swinging to end the deadlock. "Kaido is collecting D's. Since the Monkey brat isn't old enough to be arrested yet, he came to an agreement with the government. Since he isn't here, I guess he will have to be happy with me dragging your half dead body to him."
Law sneered, "Somehow I can't see me being a fair trade for Dragon's son, I doubt Kaido will be happy."
"Finally, something we agree on. I will take my chances though, Law Water D. Trafalgar."
Law felt the blood drain from his face and a churning made itself known in his stomach as his hands shook slightly.
"Did you really think Young Master didn't know? It's why he kept you alive after murdering your family. Imagine, a pet D. a survivor of the vicious 'D. Water' family no less, trained and ready to serve. Unfortunately, we ended up with a brat like you. Maybe we should have killed you and taken your sister instead, at least then we could have sold her as a whore if she turned out to be useless."
Law snarled, electricity crackled between his fingers, sheathing Kikoku in lightening as he struck. Vergo blocked the blow but the lighting surged down his weapon, hitting him in the chest and sending him flying.
A deafening crash of thunder echoed across the grounds and Chopper gasped from where he was huddled against Bepo who whined as Law looked down at the pair. His temper had gotten the better of him and had just drawn attention to their position with that attack. "Bepo. Away!" Law commanded.
His faithful dog gave him a sad look before grabbing Chopper firmly by the arm with his teeth and starting to drag the child away.
A flicker in the corner of his vision was the only warning he had before Vergo's staff struck across his ribs.
Law gasped at the pain, almost falling to his knees but recovered quickly and saw the man preparing to go after Bepo and Chopper. Law attacked before he could reach them, in his desperation he called a larger surge then he originally intended and the whole of the surrounding area flashed in the resulting light and the crash of thunder made even his teeth ache.
Eyes adjusting from the flash, he could see Vergo had finally stilled, his body smoking slightly where it had landed.
Chopper and Bepo were nowhere in sight.
Grabbing an unsheathed Kikoku tightly, Law walked up to the unconscious form of his former tormentor and trainer. "Goodbye Vergo" he muttered, raising his blade to deliver a finishing strike.
"That's enough Trafalgar." A voice drawled out. Law ignored it and started to bring the blade down only to change course before she could hit Vergo to block a bullet with his blade.
"I said that's enough."
Law glared at the interruption "What is it to you Kizaru, if I kill one gang grunt?"
"Hmm Strong words from a Warlord Trafalgar. Especially a Warlord found on Revolutionary Army grounds."
"It's my spring vacation house." Law deadpanned. "I rented it for a couple of weeks on SeaB&B." He could see the marines holding flaming torches starting to circle the three of them, the grounds well-lit by the burning sky and the despite the ungodly hour.
"Do you think us fools Trafalgar?" Akainu's voice came from behind him. Law turned so he could see both Kizaru and Akainu at the same time, not willing to show either Marine his back.
He could see someone bound and being dragged behind the admiral and felt sick when he realised it was Robin, when she blearily raised her head, he could barely recognise her for the blood and bruises.
He hadn't realised he had stepped forward until he felt the muzzle of the gun resting on his spine. "I wouldn't do that Trafalgar. You wouldn't want us to think that you are worried about a known Revolutionary." Kizaru hummed in his ear. He hadn't even seen the man move. "Drop your sword."
Kikoku hissed angrily as she was stabbed into the dirt in front of him, mindful of the gun against his back as he spoke "Being affiliated with the Revolutionary Army is some sort of crime now?"
Fuck, he was glad Sabo wasn't around to hear him ask that.
"Not yet." Akainu responded, gesturing for a nearby marine to take the sword. "But Robin Nico is a known assassin and fugitive. You have been lax in your duties to bring her in."
"And for that you have sent two admirals and burned down the house I'm staying in at three in the morning?"
"This mansion belonged to the Monkey Family, the leaders of the Army, we were simply checking that they had not hidden in a crevasse somewhere within."
"So you say, but with the amount of people you brought with you it almost seems like the World Government are scared of them, Akainu." Law taunted.
