'I don't like you' by BloodyMarryMe
Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece or any of its characters. The OC Suzune Miyako is mine. This story is rated T for violence and blood.
Hello, here's the next chapter. I have more time to write now, though I'm a bit afraid I'll catch up to the cannon plot in the manga too fast. ^^' This one isn't very long, but I hope you'll still enjoy it!
CHAPTER 58
Miyako walked down the vast hallways of the research facility when a hand suddenly grabbed her and pulled her into a room. „Whoa!" The girl yelped as she was dragged inside a small, dark space. The room was probably used for some research before but didn't seem to be in use anymore. Rather, it seemed it was more of a storage space for supplies now. The girl blinked when she realized the man who pulled her in was none other than her captain.
„Law, what are you doing here?" However when she saw his warning expression, she instantly lowered her voice to a whisper. It seems he wanted her to keep it down, which meant it was something that Caesar and his men shouldn't hear. „What's going on," she asked, this time in a whisper.
The Shichibukai wasn't whispering, but he kept his voice low just in case. „I have a task for you." He glanced outside the hall to make sure nobody was passing by, before closing the doors of the room further. Still, he didn't close them shut completely, so they could hear in case someone was coming down the corridor. Once done, the captain turned back to the puzzled samurai. „There are kairoseki chains in the facility. I want to replace them with normal ones without anyone noticing. Just in case something happens...The kairoseki cuffs are kept in room D. I need you to go find me as many normal handcuffs as you can so I can replace them and bring them to that storage room," the captain explained.
The girl's expression turned more serious as she listened. She wanted to be of help to Trafalgar while they were here, so she didn't want to mess anything up now. She wanted to do this right for him. "I understand, I'll make sure nobody suspects anything," she nodded firmly and turned around to leave. Before she could, a hand on her wrist stopped her. The girl blinked in surprise and turned to glance at Law questioningly.
He had a serious expression, with his lips in a tight line as if something was bothering him but he didn't want to show it. Yet, Miyako could usually tell her captain's moods by now. Before she could ask, the man warned her, "Be careful."
The girl stared at him for a while before she smiled in relief.
Seeing Miyako's unusual expression, the Dark Doctor furrowed his eyebrows in interest. "What is it?"
As if a little embarrassed, Miyako looked down, still smiling faintly. "No, well…I'm just glad. You seemed a bit cold towards me ever since we arrived to Punk Hazard, so I thought you were still mad I followed you," she answered honestly, peering at him from underneath her bangs.
For a while, Trafalgar stayed quiet before sighing and closing his eyes as if he suddenly felt exasperated. "It's better…not to let them know too much," he finally answered shortly.
However, Miyako didn't seem to quite catch his meaning, so she titled her head and stared at him in question. Her focused glance was obviously sending him a message she was still puzzled by his words.
Law scowled, not liking that he needed to explain himself. "If something goes wrong, I'm sure they'll try to use any of our weaknesses…so it's better if they don't know about us. It can be a risk factor later," he explained in a calm tone. He didn't seem even a bit embarrassed about what he just said. Instead he had an almost bored expression on his face, as if tired from needing to explain himself deeper.
Still, there was a dangerous thought in his mind that just wouldn't leave him be ever since they both set foot on this island. What if Doflamingo finds out about Miyako? That's why he wanted his crew to stay behind and be well out of reach of Doflamingo's claws once his plans are set into motion. Right now, he still has the element of surprise, but the older Shichibukai will sooner or later realize what Law is doing and do everything in his power to stop him. At that time, he won't be only going after Law but the ones closest to him as well; and right now that's Miyako, one of his nakama. Law knew it was already too late to do anything about that fact since Miyako was already here with him, but at least he didn't want to attract any attention to her more than necessary. If Doflamingo would find out about their relationship, the conniving Shichibukai would try to dig his claws into the samurai girl for sure. Law wanted to protect her from that at least.
The girl's smile didn't fade as she heard the captain's explanation. She understood he was worried about her; even acting distant towards her on purpose in front of others so they wouldn't suspect anything. "I see. Don't worry, I'll be careful, Law," with a gentle smile, she reassured him.
"Hn," the captain simply nodded approvingly, trying to pretend he didn't notice her knowing gaze towards him.
Still trying to contain her smirk, Miyako turned around to leave for real this time. "Well then, I'll-" she touched the handle of the doors just when they both heard muffled voices from the other side. She gasped and was once again quickly pulled away from the doors by Law as he dragged them back into the shadows of the small room.
There were two men talking as they passed by in the hallway. Suddenly, their footsteps stopped in front of the doors and Miyako felt her whole body stiffen.
"Hey, why are these doors open?" One of the men outside said in a low grumble.
Miyako could just imagine the two men in yellow suits talking, staring at the slightly opened doors. She held her breath, afraid to make any sound. She was currently pushed against the wall, with Law looming over her, holding her in place with his own arm while the other rested on his nodachi just in case something goes terribly wrong. He was pushing against her body with his own, both of them staying completely still in the shadows. Unconsciously, Miyako gripped the captain's sleeve tighter in suspense as a pair of footsteps started nearing the small storage room. The girl could hear her own heart beat loudly in her chest, she could hear every sound of the steps the men made, she was conscious of every small change in temperature as Law's body held her own so he would make sure she keeps still, she could even feel his chest move up and down as he breathed and felt his scent near her.
One of the men was just outside of the doors now. He put a hand on the doorknob and the pair inside prepared themselves to be found out. Law needed to think of an excuse for them being in here and fast, if he didn't want to raise any suspicions. However, it will be hard since Caesar was a careful man and he just finally started to trust Law a bit more. That's when the doors moved, but they did not to open. Instead, the man closed them completely.
