PART SEVEN: Callisto
During the brief gasp of time that occurred after sunset had faded into twilight and just before dusk had settled in, Zoro watched passively from the deck of the Navy's hospital ship as the marines finished setting up medical tents along the beach to care for the wounded. Chopper hadn't let him walk six feet before he had nearly tackled him and ordered him to remain still as he tended to the numerous gruesome injuries he had acquired and then rest until he got back. Not long after he had diligently returned to redress the bandages.
"It looks like you went to battle with a shark while halfway down its throat." The tiny reindeer fussed as he swabbed and redressed the young man's cuts.
"None on the back…" Chopper commented as he finished binding the gash Lady Rook had bestowed upon him. "…just like last time."
Zoro nodded silently. Wounds on the back were, after all, a swordsman shame.
"How are the others?" He asked as Chopper shut his bag.
"I helped the Marine Doctor remove that fragment of metal from Smoker's chest. He'll be all right. Luffy's knuckles are a bloody pulp, but that's nothing new. Tashigi suffered a few nasty slices of her own but compared to how you turned out she's as fresh as a daisy. Speaking of which, I can't believe I didn't recognize her scent back on the ship. I knew it was someone we had met before."
"How many dead?" Zoro asked in a tone that was neither overly concerned or very curious.
Chopper sighed. Zoro knew the tiny doctor had spent time walking up and down the beach with the marines, checking the bodies, searching in vain for any possible survivors.
"I didn't get a count, but it's a lot. Too many. More than I've seen in any one place, including Alabasta."
Zoro nodded. He had been counting as he limped to the ship but decided not to share the total with anyone. Even though they had triumphed, too many had died for it to be considered a victory. One day he would record the number for history, but for now, it was a secret pain he wanted to be the only one to have to shoulder.
After the Marines had seen to their wounded, they began collecting the bodies of the dead and loading them onto the ship. Likewise had the Black Clover Pirates tended to their own as well.
Only six Chess Piece pirates had been captured alive, including Rameses and Lady Rook. All the other bodies of their enemies had been stacked on the far end of the beach and burned upon the rocks.
"You found us much quicker than we expected you to," Zoro muttered as he lay back down on the marine cot to stare at the purple-blue sky.
Chopper chuckled. "We should have known you two wouldn't have left us completely in the dark. Very clever of Sanji to put that note about Marion with the island's coordinates at the very bottom of the last meal he had packaged. Fortunately, Luffy inhaled most of the food during the first couple of hours."
"It was the only way we could think to safely do it," Zoro admitted. "We knew it wouldn't keep for three days, but we needed a decent head start."
The miniature reindeer wiped his brow with a tiny hoof.
"By the time we reached the island it had already revolved in a half-circle. We spotted the Kraken's Fang and the Navy ship trading shots with the Chess Piece Pirate's ship and decided to help them. That cost us a little time, but once the pirates saw it was three on one, they took off, completely abandoning the rest of their crew on the island."
Chopper sat down next to Zoro and gazed at the beach, watching as the Marines and Black Clover Pirates mingled on the sand, exchanging water and supplies. There was no hostility anywhere.
"Isn't it weird?" The reindeer asked. "Here we are, Straw Hats and Black Clovers, two infamous Pirate gangs, and we're breaking bread with the Navy like we're all friends."
"It won't last much longer," Zoro predicted as he rubbed at his eyes. "Now that the mutual enemy has been eliminated, any remaining goodwill will run out twice as fast."
"Probably…" Chopper admitted. "But for now, can't we just enjoy it?"
"Sure," Zoro smirked as he shut his eyes, ready for a well-deserved nap.
Tashigi chose that moment to walk across the deck and tap his shoulder. He cracked an irritated eye at her.
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry to do this, but Vikander's ship just arrived. Smoker wants members from both Pirate crews to meet down in the galley for a conference."
"Who's Vikander?" Zoro asked without much interest.
"He's a Navy Magistrate. He's the closest thing Rameses is going to get to a trial before he's shipped to Impel Down."
Zoro sat up. "They're actually taking him to Impel Down? What about all the secrecy?"
