Finally I managed to finish and upload the next chapter. I didn't think I'd have time to do it yet since I have a lot to study for this whole month (actually I should be studying right now…and yesterday while I was writing this too. ^^') but you guys waited long enough for it so I wanted to finish it quickly and post it already for you. :)
So before we start, let's answer some questions:
SeveredReality: Ok, I'll go point by point to try and answer everything and hopefully I want leave anything out. ^^'
About the time span; You see the islands that I mentioned and the adventures I described aren't the only ones they had so far, just some that I wrote about. (think of it that way, though it might sound a bit confusing.) So it has been 8 months so far but the Akai no Shima, Howl's island and the others are just SOME of the islands they had visited and had adventures on. True, I guess I had to note that somewhere though I think actually in this chapter Law would mention a certain island that wasn't in the story but that they had been on. (Cause in my opinion if I wrote about every island and everything that happens in those 2 years, the story would be too long.)
About the hat, don't worry, he'll change it but I think it's a bit too early. Now about the time they should be going to the New World; So this is happening in the time skip, so in those 2 years Luffy is "missing" and it hasn't been even a year yet so I feel it's a bit too early for them to go to the New World now. Especially since there are two possibilities in the manga; Punk Hazard is one of the first three islands you can end up after going to the New World, so it's in the beginning of the journey. True, Law could've been to the New World and then come back to Punk Hazard, OR he could've came to the New World and then stayed at Punk Hazard, which would mean he wasn't in the New World for long at all. So until the two possibilities are cleared up and we know for sure it's hard to tell, but that's also one of the reasons why I don't want them to go to the New World too soon. Hopefully we'll know more from the manga, soon enough.
Also I'm making Law stronger gradually since there's still a long way to go in two years so I don't want to boost it too soon. Still, I already gave him the ability to move while having his Room and "Tact"and Haki (which is confirmed in the last chapter that he has) and he'll get the rest of them and get stronger as the story proceeds.
About Miyako's strength, yes she has to be strong and I will make her even stronger as the story goes on as well. (Once again I say, I don't want to make it too fast because there's still more than a year to go.) Also, I have to be careful because I don't want to make Miyako a Marry Sue. I don't want her to go around destroying everyone without even lifting her finger properly and being almightily and strong so I want her to have some boundaries.
That goes for Law too. He is ultra-strong in the manga now but I want him to gradually come to that and not just have all that power suddenly. I want him to work for it too since I'm sure he had to. I mean, remember all the fights Luffy, Zoro and the rest of the Straw-hat pirates had in their way to become stronger; I think there wasn't a more serious battle where they didn't get all beaten and bloodied even though they won in the end. (Though Law is so awesome he doesn't get beaten and bloodied. ;P But he has to work too, you know.)
Also take in account that as they journey on, their opponents are getting stronger too (at least I'm trying to make them look stronger. o.O)
About Miyako's journey; she is trying to understand herself and what true strength is, yes but I don't think it's the way you're thinking of. The realization she needs won't come from being ultra-strong or getting stronger(something her master warned her about as well) but that's something that will be more explained in the story and that she's realize on her own. But yes, she will get stronger throughout the story.
About the bounty; Law didn't do really something spectacular to get such a big bounty yet. YET. :P Actually I'm going to start getting marines more involved in all this so he'll get his chance, don't worry. :)
About the nickname; Maybe Burning-Eyed Miyako isn't anything special but I'm not going to change I now. When pirate gets his nickname in the bounty it stays so I wouldn't want to change it now. Also, it's not only the golden color of her eyes but also the fire in them when she fights. Though, when she gets really REALLY pissed, her eyes become cold instead.
So all in all, they all WILL get stronger but I want to keep it at a steady pace, especially since there is still a lot of time till the New World and we still have to see how long has Law been in the New World anyway. (And where is his crew! That's what I want to know!)
But thanks for the comments and the review and hopefully you'll be satisfied with the story as it proceeds so just be patient. :)
10th Squad 3rd Seat: Fixed it. :P And yes, Law has Haki and is working/training to improve it. And now we know he has haki in manga too so he really did get it over these 2 years. Yay! :D
AceIsTheOnly: Well that depends, though I'm trying. ^^' I think this one is pretty long too. :)
Izzie: Hehe, actually with the Cody/Miyako thing I have an ending already planned for that misunderstanding and I can't wait to use it! Actually, I kinda can't wait till it all blows over as well, cause I'm looking forward to write the last scene of this adventure! I can't wait! :D
DrainaPurpurne2412: Aww Thank you. ^^ And yeah, I try to make it a bit complicated and not so obvious though it's a bit hard. ^^'
MangaFreak55: Haha well, now you know it's ok since we talk on PM. XD
Ok, so we can start now! Enjoy and I hope you like it!
Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece or any of its characters but I do own the OC Suzune Miyako.
CHAPTER 33
Law groaned as he was once again awoke by knocking. Well, more like pounding. "What now?" He muttered through gritted teeth in annoyance. This was starting to happen too often.
His feet touched the cold floor, which managed to wake him up a little…but only a little. Law got dressed as fast as he could, finishing off with putting his fuzzy spotted hat and adjusting it on his head. *And then people ask me why I look sleep deprived,* he couldn't help but think as he walked towards his door and opened it with a dark look for whoever was on the other side.
It was none other than his first mate, Bepo and he shifted his weight on his feet, looking a bit uncomfortable under Law's death gaze. When Law saw it was the polar bear, his look softened a little and he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes with the back of his hand.
"Sorry to wake you up so suddenly captain. But we have trouble," Bepo said, gaining more confidence when Law's dark look disappeared.
Law just grunted as a response and followed his first mate out the door and on the deck. This was becoming way too familiar now and for a second Law pondered if it was Muso again, coming to settle their score. His lips twitched into a barely visible smirk at the thought; he wouldn't mind at all.
Alas, unfortunately that was not the case. Still, Law wasn't far from the truth. As he got on the deck he saw some of his crew members, along with Penguin, Shachi and Bepo, in a defensive stance, staring at something, or someone, down at the ground. Law leaned over the railing to look downwards, a sigh escaping his lips as the familiarity of the whole scene was a bit too much for his liking. *This is getting old.*
But he raised an eyebrow when he saw a group of people there, looking up. When they saw him, they readied their weapons and Law recognized it were the officers from the village again. *So they finally found some guts to come here.* At any other time, Law would be looking forward to having some fun with a workout, but now he could only feel annoyance that they decided to show up when he was finally catching some shuteye after pulling an all-nighter with work. They just couldn't have picked a lousier time. Because of that, Law was in a very bad mood, a dark aura already swirling around him.
Meanwhile, the group down there moved aside and an old man came forth. He was about the same age as Samue, with short black hair and a dark moustache. He had a stern and unforgiving look on his face and his authority was obvious.
*He must be the captain of the Station.* Law gazed over the tall man, but didn't see anything interesting or special about him. Maybe to others this guy was intimidating, but to the Dark Doctor he just looked like a total bore. In any case, neither worth the pirate captain's time nor lack of sleep. Law noticed a movement in the corner of his eye and saw Bepo walking towards him with his nodachi, which he took with a nod, from the polar bear. Then he glanced back down, waiting for the man to speak.
And he did. "My name is captain Yukuri! I am the head of the authorities in this village! And you, Trafalgar Law are suspected of kidnapping four people! Now come with us or suffer the consequences! Your resistance will be interpreted as guilt. We already called the marines and you have nowhere to run!" Yukuri's voice was loud and stern, just what you would expect from such a figure.
The captain, however, didn't look very worried. He had one eye closed while the other looked at Yukuri with little interest; his famous 'Boredom look.' He tilted his head when he heard he was suspected of the kidnappings. It didn't surprise him though, it was just a matter of time until the villagers decided that the big bad pirate is all to blame, Law knew it would happen sooner or later. And to be honest, he didn't care. Still, he knew these guys would certainly be in the way of his own investigation, and he didn't intend to lose the chance to rub his victory into Muso's face with an 'Aha!' and make the swordsmith forge him a sword….ok, maybe without the 'Aha!' part.
Law adjusted the nodachi on his shoulder, the other hand in his pocket, and looked at the man with mild interest. "And what proof do you have that I was the one who did it?"