"I guess someone must've forgotten to close them properly, the idiot," the man said in a muffled tone from the other side. The other answered something incoherent and they both continued to walk away, talking among themselves.
The girl felt all her excitement rush out of her at once and she sighed deeply in relief, practically sagging against Law's body. Her senses were still high from the residual adrenaline coursing through her veins.
"We were lucky…" Law commented with an annoyed click of his tongue. He couldn't believe he almost let himself be caught in such a situation. He cursed his carelessness, *I should've been more careful!*
The comment made Miyako turn her attention back to her captain, realizing only now how close they actually were. She felt some hotness rise to her cheeks at the thought. *What am I thinking at a time like this? I should be more serious,* she scolded herself but her senses were already too aware of the man in front of her. He still wasn't letting go, probably too immersed in his own thoughts.
Miyako justified her thoughts by the fact that Law and her had no time to be alone ever since they came here. What's more he was being distant to keep their relationship a secret, not wanting their enemies to use that fact to their advantage later. She understood all that and was fine with it. It was the way it had to be. But still…there was an annoying bug in the back of her mind, telling her she wanted a bit more time with just Law. Even though she knew there was no time to waste, sometimes she just wanted to move away from Caesar, this whole facility and Monet. Especially, Monet. The girl frowned at the thought. It seemed the woman constantly teased them with her smug comments, especially Law. She was getting a bit too close to the young Shichibukai in Miyako's opinion.
Shaking off her dark thoughts, the girl looked up at her captain again. He was staring at the doors, making sure it was clear to go outside again. His face was turned from her so she had a view of his handsome profile. She could see his strained neck and the smooth tanned skin.
"Alright, we seem to be fine now," he said, heading to step towards the doors. However, a small tug on his sleeve stopped him. Law looked down to see the samurai girl holding onto the sleeve of his winter coat. He stared back at Miyako questioningly, but she had her head lowered down, hiding her expression beneath her long bangs. Interested, the captain stayed put, but the girl also stayed silent as if undecided in her actions. However, as she didn't explain herself, Law pressed on, "What is it?"
Miyako stayed silent before him, clutching on his sleeve while unmoving form her spot. As if only know realizing what she did, still uncertain, she weakly let go with an awkward smile. "Ah! Sorry…it's nothing," she lied, lowering her head again as she spoke. She let go of him completely, albeit hesitantly.
The captain sighed as if reading right through her and her thoughts. Without hesitation he pulled her closer, making her forehead rest on his chest. As opposed to her, he didn't seem awkward in doing so at all. Then again, Law was much blunter with his words and actions than she was; he knew sometimes Miyako had trouble saying what she truly wanted, especially in cases such as these. Since the captain was already used to it, he could read her pretty well. "Why are you so hesitant?"
The girl kept quiet for a while, turning her eyes to the floor beside them. "I'm not particularly…," she answered in a soft mutter. Despite her words, her one hand moved to his chest, but didn't push him away. She felt him sigh again underneath her hand, as his chest moved.
Surprisingly, he gently brushed a loose strand off her face. "Did I make you uneasy?" In his own way, she understood he was trying to comfort her. It was obvious he already knew what she was thinking about. His demeanor shifted suddenly. "What is it that you want?" There was an amused tone in his soft voice now, as if he was teasing her or testing her…maybe both. In any case, Miyako was sure if she would to look up, she would see his smirking face staring down at her. That thought made her somewhat annoyed, wanting to erase his smug expression.
The girl furrowed her eyebrows, before looking up at the Shichibukai. *Jeez, this is your fault anyway!* She grabbed his collar with her other hand and lifted herself on the tips of her toes. As she lifted her head, their lips easily met in a kiss. The kiss itself didn't last long, but Miyako actually felt better afterwards. She knew this was one of the few rare moments that they will get together for a long time, so she wanted to treasure it a bit longer, yet she knew they had to move out soon. With newfound determination she stepped away and stared at Law with a confident gaze, "I'm going to get those chains for you without problems," she peered outside, checking if the coast was clear before opening the doors. Before heading out she gave a soft scowl to her captain as she continued, "so you can count on me. Rely on me even more from now on," the girl finished.
Law blinked a few times in surprise before his smirk widened. He tilted his head to the side, slightly narrowing his eyes with an amused look. "Alright. But you better be prepared then, I might work you to the bone," he answered before the girl disappeared out the doors.
Miyako jogged down the corridor, glancing behind to see that Law didn't move out from his spot yet. He was giving her some time to move away before he comes out, so that they wouldn't seem suspicious together if noticed. The girl blushed at his words; she didn't know why but something in that sly look he gave her made her feel embarrassed with goosebumps appearing on her body.
~…..~
*Chains, chains, where are you chains?* Miyako was rummaging though some old crates in another storage room. Even though she acted all confident in front of Law, the truth was that this research facility had numerous small rooms where the men kept supplies in some crates with old junk from the time the government was still here. Caesar had a set of sea stone handcuffs in a visible place for possible use so the ordinary ones were left somewhere, forgotten. That's why Miyako didn't have such an easy time finding them as she first thought. *Still, I can't give up. Law's counting on me,* with determination she continued her search throughout the laboratory.
She carefully avoided any people as she would slip in another room, searching for the handcuffs. She didn't really want to explain her presence there nor make up lies on the spot to cover for herself. It was easier to just try and sneak in, unnoticed. A few times Caesar's men would pass by the rooms and the girl would instantly stop, hiding herself and keeping silent. As soon as they would pass, she would continue.