Tashigi made a grim face. "Realistically, it's the only safe place to hold him. The warden has been notified, but his presence there will be strictly on a need-to-know basis amongst the admirals."
Zoro paused another moment before looking up into Tashigi's noble, yet modest eyes.
"Did Smoker tell him my crew was here?"
"I promise it isn't a trap Zoro." She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I'd rather the Straw Hats keep a low profile, but you actually fought Rameses. Vikander may want to hear your testimony. Nami is making sure Luffy will be there but I know we can't really rely on him for actual diplomacy."
"And Sanji?" Zoro asked carefully.
Tashigi slowly shook her head. "He still won't see anyone."
"Ok…" Zoro nodded reluctantly. "But my swords stay with me."
"Absolutely." Tashigi nodded without hesitation. "Thank you."
"Chopper." Zoro turned to his friend as he stood. "Could you please try to look in on Sanji again?"
Chopper nodded his head dutifully, but his expression made clear that another attempt wouldn't make any difference.
Zoro knew Chopper well enough to understand that if there wasn't any optimism to be found in his normally cheerful eyes, there wasn't any reason to get his hopes up.
The galley of the Navy ship was warm and brightly lit and felt almost too inviting as Zoro took a seat at one of the tables in between Tashigi and Robin. Luffy sat on Robin's other side with his arms crossed and his back hunched, not trying at all to disguise the fact that he was displeased about being there. Had their captain had his way, they would have been back on their boat and gone five minutes after Rameses had fallen unconscious into the sand, but Chopper had refused to leave before helping to tend to the wounded.
Well, that was the excuse that was spoken out loud. He knew as well as the rest of them did why they couldn't leave yet. Sanji wasn't prepared to, and there was no sign he would be ready anytime soon.
Nami sat to Luffy's left, looking more nervous than afraid. Robin's expression was calm and collected as ever, and she showed no sign that the meeting they were attending couldn't have been something they did regularly every week.
Sitting at the Officer's table Captain Iro faced the Straw Hats. He was the commander of the ship they currently resided in. He was an older man with silver hair, tired eyes, and a pinched face. According to Tashigi, he had been one of the men who had originally discovered Rameses' betrayal all those years ago at the Port of Damocles.
At the table next to the Straw Hats sat Ink, greasy black hair tousled and sticking to the sides of his gaunt face. He was the highest-ranking officer left from Marion's crew aboard the destroyed Cutthroat Bounty. Beside him sat the Captain of the only remaining Black Clover ship Kraken's Fang, a young woman with red and white parted hair, no doubt meant to correspond with the foxtails that lined the collar of her jacket. Zoro had yet to speak to her but had heard from Tashigi her name was Etain. She looked every bit as cunning and dangerous as Marion had been, but perhaps a little more preoccupied with her appearance.
Smoker walked in and sat next to Iro, his arm in a sling and his two cigars filling the room with a thick tobacco cloud that ominously floated above their heads.
A chair had been reserved at their table for Sanji, but no one really expected him to attend and occupy it.
Two marines stood at attention by the door, and as far as Zoro could tell, they were all that qualified as security.
"Aren't you at the wrong table?" He glanced at Tashigi.
She shook her head. "Recruiting you and Sanji was my call. My sitting here is taking responsibility for that decision."
"They don't think I'll put a blade to your throat if something goes sideways?" Zoro asked with mild curiosity.
Tashigi turned to look him in the eye.
"Would you?"
Zoro shrugged. "It wouldn't be my first choice."
"I'll risk it." She let the matter drop as a tall man with spidery whiskers and a Navy robe walked into the room to sit beside Smoker and Iro. Zoro barely had time to register his presence before he noticed another figure following behind him, and he snarled and leapt to his feet, hand on his katana's handle.
"You!" He spat as the Marine officer entered behind the magistrate. Robin and Nami's expressions changed instantly from curious to cautious and Luffy made a growling sound like an infuriated terrier that had caught a whiff of an old enemy.
The marine was fairly ordinary in size and build, but what made him instantly recognizable was in addition to the standard Marine uniform he wore a shawl which covered the bottom half of his face. And then there were his eyes. Zoro recognized them immediately. The squinting, gray, calculating eyes that reminded him of a snake in the grass.
