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

70. Chapter 70

I don't like you! by BloodyMarryMe

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece or any of its characters, but the OC Suzune Miyako is mine. This story is rated T for suggestive themes, violence, blood and language.

A/N: Hello everyone, it's been a while! So we are at a nice, round number 70 and I will be finishing the Dressrosa Arc with the next chapter. (And after that, anything is possible).

Also, as I announced on Christmas, Volleys-chan and I have started the Christmas special story (which is still ongoing); Adventure on Snowflake Island! If you are interested, it is in my stories index on my profile page. I hope we will get the new chapter of it out soon.

Everything else I have to say, I'll say at the end page, so without further ado…carry on!

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CHAPTER 70

Miyako managed to get to her hands and knees with great effort, before she stuck her katana in the ground and used it for support. She was trying to get back to her feet, but the damned muscles just wouldn't listen to her. Her legs trembled with strain under her.

"What dya think you're doing?!" Bartolomeo was sitting beside her, just as exhausted from the fight that ended not long ago. The evidence of their victory was still sprawled around them with Gladius and Dellinger lying on the ground unconscious in their own pools of blood. Cavendish and Robin were long gone as the blonde took them to the next level where the Flower Hill was.

"I need to…keep moving…to the palace," the samurai was still stubbornly trying to get up, despite her weak constitution.

"There's no way you can make it in your condition! You're injured and weakened, so just lay here and rest," the pirate captain scurried over to her, trying to stop her from getting up and further hurting herself in the process.

"I can't do that," Miyako wouldn't listen as she struggled on. "Everyone is still fighting…this battle is far from over." Even now she could hear the screams and shots below in the town, with explosions blasting every now and then. She knew the Strawhat pirates were still fighting some of the Executives, and Law and Luffy must have already reached the palace and faced Doflamingo. "I can't just sit here while everyone is still risking their lives. People are still in danger because of Doflamingo's henchmen," she explained, slowly rising up to her feet on her aching legs. The civilians were still controlled by Doflamingo's strings and creating havoc in town, with marines trying to contain the situation, but even Isshou and his men were a threat to the Pirate Alliance, which she was a part of. With so many enemies surrounding them, she couldn't possibly sit back and relax.

"I also want to hurry and help Luffy-senpai, but-" Just as Bartolomeo started, a loud rumble quieted him down. The earth shook underneath them as a large mountain of stone started to move in the distance again.

"It's that paramecia, Pica…he's still causing havoc," Miyako scowled at the sight of that monster rising above the town. "What is Roronoa doing…?" She was certain the Pirate Hunter could handle that stone monster, so why was it taking so long to bring him down? At this rate, Pica will only bring more destruction to Dressrosa.

"Don't doubt Zoro-senpai! I'm sure he can take 'im!" Bartolomeo protested, standing up and walking to the edge of the cliff, so he could see what was going on.

"This is Donflamingo's country!" The shrilling voice of Pica echoed through the island as he started moving again, going towards the old Plateau.

Miyako's eyes widened at the realization. Right now Viola-san, Usopp, King Riku and the others were on that plateau and they wouldn't be able to run down in time if Pica decided to bring down his colossal fist on them.

"Gyaaaaah! He's really going after them on the plateau! That bastard's planning to waste the king!" Bartolomeo's eyes widened and his jaw fell in shock as he saw that stone giant approach the plateau with only a few paces.

Miyako clutched the hilt of her katana, but it was mostly for support rather than in preparation to deliver a slice. She was too exhausted and too far away to stop Pica, having no chance to help her friends. "It all depends on Roronoa-san now…" She wanted to believe the swordsman will make it in time, even though Pica already dangerously towered above King Riku and the others.

Even from their spot on the third level, Bartolomeo and Miyako could hear Usopp's desperate screams on the other side where the old King's Plateau stood. Below them were Donquixote's henchmen, cheering for Pica to continue and destroy the enemies, while above them, Rebecca's desperate scream tried to warn her grandfather of what was to come. The samurai girl felt helpless just like all of them at the moment, unable to do anything but watch and hope for a miracle to occur.

"Nooooo! Sogeking-senpaaaai!"Bartolomeo cried his eyes out, screaming at the top of his lungs to try and avert Pica's attention to himself instead of his sniper hero. Alas, it was no use. Just like stone, the giant wouldn't budge, determined to continue on his decided path towards ones on the Plateau.

Miyako tightened her fist around the hilt harder, until her knuckles turned white. She was breathing hard, barely standing in a hunched position as she supported herself with her sword. Even so, she stayed on her feet, not wanting to miss a single thing that was transpiring in front of her eyes.

"King Riku! You are no king!" Pica screamed in that high-pitched tone of his. His hand came swinging down towards the area where the old king stood, palm open so he could destroy more ground with it. "You don't even have a caliber of one!"

Just as Miyako prayed for a miracle, one did occur. Her eyes blinked when she noticed something tiny in comparison to the giant stone monster fly through the sky, towards Pica's back. It had a strange shape and it took her some time before she realized it was a person…a person holding three swords.

"Eh?! Zoro-senpai is flying!?" Bartolomeo realized it just a second later, gaping at the unusual sight in the sky.

The samurai held her breath, seeing that the paramecia was still bringing his hand down towards the people. If Zoro wasn't fast enough, his efforts will be in vain and he won't make it in time before Pica kills everyone on that plateau. However, she had a strong sense that would not happen. She just knew Roronoa will make it. He had to.

Pica was still gloating to King Riku, unaware that the Pirate Hunter was already flying towards him with his swords out and ready. The monster reached for the men beneath him, laughing loudly at their misery.

"Daisen Sekai! Ichidai: Sanzen!"

Zoro's voice overpowered Pica's laughter, soon stopping it altogether as a slash went right through the stone giant in one clean cut. The torso separated from the legs before it split in half from the head down.

"Eeeeeehhhhh?!" Bartolomeo was foaming at the mouth, in disbelief that what was happening before his eyes was truly reality.

Even Miyako had a hard time believing it as Zoro cut the stone mountain with two clean slashes while still in the air. She gasped for breath that was still stopped between her lips, forgetting to breathe from the shock.

"Zoroooooo!" Usopp's crying voice shrilled in gratitude, as the sniper couldn't be happier to see his nakama than he was at the moment.

However, the swordsman didn't stop there. He continued to slash at the enemy, using all the time he has while he was still high in the air and able to reach the giant. Pica's torso was being cut to smaller pieces, until only boulders of stone were left to fall from the sky. Another person appeared in the air as Pica finally showed his true form, which was still twice as large as the Pirate Hunter and clad entirely in haki. Even if Zoro defeated the paramecia's stone shell, the true enemy still remained to be beaten and he was one of the strongest Executives of the Donquixote Family. And yet, with all that said, Pica didn't stand a chance. The bulky man hardly had time to say his last words, without even the time to put his attack into motion, before he was cut down with all three of Roronoa's swords.

"He…He did it!" Bartolomeo screamed with tears still clouding his vision. Yet they weren't tears of fear for his senpai anymore, but tears of adoration and joy.

Miyako, on the other hand, didn't look so pleased quite yet. Her face paled, and not only because of her blood loss. "But that giant is still falling towards the Plateau! At this rate nothing has changed! The pieces will still crush them!"

The pirate captain grabbed his head and pulled at his rooster-hairdo in shock. "Eeeh, yer right! They'll be dead meat! Sogekiiiiing-senpaaaai!"

In the next moment, a blast filled the air. A pressure that sent a gust of wind even in their direction, focused on the rubble falling towards the Plateau. The ruble was easily blown away by the force, which was actually a punch from The Fighting King. With a nimble step, Zoro easily landed on the Plateau next to Usopp and the others. However, the blast that spared the Plateau now only threw the ruble towards the town below. Citizens screamed in horror as the large pieces of stone shadowed over them, about to crash down onto the houses and the people.

"The people," Miyako cried out in worry, realizing that although Elizabello and Zoro spared the ones on the highland, they now doomed the rest of the population below.

The rubble was about to crash down and destroy a good part of the town before another, different kind of power, was set in motion. Miyako and Bartolomeo could both feel it as a different kind of pressure hit the rubble. The falling stones stopped and simply hovered over the city, giving the citizens enough time to evacuate that area.

"What?! It's just staying in mid-air," Bartolomeo frowned in confusion, but Miyako recognized that power. A power from a devil fruit.

"Isshou-san….he's using his powers to reverse the gravity and keep the ruble in the air," she commented quietly.

"Ya mean Fujitora, that marine admiral?!"

The girl nodded, a faint smile spreading on her face. "He's helping the citizens," she added. Despite their differences and future relationship, she felt grateful to the old admiral at the moment.

After a while, the ruble fell down with a loud crash, creating another earthquake that split the ground in pieces even more. It meant the people down there evacuated safely, with no one left to be injured. The damages were still great, but the town can be rebuilt. It was a small price to pay considering all the lives that have been saved instead, for those cannot be returned once lost.

Miyako finally felt that she could relax in relief, now that Pica was unconscious if not dead from Zoro's attack and the stone ruble was out of the way. It was hardly the end of their battle for Dressrosa, but it was one less problem to worry about at least.

"It's finally ove-," she started with a smile, turning her head to look at the pirate captain, only to grimace in disgust and shock when she saw him. "Ugh!?" The man was foaming at the mouth while tears and snot ran down his face. Surely there was no crevice left on his face that wasn't leaking with fluids at the moment. She wasn't sure if he was even conscious as she could only see the whites of his eyes that rolled to the back of his head from too much excitement. He was letting out some choking and gurgling noises that couldn't possibly be coherent.

She was about to ask if he was alright or in need of medical attention, knowing he shouldn't be so excitable when he was still quite injured from the last fight, but a giant explosion blasted through the air somewhere beneath them in town and cut off her thoughts. She glanced below to see what was up and saw the fires appear for an instant, before a smoke curtain veiled the sky.

Realizing what it might be, Miyako turned around to Bartolomeo. "Barto-kun, do you have a den den mushi?!"

