I don't like you!

by BloodyMarryMe

By pure chance and unluckiness Miyako finds herself at the Sabaody auction house as a slave. And of all the people, the one interested just had to be the most smug, egoistical and sadistic pirate she has ever met. So at least she can give him as much trouble as possible, right? LawXOC

49. Chapter 49

I don't like you! by BloodyMarryMe

Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece or any of its characters. However, the OC Suzune Miyako is mine. Rated T for languge, violence and suggestive themes.

Sorry for the wait guys, college is pretty hectic right now. I didn't have time to send this one to my beta since I'm already late with posting and I wanted to post it quickly. I proofread it but I apologize if there are any mistakes I might have overseen. Enjoy!

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CHAPTER 49

"Sailing Master(1)?" Josh asked.

"Jean Bart!" Miyako exclaimed, a smile of victory on her face since she got it right.

"I'm asking you what it is!" Josh yelled back, already irritated. Clearing his throat, the redhead tried again. "Alright, what about a 'bilge rat'(2)?"

"…" Miyako looked at Josh from her position and kept staring at him silently, an unreadable expression on her face.

However, even Josh could tell what she was thinking. "Don't compare me to a rat!"

The samurai girl was lying on the table in the pretty much same position ever since they came to the inn. Josh was also by her side, looking like a strict teacher who has an insufferable student. Cody was already dozing off on the wooden bench near the window, too tired to keep listening to their studies. It was pretty unusual that he could even sleep with so much noise of the Hearts partying around him. Still, that only proved how boring the scene at the far table where they sat, truly was. The rest of the pirates kept on eating and drinking with the last of their personal savings, still in high spirits even though already broke. Perhaps the strong alcohol in the joint helped with their mood, something they will regret the next morning when they wake up with hangovers and empty pockets. But for now; there was a lively party going on, as some of the men even dared to break into song. Their drunk and broken voices made the other Heart Pirates throw glasses and anything they could find in their reach at the singing quartet, yet the singers didn't budge, deciding that the show must go on at any cost.

By now, the girl already had a clear pout on her face. It seemed like everyone was having fun here except her. She looked around, her eyes unconsciously searching for the one she blamed for this whole situation; the only one who could've stopped it and spared her the agony but only shrugged at the whole situation passively. And the bastard wasn't even here! Now that she thought about it, Miyako hadn't seen Law in a while. However, Bepo was still here partying with the rest of the pirates as a few of them linked in a line by grabbing shoulders and were in the middle of doing some ridiculous dance. The bear really stood out, bigger than everyone, dancing in his orange jumpsuit. On better inspection, Miyako noticed Shachi and Penguin were also missing; those two were always the heart of the party so it was easy to notice when they weren't in the room. The girl's eyes narrowed suspiciously; there's something going on here.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Josh continued his lesson, not even realizing that Miyako wasn't listening to him anymore. "Alright, what about a-" The medic's words were rudely cut off when the doors of the inn suddenly slammed open. Everyone stopped whatever they were doing and looked at the entrance with surprised expressions. Those looks soon turned into confused ones when they recognized Shachi who was now standing at the entrance with a grinning face. Right behind him, Penguin had the same dorky expression as the older mechanic.

"We're building a robot!" Shachi announced to a quiet room, only managing to make the Hearts even more confused.

"Hah?" Sam finally pulled himself together enough to break the silence.

~…..~

~Earlier that night~

"What?" Shachi put his hands on his hips and tilted his head as he watched Etella's mischievous smirk.

The woman didn't explain anything, only gestured with her hand. "Come with me."

Shachi and Penguin looked at each other uncertainly before looking at Law with nervous expressions, but the captain didn't say anything. Instead he just walked passed them, following the woman silently. Well if even captain Law decided to go, the mechanics' concluded there's no helping it and only shrugged, following Law and Etella.

At first Penguin thought they were heading back to the old man's shop but then they made a sharp turn and walked on to the outskirts of town. It didn't take them long to arrive at the industrial area, filled with factories and vast storage houses. The group stopped in front of a large storehouse.

"This storehouse belongs to my family, but ever since our customers stopped coming and our production decreased, there hasn't been any need for it. It just stands here empty and useless….well, at least that's what my Gramps thinks…" There was a light guilty tone when she added her last statement.

Law and the two mechanics looked at the engineer but she said nothing. Instead, Etella pulled out a large key and unlocked the gates. "Come on, help me." The doors were so big and heavy, Etella could usually barely open them by herself. Shachi and Penguin helped her with the metal sliding gates and they opened them hallway, staring at the gaping darkness on the other side.

Just like Etella said, there was nothing inside. Some old boxes and spare parts along with tables filled with tools. However, as the woman turned on the lights, the pirates noticed one more thing, now towering over them. Whatever it was, it was enormous both in height and width. It was covered in a large white sheet, hiding its true form. Law narrowed his eyes in suspicion, clutching his nodachi just in case. Even his mechanics tensed as they stared up at the mysterious form beneath the white cloth.

"Ettie-chan, what is this?" Penguin couldn't contain his curiosity any longer.

Etella smirked once again. "This is our weapon!" With that, she grabbed the heavy sheet and pulled it off to the side, revealing the metal contraption underneath.

However, as soon as Shachi and Penguin got a better look at the mysterious contrivance, they're faces dropped. The form in front of them could be called nothing else but scrap; scraps of metal and iron combined with cooper wiring. They couldn't even tell what it was but it looked like it was barely holding on and some parts even looked charred.

"Junk?" Shachi couldn't help but say his thoughts out loud.

"You're not seriously thinking you'd use that for the competition?" Even Law chimed in this time, tilting his head to the side and staring at the metal heap with distaste.

Etella's attitude quickly turned into a defensive one, adding anger to the mix. "This is just for now of course. This isn't how it's supposed to look in the end! Why do you think I brought you along!?" She tried to hide her embarrassment with her temper.

"I'm sorry Ettie-chan, I don't understand at all…." Penguin started uncertainly, not sure how to address this matter.

The engineer woman sighed deeply and calmed down enough to return her tone back to normal. "These are the remains of the craft my father piloted five years ago. Gramps already forgot about them so they were left here and I thought we could use these plus some extra parts to create out battle machine for the competition. Every now and then I would sneak here to work on them while Gramps was sleeping."

Law walked up to the pile and looked at some of the parts. He took one and tossed it back on the heap with a scowl. "And you are confident we can fix this and transform it into a battle unit in one night."

Shachi sighed. "But we have no choice…The competition is tomorrow at noon sharp."

"Can we really make this work so soon?" Penguin added in a listless tone.

Law looked at Etella who was about to argue with them again, determined to make this work. They did make a deal after all and the Heart Pirates needed the money anyway. He looked back at his two mechanics, who still carried a skeptical and slightly disappointed expression. "We will make it work. That's why you made a deal with us, no? This is where we come in." He pierced his two mechanics with his eyes full of confidence. There was an unspoken challenge in his stare that his long-time friends easily picked up on.

Shachi smirked. "Hey, you're looking at the two future best mechanics in the whole world. There's no way we can back out now."

That statement seemed to fire Penguin up as well. "Yeah, if this beats us we don't deserve to call ourselves mechanics anymore! We'll definitively do it!"

Law was satisfied with the turn of events, seeing his two friends in high spirits again. If anyone could do this in one night, it was them. But Shachi and Penguin didn't have to do it alone either; there was a whole set of mechanics waiting for them at the inn. "It's time to bring the crew together," the captain announced.

~…~

The Heart Pirates looked at their two head mechanics along with the captain who entered soon after them. But soon their stares all turned to an unfamiliar person; a tall dark skinned woman with a fiery expression.

"Building a robot? What are you two talking about? And who's this?" Kai couldn't begin to understand the situation, firing question after question.

Law gave Bepo his nodachi and crossed his arm on his chest. "It seems Shachi and Penguin gave us some trouble this time." He gave the mechanics an unreadable stare, making both of them tense up.

Suddenly Miyako exclaimed behind the group of the Heart Pirates, a shining smile on her face. "It wasn't me this time!" She was proud that this time nobody excused her of making trouble on the island. It was a refreshing change for her, that Law was giving his warning piercing stare to someone else this time.

"You be quiet!" Josh yelled back at her but the girl ignored him completely, too into the situation developing before her.

"But since we'll gain something from it too, I suppose I'll let it slide this time." Law finished, amused by Shachi's and Penguin's reaction who sighed in relief instantly. It was always entertaining to mess with his crew, keeping them on their toes. Law had to hold back a smirk of enjoyment when he saw his two friends squirm nervously.

Penguin cleared his throat and decided to explain this weird turn of events. "We will help Ettie-chan build a battle robot and win this year's Noir engineering competition. If we win, we'll get enough money to restock and buy all the supplies and submarine parts we need." He smiled, gesturing to the woman next to him.

"A battle robot?" Sai looked at Etella with a questioning, slightly suspicious gaze.

"Yes. But we only have till noon tomorrow. My name is Etella Bingley and I'm an engineer in this town." She pulled out the crumpled piece of paper that was the flyer for the annual competition and gave it to Sai. The navigator hummed in thought and passed it on to the rest of the crew.

"Whoa, that's a lot of money!" Josh couldn't help but exclaim when he read the leaflet. His excited eyes almost mirrored two Beli signs in them.

Miyako also looked over his shoulder, reading the paper. "But will we make it in time? The competition is so soon." She looked at Shachi and Penguin, glancing at them with a troubled gaze.

However, the mechanics just grinned, not a worry in sight. "Hey, we have the best team of mechanics here plus a skillful engineer. We can do this!"

The assistant mechanics in the room all started scratching their heads in embarrassment, some fidgeting and some even blushed.

"Haha well if you say it like that, how can we refuse…"

"Yeah, it's nothing special really."

"You're just saying that…"

The other crew members just stared at them silently with sweat drops. Any skepticism in the mechanics was completely gone now. They were so easily persuaded by a few compliments. Everyone thought the same thing in unison. *So easy to manipulate….*

Miyako grinned. This meant no more tiring studying for her. *Lucky!* She thought before rising a fist in the air. "Alright! I'll help too!"

Josh gave her a surprised glare. "Oy, you still have work to do!" The redhead tried to stop her but the samurai was already out the door.

"Sorry Josh, Shachi and Penguin need our help!" The girl yelled back, not feeling any remorse at all that she was leaving her studies behind. It was already too late to stop her.

The short medic sighed and shook his head in defeat.

"Alright, everyone pack up. We have a competition to win." Law announced and those words were like a signal, indicating for everyone to get fired up and serious.

The Heart Pirates cheered in unity. "Aye Aye Captain!"

~…~

The darkness slowly diminished, the first rays of pale light slowly cutting through the night sky. A moon was replaced by a dawn as the chilly autumn morning signaled the new day. Yet even now, there were loud sounds of drilling, hammering and cutting coming from the old warehouse. The sounds never stopped throughout the whole night as the Heart Pirates worked hastily, noon approaching. Even the non-mechanics of the crew helped out; assisting the others. The whole crew didn't have a wink of sleep the whole night, not wanting to miss their deadline that was just around the corner. If they didn't have the machine done in time, it would all be for naught. They had to finish before the competition started.