He probably deserved the hit he got in response, his fluffy hat flying off his head from the impact and landing in the mud nearby.
Spitting blood from his split lip to one side Law glared at Akainu but did not attack. "So now what? What comes after picking a fight with the Army?"
"I don't think that really matters to you Trafalgar, you won't be around to see the fallout from this." Akainu drove his fist into Law's diaphragm, landing on Vergo's earlier hit and Law felt his breath leave him in one painful whoosh as his knees buckled, he frantically tried to drag air back into his lungs, Marines took advantage of his weakness to grab his arms and pull them tightly behind him before securing them with handcuffs.
As the metal touched his skin, Law felt a coldness run through his blood.
Sea Prism.
Fuck.
"Unfortunately, Trafalgar, I can't have you executed." Akainu continued "As you say, it's not illegal to be affiliated with Revolutionaries yet and while the D. blood is cursed, it's not illegal to have it either." His tone gave enough indication of what the admiral though of these two things. "So, what to do with you Trafalgar?"
"You could let me go? I have done nothing wrong after all"
Another hit, this time to Law's face, Law let his face move with the hit to minimise the damage, but it still felt like being hit with a rock. He swayed slightly before righting him with great protest from his stomach muscles. He had already been forced to his knees, he refused to fall further.
"I said you had done nothing illegal. You are plenty wrong. The way I see it, I have three choices. One: I can give you to the Celestial Dragons to become their slave, like Kuma before you."
Law felt sick with fear at the mere suggestion. The Celestial Dragons treated their slaves as less than human, using them as pets or vehicles then murdering them for sport when done. It would be a slow, humiliating death.
"…unfortunately, they will not touch those with D. blood." Akainu had a satisfied, smug look on his face as he looked down on Law.
That bastard, he had just said it to see the fear on Law's face. Sadistic fuck.
"Second, is that I kill you here and make it look like you were killed in the attack by the Revolutionaries, thereby becoming a catalyst for their extermination."
Law choked back a yelp and he was grabbed by the neck from behind by Kizaru and a knife was held against his throat. He started to struggle but froze as he felt the knife slide into his skin, warm blood seeped around the blade and started to coat Law's neck.
"Careful Trafalgar, don't want to cut your own throat now do you?" Kizaru drawled lazily in his ear.
Law considered it.
He considered cutting his own throat on Kizaru's knife and putting an end to this farce. That way he couldn't be used against anyone. He wouldn't have to keep living on the run.
Cora's face flashed before him; he couldn't leave his father like that. Sabo, Luffy, Zoro, the others of Monkey Mansion. He couldn't let his death be the end of them.
He met Robin's gaze across the garden, her eyes clouded with pain and weariness. He couldn't kill himself in front of her. She had seen too much death in her life for him to do that to her. He needed to be alive to get her away from the World Government.
Keeping his neck perfectly still, Law released the tension in the rest of his body and met Akainu's gaze firmly, the man grimaced and finished his sentence.
"…unfortunately, with you and your father's connection to Sengoku there is no way he wouldn't order a full investigation." Akainu begrudgingly spat, seemingly annoyed at Law's stubbornness.
Law did not appreciate the emphasis he had put when mentioning Cora but with Kizaru's knife still firmly at his neck he didn't argue.
With a jerk of Akainu's head towards Kizaru, Law felt the knife leave him and attempted to take a steadying breath, his body protesting on the inhale from Akainu's earlier hit. Ash-laden air cause the exposed cut to sting, and the blood tickled his nerves as it dripped down to stain his hoodie.
"That leaves me with one last option. To have you disappear. I have decided to sell you to the highest bidder. Both Blackbeard and Kaido have made interesting proposals."
Law went pale. He was starting to wish he had just cut his throat and been done with it. He struggled in his bonds, attempting to rise, to encourage a trigger-happy marine to shoot him. Instead, he received a harsh kick to his back forcing him to overbalance and fall on his face.
Unable to catch himself, his head collided harshly with the ground and he narrowly avoided biting his tongue as his teeth clicked together. A boot between his shoulder blades stopped him moving any further as Law tried to get the breath back into his lungs before he descended into hyperventilation.
