"Those fools braved Aqua Laguna to get here," said Kala. "They're determined if nothing else."

"Either that or they just lucky," said Jabez.

"I doubt it was luck that turned Burl into a punching bag," said Lily.

"Remember, we have permission to kill this time," Lael reminded them.

"But if we kill them, it will be over before we have any fun," said Silvernose.

On the courthouse roof, the other Dragon Riders began to explain to Hiccup the situation.

"The drawbridge?" Hiccup asked.

"Yeah," Astrid nodded. "The Eret Family is trying to get that under control right now. Once they bring it down, we should be able to get to the other side no problem."

"What a pain," said Ragnar. "She's right then. All we can do is wait."

"It wasn't for the fact that all of CP9 was standing guard I could easily sweep and grabbed her," said Hiccup.

Heather looked down at all nine of them; it was clear that they were determined to rescue her whether she wanted them to or not.

Eret still couldn't believe that she was acting like this. 'What's her deal? She must be hiding one hell of a secret.'

Spandam could easily see that things one is going exactly according to his master plan. "Hey, CP9! Here are your orders, kill the intruders but only engage them here at the Tower of Law."

Gunner rolled his eyes. "There are pirate categories on our front doorstep, and he wants us to stand there looking pretty."

'My life and my promotion are the most important things right now,' said Spandam. 'I have to be careful about this; if I let all my underling's runoff, who is going to protect me if something goes wrong?'

He then laughed directly at the Dragon Riders. "Stupid pirates! You may act tough, but you don't know what you're getting yourself into. Open your eyes; come on, you don't think that you can beat all of CP9, do you? And what about the Gates of Justice? You don't think you can open them, do you? Even then, if things go wrong, I have this…" He then pulled out the golden transponder snail for all to see. "…the golden transponder snail! Giving me the authority to issue a Buster Call!"

Heather's eyes widened upon seeing it. "A Buster Call?"

"Yes, that's right. I'm sure you remember its power well. After all, it did destroy your homeland 10 years ago. What was it, Draknar? It's hard to recall the name since it was wiped off the map."

"Heather's home?" said Chopper.

"That guy started to get on my nerves," said Ragnar through gritted teeth.

"Anything but that!" Heather pleaded. "I begging you."

Spandam sneered. "Oooh, begging for mercy, I like that. What's wrong? You don't want me to press this and annihilate all of your little friends with a Buster Call? Is that what you're saying?"

"You're insane; if you push that button do you have any clue what will happen?" said Heather.

"Of course I do; this button will eliminate any chance your friends possibly have of leaving this island alive. All it takes is one little press; it couldn't be more simple."

"If you think that you don't understand a thing!" Heather yelled.

"All those old memories coming back to you now?" Spandam sneered. "Let's see, maybe I should press it after all. It might be fun."

He laughed as he hovered his finger directly over the button, and Heather just stared with absolute fear.

"This isn't a joke!" She yelled at the top of her voice. "Stop it!"

Spandam expression quickly changed, and they glared at her.

"I'm the one who makes the demands here, wench," he reminded her.

"You say that Draknar was wiped off the map, but your map doesn't show the lives of the people who lived there," she said. "Your view of the world is so distant it's so twisted that you have lost sight of your humanity. There is a limit to how much you can sacrifice in the name of justice. A Buster Call is going too far; you can't use it anything but that."

Heather then began thinking back to 10 years ago, back to when she was just eight years old. Heather's childhood wasn't exactly filled with flowers, but it means she still had a home.

She usually spent almost alone reading archaeological books, but the children from the nearby village always picked on her. One day they tossed a tomato directly at her face while she was reading.

"All right, get her!"

"Nice throw!"

"Whoa!"

Heather turned in time for the tomato to hit her square on the face, much to the cheers of the children.

"Yeah, Bullseye!"

"Take that monster girl!"

"You're so creepy!"

"Monster! Monster!" they yelled at her repeatedly.

Heather merely stood up and waved her hand, creating several arms and hit the boy who threw the tomato on the head.

"Monster girl, hit me!" he said, crying.

She watched as the children ran away screaming and crying, no doubt back to their parents.

"You'll be sorry!"

