Disclaimer: I do not ownOne Piece or it's characters; that right belongs to Eiichiro Oda. Nor do I own Inuyasha or its characters; that right belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.
Standing on the deck of his sub, Trafalgar Law looked over the quiet, yet foggy docks of the small island city. His face a blank mask, as his dark eyes seemed to search for something. When he was unable to spot it, he let out an annoyed tsk and turned to face his crew with narrowed eyes.
Letting his gaze slide over each person, until they landed on Bepo, before giving a barely perceptible nod of his head. Only to watch them quickly and silently leave. They had a mission to accomplish. One that had them seemingly running from port to port in the New World.
Flexing his hands, brought the sound of paper crumpling to his ears and making him sop and lift it to examine once again. It looked like an ordinary piece of paper to the untrained eye. But the moment he had seen it, as the delivery bird dropped it off on his ship, he what it was, vivre paper. And a rather large piece of it too.
As he stared at the offensive thing, it fluttered and shifted in his hand while being held tightly. They were telling him that whoever it belonged to was on the move and in this city, based on the intensity of the movement. Curling his lips in disgust, he turned to face the fog-covered city once more. Wondering just who this mystery person was and what they wanted from his crew, or rather specifically him.
Once more, the vivre paper fluttered again, making him look at it once more and seeing the quickly scratched markings, that barely passed as handwriting on it. It was noted that they had cryptically told him to come to this port at an ungodly hour. But after six months of going from the port after port after entering the New World. He had been a bit unsettled by it, which wasn't easy to do.
He was taking a piece of paper and un-crumpling it. He let his dark eyes scanned over the chicken scratch on it, re-reading it yet again. Until he got to the part that had so unsettled him, now that he was alone, Law mouthed the words quietly; You'll meet me there, bearer of the initial D. It had caused an emotion he did not often feel too well up inside him. Even now, looking at it made his stomach bottom out, mind and heart race, as fear swept through his entire being.
Only a few people were privy to that information. More so since he had become a member of the notorious DonQuixote family. Though his reasons were for revenge, somehow, this person knew of his real name and thus lineage. Pressing his lips into a thin line, Trafalgar shoved the piece of paper into his pants pocket. Then quickly made his way down into the sub, to await word from his crew that they've made contact with this person who'd been leading them around for six and a half months, via notes left either at ports or directly delivered to him on his ship.
Keeping the hood of her inky black cloak pulled over her head and upper face. Kagome looked down at her hand as it shifted through the soft yet coarse fur of her companion. A white dog, whose head reached her shoulder as it sat next to her. It's yellow-amber eyes boring into her own as it stared at her rather intently.
"Your nerves are showing Lady Kagome." a deep baritone voice echoed in her mind.
Giving a soft sigh as she lifted her gaze back up and out into the fog-covered streets of the small port city. Still letting her fingers run through her companion's fur. After a few seconds, she spoke in a whisper, "Just a bit Sehomaru, just a bit. But I'm going to follow through. It is the easiest means to an end for me."
Her words earned a low bark that sounded like a chuckle, before that baritone voice spoke in her mind once more, "I will comply with you on this Lady Kagome. But do remember I am completely against this idea of yours. And if need be for your safety and to keep our secret hidden, I will annihilate all involved. It is my duty to protect you and that treasure you carry."
Kagome felt a shiver run down her spine at those words, as her mind brought back images of the last time had gone wrong, "I understand, but do try to keep your coat from getting soaked with blood. It's a pain to clean with how big you are." Her voice a soft teasing whisper.
Her words earned a low growl of mock annoyance. Smiling gently, Kagome felt her senses come alive as people began to pour into the streets from other alleys. Taking a breath, she accessed a bit of her power; she was able to see many auras. All of which told her they were looking for something or preferably someone. The smile vanished from her face as she withdrew her hand from her companion's fur.
Without speaking, Kagome slunk back into the shadows, pulling them around her like a shroud. Once she was satisfied, Kagome made her way towards the port. She was not bothering to wait for her companion, as he would automatically follow her. As they traveled, neither made a singular noise. The whole time they made their way to the docks, Kagome's mind wondered what the reason for sending out his entire crew. And to look for her no less. Not that it mattered anyway since it made getting to her target that much easier.