A sudden explosion was heard as a part of the machine ruptured. Loud voices and warnings filled the air.

"What was that?!"

"It was the engine. We thought it would work but something went wrong!"

"Is anyone injured!?"

"No, it wasn't that big. It's just bad wiring."

"Damn it, watch it! You just set us back even more!" Etella yelled at the pirates, ignoring their flinching apologetic faces. She rushed to the back of the contraption to look at the engine that was slightly fried now. "Shit!"

"We won't make it at this rate!" Penguin shouted over the sound of the solder.

Meanwhile, Shachi was on the side, discussing some blueprints with Carl. "That isn't an option guys! Step it up! Faster!" He yelled back at the mechanics who were scattered around the large iron contraption, each working on a part.

Miyako came to the guys bringing bottles filled with water. Everyone was dirty with grease and oil, their faces black and dusty. Only the eyes where they kept on their masks still had some skin color. She handed the pirates water bottles. "Sorry that I can't do more." She was helping to hand them some supplies and parts, but she couldn't do anything major. After all, the biggest part was on the mechanics of the Heart Pirates, they were the only ones who could do it now. All Miyako could do is cheer her friends on.

Sam smiled as he took the bottled water and drank almost half of it without taking a breath. With a satisfied sigh, he put the bottle away and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Much like all the other Hearts, his boiler suit was anything but white and filled with stains while he had his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, showing off his tattoos. "That's ok Miya-chan, even this is plenty. You just keep cheering us on and we'll be done in no time, you'll see." The young man grinned underneath his hat.

"Oy, Sam, stop flirting with Miyako and get back to work!" Penguin yelled, calling back his assistant mechanic.

Sam laughed nervously and scratched his head, a slight blush on his face. He gave Miyako a V sign with one final grin before jogging back to his post.

Miyako ignored Penguin's embarrassing shout. She was too engulfed with everyone's energy; it could be felt all around the room. The guys were working so hard, but they were having fun at the same time. They were determined to win. The atmosphere reminded her of the times she would watch everyone train in the dojo when she was younger. As a woman she wasn't allowed to train at the same time, with the men, so all she could do was watch them from the distance. Everyone always had the same serious expressions, determination in their eyes. She often regretted that she could only take classes from the Master afterwards, one-on-one, and never join the rest of the group. But now she felt like she was a part of this group, even if she couldn't do anything that required an engineer's skill. Still, she was happy to do whatever she could for them now.

Miyako clenched her fist. *Do your best, everyone!* However, a part of her felt frustrated that she couldn't do more than this. If only she could do more for them…

A sudden heavy hand on her head brought Miyako back from her thoughts. She looked up in surprise, only to see Law standing beside her.

"Don't worry so much. There's no way they would lose." There was no wavering in Law's voice, no skepticism on his expression.

Miyako stared at the tall man with surprise but then thought about his words for a second. Law was right. She believed in her friends; if anyone could do it, they could! She looked back at Law with eyes filled with amazement. *Was he….trying to reassure me, because he saw I was worried?* A small smile appeared on the girl's face. *I suppose he's a good guy after all…*

Suddenly, Law's expression turned into a menacing grin, his eyes gleaming dangerously. "After all, they know what the penalty for failure is."

Miyako's smile quickly disappeared, an expression of almost comical shock replacing it. *I take it all back!*

~…..~

"Whaa, where are they!" Bepo was practically hopping in place from anticipation. It was almost noon and the town's people were already filling the main square. Law and his group also went to the meeting place for the competition, leaving his mechanics with Etella in the warehouse. When the Hearts were leaving, the mechanic group was still working, making the final preparations, and even though the big clock on the tower was about to chime noon, Etella and the others were yet to come.

"Are they really going to make it?" Josh mumbled skeptically, scratching his head over his black cap.

"They'll come! They'll definitively be here!" Miyako surprised the redhead with her determined voice, as she stared holes through him. She had a look filled with excitement and anticipation, but there was no uncertainty in it.

Josh sighed but decided not to contradict the girl. Actually, he was a bit moved how strongly she believed in them. "Alright, alright, I get it." He gave her a reassuring smirk. "They'll be here."

Miyako smiled back at the medic and gave him a firm nod. For once they were getting along with each other.

Suddenly, a voice echoed through the speaker. "Welcome everyone! Welcome to the annual competition of the chief engineers where you can test your abilities and prove to the whole island that you are the best, the most skillful and most inventive engineer in Noir!" The townspeople cheered in unison. An exploding sound was heard and suddenly colorful confetti filled the air, falling on the crowd. The cheering got even louder. After a while the voices calmed down, allowing the man on the speaker to continue. "This year, our chief engineers will test their abilities into making the best, most powerful and strongest battle machine! Never before did we have such a dangerous event in our tournament!" Once again the townsfolk cheered and Noir's mayor raised his hand to quiet them down. "We would also like to thank Viscount Caffrey Thorneye since he is also the sponsor of this year's competition!" A tall red-haired man walked over to the mayor and bowed slightly lowering his top hat in one fluid motion. Once again, the mayor continued. "And now let us introduce the four daring constants!"

"Only four this year?" A woman next to Miyako commented with slight disappointment. Miyako couldn't help but get curious. She turned to the woman in question.

"Excuse me, is four contestants unusually few?" The samurai girl asked the older woman politely.

The said woman nodded. "Indeed. It's even less than last year. It seems like every year we have less and less contestants in this competition." The woman sighed and shook her head. This competition was the biggest event of the year in Noir, which is mainly an engineering town. The townspeople awaited it with anticipation while the engineers prepared for it throughout the whole year. "It used to be such a big event, but now there is hardly anyone participating."

A man standing close to them overheard their conversation and added his own two cents. "Well most engineers now work for Thorneye or collaborate with him. There are hardly any independent engineering business left in this town. That's why there's no one to compete anymore." The man sounded just as disappointed as the old woman.

"Is Thorneye really such a big force in this town?" Miyako couldn't believe that one man amassed so much power and influence in so little time.

"Mmm, he's business with the marines and other countries also brought prosperity to this town so we can't really complain."

"He is the best. He wins every year, ya' know."

"And this year it's right up his alley, battle machines and all."

The people all spoke the same as they conversed among themselves. In the past there was usually a betting pool going on, where people could bet on contestants and maybe win. But now even that was gone since everyone already knew Thorneye was the sure winner. After all, he was the unbeaten champion five years in a row.

Miyako hummed in thought, then turned back to the old woman who was still standing next to her. "Then what about Mr. Bingley? I heard he's very skilled."

Both man and woman turned towards Miyako in surprise and stared at her as if she just said the most unbelievable thing. Miyako felt nervous sweat on her brown, thinking she offended them somehow. *Did I say something weird?* "W-what?" She asked rather cautiously.

A darker expression came over the couple's faces. "It's impossible, Bingley won't participate. He hasn't for the last five years. Besides, I heard his really sick, he can't compete anymore."

"Yeah, not after what happened then….It's for the better. The old man's skill dulled. That's why the mechanism was faulty five years ago and somebody even died. It's already too late for that geezer." The man explained. "He's time has passed."

Somehow Miyako felt her anger rise because of their words. After all, she saw Etella and the Hearts work on that battle robot all night, yet there was someone standing there and ensuring her they couldn't win no matter what. She knew these people didn't know any of Etella's and her grandpa's hardships, nor Shachi's and Penguni's hard work, but it still frustrated Miyako. She had a feeling she had to defend them. "Well I heard Bingley has a granddaughter! She could enter the competition in his stead!"

The man laughed. "Impossible, the old man wouldn't allow that. He's been a recluse ever since those five years ago. He won't even attend these competitions anymore."

The woman nodded in agreement. "Besides, look. All the contestants are already here, and there's no sign of Arthur Bingley or his granddaughter. It's no different than all the other years."

Unfortunately, Miyako couldn't say anything to that. "Well…that's true but…" Indeed, the competition was starting any minute now and there was still no sign of Etella nor the mechanics. The girl looked around, worry clear in her golden eyes now. The speaker has already started announcing the competitors.

Meanwhile, the announcer on the speaker continued as he listed the contestants. "The first is a newcomer in our town Noir who came this year, as there is still not much known about him. He goes by the name of Bill Dalton ladies and gentlemen!" The speaker pointed at a large, bulky man in his forties. The said engineer had similar clothing as the rest of the townspeople in Noir; leather and cotton clothing with a pair of goggles strapped to his forehead. However he had pieces of metal armor on his right shoulder and chest. There was a heavy leather belt crossing from one shoulder to his waist where it connected with his tool belt filled with items. The man had a large blonde beard and same colored scruffy hair that looked more like a mane of an animal. His eyes stayed piercing even as the crowd cheered, and the man only hummed through his lips holding onto a large cigar between the teeth. There was a contraption on his right forearm that looked like a gun. But what got Miyako's attention wasn't the bear-looking man but the thing behind him. It was his battle machine that rose up behind him, looking like a metal tank armored with iron plates. It had all kinds of tubes and copper wires running through it, along with a few see-through pipes where a green and black fluid flowed through them. The engine seemed to already be running as the monstrous vehicle roared and rumbled. "And we can see his battle machine for the competition; Red Sally!" The announcer motioned at the machine behind Dalton.

After waiting for the crowed to calm down a little, the announcer continued. "Next is one even more mysterious competitor. A hermit engineer living on the outskirts of town, one of the rare still-independent engineers, only known by the name of Cyrus!" A silent man stepped forward as he was announced to the crowd. He wore a long black coat that completely hid his clothes and the collar went all the way up to his nose. The rest of the face was also hidden by a pair of metal goggles that gleamed a light shade of orange. Finally, on his head rested an equally black, tall top hat, only adding to the man's mystery. Even his hands were covered in big leather gloves but there seemed to be something like miniature wires on every fingertip of the glove. Miyako blinked in wonder but then her eyes once again traveled behind the contestant and at his battle machine. This time the contraption looked like a cross between a living being and a machine. The robot had a form similar to a small two-legged dragon, though it still reached about 6 meters in size. It had large folded cloth winds set on pipes and wires. It didn't seem to have any arms or at least they weren't visible, but instead it had a large snout and a mouthful of razor-sharp metal teeth inside. Its body consisted of various wheels and gears, along with tubes and plastic pipes that had a liquid flowing through them. Some parts looked biological and soft, like real organs. Even its eye looked like a mixture of machinery and real eyeball, with the retina glowing dark yellow. Meanwhile, the announcer continued, presenting Cyrus and his work. "And here we have an extraordinary specimen of bioengineering; Danzenant!"

"Bio…engineering?" Miyako blinked a few times, repeating the foreign name in wonder.

The one who answered her was Law, as he nonchalantly put his hands back into the pockets of his trousers. He didn't look even remotely surprised by the mechanical dragon. Miyako wasn't really surprised by that fact; this guy read so many books and sailed half across the world already. It was no wonder that he already came across something like this. "It's a type of engineering that combines biological components together with mechanical ones. It's the science that created cyborgs. You've already encountered with it too, remember? Pacifista."