Yukuri's eyes narrowed but didn't let his anger show towards the young pirate. He wanted to be professional even if the last disappearance was of his close friend. "Well after last night it's pretty obvious, isn't it?" He waited to see Law's reaction, but when he got none, he continued; "Last night one of your crewmembers, Burning-Eyed Miyako, went to the Station with Shindo Samue. And we conveniently got a call that the Heart pirates were causing trouble in the village, which left the Station empty and only Suzune Miyako and Shindo Samue there. He disappeared that night! She was the last one to see him, or should I say; she was the one responsible for his disappearance. And she's your nakama, Trafalgar Law!"
Trafalgar's eyes twitched and narrowed at that accusation, though barely visible. "So you don't actually have any solid evidence. All you have is the fact that Miss Miyako was last seen with Samue-ya. But that doesn't mean she kidnapped him. Besides, my crewmember told me what happened; there was someone else there who attack her, and they probably kidnapped Samue."
"Do you have any proof of that?" Yukuri barked, his temper getting the best of him. He didn't come here to have a debate with this man, he came here to arrest him.
The pirate smirked smugly. "As much as you have that Miss Miyako kidnapped Samue-ya. Besides, wasn't it him who got them inside in the first place, willingly? Why would she kidnap him if they were working together?" Law's smirk widened a little, knowing he had won that one.
The police chief grumbled at Law's statement in displeasure, as if not knowing how to respond. "I don't know that yet…but I intend to find out. I intend to find out why they were there together in the first place and everything else. And that's why I demand to take Suzune Miyako into custody for questioning along with you! Bring her out!"
Law's smirk suddenly disappeared, being replaced by his serious expression with slightly narrowed eyes. There was a certain glint suddenly visible in them. "I won't let you take my nakama anywhere." His voice was calm but cold, dangerously so. "And I don't like being ordered around, Yukuri-ya." His tone became warning and the grip on his nodachi tightened a bit.
Yukuri's eyes narrowed as well. He wasn't going to be intimidated by this sadistic pirate who treated people like his personal little toys. He took out his katana and prepared for a fight, his men doing the same thing behind him. "Then I have no other choice but to take you two with me forcefully. You will regret this Trafalgar Law. If you agreed to be taken for questioning along with Suzune, we would leave your crew alone to wait for you. But your resistance just proves your guilt and now we will take all of you down!"
Trafalgar unsheathed his nodachi, the Heart pirates preparing for a fight as they readied their weapons and took kung-fu stances. Their captain grinned sadistically, his expression clearly showing that he couldn't wait to cut all these people up. "I told you, I don't like to be ordered around, didn't I?" The Heart pirates jumped down, cutting or kicking and punching through the group of officers.
The Surgeon of Death soon followed down behind them, blocking a sword easily and counterattacking by slicing the man's throat. He didn't even have to use his devil fruit powers on these men. He dodged another sword and did a roundhouse kick, hitting the officer in the stomach and sending him flying towards Bepo who kicked that same officer, sending him flying in yet another direction.
The pirate captain proceeded in his own easy-going pace through the crowd, slicing or kicking an opponent occasionally if they were in his way. He walked towards Yukuri who had his hands full with two members of Law's crew, but somehow managed to fight them off. It didn't take long before the two men stood in front of each other, both staring with their own deadly, fighting auras swirling around them.
"This is your last chance, Trafalgar Law! Hand us Burning-Eyed Miyako and come with us or suffer the consequences!" Yukuri was relentless, a trait Law didn't much care for. The man was already starting to bore him with that speech.
The pirate grinned, an expression of sadistic mockery on his face. "Look around Yukuri-ya. You should be the one worried about suffering."
The policeman glanced around him and his eyes widened in disbelief. All his officers were on the ground, beaten and unconscious, if not killed. The Heart pirates were standing over them, grinning at Yukuri and celebrating their victory. "I-Impossible!"
"Room!" before Yukuri had any idea what hit him, he was surrounded by a blue sphere. His wide-eyed stare returned to Law before falling on his bloodied nodachi and he could see in the pirate's eyes that he was just itching to swing it.
Trafalgar's mood was much better now…not surprising, since he released all of his stress on the officers. And now he would teach this old geezer, who dared to order him around, a lesson. Luckily, this time there was nothing and no one in his way that would stop him. He could play with this man all he liked. And why not? He could use a little morning workout after all. His grin widened if that was even possible, making an even more sadistic expression than before. "Any last words, Yukuri-ya?"
The said man gritted his teeth and held his head high proudly. If he was to go, he would go with his head held high. He was a man with no regrets…alright one regret; and that was to not be able to find and save his friend, Samue. He glared at the pirate and clenched his fists. "You will be going to Hell, Trafalgar Law."
Law smirked and raised his sword. "That's alright. I'm prepared to do whatever it takes, even go to hell, if that will accomplish my goal." He was a person who would chase after his goals no matter what, even if it had to be through Hell itself. And that was just fine with him. He had no regrets.
The police chief said nothing after that and the captain swung his sword, three times. At first it seemed nothing happened, but then Yukuri's body split into three pieces and fell on the floor when Law released his Room. The man died almost instantly when he was out of the blue sphere.
Trafalgar cleaned his nodachi on one of the officers' shirts and sheathed it. He saw Bepo walk up to him and took the nodachi in his big paws. "What now, captain?"
He looked around at the unconscious or dead men on the floor. "For starters, clean this mess. I don't want this in front of my submarine," he ordered in an emotionless tone like he was talking about mare trash and not people. He didn't care, at least now there was no one standing in his way anymore. And besides, this felt quite good. He didn't get to kill anyone properly in a long time and this helped him release some of the pressure he was feeling lately.
~…~
Miyako rolled in her bed with a small sound between a groan and a moan. Her eyes were still closed as she tried to will herself back to sleep, though she knew she'd have to get up soon anyway. But the bed felt so good and fluffy, and she wanted to stay snoozing here forever…or at least just a little bit longer.
But even as she tried to, she just couldn't fall back asleep again, so instead she lazily opened a half-lidded eye. She noticed something blue in front of her that looked like legs, so she continued to look upwards slowly, still half-asleep. The color blue was replaced with yellow and black, as she noticed a well-known smiley of a certain jolly roger. And then her gaze finally rested on a familiar tanned face that stared down at her with those grey eyes.
"Oh, morning captain…." Miyako muttered and closed her eyes again, snuggling against her pillow. Then her body stiffened in realization as her mind finally decided to wake up. Her eyes opened suddenly as she looked up and tried to jump out of bed quickly. "Captain?" her voice was alarmed and high pitched, but it soon turned into a surprised yelp when her still half-asleep body tried to jump up, resulting in her falling off the bed and right in front of Law's feet. She looked up at the man, who was gazing down at her with an amused smirk on his face, obviously enjoying the show.
"W-w-w-what are you doing here," she managed to squeal out, still in that shrilling tone. Her situation became even more awkward when she realized she wasn't wearing anything except panties and a large blue T-shirt, the one she had the first time she woke up on this submarine, still as a prisoner. Somehow she forgot to return it to Law so in the end it ended up as her PJs. She pulled the hem of the shirt down, fruitlessly trying to cover her white panties, though it wasn't really working. Thankfully, Law's eyes were focused on her face instead of traveling down to her exposed legs.
He put out one of his hands from his pockets and held it out to her, to help the poor girl to her feet. "I did knock," he notes, seeing her shocked face and being immensely amused by it. "We have work to do, remember? You were supposed to be on the deck already, but it seems you overslept." Law's smirk widened. "So I decided to see what was wrong, personally."
Miyako blinked a few times as realization hit her. "Eeeh? I overslept!" She took his hand without thinking and was up in an instant, clutching her head in slight panic. "I can't believe I overslept!" She went straight to her closet, almost jumping into it as she searched for clean clothing to wear. She tossed a pair of dark blue jeans and a simple light blue T-shirt, with a picture of two squirrels on it, on her bed and rushed over there, still muttering about how she managed to oversleep. She completely forgot about the man's existence there, which was further proven when she started rising her T-shirt, revealing her milky stomach.
A loud clearing of throat stopped her and she blinked a few times in confusion, wondering where that noise had come from. Her question was answered when she glanced at the other side of the room, seeing the captain there with a raised eyebrow and an amused look with a wide smirk that almost looked like a smile…probably because he had to restrain himself from laughing.