Akainu was enjoying this; Law could tell. With every pause, every word choice, 'Mr Justice' of the World Government was enjoying torturing a man half his age and Law despised him for the hypocrisy it.
"Vergo is here as a representative of Kaido to check we have the correct person, I'm sure after the frying you gave him, Vergo will be happy to confirm your identity to his new master. As for Blackbeard, he asked for different proof."
Akainu beckoned to the pink haired Marine that had removed Kikoku and the man came over, holding the gigantic sword gingerly.
"Remove the little finger of the left hand. Be sure the D is visible."
The marine audibly swallowed but walked towards Law regardless of his shaking. Law fought against the foot on his shoulder blades but stopped as the pressure became unbearable.
"Now, now Trafalgar." Kizaru crooned. "You wouldn't want him to miss and take a hand instead would you."
The marine was beside Law now, and Law could hear his breath shaking on the exhale but was in no position to feel sympathy for him. His heart was pounding in his ears.
They were really going to do this.
The World Government were going to mutilate him as he lay on the ground, helpless.
They were going to cut off his finger with his own sword.
Law refused to beg for mercy, even as his breath caught, even as tears of frustration were held back from rolling down his face.
He could feel the pressure as his hand and wrist were was grabbed tightly, forcing his fingers to splay.
The press of Kikoku's edge against the joint of his little finger.
Unbearable pressure.
But no pain.
Instead, he became aware of the waves of anger and fierce protectiveness coming from Kikoku.
She was furious.
"Sir, the sword won't cut through." He marine's voice was trembling, and Law almost heard relief in his tone. "I think it's blunt."
"It is a cursed blade; it won't hurt its master."
Shit, Vergo was awake.
"Cur…Cursed?" The marine stuttered, his breath growing harsher from fear.
Head buried in the ground Law couldn't see Vergo's contempt for him, but he could feel the sick satisfaction coming off him in waves. "It previously belonged to his mother Lily D. Water and is loyal to their bloodline. I suggest you put it down before it hurts you."
Law heard a growl of anger, her plan to dismember the marine if he was stupid enough to test the blade on his own flesh thwarted at the same time as a squeak from the Marine and the thunk of her hilt hitting the ground as he dropped her to back away. Law mentally apologised to her for her rough treatment and promised her vengeance if when they got out of this mess.
"Ah, that's too bad. Well, in that case." The only warning Law had of Kizaru's action was a shift from a boot to a knee holding him down. He felt resistance before the sudden release, there was a crunching sound, like a carrot being chopped and intense pain bloomed from his hand.
Law screamed into the dirt below him.
He felt his back growing warm and damp as his hand bled, blood rapidly being soaked up by his hoodie.
His body started shaking as Law dragged choked on air and mud, his body wracked with pain, horror and humiliation.
"We are done here. Vergo, I trust you have seen enough to report to Kaido that we have a D for trade. We will require his offer in the next three days." Akainu was talking but Law couldn't bring himself to care too much about what the man was saying.
"I will convey what I have seen."
Law was hauled to his feet by Kizaru but had to be held up as his body swayed. Law grunted as his hand was jostled but bit his lip to stop another scream escaping as he kept his gaze to the ground.
"Give me his hand."
One of his hands was uncuffed then they were re-cuffed in front of him before Law could even think about fighting back. His head was swimming, and he closed his eyes.
He didn't want to see the stump of where his finger should have been, or the gloat on Akainu's face.
"Akainu, sir, we need to bind his hand before he bleeds out." The pink haired marine protested.
"No need, I'm going to seal the wound now."
Law jerked his eyes open at that and saw Akainu heating up a blade over a flaming torch as he walked over.
The blade was glowing a deep red, from the heat and Law started struggling against the men holding him but, weak from the Sea Prism and the blood loss, he wasn't successful. Reaching over from behind Law, Kizaru grabbed Law's hand again, once again forcing it open as Law choked in pain.
"No." Law found himself whispering as the Admiral approached. "Please, no."
He bit his lip to stop before any more pleading could escape his traitorous mouth as Akainu's face lightened at the fear and desperation in Law's voice.