Miyako eyes widened once more, this time in realization. "Ah, that's right! Those big robo-guys were actually cyborgs. So that's how it is…" She turned back to the mechanical being called Danzenant. "Amazing."

However, her expression soon changed into a dissatisfied frown when she saw the next contestant to come. He held himself high and upright proudly, a tall top hat on his red hair and thin curled mustache decorating his pale face. His whole posture screamed royalty, or at least someone who wanted to be one and looked down upon the simple masses. It was clear in his eyes that stared down at the crowd with a look of superiority. However, nobody seemed to notice that small detail as the townspeople still cheered when the man came up on the stage. Only Miyako stayed silent, remembering what Etella told her about the man. Miyako just couldn't bring herself to be as ecstatic as the rest of them when she remembered how the Viscount treated Mr. Bingley and his granddaughter.

"And now, the man who made this all happen as the sponsor of this year's engineering competition, Viscount Caffrey Thorneye!" The crowd seemed to love the man in front of them, the one who accumulated his fortune through the engineering business. But he did it by selling war machines and weapons to other countries, gaining money on wars and power struggles…on other people's deaths. He was nothing but an arms dealer in Miyako's opinion. Once again, the girl's thoughts made her frown. The speaker paid no mind to the cheering crowd as he continued, louder than anyone else. "And here is his exceptional work made by his team of experts engineers; Ironhammer!" A robot that seemed to be crouching until now, rose up to a standing position as if on mark. It showed all its tall and dangerous glory as it rose up, higher than even the clock tower which was the highest building in Noir. The crowd gasped, and even Miyako held her breath. It was huge! Huge and menacing. It had two thin chimneys on its back, puffing out grey smoke. One arm looked ordinary but the other hand had three long fork-like appendages instead of the usual fingers. There were wires and metal bars supporting its weight and making it move. The only likable-looking part about it was that it had a top hat on top of its metal head just like its master and even a monocle on one mechanical, shining eye.

"Whoa, that's…huge…" Josh muttered next to Miyako, staring at the robot.

"So this is what Thorneye's team built…it's insane." Kai commented, standing right next to the short medic.

"And insanely dangerous, I'm certain." Cody added, staring up just like the rest of the Hearts.

"And yet, Etella-ya's team is still nowhere to be seen." Law sighed, feeling skeptical by the second. Where were they?

"I'm sure they'll be here, captain. They have to!" Bepo noted in a raised voice, seeing Law was troubled.

However, the speaker and the judges didn't feel as certain about it as the Heart Pirates. "It seems we have a problem...the fourth competitor is still not here!" The townsfolk looked at the three large machines made by the competitors. There were three different contraptions, large and towering over the townspeople but still turned off and unmoving. However, four were to compete in this year's tournament. One was still missing.

Thorneye, still standing next to the speaker, took hold of the den den mushi serving as the microphone. He made an annoyingly worried face, trying to hide his glee by feigning concern. "Oh, that's too bad….But if the competitor is not here, they will be disqualified! The tournament is about to start after all." He sighed as in disappointment. The crowed all looked at each other, whispering and commenting, trying to find out who the last contestant could be.

Then suddenly a boy yelled out. "Wait, what's that!" He pointed a small finger up to the sky and everyone followed it. A small dot was there, right in front of the sun, nothing more than a blur. "What is that?" The people tried to see what the dot is, as it seemed to get bigger and bigger. "Something is falling down!" Someone screamed in panic and soon the people realized something large was indeed falling from the sky.

The crowd didn't even have time to run away and scatter around the square, as the giant machine landed on an empty spot. As big and tall as it was, it landed perfectly, not harming any citizens standing around the square. However, the sheer blast shook the ground beneath the people's feet, sending clouds of dust in the air along with a strong gust of wind. When the dust cleared, the people observed the fourth battle machine that just arrived. It was only a few meters shorter than Viscount's Ironhammer. The robot had a human looking body, but a giant and iron one with two brightly shining eyes that gleamed a green color. On its torso where there would usually be a heart, a see-through core shone an orange color; a source of power for the robot.

For a while, everything was silent as the announcer forgot about his job along with the crowd of people who just stared at the robot, which made such a dramatic and spectacular entrance. However, the fact that whoever was piloting it managed to land perfectly on a clear spot on the square meant the person was either insanely lucky or a hell of a skilled pilot. Suddenly, the robot moved again as it crouched down and the cockpit in its head opened, showing a single standing person inside. They were tall and had unruly black hair, but a gasmask shielded their face from view. The person jumped down and landed right on the stage, taking off the eerie-looking mask. The view showed a tanned face belonging to none other than Etella Bingley and she smirked at the surprised people with her usual challenging gaze.

Down on the square, Miyako and the others heard a stomping sound of boots as a group of people ran towards them. She looked backwards to see the Heart Pirates mechanics' team running towards them to join with the rest of their crew.

"Shachi! Penguin!" Sai exclaimed in surprise, a hint of relief in his voice. So they made it after all.

The rest of the Heart Pirates looked at the mechanics excited, with wide grins on their faces.

"Don't celebrate yet. We still need to win this thing." Shachi warned, looking at their handy work anxiously.

"Hehe. Did you think we wouldn't make it? Have some faith!" Penguin grinned and put his hands on his hips, bringing out his chest in a proud stance. However that stance soon deflated when he saw Law's look of impatience. "Sorry we're late." Penguin mumbled silently, shrinking.

"We do have a reason, though." Louis added, then continued to explain when all pirates' eyes were on him. "When we were almost done and ready, some goons attacked us and tried to destroy the robot. They tried to stop us from entering the competition. We were almost late and disqualified because of them, the bastards." He spat on the ground with a glare and adjusted his hat.

Trafalgar's eyes narrowed as he squeezed the name through his teeth. "Thorneye." He didn't need to think much to realize who was behind that attempt. Etella already said Thorneye considered Bingleys a dangerous competition because of their skills. "What happened to them?" He was referring to the men that were foolish enough to attack the Heart Pirates.

Penguin smirked. "We left them tied down and unconscious in the warehouse...well, the ones that didn't die that is. They won't be going anywhere anytime soon."

Law nodded in approval and his gaze traveled back to the stage.

They all looked up where Etella still stood tall and proud in front of the judges and the announcer, glaring at the Viscount. "You're fourth contestant appeared…we had some unexpected problems to deal with." At the end of that statement, she knowingly looked back at Thorneye with a taunting smirk, though there was still some animosity in her gaze. Viscount only shuffled in his spot uncomfortably but stayed silent.

The speaker finally pulled himself together and looked at the three judges, who nodded for him to continue. The man cleared his throat and spoke into the den den muhi again. "And there you have it ladies and gentlemen; the fourth contestant, the most unexpected of them all, Etella Bingley and her robot 'Metal Trooper Galbine!" The announcer looked at the list of the participants in front of him.

Shachi and Penguin sighed. "We wanted to name 'er Iron Lady or Pirate Mistress but Ettie-chan wouldn't let us."

"Save that for your imaginary inflatable girls back at the quarters." Joshua mumbled looking at the two idiot mechanics.

"What was that you lil' shrimp!?" Penguin yelled back and started wrestling with the medic, grabbing him in a headlock.

Cody just looked at the three pirates, sweat dropping but staying quiet, not wanting to add to the fire. *I'm glad they didn't call it that….*

Meanwhile, Miyako realized the people of Noir were still very surprised and whispering among themselves. She saw the old lady and the man she talked to before. Once again, they were discussing about the match together.

"I can't believe it…A Bingey is actually competing."

"But I don't see the old man anywhere…is it just the granddaughter?"

"Etella!" A familiar voice suddenly yelled out through the crowd, brining everyone's attention on him. It was the old man Bingley, standing there while trying to catch his breath. He was staring up at his granddaughter in shock and anger. "What are you doing, you foolish girl!? I told you, you can't enter, it's too dangerous! Stop this at once!"

"Old man…" Penguin tried to calm him down but Arthur Bingley only shrugged his hand off of his shoulders.

There was a flash of guilt and doubt on Etella's expression but she bit her lip and stood firm. "I'm sorry gramps. Please, understand, if we don't do this, we'll lose the shop! Everything we worked for…Everything you worked for all your life! That place is my home, I can't stand watching it like this; old and run down!"

"We'll find another way-!" Bingley yelled back but Etella wouldn't give. She was as stubborn as her father.

"There is no other way!" She cut him off with a sharp yell of her own. Seeing his eyes widened, her tone softened along with her demeanor. She didn't want to upset him, but it was too late to go back now anyway. A little softer, she continued. "You already know it too…There is no other way, gramps. This is our only chance now."

"Etella, your father-" Bingley started again but never managed to finish the sentence as another coughing fit attacked him. He shook, coughing widely, and Cody had to help him to steady himself on his feet again.

Feeling even guiltier about pushing her grandfather to this state, Etella tried to jump off the stage and help him but stopped when she saw captain Trafalgar Law walk up to the old man. Bingley also looked up at the young captain when his coughing calmed down.

"Etella-ya made a deal with me, Mister Bingley. She is already bound to our agreement and can't pull back now. You shoud know not to cross a pirate. If you have any problems with that, you'll have to deal with me since she doesn't have a say in it anymore" The captain looked back up at the woman with his usual impassive expression, piercing her with his grey eyes. It was as if he was silently telling her something with that gaze and Etella, who at first seemed angry at Law's words, calmed down and understood. In a way, Law was forcing Etella to go through with this, not giving her the option to back down. That was, there was no reason for her to feel the guilt; it was Law's fault as the villainous pirate who wasn't giving her a choice.

Instead, the woman smirked back and looked at her grandfather. "That's right. And you taught me to always respect my promises, didn't you." She smiled with a determined expression on her face. "Believe in me, gramps! I can do it!"

"Ettie…." Her grandfather couldn't help but feel both proud and in awe by the look his granddaughter was giving him. She had become a strong, independent and determined woman even though she was also stubborn and hot-tempered. The look she was giving him now was enough for Bingley to really believe in her.

A new voice interrupted as Thorneye stepped forwards. "That's all nice and dandy but how about we start the competition already. Aren't you getting a bit ahead of yourself, dear Ettie. You're forgetting you still have to defeat my robot." He grinned at her and Etella couldn't help but grimace in disgust at the sleazy expression he was giving her.

"Don't worry, Viscount. I will definitively defeat you." She sneered back at him, putting a hand on her pistol strapped to her side to remind him of what will happen if he comes too close to her. Seeing her gesture, the Viscount cleared his throat but made an unconscious step backwards. *Spineless sleazebag,* Etella thought in utter disgust.

Once again, the speaker cleared his throat and the crowd started talking and cheering, filling the previous silence. "Now that all contestants are here, it is time to start this year's competition. A Battle Royle between our respectful engineers and their machines! The pilots will all battle together until the machine is unmoving or in any other way incapable of continuing to fight! "

Miyako bit the nail on her thumb as she thought. "Hey guys, where is this battle supposed to happen? I mean, it can't be here, the buildings would be completely destroyed and the people in danger."

The Heart Pirates looked at each other in wonder and blinked. "You're right."

Just then, the announcer exclaimed; "Prepare the ring!"