"Huh? Yeah…," he reached into his pocket, momentarily forgetting his fan meltdown, and handed her the transponder snail.

The girl connected to the number she remembered and spoke into the snail. "Viola-san, are you there? Is everyone alright!?"

It took half a minute before a woman's voice responded. "Suzune-chan, is that you?! We're ok here, Roronoa managed to stop Pica and save us from a close call." The den den mushi copied Viola's sigh of relief.

Miyako nodded in return, "I saw. I am with Bartolomeo right now and we're both fine. That explosion just now…was it the factory?" She hoped her hunch was true and that the Tontatta tribe and Franky managed to blow up the SMILE factory just as planned. It would mean one more win for the Alliance, and one more loss for the Donquixote Family.

"Yes! Cyborg Franky and the dwarf warriors managed to defeat one of the Executives, Senor Pink, and destroy the factory! Franky-san seems damaged, but nothing life-threatening. We are doing well on other battle fronts too. Lao G, Dellinger, Gladius, Pica…the Executives are being defeated one by one! What's more, we've managed to steal away one crucial game-changer for the Donquixote Family….The dwarf Princess Mansherry! She was kidnapped by Doflamingo and as long as she could use her healing devil fruit powers, we were in danger of Doflamingo restoring everyone we defeated back to health…but Leo and the others managed to save her," Viola explained.

The samurai wasn't sure about everything the woman was talking about seeing how she was a bit out of the loop, but by Bartolomeo's relieved grin she could see it was all going to plan. That's when he hurried over and grabbed Miyako's hand to yell in the den den mushi, "What about Robin-senpai!? Is she safe?!"

"Un, Nico Robin is currently at the Flower Hill with Rebecca, Kyros and the Tontatta dwarfs. They managed to defeat Diamante, although….Nico Robin injured her back when protecting Rebecca," Viola added in a more solemn tone.

"Nooooo! Robin-senpaaaai!" Bartolomeo fell to his knees, crying in anguish, which soon turned into anger. "Cabbage, you bastard, what were you doing!? Didn't I tell you to protect Robin-senpai with your life!?" He was red in the face while shouting, making Miyako wonder was he really trying to relay his message to the blonde pirate on the higher level.

"Pirate captain Cavendish seemed to be asleep throughout the battle…," Viola answered, hearing Bartolomeo's word, which was hard not to.

"Asleep!? That guy is seriously so annoying!" The other pirate captain continued yelling in frustration. What's more, he kept yelling right next to Miyako's ear, making her frown in irritation.

"You're both troubling if you ask me," she muttered with a clear glare stating he was also a pain in the ass to deal with.

However, she also had more important things that interested her right now. Sure, she was glad Robin-dono and the others were safe, but the main thing she wanted to know right now was still itching at her mind. She gulped hard, wetting her dry throat before asking into the den den mushi, "What of Luffy-san and Law…what about their battle with Doflamingo?"

The silence she received from the other side gave her no peace of mind. It was only a minute or so before the other woman spoke, but it seemed like hours to the samurai girl. Painful and torturing hours that dragged on. She looked upwards seeing that the cage was still there, knowing that could only mean one thing; Doflamingo was still alive and kicking.

"That is….," Violet started slowly as if dreading her own words, not wanting to say them out loud. "Strawhat just defeated Bellamy, one of Doflamingo's men, and is headed for Doflamingo and Trebol who await him there, but…," once again, Viola was postponing the investable.

"But what? What about Law, where is he?" The other girl wouldn't let up and was only getting more suspicious with Violet's strange behavior. Trafalgar should have been with Luffy when fighting Doflamingo so how did they get separated? Why wasn't the woman mentioning him? With her clairvoyant powers, she should be able to notice him easily out there.

"When Luffy and Law got separated because of Dolamingo's clone and Bellamy, Law faced Doflamingo and Trebol alone…He…didn't make it," the den den mushi was quiet once more. Only those difficult words escaped before everything stayed still.

Miyako couldn't hear the shouts, gunshots and explosions around here anymore. Even Bartolomeo's shouts beside her were nothing but background noise at that moment. Time stood perfectly still around her while the air felt stifling all of a sudden. It was suffocating and she could feel her head going dizzy. She was still clutching the den den mushi, and the feel of it in her hand was the only thing still keeping her in reality. She swallowed painfully, licking her dry lips that were still smeared with blood from before. The taste only made her more nauseous. When she spoke again, it was merely a whisper, "What do you mean…?" She already knew what Viola meant, but a naïve part of her still hoped that she heard the woman wrong, or perhaps just misunderstood.

"Suzune…," there was sympathy in Violet's voice, but they both knew there was nothing she could say to make this situation any better. "I'm sorry…Your captain was killed," she finished in a solemn tone.

The samurai felt a pressure form in her chest, like someone's hand was cruelly gripping at her heart, denying her to breathe. The transponder snail fell out of her hands and the girl slowly fell back to her knees and sat on the ground. She stared at the space before her with unfocused eyes as Viola's words rang repeatedly inside her mind. Law is dead.

"Suzune? Miyako-chan?!" Violet's voice rang from the den den mushi, calling for the girl after she noticed the sudden silence on the other side.

Miyako didn't even flinch at those calls, only kept staring at the ground with her head bowed, her hair covering her face. It was Bartolomeo who slowly picked up the den den mushi from the ground, his expression suddenly serious. "We're still here," he said into the device so the other party wouldn't worry. He glanced at the girl soundlessly sitting on the ground, seeing there was no change in her. "Anyway, I'll stay with Ribbon Girl for now, so don't worry."

"I'm sorry….," Viola's voice was but a whisper, before the connection ended on both sides.

~…..~

~ 20 minutes earlier ~

The words coming from above him sounded hazy in Trafalgar's mind. His body made it hard to focus on anything else but the pain of his lost arm and the bullet hole in his stomach. It was yet another lead bullet shot at him, which now tore his insides slowly. *If I don't act now…* He could hear the man towering over him while still talking, yelling now, but he couldn't even recognize the words anymore. He could feel himself getting colder, getting closer to death, but one thought kept his vision from going completely dark. *I still haven't done anything. I still haven't avenged Cora-san…I need to…survive…at least long enough for that.* He gritted his teeth, keeping himself conscious with nothing but sheer will. *I can't die yet…,* with that thought he shut his eyes tightly, trying to block the pain from overwhelming him.

"Heee, even now he's still alive and clutching that sword of his! How stubborn…neee neee Law, you're such a stubborn guy," Trebol's voice pierced through Law's consciousness as both him and Doflamingo towered over the pirate captain. They were grinning at his miserable state, enjoying his bloodied form.

"Just give up Law." Doflamingo came closer to Trafalgar's laying body as he spoke. "You didn't have any chance at defeating both of us….and Strawhat won't be coming here so quickly to save you."

Law tuned them out as he focused all his energy to drag himself towards the nearest ruble and sit up, leaning on the hard stone behind him. He was panting hard, still clutching Kikoku, more for reassurance than actual use. He could feel warm blood still dripping from his wound where his arm was severed, even though he managed to tighten a piece of cloth there so he would stop the bleeding. It was only a quick fix though, and he already lost too much blood as it is.

"Born in a hellish town like White Town and not knowing if you'll have a future or not…Oh! But you met Corazon and had your life extended," Doflamingo was still talking, purposely bringing up the past to infuriate him. "Now it's like you're his ghost coming back to haunt me…Living on just to exact vengeance on me."

*That's right,* Law had his eyes closed as he thought, knitting his eyebrows in pain. *I lived for 13 years with this goal…to make Cora-san's wish come true. To stop this bastard…I can't die before I make it a reality.* He flinched at the sound of a pistol being cocked and looked up to stare into his darkened reflection in Doflamingo's shades. He was face to face with the older Shichibukai, a pistol poking his chest while Doflamingo continued to gloat with a sneer. The very thought of that face being so close, grinning right at him, made Law feel disgusted.

"And now you'll definitely die…die a horrible death in vain. Well, since you are going to die anyway, how about you do something useful for a change? For old time's sake." Doflamingo's sickly grin widened.

Trafalgar gave him a questioning look on reflex, not knowing what the other was referring to.

But as the Shichibukai continued, realization hit him. "You'll do your ope ope's ultimate skill on me. Do the immortal surgery before you die. In return, I will grant you one final wish, anything you want!"

Trafalgar stayed silent. He remembered that Doflamingo was after the Ope ope fruit even when Corazon was still alive…it was the start of it all in a way. And now the vicious cycle closed itself on that same topic; the ope ope devil fruit. Now it made sense why Doflamingo prolonged his misery instead of killing him right away…why the older Shichibukai wasted his time talking like this. If he were to kill Law now, the ope ope fruit would be lost once more, spawning who-knows-where in the world. This way, Doflamingo already had a user proficient in using its powers right before his eyes. For a second, Law could see right thought that grinning mask of Doflamingo's…see just how badly the man wanted the Immortal surgery. It was so close, right before his eyes, yet only Law held the power to use it…Trafalgar was the one holding that final card now. The thought amused him and he got at least a little bit satisfaction knowing that he could rub that fact into this bastard's face. *You can pretend to be laid back about it all you want Doflamingo, but I've got something you desperately want…and I'm going to enjoy the expression you'll make when you realize you will never have it. Not by my hand, at least.*

The serious look Law was sporting was gone for a moment as it was replaced by a smirk. He chuckled, although even that small gesture made pain course through his whole body. "Anything I want, huh? That sounds like a good deal…," he purposely stalled, enjoying the victorious smirk on Doflamingo's face. He'll enjoy even more the moment when he wipes it clean off. "Alright, you have a deal!"

Trebol laughed behind his boss. "He's finally giving in! You're giving Doffy immortality!?"