Truthfully, Miyako wasn't that worried about the ex-prisoners. She was more worried about being discovered by Monet or Caesar; two people with skeptical minds and sharp senses in this place. They probably wouldn't take lightly to her sneaking around like this and would question her thoroughly. What's more, the assistant had Miyako's heart which meant she could easily bargain with the samurai's life if she wanted. Luckily, Law went through the task of keeping Caesar busy as the two went through the logia's research together, and Monet was in the Biscuits Room at the moment, which gave Miyako a perfect opportunity to act. However, she couldn't keep tabs on them both while searching around so the samurai stayed careful of her surroundings at all times.
*Where are they!?* The girl cursed. Suddenly, she felt something cold underneath her hand as she rummaged through yet another box. At first it didn't give way when she pulled, being tangled with numerous other items in there, so the samurai pulled harder with all her strength. "Come….on," she grunted, feeling the item move under her fingertips. Finally it was released from the other junk and Miyako was able to pull it out. In the process, she lost her balance and fell backwards onto her behind, slamming into another crate which was stacked on top of numerous others. As she fell down, the column of crates swayed dangerously and the girl winced. The first crate fell down next to her, but luckily the others didn't. A loud noise echoed through the room, followed by an even louder clanking sound as something metal hit the floor. The first thing Miyako noticed was the item in her hands, which she so desperately tried to pull out. With disappointment, she stared at a metal pipe. The girl sighed in irritation before staring down at the ground, where the items from the fallen crate scattered. Her eyes widened and her face brightened up. Sprawled across the floor were numerous heavy chains and handcuffs. *Lucky!* The girl stopped herself from yelping in excitement as she stared at the mess around her. However her excitement was soon cut short when she heard footsteps and voices.
"What was that noise just now?" One of the men exclaimed and they ran towards the storage room. The girl gasped, biting her lower lip at her predicament. She was surrounded by opened creates and chains; how was she to explain this?
~…..~
"You lot better be careful with the H2S over there, we don't want another incident," Caesar Clown warned his subordinates as people in yellow suits kept working in a large room of the laboratory. Around them were diverse glass vials filled with different, colorful substances. All these were here for Caesar's numerous researches, mainly connected to new warfare weapons. The men worked with the vials expertly, already having some skill in the field as they were thought by Cesar what to do. They were mostly just manual labor, though. Trafalgar doubted Caesar was so trusting to actually explain to them what and why there were doing things, as long as they served their purpose.
The scientist usually watched over their work to make sure everything was in order, unless he was also working on new formulas for his research. However, the words of the logia brought Law's attention to a specific, tightly closed vial filled with purple, thick liquid inside. It was on a special stand so it wouldn't accidentally fall and break, spilling the hazardous contents inside. The amount in one vial wasn't that much and probably wouldn't do that much damage if it was let out, but Law instantly got an idea. He needed a distraction anyway, to find the appropriate time and exchange the kairoseki shackles. If everything went as planned with Miyako, she should've found the regular ones by now. So all he had to do is meet up with her and take her normal chains, then rush to room D and replace them. However, to do that without being noticed by the men working in the control room who kept a close watch on the den den mushi monitors, he needed a larger distraction. He needed to set his plan into motion now and could only trust Miyako that she kept her end of the deal as planned and finished on time. Otherwise, his efforts will go to waste.
*Now only to find the right moment,* the captain thought as he looked around the room. He was here in pretense of being interested in Caesar's work but also collecting more data from Vegapunk's laboratory, to find out more about Government's plans. He's been using that excuse ever since he got here, poking around the lab and examining everything to his heart's content. Now that he even helped Caesar by giving the ex-prisoners new legs, which the men have gotten used to by now, he earned more trust points with the scientist, gaining more freedom to do as he pleased in the facility.
His thoughts were interrupted by a new voice of a woman who entered the room. "Is everything in order here?" Monet asked, fixing her thick glasses.
"Ah, Monet, you're here," the logia greeted her, though he barely paid attention to the newcomer as he stayed focused on the men at work.
"You did call for me," the woman answered with a raised eyebrow.
"That's right. I need you to keep an eye on these guys since I'm off to work on my new…project," Caesar answered with a grin, but stayed mysterious about the new research he was working on. He was absent a lot lately, keeping himself in his private lab and working on something involving gas again. But this time he didn't even share that information with Law.
While the pair talked, nobody noticed that a small vial nobody was paying attention to disappeared, or rather, was switched with another vial which was currently over the lit burner. Also, nobody noticed Law's twitch of his finger as he used his devil fruit powers for that to happen. The vials were similar in color but the substance inside was different, since the one which was now over the flame was the liquefied hydrogen sulfide, commonly known as H2S. Law had enough knowledge in chemistry to know that this substance was flammable and was now put over a too strong flame without control measures. It was simply a matter of time now. Trafalgar prepared himself to use his powers and get out of the room as soon as he gets the chance. Casually he started strolling closer to the exit and away from Caesar and Monet so he wouldn't be seen using his powers.
When the explosion happened, the whole lab was suddenly brought into chaos. There was smoke everywhere and the sudden burst of fire led to more vials breaking with different substances and gasses filling the air. Over the explosion and mess, Trafalgar could hear panicked screams.