The ground started shaking, moving right underneath the people's feet. However, the townspeople didn't look alarmed by this sudden earthquake in the slightest. Instead, they all turned towards large zeppelins which started to land and pick up passengers.

"Eh? Wha-! What's going on?!" Miyako couldn't really feel at ease as the rest of them, while she watched ground disappear around her. Looking deep inside the depths of the island, she noticed countless machines and mechanisms underneath, surging throughout the ground of the island. It seemed the whole Noir, even though small in size, was much deeper than she expected. And the whole inland was made out of machines. What surprised the samurai even more was the sight of buildings and everything else in town sinking slowly underground as if pulled down by quicksand.

"Everyone, please stand in lines to get onboard the airships!" The speaker announced, warning the people who started pushing, impatient to board.

Miyako felt herself being pushed forward by the sudden crowd of people, sending her in the direction of one of the said airships but away from the rest of the Heart Pirates. "Ah! Wait! Please, just a moment." She tried to scramble away from the crowd, frantically looking around for any white overalls that belonged to the crew, but couldn't see any. She lost them. She felt a bit uneasy, overwhelmed by so many people and so many new things she never experienced or even saw before. She was nothing but a simple young rounin from Wanokuni, who never even saw an aircraft before. And now she was about to step into one and fly high in the air. She was going to fly. That thought excited her and scared her at the same time. A few years ago she couldn't be able to even imagine such a thing and now she actually had worries about what would happen if that things started falling from the sky suddenly. That thoughts brought chills down her spine. *Indeed…what if we crash for some reason. What if we fall down…there's so many people, it'll be pretty heavy….* Miyako gulped and unconsciously her feet stopped for a second. However, that only made her almost fall forward as the river of people behind her moved along, pulling her along with them. Miyako wasn't sure about this anymore but she had no way of turning back in this crowd. At least she wanted to have someone familiar at a time like this, a friend with her. She would never admit so out loud, but she didn't want to go into this thing alone.

Another push to her side almost sent her flying to the ground. "Um, sorry." She tried to get some more room and stepped back, only to step on someone's foot. "Ah! Very sorry!" She apologized but then yelped in surprise when the crowd pulled her forwards again. The feeling of being overwhelmed and anxious only rose inside of her now. Just then she felt a strong grip on her shoulder, steadying her. At first she was sure she must've be in someone's way again and turned to see what the problem was, but then stopped suddenly when she recognized the face in front of her.

"Come on, let's go." Law stared at the nervous girl with his usual disinterested look but then stopped to examine her face when he noticed Miyako's weird expression. At first she looked awfully anxious, but then her face changed into a relieved one as soon as she saw him. Her golden eyes were wide open and looked a bit wet, almost teary. Even though there were no tears on the girl's face, she looked like she would cry from relief any second now. Law furrowed his eyebrows in a mixture of displeasure and confusion. "What are you crying for?"

The samurai felt her cheeks burn hot, sure she was red in the face. And tears that were indeed in her eyes were now long gone and replaced by pure embarrassment. "I-I'm not crying! There's no way I would be!" Miyako showed Law her crying face only two times; when he was hurt to the point of almost dying and that awful night at the Tenryuubito palace. Both times she showed him such a weak and embarrassing side of her, something she promised herself not to do again so easily. So there was no way she would let him see her so anxious now either. Miyako pulled her lips into a tight line, determination on her face as she willed her legs to move towards the large aircraft.

Law watched her for a second more, then turned around to face the airship as well, hiding a small smirk that appeared beneath his spotted hat. "Come on." Letting go of her shoulder, he grabbed her by the hand so they wouldn't get separated in the crowd and started going towards the craft like the rest of the people.

It took Miyako a few seconds to realize the warmth enveloping her hand, only to look down and almost freeze. *W-w-what is he doing?! Why is he holding my hand all of a sudden?!* She looked back up at Law's back questioningly, but he paid her no heed as he carried on forward. A sweat drop appeared on her face as she laughed on the inside, trying to hide her embarrassment. *A-ah…that's right…it's so we don't get separated. R-right, I knew that….haha….What the hell was I thinking at a time like this! Stupid Miyako!*

After a short battle with herself, Miyako finally clasped that hand, returning the squeeze and holding onto the tanned tattooed hand. Somehow, she couldn't help staring at it, completely forgetting about the crowd around them and the large machine-ship up ahead. It was almost weird; the way it held her hand with such a firm grip yet it wasn't painful. *It's warm…* Miyako blushed, staring at that hand so much bigger than hers. She could even feel some rough callouses on Law's hand from the sword, but she had many of those as well anyway. Somehow it didn't seem unpleasant, but rather familiar. *It really is….weird.*

~…~

The buildings were still disappearing into the ground until all that remained of the city Noir was a stone, almost completely flat, surface and it really seemed like a battleground. The only thing left were the war machines and their engineers.

Shachi and Penguin were just about to board the zeppelin as well, when a familiar voice of Etella stopped them. "And where do you think you're going?"

The two mechanics turned to her in confusion. "Eh? What do you mean Ettie-chan? We're boarding onto the airship." Penguin tilted his head to the side slightly, blinking at the woman.

"Yeah, we'll definitively cheer for you Ettie-chan!" Shachi added, excited.

However, the woman just smirked. "You are also one of the main engineers of this fine machine, aren't you? Then you should be piloting it too. Or…you don't want to?" She winked at them tauntingly, knowing full well the mechanics were dying to see the inside of the robot, let alone control it.

"Eh, but….isn't there only room for one?" Shachi asked unsurely, remembering the blueprints of the robot.

Once again, Etella smirked. "I did a little last-minute modifications."

That was all that took for the two mechanics to jump in the air and cheer out loud. "Whoot! Pirate Mistress, here I come!" Penguin yelled in excitement.

"It's Iron Lady!" Shachi argued, warningly.

"It's neither!" Etella countered both of them, not wanting to hear those ridiculous names again.

~…~

In the next moment, the two pirate mechanics and the engineer sat inside the head of the robot where the control room was. They strapped themselves and Shachi pushed a few buttons while Penguin checked all the screens to check on the stats of the machine. Finally, Etella pulled a lever and a loud rumbling noise shook the large robot. "Purrs like a kitten." Etella joked, as she watched the ground kept going further away while the robot stood upright from its crouch. Its eyes shone a color of green while the engines roared on. "Buckle up, boys!"

The rest of the engineer masters also boarded their own war machines, preparing for battle and waiting for the signal from the judges. Once the airships were high in the air and a safe distance from the island where the battle will occur, yet still close enough to enjoy the show, the speaker started once again. Now, only the high clock tower remained as the only building on the whole island. "Once the last strike of noon chimes, the battle will start!" The announcer yelled into his den den mushi and the townspeople cheered again. The said clock tower started chiming slowly, numbering the 12 chimes, while simultaneously sinking into the ground to join the rest of the buildings inside the mechanism of Noir. Once only the black rooftop of the tower remained in sight, the clock chimed for the last time, indicating 12 o'clock sharp, before disappearing into the ground completely.

As soon as the last chime rang throughout the island, all the battle machines moved, some going into defense while others attacking instantly. Meanwhile, the speaker commented on the battle going on beneath them, on his megaphone den den mushi.

And in an instant, the battle began.

~…~

Danzenant was the first to reach the aerial heights as it unfolded its large mechanical wings and pushed off the ground with a few flaps. The weird-looking dragon avoided a few shots aimed at it by Red Sally who already started shooting at it from the ground. The tank moved on large crawler belts, moving the long cannon from which it continuously shot. The dragon's pilot kept avoiding the quick shots but there wasn't much for him to take cover. So instead, Danzanant came into an offensive and flew straight down towards Red Sally.

"It seems Cyrus converted to the offensive! Red Sally has an impressive armor on it, but will it be enough to stop Danzenant's attacks!" The speaker continued to comment on the events, adding to the dramatic effects of the battle.

However, before the cyborg dragon could reach the vehicle, a hit came from the side, hitting it straight on. It was a blast from Ironhammer's handgun. The robot was flying in the air, using thrusters from its feet. The robot flew towards the dragon and tackled it, grabbing one of its wings as it tried to tore it off. Both mechanical beings flew into the ground with a large blast, rocks and dust flying everywhere.

At that moment, Viscount noticed movement on his radar, as it signaled another contestant coming from behind. In the nick of time, Ironhammer jumped up to avoid a spear coming at him from behind. It was Galbine who attacked. Instead, the spear hit the stomach of the unsuspecting Danzenant and the tips flowered into a hook, grappling and clutching into the cyborg. The dragon instantly flew up, trying to get rid of it but it had already hooked itself into the mechanics of its stomach. Where the spear ended, a cable began, just like a fishing hook which just caught its prey. The thick cable was connected to the palm of Galbine's left hand, so as soon as Danzenant started flying, the robot was pulled into the air as well.

Seeing it couldn't get free that easily, Cyrus navigated his dragon to aim at the robot and fired. It was a green, smelly liquid, thick as oil but concreted like acid. As soon as the acid was fired, Galbine swayed to the side with its large legs and avoided the attack. However the next one quickly followed and even though it missed the cable, it hit the robot in the arm. Little by little, the acid started corroding the metal armor, dripping through.

Inside Galbine, a red light started blinking, alarming the pilots. On the screen, Galbine's picture and stats showed a blinking circle on its left shoulder where it was damaged. "Shachi, do it!" Etella shouted, and Shachi opened a lid, showing a lever there. He grabbed it and turned it once with a grunt, before pushing it down with some trouble.

"Oooh, it seems Etella Bingley and the Heart Pirates are in trouble! Danzenant's acid flame isn't one to be taken lately! It can even eat though a diamond!" The commentator continued.

Suddenly, a few sparks appeared where the cable and Galbine's hand connected. A few more sparks and an electrical blue light traveled through the cable until it shocked the very core of the cyborg dragon. It made a screeching sound, like a wounded animal, even though it was mostly mechanical. The electrical current passed through its entire system for a few minutes, before it stopped. There were still electrical sparks coming out here and there form the dragon as it started falling towards the ground, pulling Galbine with it. The compartment holding the cable separated and fell off, freeing Galbine and the robot landed on its feet back on the ground. The dragon was not so lucky to land on its feet but instead crashed down, twitching its long wings now and then.

"What a sight! It seems Galbine used some kind of electrical shock to hurt the cyborg Danzenant!"

"Let's finish it!" Penguin announced and their robot started running towards Danzenant to deal a finishing blow. However, it quickly jumped to the side right in time to avoid a blast from Red Sally's cannon. The robot continued to jump and run, avoiding continues blasts that were enough to destroy the ground and everything around it.

"Above us!" Suddenly Shachi yelled as he looked at their radars. Galbine dodged by jumping backwards right in time as Ironhammer landed from above at the same spot where they stood just seconds ago. The large robot crashed down, creating clouds of dust. However, at the same time as Galbine jumped to dodge, Red Sally's cannon shot another grenade. Since Galbine just dodged, it couldn't dodge so fast again and ended up getting shot at the already damaged left shoulder. Sparks and a few parts fell from the shoulder and it completely lost its function, hanging there loosely.