He grinned as he pressed the hot blade against the stump on Law's hand, forcing another scream from Law's throat.
He could smell his skin burning. The smell igniting memories of ash, blood and a burning town.
Those memories chased him down into darkness.
xxx XXX xxx
Blood splattered the ground, staining the ground around Kikoku.
The same Kikoku, who had been found stabbed into the ground, impaling Law's phone. His signature fluffy hat had been left on top of her hilt, its normal white and spotted fur stained with blood and mud.
It made her look like a grave marker.
It didn't help that she was emitting such strong waves of bloodlust that no one dared go near to retrieve her.
Sabo had spent the rest of the night on the phone to various people trying to get answers as he scoured the surveillance camera footage, he was exhausted. But he had no time for sleep.
He had ordered Zoro and Luffy to take refuge in their NorthBlue safehouse with strict instructions to stay there quietly until Sabo had found out what was going on, before taking off to EastBlue and the remains of the mansion he had called his home for over ten years.
As he had left the northern house, he had grabbed his personal phone from his bed and shoved it into his pocket but since his work phone had barely left his ear in hours, he hadn't even looked at it.
Now as he stood there, looking down upon his friend's sword, he finally took out his phone as saw it.
Sabo had a missed call and voicemail.
It was from Law.
The call Sabo had ignored and shoved under his pillow had been from Law.
Sabo felt guilt seep through him, consuming all but one thought.
Law, Mr Stubborn Independence had tried to call him.
And Sabo hadn't answered.
Now the voicemail icon taunted him.
Sabo looked out over the ash dusted grounds, to the still smouldering ruins of the mansion. The mansion Luffy and the others had only left the day prior.
One day of delay, and his little brother could have been killed. Sabo looked back to the blood-soaked grass.
Or worse.
Nami had said that Robin had been taken, something that had been confirmed in an earlier conversation with his contact in the Marines. But Chopper also hadn't been seen in hours.
Sabo had a sinking feeling a lot of questions would be answered if he listened to Law's message.
Taking a deep, shuddering breath in, Sabo pressed the voicemail and raised the phone to his ear.
It was worse than he thought.
So much worse.
He heard footsteps behind him and wiped the moisture at his eyes as he turned to see a singed but otherwise unharmed Nami and Sanji.
"Robin has been taken by the marines. They intend to take her to Enis Lobby and execute her for past crimes." He stated, forcing his voice through despite the tightness in the back of his throat.
"What about Chopper? Law?" Sanji asked with a false calmness as he lit a cigarette.
"Chopper should be safe, Bepo hid him somewhere." Sabo responded, he gave a short whistle and heard a soft bark in response from deep within the nearby trees. Sabo smiled "This way" he encouraged the other two.
Soon they encounter Law's faithful dog, his large body curled around a sleeping Chopper. There were dried tear tracks, showing clearly through the ash on the child's face and Sabo felt guilt that he had been dragged into this.
Kneeling down, Sabo gave Bepo a good fuss, the dog looked at him sadly as he nuzzled his hand, careful not to move too much and wake his charge.
"I'm sorry Bepo, I promise you I will get him back." He muttered, trying to offer the dog some comfort.
"Torao was taken?" It was Nami who asked, worry in her tone.
"Yea, he was taken by the Marines, but I don't know where."
Sabo had three options.
Save Robin and abandon Law to torment and death.
Search for Law and leave Robin to be executed.
Or risk everything on a dangerous gamble to try and save them both.
His heart longed for the third option, but practicality was warring with it in his head.
As Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army his duty was clear. He should be focussing on rescuing Robin. A member of the Army, a trusted confident and the holder of a great many secrets. Her death was certain, as was the trap that was waiting for him.
But Law was like a brother to him, and there was no telling what either of the Kings would do if they got their hands on him. Death would no doubt be a mercy when it was eventually granted.
Nami and Sanji were both looking at him to guide them.
Decision made Sabo carefully picked up Chopper. The kid woke at the contact with a fearful gasp, eyes wide in fear before he and grabbed onto Sabo tightly, new tears falling down his round cheeks as he buried his face in Sabo's shoulder.