"Okay…," Law ignored the other man as he continued, still staring at the Shichibukai with the same smirk. "Then I wish for you to bring back Corazon to life this instant! And go lick the shoes of everyone in this country and ask for their forgiveness." He could see another vein of anger popping on Doflamingo's forehead as the man stopped grinning now, but he was enjoying it too much to care what will happen to him next. No, it was better to irk the man more; the angrier he was, the blinder he will be to what's going on around him. It's better than to have him sharp and focused, for Law's sake. "And then just drop dead! It's you who doesn't understand what's going on, Doflamingo." He put up his middle finger right into the older man's face, that smirk only widening as his eyes burned with defiance. "The Strawhat pirates are a group that make miracles happen! They won't be defeated by somebody like you and you won't be getting Caesar back either! Your future is already-"

A single shot ripped through the air, followed by Trebol's amused laughter.

Law was so engrossed into his own speech, the bullet came as a surprise as new pain only added to the existing ache in his body. He gasped and grunted once before coughing out blood in surprise and falling onto his stomach while clutching his sides in pain. Through his panting, he could hear Doflamingo's ice cold tone.

"Those words on your back, 'Corazon'…what are you trying to insinuate!? And the name of your crew, Heart Pirates!" As he spoke, his voice raised higher, unable to control his rage. "What was all that about, and from someone like you who couldn't even be on the Heart Seat!?" Fury overtook him and Doflamingo started yelling while mercilessly shooting at the body under his feet, right into the sign that said 'Corazon' on Law's back. "So why do you carry the 'Heart' Law!?" Even when there were no bullets left in the pistol, Doflamingo still continued to pull the trigger that only made clicking noises in the silence around them. It took a while before all his anger was spent and the Shichibukai relaxed seeing that the body beneath him was already dead. He watched expressionlessly at the pool of blood that slowly spread from Trafalgar's still body and ran down towards his feet. He was still panting, trying to control himself, gripping that pistol in his hand, "How annoying…Law, Corazon…our curse ends now!" He shouted once more, as if wanting to reach the heavens with his voice so even his late brother could hear.

~….~

~ Back to the present ~

Bartolomeo sighed and looked down at the inert girl. He tried to cheer her up, brightening up a little as if he just realized something, "A-Ah! But you know, maybe that woman is wrong….maybe she's mistaken. We don't really know anything yet!" He put his index finger in the air to make a point.

The girl didn't move at first, making the pirate frown in disappointment. Then suddenly she propped herself up with her sword and rose to her feet, her expression still veiled with her hair. She used her sword for support as she walked, ignoring her painful muscles that screamed in protest.

"Oy! Where are you going?!" The pirate captain walked after her, but she ignored him and just swayed on.

"Hey!" Bartolomeo grabbed her shoulder and turned her forcefully so she would look at him. He was startled by the unexpected expression written on her face. It wasn't filled with tears of angst as he thought it would be, but instead there was a sparkle of determination in her blazing eyes. It left a bad premonition in his mind. "What are ya planning?"

"I'm going home," Miyako murmured with a distant gaze before turning to leave again. She sheathed back her sword and used the scabbard as a cane to prop herself on it and keep walking on the upward path that led towards the Flower Hill. "Barto-san, you should go meet with the others…your battle isn't over yet. But for me…there's only one last thing for me to do now."

"What are you talking 'bout? Ya can't leave anywhere in yer condition, idiot!" The pirate captain wouldn't let up, still following her with an angry frown. "You should come with me and wait for Luffy-senpai to defeat Doflamingo!"

The girl was silent after hearing his words, her lower lip slightly trembling from the mention of Luffy and Doflamingo's fight. "I….was prepared for this possibility…Both Law and I were when we set off here. I already decided that if Law were to die here, I would follow after him….I would give it my best to defeat Doflamingo and drag him to death with me if Law wouldn't succeed. So that is what I will do. I will go face Doflamingo for my captain." She started walking again, stubbornly climbing up the hill.

"That's suicide!" He tried to stop her, but Miyako turned around with a dark stare, her expression silently telling him that he shouldn't even try to stop her. He was in no condition to anyway, since he was just as hurt as she was. Besides, he could see in her eyes that she would cut him down if he tried to get in her way. Bartolomeo realized he tensed just from that one serious look she gave him, and willed his body to relax. He sighed in exasperation and scratched the back of his head. "I get it already…So if there's nothing I can say to change your mind, I'll go with you instead." He could see her eyes widened a bit, not expecting that answer from him, and he explained, "Robin-senpai and the others are at the Flower Hill anyway, so I might as well help you get that far." He was hoping the others might talk some sense into the samurai, since he obviously couldn't.

Miyako stayed silent for a while, mulling his proposal over, but then turned to leave again, neither arguing nor encouraging him. It was her silent way of telling him 'Do what you like.' She felt his hands on her arm again as he put one of her arms over his shoulders to help her walk. It appeared more like they were helping each other, as both were wounded and bloody, staggering up the road.

After a while, the samurai spoke again between her pants, "Right now, that birdcage Doflamingo created is shrinking."

"Huh?" Bartolomeo blinked and looked up, only to realize that the center of the birdcage was moving away. He looked beneath them, following the edge of the cage only to see it moving through the town, cutting everything in its path. "Whoa, you're right! What do we do?!"

"At this rate, if nothing is done, it won't matter how many people they saved on the island. Everything will be destroyed by the birdcage. The only option I to kill the Shichibukai Doflamingo and stop the birdcage that way," she explained.

"Even so…you won't even get close to the guy before he kills you…not with the state you're in!"

"Maybe….," Miyako started. "But I am willing to die for my cause…I have nothing holding me back. They say people who don't have anything to lose are the most dangerous ones. I wonder…if Doflamingo has the same resolve to stake his life on this." She doubted the Shichibukai was prepared to go that far…and perhaps that little bit of hesitation will be enough to make a turning point in her fight with him. She only needed one good slash to kill him and she didn't have any fears of sacrificing her own life in the process to make that happen. She doubted her enemy shared the same willpower, which meant he will be more hesitant to taking risks than her. He will have to protect his life while fighting off the enemy, something Miyako didn't have to worry about in her battle to come.

Bartolomeo gulped as he heard the dark undertone in her words. She was truly prepared for this and that only worried him more. He looked up again, staring at the shrinking birdcage. *Luffy-senpai….please hurry! I believe in you!*

~…..~

A stampede of people was running away from the center of Dressrosa, hoping to get away from the impending death that the cage's bars brought with them. The bars moved slowly but surely towards the new royal palace, while cutting everything and everyone in their way.

"Gaaah!" Another painful scream was heard as a man was cut down by the bars, unable to run quickly enough.

"Kyaaah! Someone help me, I hurt my ankle!" A woman was sitting on the ground and crying in terror as she watched the sharp bars coming closer towards her. She tried dragging herself away to escape them, but was too slow as she could only inch away from them. She closed her eyes as she awaited the pain, but none came. When she opened them again, she saw the townspeople along with some marines desperately trying to hold off the moving bars with their weapons.

"Come on men, we need to slow down their progress as much as possible!" A marine officer shouted to his soldiers.

The woman was helped up with ease and her wondering eyes stared back into two closed ones with scars slit across them. "Are you alright?" The marine admiral asked with a serious expression.

"Y-yes…thank you," the woman answered, still in shock.

Fujitora handed her over to one of the marines. "Help this woman escape." He didn't wait for the marine to move before he was giving his orders again. "Help the civilians move towards the palace! It appears that's where the cage's center is moving to! Second platoon, keep slowing the cage down, stand firm against the bars!" As he finished, he also used his katana to hold the bars off, pushing against the blunt side of his sword with his other hand to get more power.

"Yes sir!" The marines shouted back before they ran around to their designated positions.

On the other side of town, King Riku was giving his own orders to the soldiers of the country and the locals who took up arms. They were trying to at least slow down the bars coming at them, giving enough time for the other people to evacuate the area and move to the safer parts of the city.

"Help the elderly, women and children to evacuate first! Take some men and go to the hospital to move the patients that can't move on their own!" The old king shouted orders, sending his men where they were most needed.

He heard the men grunt in effort as they tried to stop the birdcage, but their feet only slid back across the ground. They couldn't find a good foothold and there weren't enough of them to succeed. "We can't! It's useless, we can't even slow it down," one of the civilians cried out.

"Dammit," Riku grumbled through his teeth before taking his old sword and pushing against the cage with all his might. His muscles flexed and strained, veins popping out from the effort. However, he could hardly see any difference, the birdcage still pushing them back.

That's when two more swords were added to the group. The former king glanced beside him to see Pirate Hunter help with the birdcage. "Roronoa!" The old man exclaimed in surprise.

"Don't give up now! We need to buy Luffy enough time until he defeats Doflamingo so keep at it, or there'll be nothing to save but a pile of rubble!" Zoro pushed with all his strength against the moving birdcage, and to even more suspire from the others, the bars slowed down a little.

Being given new hope, the other men pushed even harder, determined to succeed. "That's it men! Slow it down as much as you can until Strawhat defeats Doflamingo! We can do it together!"

~…~

Law was dead. Those words kept repeating in Miyako's mind like a never-ending spinning wheel, changing those words into angst. A part of her still couldn't believe it…she refused to, even as she heard the fact directly from Viola's lips. The other side of her, however, reconciled with the truth and knew what she had to do.

They were almost up the next level when she remembered her crewmates, the Heart Pirates. What could she even say to them to mend this situation? Will they ever understand? How long will they wait in Zou before they hear the news; that their captain will never return? *I'm sorry everyone….I wasn't able to protect our captain like I promised. At least let me atone by killing the man who murdered him before following after Law. I won't be able to see you again…I won't be able to tell you how sorry I am…* Her lips quivered with emotion as she hung her head low to conceal her face. Her eyes stung with sudden tears that threatened to spill, but she willed them away, closing her eyes tightly. *No! I can't break down now! I need to keep going!* The smirking face of her captain flashed before her mind's eye. It felt like it's been ages since she last saw him and suddenly she missed him more than ever; he's snarky remarks, his deep throaty voice, his devilish grin and those blazing grey eyes….she wanted to see him just one more time. Just once more, as impossible as it was. She wouldn't even mind if he teased her until she's fuming and flustered, or if he was cold with her in that icy tone of his...she didn't care even if he was furious with her; as long as she could meet him just one more time.