"Our left shoulder is completely down, we can't use the left hand anymore!" Penguin shouted in alarm from inside their cockpit.

"Shit! Those two obviously joined forces!" Etella cursed, seeing how Caffrey and Dalton didn't attack each other but acted accordingly instead, protecting each other's flanks in the process.

"Is that even allowed?" Shachi commented, gritting his teeth.

Etella just nodded in response. "Still…we won't let them do as they please!" As she said that, she steered the large robot. Galbine jumped backwards to avoid another attack from Ironhammer's enforced punch that created a big hole where they were standing. Once again Red Sally shot at them in that instant but this time Galbine did a backflip while dodging, landing on its good hand and then propelled itself back into the air with it while landing on its feet behind the unmoving Danzenant, using it as a shield.

Ironhammer started running towards them and Galbine aimed with the right hand, shooting out blast after blast of energy just like a pacifista. The robot however kept on running towards Etella and the others, avoiding the blasts in the process. Before they even knew it, Caffrey was already in front of them, preparing for another punch. It aimed for Galbine's head but the smaller robot moved to the side swiftly and avoided it, then did a round kick aimed at Ironhammer's side. Even though Galbine was smaller than Ironhammer, it was faster. The kick hit and Ironhammer slid a few meters to the side from the force, but then stopped.

"No way!" Penguin exclaimed when they saw Ironhammer managed to block with one forearm. It then grabbed Galbine's leg and lifted it, swinging the robot in a circle that kept going faster and faster. And then it released the leg, making Galbine fly back. However, before completely flying off, Galbine aimed at the other robot with its good hand and fired one more blast from its palm, while already flying away. This time, it was close enough to hit and the attack surprised the Viscount who was left unprepared. The pure energy hit Ironhammer in the armored knee of its right leg, smashing the armor and making the large robot stagger for a moment. Meanwhile, Galbine flew away backwards until it hit a hill on the island.

A large puff of smoke came out of the pipes from Ironhammer's back and it lifted its arm towards the dust where Galbine just landed. The forked hand turned into a machinegun and it started firing continuously into the mountain where Galbine landed.

The Viscount laughed loudly inside his control room, continuing to fire. "This is what happens when you defy me!" he yelled, even though it couldn't be heard over the loud noise of the gun. He stopped and stepped forward so he could check out the destroyed robot of Etella Bingley even before the dust cleared. However, the Viscount furrowed his eyebrows in confusion when his robot's leg didn't move. Looking down, Caffrey noticed the cyborg dragon had his ankle in its sharp maws. The viscount narrowed his eyes. "So you were still in the game, huh?"

"Ooooh, Cyrus and his Danzenant are making a comeback! It seems the dragon is still functional and started working again right in time to catch the Viscount unprepared! How will he get out of this one!"

The mouth of the dragon started salivating the same green liquid from before, coating Ironhammer's ankle in acid. The fizzling sound echoed as it ate through the metal armor. Suddenly, an enforced fist came crashing down right onto the dragon's head. At that moment the pilot Cyrus understood why this large robot was called Ironhammer. The fist had brass knuckles with spikes on each knuckle. The large and heavy metal fist left a dent on the dragon's head. The light in the cyborg's eye started flickering, turning off every now and then as the mechanical being started losing power. It was barely functional now, but Ironhammer didn't stop with its attacks. Instead, it brought down another punch to its head, then another and another. Over and over the large robot kept punching at the other machine, with both hands. Metal parts as well as organs kept flying out from the being as it wailed in agony. A dark red liquid splashed from its body, splattering over Ironhammer's fists and body, but still the Viscount kept pounding at it.

Miyako watched from above, standing in the airship. "That's too much, he obviously can't fight anymore! Why is he still doing this!?"

"At this rate the pilot inside will also die!" Bepo commented who finally found Miyako and Law in the crowd of the air vehicle.

"That's a risk they all took when they entered this battle." Law answered without any emotion of sympathy. After all, he didn't expect this competition to be any less brutal as soon as they announced a battle royale and this pilot's life was no concern to his either. At least this meant one less opponent for Shachi and the others. Still, what did worry him was the hole and dust cloud that started settling down at the mountain. Were his mechanics alright in there?

Even the announcer kept quiet, in shock, as they all watched Ironhammer pulling out wires and organs from the dragon robot. In the end, it grabbed one of its wings and ripped it off like paper then proceeded to do the same thing with the other.

Meanwhile, Bill Dalton drove his vehicle to check on Galbine and finish it off. However the dust was clouding his vision and the engineer could only rely on his radar. Even when the dust settled down, there was no sign of Galbine in sight.

"Where'd tha' bastard go!?" The large bearded man inside the tank cursed, looking around but with no luck. Suddenly, a sound came from above. Acting quickly, the cannon of the vehicle rose and shot at the robot that was falling from the sky. It hit the side but didn't stop the heavy machinery coming from above. Galbine had a spear in its hand as it landed on top of the cockpit and pierced it right though, disabling the cannon from moving anymore. However, Dalton had no intention of giving up yet. Suddenly, Red Sally started shifting its parts, changing its form, and the robot had to jump down from the tank. Galbine prepared for a fight as Etella and the others inside looked at the transformation happening in front of them. The tank changed into another form of a vehicle, as it rose up. It almost took a form of another robot, but there were no body parts. Just a structure that now had crawler belts beneath it. On each side a machine gun appeared and it started firing at Galbine. The robot quickly put both hands as a shield in front of it before charging at the new-formed vehicle. The other machine also started moving forward on its crawler belts.

The bullets continued to rain down on Galbine but it didn't slow the robot down in the slightest. Instead, Etella, Shachi and Penguin only looked more determined to win this showdown as they moved forward. When they came close enough for a physical attack, Dalton decided to shoot out of the cannon at them. Even though it couldn't move around, it was still functional. At this distance there was no chance of missing either.

The cannon fired and in the next second, there was no trace of Galbine in front of Red Sally anymore. Confused, Dalton looked at his radar, but even when he realized the situation it was too late. Galbine had jumped right on top of the Red Sally, doing a hand stand on the cockpit of the vehicle. Its one hand started glowing as the energy for another attack filled up inside the container. Without removing the hands, the robot fired, sending a directly blow and its full force down onto the machine below. An attack that could easy make a deep hole in the ground shook Red Sally and the pilot inside as it hit it directly. Red Sally's parts flew all around them and the machine started fuming. Black smoke rose up into the air from the vehicle. However, the pilots of the robot weren't done just yet. Galbine swung its legs downward so it would land behind Red Sally and at the same time grabbed the cannon on top of the cockpit. The weight of Galbine alone as it landed was enough for the Red Sally to be pulled down and onto the ground. With a large smashing sound, the machine crashed down. Still holding onto the cannon, Galbine did the same as what the Viscount did with its leg not too long ago. It started turning around in place, still clutching the cannon, as it swung Red Sally around like a toy.

Etella saw that Caffrey was still busy ruthlessly destroying Cyrus' cyborg and her eyes narrowed. "How distasteful," she commented seeing Ironhammer pounding away into the already unmoving corpse of the robot below its feet. There was no reason to continue destroying it yet Thorneye showed no mercy, obviously trying to finish off even the pilot inside.

"It looked like he forgot about us. How about we remind him?" Shachi smirked, already knowing what Etella was thinking. She looked back at the two pirates who clearly had the same idea as she did. The engineer woman smirked.

~…~

Thorneye was still hitting the unmoving dragon robot, laughing hysterically inside of Ironhammer. However, his fun was soon interrupted when something heavy hit him straight on and shook his whole machine. Even Thorneye himself flew out of his seat and onto the glass of the robot's eye. The force of the impact was so strong it sent Ironhammer crashing down face-first into the ground.

The monstrous robot came back up, stumbling slightly with its heavily damaged ankle. There were also some parts of the body where the shielding material was completely gone due to the previous fight with Galbine.

Turning around the robot, Thoerneye's eyes narrowed viciously. He saw Galbine standing there in front of him, already half beaten and in a worse state than his Ironhammer. Yet he knew Etella Bingley had no intention of giving up. But neither did that Cyrus guy and look how he ended up. The viscount smirked. "I hate relentless people."

"What's our status?" Etella asked Penguin as he looked over the state their robot was in.

"The left arm is completely unusable and our right side's armor is pretty thin too. There are serious cracks in the left eye. Also, the power generators are weakening; they're down to 58% work capacity. We still have the smaller, backing generators, but at this rate we shouldn't use any more shock attacks or it might shut down the whole powering system. In that case it's instantly our loss." Penguin read out the stats showing on the screens of the control panel in front of him. News were grim and the situation was even worse seeing as Ironhammer seemed to be in a better state than they were.

Outside, the speaker was commenting on the development of the situation, while the crowd cheered loudly. "There are only two competitors left! Who would have guessed that Etella Bingley, from an engineering family almost forgotten, would come this far! We are down to two; the final showdown between the great Viscount Caffrey Thorneye piloting his powerful Ironhammer and the engineer Etella Bingley together with the Heart Pirates of all people, in the Metal Trooper Galbine!"

"This is it, Ettie-chan." Shachi warned as he announced the approaching ending of the tournament.

"In that case, let's give him hell! This is for gramps and everyone whose business he destroyed!" Etella's eyes burned with passionate determination as she gripped the steering levers of the robot.

Ironhamer jumped and landed in front of Galbine, a few meters away. The two remaining robots faced each other and for a while, everything was silent. Then both moved. The robots ran towards each other shaking the ground beneath their feet. When they were close enough for contact, Galbine threw the first punch with its one good hand. However, Ironhammer caught it and the two struggled in strength. Since Galbine's left arm wasn't functional anymore, the left side was completely open and weak for attacks. Before Thorneye could use that advantage, Etella steered the robot to attack with a knee kick of its left foot. Still, Ironhammer managed to grab a hold of Galbine's left arm, and had it in a strong clutch. Even when Galbine's knee kicked the side of the other robot, Ironhammer didn't let go. Instead, the larger robot started pulling on Galbine's left arm, trying to rip it apart from the shoulder.

Etella scoffed and continued to send knee kicks into the same place over and over to Ironhammer's side as she tried to break free of the viscount's hold. But its armor was thick and hard to penetrate. On the other hand, red lights and alarms started going off in the pirates' and Etella's control room as the screen showed critical damage on the shoulder. Ironhammer continued to pull the left arm, causing sparks and short circuits to appear. Wires started ripping off of the shoulder like tendons would in a normal human. Meanwhile, Galbine's knee finally broke through the armor and started giving some serious damage to Ironhammer's side, denting the hull further into itself.

"We're losing the left arm! The damage is critical!" Penguin warned, seeing that the arm started to come off in the shoulder.

"No matter! A bit more and the hull on his side will break!" Shachi added, watching as Ironhammer's right side became more and more dented.