He didn't have to say anything since the girl soon enough realized what she almost did, and that's when her face turned a whole new color of red. "Kya!" She made a sound somewhere between an embarrassed squeak and a surprised yelp, and pulled the T-shirt back down immediately.
Before she had time to say anything, Trafalgar turned around and walked to the door, opening it. "I'll be waiting on the deck. And hurry…I don't like to wait." The last sentence sounded a bit warning as he glanced behind his shoulder with a more genuine look. With that, he was out the door and Miyako could hear his leaving footsteps. Her face was still red even when after he shut the door behind him, and the girl desperately tried to pull herself together. *Miyako, you idiot idiot idiot! You're such a scatter brain!* She scolded herself as she got dressed in a hurry and then brushed her hair, tying it into a pony-tail with her red ribbon. *And what was he doing here anyway? That was so embarrassing! Why did he have to come down here himself!?*
The girl went into the shared bathroom, doing all that needed to be done and then ran towards the deck with lightning-speed. *He's so going to be pissed at me for being late.* She was actually surprised that Law didn't scold her for being late while they were still in her room. Or was he waiting to do it at a more appropriate time? But Law never really cared if the time was appropriate for something or not, he would just do what he wanted to do and when he wanted to do it; that much she had learnt in these past 8 months. *He looked as if in an awfully good mood today. I wonder why…* Whatever the reason, the samurai was glad for it since it meant less trouble for her.
When she opened the big doors to the deck, she saw the usual team of the first shift working on the engine as they took turns to dive underwater with their equipment. She noticed they worked even faster than before, then remembered they were supposed to set off tomorrow so the mechanics were trying to finish before the deadline. Their captain was leaning against the railing with his arms folded on his chest and his nodachi resting on the railing beside him. Miyako walked up to him with a confused look. "Just the two of us are going? Where are the others?"
"The others had work of their own to do so it'll be just us two working on the disappearances today." He raised a thin eyebrow at her questioningly. "Is that a problem?"
She shook her head, still feeling a bit embarrassed because of before. Every time she would look at him, she would remember the awkwardness. "No. Just a bit surprised by it."
The man didn't press the matter more, but instead moved to more important things. "Sam and Sasha said the maid didn't have anyone close to her, no family and she rarely socialized. She worked and lived at the Kuyaki household. She went out on the night of the storm looking for the doctor because the daughter of the Kuyakis got sick. But she never came back and the doctor said she never came to him," Law explained, repeating what his two subordinates had told him.
Miyako put a finger under her chin in thought and tapped it lightly. "hmm…but that doesn't tell us much. No one to suspect and no eyewitnesses, just like with the others. Whoever is doing this is good at hiding it." Then she remembered the article and took out the piece of paper about Shindo Katsu. "What about this? Can we get any clues from this?"
Law looked at the paper in her hands, but his face remained thoughtful as he furrowed his eyebrows. "I doubt it. Not without at least asking Samue-ya about it, but now he's missing too…" He took his nodachi and gestured for the girl to follow him as they went into the village. "But one thing is clear; whoever is doing this is trying to pin it on the Heart pirates." Law's eyes narrowed at that statement. He hated being used like this and he will not leave this island before cutting up the culprit piece by piece. He didn't care about the kidnapped villagers, but he'll be damned if he lets the culprit get away with playing with the name of the Heart pirates and Trafalgar Law.
~….~
As they walked through the village, searching for the Kuyaki household to resume their quest, Miyako was telling Law about her gambling win with Shachi and the others, and the sweet revenge she got out of it. He could hear the pride in her voice as she told him of her little plan she had used.
Law raised an eyebrow at one fact, though. "Miss Miyako, you gamble?" There was amused disbelief in his voice as he would never think the slightly uptight samurai would do such a thing. He knew she was a person of reason and logic, who liked to have things clearly visible and under control, so for her to take risks in a game where she couldn't control the outcome was unlike her.
"Isn't not gambling if you know you'll win." Miyako grinned as she glanced sideways at her captain. "Besides, Daifugō is more about skill than luck," she added in a matter-of-fact tone with her index finger in the air. She opened one eye to look at Law who didn't look so convinced, that amused smirk still present. The girl frowned ever so slightly. "Besides, I was just getting back at them. Shachi always beats me at poker like that and then takes what little money I have or makes me do things for him," she defended, still frowning at the memories and also because Law didn't seem to believe she wasn't a gambler. The truth was, Miyako really never liked to gamble. She wasn't good at it and she didn't like not being able to control the flow. But if it was something where you could use your skill in order to win, why not? It was only a one-time thing anyway.
Law slowed down his walk unconsciously and suddenly looked at her with a serious expression that Miyako couldn't really understand. "Made you do what kinds of things?" There was a barely audible strain in his voice, which reminded Miyako of a tight string about to break. It seemed like his posture changed somewhat and he became more alert.
The samurai girl ignored Law's change, though not before she gave him a questioning look. But when he neither responded to it nor explained himself, she just continued with her explanation. She looked up at the morning sky in though as she tried to remember all the things Shachi made her do. She was a bit surprised Law actually wanted to know something like that, but didn't ask why. "Well…he would make me do his laundry or clean the deck in his place, or cook for him and make him sweets."
Trafalgar's expression remained emotionless, but inside he felt relieved and he had to stop a sigh of relief from leaving his mouth. Knowing the slightly perverted mechanic, when the girl said she needed to do stuff for him, law instantly thought of the worst outcome, and ideas that should have never crossed his mind came in and did a ruckus to his psyche. But the other part of him felt a bit annoyed at his childhood friend who made Miyako do all those things for him…though Law had a theory that his annoyance wasn't because Shachi made her do it…it was because Miyako was doing them for someone else. She was cooking for someone else, cleaning for someone else... Law always thought that she baked those cakes, that he didn't want to eat anyway, for him alone. And he felt a bit irritated when he found out it wasn't so.
First Cody, now Shachi….why couldn't they lay off of his samurai? He didn't even have the patience to figure out what he meant by 'his' samurai, but it didn't matter now. Now, he was only thinking that he'll have a talk with Shachi when he comes back. A talk…or a meeting on his operating table… His mechanic and friend is going to be in some trouble. He would never hurt his nakama, but that didn't mean he couldn't give Shachi laundry duty tomorrow when it was Friday, which was known as the day of the largest and dirtiest laundry heaps because it was the end of the week.
"And there was also that time…," Miyako murmured, still in thought.
His head jerked towards her in interest and he pierced her with his grey eyes, but not in anger, in sheer interest of what she was murmuring about. He was so lost in thought, he didn't even realize the samurai kept talking about Shachi's post-gambling orders. "What time?" He managed to hide his rising interest perfectly and his voice came out calm and even as always, like he was just a bit curious and nothing else.
Miyako blushed and bowed her head, slowing down her walk a bit. Now that was a reaction Law didn't expect and it only made him suspicious and anxious inside. Why was she suddenly being so embarrassed? What the hell did Shachi made her do? Suddenly, Law had a feeling Shachi won't be able to do laundry duty on Friday because he will really be on Law's operating table. "Well?" He tried coaxing Miyako in telling him, though that never really worked. Every time she would realize she was being pushed into answering something, she would always just stall and make him wait even longer for it, deliberately messing with him. He didn't want to deal with that right now, and if she tried it, he would really become pissed.
The girl didn't stall teasingly though. She stalled because she was being embarrassed as she played with her fingers. Then finally her mouth opened a little and Law almost yelled 'Dammit woman! Say it already!' when no voice came out at first. "A-actually, never mind...it's nothing," she finally said in a rush of words, hoping the man would drop it. But not today.
Trafalgar looked at her sideways with a slightly tilted head and through half-lidded eyes. "You know, I can just order you to tell me…" It was obvious where he was going with that statement, and by Miyako's slightly flinching body he knew she understood him too.
She started fumbling with her hands again and kept looking down as if she couldn't look him in the eye. That worried the captain even more. "W-well….he bought….fake cat ears on the previous island…," she mumbled, barely audible, but Law heard her and couldn't help but blink as his eyebrows furrowed in puzzlement. What the hell did cat ears have to do with…well, anything? He remembered the little island they had previously been and the little town where they had restocked. It was called Platac Town or something weird like that, not like it mattered at the moment.