"What?! What the hell is happening!? What did you do, you useless subordinates!?" Forgetting himself, Caesar shouted in anger, ordering the panicked men around. Most of them were wearing hazardous suits already, saving them from most of the deadly gasses, but the large fire that rose out of the explosion was enough for them to fall into a frenzy. The master kept ordering his subordinates around, shouting in complete rage and disbelief. Since he was already a gas-man, the substances didn't affect him so he just focused on trying to restore order in his laboratory.
"Gyaaa, Master help me! It's burning through my suit and clothes! Gyaa!" One of the men was rolling on the floor as he was covered in a pink substance which was smoking while it slowly corroded his suit and the body underneath.
"It's hot! It's hot!" Another man ran around burning since he was caught in the explosion and set on fire. Finally, he remembered through his panicked mind to fall on the floor and start rolling around in hopes of extinguishing the fire. Unfortunately, it was already too late and his burning body on the floor took out a few others who were running away, pulling them down on the ground. As people ran for the exit unable to even see before them from all the smoke, they stepped on the ones who were lying on the floor, breaking their bones with their rushed feet.
Caesar simply looked away from them, completely uninterested in his dying men. "Tch," he scowled with irritation. *You are ruining my life's work, you simpleminded bastards,* he cursed at his subordinates, seeing a few of them lying on the ground either dead or unconscious. He stared at the scene through the smoke, until he saw the green haired woman on the ground. She was bleeding from her head, suffering an injury from the explosion, but every now and then she would cough, showing signs of life. *Damn, even Monet!* The scientist grabbed her and easily lifted her up before rushing towards the exit. Before completely leaving the smoking room engulfed in flame, he used his gas powers while stretching out his one free arm. Slowly, Caesar started sucking out the oxygen from the room. It took some time since the lab was big, but soon the fire died out from lack of oxygen. Hurriedly, he left the lab and rushed through the hallway.
A few of his men came running towards him with baffled expressions. "What happened, Master!?"
Without explaining first, the scientist ordered, "Quick, close off the lab!"
The few men blinked in surprise at their master's words. "Eh..? But there are people still inside-," one tried to reason with the logia user, but the scientist cut him off in a high-pitched shout.
"It doesn't matter, just close the damned doors!" When Caesar noticed his subordinates' shocked expressions he quickly collected himself and mellowed down. With a calmed tone he explained, "If the deadly gasses from inside spread, all of you will die as well. It can't be helped; for the sake of many we will have to sacrifice a few," with a faked saddened expression the gas logia explained. Fake tears ran down his eyes while he spoke.
"I see...I'm sorry I doubted you, master!"
"We'll close off that area immediately!"
The men nodded in relief, once again certain that their master was a wonderful man. How hard it must be for their poor master to make such a tough decision just to save them. He was truly a great man! With such thoughts the men went to close off the laboratory with thick, heavy gates that would prevent any gas from leaking through.
That's when Caesar remembered he was still carrying his assistant and he looked around, looking for a certain doctor. He found Trafalgar not far away from the scene, staring at the direction of the lab. Nobody noticed it, but just after the explosion, Law created his blue sphere hidden by thick smoke and teleported from the room to a safe distance. His plan worked out perfectly.
"Law!" The scientist called the doctor over and the pirate walked over in a hurried step. He already noticed the barely conscious woman in Caesar's arms. "Monet got injured, go treat her," the logia ordered.
The Shichibukai's eyes narrowed at the ordering tone in the scientist's voice. He tilted his head to the side and stared at the logia coldly. "I already helped you with the prisoners. I don't remember becoming your subordinate nor your personal physician," he talked back with an uninterested gaze.
Caesar gritted his teeth in irritation but he understood what Law meant. Obviously, the pirate captain didn't like to be ordered around and wouldn't stand for it even from the scientist. "Fine, it's just a favor! Do me this favor then!" The logia cursed at those uncharacteristic words. *Dammit, if Monet wasn't also one of Joker's subordinates I wouldn't even care. But if she dies, Joker will hold me responsible!* With those selfish thoughts of self-preservation, Caesar pleaded with the Surgeon of Death.
"Fine," with a sigh the pirate answered. "Get her in the infirmary and have your men prepare the operating room for me," he ordered, seeing as the logia gave his assistant to one of his men to take care of her. Meanwhile, Caesar stayed behind to try and control the mess while Law left and followed behind the men who took Monet.
The Shichibukai thought of his options as his plans were slightly changed. He intended to slip passed them during the chaos and go meet with Miyako to replace the chains, but now he had this case to handle. *Still, I have some time. They'll need a few minutes to prepare the patient anyway,* with that thought Trafalgar changed course and disappeared, unnoticed by the men hurrying to prepare for the operation.
~…..~
The samurai girl heard running footsteps coming closer to the room she was currently in. How will she explain this once they find her? Was there any place to hide in here? Even if she had time to think about these things, there was no time to act upon it anymore. She prepared for the worst.
Just then a much louder noise sounded itself somewhere far on the other side of the facility. It was loud enough for all to hear, creating a small earthquake as the walls of the building shuddered. The footsteps coming towards Miyako stopped and were replaced by confused shouts and a sound of a wailing noise from the facility's alarm set in case of an emergency.
"What's going on!?"
"Something happened in sector C!"
"There's been an explosion!"
"Master! Master was there, what about Master!? Is he alright!?"