"He kept me safe Sabo, whatever you are planning, I want to help." Chopper's voice was soft, meant only for Sabo's ears.
"You are too smart for your own good Chopper."
"That compliment doesn't make me happy at all." Chopper responded solemnly. Sabo passed him to Sanji.
"Get Usopp and head to the NorthBlue safehouse. I need to talk to Luffy and I will need you with him."
Sanji and Nami nodded and headed off towards the teen's house. He was in for a shock, but Sabo hoped his shy courage would shine through.
Sabo returned to where Kikoku stood. "Now, what to do with you?"
A soft woof caused him to look over and he saw Bepo with Kikoku's large saya in his mouth, tail wagging gently.
"Thank you Bepo." Sabo gently took the large sheath and approached the sword.
Killing intent was rippling through the atmosphere, growing more intense as Sabo edged nearer to her. Every hair on his body was standing on edge and his scar ached. "I'm sorry I wasn't here."
A wave of anger lapped at him.
"I'm sorry they tried to use you to hurt him." Sabo continued, stepping closer.
The anger was fading, sadness and pain filtered through.
"I'm sorry he was taken from you."
Grief hit Sabo and he wasn't sure if it was his or hers. Tears, previously held back for the sake of appearances, now rolled freely down his cheeks.
"I'm sorry Kikoku. But I swear, I will get him back."
Sabo placed a hand on Law's hat, balanced on the pommel and felt the sword hiss. Actually hiss at him.
"Please. I want to save him, and I'll need your help to do it,"
A soft grumble followed; permission had been begrudgingly granted.
"Bepo" Sabo called and the Giant Pyranese trotted over. Sabo gently removed the hat from the pommel and gave it to the large dog to protect before placing a hand around Kikoku's hilt. A jolt of electricity burst through him, but Sabo didn't relinquish his grip, instead he tightened it, and pulled her from the ground.
Law's phone clattered as it fell, freed from the blade.
Cautiously, mindful of any slips, Sabo sheathed Kikoku in her Saya. Resting her on his shoulder as he had seen Law do, he was surprised to feel her warm weight shift to rest against his neck.
Crouching down he retrieved Law's phone, still within its protective yellow rubber case but with a large hole pierced through the middle of the screen.
With any luck the sim would be undamaged, and Sabo would still be able to recover data from the phone, although Law wouldn't have GPS on him this time to make recovery easy.
"I'll find him, I swear it." He spoke aloud, unsure if he was reassuring Kikoku, or himself.
xXx
Sabo had set up an encrypted video call with his brother that evening from one of the safehouses he had hidden around EastBlue. He could see Zoro, Franky Usopp, Nami, Chopper, Sanji and Kureha in the background of Luffy's call crowded around a small table in one of the underground rooms.
Kikoku was still propped against his shoulder, quiet for the moment, and Bepo was pressed against his other side, sleeping with his master's fluffy hat balanced between his ears.
"Oi, Sabo!" His brother shouted, down the mic. "Where's Robin and Torao? Why do you have his sword?"
"You don't need to shout Luffy." Sabo scolded, "there is a microphone." He drummed his fingers on the scabbard in his hands and directed his gaze downward while he got the words out. "Robin and Law were taken by the Marines. They conducted a raid on the house in the early hours of this morning led by two admirals and they were both captured."
Silence followed.
"Law had a call to me running when he was attacked, so I know some of what happened to him and Garp filled me in on the World Government's plans for Robin. But I will need you to make a decision." Sabo sighed, his heart heavy.
"I can go and save Robin before they execute her, but it will start a war between the Government and the Army and while we are fighting, the trail for Law will go cold. Or I can look for Law, start a fight with a King of the Underworld and leave Robin to face her death alone."
Sabo can see the heartbreak in his little brother's expression.
"I can't accept either of those Sabo."
Sabo smiled grimly "Neither can I Luffy, so I must offer you a choice. Are you willing to disobey the World Government and become a fugitive? Or will you help me decide which of these people we will save and bear that burden with me."
Luffy's gaze meet his through the camera and Sabo could hear the shocked inhales around him.