"Cat ears?" He just couldn't help himself from repeating the statement, just to be sure he heard it correctly. The embarrassed reaction he got from Miyako told him he didn't misheard anything.
"Y-yeah…he…he made me put on fake cat ears…." She pointed at her head. "A-and then…"
*There was more!?* He almost yelled in his head. If it was any other person, they'd probably have their jaw drop on the floor after hearing that, especially if they knew the shy, little uptight and serious Miyako he knew, but since it was Law, he managed to sustain himself and keep a perfectly calm expression. He only allowed himself a raised questioning eyebrow as he stared at the girl. Yes, Miyako could be fun and joke around with him or the crew, or even argue childishly with Josh, but something like this, she would never ever do! But then again, he also knew how her pride was important to her and a loss is a loss. She probably thought she had no other choice since she lost and couldn't trample over her word. Law thought what a dangerous trait that actually was. What if Shachi asks something else from her next time? Something like….? He stopped his thoughts there, not wanting to picture it or even think it.
"And he made me say…'N-Nya'…," the girl finished, fuming from embarrassment as she looked like she'll die from overheating any second now.
The pirate captain couldn't help but blink. Shachi made her wear cat ears and say 'Nya'….He made her act like a cat...? Law thought there was something wrong with his brain because it just refused to process that thought. And the stupid brain wasn't helping with the scenes he was producing in Law's mind either. It was a bit hard to concentrate when he had a picture of Miyako in a cute little dress, on the floor with cat ears and a cat tail, and a collar with a bell on it, looking at him with those innocent big golden eyes and meowing 'Nya' with one hand in the air bent like it's a paw. He cursed mentally, leading a battle inside his mind with himself to stop the foolish thoughts and 'get real.' But seeing the picture in his head, he could understand why Shachi wanted to see something like that. Law's eye twitched ever so slightly at the thought of the samurai girl doing that and Shachi drooling all over her. That perverted mechanic was going to get his ass kicked after all.
Luckily, a scream brought him out of his daze and his sharp mind returned to him once again, as both him and Miyako looked at the direction where the scream had come from. They glanced at each other, realizing what the other was thinking and without a word jogged hastily down the street and around the corner. There they saw a crowd of people, whispering and talking, some of them shaking their head in shock and disbelief.
The couple came closer, pushing their way thought the crowd, then suddenly stopped when they came to the center and saw the scene before them. Miyako's eyes were wide from surprise and even Law's eyes widened a little. There, on the ground, was the body of Samue Shindo. It was mutilated though the face was left intact so they could recognize him. There was pure shock written across the dead man's face as if he saw something frightening before his death. His eyes were open wide and so was his mouth, a trail of saliva and blood dripped from it. His body was open from chest to the end of his stomach, bowels and organs shown for all to see and while he lay there in a dark pool of blood.
The Dark Doctor crouched next to the body to examine it better. He searched for signs of rigor mortis, cat eyes or dead spots, which were the three signs of death. "All the signs are present, and his whole body is already stiff. But the blood doesn't seem that old, it's still not dried up completely. I'd say he's been dead for about 10 hours," Law muttered as he kept examining the body. His eyes narrowed suspiciously when he saw that the man's stomach was open with a precise cut, like a surgeon would do and some of the organs were missing. The heart was gone, and also the liver and the kidney. But Law didn't know why would someone take those? *For experiments?* But then he noticed something else. Something was glistening on the sun, wrapped around one of Samue's wrists. Law took it and examined the barely visible item.
"String," Miyako suddenly noted next to him as she also stared at the item in his hand. She took it from him and examined it closely. "But the texture is different…like a wire. Yet more flexible," she added and flexed the string a few times.
The captain looked back at Samue, seeing if he could find out something else from the body, though he knew he couldn't know much without examining the body properly. He wasn't really interested in autopsy since he found it boring when your patients were already dead. There was a certain thrill when you knew the life of a person lying before you on the table is in your hands; at least for Law. A hand on his shoulder brought him back from his thoughts and he looked up at Miyako, who put a hand on his shoulder lightly as to get his attention. But she wasn't looking at him. She was looking up and ahead, at the wall in front of them. There was something written there, in blood, and Law could guess who's was it; 'Rejoice! For you will become timeless and immortal! Only true Art can reach the gates of Heaven!'
"This is the first time he left a message. I wonder why…," she muttered, still staring at the big blood letters on the wall. She noticed shuffling around them and saw that the people started moving away from them as if the Heart pirates did this. The villagers probably thought that way.
"Samue!" A loud voice boomed behind them and Muso ran through the crowd, not caring who he'll push aside. He stopped in his tracks when he came to the body, and the large man fell to his knees with wide eyes. "N-no…how can this be?" He was muttering, staring in disbelief at his mutilated friend.
Miyako's gaze softened as she saw the large man stricken with pain and grief. "Muso-san…," she whispered, but didn't know what to say to console the man. There was really nothing she could say since the whole situation was awful.
After a while Muso came out of his daze and looked at Law and Miyako as if he just noticed them for the first time. He stared at the pirate doctor, who just returned his stare with a blank, expressionless gaze. He appeared like he was wondering what Muso would do next. "You….Samue trusted you…he wanted to help….and now he is dead. You said you'd help! That you'd find the culprit! So how did this happen? How could you let this happen!" As the enraged blacksmith went on, his voice became louder and stronger, as he stared more accusing by the second while yelling at Law with hurt in his eyes.
Trafalgar's eyes narrowed dangerously in return. He knew the man was full of anger and grief because of his best friend being killed, but he still didn't like people disrespecting him in this manner. He had enough of Muso's bad temper. The captain opened his mouth to warn the blacksmith that he would lose his life if he continued, but before he could say anything, Miyako's voice cut him off.
"It's my fault." Her head was bowed low as she stared at the ground, genuineness and a hint of pain in her expression.
Both Law and Muso looked at her with surprise, not expecting for the girl to take the blame. "What do you mean," Muso demanded, his voice still harsh.
"I asked Samue-san for help…We went into the Archive room together to research the disappearances and then he went missing there. I didn't even hear or see when he was taken and I couldn't do anything…I couldn't even beat the opponent and question them about it. It was my faultSamue-san is dead because of my incompetence." Miyako's voice was low, almost a whisper as she spoke, still staring at the ground.
The large man didn't say anything; he just stared at the girl, not knowing how to react to her statement. However, she didn't give him much time to respond as she bowed, almost hitting the ground with her forehead. "So I will take any punishment you see fit for me," she finally added.
Muso's eyes widened at the sight and that's when he realized the deepness of regret in this girl. She really felt responsible for what happened to Samue even though it wasn't really her fault. He knew there was no way he could blame her after such a display of honesty she showed him. Even before he could respond, Law's voice came from next to him; it sounded low and calm, but Muso know there were danger and warning in it; "But you know, if you actually lay a hand on Miss Miyako, I won't stop until I drain every bit of blood from your body."
Miyako's head shot up to protest, since she didn't want Law to get involved in this. She was the one who should take the blame, not him; that's what she firmly believed now. But the blacksmith just closed his eyes and smiled a barely visible smile. Even so, it hardly reached his eyes, only seeming depressed. "Don't worry. Like I could actually resent you after this. I understand you feel regret…though it is not your responsibility to carry it." He looked at Miyako when he spoke that last statement. "All we can do now is avenge Samue and find the culprit." He nodded to her and the girl nodded back as they understood each other.
"I'm sorry to interrupt this sentimental moment, but we should get out of here and talk in private," Law warned in a mutter as he glanced back at the crowd with a frown. The villagers looked frightened and shocked, but some of them had expressions of pure hate and the pirate wouldn't be surprised if they attacked them at any moment. He didn't want to deal with that right now. Besides, the culprit could be among them, listening to their conversation.
The girl and the blacksmith agreed and stood up, leaving the body to the village doctor and the few officers that weren't killed by the Heart pirates. Law talked to the village doctor named Yashi and made an agreement to be present at the autopsy in case there were more clues. But before that, the three went to Muso's house where Law once again found himself sitting on the small cushion on the floor rather uncomfortably.
He didn't want to waste time so he went right to business, blunt as always. "Muso-ya, did you know Samue-ya had a son?"
Muso looked a bit surprised by that question, but then he looked down and nodded with a sigh. "Yes, Katsu. He died when he was 13 though."