Heather had absolutely no friends in the village, mostly due to the fact of the Devil Fruit powers, which everyone considered monstrous. However, she was quite used to it and merely wiped the tomato juice off her face and continued reading.

Then about 10 minutes later, the mother of one of the children approached her, looking quite angry.

"Hey, you!" she said. "My kids came home crying because you hit them on the head. What are you thinking acting like that? You stay away from them, you hear me?"

Heather turned her eyes and saw the two children hiding behind a tree sticking their tongues towards her. It was clear that they neglected to mention the fact that they were the ones who came towards her and the ones who started this mess. Of course, even if she did tell their mother, she wouldn't believe her.

"Don't you have anything to say for yourself? You really are a little monster, aren't you?"

Heather then closed her book and ran off.

"Hey! You come back here! I'm not done talking to you yet!"

It was evening when Heather returned to the village; she was making her way through the marketplace and watched the happy couple with their daughter.

"Mummy! Mummy! What are we having for dinner tonight?" the little girl asked.

"Well, what would you like?"

"Hmm, hmm, rice omelette?"

"You sure like rice omelette, huh?" her father laughed.

"Yep!" she nodded

"Then we'll pick up some eggs on the way home, okay," said her mother.

"Okay!"

Heather just watched them and couldn't help but feel jealous. Unlike the little girl, she didn't have a mother or father, her mother died when she was just a baby, and her father had gone away when she was about three years old, along with her older brother. She was staying with her father's sister and her family, but they treated her like a servant.

"So I am home so late," she said when she finally got home. "Hello? Is anyone there?"

However, the entire place was deserted, and on the table, she found a note.

To Heather,

Today as you must know, is my little girl's birthday, so the family is going out for a special dinner tonight. Just the three of us. We left some bread out on the table so you can eat that for dinner, don't be too greedy with the jam.

When you're done eating, and before we come back, I want you to do the dishes, scrub the floors, take the laundry inside and go straight to bed as soon as you finish with your chores.

Heather did everything that her aunt told her to do in the note, though while she was scrubbing the floor, she couldn't help but remember the little girl from earlier today. She wished with all her heart that she had a family just like that little girl that she realised she was crying.

However, instead of going straight to bed as her aunt ordered her to, she made her way to the library where all the archaeologists resided. It was located in the centre of the island was, in fact, a giant tree was so large it could be seen for hundreds of miles. She wanted to return the book that Professor Clover had given her.

Professor Clover saw her making her way up the path. "Oh, look. Here comes Heather. Seems like she's stopping by to return a book. Everyone gets in place quick!"

Heather reached the centre and opened the door, but it was pitch black inside.

"Hello?" she said as she stepped inside." Professor Clover? I finished the book you lent me."

She then jumped when she heard the sound of poppers being blown.

The archaeologists were the only ones who were nice to her, and so she always looked forward to going there to borrow some books.

"One… two…" said Professor Clover.

The lights then switched on, and archaeologists were standing around a massive table with a massive cake sitting upon it.

"…Congratulations, Heather!" they yelled.

"You're amazing, Heather! A real genius!"

"We got a cake for you, by the way!"

Heather was just stunned, wondering what all this was about.

"Heather, the doctoral examine you took the other day, you passed with a perfect score," said Professor Clover. "But this day forward, you are an official archaeologist, and since you're one of us now, we can all work on our research together starting today."

Heather smiled as Professor Clover handed her a badge.

"Here, this proves that you're a scholar," he said, sticking it onto her shirt. "Wear it with pride."

"It looks great on you, Heather."

"We're so proud."

Professoressor Clover then cleaned his throat. "Now listen up; you must understand what it means to be a Draknar archaeologist."

"Right," Heather nodded. "I'm ready to learn."

"Our knowledge, in particular, comes from the past, and this library is known as the Tree of Knowledge, which has stood for over 5000 years, collecting countless documents and literature from every corner of the world. This is a treasure for all of humanity to share and cherish for future generations. As the world's largest library, knowledge is our pride and joy. Under the branches of this tree, the finest archaeologists from every sea have gathered. With this vast wealth of information at our disposal, there is no historical mystery that cannot be solved. Are you ready to join us?"

"Yes, sir," Heather nodded excitedly.

"In that case, I look forward to seeing your research take form and watching all the contributions you will make to the world," he said, rubbing her head.