Tashigi grabbed at his arm and attempted to pull him back down.
"No Zoro! Don't! It's all right! I promise."
"He was at Enies Lobby." Zoro thrust his chin at the man like he wanted to stab him with it. "He was one of the marines with Spandam and Lucci who tried to stop us from saving Robin. He destroyed one of my swords."
The figure gave Zoro a quick bow.
"We meet again Roronoa Zoro. I apologize I didn't have time to introduce myself during our brief exchange. I am Shu. I would apologize for the loss of your blade, but I see you have already acquired a new one."
Zoro felt his blood boil. Although he had never spoken his discomfort aloud, this man had been the only opponent he had ever battled aside from Dracule Mihawk whom he had been unable to put down. With Mihawk the defeat had been justified, he had simply been no match for the man, but this man had used his Devil Fruit power to catch Zoro off guard, obliterating his katana with his bare hand and reducing it to dust. He hadn't had time to properly finish the fight as they had been in a hurry to escape, and Usopp had actually been the one to knock the man down, but that relatively minor failure of not having done so himself hadn't left the back of his mind.
"You owe me blood." Zoro grit his teeth.
"Last I checked, you were unable to cut me," Shu responded simply.
"Oh, I'll find a way."
"Zoro!" Tashigi stood and grabbed at his wrists. "Please! Now isn't the time."
"Sit down Shu." Smoker commanded bluntly. "Everyone, this is Yota Vikander, and he'll be heading the proceedings regarding Rameses's hearing."
Vikander didn't acknowledge the introduction as he spread his files upon the table before him. Shu obediently took a seat on Smoker's other side.
Zoro slowly let himself sink back into his own chair and Tashigi held his wrists for a few more careful seconds before releasing him. Her eyes pleaded more than commanded that he restrain himself from any further outbursts. Zoro made himself calm down and appear composed, for her sake if no one else's. She was putting her reputation on the line for them after all, and his impaling Shu would likely end up with her wearing chains right beside him.
Vikander tapped a small gavel upon the table.
"These proceedings are hereby underway. Captain Iro, what of the marine casualties?"
"We've loaded all of the fallen men into the hold," Iro stated grimly. "All deaths can be attributed to Rameses and the Chess Piece Pirates. As such, the prisoners are restrained and ready for transport and we are prepared to leave with the sunrise."
Smoker nodded. "I'll remain here with my ship until the wounded are ready to return to Navy headquarters."
"What is Juzo Rameses' current condition?" Vikander asked, almost with clinical disinterest.
Iro made a disgusted face. "Crippled, but alive. We have him shackled with every chain on board. I had the shipwrights break open one of the emergency water tanks and fill it with seawater. He's been placed inside the tank up to his neck. The saltwater should keep him subdued for the duration of the voyage, but nonetheless I'll have three men stationed to watch him around the clock."
"It's better than he deserves. You should just kill him." Etain interjected as she stroked her chin with long fingers. "He killed our Captain and most of our crew. We're owed retribution. Do it now while he's unconscious. Last time you chose to simply imprison him, and how many of yours are dead now because of it?"
"She's right." Came a voice from the shadows. Every head turned to look towards the far side of the room where a slim woman sat idly upon the galley's counter like a moth would perch itself at the edge of a dry leaf. She had short dark hair with a silver streak down the left side, which failed to hide the emerald shine of her bright eyes. Her voice was relaxed and composed like a librarian, yet upon her chest, she wore a silver breastplate with an emblem of golden wings above her heart.
"And you are?" Vikander asked with mild irritation.
Smoker answered for her
"Callisto the Valkyrie. Pirate Bounty Hunter. I requested her presence when I heard she had arrived. Aside from the Marines and Warlords, she's delivered the greatest number of heads to Impel Down. She was essential in transporting Crocodile and the other members of Baroque Works into custody after the battle in Alabasta."
"Didn't get them all though." She raised an eyebrow as she glanced over at Robin. The young woman returned her gaze with an icy, undaunted stare.