Sabo knew he wasn't being fair. It wasn't in Luffy to pick a life like this, and Sabo expected to be hated for doing this to his little brother. Ace would have beaten the shit out of him if he had heard Sabo manipulate Luffy like this.
"What do you have in mind?" Luffy's voice was solemn. Good, this was not a decision to take lightly.
"If you take Zoro, Sanji, Nami, Franky, Usopp and Chopper with you, I will leave retrieving Robin to you." Sabo could see hope bloom on Luffy's face, but Sabo had conditions." However, it is up to those people themselves if they are willing to join on this mission and I forbid you to go alone. I know you have all been running together around behind my back as the Strawhats for a while anyway, but this won't be playing around anymore. If the Government catches you, they will kill you. Your age won't save you anymore."
"Why us?" Zoro asked. "Why ask us to get Robin? Isn't she part of the Army?"
Sabo sighed "It is because she is part of the Army that it can't be me that gets her, it could be seen as the Revolutionary Army's declaration of war against the World Government. However, if you get her and claim her as part of your gang then we can avoid their scheme."
Sabo could see Usopp looking very uncomfortable with the discussion and decided to take mercy on the teen rather than put them all on the spot to declare their intent now. "I suggest you all go and sleep on this. If you proceed, I will be forced to separate you from the Army, you will be gang members and the Army won't be able to help you. I'll call again at 10am tomorrow, and I will need an answer."
Hearing the dismissal, the group rose and reached to disconnect the call. "One moment, I need to speak to Zoro and Kureha alone for a moment." One by one, he saw the group leave the room, with one last long look from Luffy before he too slipped out.
Alone with the doctor and bodyguard, Sabo let out the long, exhausted sigh he had been holding in.
"How bad is it that you don't want Luffy to hear? He is going to find out eventually." Zoro asked, perceptive as always.
"He will, but right now I can't afford to distract him, if he does go and rescue Robin then he will need all his attention on that." A pause. "Tell me honestly Zoro, has he gotten stronger since Mihawk?"
"Luffy? Or Law?"
"Luffy first. I know both you and Law have been training him. Do you think he is strong enough for this?" Sabo hoped he had guessed correctly.
"A funny question to ask when you have already given permission." Zoro raised an eyebrow before letting out a huff of laughter. "He is strong Sabo, he is almost as fast as Law with kenbunshoku and while he still only fights unarmed, his strength is formidable, I would be challenged if he fought seriously."
Warm fuzzy pride bubbled within Sabo and a smile found its way to his face.
"And as for Law?" Zoro continued, "Who knows with that guy, He plays his cards too close to his chest for me to have a read on him. He gets beaten by some low-level gang, then makes a mark on Mihawk while blind and injured. I don't think we have ever seen him fight to his full potential." There was a bitterness in Zoro's tone. His pride had taken a large hit when Mihawk had taken him down and the salt in the wound had been Law defending Luffy, his charge while Zoro lay hovering near death.
The smile faded from Sabo's face as Zoro spoke. "I found one of Law's secrets, but I will need it to stay between us three for now." Sabo hesitated; he was betraying a friend's trust. But if the enemy already knew a secret, it was foolish to hide it from allies. "Law is a D. A Powered D."
Kureha leaned forward, interest clear on her face. "Do we know what power?"
"Not for sure, I only heard him use it. But does the name Lily D. Water mean anything you?"
Zoro shrugged but Kureha's face lit up as she answered. "The D. Water family were loyal to the Emperor and, if you believe the rumours, their own private family of assassins. The family was attacked and slaughtered about six months before The Coup. Lily D. Water was rumoured to have survived but no one had seen her to confirm it. There was much muttering that her abandonment of her duty to the Emperor is the reason he fell. But from Law's age I can guess why she might not have been able to fight. Their family holds the elemental power of lightning."
Sabo nodded, that matched his guessing from seeing the flashes on the camera and hearing the thunder down the phone.
"He is in trouble, isn't he?" Zoro asked seriously. "Kikoku wouldn't consent to having you so close to her otherwise."