"Professor, what I would really like is to find out what happened in the Blank Century," she said.

Professor Clover's eyes widened. "No, you can't! I strictly forbid it just as I always have!"

Heather looked at him, confused. "I don't get it? If we want to solve the mysteries of the world, should we study the Runeglyphs to find out what happened back then?"

"What? How do you know about all that? Did you use your powers to peak on us in the basement?"

Heather moved awkwardly because that's exactly what she had done. "I just—"

"Any attempt to decipher or study the Runeglyphs is considered a criminal act by the World Government."

"I see, so that's why you don't tell anybody," she said. "That's why you study them in the basement at night."

Professor Clover's eyes widened. "You were spying on us? So how much do you know, this is a very serious matter we're dealing with here. Explain yourself, Heather."

"I know it's bad, but even if I ask nicely, you still wouldn't let me join you," she said. "That's why I studied so hard to become an archaeologist, because I four then you would finally treat me like everyone else. I just wanted to learn."

"Heather," an archaeologist sighed.

Professor Clover bent down and placed his hands on her shoulders. "I know this is hard; you studied with all your heart and deserve to be called a scholar as much as anyone else here. However, you're also still a child. If word gets out, then every one of us could be put to death; as harsh that may sound, it's something we're willing to accept. Since this became the law of the world 800 years ago, countless scholars have lost their lives as many as there are stars in the sky.

"But we can't stop now, and I'll tell you why. Of all the scholars, whoever tried to decipher the ancient texts, we of Draknar are the only ones who have met with any success. For us, there is no turning back. I swear upon the Tree of Knowledge if you ever come close to the basement again, you will be forbidden from entering the library or conducting research with us. You understand?"

Heather burst into tears and ran outside.

"Heather!" an archaeologist yelled, and then she looked at Professor Clover. "I hate to say this, especially now, but she's just like her father."

"It's only a matter of time before she uncovers that secret, too," Professor Clover agreed. "Her father Oswald was only captured by Marines a few days ago, but it's already clear what fate awaits him."

The following day, Heather was walking down the beach, still very much upset about what happened last night. It was then that she came across a giant washed up on the shore like a beached whale.

Curiously she made her way over towards the giant to see whether he was still alive or not. His body was badly bruised, though what could harm a giant like this, she had no idea.

"Whoa," she said.

Then suddenly, the giant began to move, indicating that he was still very much alive. He began coughing something fierce, creating a small sandstorm, and she quickly backed away from him. He then roared directly in her face blowing away the sand.

He only stopped when he realised that Heather was standing in front of him and then collapsed.

"W-water," he said.

"Water?" Heather blinked.

She led him to the nearest river, and he immediately began drinking down as much water as he possibly could.

"Perfect," he said and then leaned back, knocking down several trees in the process. "Guess I'm still alive after all. I just wonder if he's okay too."

He then turned his eyes towards Heather. "Anyhow, thank you for your help, but I've got to ask, is there a town or village somewhere around here?"

Heather nodded.

"That's a shame," he said. "I suppose beggars can't be choosers, but a deserted island would have been nice, you know."

He then sat back up and hobbled his way towards some tall mountains next to the river. Probably to hide himself from any passersby who might show up while he healed. Heather just stared at him on a hill looking at him curiously.

"You can stare you want; that ain't nothing going to happen," he said. "As you can see, I hurt my leg, so I'm staying put. At least for the time being. After I feel little better, I'll build a rattled something to get me out of here."

Heather just continued standing there in silence.

"This is your first time seeing a giant, Missy?" he assumed.

"Yeah," she nodded.

"I'll tell you one thing, I may be as big as those guys Jotunheim, but I'm sure as hell not mean. Just assures their warlike giants there are peaceful ones too."

"Huh?" said Heather curiously.

"I know this is a long shot, but I've got to ask anyway. When you get home, you think maybe you could… hmm, not tell anyone that a giant washed up on the beach?"

"Okay, sure," Heather promised.

The giant merely sighed. "Well, that was too easy. Of course, you're going to tell people."

"I said I wouldn't."

"Yeah, you're telling a fib. Ain't no way that a kid can keep a secret this big."

"Don't worry about it; I'm not really interested in you."