"Tell us more about that event," the captain ordered, finding no time for courtesy. He was impatiently tapping his fingers on the wooden table, making a slight noise with his short fingernails.
The bulky man sighed and it seemed he was debating for a second should he tell them or not. Then he stood up and went to a small cupboard. There was a picture on it, and he took it gently before returning to his seat. Muso put the picture on the table and showed it to the pair.
Miyako realized it was actually a drawn portrait of two people, or rather two kids. One of them was a girl, about 16 years old with a bronze tan, dark curly hair and big brown eyes. It was Izumi and she had a big smile on her face. She was resting her hands on the shoulder of a younger boy with short, black, messy hair and big brown eyes…brown? Miyako's eyes narrowed as she looked at the picture a bit closer. The boy certainly looked like Katsu, but wasn't he supposed to have unusual blue eyes? The samurai girl looked at her captain and she could see the same thoughtful expression on his face as he stared at the boy. Law was obviously thinking the same thing she was.
"Katsu was 13 when he disappeared," Muso started explaining, bringing both Law's and Miyako's attention back to himself. "…and as you probably already guessed, he was Samue's son. I was actually Katsu's godfather. Izumi and him played all the time, they were inseparable." He smiled a little, remembering the good old days. "Katsu also lost his mother when he was very young so it was always just Samue and him. But then….there was a devastating earthquake here 4 years ago and a lot of people died, half of the village was destroyed. Katsu had gone off on his own to the store, but never came back. That area was hit the hardest in the earthquake. Katus's body was never found. But even when everyone else had given up, Samue hadn't. He frantically searched for his son and after a while he started telling me some theories that Katsu was actually kidnapped. I never knew how he thought of that…maybe he just needed to believe that Katsu was still alive and waiting for his father to save him. So Samue started doing research and inspection of all the villagers….but he never found the culprit. Nobody believed him either." Muso lowered his head a little as if in shame. "I must admit…neither did I. But now I see I should have. Maybe if I had helped him back then…" Muso's eyes closed and a pained expression crossed his face.
"Muso-ya, does Samue-ya still have his research?" Law ignored the man's pain and went to more important matters.
Muso thought for a moment. "He might…I'm not sure, but we can find out." The large man stood up and so did the other two. He walked over to the door, but then stopped and took the katana that was carefully laid down on its stand. Yawarakai-Te, Miyako noted.
Law raised an eyebrow questioningly at Muso, who tied the katana to his waist. The former swordsmith only shrugged when he saw the captain's look. "Just in case." The pirate still looked at the man suspiciously, as if expecting the man might turn the blade towards him, but didn't comment on it and just followed the large man as they walked towards Samue's house.
~….~
The walk there wasn't long and soon, Muso opened the big sliding doors of Samue's house, leading them all inside.
"It's probably in his study. Follow me." The man announced as he led them through the small hallway. He stopped in front of another slide door and put his large hand on it when they suddenly heard a strange sound on the other side. Muso stiffened, stopping his action, and so did the rest of them as they heard the sound.
Law's eyes narrowed. "Someone is here." He put a tattooed hand on the hilt of his nodachi, ready to unsheathe it in a flash if necessary.
The blacksmith quickly slid the doors open, hoping to catch the person off guard. The first thing they all noticed was the complete mess and chaos in the room. Everything was scattered around, papers and files everywhere, along with drawers that were on the floor and a small cabinet which was toppled over. They noticed a dark shadow just as it rushed through the window too quickly for them to see the person's face.
"We can't let him get away!" Muso yelled and ran into the room, rushing towards the window. The desire the catch Samue's killer and the one who kidnapped his daughter was pushing him forward even if it was a reckless move. Even before he could get to the window, another blurred form passed him by; it was Miyako who was already running towards the window and before anyone could react, she jumped out and landed into the small backyard of the house.
The only thing Muso heard as she passed him by was "I'm borrowing this." It took some time before he realized she had taken his katana in the process while running.
Miyako could hear Muso calling after her, but didn't have time to stop or respond as she already saw the shadow disappearing behind a roof of one of the houses and heading to the outskirts of the village. She ran after the form, surprised that it moved so fast, but when it came to quickness Miyako was no amateur either. Speed was something she polished through her training. Once again, the person moved as if flying, only jumping now and then from one village roof to another.
It didn't take long before the girl followed the form outside the village and into the forest. When they were far away from Kyonin, the person slowed down and started walking normally, deeper into the forest. She tried to move as silently and carefully as she could, hoping not to get noticed. She hid behind trees as she followed the strange shadow, but kept a safe distance from them just in case. She couldn't see much of a man either, since he was wearing a cut up robe that looked more like a few big rags wrapped around him. She noticed the man was barefoot, but didn't seem to have any problems as he walked on the prickly forest ground.
Miyako suddenly stopped and hid behind a big tree when she noticed the person stopped walking. *Did he notice me?* She cursed under her breath and bit her lip in thought, already coming up with a plan in case he did notice her, in case a fight was about to start. Luckily for her, that wasn't the case and instead the man just stood there, his arms by his sides and head bowed low. Miyako's eyebrows furrowed at the sight, not understanding why he was acting like he fell asleep on his feet.
Then suddenly she heard some rustling ahead and her eyes narrowed as another form appeared, walking out of the bushes. She could tell it was a tall man, but couldn't see anything specific since he was wearing a dark blue cape with a hood on and a white mask that was decorated with painted crimson lines. Miyako tried her best to see anything useful, watching the man carefully while he walked closer to the other person.
Suddenly the other person lifted their head again and the girl noticed they had something in their hand, a small book, and they outstretched their arm so they could give it to the masked man. She bit her lip harder, thinking whether she should jump in and confront them or wait it out and follow the two mysterious figures further. She decided it would be smarter to wait and follow since she didn't know anything about her opponents and she was alone against the two of them here. The man took the book and as he moved his arm, the sleeve fell down a little, revealing a bandaged wrist. Miyako's eyes narrowed as she engraved that detail in her memory.
Unfortunately, Lady Luck wasn't on her side and her choice was made for her when she saw the masked man holding the book in one hand and matches in the other as he tried to start a fire.
*He'll burn the book! There must be something important in there that the kidnapper wants to hide. If I don't act now, we'll lose the only clue we have!* Miyako couldn't let that happen even if she was in a disadvantage here. Her thumb rested on the tsuba of the sword as she opened it slightly. She knew she had to act fast but precise and without any second thoughts if she wanted to get that book and get out of this as a winner…or at least alive. If this was the same person who attacked her in the Archive room, she knew his ability and had to be careful.
The man lit the fire and was just about to lit the book with the matches when Miyako moved from her hideout, unsheathing her sword with precise speed. A gust of wind passed the masked man and even with his face covered it was clear he was surprised. The matches in his hand suddenly split in two and fell on the floor, the fire extinguished. Miyako smirked at her success. She managed to cut the matches with the haki from the wind cut she created. But it was too early to celebrate. She still needed to get that book somehow.
The masked man recovered from his surprise and he moved backwards, one hand clutching the small book and the other was lifted as he started to move his fingers. Miyako couldn't understand what he was doing until she felt a warning sensation and a presence behind her. She jumped sideway and just in time as the other person tried to slice her with their sword. She turned to look at them and for the first time she was able to see their face clearly in the afternoon sun. The samurai's eyes widened, both in surprise and confusion.
"Wha…What is this?" She looked at the person in front of her…though she couldn't really call them 'a person.' His glassy brown eyes stared at her, but weren't really focused…no wonder since they weren't real at all. And the person had lines that connected its limbs and jaw. *A puppet!* No matter how she looked at it, the person in front of her wasn't human…wasn't even alive. It was a puppet. A puppet of a man, holding a big sword with a decorated hilt that looked like an antique. Most of his body was covered in cloth that looked old and damaged in some places. Yet the puppet appeared almost like a living being, with such detailed features and long silver hair that seemed real.
*So if this is the puppet….that must be the puppet master.* Miyako's eyes narrowed as she glanced at the masked man with the corners of her eyes. The puppet might be attacking, but she wasn't going to be fooled…her real opponent was the masked man. He also held the book that she had to take, which made it clear that she couldn't waste her time on the puppet.