Quickly the two avoided every crew member of the Hearts Pirates and made it to the docks in a timely manner. Where the sharp bite of salt in the air hit her senses. Causing Kagome to inhale it, relishing in the tang as the salt in the air hit her tongue. She was letting out a contented sigh until her senses picked up movement, not too far away.
Quickly Kagome pressed her body against the weathered planking of one of the dock storehouses. Knowing Sehomaru would follow suit. Adjusting the shadows further around them, Kagome saw who was moving about. Staying very well hidden as a small smile curved her lips as an idea came to her mind. Bending down, running her hands over the cobbled stone docks, she found a loose piece of the cobblestone. Grasping it, she stood up and tossed it only a few feet from her hiding spot.
Her eyes were lighting up as it did what she'd hoped it would do. The crew member that had been moving or 'hiding' made their way to where the stone had stopped. Lifting her hand and signaling her companion to stay put, Kagome felt the smile widen on her face. Since what she saw was a seven and a half foot tall polar bear-man wearing a neon orange jumpsuit and dark brown boots appear.
Dark glee shone in her eyes as the bear-man turned to look suspiciously where they were hiding — taking a few steps forward, letting the shadows slide off her like they were a living entity. Noting how it's, no, his posture stiffened, readying for battle should she attack.
Kagome kept walking until she was barely an arm's length from him, before coming to a halt. Slowly she lifted her hand, grasping the edge of her hood and pulling it up, until her face was visible, including some of her black bangs that brushed her forehead. Tilting her head up so she could look into his eyes, she gathered her Reiki to her and let it quickly filled her eyes before pushing it out and into the bear man. Causing the bear-man's body to go limp, but not fall.
"Tell me your name, Mister Bear!" Kagome practically cooed in excitement.
"My name... is Bepo." Was all he replied.
Holding back a squeal of delight, Kagome continued questioning him, "So, what were you doing, hiding out here on the docks?" Making her voice soft and innocent like a child's, which earned her a derisive snort from her companion who had come to sit by her, still swathed in shadows.
"I was asked by the captain to stay on the docks. To see if the mystery person would come directly here. And access if they were a viable threat. If so, I will do my best to eliminate them." Bepo stated matter of factly.
Raising an eyebrow at his choice of words, before pressing her lips into a thin line. "Oh, I guess it's better safe than sorry, huh." She muttered darkly as humor-laced her voice, "So can and will you take me to your captain. Pretty please. I am not a threat, right?"
Silence met her words before Bepo turned and started to walk towards the submarine. As he walked, he gave Kagome his response, "This way Miss. You're sweet and nice to talk to. Most are scared when they see me the first time. So it's a pleasure to escort you. Besides, I'm sure the captain won't mind, as I think he wants to talk to you too."
Widening her eyes in surprise, Kagome smothered a giggle at Bepo's words. Though she followed him, once again, masking any sounds or scents, on top of pulling the shadows back around her, so even if Bepo looked behind him, he wouldn't see her or her companion. Her eyes were riveted to Bepo's ears, wondering what they'd feel like if she rubbed them — all the while rubbing her fingers together as if they itched.
"Your fetish is showing Lady Kagome." Sehomaru's voice said softly in her mind, causing Kagome to squeak and look embarrassed.
Without stopping, Bepo lead them down onto the deck of the sub, then down into its belly. Not once stopping as he turned corners, walking through open hatchways, before coming to a stop in front of a large steel door. Lifting a paw, he gave three quick raps, before letting his paw drop back down and standing lax, as if he didn't have a care in the world.
It wasn't long before a rich baritone voice, sounding annoyed and despondent, told them to enter. At that, Bepo grasped the handle and spun it before opening the hatch doorway with a push. Peeking around Bepo, Kagome saw a lanky looking man sitting behind a darkly stained wood desk that was firmly bolted to the floor. His uneven, shaggy black hair, falling over his neck as he looked down at something on his desk.
As the silence continued to fill the space between them, the man eventually lifted his eyes to look at Bepo with a piercing gaze as he stood there in the doorway. Still watching from behind Bepo, Kagome saw the man scowl, furrowing the skin between his eyes.