Frightened yells continued over the loud noises, as Caesar's men ran around trying to get to the laboratory in question. Luckily, in all the chaos Miyako and the storage room were completely forgotten. Realizing what was happening from the few words she managed to pick out from their panic-stricken shouts, Miyako sighed in relief as everyone ran the other way. However, her calm state of mind didn't last long when she remembered a certain part of the conversation she just heard. *Law was with Caesar! So was he involved too?!* The girl gasped at the realization, quickly standing up from the ground and ready to run over to the laboratory with the rest of the men to help out and see for herself if her captain was alright. Just as she was about to storm out of the room, the girl stopped. Slowly, with a hesitant stare, she turned around to look at the chains on the ground. *But Law asked me to find those…If I leave them now, I might not get another chance. What if he's already waiting for me?* Another set of thoughts entered her mind as she continued to think about numerous possibilities.*But what if he's hurt…? What if he needs my help?* Miyako bit her bottom lip as she felt torn between her emotions and her duty. *Still, even if he's hurt, could I really be of any use? I'm not a doctor anyway,* the girl's mind kept brainstorming for an answer and she clenched her fist in frustration. *Dammit!* She ignored the feeling of helplessness rising inside of her and decided to do what she could for now.
She went back into the room and started filling the crate with the chains again. When it was full, the girl lifted the wooden box with a deep grunt. *Wow, I knew this would be heavy but not this much…* She staggered a little at first, trying to catch her balance and not fall down on her ass again from the heavy load in her arms. Still fighting the weight of it, the girl suddenly caught a sight with the corner of her eyes. In the dark corner, there was a small red trolley, just waiting to be used. With a grin, she got an idea.
Miyako peered out of the storage room at the scene around the largest room in the facility, room B. Even though she was still being careful, it didn't seem like anyone noticed her. They were all too enveloped in the tragedy that just occurred, still running around and trying to get it under control. Miyako didn't see any casualties brought out of the laboratory and there was no trace of Law, Caesar and Monet, either.
Deeming it safe enough, the girl pushed the hand truck with the crate on it out of the room and continued pushing it down the hall. *But where should I go? Should I leave it in Law's quarters?* Deciding her new destination, Miyako pushed the trolley towards their rooms. A few of Caesar's men passed her by but nobody seemed to even notice the girl or what she was doing.
Just in case, she still tried to keep as low as possible. She stopped behind one corner and peered around it before running with the trolley to the opposite side and hiding behind another corner. She could see the closed off laboratory up ahead and Caesar ordering the men around with angry shouts. The girl couldn't help but roll her eyes when she saw the man acting completely different from his usual 'loving' self, now that a crisis was at hand. Turning around to find the safest route to Law's room, the girl almost bumped into someone.
*Dammit!* Thinking she was done for and will have to make up some explanation on the spot, she looked up at the man before her. However, her eyes widened in relief instead of worry when she recognized him. "Law! You're alright!"
The Shichibukai simply smirked before her. "Of course. Who do you think planned all this in the first place," he answered in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Don't tell me, you-" The girl gasped out in surprise but her thoughts were cut off by the captain.
"Enough about that, we don't have time. Hurry, do you have the chains?" Law was glancing around, trying to get this over with before anyone noticed he was missing. He didn't have much time before he had to be in the infirmary room to take care of Monet.
Miyako nodded, glad that she obviously made the right choice by taking the chains with her. "Yeah, they're here," she answered. "But can you make it while they're all still distracted?"
The captain smirked, but didn't say anything. Instead, he opened his fist. "Room!" He called out his powers, creating a large sphere around them. In another hand he was still holding his nodachi, which he rested on his shoulder again. Just before using his powers, Law glanced at the girl in front of him. He smirked at her once more. "You did well," with those words, Law suddenly disappeared along with the crate of chains.
The girl was still surprised by her captain's last words to her which left a content feeling in her chest. That's why she blinked in shock when the man suddenly disappeared, but it didn't take long before she understood what just happened. Law already teleported himself into the room D where the kairoseki chains were. The rest was up to him, but the girl had no doubt that the captain would make it. After all, he already succeeded in doing this much on his own. Miyako exhaled with a slight chuckle before shaking her head. She turned around to see Caesar completely out of it in rage. She couldn't help but be amused at the sight as the scientist seethed, yet still tried to fool his subordinates so they would think he was a worthy man who cared for their wellbeing. "Well I guess I should play my part too then," she sighed, not really caring either way. She went to the logia user and his men, pretending to care as she asked what can she do to help out in this situation.
~…..~
The prisoners prepared the small infirmary in the research facility, setting up the operating table and putting Monet on it. She was still in and out of consciousness, groaning in pain every now and then. One of the men placed the oxygen mask on her face as she seemed to have trouble breathing.
"Where is Law-san? Monet-san is getting worse here!"
"Eh? He was right behind me though….did he get called away somewhere else?"
"But Monet-san has no time for that!"
The men in the room glanced at one another in confusion since the surgeon wasn't here like he was supposed to be. Only now when the patient was ready, did they notice the man's missing presence.
Just then, the winged doors of the infirmary opened loudly and Trafalgar Law entered casually as if nothing was out of the ordinary. "If you have time to comment about me, rather prepare the operating tools," still waking towards the table, Law put on a pair of rubber gloves and a surgical mask. "Somebody, give me a scalpel," he ordered and opened his palm while waiting impatiently. There was no room for questions in his authority-filled voice.
"A-ah…right!" Still confused, but taken in by the doctor's pace, the men rushed over to help him with the instruments. Soon, he's small tardiness was completely forgotten as Law continued working on his patient.
~…~
The first thing Monet felt when she slowly opened her eyes was confusion. She was lying on an infirmary bed, in a brightly lit room that irritated her still-pained eyes. She had to blink away the tears in the corners of her hazy eyes before she got used to it. Turning her head, she noticed a familiar form working on something with his back turned to her.