With one final kick to its side, the larger robot tipped over and had to brace itself so it wouldn't fall to the ground. There was a deep hole in its right side now, showing large gears turning inside. However, at the same time, with a final pull Galbine's whole arm came off from the shoulder. Wires and cabled ripped, sparks flying now and then as black smoke came from the mechanical wound. Before Etella and the pirates had time to regain their composure, Thorneye was already up and running straight into them. The larger robot crashed straight into them with its enforced shoulder and Galbine fell down on its back with a loud crashing sound. Once again, the earth shook underneath the two robots as they fought. Before the dust had time to clear, Ironhammer was already on them, pinning them down with its body as it raised one fist in the air. Etella and the mechanics could see the spiked brass knuckles clearly from their control room inside Galbine's head. That fist was headed directly at them.

"Ettie-chan!" Penguin yelled in panic, hurrying Etella who was in charge of the steering mechanism of the robot.

In the last second, just as the fist was about to hit, Galbine rolled onto its shoulder and to the side, avoiding the hit. The force of the punch was enough to shatter the ground where Glabine's head was only seconds before.

"Prepare of impact!" Etella warned and guided Galbine to do a head-butt. The force was enough to shake the whole control room and the three people inside were never so glad they had seatbelts on. Unfortunately, the viscount had his on as well, but the surprise and the tremor by the attack was enough for him to lose his composure and confuse him for a while. Taking advantage of that, Etella managed to free the robot's legs and Galbine used both feet to hit Ironhamer in the chest, sending the other robot flying backwards. Ironhammer fell on its back and quickly struggled to get up. The robot stumbled and fell on its knee.

"What?!" Thorneye shouted in surprise, seeing his robot was more difficult to control.

"It seems Danzenant attack wasn't for naught! The acid that corroded through Ironhammer's ankle did some serious damage and now the robot can barely stand on that leg!" The speaker commented the situation through his den den mushi.

The viscount cursed and tried to stand up again, this time succeeding. "That's enough…I'm finishing this." The man growled with an animalistic hatred clear in his dark eyes. "You shall come to me!" With a shout, Thorneye pulled a certain lever. Ironhammer pulled his fist back as if preparing for a punch, and indeed it punched the air even though it was still far away from Galbine. However, as the bigger robot did that, its fist separated from the arm and flew forward, right at Galbine who was still in the process of getting up from the ground. The fist, that was connected to Ironhammer's arm with a thick chain, hit Galbine's chest and the spikes got stuck on the metal there.

"What the-!" Penguin started, when they all felt a forceful pull forward. The chain on the fist started retreating and it pulled Galbine with it, forcing it towards Ironhammer. The smaller robot stumbled and had to keep up with the chain so it wouldn't fall down and get dragged across the ground.

"We have to free ourselves somehow," Shachi pushed buttons and pulled levers, struggling to get free from the chain.

After a while of silence, Etella decided. "No. Let him pull us in. This will be our final attack."

"What do you have in mind?" Shachi's voice sounded more cautious now.

The engineer woman turned to the two mechanics in her seat. "Penguin, how's our power generators?"

"Working on 30%."

"Then prepare the backing ones too. We'll use all the electrical power we can muster."

Penguin thought for a second, then a smirk appeared on his features. "One final shock attack?"

"Let's fry the son of a bitch."

Galbine ignored the chain pulling it, running straight into the awaiting robot. There, Ironhammer already prepared his spiked fist for one final attack aimed at Galbine's head and the people inside. The fist came flying and at the same time Galbine straightened its palm and jabbed Ironhammer's head with it.

"Now!" Etella yelled and Penguin pushed down on a heavy lever, discharging all the electrical power through their arm and into one final attack. At the same time, Ironhammer's fist made contact with Galbine's head and crashed hard into the control room. The people inside yelped in surprise as the fist ripped through metal, ripping open the head right above their heads. Looking up, they could see the bright afternoon sky. However, their attack was already in motion. With all its might, Galbine also managed to pierce through Thorneye's control room in the head and sent a powerful electrical shock into his robot. All that power went through Ironhammer to the point where the other robot started shaking with gears and other materials falling out from high pressure. The pipes on its back exploded with smoke and pressure, sending black thick liquid out. For a while longer the electrical current traveled throughout the large robot until all went silent. Both robots were completely still for a while, the lights in their eyes shut down. Both cockpits were destroyed to the point where Thorneye and the trio could see each other, almost close enough to reach out and punch at each other if necessary. However, there was no point in doing so since the rules clearly stated the fighting could only be done in your machines. Still, Etella felt the urge to do nothing more than rip that ridiculous thin mustache right off of Thorneye's face.

The crowed was completely still and silent, as they waited to see what will happen next, in anticipation. Meanwhile, the announcer continued his commentary. "Hoooo, this is completely unexpected! It seemed both robots are completely still and out of power! Will this be a draw or will one robot manage to start up again and finish this!"

The viscount growled as he desperately tried to start up his robot again but it was no use. The circuits were completely fried. "I will not lose to small fry like you!" The man yelled and glared at the cockpit on the other side, only to stop in surprise. "Where is that woman!?" Etella was gone from the control room and now only Shachi and Penguin were left in their seats. Neither of the mechanics answered, but they both smirked, which made a shiver run down the viscount's spine.

~….~

Etella was running downwards inside of Galbine, going for the core of the robot which was in the place of a human's heart. In her hand, she clutched a heavy item filled with wires. Finally, she reached the room where the core was and looked inside. It was scorching hot and she didn't have much time to do this if she wanted to live to celebrate their victory. She took a thick suit that lay on the side; it gave some protection from the heat, but not much and not for long. Dressing into it, Etella took a deep breath to prepare herself and opened the doors. Hot air puffed into her face, already burning her a little. She kept her head down and walked carefully towards the center of the room where the core was. She was careful not to touch anything or the hot metal would melt her skin in an instant.

Right underneath the core that held a strange orange liquid, a machine stood but it wasn't working. It was out of power. Etella felt the metal of the contraption in her hand getting heated as it burned her skin. The woman looked down at it and nodded to herself. "This is yours gramps, and I believe in your works no matter what the others say! This is for you!" She knelt down and took out her tool belt, starting to work to connect the contraption with the mechanism beneath the core.

Meanwhile, the viscount still kept on trying to restart his engine, not knowing what else to do.

"Problem, Viscount?" Penguin teased, seeing the man getting red in the face from frustration.

On the other hand, the two mechanics seemed completely relaxed, just sitting back in their chairs and waiting. Waiting for what? That's what Thorneye wanted to know the most and what scared and irritated him at the same time. It seemed those two had complete trust in that woman who was off doing something. They were probably also trying to restart the robot but Caffrey couldn't let that happen. He needed to win this, he needed to start this piece of trash before they did!

"It seems you don't really know much about your robot? Aren't you supposed to be an engineer?" Shachi added to the teasing, seeing Caffrey only kept repeating one thing that obviously wasn't working.

Penguin shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. "I guess that's what happens when you have other people doing your job. Too bad for you."

Thorneye gritted his teeth in pure anger. "Don't get so cocky, pirate scum! This isn't over yet!"

After a while of working on the machine, the engineer woman could already feel the heat burning her skin little by little. It stung and hurt, but she couldn't stop yet. Just a little bit longer for her to connect these wires. Finally, when the last wire was in place, Etella waited. "Please please please please…" She chanted, hoping for the little contraption made by Arthur Bingley a long time ago, to work. Etella knew they might need it so she remembered to bring it along as a last resort and now she was glad she did. Slowly, the contraption sent electrical impulses to the core that was connected to Galbine's engine, like a pacemaker would to a heart. And just like a heart, the core started working little by little, sending that orange fluid to other parts of the robot. The lights in the room lit up, indicating the power was back up. With a grin, Etella stood up and ran back towards the control room, discarding the suit somewhere along the way.

At the rumble of the engine, the two pirates grinned in victory, as if this fight was already over. On the other hand, Thorneye watched wide eyes as the robot once thought to be a goner started to move again. Etella soon came back, jumping into her seat. "Y-you! What did you do!?" The viscount screamed but didn't receive an answer, only a glare from the woman.

"This is for my gramps who you slandered! Whose business you destroyed!" With a shout, the engineer steered Galbine into motion once again. The robot pulled back its one hand, preparing for a punch.

Meanwhile, Thorneye just kept staring at the sight, completely bewildered and wide-eyed. He desperately kept pushing the button for ignition, hoping to restart the engine but with no luck. He kept his wide eyes on the closed fist of the robot that now started coming down at him. "N-No! Wait! Wait! I give up! I yield so have mercy! I yield!" The man screamed, tears of fear welling at the corner of his frightened eyes.

"Heh. You mean the way you showed mercy to that dragon-guy?!" Penguin answered back, not feeling any sympathy for the viscount.

"Noooooo!" Thorneye screamed in dread as the fist of the robot kept closing in on him. There was no escape. From this distance, the weight of the metal fist alone was enough to crush every bone in his body. He shut his eyes tightly, not wanting to see the end of his life. However, after a while, the man realized there was no pain. The end didn't come. He dared to open one eye slowly to see what was going on. His eyes widened when he saw a large fist only inches away from his face. Still, it stopped and was now unmoving. Etella stopped the robot and spared his life at the last second.

He looked up with teary eyes to see the woman standing there with her head held high, unruly black hair dancing on the wind, as she glared down at him. "I'm not scum like you, to hit an opponent who has already lost his will to fight."

The two mechanics sneered at him. Even if most of their faces were hidden, the mocking expressions were clear on them. "Don't piss your pants now." Shachi teased.

The crowed was still silent, not believing what just happened. Bingley won. Etella Bingley won and Viscount Caffrey Thorneye lost. The man who was considered the most powerful engineer in Noir, lost. The one who has a team of engineering experts, lost. The announcer was the first one to regain his composure as she spoke up. "T-there you have it people! The viscount yielded the match and his robot doesn't seem to be working. Etella Bingley and the Heart Pirates won!"

A first clap echoed through the crowed above their heads. Then another and another. Soon, everyone started cheering and clapping, amazed by the fight they just saw.

The viscount sat there in his seat, forgotten. "No….that's…that's…." He could feel his pride crumble, his ego bruised to the point of no return. And the one who was responsible for this? The one who dared to oppose him and shame him in front of the whole Noir? He glared at the back of the woman who was waving her hands at the crowed excitedly. She and those bastard pirates! They did this to him! It was all their fault! Thorneye shouted in anger, slamming his fist on the control panel. As he did, he pushed the engine button and a little spark appeared at the engine this time. The robot suddenly started working as the engine restarted. The man's eyes widened and then narrowed in delight, a vicious sneer on his face.

"You…." Ironhammer rose up from its knees, towering over Etella and the mechanics.

The trio noticed a shadow looming over them and turned around. On their surprise, Ironhammer was once again working and standing over them. The viscount who was controlling it had a shadow over his face, a look of sheer hatred. "What are you doing, the fight is already over. Even if it works now, you already turned in the white flag!"

"Shut up!" Thorneye didn't want to hear this insufferable woman's voice anymore. "This is all your fault!" A flood of hatred along with words came out of him, unable to stop. "How long will you people oppose me!? Don't you know who I am!? I run this town! Both you, and your grandfather, and your father…all standing in my way! Well I won't let it! Just like I didn't let it happen with your father, I won't let it happen with you either! I'll kill you just like I did with him, you little bitch!"