Zoro was taken aback by just how ordinary the woman looked. She could have just been another of a thousand women he would pass in the marketplace buying fish and not give a second thought. He didn't feel that sharp warrior's intuition that so often seemed to emanate from the enemies they encountered. A feeling like static electricity traveling up your spine. Smoker had it. Marion had also carried it. But with this woman, he couldn't detect the slightest hint of danger.
He wasn't sure if he should have been worried about that or not.
Tashigi leaned over and whispered in Zoro's ear. "She's one of the best there is. The Navy trusts her enough to safeguard Rameses for this voyage."
"I apologize I'm late. I was inspecting the prisoner's quarters." Callisto tossed her hair. "And I have to agree with the pirate's suggestion. If any of you had any sense, you'd allow me to kill him."
"The World Government does not require the subjective advice of a lone vigilante." Vikander dismissed her and began to flip through the wanted posters in his file. "Juzo Rameses, acquired. Colette Carlyle, also known as Lady Rook, acquired. Castor Voss, referred to as Pawn, acquired. Has there been any sign of the unidentified pirate known as The Bishop?"
Tashigi shook her head. "Marion Colfax vanished with her. We presumed she'd be somewhere on the island, but we've been unable to locate her. The Seastone cell we had originally planned to hold Rameses in was vacant. That had seemed the most likely place for Colfax to drop her, but then again, she wouldn't have been able to use her ability to transport back out."
"Shame." The magistrate replied simply. "Would have loved to have collected the entire chess set. Make sure the men remain vigilant in trying to locate her."
There was something not right about the man's voice, Zoro considered. It was smooth, yet brusque. Firm, yet uncertain. Learned, yet clumsy. It was like a square peg being forced into a round hole. Outwardly, the man appeared professional, yet something about his demeanor was unbalanced.
"In the name of the Imperial Navy, in the absence of the High Admirals, I will pass down sentencing. For the crime of piracy, capital murder and the malicious destruction of Navy vessels, Juzo Rameses is to be sequestered for life in the very lowest level of Impel Down. Colette Carlyle is likewise sentenced to life in Level Four and Castor Voss in Level Three. Effective immediately."
He shut the folder.
"Regarding the Naval Officers who had knowledge of Rameses before he was freed, a hearing will take place in seven days. Clearly the information from which the Chess Piece Pirates were able to find him was acquired through Navy channels."
"I suspect they learned of our plan to ambush them here on Russet Peak through the same channels." Smoker commented. "I would suggest a recall of every vessel and officer who knew of the attack to Marine Headquarters for a private interrogation."
"I agree, and it would be my pleasure to conclude these proceedings at that. Still, I can't help but notice there are six pirates seated amongst us, all of them with bounties on their heads and three of them on the high-value target's list. I've never seen three high-value targets in one place before."
"We're all aware of the irony of the situation." Smoker stated. "The Black Clovers came to us in good faith to form a temporary alliance which no doubt saved innocent lives. It was because of them we were able to locate Rameses as quickly as we did. As for the Straw Hats, I granted permission for Tashigi to recruit who she felt was trustworthy or capable of helping us recapture Rameses. As you've no doubt noticed, her intuitions proved to be correct. As such, they fall under the terms of the same temporary alliance."
Smoker cast a long look at Luffy.
"They will be allowed to leave unhindered, but after the wake from their ship has vanished, that protection will end."
Nami cast her eyes about the room nervously, but none of the other Straw Hats looked the least bit concerned at Smoker's menacing reminder.
"I would argue that you may be extending them an overindulgence of additional courtesy by having them seated here at all, given that The Black Clovers at least had nothing to do with the Buster Call at Enies Lobby."
Vikander glanced at Shu.
"How many Marines died that day?" He asked with the faintest hint of bitter malice.
So that's why the man was here…. Zoro thought as he idly cracked his knuckles.
"We still don't have an exact count," Shu responded as his eyes narrowed. "At the very least, eighty-five hundred. Far more than were killed by Juzo Rameses."
Robin spoke for the first time.
"And I was in shackles standing right next to Spandam when the call was ordered. The Straw Hats didn't destroy your island. Your officer did."