The thoughts of wishful thinking continued to spin in her muddled mind, making her lose her balance and stumble forward, almost falling down. She gasped barely able to hold on, only with the help of Bartolomeo beside her.

"Whoa! Watch out! See, I told you you're a mess," the captain started in an angry yell. He managed to grab her in the last second and pull her back to rest on his shoulder.

"I'm fine. Let's just continue," the girl interrupted his new assault of scolding. As exhausted as she was, she could feel some of her energy and haki returning as time passed on. She was still far from dead or incapacitated, and as long as she could move, she wasn't giving up on her objective. Her mind was made up.

The other pirate sighed, shaking his head in disbelief. Before he could argue with the samurai, they heard voices above and a rich scent of flowers reached their noses with the next waft of air.

"We reached Flower Hill," Bartolomeo announced just before searching the area for the others that should be on this level. It didn't take long for his trained eyes to find his idol and in an instant he was grinning widely and waving his one free hand. "Robin-senpaaaaai! Are you alright!?" Just like that, his speech suddenly turned formal and more polite as he addressed the woman.

"The pirate from the Coliseum! And Ribbonland!" Rebecca was startled by the sudden newcomers, but soon recognized them. She was shocked by their state, however, as both were pretty beaten and injured.

"Birdy-kun, Miyako, you've made it," Nico Robin smiled and ran over to help the staggering duo along with the others. As soon as she came close, she noticed a dark atmosphere stifling the air. Something was wrong. Miyako barely looked at her companions and only kept staring downwards, while Bartolomeo seemed troubled about something.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?" The sharp archeologist instantly sensed something amiss and asked, bringing the other's attention to her and Miyako.

Bartolomeo cleared his throat awkwardly, glancing around the flower field. He noticed the blonde pirate prince peacefully sleeping on one of the flower beds, completely oblivious to his surroundings. "I'm gonna go check on that troublesome idiot and try to wake 'im up! I can't believe he's sleeping at a time like this, instead of protecting Robin-senpai!" He casually excused himself although he's worry for Cavendish was nothing more than a pretext so he could escape the gloomy atmosphere.

Miyako was silent for what seemed like an eternity. She wanted to tell them, but words just wouldn't come out. If she said it out loud it felt like she would finally be admitting the truth. Once it is out in the open, it will finally feel real and she couldn't bring herself to allow that. She felt that stinging sensation in her eyes and chest again. It felt like she was drowning all of a sudden and she couldn't breathe. With a gasp, the samurai fell down to her knees, gasping and struggling for air.

"Miyako!"

Robin and the others rushed to her side and knelt beside her trebling form. The Tontatta dwarfs surrounded her in worry, not sure what to do.

It was Kyros who reacted first, "Give her some room, she's hyperventilating!"

"R-Robin…san…I….," Miyako started to speak between shallow breaths.

"Don't speak, Miyako-chan, just try taking deep breaths." Robin sat her down and gently guided her head down.

The samurai girl was clutching at her chest with one hand in pain, her teeth gritted and grinding. Her other hand still wouldn't let go off her katana as she held it for dear life. Yawarakai-Te was her last sense of security that she needed to hold onto.

The archeologist's voice was fuzzy in her ears, as the girl tried piecing her consciousness back together. She shut her eyes tightly, trying to tune out everything around her and focus on dealing with the pressure in her chest.

"Don't do anything rash. If you see Doflamingo, run. Don't try to engage him no matter what!"

Law's voice broke through her consciousness. Her eyes opened suddenly as she remembered his words from before, while they were still on the Sunny-Go.

At that time she frowned at him for those words, "I should be the one warning you to not do anything foolish! Besides, if push comes to shove, I have no intention of just leaving you behind. What do you mean 'just run'?"

Miyako panted as she remembered their conversation. *Sorry, Law…it seems I'll have to break my promise…I can't just let it end like this. I need to do this one final thing….even if it is against your wishes. I'm sorry.* She closed her eyes, her eyebrows knitted in the remnants of her pain, when she spoke, "Robin-dono…I need to move on to the Palace."

Everyone stared at her as if she was insane, "Eh? What are you saying!? You can't go anywhere in this state!" Rebecca refuted the idea instantly, but the samurai just shook her head.

"I've…already decided….." The ache in her chest was slowly ceasing and it was getting easier to breathe again. Her mind felt less muddled. As her heartbeat slowed down to an even beat, the girl continued, "This is something I have to do…for Law, but also for me as well."

"The way you're speaking…did something happen?!" Kyros, as quick-witted as Robin, soon realized something was off. He didn't have to know the girl personally to understand that this situation was strange.

Her jaw clenched, as if her body simply refused to answer that question regardless of her decision. Her fingers tangled in the ruined fabric of her clothes before she took a deep breath and stood up on shaky legs. "I…will explain everything later. You will know soon enough, but before that, I must go to the Palace." She was worried that if they heard about her captain, they would try to stop her from leaving due to her fragile state of mind at the moment. However, she already made her decision…she knew which path she wanted to take, even if it had no future.

"You won't get far with those injuries," Leo, the little Tontatta warrior, called out in warning.

"I won't know unless I try." The samurai had no intention of giving up.

"I don't know what happened, but we might be able to help you," Kabu spoke up as he remembered something.

Miyako was already off towards the palace when she heard him and stopped to look at him in question.

"That's right!" This time, the voice came from the cute Tontatta girl, Princess Mansherry. "I can use my power on you to at least give you a fighting chance…if there is no way of dissuading you to do this."

The samurai knelt down so she could look at the small princess while the other clasped her hands in front of her and stared up at the other's golden eyes in worry. She walked into Miyako's open palms and let herself be lifted from the ground. "My tears can mend and heal anything….it will help you. Otherwise you won't stand a chance against the False King."

The samurai nodded in understanding. There wasn't really anything to think about. "Then I'll be counting on you." She tried to give the small princess a grateful smile, but her solemn expression hardly changed. The best she could do now was hold on and not break apart completely. Everything more than that was already a tall order. She felt a warm hand on her shoulder, making her jump a little.

Two dark blue eyes stared at her in worry. "Are you sure about this, Miyako-chan…I don't know what happened, and you don't need to tell us right now, but going against Doflamingo himself…even with Luffy and Law there, it will be dangerous," Robin warned.

The mention of Trafalgar's name brought an ache to her chest, but she bit her lower lip to stop it from trembling. This time she really did manage a faint smile, even if it was a sorrowful one. She nodded back to her pirate friend, "Thank you for everything, Robin-san."

In the meantime, Mansherry closed her eyes, a single tear falling into her small hands that brought a shining orb of light. The light formed into a dandelion which glowed in a yellow hue. It swayed on the breeze just like any other flower wound, before small light orbs fell from it like seeds in the wind. Everyone gasped in awe as Mansherry's healing powers worked right before their eyes. The light orbs fell onto Miyako, bathing her injuries with a gentle light.

The samurai took a deep breath as she felt sudden energy surge through her. The ache in her body was completely gone and she felt strong and light on her feet once again. "It worked!"

Mansherry giggled happily, "Of course! This is my way of fighting Doflamingo and defending this country."

"You're amazing Princess," Kabu exclaimed while flying around them and finally helping the small Tontatta girl back to the ground.

"It's true! Now if only her personality was a bit better," Leo sighed with a serious nod.

"What was that!? Leo, you idiot!" Mansherry gave him a hard slap in the face without any restrain that a princess would usually show to keep her elegance. It seemed all royal courtesy was forgotten when it came to the leader of the Tonta Corps.

Kabu and the others sweatdropped, staring at the two little dwarfs arguing. *That guy is really clueless,* they all thought in unison.

"I'll be on my way," Miyako announced, tying her katana back to her waist, now that she didn't have to use it for walking support anymore.

"Ah, one more thing!" Mansherry called out, remembering an important fact. "I must warn you, the effects of my powers don't work for a long time so you should hurry. When it passes, you will return back to your original state again so be careful!"

The samurai nodded to the princess before giving a curt nod to the others as goodbye and then ran off up the hill and towards the Royal Palace.

Robin, Bartolomeo and the others stared after the girl, each deep in their own thoughts.

"I'm worried about her…," Kyros started. "That look in her eyes…it was the look of a person who had nothing more to lose."

"You're right on the mark with that," Bartolomeo sighed.

"Watch out!" Suddenly a new voice shouted, making everyone yelp in surprise. They looked down to see Cavendish mumbling in his sleep while still happily snoring.

Bartolomeo's eyes twitched in irritation as he gritted his sharp teeth. "You wake up already, troublesome jerk!" As he yelled, he stomped the other pirate captain right in the stomach with his foot.

Cavendish sat up with a pained grunt and clutched his stomach, before he had a coughing fit. "What the hell was that!?"

All of a sudden, the Flower Hill got much nosier as the two captains started an argument.

~….~

Miyako ran as fast as her newly healed feet would carry her. She climbed up the steep road and into the castle which was in ruins. It was completely deserted now, since all of Doflamingo's men were fighting below in the city with the Coliseum army. His Executives were nowhere in sight either, luckily for her, as she had no time to waste. She slowed down a little to take in her surroundings and find her way through the Palace halls. It didn't take her long to orientate as she heard a loud explosion on the top floor of the building. The girl's head jerked up to see what caused it, but she couldn't see well from her position below. All she could see was a large cloud of dust and smoke rising above her. Without delay she started to run again, heading for the Palace rooftop.

*Just a little bit longer….Just a bit further…Doflamingo, I will kill you!*

She was aware that Luffy was at least still alive, though uncertain in what condition he was in. According to Viola, both Doflamingo and Trebol, his top executive, were still alive so Strawhat was outnumbered. Hopefully she could at least lend him a helping hand in stopping the Shichibukai. She could feel strength surging through her body and couldn't feel any pain from her previous injuries. Mansherry's powers truly worked like a miracle, giving her an actual chance against her future opponents. But as the little princess warned her, that healing power was only temporary and Miyako didn't know how long they will last. She had to kill Doflamingo before those powers ran out and she returned back to her sorry state.