*Law? Where-?* She opened her mouth to voice out her questions, but nothing came out. That only strengthened her confused state as she furrowed her eyebrows in a deep frown.
A voice cut off her thoughts as one of the men ran beside her. "Law-san, she's waking up!"
The figure in front of her turned to show a face of the Shichibukai Trafalgar Law. He set some bloodied instruments to the side and casually walked over to her bed.
The green haired woman tried speaking again but nothing came out. However, the look in Law's eyes stopped her from trying again.
"It's useless to speak now, your voice isn't back yet. It's been damaged by smoke and gas, but it will heal after some time. You'll get your voice back," the doctor reassured her in a blunt tone of someone who was simply delivering facts. That tone didn't change even as he continued on with more dire news. "However-"
Monet just sighed out in relief when her body stiffened in tension again. The surgeon didn't seem to be finished yet, which brought a sense of dread to the woman.
"You did breathe in some of the H2S gas which was leaked. Because of that, some of your nerves were destroyed; I wasn't able to save them anymore, it was too late. I had to amputate your limbs," the doctor continued in a blunt tone, completely without empathy towards the patient. There was no emotion or guilt in his tone, even though he was the one responsible for the accident and her state in the first place. "However, after talking to Caesar, there was one solution to this…" He lowered his gaze down to Monet's limbs.
The woman widened her eyes at the news, and followed the doctor's gaze. She could feel strange numbness in her arms and legs, which she became aware of after Law had mentioned all this. Her eyes widened even more as she saw the sight next to her body. Indeed, her arms and legs were completely gone. Yet, to say her limbs were completely gone wouldn't be quite right. The woman stared at two large, snow-white wings by her side and legs of a bird to match. She tried to lift one leg and somehow managed after a painful struggle, only to see sharp claws replacing her usual toes. It didn't take long for Monet to realize what had happened after her operation; Law saved her life by keeping the gas' effects from spreading, but her limbs were too far gone already. So instead, he performed the same operation he did with the ex-prisoners; he replaced her worthless limbs with animal ones. What's more, the new limbs were obviously taken from some large bird since the wings were large enough to cover her whole body. A fleeting thought crossed Monet's mind, wondering if she could even fly with these.
Even so, there was still clear shock in Monet's mind. Even for the usual cool-tempered woman, having suddenly woken up with animal limbs was a large impact on her state. She couldn't stop staring at the feathery appendages next to her and she unconsciously swayed them from side to side, examining their movements. *My arms…replaced by this? And my legs…my legs are now...* Her gaze trailed down to two, large bird legs. *I'm a monster now. Just like those prisoners…How did this happen!?* Her mind rushed back to the memories in the laboratory. She couldn't even decipher what happened; one moment she was talking to Caesar and the next she was blasted across the room and felt a sharp pain in her head. Everything was hazy after that; with a jumble of mixed sounds and voices around her, while darkness and light exchanged before her eyes. *Can I really live like this? What will Young Master say when he sees me like this?!* The face of Donquixote Doflamingo flashed through her mind as her panicked thought arose once more. *Will I be able to serve him in this state?* She couldn't help but feel doubt and fear in her heart at those thought. What if she was of no use to her beloved young master anymore? Her life wouldn't have meaning anymore!
That's when Law's words cut off her disarray of thoughts once more as if he was already aware about what she was thinking. Perhaps he could see it in her worried gaze or the paleness of her face. "You'll get used to your new limbs just like the rest of the prisoners. Other than that, you will be kept here for observation for a while longer until your body recovers."
Monet lowered her gaze before looking up at the surgeon again. She was trying to say something again, but her broken throat just wouldn't let her. Instead, she mouthed one simple word; 'Why?'
It seemed enough for Law to understand; she was asking why he helped her. After all, he had no obligation to do so and no apparent reason either. "That scientist asked me to as a favor. I figured, him owing me one wouldn't be a bad thing," the doctor smirked evilly with a bemused gleam in his eyes. "That's the only reason," he added, which only proved Monet's sentiment that this man really didn't care whether she lived or died at the end of the day. He was here for his own goals and causes, but even though they were put under the same roof, that didn't made them nakama. Yet, Monet was fine with that notion since she shared the same one. The relationship between Law and Caesar, including everyone else involved between those two, was strictly professional.
Not waiting for the woman's answer, Trafalgar turned around to leave the infirmary. "These guys will stay with you if you need something. I have other work to do, so I'll be going now," he simply explained and left the room, leaving the patient behind without even turning back.
~…~
"Oy, Suzune!" Caesar called out to the samurai girl who stopped in her tracks and turned around in interest. Even a few days after the lab incident, the scientist was still in a foul mood. He was frowning a lot while brooding over what could have gone wrong in there. Not much was clear as of yet but it seems Caesar assigned the accident to human error of one of his henchmen. 'Some fool must have mixed the vials and put the wrong one on the gas burner;' was what the scientist said when asked, after he calmed down a bit. He was still looking for the man responsible, though there was a good chance the guy was already dead. There weren't many survivors left to tell the tale of what happened in the laboratory, especially since the logia ordered to close off that space immediately, leaving his subordinates inside to die in agony.
The tall man hovered over on his smoky body, towering over the samurai girl. "Go take two more men and hand this to the children in the Biscuits Room. Make sure every child gets one. It's important so you better not mess up!"