Etella's eyes widened; not because of the man's threats or foul language which was completely different from his usual fake classy demeanor. But because of that last statement. "My father…? What are you saying, my father died in a tournament accident." Suddenly, a dark thought entered her mind. "Don't tell me…."

"Hehehehe…." First silently and then louder and louder did the viscount started to laugh. The laugh sounded weird, as if a madman was laughing hysterically. His voice and expression became even more distorted than before. "Khekhekhekhekhe! Are you that stupid!?" Suddenly, he pulled a lever and a cannon constructed itself on Ironhammer's arm that was directly pointed at the trio now. "I was the one who tempered with the equipment and made it malfunction in the first place!"

"Jump!" Shachi shouted and pulled both Penguin and Etella out of the cockpit. They jumped down and slid on Galbine's back, using the large robot as a shield from the upcoming cannon.

The viscount pulled the trigger, the cannon lit up and…made a strange noise. "Huh?" Those were the last words that the viscount uttered before the cannon exploded. The explosion carried throughout the robot, making the whole metal war machine explode along with the man inside.

Luckily, Galbine acted like a shield perfectly and hid the trio from the explosion. They grabbed at the pipes and anything they could find to stop themselves from falling further down the giant robot. Falling from this height straight onto the paved ground wasn't any better than getting blown up to smithereens.

"Phew. I'm glad that's over with." Penguin commented, hanging from a loose cable.

"Dad…." Etella murmured in sadness as she remembered her deceased father. All this time, she had no idea it was all actually Thorneye's fault. She gritted her teeth in frustration wishing that she killed him when she had the chance.

Shachi and Penguin just looked at each other with troubled looks, but stayed quiet. There was nothing they could really say at a time like this. However, they both knew she was a strong woman; she would get over this just like she did with everything else. She had a strong spirit.

~…~

Miyako couldn't help but gasp when she saw Thorneye was about to kill her friends. Yet she was far away in the air, unable to act. Reflexively, her hand came down onto the hilt of her katana even though she wasn't able to use it. However, already in the next instant, the viscount expertly blew himself up, while her friends remained alive and safe. Miyako remembered to breathe once again, sighing in relief.

Then when her anxiousness disappeared, a devilish grin formed on her face. "Scupper that! Avast with ya', scallywag! (3)" She didn't do it on purpose, but after Josh constantly pestered her for a whole day with pirate terms and lingo, her brain started working on its own and she just blurted the statement out. It sounded downright weird and unusual, such words coming out of Miyako's mouth who usually had a more polite and appropriate speech due to being raised in Wano. It didn't suit her at all. And yet, after the initial shock and silence from the Heart Pirates around her, everyone started laughing and yelling out their own phrases at the already-dead viscount.

Cody chuckled when he looked at the confused Miyako who was still wondering why she blurted out such a phrase all of a sudden. "Heh. Well, she actually got it right."

Josh furrowed his eyebrows skeptically and hummed, assessing the situation. Then finally he sighed and smiled, shaking his head in the process. „Ah hell, whatever, I guess it's good enough."

"What do you mean, 'good enough'!?" Miyako put her hands on her hips, glaring at the short medic.

"Shut up! That sounded totally weird and wrong. Don't ever talk like that again!" Josh shouted back, unable to get used to hearing Miyako using pirate lingo after all. But just openly saying he was wrong was out of the question.

"Haaa!? You're the one who told me to talk like that in the first place!" Miyako countered in anger.

The couple continued to fight, gaining weird and fearful glances from the townsfolk around them. However, the two seemed completely oblivious as they just continued, in their own little world.

Meanwhile, Cody turned from them and looked back down at the remains of Ironhammer, all in pieces around the ground. Little by little, the ground below started shaking again, as buildings rose up again to form the usual town of Noir. There were no other traces of any fight being held, except the remains of the destroyed robots. "But I wonder…it's really lucky that Thorneye's cannon malfunctioned at that moment. That was pretty ironic."

"Hmm…" Beside him, he heard his captain hum in thought. That's when Cody noticed; Law was holding something big and metal in his one hand. At first the tall medic just stared at it in confusion, but then slowly realization hit him and his eyes widened. "Don't tell me you….But when!?" He stared at Law

The captain just smirked evilly as he usually does, not confirming anything but not denying it either. "What are you saying, Cody-ya, it was obviously karma at work."

That explanation was completely untrue and ridiculous; for one, Cody knew very well that his captain didn't even believe in things such as fate or karma. But Cody on the other hand, didn't believe in coincidences. The medic sweat dropped as he looked at Law who feigned ignorance. *No, it was obviously you using your powers….* He couldn't really push the matter any further, so he just sighed and left it at that, pretending he didn't see anything. *Oh well, as long as everything ended alright.*

~…~

"Haha We really did it!" Shachi raised his fist high in the air when they joined their group again.

The airships landed and the tournament was over, Etella Bingley getting the prize along with the new title of the best. After the viscount's sudden confession, the townsfolk's opinion of the Bingley business changed. The city of Noir was back in its original state and the town threw a big banquet party for all the participants. The engineer Cyrus was unfortunately too badly injured and had to go to the hospital, but at least he survived. After the fight, Dalton and Etella even exchanged some tips and comments on the fight; with no hard feelings. Suddenly, this afternoon seemed even brighter and louder than before. But now it was because of the laughter, happiness and a promise of the better future for the Bingley family.

"And we're rich!" Sam added happily, since most of the prize money went to the Heart Pirates as planned.

"Let's have a party today. We'll eat and drink all day long until it's time to leave!" Penguin shouted excitedly and everyone followed his example as they all but danced in the middle of the crowded square.

"No more porridge." Josh sighed in relief and happiness, remembering that now they could finally buy some food supplies and have real food. A hard wooden spoon hit him straight on top of the head and made him yelp in surprise and pain.

"An' what be tha pro'lem with me porridge, ey?" Munk crossed his large arms on his chest, eyeing Joshua warningly.

The medic just sweat dropped, laughing nervously, unable to say another bad thing about Munk's food. At least not if he wanted to live.

"Ettie-chan, you should celebrate with us!" Penguin and Shachi ran over to the woman.

She stared at them seriously and stayed quiet, making them go serious as well. "First, there's something I have to give you so you better prepare yourselves."

*D-did we do something wrong?*

*Are we gonna get hit!?*

Both mechanics stood there completely still like statues, nervously awaiting their fate. Both closed their eyes, not wanting to look at the fist that would probably be coming at them any second now. Instead, they both felt a warm and slightly wet sensation on their cheeks. They opened their eyes wide, realizing that each got a peck on a cheek from Etella. Their faces burned red like ripe tomatoes as they felt the lingering sensation on their cheek.

"Ettie-chan!" Penguin tried to jump and kiss the woman, moved by her actions. However, instead of Etella's lips, his face came in contact with her raised boot as she lifted her leg in front of him to stop his advances. The mechanic fell on the floor, but too much in a daze of happiness to care about the pain.

Shachi just watched Penguin as he stayed there on the floor with a footprint on his face. "You really are an idiot…"

"Ettie." A raspy voice of an old man sounded behind her and the woman turned around, suddenly worried.

"Gramps." She didn't know what to say. She was scared of his reaction since she disobeyed him and betrayed his trust, but a part of her was still proud of what she did. And she knew that she would have done it again.

The old man walked up to her and stayed silent for a while. Then with his index finger, Bingley called her to come closer.

Like a meek child, completely different from before, Etella knelt down in front of him, awaiting her punishment. A light knock upon her head made her close her eyes. However, before she could say anything, it was followed by a tight hug from the old man. There were tears in the corners of his eyes, hidden behind his glasses. "I'm so proud of you, girl. So proud…"

"Sorry, gramps! This was for you too! For everyone. And dad!" Etella bit her lip to not let the sobs escape from her.

"Yeah…I know." Her grandfather let her go with one more ruffle of her hair. She rose up from the ground and both of them looked at Law and his crew. It was Bingley who spoke first. "I am also grateful to all of you. Without your help, we wouldn't make it either. So if there's anything we can do for you before you're on your way again..."

Law's expression stayed silent and cold as always while he spoke, as if he couldn't care less whether he gets thanked or not. After all, he already got what he was aiming for. He lifted the suitcase which contained their share of the prize money. "This was a business deal, nothing more. We don't owe each other anything, now."

Bingley chuckled at Law's words. Even though it sounded pretty harsh along with Law's attitude, the old man didn't find any offense in it.

"Um…" It was Miyako who suddenly spoke and both Arthur and Etella looked at the samurai girl. The girl was looking at the floor, fidgeting with her fingers, just like a nervous child who wanted to ask for something but couldn't bring herself to. "I didn't really do anything but…"

~…..~

"Are you sure this is all you want? I mean, this is pretty simple." Etella asked the samurai girl skeptically.

Miyako was leaning outside of the window in one of the sea train's wagons. "No, no, this is perfect! Thank you very much." Her eyes were shining brightly as she waited expectantly for the train to start moving.

When she asked the two engineers if it was alright to ride on the sea train one time around the island, the Bingleys thought she was joking. But after seeing how her whole face lit up at their approval, it was obvious Miyako was completely serious.

"So? Is it going or what?" Josh mumbled, bored of waiting, as he also leaned out of one of the train's windows.

"Wait a bit will you." Cody sighed, leaning next to the redhead.

Miyako gave Josh a sulky look as she muttered. "Well it's not like you had to come if it's boring…."

"Eh? What are you saying? Speak up, Bakaonna." Josh commented back in annoyance.

"Why you-!" Miyako was just about to say something else when the train's engine started roaring. The chimney puffed out grey smoke and a whistling sound announced the beginning of their trip. The whole ride didn't even last half an hour, since Noir was a small island and the sea train was pretty fast, but Miyako kept gasping and gazing at the sea outside excitedly all the time.

"This is amazing!" She exclaimed while enjoying the sea wind blowing in her face and ruffling her long hair.

Even Cody and Josh who came with her, smiled as they started to enjoy the ride in the sea train.

~…~

"Captain, was it alright to leave them alone?" Bepo jogged after Law, carrying the man's long nodachi.

"It's fine. Everyone's either partying at the banquet or riding that train. Besides, I don't think they can get into trouble more than they already had on this island." Law answered as he suddenly made a stop and looked at the shop across the street.

"Eh…Captain, please don't underestimate Miya-chan's ability to find trouble. She has a talent." Bepo warned.

Law sighed realizing what his first mate said was certainly true.

"But captain Law, how come you're not at the party?" Bepo pressed on with questions, still following after Trafalgar.

Law crossed the busy street and read the blood red letters on the building's window. 'Tattoo and piercing salon.' He stared at his tanned hand, blank from any tattoos. "There's just something I want to do first, Bepo." With that, Law stepped into the shop.

~…~

The Heart Pirates kept dancing and singing, enjoying the banquet to the fullest. Some ate, some drank and the others tried to pick up young Noir ladies. Some even ended up in that shady street where women of very questionable reputation did their business. Jean Bart and Bill Dalton even started a drinking contest, which resulted in making a betting pool for the others who were now cheering for the contestants loudly.