*I need to hurry! Every second counts now!*

She was close enough to hear voices now. A loud, resounding laugh gave her chills and she recognized it as Doflamingo's voice. There were more people there, though she couldn't recognize all the voices, but she could soon hear Strawhat's shouts.

The samurai hurried even more, running as fast as she could up the widening stairs, turning the final corner, before she stumbled out onto the open. Yet no state of mind, not even her strong determination, could prepare her for what she witnessed there. The girl gasped, standing like frozen on the spot and staring at the scene with wide eyes.

Strawhat was held by an older man that had to be Trebol, struggling inside of some sticky mass. Meanwhile, Doflamingo was towering over Law who was lying on the floor in a pool of blood. His right arm was missing, but that wasn't the most shocking thing about the situation. At first she wasn't sure, since she saw him lying motionlessly on the ground. She would have never suspected it if she hadn't heard his voice after entering the rooftop. But it was undeniably true. Law was alive. He was alive and talking, being his snarky self as always and biting at Doflamingo with his icy words.

At first it was hard for Miyako to find logic in the situation; to understand what she was seeing. It took her a few moments to get over her shock and piece the whole puzzle together. Finally, with a gasp, she understood; *Viola-san was wrong! He's alive! He's really-* She was screaming in her mind, her heart racing like crazy in her chest with a feeling she was in no state of mind to describe at the moment.

However, her joy wasn't long-lasting when she noticed her captain was targeted by Doflamingo while Trebol kept Luffy at bay. She found her captain alive, although in a poor condition, only to see his last moments now. She couldn't let that happen. Never again did she want to feel as she did when Viola told her the bad news.

"Law….," she uttered, still uncertain of what to think of the scene before her.

Her captain wasn't the only one who noticed her as her voice carried and reached all the participants in this deadly setting on the rooftop. The area suddenly became eerily quiet as everyone's attention turned towards the Wano girl, examining the newcomer in silence.

"Eh? Miyako?" Luffy stopped struggling for a second as he blinked at the girl in confusion.

Trafalgar's reaction was a bit different. His expression changed from confusion to panic as he noticed her. "Why are you here?! Run away, now!" He was yelling, although masked in his anger was a feeling of urgency. She was the last person he wanted to see on this roof right now, so close to Doflamingo.

It only took Doflamingo a moment to recognize her; to place her face on a wanted poster that belonged to the member of the Hearts' crew. And it only took him another second to see Trafalgar's alarmed expression and connect the dots.

Miyako clutched her katana with both hands, the tip pointing straight towards the older man's neck. Ignoring Law's shouts and Luffy's inquires, she glared at the Shichibukai. "Get away from him!"

Unexpectedly, Doflamingo seemed to listen and turned away from Law, now facing all of his attention towards the girl. Slowly, a sickly wide grin spread across his face as if an idea entered his mind. That expression gave her chills that traveled down her spine, but she stood her ground. She was still confused about the situation, shocked to see Law alive even though he was in such a decrepit state. She didn't let her determination wane, however, still focused on bringing Doflamingo down, especially now when she saw Luffy was pretty much fighting on his own and struggling to defeat the pair.

"So this is one of your nakama, Law," the Shichibukai spoke, more as a statement than a question. He talked to Law as if ignoring Miyako, but he still kept his hidden eyes trained on the girl, piercing her with his stare. Not once did his grinning expression leave his face. "So she must be very important to you…she is one of your beloved Hearts crew, isn't she?" He spat the name of the crew in mockery and disgust, as it reminded him once again of Corazon's and Law's betrayal. Miyako gulped as she felt the strong killing intent Doflamingo was sending her way, even as he tried to mask it with his amused expression.

Trafalgar tried to move from his spot and grab at the other man, but it was no use. He hardly had any energy left. So instead he shouted, desperately trying to turn the blonde's attention away from the girl and back to himself. "Doflamingo, you're quarrel is with me! She has nothing to do with this!"

A deep chuckle left Doflamingo's throat. "Oh, but she has, Law…You made this little pirate crew of yours, even daring to name them the Heart Pirates. It feels like a slap in the face now that I know you've been meaning to betray me from the start." He stepped closer towards the armed samurai, ignoring the katana in her hands. "After I kill you, I will crush this crew of yours….starting with this one. You can watch your precious nakama die in front of your eyes, just like you watched Corazon die and couldn't do a thing to save him!"

"Get away from her, Mingo!" Luffy also shouted, struggling in Trebol's muck. He clenched his fist and punched right through the thick coat of mucus, making a hole. It only made Trebol laugh as the hole close almost instantly, not showing any sign of leftover damage.

"No!" Law could do nothing but watch in horror, shouting in reflex to what was about to happen.

*Corazon?* The samurai didn't miss the strange mentioned name that both Law and Doflamingo seemed familiar with. Apparently it meant a lot to Trafalgar, although she couldn't yet understand what was the reason behind it. In the back of her mind she made a note of that name, knowing it was important, especially with how Doflamingo spoke of the person. However, she had more pressing matters to worry about, considering the Shichibukai headed her way.

"Gah, get this sticky stuff off me! Miyako!" Luffy struggled against Trebol again, trying to destroy the substance around him that would just reappear and thicken even more whenever he managed to punch a hole in it.

The blonde pointed a single finger at her, deeming it to be enough to take the girl down. His index finger glowed in white heat before numerous bullet strings shot from it towards the girl. "Tamaito!"

The samurai saw each bullet coming, jumping backwards while dodging or blocking each one with her katana. She landed back on the ground, having defended against the man's attack. Her glare was even colder now, as she growled at him. "You won't get rid of me so easily Doflamingo! You will pay for what you did to this country, and my captain!"

She charged forward, despite Trafalgar yelling at her to run instead. In an instant she appeared in the air before the Shichibukai, her katana slashing at the head of a much taller man. However, the man was much more nimble than she expected for someone of his size. He easily dodged by leaning backwards, still keeping his balance before he kicked his leg into the air and towards her stomach. She responded by landing on the ground and putting her sword to protect herself, hoping to cut his leg off in the process. Only when there was no cut formed after stopping his attack did she realize that he had already coated that part of his leg with Busoshoku haki. She slid backwards from the force of his kick, her arms shaking as she held on and kept her katana in place for the block. She could hear the rattling of the metal and her katana shook from the force. Gritting her teeth, she decided not to waste even a second and went into the offensive immediately. She knew she couldn't give this man too much time to breathe, especially since her healed body will only last for a few more minutes. She couldn't waste that time.

*I have to defeat him in this time frame while I still can!*

She quickly sheathed her sword and stepped into a battojutsu stance. 'Ittouryu; Kiritateru!' Even though she never succeeded in using Busoshoku Koka, she knew she could cut through it. That was enough to cut through this man even if he was coated in armament haki. She leapt towards him in one motion, her haki swirling around her sword as she unsheathed it and sliced at the man. She was aiming at his torso, determined to cut the man in half. "Doflamingo!"

Just before it reached his side, the man used his leg again, which was blackened from the haki like charcoal. The sole of his shoe hit the sharp side of Miyako's sword like it was simply a butter knife, startling the samurai. At first there was obvious pressure from the sword as it still proceeded towards Doflamingo, making his leg bend in the knee from the force. But after a while of stalemate, another haki burst came from his foot, overpowering Miyako's and blasting her backwards with the kick of his shoe.

The girl yelped in pain and surprise as she flew backwards, hitting a mountain of ruble and falling onto the ground.

"Miyako!" Trafalgar exclaimed in worry, seeing the girl's arms shake as she struggled to stand up again.

"Buahahahaha! She's done for! Neh neh, Law, are you scared!? Are you worried about you crewmember?! Finish her off, Doffy!" Trebol laughed in an obnoxious tone, gloating over what seemed like their complete victory against the other pirates.

Doflamingo strolled towards the girl on the ground. "I remember you…worth two stars, Burning-Eyed Miyako. "Have you come here to take revenge on me in your captain's place?" A vein popped out on his forehead at the thought of all these annoying ants going after his life, opposing him.

She glanced at Law who was watching them intently with worry in his eye, gritting his teeth in silence. Yet all she could feel was happiness that he was still alive despite everything. "I've…actually come here to finish you off….even it meant to die and take you with me," she admitted, slowly getting up with her sword in hand once more.

Her captain's eyes widened slightly, shocked by her confession.

"But…things have changed. Now, another purpose arises…" She glared up at the approaching man. "I'm going to protect my captain," she finished, aiming her sword at the blonde again.

Surprisingly, Doflamingo started to laugh at that. Quietly at first, but then louder as if deliberately mocking her. "Protect your captain," he repeated her words in a sarcastic question. He raised one hand, each finger flexing like a puppeteer preparing for his performance. "That's good…I like that. This is perfect! Instead of protecting him, I'm going to make you kill him!" He summoned his strings, barely visible to the human eye in the sunlight. "Parasite," he mumbled, his hand flexing once more.

The girl noticed something coming; she could feel it. The first string already latched onto her sword and the other ones weren't far behind. She gave a shout, summoning her haki and feeling its power surge through her body. With a burst of Busoshoku Haki around her, she reflected the strings coming at her before they could latch onto her body. *Only a sick mind like yours could think of using me to kill my own captain, Doflamingo,* she thought with gritted teeth. As soon as the haki barrier around her vanished, she leapt with her attack towards him. "Using me as a puppet to kill Law?! You and that ugly feathery thing can go screw yourselves!" With a shout, she slashed the air and sent 18 haki slashes towards him. Not even waiting to see if one hit, she jumped above the Shichibukai and let gravitation pull her down onto his head. 'Ittouryu: Heavenly strike!

Since Doflamingo was in the middle of dodging her flying attacks, not even he was expecting the sudden secondary assault coming down on him.