"Oh, there's no dispute about that," Vikander replied curtly. "Clearly it was in poor judgment to give Spandam authority over that island, but what's also obvious is that had the Straw Hats never invaded the island with their allies from Water Seven, the belligerent oaf wouldn't have panicked and ordered the call in the first place."
"Speaking of former officer Spandam, as I recall he was never brought to trial to answer for his actions," Callisto added from the back of the room. "Why was that?"
Zoro sensed the question was rhetorical.
"Because I killed him," Robin answered with little hesitation and even less remorse. "I broke his spine and felt the breath escape his lungs. I'd do it again too. That man was a monster."
"Exactly the type of cold-blooded response I would expect from a former member of Baroque Works." Callisto brushed her hair from her face.
"I'm sorry, did I miss something?" Nami spoke up, her nervousness having evaporated into spite. She turned on Callisto. "Last I checked, you're not even a member of the Navy, and the Straw Hats are not on trial."
"They're not," Tashigi said firmly, coming to her defense.
"Not at this time," Vikander remarked casually. "But what is decided here will impact what kind of threat the Navy will classify the Straw Hats as in future. It would be woefully unethical not to address the facts presented before me, and the fact is we've just had a pirate freely admit to the murder of one of our officers. I was called to pass judgment on a handful of pirate criminals, yet I find myself seated among twice as many more, for arguably more heinous crimes."
"Yota… Enough." Smoker hissed and straightened up in his chair. "You are here at my invitation, and the Chess Piece Pirates and their crimes are what are to be addressed during this assembly."
"Very well," The man shrugged. "But as I stated to you upon my arrival, I'm surprised you omitted the exact number of wanted pirates in attendance to your superiors. I'm sure they'll be eager to learn why that was when you give your report back at Navy Headquarters. I would hate to see a highly decorated officer such as yourself stripped of his accolades because the Terrorists of Enies Lobby were allowed to walk free."
"Terrorists?" Nami gasped in horror.
Zoro was on his feet in an instant, but still wasn't as fast as Luffy.
"Hey! Shut up you jerk! Rob Lucci and CP9 attacked Water Seven, kidnapped our friend and took her to Enies Lobby to execute her!"
"It was never our intention for anyone to die!" Nami protested. "We were trying to protect a member of our crew!"
"CP9 was lawfully stationed upon Water Seven and lawfully arrested Nico Robin for her crimes as a member of Baroque Works." Vikander interlaced his fingers calmly.
"Bullshit!" Zoro grimaced. "That half-faced gutless officer wanted her dead because she was the only survivor of Ohara! Who answered for the deaths of all those civilians during that Buster Call?"
"Enough!" Smoker stood upright, nearly knocking his chair over behind him. "The Straw Hats have not been formally charged with the destruction of Enies Lobby. They are guilty only in the court of public opinion. One day they will stand trial for their actions, including Spandam's murder, but it will be at the summon of the High Admirals, not us, and not here."
"We gathered the Straw Hats here in good faith!" Tashigi stood and attempted to stare down the magistrate. "Roronoa Zoro saved my life out on that beach today when he and his crewmate could have easily left me and the other marines for dead. Despite the personal risk, they chose to stand their ground and fight our common enemy. I will not allow them to be punished for that service."
Vikander glanced sideways at Smoker and Iro. "Are all attending Officers willing to accept the repercussions of that decision?"
"Yes!" Tashigi declared.
"I will." Smoker acknowledged bitterly as he straightened his chair and sat back down again.
"Not I." Shu hissed like a serpent. "I propose we lock them below with Rameses and the other criminals."
"You're outvoted and outranked," Iro responded to Shu's words as he wiped his brow. "They crippled Juzo Rameses, do you really want to try and restrain them? Do you want to risk more death? This is my ship, and though it may be the last order I ever give, both the Straw Hats and the Black Clovers are to be allowed to leave unencumbered. They have until noon tomorrow to set sail."
"Very well." Vikander tapped his gavel upon the table. "A consensus has been made. I hope none of you live to regret your actions."