Only now did Miyako realize he was holding two large bags in his hands. Both cloth bags were filled to the brim with something. The girl frowned at the ordering tone in the man's voice. *I only listen to Law's orders, I don't serve you, you creepy gas-man!* She wanted to spit those words back into his face, but didn't want to cause any unnecessary trouble for Law. The logia was already tense from the earlier happenings so she didn't want to fuel the fire any more than this. However, Miyako couldn't help but feel a bitter taste in her mouth when he mentioned those children. Ever since she came in this facility and learnt of those poor kids, she tried her best to avoid that room and any contact with them. She didn't want to be a part of that any more than necessary if she could help it. With a sigh, she tried to keep her irritation under control and managed to mask it over with a bored expression as she stared back at the logia scientist. "Can't some of your other men do it? "
"Tch, it's because they can't is why I'm telling you," the gas man instantly answered in that high-pitched voice of his. "Monet would usually go, but she's still recovering and if I leave it up to those clumsy prisoners, they might just scare the children! Everyone's busy clearing up the mess from the laboratory now that we could finally unseal it. I don't have many men to spare," he explained, practically pushing the two heavy bags into Miyako.
Before she could protest further, the scientist left on his own way while she was left with two full bags of…what? The girl peered inside one of them, blinking in utter surprise. *Candy?* Colorful wrappers of what appeared to be bonbons were filling up the bag. *Caesar doesn't really seem like the type to give children treats, though?* Miyako didn't really get it but seeing there was no room to argue, she sighed and took both bags, dragging them behind her until she found two henchmen to help her take the candy to the Biscuits Room.
As soon as the kid saw them, they rushed towards the trio with smiling faces. They were probably lonely in this one room from which their whole world consisted of. That's why any connection to the outside world was exciting for them.
"Miyao-oneechan!" the orange-haired girl Miyako once met before ran over to her, happily grining from ear to ear.
"It's Miyako," the samurai corrected in an exasperated tone. "And what's with the 'oneechan'? I don't remember having any siblings," as always, Miyako tried keeping her distance by acting cold towards the kids.
However, the girl before her appeared to be completely oblivious to that fact or simply ignored it. Instead, Rachel stared silently at the samurai with an unwavering gaze. She seemed to be thinking about something very seriously until she spoke again. "Then…Miya-ne," she finally decided on the nickname, abbreviating both the name and the title of the 'big sister.'
"That's not what I meant!" The samurai girl couldn't keep her cool at the sudden outrageous nickname. *And why am I once again back to being Miya!?* She screamed in her mind as the memory of her old nickname on the Heart Pirates' submarine returned to her.
However, Rachel felt none of the irritation coming from the woman as she simply laughed loudly, amused by Miyako's outburst.
One of the men in yellow suits, that Miyako brought with her, stepped towards the center of the room, opening one of the bags he was holding. "Here, brats-," he started but stopped in his words when he noticed Miyako's harsh glare on him. He smiled sheepishly and tried again, "Uh, I mean, here, dear children, candy for you!"
"Candy?" At that word, all heads turned towards the three adults, leaving everything else behind. By the looks of it, most children already knew what this is about as they instantly ran over to the bags with bright, excited smiles. "Candy! It's the candy!" They exclaimed, pushing against each other to reach the bags as soon as possible. Some of the children were already as large as the children of giants, making the chaos even bigger as they easily pushed smaller children out of the way, who started crying in return. If this went on, someone would surely get hurt.
Seeing that there was chaos slowly creating in the room, Miyako shouted with a stern voice, "Stop pushing! Get in a line so everyone gets one! If you don't behave, you won't get any!" She threatened, even though that was a lie since Caesar instructed her to give each kid one no matter what. She found it strange that it was so important to him, but didn't want to dwell on it any deeper. It was better for her not to know so she wouldn't have to drown in guilt for it, afterwards. However, her threat worked even better than she expected. The frightened expressions on the kids' faces looked like she just told them they will be beaten if they didn't listen. It was as if she just showed them a glimpse of the ultimate punishment.
Getting the situation under control and collecting themselves again, the two ex-prisoners shouted as well. "Y-yeah, that's right! So you better behave!"
It only took a few moments for two lines to form as things were once again back in order. Each man was standing in front of a large bag and handed out candy to the kids in their line, while Miyako stood in the middle making sure there were no other incidents and that every child gets one. The kids would open the wrappers hastily and stuff the bonbon in their mouths as soon as they would get it. Were they so sugar-crazed? She noticed Rachel happily standing on the side with her own as she slowly unwrapped it.
Inside was what looked to be a red, hard candy. Miyako knelt beside her, interested as she examined the candy. "Do you often get this?"
The girl smiled and nodded, making her small pony-tail dance around by the action. "Yeah, every day. It's because Master-sama is so nice," she added.
"Hn," Miyako hummed and reached for what really looked like simple candy in the girl's small hands, wanting to examine it for a while.
"No!" The loud scream of the high-pitched voice echoed throughout the room, making all heads turn in their direction. Even Miyako was surprised by the sudden and strong reaction from the small five-year old.
"Eh?" Unable to really voice out her confusion, the samurai just let out a questioning sound.
The girl put the candy in her mouth almost urgently as if making sure Miyako doesn't take it away. "If minfe, you can'f hafe if!" She said decisively with her mouth full.
*It's not like I would take it away,* the samurai thought and furrowed her eyebrows in slight annoyance. Yet more than irritation, she felt surprise from the small girl's almost-angry outburst. It's like the girl was afraid that she'd lose the candy, even acting out to prevent that. Rachel was usually a happy-go-lucky girl and didn't seem that possessive about her toys. She didn't have a problem sharing anything else with other kids so this really seemed uncharacteristic for the young girl. "A-ah…sorry…I didn't mean to take it away from you," the woman finally said, still looking suspiciously at the girl munching on the treat.