"Enter Bepo. You know you don't have to wait for permission to enter." The man said, leaning back in the chair, revealing a black shit with a white Hearts Pirates logo. "So, what do you need, Bepo?"
Placing her hand on Bepo's back, she willed him to step into the room and to the right, which he did leave the view of the hallway open to the man's eyes. Kagome noted he only flicked them to the doorway briefly before giving his full attention back to Bepo.
Her and Sehomaru, were hidden by the shadows, so when his gaze didn't linger on the doorway. They both continued to watch the man's reaction. When concern for the bear-man started to fill his eyes. Kagome smiled warmly, at least until he pushed his chair back.
As the man stood up, he spoke in a soft voice, showing his concern for his crew member, "Bepo, what's going on? Are you okay?"
Narrowing her eyes as a low growl filled the room. She was causing the man to stand entirely still where he stood. Kagome took that as her que, stepping into the room. Once more, let the shadows slide from her as if they were a living thing. They were revealing her to the man, who turned those dark eyes on her, causing a small tremor at the base of her neck — making her think of the first time she had another person give her that look. Already knowing Sehomaru was in the room and off to her side, a few feet in front of her.
"Bepo is just fine, Captain of the Hearts Pirates, Trafalgar D. Water Law. He is just in a sort of trance at the moment. Right now, he can't or see us, and he won't remember anything from the moment he first saw me after he is released from it." she said, her voice low and humorless.
As she spoke, she observed him. At her sudden appearance, he didn't even react, except to focus on her. The concern he had shown for the bear-man gone completely. His mask a professional mask of blank neutrality. Even his eyes showed nothing, causing a small smile that was more smirk to appear on Kagomes lips.
In the silent room, they seemed to just stare at each other, sizing the other up. And it was broken when Trafalgar spoke, his voice a monotone, giving nothing away, "You must be the person who has been plaguing us for the past six months. Tell me exactly what your intentions are. As well as how you've avoided all my other crew members to make it to the docks."
Though his voice was monotonous, the way he spoke was commanding her as if she was one of his men. Keeping her eyes locked on his gaze, she saw the shift in his aura, that told of his irritation and slight amusement at her actions. Keeping her head tilted just right, so her blue eyes shone through her bangs as she looked up at him. Since he easily towered over her five feet four inches.
Taking her time as she chooses her words with care, and delivering them with a slightly mocking tone, to see if he would react. "Well, my intentions are pure, if not a bit selfish. But mutually beneficial for both of us. A give and take if you will. I need something from you that only you can give me as for the why and how it is neither here nor there at the moment. So please listen closely to what I am offering you. And not act like a pompous prick like Doflamingo and those at the Naval HeadQuarters, or even worse, Marie Joles."
Her words brought a result, but one that wasn't entirely expected as she watched his hand shootout for the ridiculously long sword leaning next to him. Immediately Kagome went into action, summoning her Reiki once more before directing it to wrap around Trafalgar like an invisible blanket. So he couldn't use his Devil fruit power, as she dropped the shadows from Sehomaru.
Who, when he appeared, was already crouching to pounce on Trafalgar, hackles raised as a threatening snarl escaped from his open and fanged mouth — causing Trafalgar to stop slack-jawed in shock for a few seconds. Before replacing his mask and removing his hand from the sword handle and standing up straight once more.
Watching him more carefully, Kagome saw parts of his thoughts flicker through his aura. Before allowing herself to relax visibly. Then take a deep breath, she spoke once more, "I would suggest that you don't do that or any other actions that might be considered threatening to me. And don't bother trying to use your Op-op devil fruit power, it won't work as I have it sealed currently. If you don't believe me, give a go."
He was keeping her gaze on him as she watched him make his choice. He flung his hand out, saying room, only to look confused when nothing happened. She watched him do it two more times before he turned his dark gaze back her with barely contained fury. But not once did his blank mask break and showed that rage on his face, though by the third time of calling out to activate the power of the fruit, she had heard the thread of panic in his voice.
"What the hell did you do to me? There is no known way other than Sea Prism Stone that can block a Devil fruit users power. Just who are you? Also, call the mutt off." He snapped, that rage showing in his voice with the panic.