"The Black Clovers wish to be able to bury their dead upon the island." Ink stated. "And afterward we want assurances that none of the graves will be pillaged or despoiled by the Navy."
"You have our word." Smoker agreed.
Etain and Ink stood and walked out of the galley before Vikander could be given the opportunity to object to their request.
"Callisto, you will sail with Captain Iro, Vikander and Shu to Impel Down and stand guard over the prisoners." Smoker looked at the Bounty Hunter. The other Chess Piece Pirates are out there, and I wouldn't put it past them to attempt a rescue."
"My normal rate applies?" She raised an inquisitive eyebrow.
Smoker nodded.
"Consider it done." She nodded with a sly grin.
Out upon the sand Tashigi escorted the Straw Hats back to their ship.
"I appreciate what you said in there, but you know the Navy will just use you as another tool in their arsenal to try and capture us again?" Nami looked at the young woman.
"Perhaps." She admitted. "But not tonight. Tonight you will all get to rest easy on your own ship, not inside a cell."
"I am never going to just sit down and be silent again!" Luffy snarled and spun on Tashigi. "Who is that Vikander guy to judge us, that our actions were more criminal than Spandam's or Lucci's?"
"Luffy…" Tashigi sighed. "It's not that I don't see your point…"
Robin Interrupted her.
"This World Government you choose to put your faith in is just as morally corrupt as the majority of the pirates on the Grand Line, but because they're better funded and organized they've found a way to justify their actions to themselves, no matter what innocents they may hurt. Like those on Ohara. How can you possibly defend them?" She added with disdain.
Tashigi spun and drew her sword, slicing at Robin's cowboy hat and knocking it off her head. Zorro parried her blade with one of his own, but it was clear that was as far as the marine intended to take it.
"Who are you to talk?" Tashigi snapped.
Robin stared at Tashigi for half a moment in wide-eyed amazement before her eyes narrowed and her face settled into a subdued, close to reconciliatory expression.
"Do you even know what she did before she joined your crew?" Tashigi asked the group as she stared as Robin. "Has she told you what she did in Crocodile's name?"
"Tashigi…" Nami put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Robin has changed."
"Oh really?" Tashigi hissed, her normally stoic eyes filled with fire. "I joined the Navy to save lives, never to harm anybody! Do you know how many bodies used to wash up on the shore of the beach where I lived? Dozens. Every day. From pirates destroying merchant ships and tossing bodies into the channel. They were just people trying to make a living. Slaughtered for sport."
Tashigi's blade quivered in her hand as Zoro slowly lowered it away from Robin's face with his own blade.
"That's the code you all believe in. Lawlessness. Have your adventure and sail away, no matter who it may hurt. Well, let me tell you something. Someone has to stay behind and pick up the pieces. I've done great things with the Navy, supplying fresh water to stranded sailors, bringing medical aid to abandoned children, and providing protection from pirates who just want to take, squander, and give nothing back."
"We aren't those types of people." Zoro reminded her softly.
"Neither is the Navy." Tashigi wiped at her eye. "Yes, we've made countless mistakes. Yes, half of our officers are corrupt. We've bent laws in the name of righteousness, but justice is sloppy, and without us, there would be no one between you and the Juzo Rameses' of the world. We're the only ones who even try to make a difference."
"You're right," Zoro replied simply. "You represent the best of what the Navy could be."
Tashigi plunged her blade down into the center of Robin's cowboy hat, impaling it before tossing it across the sand.
"That's for nearly killing me in Alabasta." She hissed at Robin before sheathing her blade and marching back to Iro's ship. She didn't turn to look back at any of them.
Robin sighed. Without even bothering to collect her hat she continued to make her way back to their ship, looking more ashamed than Zoro had ever seen her. Luffy made an impatient snorting sound to Tashigi's back and followed behind Robin. Nami and Zoro looked after the young marine for a moment before following behind their captain.
"Was Tashigi really faster than you just now?" Nami looked sideways at Zoro. "She could have taken Robin's head off."
"I knew she wouldn't," Zoro responded somberly. "She doesn't hurt people. We owed her that moment."
"She's too good for the Navy," Nami muttered.
"She's too good for any of us," Zoro replied.