So even when the man moved his finger again and the puppet started moving, she just dodged it, ignoring it completely and instead went after the masked man, surprising him once again. She slashed at him, trying to get the book in the process, but suddenly she stopped. Miyako's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she tried to move but couldn't. Then her eyes narrowed and she noticed she was being held with strings…same kind of strings they found on Samue's body. And not just her; as she concentrated better, she saw those strings glistening on the sunlight as they were tangled on the trees around them, making a trap similar to a spider web. And true enough, right now Miyako felt like a butterfly caught in the spider's web, just waiting to be eaten as she struggled hopelessly. Both her wrists were captured and her ankles as well. As she struggled, the strings just kept tightening around her, cutting the skin until a small line of blood appeared on her right wrist.
"It's pointless to struggle." The man's voice was calm and muffled from the mask, so she couldn't recognize him. He strolled over to her slowly. His head tilted as if he was examining her and Miyako could feel his stare piercing her, his eyes piercing into hers. "I wasn't planning to use you yet….but it's hard to wait. Especially now."
Her eyebrows furrowed, not understand what the man was talking about. "What are you saying? Who are you? Did you kidnap Izumi-dono and the others!?"
But she didn't get an answer. Instead, a finger on her lips silenced her and Miyako glared at the man. "Shh…don't talk," he simply said and then took out something from his cape. It was a white piece of cloth and as he started moving it towards her face, the girl could smell the unpleasant and strong smell of something on it. She moved her face away, but that didn't do her much good. She glanced at the katana still in her hand. If she moved it right it could cut through some of the strings holding her right wrist, but if she wasn't precise enough, she could easily cut her side in the process and make a serious wound.
She closed her eyes as she concentrated, as if trying to reach a connection with the katana. *Yawarakai-Te , lend me your strength now!*
She let the hilt go for a second so the katana would turn downward and then gripped it again, moving it to the side. It passed just next to her hip and Miyako could feel the tip graze her side slightly, but never came into contact with the skin. Instead, it moved and sliced some of the strings on the way, releasing her wrist. As soon as she had her wrist free, Miyako swung towards the man, but he managed to dodge in the last second. A small cut on his throat appeared and the blood trickled downwards.
The samurai girl didn't waste any time as she sliced the rest of the string with her katana and was just about to move forward when the masked man moved his fingers again, discarding the white cloth, and the puppet came in front of them, blocking Miyako's path. She narrowed her eyes in annoyance as her eyes became cold as ice. "I don't have time to waste on you." Her voice was cold as well, indicating she was dead serious now. The puppet just kept slashing at Miyako without a response. She dodged another slash to her side, then blocked the one aiming at her head, and roundhouse kicked, hitting the puppet in its wooden stomach. It stumbled and started falling over, but then stopped falling in an unnatural way. It was half in the air already, yet stayed completely still and then suddenly came back to its bare feet again. Miyako sighed and glanced at the masked man behind the puppet. *Of course….since he is the one controlling it with those strings.*
The fight continued for a little while more, but Miyako had no more patience or will for it. The puppet was not the one she wanted. She dodged another slash and jumped backwards, sheathing back her sword and taking a battojutsu stance. "It's time to end this." Her voice was still cold and her eyes pierced both his puppet and the puppet master with a glare.
She didn't move for a while and neither did the puppet, but then the man moved his hand and the puppet rushed forward, the long sword ready. The samurai girl closed her eyes in full concentration, then when she sensed the puppet moved close enough, her eyes opened and she made a quick step forward unsheathing the katana in the process.
"HAAAAAH!" Miyako yelled, the power coming from her gut and released as a battle cry. The two swords collided, the sound of metal clashing echoed through the forest, scaring away some nearby crows. As the swords met, Miyako's determination only grew and she put all her power into that slash. For a while nothing happened, but then suddenly the puppet's sword broke under pressure and Miyako's katana moved forward slicing at the puppet. The sword sliced at its chest, neck and jaw, cutting the wood there and making a big gash. The puppet fell on the ground limp, the suddenly loose strings falling on the floor with it.
The samurai looked up at the masked man who took a step backwards, but that only made her take two steps forward. She passed the puppet on the ground, not even looking at it as she stared at the man in front of her with cold golden eyes. She was certain this was the kidnapper...the one who took the kid, the maid and even Izumi, not to mention he killed Samue. And the one who was messing with the Heart Pirates since they came on this island. Miyako lifted her arm and pointed the tip on the katana at the man who was about two meters away from her. "Prepare yourself. You're next." She wasn't going to show any mercy to this man.
Just as she stepped forward again, she noticed a slight twitch in the man's fingers and her eyes narrowed dangerously as she quickly turned around, suspecting what he was trying to do. Her eyes widened in surprise when she noticed the puppet was up and the remains of its yaw wide open.
Miyako only had time to lift her katana to block as it shot three senbon out of its mouth. Even though she wasn't prepared for the attack, she managed to block two, but the third pierced her deep in the shoulder. She gritted her teeth in pain as her eyes narrowed. She gripped the senbon and pulled it out, a light spray of blood following the needle-like weapon.
The puppet rushed at her again and Miyako raised her katana, the adrenaline helping her to overcome the pain in her left shoulder. She dodged another slash and sliced the puppet in the shoulder as she passed it and then quickly turned around towards it again. But just as she was about to rush at it again, her vision started to get blurry and she started to see double. Miyako tried to focus and blinked a few times but with no use. *Dammit! There must've been some kind of poison in that senbon.* But of course the puppet, or rather the masked man, didn't give her time to rest as the puppet went after her again. The girl dodged the sideways slice aiming at her head by crouching, though she was just a bit too slow and the sword cut her on the shoulder. She ignored the sting and crouched further, slicing at the puppet's legs and cutting them off in the knees. Hopefully that would restrict its movement. She jumped away from it quickly just in case. As the puppet fell down…or at least started falling down, once again it stopped midair and then was left hovering in the air.
Miyako bit her lip in annoyance. *Shit! It's no use!* Her vision was getting worse by the second as she felt a wave of weakness coming over her. She fell down on her knees, panting, and stabbed her katana in the ground for support. She could see the puppet rushing at her with its sword raised through her blurry vision.
"Room." A familiar deep voice echoed behind her and suddenly everything went blue. Before the puppet could reach her, it split into little pieces of wood and were left there floating in the air. Miyako was too tired and weak to turn around and see her captain's face, but she could feel his presence approaching.
"The book in his hand….Take the book!" She managed to voice out with her dry throat that seemed to worsen as well. She knew Law didn't like commands, but right now she had no time or strength to think of a more polite way to say it.
Law's eyes glanced down at her and his lips formed a thin line as he considered should he scold her about ordering him now or later. But he decided getting the book was more urgent, even though he didn't understand the whole situation yet. Still, he knew this was one of those times when you do first and ask later. So Law lifted his hand again, his other resting his unsheathed nodachi on his shoulder, as he moved his two fingers. "Shambles." In a second the book was on the ground next to Law and there was a simple rock in the masked man's hand. Once again the man stumbled backwards in surprise as he stared at the rock in his hand, then at the pirate who had a smug smirk on his pleased face.
The pirate captain picked up the small book and examined it. It had leather covers that looked overused just like the rest of the book, as if someone constantly leafed through it. Law's eyes traveled from the book back to the masked man, but this time there was no smirk present. Only a dangerous and serious expression. "So you are the one making all this trouble…and more importantly, giving me all this trouble." His eyes narrowed. "We should have a little chat about your manners." Law's voice sounded even colder than Miyako's had as he hissed out those words.
The masked man suddenly reached into his cape and took something out. "I wouldn't agree." A somber muffled voice answered, with a bitter taste in it. He threw something on the ground and suddenly smoke enveloped everyone. Law put a hand over his face as he tried to see through the smoke, but when it finally cleared, it was already too late and there was no sign of the masked man.
The pirate captain was just about to head deeper into the forest, searching for their opponent, his new nemesis, when Muso's gruff voice stopped him. "Wait, Trafalgar!" He gazed back to see the big man kneeling next to Miyako, trying to help her up. "Something's wrong with Suzune!" Law looked at the girl kneeling on the ground, as she clutched the katana for support; the only thing keeping her from falling down. She was panting and beads of sweat appeared on her face, her eyes half-lidded.