"I need you both to listen to something." Sabo brought out both his and Law's phones from his pocket, he could see Zoro's eye widen at the sight of Law's destroyed one, but Sabo didn't hesitate, he plugged his phone in and played the voicemail he had been left.
Hands folded in front of him, Sabo stared at them as he heard the nightmare play out once again. Bepo whined and pressed himself further against Sabo's leg and Sabo responded by reaching down and stroking his large flank numbly. Kikoku shook where she was resting, and he reached his other hand to steady her.
This time, Sabo took the time to listen closely, to hear what was going on around Law. Now that he knew Law's power was lightning, some of the sounds he was hearing made more sense.
Detached as he was trying to remain, nothing could stop him clenching his eyes closed as he tried to quell the shaking of his limbs when he heard Law's screams of pain.
He felt sick. He wanted to go to bed and wake up finding this long, horrible day had all been a dream.
"Sir! He has a call running." Shouted through the voicemail after Law had fallen ominously silent.
"Is that so? Overprotective Bro 2? Is that you, Chief of Staff Sabo?" Akainu's voice was gloating down the call. "Thank you for helping me find my errant Warlord, and Miss Nico as well of course. I hope you come to get them. I look forward to the excuse to finally wipe you vermin out." There was a crunch and the voicemail ended.
Silence stretched between the trio.
"I can see why you didn't want Luffy to hear that." It was Zoro who broke it.
Sabo let out a huff at Zoro's comment. "I have no doubt he would go and do something stupid. Much like I want to."
"I understand why you have asked Luffy to go after the World Government. I promise I will keep him safe, and we will save Robin." Zoro's voice was firm, determined, serious. It steadied Sabo and made him feel stronger about his decision despite the self-loathing still bubbling away deep within.
"Do you think all of your group will say yes?"
"I think Usopp is the only one who might say no. This might be too much for him. Nami maybe when she realises that leaving means she won't get paid anymore. You might have to offer her a large severance bonus to sweeten the deal.
Sabo smiled, genuinely this time. "I'll consider it."
xXx
The next morning, Kikoku once again resting against his side and Bepo curled up at his feet, Sabo nursed his third coffee while waiting for the video to pop up from Luffy's side with their decision.
He had no doubt of that his brother would want to do, but Sabo refused to let him go alone. He would rather ship him off to Garp to be indoctrinated into the World Government and become a Marine then let him face them alone and stand on the same execution platform they had had to endure seeing Ace on. He doubted Luffy would agree with that sentiment, but it was a brother's duty to stop siblings making stupid decisions. So far his track record wasn't great on that account, but persistence was key.
His laptop jingled with the oncoming call and Sabo felt his heart seize.
He heard a grumble from Kikoku as he calmed his heart and accepted the call. He never thought he would think it, but right now Sabo really hoped that his adopted baby brother was going to abandon his education to become a fugitive of the government. If only so Sabo didn't have to worry about breaking a promise to a vicious, sentient sword and could instead return her to her true owner.
The video loaded and Sabo could see Luffy sitting cross legged in the centre of the sofa flanked by Chopper and Nami with Sanji, Zoro and Franky looming behind, all looking solemn.
Usopp was missing and Luffy's face was marked by new bruises.
Sabo's heart sunk at the darkness in Luffy's eyes. It appeared as though his friend had bowed out of this fight and the discussion hadn't gone peacefully.
"Oh, morning Sabo. Us six, we are going after Robin." Luffy said roughly, without his usual carefree attitude. "You find Torao."
"I will." Sabo hesitated, drumming his fingers against his mug nervously. "Promise me you will all come back alive Luffy.
There was a solemn nod from the group surrounding Luffy and Sabo felt proud of his brother. Sabo had turned a blind eye to Luffy's increased activity over the years, from his small fight with the Black Cats to change Usopps home life to the takedown of Arlong. Recently, while Law had been visiting home and Sabo had been away there had been a major scuffle with the remnants of Crocodiles old group, Baroque Works, who had come looking for revenge. The fight had caused a rumbling in the underworld. Somewhere along the way, Sanji, Chopper and Franky had been dragged into fights and now it had even got to the point where the ever-sensible Nami was supporting them despite her hatred of gangs.