"Doffy!" Trebol called out in worry when a loud crashing noise was heard and dust rose into the air, denying all visibility.

As the dust cleared, they could see Doflamingo's haki-coated hands gripping at the katana, ignoring the sharpness of the metal, which was hovering inches away from the crevice of his neck and shoulder. The samurai strained to keep her attack going, but Doflamingo was too strong and she couldn't bring her katana down those few more inches to slice him. His knee quickly met her stomach and the girl was once again flown meters away from him and onto the ground. She coughed in pain, her katana falling next to her while she clutched at her stomach, trying to regain her breath. She coughed up some bile, trying not to throw up from the sudden impact in her stomach.

*Dammit! My haki isn't strong enough to cut through his armament layer. If only…If only I could use Busoshoku Koka. then perhaps I could be strong enough to counter him!* Her eyes glanced from the incoming Shichibukai towards her katana, still resting on the ground. With great effort she clasped the hilt with one hand, the other still holding her hurting torso.

Another vein popped out on Doflamingo's forehead, indication how irked he had become with this girl opposing him so much. This weakling dared to even talk about taking his head! "You obviously don't know who I am, girl. You truly think you can go against a Tenryuubito?! We are destined to rule over you all!"

The girl blinked in thought. *He is a World Noble?! That explains how he managed to fool the whole world…he had to have some strong connections.* She looked up at him with a defiant glare, spitting the words through gritted teeth while still in pain. "It doesn't matter…Tenryuubito or whatever you are…you have no right to treat people like this. You think you're special because you have some noble blood? Tch, you're just a spoiled asshole like the rest of those World Nobles!"

The sneer left Doflamingo's face as he momentarily stopped in his track, shocked that this lowly girl dared to talk back to him. His fingers flexed as he was ready to strange her with his bare hands. "What would you know of my life, girl? You don't know what I've seen or experienced…what made me strong!" He started walking towards her again, seething with rage underneath that calm mask that was slowly braking apart.

However, Miyako wasn't focusing on the incoming threat at the moment. Instead, she was concentrating on her own thoughts and Yawarakai-Te in her hand. *I don't have much time left. If I want to do it…it needs to be now.* She gulped, uncertain whether she can really pull it off. *But if Law and Roronoa can do it, then surely I can too! It's not that different than what I do usually…I can use Busoshoku haki to swirl around me as a barrier and I can also use it to channel it through my sword or limbs to attack with it. Now…I just need to combine those two things. Instead of just using it as a barrier around myself, if I can use it on myself…if I can compress it so it makes a solid form…*

While thoughts continued to spin in her mind, her hand kept holding the hilt, her body straining to manipulate her haki in yet another way. It was only an upgrade to her knowledge, so it should be possible to succeed. At first nothing happened, but the girl wouldn't give up. She tuned out all other noises, including her friends' warnings and Doflamingo's gloating about his victory. Then slowly, her arm changed. A cold feeling went through her hand as if it was being coated in a layer of metal. The black mass traveled from her clenching fist and onto the hilt, the guard and slowly started creeping up her sword. The white metal that glistened in the sun was slowly being darkened with a black hue. It was a slow process, but it was working.

The girl smiled in excitement, but that grin soon vanished when the haki coating started to gradually disappear. "No, no, no, no!" As if calling it back with her chant, she focused more, her heart racing in her hurry to succeed before she dies. Doflamingo wasn't talking to her anymore, noticing she was completely ignoring him which made the vein on his forehead pulsate yet again. Instead, he resumed his stride towards her and the path was rather short with his long legs.

In only a few quick steps he was towering over her, his one foot in the air and coated in the black haki.

"Miyako!"

"Watch out!"

Doflamingo brought his powerful foot down onto her, aiming to crush her skull with his step. The heel stopped not far from her face, a sword coated in a black mass stopping it from moving. The man's wide grin disappeared when he noticed the girl was blocking his foot with her katana now coated in Armament haki.

She gritted her teeth in great effort, the muscles in her arms and shoulders pulsing from the force they were trying to keep at bay. She was hardly in an enviable position, lying on her back while trying to block Doflamingo's whole wait concentrated in his foot that was pressing down on her. She couldn't use any other strength but that in her arms to keep blocking him, while all he needed to do was press a little more weight into it. As much as she was thrilled that she successfully managed to do a Busoshoku Koka for the first time, she also knew she couldn't hold out like this for long and had to move soon. She gave one final push upwards with her sword, grunting in effort, before she used that small opening to roll to the side and away from under his foot, making the man stumble forward after making a hole in the ground where his foot landed. As quick as she could, she rose to her knees and swung her katana. 'Ittoryu no Haki: 9 strikes!'

Behind his sunglasses, Doflamingo's eyes widened in surprise, the attacks suddenly coming his way. His hands turned black, ready to block the assaults, but the haki slashes flew past him, only cutting a few pink feathers from his coat. Thinking the girl missed from such close range, he grinned in amusement, chuckling at her plight. "You had one chance to hit me and you missed. How pathetic…"

Miyako only returned his taunts with a smirk and a defiant glint in her golden eyes.

The sneer on his face faltered, noticing she's more focused on something behind him. As if answering his suspicions, a surprised yelp came from Trebol. He turned around to see most of Trebol's sticky fluid gone and on the floor as it was cut into pieces with the samurai's last attack. Trebol didn't expect the sudden cuts either, thinking she was aiming at his king instead. That's why he had no time to move or block the incoming strikes when they came and they cut at his sticky body with great precision, missing Luffy in the process.

With most of the substance in disarray, Strawhat was freed and jumped away from Trebol with a cheer. "Yahoo! Finally free from that gross thing!" The boy grinned.

Miyako grinned back at the captain, but that smile soon disappeared when she remembered her opponent in front of her. Doflamingo turned back to face her again, all his previous glee gone from his expression. "You…"

She tried to jump away from him, but her knees buckled. The haki armament disappeared from her sword and the white shining metal returned to normal once more. *Oh no, not now!* She could feel her strength fading away and the pain from before returning, even more potent than before. Mansherry's tears were slowly starting to lose effect on her. Before she could escape, Doflamingo grabbed her by the neck with a crushing grip and easily lifted her off her feet. The girl only managed to make a surprised choking sound that was cut off when her windpipe started to tighten quickly.

She felt like a helpless child in his grip as she struggled, but with no use. Her legs swayed as she tried to kick him, but couldn't reach. She tried to pry his fingers from her neck with one hand while she lifted the other one to slash at him with his sword. Before she could, he gripped her wrist with his free hand and stopped her. The grip tightened in both his hands until her body begun to weaken, while the pain in her wrist made her lose her grip on the sword. She heard the metallic sound as it hit the ground, while Doflamingo continued to squeeze the life out of her, his bruising grip denying her any air. Her vision begun to blur and then darken, her body losing even the strength to fight back.

"Gomu gomu no Stamp!" With a vicious kick of his foot to Doflamingo's ribs, Luffy sent the man flying to the side and into the ground.

Miyako fell to the floor in a coughing fit, taking big gulps of air despite the pain in her throat every time she breathed in. "Luffy-san…." Her voice was hoarse as she spoke.

Strawhat landed back on the floor next to her and grinned, cleaning some of Trebol's muck from his hat. "Thanks for freeing me."

The girl nodded in return, trying to regain her voice. "The healing Princess Mansherry used on me is wearing off…I…won't be able to back you up much."

The boy cocked his head to the side and knitted his eyebrows as he watched her. "Mmmm, I'm not really sure what you're taking about…but oh well! You need to rest, right? No worries, I'll kick this guy's ass in a second!" He cracked his knuckles in preparation, targeting Doflamingo who was already back on his feet.

"Strawhat! How dare you hit Doffy!" Trebol yelled back in disbelief. "You two, Suzune! I'll kill you for what you did to me!"

Only now did Miyako notice that Trebol's body was visible now that his usual sticky coat was momentarily gone. There was nothing but a scrawny old man underneath.

"Wha-? What is he…? I thought he was a logia," she muttered in confusion.

"Ah, that's right! Before when I hit him with my haki it didn't work on him even though it should have," Luffy exclaimed, remembering his futile attacks against the Executive.

"Logia!? Bahaha! Attacks for logia users are useless against me," Trebol answered in a laugh.

"It's…as he said…," Law spoke up through labored breaths. "It's no use fighting…that piece of crap."

"What did you say, Law?!" The mysterious executive shouted back in anger.

Even Doflamingo looked ticked off at the pirate captain. "So you still have the energy to talk?"

In response, Miyako shifted so she would stand between Doflamingo and her captain protectively, even though she was barely standing and holding her sword up now that her previous condition was gradually returning. Yet her eyes burned with a glare that pierced the older Shichibukai, daring him to just try and attack Law.

It wasn't Doflamingo who made the first move in their temporary stalemate. Trebol's muck started to move again as clumps of it rose into the air before they started raining down on them, mostly falling on Trafalgar. Some of them also returned back to their original use, covering most of Trebol's body.

"Move aside, Doffy! Let me teach this kid some manners! Listen up, Law! Doffy's the absolute king, there's no doubt about that, but among us top executives, there is no such thing as disparity! That is because 30 years ago we were the ones who picked up that unpolished diamond and made him what he is today! We gave him the power he needed! We turned him into the charismatic evil you see in front of you!" Slowly the coat of mucus started enveloping Trebol, but some of it still fell down on them.

Miyako used her hands to try and shield herself from it, but it stayed on her skin and clothes no matter how hard she tried to scrub it down. Even when she sliced at the falling blobs, parts of it stuck to her sword. There was simply too many of that slime falling down to try and evade all of it.

Meanwhile, Trebol continued to speak. "Doffy plays the part of the king in front of his men to instill fear, but between the five of us, we are family! And we've protected him all this time like a real family!" Slowly, the man pulled out his staff with a metal lighter on top, starting a fire with a small friction of his finger. "Behehehe," he chuckled, snorting the snot back into his nose and grinning sickly. "I wonder if you still remember that my 'mucus' is flammable."