Miyako could hear voices and some shouting around her. She recognized it as Muso's voice, but couldn't understand what they were saying. She somehow lifted her head a little to look up, though her head felt heavy as led. She saw Law who knelt down next to her and touched her forehead as if checking to see if she had a fever. He was saying something but Miyako couldn't understand what. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion and annoyance as she tried to focus to understand what was going on around her, but she just couldn't focus. The voices were becoming as blurry as her vision and she felt so tired. She just wanted to lie down and sleep forever. The girl closed her eyes to rest a little, mumbling something about sleep before everything went completely black.
~…..~
Miyako opened her eyes with a small groan, but quickly closed them when the light hit her pupils, making her eyes burn. She tried rubbing them a few times and then opened them again carefully. It didn't take the girl long to figure out she was in the sub's infirmary as she stared at the metal ceiling and then turned her head to see beds and operating tables, along with different kind of medical appliances.
As she turned her head on the other side, she saw a familiar figure sitting at the desk, reading the small book they brought back.
"Law-san…." Her voice was still hoarse and her throat was now painfully dry.
The pirate captain closed the book and looked up at his patient. "You have a cup of water beside the bed." He motioned with his head at the paper cup on the metal table used for holding operating items.
The girl managed to sit up and took the cup. The cold liquid felt good against her sore throat and Miyako felt refreshed enough to talk to him now. And she knew she'll have to since Law will want a detailed explanation of what happened.
"What exactly happened after you ran off by yourself, Miss Miyako?" There was light annoyance indicated in his voice as he remembered the girl once again acted on her own. Won't she ever learn?
The samurai cleared her throat and begun telling Trafalgar everything she knew and noticed. He listened carefully without interruptions, though he seemed in thought as she spoke, playing with his goatee.
After Miyako was done with her story, Law told her how they managed to follow her into the forest after she left, but lost sight of her there so they had to track her down, which made them lose quite a lot of time. And of course Miyako couldn't get out without a good scolding from Law and a promise that she would get her punishment later for not listening to him. The girl only responded with a 'Yes, captain' which was more of a displeased mumble really, but the man ignored the her frown and went on with his own story. He explained that they took back the remains of the puppet and he examined it. The puppet had secret parts where it kept some weapons, but other than that, it worked like any other puppet on strings would.
"However, the one controlling it has to be very skilled if he can use it as a weapon like that. Even making it had to be done by a professional." Law leaned back in his chair and looked at the leather-covered book. "One curious thing though; It seems the hair of the puppet was indeed human hair." He put down the book and tangled his fingers together, leaning his elbows on the chair.
Miyako eyes widened a little. "Human hair? Are you sure?" Law's look gave her the answer to that question even without saying anything. Puppet makers would often use different kinds of materials, usually horse hair, for making puppet and doll hair and sometimes it would look almost like the real thing. But Law could easily tell the difference between human and animal hair after looking at the sample under his microscope.
The girl thought abut it for a while, but then put it aside for now as she looked at the book on the table. "And this?"
He gazed down and took it in his hands. "A diary. It seems Samue-ya wrote everything about his investigation in here. There must be something the culprit didn't want us to see in here. I read thought it, but didn't really find any clues. Samue-ya did suspect some people, but they all turned out to be dead ends later." Law's face grew more troubled as he stared at the diary.
The sound of metal doors opening cut Law off and the couple glanced at the entering pirates. It was Cody and Josh and they did not look happy at all. Law raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment as the two entered, Josh mumbling a greeting and nodding to the captain and Cody giving him a more polite greeting with a clear "Hello."
Miyako blinked at the two who came to her bed and she didn't have time to react before the short redhead hit her upside down on the head. "Hey! What's your problem!?" The samurai girl protested as she rubbed the now-sore-spot on her head and glared at the short medic.
"My problem?! Didn't I tell you to stop causing problems and getting into trouble? We heard what happened and once again you could've died, stupid girl! Don't you have any restraint at all!?" Josh was red in the face as he yelled at the frowning girl.
"You're bargaining in here all red in the face and talking about restraint?" Miyako mumbled as she stared to the side, which only made Josh more angry and Cody had to restrain him from hitting the girl again.
The Wano girl stared back at Cody with puppy eyes, but the tall medic only folded his arms on his chest and closed his eyes. "Don't look at me like that, I'm with him on this one." Miyako once again frowned as she was scolded like a 5 year-old, but Cody ignored her expression and continued. "He's right, you know. You were poisoned. And you were lucky it wasn't a deadly kind of poison, but only the kind that weakens and immobilizes the victim. What if it was something more serious, though?" Cody put his hand on his hip and gave her a reprimanding look.
Miyako's frown returned as she gazed at the two medics. "You guys worry too much." She lifted her nose high in the air and closed her eyes, folding her arms on her chest. "Like I'd die that easily."
However, all she got was another hit upside the head and her eyes opened instantly with another yelp. "Hey! Would you stop that!"
Josh was still clenching his fist dangerously near her head, while the other rested on his hip. "I'll hit you enough times until it gets through your thick pumpkin head!"
"Oh yeah!? Just try it shorty!" Miyako growled back and in a second the two of them were in a death grip, wrestling with one another and yelling angrily. It lasted until Cody final lost his patience with the two and gave them both a hit on the head, which made them wince and stop immediately. They didn't want to piss Cody off, that was for sure.
"We're sorry…" Both Miyako and Josh said sadly in unison with Cody standing over them with his arms crossed on his chest.
A light chuckle brought them all out of their own world and they looked at their captain who was watching them with amused eyes as if enjoying the show, his hands supporting the back of his neck as he leaned in the chair more comfortably.
"Captain! This is no laughing matter. This girl is hopeless!" Josh exclaimed as he gave Law a slight reprimanding look for not talking this more seriously.
"You're right mister Joshua. Perhaps we should make sure she behaves from now on." Law smirked and stood up from his chair, strolling towards the group. "Or perhaps we should just cuff her to this bed so she doesn't go anywhere on her own again." His smirk turned into a teasingly evil grin as he stared down at the girl. Miyako didn't look pleased by his words at all; at least if her gulping and nervous face were any signs of it.
The girl sweat-dropped and laughed nervously. "O-oh come on. You don't have to do that. I'm sure we can make a better deal."
Trafalgar leaned forward, one hand on the bed for support as he smirked, staring right at the girl's face. "Miss Miyako, I don't need to make deals with my subordinates. Because they are expected to behave from the start. Discipline is something I always expect on my submarine and you have disappointed me in that area more than once already." He straightened up again and tilted his head as he still stared at the girl with that teasing yet evil expression. "So what do you suggest we do about it, hm?"
Miyako smiled nervously. "Forgive and forget because we're all such kind-hearted people here?" She tried…a sorry attempt, but at least she tried.
Law's smirk only widened, but his eyes had a sadistic gleam in them as he raised one eyebrow. It was obvious he didn't have Miyako's suggestion in mind.
~….~
The wet mop once again splashed on the wooden deck as Miyako rinsed and cleaned the floors. "Why does it always end like this?" Law once again ordered her to clean the whole deck spotless by herself, and even during dinner. Which means those greedy pirates will eat everything and she'll go to bed hungry. Seriously, the men on this submarine were like bottomless pits, or at least their stomachs were.
She looked up at the sky with a loud sigh. It was already getting darker, the sunset nearly over. Her stomach rumbled loudly making Miyako wince and sigh again in annoyance. *Maybe I'll sneak into the galley afterwards and take something from the fridge….though who knows what Law would do if he finds out.* She sighed again with her head bowed at the thought. Once again she was in par with Bepo with her depressing state.
So instead she focused on the memory of what happened in the forest earlier that day. This was the closest to the kidnapper they had come to and Miyako cursed her own self for not being able to catch him and put a stop to this. She remembered the fight and how she used Yawarakai-Te; Miyako had to admit, it seemed awfully easy to fight with that katana, even though it was her first time ever holding it. But the movements just seemed to flow with it as it pierced and slashed through the air perfectly. Not to mention how light it seemed. That thought only reminded her that she lost her katana and still didn't have another to replace it, so once again the samurai girl sighed loudly in despair.
She was brought out of it when she heard a clearing of someone's throat, which made her look up quickly. She saw the large blacksmith standing before her, the katana still in his hand.
"Oh, Muso-san. Good evening." She bowed slightly and Muso nodded in response.