Etella and Miyako were talking together as Etella kept asking question about her mysterious birth country, Wanokuni. With a corner of her eye, Miyako noticed an orange jumpsuit and the polar bear walking to the town square. Not long after, she noticed Law who walked up to them as he returned. He was missing for quite some time now and nobody knew where he went. Even Miyako became interested and thought to even go search for him, but then her pride stopped her as she thought about her intentions and realized what she was about to do. So instead, she stayed there but kept on waiting anxiously, much to her dismay.

"You're back." She stated as soon as Law walked up to them. But that's when she noticed fresh bandages on his left hand. "You're hurt!" Without thinking, Miyako took his hand into her examining the damage. She couldn't really see anything from the bandages but that just made her wonder about it more. *What exactly did he do to injure himself all of a sudden?*

The captain just shook his head but didn't attempt to pull his hand away. "It's nothing." Seeing Miyako's confused and asking expression, he added. "You'll see later." However that just made her more curious about the situation and the girl furrowed her thin eyebrows at him.

Etella watched their exchange in silence. At first she was a bit surprised at the sight but then realization came to her and she smiled discreetly. Quietly, the woman excused herself from the couple, leaving them in private.

"Hey, a picture of the winners for Noir Daily, please!" A reporter announced as he dragged a large photo camera on stools.

The engineer woman looked at the photo camera before nodding. She called out for Shachi and Penguin but soon the whole Heart Pirate crew gathered for the picture, along with the old man Bingley and his granddaughter.

"Hey guys, don't you take a picture without me!" Bepo yelled running towards the group and throwing himself into the heap of laughing pirates who then started to complain and shout at the heavy polar bear.

"Hey, Captain, Miya-chan, you too, come on!" Louis called out for the reaming two.

"Ok, coming!" Miyako yelled back and looked at Law with an asking expression.

"It's fine, you go." He stayed behind and watched as Miyako thought for a while about whether to try and persuade him or just leave. Finally, she decided to go alone, joining her friends for the picture.

The cameraman fixed the camera and looked at everyone through the lens. "Alright, get ready now! 3..."

As the man started counting, Miyako looked back at where Law was standing. He was leaning on the side with his hands in the pockets of his trousers, like always. He seemed amused while watching his crew push and shove at each other, trying to get into the frame for the picture. Miyako's expression stayed unreadable as she stepped towards him and out of the picture frame, on impulse. She didn't really know what or why she was doing it, but even so she found herself grabbing Law by the elbow and pulling him into the group before he could even protest.

"1!" The man finished with the count just as Miyako returned with a still-surprised Law.

"Hey, wait, what are you-" the captain started but wasn't able to finish as the powder in the camera lit up and a sound echoed along with a bright flash.

~….~

Rather than a group of people, the better phrase was a heap of people. Some were bickering, while Louis even managed to fall over the first row of the people. Jean Bart was just sweat-dropping as he watched the other men, sitting quietly in the back. Since he was big, it was the only place where he could be to not cover the rest of the group in the picture. Shachi and Penguin were trying to hug Etella from both sides, who stepped to back, which instead made them hug each other just as the picture was taken. Meanwhile, Sam and Kai were behind, making bunny ears with their fingers on their friends' heads. The whole picture was a cluster of people and shenanigans. Only a few Heart Pirates actually stared at the camera when it went off. On the far left side of the group, Miyako and Law stood. The girl was smiling brightly at the camera, totally ignoring Law who stared at her with surprise and complaint written on his face.

Miyako stared at the picture of them all, after she pinned it on the large pin board usually used for maps, on the wall behind Law's desk.

"And? Why are you putting it in my quarters?" The captain asked in a slightly impatient tone as she kept sitting on the chair behind his desk, staring at the book in his hands instead of the girl behind him. This time, both of his hand were tattooed with the ominous word 'death' on them.

Miyako turned around and blinked a few times in wonder. "You're the captain of this crew so isn't it normal that it's here." Her voice sounded matter-of-factly instead of questioning so it was hard for Law to retort to her statement.

Instead, the captain sighed tiredly. They were finally back in the submarine and on their way, leaving Noir and their new-found friends to explore the New World further. Honestly, Trafalgar felt glad that he was back in his submarine and able to relax in silence with his new book. Alas that period didn't last for long as Miyako decided to pay him a visit, or rather pin the photo into his quarters. "Why did you drag me to take that picture anyway?" he was perfectly content with just being at the side, he didn't really find it necessary to get involved in all that.

Miyako turned towards him and met his eyes that were for once focusing directly on her and not the book. She put her index finger on her lips as she hummed in thought. "Hmm…What if I told you that it was because you looked lonely just standing there on the side?"

He couldn't tell whether she was teasing him now or was she serious. Still, he didn't care for it either way. His gaze turned a bit colder as she answered. "I'd say you were being ridiculous."

Miyako chuckled at his fast response and for a moment her expression turned more serene as she talked. "Yeah…that answer was expected." In a more cheerful voice that sounded like her usual teasing one, Miyako continued. "Then, let's just call it punishment." Seeing Law's questioning gaze, she continued with a grin. "For letting Joshua drag me and make me study pirate lingo for a whole day." With that, Miyako suddenly turned away to leave.

Trafalgar watched in silence at the girl's back. "Recently you're…"

"Hm?" Once again, Miyako turned towards him with a questioning expression, her hair dancing behind her as she moved.

"No. Never mind." Law stood up and placed the book back on the bookshelf where it belonged.

Miyako turned around again to leave but then stopped and suddenly turned back, for the second time, surprising Law as she stepped towards him and kissed him abruptly. The captain stayed there for a while, eyes open and slight shock on his features, still not used for the girl to take the initiative. It took him a moment to regain his composure and kiss back, but the girl pulled back sooner than he'd wanted her to.

"What was that?" The man asked, in a somewhat lower tone than usual.

She looked away a bit shyly, with a light blush on her cheeks. Still, there was a look of determination in her eyes mixed with the usual embarrassment. „Weren't you the one who told me to do what I want to do?" She looked back at the captain and her eyes widened in surprise. „What is it, you're face looks red? Are you flushed?"

The man instinctively put a hand on his mouth and nose, covering his face below the stormy eyes. „What are you saying?"

A devilish grin replaced Miyako's previously shocked expression. „Actually, I was just teasing you. But what's with that shocked reaction?" She gave him an amused looked but soon her eyes widened in wonder once more. „Ah, could it be you really were embarrassed?!" The sly grin and piercing stare never faltered as Miyako came closer to inspect Law's still half-hidden face.

The captain had just about enough of it and he lowered his hand, regaining complete control of himself. In only a few seconds, he was once again the same old impassive Law. „Miss Miyako...have you decided to shorten your life perhaps?" There was an obvious threat in his now serious tone.

Miyako took a few steps back and made a mockingly frightened face along with holding her arms in front of her as if to shield herself from his almost murderous, annoyed stare. „Aaah, scary scary. Then I'll better run before I get killed for real~" Her tone was still lighthearted and amused as she took a few quick steps towards the door and disappeared from the room, snickering to herself. In an instant, Miyako was no more.

Law was left standing there, looking at the closed doors of his quarters. Once again he put a hand to shelter his face from view even though he was completely alone now. He gritted his teeth in irritation and his eyes narrowed. „That woman..." But he could only complain to the silence.

---

(1).Sailing Master; This is the officer who is in charge of navigation and the sailing of the ship

(2).Bilge rat; An insulting name given by a pirate.

(3)To hell with you, villain!

This is the end of the Noir Arc and I hope you liked it. Next chapter will be more cannon story based (Law still has to become a Shichibukai. Big plans, big plans. :D), so it's time to move onto the original One Piece story little by little. There's still a little over half a year left to do until Punk Hazard though. And I think Miyako won this round of their little game. ;)

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Thedarkdocgirl: Thank you, I am very grateful for your wonderful comment. I'm always happy to hear when someone enjoys my work. And I would gladly be friends with you. ^^

JustChan: hehe And just in time before the new one. :P Good luck with college work!

mrslizarde: Even if it's nothing critique wise, I appreciate you took the time to review. Thank you very much!

MrsWonderlandwitch: Thank you for reviewing. :D It's great you're enjoying it so much! When it comes to cannon characters, I'm always a bit paranoid if I went and made them too ooc so I'm glad you think Law is still himself. Ps. You don't need to be so official like calling me Miss. ;) Have a nice day~

Izzie: Haha I have the same problem with getting ideas for the story. I have so many but if I don't write them down soon, I just end up forgetting them. XD

ThexWhitexPhoenix: That's true. Just look at Lion King; the hyenas were the best. :D

Yumi sawamura: Yeah, I can't wait until Kid also gets involved with Luffy and the others! (it has to happen sooner or later). :D

Hahah I don't mind. That was actually a pretty good tactic! Ah, but poor Miyako! x_x *Sees Miyako on the floor who fainted from embarrassement.*

Whoa, best author in the world is a bit too much! XD Actually, I have some plans on making a story with Kid but it's nothing concrete yet. If I do make it, it will probably be in the summer when I have more time and when I catch up to the cannon One Piece story for this fanfiction. Right now I have my hands full with just this story. ^^'

pharoah999: Well they did have a pretty big argument not too long ago so for now it's more of a peaceful time for them. However, you're feeling isn't completely wrong because I am actually working on a chapter idea that could be the 'something' you're referring to. o.O

lucyknight13: Patience young Jedi. All in good time. ;P

Shiningheart of ThunderClan: Yep, it's Kid. :D haha a big FMA fan here, so I know. XP I think automail would totally agree with this steampunky island atmosphere. :D

NightStar85: AHA! This time it wasn't Miyako! XD Yeah, I don't think Miyako would like Monet either.

xXLovelyAnimeLoverXx: I just love Shachi and Penguin too much to not let them have one arc and since I used steampunk for my inspiration this time, I think it was just perfect for them. :) Actually, watching One Piece episodes is what helps me to write like that. :D

Kiteria Faye: Indeed, poor Miyako. They should just give her 'Being pirate for dummies' book. :P heh Yeah, that was expected with Thorneye. Was it hard to write it for the first time? I guess, it gets easier when you get used to it. :)

Iluvninjas: Hehe After a while of writing fanfiction, you become a master of cliffhangers. XD Yep, she's going on Punk Hazard (can't wait for her to meet the Straw Hats). True, it's not that far away. I'm going to start directing it towards the cannon story now, maybe an island or two in between that, and then it's Punk Hazard. I'm also excited about it!

Coco-san: Yep, it's Kid. :) To be honest I don't have anything like that planned right now but the way the cannon story is going, they might really meet the Kid Pirates and their alliance. In that case, Miyako will meet them too. :)

Hitoshirezu Ryu: I really feel like this island was perfect for Shachi and Penguin so it has to be a story about them. :D Altogether, it was really fun writing this arc.

aqua-empress: hehe I really had fun with her character, I like how she turned out. Thanks, I really try to find some balance between a more anime-like and a realistic story. ^^ lol when I was reading your comment, first I read; 'Could you squeeze in a luffy scene between Law and Miyako.' I was like; Wut?! XD Anyway, I don't know if it was fluffy but I think there were some cute Law/Miya scenes in this one. ^^