Seeing all that sticky mucus on them, realization hit the samurai. She gasped, her eyes widened as she noticed the man going towards Law. "Stop it! Don't or everyone here will die including you lot!" If what he said was true and he set fire to the mass now, they will all go up in flames in a matter of seconds. She didn't even want to imagine the pain of being burned to death.

Despite the dire situation, Law's voice was even as if ignoring his pain while showing no fear. His words remained harsh, uncaring what the other man might do. "The only one who still believes in crap like that is you, Trebol." He ignored the man's yelp of anger and continued through his ragged breaths, "From where I stand, the only thing you've become is Doflamingo's stupid little puppet, despite what you're saying."

Miyako winced at Trebol's angry shout in return. "Why are you agitating the man who's about to blow us up," she whispered back to her captain frantically, but of course, got no response.

Her answer came soon enough as she heard Doflamingo warn his executive, "Don't listen to him Trebol, he's forming his room!"

*A trap,* Miyako realized. So did Trebol, but it was already too late. A film of blue enveloped the executive and the captain before the others could act. But the old man was too naïve; he was so sure in his victory that he let his guard down, ignoring the signs of danger.

"Never mind! He can't move anymore with my mucus tying him down and in his state!" He raised his staff high in the air, before bringing it down towards Law's head.

Usually, Miyako would be jumping in to help her captain even in her broken state, but she could tell Law already had something in mind. It was better to stay out of his way since he obviously had a plan.

"I'm a captain of a ship too…," the Hearts' captain started. "I can't leave them to Strawhat-ya…How am I to face them then!?"

Hearing those words filled Miyako with a sense of warmth. He was still thinking of his crew…and she knew while that was true, Law had no intention of dying. He was still fighting with a plan to live on and see the Heart Pirates once more. She smiled, while her legs gave out and she fell to her knees from exhaustion. She needed to rest, even for just a little while. So she believed in Law and let him take care of Trebol.

"Tact," the captain called out, jerking his index finger upwards. He motioned for his severed arm to move, as if calling it. It flew through the air while rotating, still clutching his nodachi, and flew right into Trebol, slicing at his body in its swing. The man screamed in agony, surprised by the sudden attack he could never have expected.

Everyone else gasped in shock as well. "His own arm…unbelievable," the samurai muttered, barely uttering the words as she stared with wide eyes.

"Huh?! He's bleeding!" Luffy noticed another bizarre outcome as Trebol's blood spurted from his thin boydy which was now clearly visible. His thick coat of sludge was cut open and split, showing the scrawny body of an old man.

"So he was really just a normal man underneath that sticky mass," Miyako noticed, still half puzzled by everything she just saw.

This time, unlike the other times, Trebol's coat did not return back to cover his body. It stayed sprawled on the ground and covering Law, showing off nothing more than a thin old man in his underwear. "D….amn…you….Law!"

"You fool," Doffy's forehead was filled with pulsing veins again, this time his frustration mostly focused on his 'family member.'

The old man didn't fall down defeated as expected. He was still towering over the pirate captain, staff in his hands with a lit lighter on top. He aimed the staff's top at the mucus, while muttering curses at the 'kid' below him. "If I'm going to die…you're coming with me!"

"He's still going to do it! He'll blow us all up!" Miyako screamed when she realized the terror, her panic only heightening when she noticed how close Law was to the source. If Trebol was to hit Law with the lit staff right now, there would be no saving her captain from the instant fires that would consume his body covered in the flammable muck. What's more, he was unable to escape in his condition.

She jumped towards Law, placing her katana back into its sheath tied to her waist in the process. "Luffy," she called out for Strawhat to help while charging to protect Law in any way she can. Her mind analyzed all the options, realizing her best chance was to push Trebol out of the way and at least give them some more time before the explosion. However, a better option, she realized, was for Luffy to act since he was faster and could take care of Trebol before she could with his stretching limbs, despite being further away.

Although usually slow-witted, the boy's survival instincts kicked in and he understood her immediately. A rubber hand flew past her, giving the old man a strong punch that kicked him off of Law and further away. Another hand crept around Miyako's waist to grab her while Luffy used his already outstretched arm to grab Law after the punch. Miyako took Law's arm that still held Kikoku and let herself be carried by Strawhat.

Trebol grunted from Strawhat's punch, but he fell into a pool of some of his mucus, his staff falling with him, and the sticky muck around him quickly caught fire. In the next instant, a chain reaction occurred that set ablaze to all the slime around them, starting off a large explosion.

Luffy jumped off of the ledge of the rooftop just in time, using his own body to protect Law and Miyako who were in his arms. Luckily, rubber only starts to melt on very high temperatures so he had time to escape before any serious burns could occur on his body.

Once again they were flying in the air with Luffy holding them and a strong sense of déjà vu hit the samurai, reminding her she definitely couldn't get used to this kind of transportation no matter how grateful she was to the Strawhat for saving them. She glanced at her captain, seeing Law was barely conscious, but holding on to the last of his awareness so he wouldn't faint. Below them she could see the vast sea of yellow flowers swaying in the breeze with sea-like movement, along with their friends that she left behind what seemed like ages ago. Bartolomeo's excited shouts were already reaching her ears as she saw the man waving his hands in the air towards Luffy, calling his name.

"Luffyland! Ribbonland! Lawland!" Leo and the other Tontatta warriors called out in worry, seeing the bad state they were in.

"No way! Torao-kun's arm!" Robin gaped in shock at the beat-up form that was the other captain.

"Robin, take care of Torao! He's done his best to hurt Mingo!" Luffy yelled down to his nakama, before turning towards Miyako. "I'll leave you here! I need to stop Mingo!"

The girl nodded, feeling Strawhat release her. She wasn't worried, though, knowing Robin got their landing planned already. The woman below summoned numerous hands, forming a web underneath them to cushion their fall. Still holding his severed arm, Miyako hugged Law to herself and moved so she would be between the ground and his body, to make his fall as less traumatic as possible. He was filled with injuries and she didn't want those wounds getting any more irritated than necessary.

She let out a fast breath when her back hit the web of hands, but luckily the landing was much softer than she expected. She let go off her captain while Robin gently moved their bodies to the ground with the arms before retracting her powers.

"Miyako-chan! Torao-kun!" Robin and the others ran up to the duo in concern.

Though, Miyako was far more concerned about something else. Staring up at the sky, she winced when she saw a form approaching them with speed. "So persistent." Doflamingo had no intention of leaving them alone, as injured as they were, until he finished his quarrel with Law.

"I'm not letting him go so easily!" The Shichibukai exclaimed with a grin, ready to use his strings to finish them off.

"Hawk Whip!" Luffy's powerful kick threw him off before he could finish his next attack.

Cavendish also lent a hand as he stepped in front of Doflamingo's strings and blocked them with his sword. "Precious metal axe!"

Seeing that for now they were safe, Miyako turned her attention back to her captain, trying to keep him awake. She was afraid that if he fell asleep now, he might never wake up. "Law, can you hear me!? Stay with me!" An idea popped in her head and she gazed around at the people surrounding them, "Mansherry!? Is princess Mansherry still here!?"

"I'm here," a tiny voice responded next to her.

Miyako was completely flustered by now. "Please can you help him like you did with me?!"

The princess nodded while holding her small hands together as if in a prayer for the pirate captain. There were already tears of fear and worry in the corner of her large eyes. But there was also determination in her tone. "I can!"

"Me too! I can probably stich his arm back in place and then Princess Mansherry can heal him with her powers so it will hold," Leo announced, getting his needle and thread from the pouch on his back.

"Then please hurry! We need to do as Lucy said," Rebecca exclaimed, glancing at the sky where Luffy was holding back Doflamingo who was trying to rush down towards them again.

"I'll get us down." Bartolomeo ran together with Cavendish to the edge and crossed his arms and fingers to summon his barrier. He shaped it in a form of stairs, giving them a quick way off Flower Hill.

Meanwhile, Leo worked on Law's arm while Mansherry cried more tears into her palms like she did for Miyako earlier. The samurai stayed kneeling beside her captain, refusing to move from his side. She placed a hand on his cheek gently, dreading the clammy and cold feel his skin gave off. "He lost a lot of blood already, will he really be ok?"

She saw his eyes flutter before closing completely, giving her a bad feeling. "Law? Law!?" She feared the worst.

"You idiot," her captain sighed in a barely audible whisper.

Miyako sweat dropped, her head falling to her chest in both relief and surprise. *Of all the things, that's the first thing he says to me when he wakes up? Well, at least he's not dead….* She managed a faint smile in relief.

"Why…did you go after…Doflamingo, after I warned you….I told you…to avoid him at all….costs," he continued through ragged breaths.

The girl sighed, closing her eyes and letting her forehead touch his. "I thought you were dead," she whispered so only he could hear. She felt her eyes sting, but kept her emotions at bay, knowing there were more important things to think about. Saving him was her priority now. She saw him trying to speak again, but she cut him off, "Don't talk. Just rest now and save your energy. You can yell at me for being disobedient later." She gave him a smile, trying to lighten up the mood and make him forget about the pain while Leo worked on reattaching his arm. The Tontatta had to pierce the skin with a needle and sow it back together with no anesthesia or medicine to numb the pain. "You'll be alright! Luffy will take care of Doflamingo so don't worry about it and rest. We will save this country for sure," she tried to reassure him.

When Leo was finally done, Mansherry used her tears to heal the wound, making the flesh regenerate faster and reattach to the other part of the arm. They finished it off with a bloodied bandage Law used before to stop the bleeding of his severed limb, covering the newly stitched wound.

"I will carry him," Robin announced before using her powers to summon a trail of arms that led to the edge, where Bartolomeo awaited with his barrier stairs. A pair of hands lifted Trafalgar up and the hands started carrying him quickly and with ease, following their path. The others in the group followed, running towards the cliff to climb down.

Just as they were about to descend to the lower level, a heavy explosion turned their attention towards the Royal Palace from which ruble was now falling down. At first they couldn't tell what created a large hole in the stone wall, but soon realized it was none other than Luffy as he was sent flying into the hard walls.