"I swear it, and I'll bring Robin back with me." Luffy declared, raising his straw hat from where it hung around his neck and placing it firmly on his head.
Sabo smiled.
The government wasn't going to know what hit them.
xxx XXX xxx
Fiddling with the Sora 'Warrior of the Sea' mask he had bought for Kaya on his way through the gift shop within the Sea Train terminal of NorthBlue, Usopp didn't know what to do.
He was back in EastBlue having just disembarked from the overnight train but rather than leave the station, he had sat on a nearby bench, unwilling to leave the station and return home, but also not confident enough to get back on the train to NorthBlue like nothing had happened.
He had fought Luffy, shouted words that he now regretted. Made declarations that had sounded right at the time but now felt hollow.
He had destroyed their friendship because he was scared. Scared of facing the World Government. Scared of giving up his life to become a gang member.
The mansion his friend had spent most of his teenage years in had been destroyed, burnt down. Robin and Law, both strong fighters, had been dragged away by the Marines. Of course Usopp was scared. He was right to be. If they could rip apart Luffy's life, what was to stop them from doing the same to his?
Usopp buried his head in his hands, holding back the sob that was trying to escape him and winced as his hand put pressure on his swollen nose where Luffy had punched him.
He took a shuddering breath and raised his head to look out over the track and flinched as he caught sight of someone that looked an awful lot like Robin.
But that couldn't be, his guilt-ridden mind was playing tricks on his.
Ussopp rubbed his eyes quickly before sneaking another look back over.
Holy shit, it was Robin, looking bruised but her stance remained strong.
"The next train to arrive on Platform 2 is a private military train. Do not board this train without proper authorisation. Trespassers will be apprehended and prosecuted." Was announced loudly over the PA system before being repeated several times for the less attentive passengers.
A small, sleek modern train pulled up to the platform Usopp was sitting it and he watched and Robin was guided aboard. She wasn't didn't appear to be bound but an unfamiliar black band encircled her neck.
A desire to save her warred with self-preservation inside Usopp as he watched her disappear through the train door.
This was it.
Now was the true test of Usopp, unofficial sniper of the Straw-Hat Gang's, courage.
He looked down again at the mask in his hand, before putting it on and running forward, sliding through the train doors seconds before they closed.
ooo OOO ooo
Omake
Chief of Coffee: Hey, you have a cursed sword right?
Avocado: Ye, y
Chief of Coffee: Has it ever hissed at you?
Avocado: Na
Chief of Coffee: Oh…
Avocado: But ive heard toraos do it
Chief of Coffee: At him?
Avocado: Ye
Chief of Coffee: Oh good, so its normal
Avocado: She cut him after
Sabo stared at his phone following Zoro's reply before glancing nervously at the sword resting next to his desk.
She almost felt, smug? Was it possible for a sword to be smug?
Probably as possible as it was for one to hiss.
The sword rumbled contently as he placed a nervous hand on her saya.
What the fuck had he got himself into?
Notes
Summary
Akainu gives three options, sell Law to the World Nobles, kill him there and then and blame it on the RevArmy or sell him to Kaido or Blackbeard. He goes for option 3 but Blackbeard has asked for a finger to prove that it is Law they have. Law loses his little finger from his left hand, and the wound is cauterised shut. Vergo recognises Kikoku as a cursed family sword and identifies Law's mother as Lily D. Water.
My brain: Remember that bit you put in at the end of last chapter of Sabo ignoring his phone
Me: Yea, it was meant to be amusing, to lighten the mood of an otherwise tense scene
My Brain: Right, Yea. But what if it was Law that was calling?
Me: You are evil. Let's do it.
If I had named any of the chapters I think I would have named this one 'Multiple Choice (But All the Options are Bad)'
Somehow, I've decided Kikoku has the personality of a cat. I'm not apologising…
I realised that I had made plot-holes so I have gone back and hopefully now smoothed them over, if something still seems weird please let me know.
Thank you sarge1130 for your review, your comments always leave me feeling happy :)