As he spoke, Kagome just silently watched, letting him vent. Until his last words, when she flinched, cause they caused Sehomaru to snarl and snap his teeth as he got up and stalked towards Trafalgar. His intent was clear to harm if not outright kill him.
"I would suggest you apologize to him, Trafalgar. He doesn't take insults very well." She said as she turned her attention to Sehomaru, "And you will stop right there. He is not yours to kill. I need him."
Keeping her eyes trained on Sehomaru, she caught a flash of disbelief on Trafalgar's face before it went blank again. When Sehomaru didn't stop, Kagome let out an annoyed growl herself, before raising her hand and slashing her finger — causing Sehomaru to yelp in pain, before laying down on the floor, as her Reiki wrapped around him like chains.
When yellow-amber eyes met her blue ones, his voice echoed in her head, "Refrain from that Lady Kagome. It hurts, as you know. This one wasn't going to hurt him... much."
She was blinking her eyes rapidly, before shaking her head at what he said to her — then turning her attention back to the rooms another male occupant, to see his dark gaze assessing her — narrowing her own eyes, as a frown formed on her face. "I believe I told you to apologize. Otherwise, I will allow him to make a flipping chew toy out of your darned leg."
At her words and severe tone, Trafalgar face registered shock and surprise. Then turning to look at Sehomaru, spoke, "I am sorry... for calling you a mutt."
Frown still in place as she watched it all, noting there was no remorse in Trafalgar's voice, more a mocking tone. She saw the slight shake of his head as he turned back to look at her once more. Raising an eyebrow, Kagome took in a slow breath before speaking in a now utterly neutral voice, "My patience is thin, my mood ruined. Even though I came in good faith and peace earlier, let's just get this over with agreed."
When he responded with a nod of his head before sitting back down in his chair, Kagome watched as he pulled it closer to the desk, so he could rest his elbows on it, and steeples his fingers. While watching her over them, his manner showing patience, his aura belied. Letting out a rather exaggerate breath, Kagome just stared back while shifting her weight from one foot to the other. Finally, dropping her raised a hand and withdrawing her Reiki from Sehomaru, effectively releasing him.
"You Trafalgar D. Water Law have in your possession, something that can help me much. As well as a ship that can hide me away from prying eyes, always trying to find me. And before you ask the redundant question, the answer is both yes and no. Yes, to the degree that I am wanted, but in the sense that I am a criminal. Hence the no part. I"m wanted for my abilities, one of which is being used on you right now." she kept her voice low and as neutral as possible. But the venom that crept unbidden at talking about being wanted came to anyways
Going silent, Kagome stared at Trafalgar law, giving him the option to speak now or let her continue.
He kept silent as he kept his eyes trained on the strange woman. Not like her at all in the least, but he did take the time to think about what she said through, wondering just what she wanted from him, besides her stated need to hide on his ship. Finally, as the silence became a pregnant pause, he broke it, "How do you think I can help you. Let alone me willingly helping to hide you on my ship. Especially after you have led us around for months from port to port via notes, put a crew member into a weird trance, invaded my ship using said crew member. Then having the audacity of being rude to ask such things of me, after doing whatever you're doing and your pet attempting to attack me. Now before I reject your for stated, do amuse me and tell me what you were willing to offer me in this farce of a trade." he let his disdain and anger show in his voice, as it came out dark and humorless.
The whole time he was speaking, not caring if he was pissing her off, he just saw the woman raise her other eyebrow upon her forehead, as she just continued to stare back at him. Seeing how her mind was working to formulate the words she wanted to say — letting the silence fills the office once more while he seethed internally, as he kept all of his five senses on high alert.
As time passed, his eyes pinning the woman to her spot. Trafalgar let himself take in any details he could. She was on the shorter side, had black colored hair, from how well it blended into the inky black hood and cloak she was wearing. From his now seated position, he could see her face more clearly. Her skin was pale and stretched over a fine and delicate bone structure, giving her the appearance of a girl no more than sixteen to eighteen years of age. But what caught his attention the most was her eyes. They were a unique dark shade of blue, that would put sapphires to shame. They were dark in color, yet bright at the same time as if an inner light shone through them. They also held a lot of weariness, as one would see in an older person. Telling him that she life hasn't been that easy.