With a loud gulp, the girl swallowed the candy. "That's ok. I know Miya-ne is kind, so she wouldn't do that," the girl smiled at the samurai, showing that missing tooth of hers. Once again she was back to acting normal as if nothing happened. That only brought more questions to Miyako's mind but she put them behind for now and simply scoffed at the weird nickname she was once again referred with. "Why you-" Miyako started, but left the sentence hang in the air unfinished as she ruffled the girl's orange hair and stood up. The girl giggled at the action, not minding in the least that her hair was now in disarray.
Looking around, Miyako could see the rest of the kids got their candies as well and both bags were empty. Turning towards the two ex-prisoners, she nodded toward the exit. "Come on, let's go," she called to them and they nodded, following the samurai.
While she walked out, she could hear Rachel's high voice behind her. "Bye, bye, Miya-ne! Come play with us sometimes!"
The samurai felt a hot feeling in her chest that she battled to suppress from overwhelming her. She didn't want to turn around to see that wide smile by the naïve girl who trusted her so blindly. Her instincts were telling her one thing while her reason screamed in disagreement. Sighing as she finally lost a battle with herself, Miyako lifted one hand and waved casually without turning her back to the kid or stopping her walk towards the exit.
Just as she closed the large doors of the Biscuits Room behind her, her attention was averted to the sounds of voices and a familiar laugh.
"Sholololo!"
Miyako turned her head to see a large group approaching her. She could see Caesar floating at the front of the group with Law by his side. Behind him Miyako noticed a new group of children timidly following them, surrounded by a few men in yellow suits. She frowned at the sight. *More children? Don't you have enough already?* The girl thought in aggravation, but of course couldn't voice out her complaints.
"Come, dear children! This will be your new home from now on! Ah, Suzune, you're done, are you?" Caesar's voice was completely different now; his usual tense tone was completely gone. Instead, he smiled widely with every sweet lie he produced out of his mouth.
The woman nodded, but stayed quiet as she observed the group. The logia opened the doors for the kids, while his men pushed the poor children inside. "See, there are many sick younglings like yourselves here so you won't be lonely," Caesar continued.
Miyako watched the children go in until a certain boy caught her eye. Her eyes widened as her face instantly paled. She couldn't help herself even though she knew it was better to contain her bewilderment before someone notices.
However, somebody did notice after all. Law, who was standing next to her with his nodachi rested against his shoulder, watched her face closely as the girl completely tensed. Narrowing his eyes suspiciously, as asked in a low tone so only she could hear, "What is it?"
The girl jerked back into reality at her captain's voice, but she soon looked down guiltily as she tried to keep a straight face. "No…It's nothing," she lied. Honestly, she wasn't sure how to explain how she was feeling right now anyway and she knew it was better not to show that it was bothering her.
She cast one last subtle glance towers the child in the group. The boy who was wearing an unusual set of clothing, along with an even more unusual hair-style. He had a simple yukata on with hard-wood sandals covering his feet. His front head was shaved, leaving a small topknot of dark hair at the back. Even though he stood out from the other kids in his appearance, to Miyako it was the most usual sight that she was used to seeing in her everyday life before; the sight of a Wanokuni child. The boy in front of her was one from her own homeland, there was no mistake about it.
As I said, this chapter is pretty short, but we got to see a few things from cannon explained. I always wondered if Monet lost her limbs in an accident or did she ask Law deliberately to change her. But it's hard to believe that she'd want her legs and arms cut off and replaced deliberately so I came up with this instead.
Thank you for all of your lovely reviews! If you have any comments or questions, please review or pm me.
Mervph: I listened to it, and I can kinda see it too in some verses.
Thedarkdoctorgirl: Because he really did find her look sexy. ;) That was his; 'Now that you mention it…'stare.
Xxikarishipper99xX: It might be sooner than you think. ;) Yep, it's going to be interesting seeing everyone's relationship with Miyako.
Onepiecelawfan: Thanks, I'll check it out. Yeah, they must've suffered like that. :(
ThexWhitexPhoenix: I think she might have been interested in his abilities, but I also don't think she liked him in that way. I think she just has a bit of a teasing personality.
Bioware: Thank you very much, I also hope you will like it. :D
BatmanSwim2016: Thank you for reviewing! I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well.
Shiningheart of ThunderClan: haha And then when they finally betray Caesar, it'll be; "Let it go, let it goo!" XD You said it! Maybe he's not sure either. XP heh A honeymoon at Punk Hazard; have a romantic time while kidnapping your nemesis' henchman to use him as a decoy!
Memarvo: female :)
Zecrea: Yep, Zoro and Luffy aren't the only ones who can defeat a dragon…ha! XP I'm looking forward to their interactions too! Well you already know now, but I'll still answer; no, he comes in this chapter (58).
Cocobear: Thanks so much for the idea! :D And so we got a new crew member introduced too! ^^ Yep, Monet having Miyako's heart will complicate things.
Chocogirl24: Thank you very much, I hope you will also like the future chapters.
Iluvninjas: Yes, I just hope I don't go too fast and end up catching up to the cannon story too soon. They're really going slow in this Arc, after all. :/ Yep, it's the newest fashion. :3
Wicken25: There is a time skip, but I can't rush too much. :)
Someone: Thank you ^^
Bizzy: yep, they did, thank you. ^^ Really? I kinda like his laugh XD I like that most characters in One Piece have their own unique laughter.
Akai gousto: Yep, I agree, fun times await us when there are Straw Hats ahead. XD Thank you very much for your review!