The giant just stared at her and began laughing; it was a strange kind of laugh.

"What does that mean?" Heather asked, tilting her head slightly.

"It don't mean a darn thing," said the giant as if his side were going to split at any moment. "I'm just laughing."

"That's the way you laugh?" Heather blinked.

"You sure are a funny little girl," he said, continuing to laugh.

Heather then soon found herself laughing. "You're the only one."

"I've got to admit, in all my life, people have been telling me my lap is silly, but you, you're pretty cute when you laugh. You should read more, can I say."

Immediately stopped and began blushing bright pink.

"Anyhow, I go by the name of Saul… Saul D Juguar if you like."

"D?" Heather blinked.

"Yeah, I don't know much what it means, but from what I hear, every one of my family has it for their middle name. Anyways, what about you?"

"My name is Heather."

"I see; well, truth is, Heather, some guys are chasing me down right now. So if someone finds me, I'm in trouble."

"I said I wouldn't tell."

Heather had been in spending the past three days with Saul providing him with some food. Saul ate the loaf of bread she got for him in one gulp.

"Good," he said.

"Here's another one," said Heather Place, a noble loaf of bread on his finger.

He lifted up and then began to laugh before handing it back to Heather. "Mighty kind of you, Heather, but you go ahead and take this one. My stomach is pretty full as it is; as you can see, I caught a real whopper last night."

Saul wasn't joking as a skeleton of a very large Sea King was on the beach, and Heather nodded, seeing his point.

"Well, I better get back to work on that draft," he said as he got to his feet. "Should be done pretty soon at this rate."

Heather began eating the loaf of bread as Saul began pulling trees out of the ground to use the building of his raft.

"I don't mean to pry, but it seems like you have an awful lot of time on your hands," Saul noted as he began removing the branches on the tree trunk. "Not that I don't like your company, but you've been sticking with me for days now. Ain't your parents or friends going to get suspicious?"

"I don't have any parents, actually I do have a father, but he set sail for work years ago and never came back. I don't even remember his face," she said solemnly. "I'm sort of friends with the archaeologists around here, but they won't let me join in on their research, so I don't know any more. The other kids say I'm creepy, so even if I wanted to play with them, I don't think that they will let me."

She then demonstrated a passerby waving her arm, and several arms appeared on Saul's arm.

"Ah, so you have Devil Fruit powers, huh?" said Saul.

Heather stared at him in surprise because whenever she showed off her powers, people would back away in fear. "You aren't scared of me?"

"I used to sail all over the Grand Line back in the day," Saul explained. "I've seen plenty of folks with powers tons scarier than yours. Do you be honest, I'm kind of jealous of your little arm thing. It looks pretty handy!"

He then burst out laughing at his own joke, and Heather couldn't help but join in.

"That lap of yours is really weird," she said.

"It doesn't matter if your lap is weird; all that really matters is when you laugh all of a sudden, your problems disappear."

"Why?"

"What do you mean why? Everyone knows that you laugh when you're having fun, right? So if you're not having fun, all you need to do with lap and everything will work out just fine. You're just a kid, but it sounds like you're having a tough time. When you're feeling down, just laugh. There's nothing that a good laugh can't fix."

"It seems awfully silly to laugh when you're sad."

"Don't knock it until you try it, here…" he said and then burst out laughing. "Do it just like that, and I bet you'll feel better in a flash."

Heather wasn't so sure, but she gave it a try.

"Not bad," said Saul. "Now with more gusto."

He then laughed once more, and Heather mimicked him.

"Now that's more like it!"

The two of them and began laughing.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to anyone, a Navy ship was approaching the island. However, there weren't any Marines on board this ship. Rather was under the command of Government agents.

"This is Navy headquarters here," said a Marine on the transponder snail. "Once again, we are hoping to speak to Chief Spandine."

"You heard him, Chief," said the agent holding receiver. "What now?"

"Ignore them; they probably just want a staters report," said Spandine dismissively. "We'll contact them once we see the shore; that's good enough. Draknar or whatever the name is… why are they wasting my time making me track all the way out here to the West Blue, huh? Let's get this over with and then get the hell out of this dump."

On the fourth night since Heather encountered Saul, a Navy ship anchored off near the coast, and a lone person began making his way to shore.