Trafalgar was broken from his thoughts by a polite cough. Making him harden his glare at her, only to see a small smile twitched at the corners of her mouth, cause she caught him staring at her. After a second or two, her face went blank, and she spoke in a severe tone of voice, "Simply put knowledge. About anything and everything you could think to ask, including the blank era of your history. Knowledge about my abilities, not just the one I am using to neutralize your devil fruit, but all of them. Also...my body... for you to do experiments on. Don't worry; I will go through whatever you do. I just want you to remove my heart and what's in it for three to four months."
Leaning back in his chair, Trafalgar kept his face blank as he withdrew into himself to process her words. What she offered was right up his alley. Any and all knowledge was useful since it was sort of his specialty. But one the blank era, and odd if not unique abilities, which got his attention. If he were any other person receiving this offer, he would be drooling like an idiot. But the fact that she offered her body to him, to perform his experiments when he was widely known for the end and cruelty, that made him pause.
With a deep breath, he spoke, his mind settling on the last part since it wasn't every day someone offered that. And all she wanted was to be hidden on his submarine and her heart taken out for that duration. It left him a bit suspicious that it was a way to good to be true. "Tell me, why are you giving me the better end of the bargain... Woman." his words being bitten out as if being forced.
Not once did she react, except to scowl at him, when he called her woman. While pain flashed in her eyes, a deep echo of times past. Letting him know she didn't like it, and it reminded her of some memory of her past. Causing his lip quirk, before the overgrown white dog, gave a small whimper of worry at the pain in her eyes before she hid it.
"Because, Trafalgar D. Water Law, I have absolutely nothing to lose by it. And I know it will help you in the future, with your plans of revenge." She said, as if it was common knowledge, even if her voice wasn't above a whisper.
He was going very still in his seat at her words. There was no subtlety to them; she bluntly put it before him, that she knew of his plans to rebel against Doflamingo. Though he didn't know how much she knew, he let his gaze slid to her companion. "Do I get to think this through before I reject it? You present me with a great choice, that is very tempting since it benefits me more than you." He said, his voice coming out in a whisper.
Falling silent as he saw a sweet and very innocent smile curve her pink lips, lighting up her face and making those blue eyes glow brighter than was possible. "Of course! I will be back again this time tomorrow. You can have your crew here or out and about again. Either way, they won't find me, and I know the route to your office now." she said, a bit of laughter in her voice as if she was teasing him.
Raising both eyebrows at her words, knowing they were right after how she just appeared out of nowhere without a sound. Giving her a nod of assent, already plotting what he was going to do, as she sighed, turned and started to leave his office with being dismissed. The large white dog was getting up and following her, making him feel relieved that they were just going to go. Trafalgar took note that it made no noise in its passage towards the woman.
Keeping watch of the duo, as they started to leave, Trafalgar saw the woman paused in mid-step over the hatch door well. Only to turn her head partially so he could make out a sliver of her pale skin, as she looked at him. "It's Kagome, by the way. Not woman, but Ka-Go-Me." then turning to face forward and into the hall. Where both of them just vanished from his line of sight, as if they had never been there.
He was taking a few seconds to collect himself, as he just stared at the empty hatchway. "Uh captain, uh, did something happen? Sorry if I'm disturbing you." Bepo's voice broke through his thoughts.
He was giving a shake of his head, before focusing his attention on his crew member and friend and then speaking slowly, "No, not at all Bepo. In fact, you did an outstanding job. Go and radio everyone to come back and rest."
Watching at Bepo scratched his head, nodding. Though very confused, he turned and left to do as he was told. AS soon as the office was closed, Trafalgar lets a smile appear on his face. A smile filled with dark sadistic pleasure that made any saw it cringe and fill with fear. For it was his smile that promised no good for the person he was thinking about.
"Kagome, huh? We shall see how things go, and I think I might take you up on your offer. For you'll hate crossing me and messing with my crew." He whispered before letting a cruel, dark laugh escape him.
TBC!