"It seems you're feeling better. So the poison wasn't anything serious?"
Miyako shook her head with a small smile. "No, no, I'm fine. Don't worry." As she noticed the katana in his hand, she remembered something she needed to do. She bowed again slightly in apology. "I'm sorry I just took your katana and ran off today. I had no right to do something like that."
The man seemed nervous and scratched his head with the other hand. "No…that's alright. After all, you had a good reason."
Miyako's head tilted in puzzlement as Muso remained his nervous self. He was looking everywhere around her, but not at her or in her eyes and he kept clearing his throat or scratching his bearded chin. "Um…is something wrong?" She finally asked, trying to get him to look at her in the eyes as she moved her head.
That made Muso's head snap towards her and he quickly shook his head. "No, I'm fine. But there's something I want to talk to you about…"
She blinked in wonder. "Me?" The man only nodded as a response. "Well, alright then…" She leaned on her mop, readily looking at the man.
"Actually I was wondering if you could come with me for this. It's about the kidnappings and I think I have some clues, but…you have to see it," the man explained in a rush of words.
"Oh, well then let me just get captain…" Miyako turned and was about to head for the door when Muso stopped her.
"Wait! He can't come, it has to be just you."
She turned towards the blacksmith again and her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Muso-san? What's this about?"
Muso cleared his throat. "You know I don't trust that pirate! And this is…personal. I want you to see it first."
Miyako still had a skeptical expression as she stared at the man. "Even so, I can't leave the submarine without notifying my captain." she mumbled, trying to figure out what to do and what was all this about. What exactly did Muso find that he couldn't share with anyone else?
"We're only going to the village and it won't take long. They won't even notice you were gone." Muso persisted, though Miyako couldn't understand it. Why was he being so persistent? What was it that Law couldn't know about? Miyako had a strange feeling in her gut. A bad one. She was suspicious of the event, but also curious, especially when it came to the disappearances case. And it was obvious Muso had no intention of showing her the clue as long as she brought Trafalgar so it was out of the question if she wanted to know. And if she told Law about it, he would just use it as an excuse to torture Muso and get it out of him….Miyako knew Law would just enjoy that since he and the blacksmith never seemed to get along. Also, the swordsmith never appeared suspicious so far and they didn't have a reason to doubt him. All this led Miyako to conclusion that she should follow Muso and see what was up. Besides, she was strong and could take care of herself, though she doubted she'd have a reason to since she was just going in the village with the blacksmith.
Miyako sighed after a long time of consideration. "Alright, I suppose if we go quickly, it'll be fine." She was still looking at Muso suspiciously and didn't intend to let her guard down at any moment. But Muso had an alibi and couldn't be the masked man. And there was never a sign of an accomplice; not to mention Muso's daughter was the victim too, so it wouldn't make any sense that he was the culprit. *So this really must be about some clues. But he's still acting strange and unusual. Why can't he just tell me?* The girl sighed again and nodded, leaving the mop against the wall and went to follow after him. Even his walk seemed in haste.
Sam and Mori were just walking towards the submarine, heading back from the bar a little tipsy and in a very good mood.
"I don't know what you're talking about! That redhead was hot!" Mori argued with his friend.
"Oh please, you had waaay too much to drink tonight, obviously," Sam teased as he laughed at his friend. But then he stopped when he noticed two familiar faces passing by a few meters away. Sam nudged his friend in the ribs with his elbow, ignoring the whiny protest he got . "Hey, isn't that Miya-chan and that blacksmith guy who always fights with the captain?"
Mori looked in the same direction as well and squinted his eyes, trying to see in the dark. "Heey, you're right. But what are they doing?"
"Well I've seen them together a lot because the guy is helping Miyako and captain to solve the whole kidnapping issue."
"Don't you mean that captain and Miyako are helping him." Mori rolled his eyes at his friend as he corrected him. "There's no way captain would just waste his time on this case without a very good reason. I wonder how the blacksmith persuaded Captain to help anyway…it doesn't sound like him." He scratched his head in thought.
Now it was Sam's time to roll his eyes. "Who cares. More importantly, why isn't captain with them then? Should we tell him we saw Miya-chan and that Muso-guy leave together?"
Mori suddenly looked at Sam with wide eyes. "You mean, he doesn't know!? You really think he doesn't?" Then the man gasped in sudden realization. "Is Miya-chan scheming something with Muso-guy?" Then another gasp. "Or is it like a secret romance of lovers who could never be because the world wouldn't approve of their age difference so they have to hide it!?"
Sam face-palmed…hard. Right after, he gave Mori a good hit in the head that made the other fall down on the ground like a drunken mess he was. "What the hell are you thinking, you dolt?" He sighed, trying to calm his nerves. "Honestly…why do I hang out with you, you're such a dumbass…," he mumbled, but loud enough for Mori to hear, who 'Hey-ed!' as he tried to get back up to his feet.
~…~
Law tapped the end of his pencil on his desk as he sat in his quarters. However, this time his desk wasn't filled with papers or medical books, but instead only one book was in front of the captain; Samue's diary. He was rereading it for who-knows-what time, trying to find a clue in there or maybe find a code somewhere in between the lines. But Law had a feeling he just hit a wall, much like Samue had with his investigation, and it wasn't leading anywhere anymore.
He was staring at the certain page, though his mind wasn't even working on it anymore. The page, or rather Samue, was talking about his son and how he found a mysterious friend that Katsu always talked about. The first time Law read it, his eyes narrowed instantly at the suspicious coincidence. Haku, the missing boy, had the same story. It seemed Katsu didn't tell much about his friend to his father, though he kept repeating he was from Blue Skies. And of course, nobody knew about the mysterious friend afterward when Samue asked the villagers about it.
Law kept staring at the name 'Blue Skies.' Somehow it seemed awfully familiar to him. He tapped his pencil a few more time, making a troubled serious look, then suddenly stood up and walked to one of the boxes on the floor next to the wall. It was the files about all the villagers from the Archive room. They took it from the station afterwards and this time the officers didn't have anything to say against it. No wonder since he killed half of the station and their commander already. Law smirked at that thought, remembering their frightened faces when he came with Bepo, Penguin and Shachi to the station. The officers almost hid under the tables from fright.
However, he shook the thought away, returning to his previous task as he ran through the files and then found the one he was looking for. He opened it and started reading, his eyes fully concentrated on the content. Then suddenly his eyes went wide at the realization. He stood up quickly, taking the file with him and rushed out of the room and down the hallway. He almost bumped into Sam and Mori as he turned around the corner. He gave them a warning look, since he was in a hurry, when he saw his two subordinates tipsy and with slightly red faces.
"Ah! Captain! We were just looking for you!" Sam exclaimed and Law raised an eyebrow at that.
"Yeah, yeah, we wanted to let you know that we saw Miya-chan leave with that big blacksmith dude!" Mori interrupted, getting an irritated glare form his pirate friend.
Law's eyes narrowed as he hissed the words, "What?"
"Yea, I think they were heading for the village." Sam answered, a bit uncertain when he saw Law's darkening expression. He just hoped his captain won't shoot the messenger. If so…he can have Mori!
Law closed his eyes for a second, pinching the bridge of his nose as he tried to calm down. "That woman…," he growled through clenched teeth. Without another word he passed the two pirates and went on towards the deck. "Tell Bepo, Shachi and Penguin I'll be waiting for them on the deck! And tell them to get my nodachi!" He shouted back at the two pirates, who saluted and ran off to find the first mate and the two mechanics. Then just before he went up the stairs, Law stopped and turned towards the two pirates once more, "And sober up, will you." He said it in a mixture of annoyance with a growl, which made the two pirates gulp and nod their heads, feeling uncomfortable. The expression on their captain's face was enough to sober them up instantly.
Aaaah, finally! This one was long too, I think. O.o Anyway, it took a long time to both write and proofread it since I hardly have any time right now. :/ But hopefully you enjoyed it and I already started writing the next chapter. I'd try to finish it on the weekend but I can't promise anything. :/
But at least we have OP manga chapters to look forward to! Who else rolled on the floor with laughter when Usopp started tying Chopper to Law's head? That scene was hilarious. Law's face was priceless! XD
So anyway, reviews and criticism are welcomed as always and I always try to comment and answer all your questions. :) See you in the next chapter!