"Luffy-san!?" Miyako exclaimed with a gasp seeing that the pirate captain was momentarily incapacitated by the older Shichibukai. She was worried Doflamingo would use this chance to target Law again, and she instantly put a hand on the hilt of Yawarakai-Te, to be prepared.

"We have to hurry!" Cavendish grabbed Law carefully and was about to lift him up to carry him down the stairs when the pirate doctor stopped him with a faint voice.

"W-wait! P-put me…down…," Law groaned in pain, but even so, pulled on Cavendish' sleeve to get the other pirate's attention.

"Huh? What are you talking about," the blonde stopped in his tracks but made no move to lay the other man back on the ground. Cavendish simply stood there with a puzzled expression, staring at Trafalgar.

"We don't have time to delay," Robin warned, watching the sky where Luffy was once again attacking Doflamingo after jumping out of the huge hole he created.

Bartolomeo, Kyros, Rebecca and the Tontatta dwarfs already climbed down the hill and only Miyako, Robin and Cavendish carrying Law remained on the Flower Hill.

The Dark Doctor explained, still willful despite his broken body, "I've lived all these years for one purpose…to exact revenge on Doflamingo…"

Hearing that, Miyako felt a pang in her chest. She still wasn't sure why Law was so hung up on killing Doflamingo, waiting for the right time, when all of this is over to ask the person in question for a clear explanation. Still, hearing him say he spent the last thirteen years of his life focusing on revenge saddened her.

Law continued, "I've…done all I could…*pant*…The only thing…I can do now is leave it to Strawhat-ya. And if he wins…I want to be there to see it…*pant*…with my very own eyes! And if he loses…then I should be killed there along with him," he added the last part quietly, but there was a steel tone in his voice that showed he was certain about his decision.

"No!" It was Miyako who screamed, cutting him off. Anguish was written across her face, making Law turn away from her so he wouldn't have to see it. She refused to give up though, "You don't have to do this! You've already done more than enough!"

He wouldn't even look her in the eyes, afraid that the guilt would sway his decision. Still, he stayed determined, "It was me who got Strawhat-ya involved in this fight! Just leave me here!" With all the strength left in his body, he willed his voice to stay powerful and steady, showing he already made up his mind.

Robin shook her head slightly, her blue eyes examining the injured doctor in worry. "Torao-kun, I think you have it wrong. Our captain, Luffy, isn't someone who will fight a battle unless he wants to. He is doing this for everyone in Dressrosa too."

Law was quiet for a while, but the dark stare never left his eyes as he gazed at the trio by his side. Finally he uttered the words with as much resolve as he could muster, forgetting even his pride for a moment, "Leave me here….please…"

The samurai's eyes widened in shock. For Law to go as far as to plead for it; it made her understand how much this meant to him. She realized how much resolve and conviction he spilled into his final battle with Doflamingo, wanting to see it through until the end, no matter the outcome. It was do or die for him now; either Doflamingo falls, or Law dies here with the rest of Dressrosa. It was a fitting end for a thirteen-years-old overdue revenge.

Cavendish felt cold sweat on his cheek as he tried to reach a decision whether to listen to the other captain or not. He stared at Law for a moment, then glanced at Miyako. The Hearts' captain was refusing to look at her directly for some reason, but he saw there was a glint of sadness in the man's eyes every time he cast a quick glance at his crewmember; almost as if he felt apologetic every time he gazed upon her. It made the blonde pirate realize that there was more to Law's determination than he let on; he might want to see his revenge through, but he obviously couldn't forget about the ones waiting for him. He sighed after observing those two and commented, "You're not convincing at all…"

"Fine. Then we shall both stay." The Wano girl was the one who broke the silence first, while Robin and Cavendish were still trying to decide on Law's request. After seeing how much it meant to her captain, the samurai understood there was nothing she could do to change his mind. But that didn't mean she had given up hope; she never wanted to go through Law's death ever again. She already decided the share his fate on this island, no matter what that fate would bring.

Her captain was far from thrilled, however, "You can't-"

"I am a part of your crew! I should share the same fate as my captain," the girl cut him off in haste, before he could protest any further. "I understand that you want to see this through…I feel the same way and that's why I'll agree even though it's dangerous to stay here," she gave a curt nod before her expression became sterner. "But in that case, I will wait with you…Don't even try to argue with me on this, Law."

He closed his mouth, tightening his jaw in angst. Getting her involved in all this was the last thing he ever wanted and he kept cursing himself for it ever since they docked in Dressrosa. Yet he also knew she had no intention of escaping from this country while everyone else stayed here to risk their lives. Even if it meant losing her life, she would stay by his side to the very end. Besides, she was right about one thing; there was no escape. If Doflamingo wins, the same fate awaits everyone in this country anyway. Law's fists clenched as he felt himself being lowered down by Cavendish.

The blonde sighed, "Very well. But in that case I will stay here too!" Everyone stared at him in surprise as he continued, "I can't say I agree with his kamikaze plan, but I'll stay with him. So take this as my compromise; if you're dying then I'm next in line," he finished, sitting himself next to Law's lying body.

Miyako gave a small smile before she nodded, "As am I."

From the distance, Bartolomeo was waiting at the top of the staircase he had built, everyone else already climbing down. He called out for Robin, waving his hands and trying to see what the holdup was about.

Robin gave the others a hesitant look before she gazed at the samurai. "Miyako-chan?"

The girl took Robin's hand and squeezed lightly, giving her a brave smile to show that it was alright to leave. "It's ok…sometimes you have to give in to your captain's selfishness. I'm sure you can understand that well, Robin-dono."

Robin squeezed her hand back and smiled as well, "Take care."

"Ah, Nico Robin! Take this before you go…for your back." Cavendish took off his white coat and draped her shoulders with it in one big move. The coat covered the wounds on her bloodied back so the others in the group wouldn't see them.

"Thank you Cabbage-kun," she gave him a thankful wink before stepping away. With one last glance at the trio who stayed behind, Robin ran towards the awaiting Bartolomeo.

As they watched the woman leave, Miyako sat there next to her captain, leaning on her katana as she pulled the sheath from her waist. "Don't get me wrong though…I have no intention of letting you die that easily. Even if Luffy-san loses, I intend to fight Doflamingo until the end," she told her captain, still gazing into distance with a dead-serious gaze.

Law sighed, staring at the sky and observing the moving center of the birdcage above. He was calm now, as if already reconciled with his fate, no matter what it may be. "Is that what you meant on the rooftop…and what you said to me just now…You thought I died so you came to face Doflamingo to get revenge for me?"

She was quiet for a while, contemplating the best way to explain herself with her words. "Viola-san said you died…that she saw you die. I suppose I didn't come there for revenge…I came there to die. So I thought…I might as well take Doflamingo with me in any way possible and help everyone. I didn't expect to survive, but somehow it didn't matter anymore. Not after…Not after what I heard about you."

"…..you really are an idiot," Law muttered after a pause.

"I don't want to hear that from another idiot who lived for 13 years just so he could die while killing his nemesis," she rebuked in the same calm tone. Her eyes were still trained on the horizon far ahead.

"You're both idiots," Cavendish sighed next to them with a sweat-drop. He wasn't sure whether he should join this delicate conversation between two nakama, but even he found it odd that they bickered so normally in a situation like this. They created a light mood between them so easily, even with a depressing conversation such as this one.

Her captain chuckled, groaning in pain from the sudden movement. He sighed, "I suppose we're both equally bad then."

Cavendish nodded. "As for Doflamingo; he'll have to go through all of us first, if he wants to survive. We'll make sure Doflamingo falls one way or another."

"However," Miyako added, glancing at Law as her expression softened, a light smile forming on her face. "I believe Luffy-san will win. I don't think that guy knows how to lose," she told them mirthfully. She was only half-joking though, since it wasn't that far from the truth considering it's Strawhat they were talking about. Just as Law said; that boy could pull off miracles and it was time to create one today. This country desperately needed it.

---

This is it for this chapter! At first I planned for this to be the last chapter of the Dressrosa Arc, but this seemed like a good place to stop. I was already overdue for a chapter and finishing the arc would take a lot more time and would make it a reeealy big chapter altogether, so I decided to publish this sooner than expected. Even though it follows the Cannon, there some changes from the original (some minor and some major), so I hope I made it interesting and nether too rushed or too repetitive. I realize it can be a bit boring since it follows the cannon now, but I do try to keep it different and fresh. Some cannon parts, though, are too important to skip and I need to put them in to keep the story flowing. For example, so that it would make sense even to someone who didn't read the Dressrosa Arc (I know such a person wouldn't really be here, though XD).

Miyako also succeeded in doing Busoshoku Koka with armament haki, which I find is a big deal. Originally she was supposed to learn it in the next Arc, but since the story in this chapter changed from what I previously planned to do, it was necessary to make some adjustments. :D I don't regret it, though, I think the timing was perfect. We learn best under pressure, as they say, and what bigger pressure is there than while fighting for your life. :')

Thank you everyone for your kind reviews! Even though I didn't post for a long time, I read every review so don't think I just ignored them~ I'm very thankful for each and every one of them!

Faradath: No offense taken, I am a slow updater. I've never given up, though, so it's going slowly but surely! Yup, I think Oda showed us how badass swordsmen can be in One Piece without any devil fruits, which is a real inspiration for my OC. :D Though we might soon find out if Law's crew really has no DF users beside him or not. I mean, there's even other women in his crew~ Thank you for staying a loyal reader even through all this time of my slow updates. I hope you'll see me much sooner for the next chapter! ;)

Xliaf27: Aww, that's so cute XD But there are some awesome LawxOC fanfics out there~ Miyako will forgive you. ;) Kidd is awesome though, he is also one of my fav characters.

I know what you mean; it's a bit troublesome, but there are some parts that I also think are necessary for the flow of the story (as you mentioned). I try to write so the story would make sense even for a person who isn't familiar with that arc of OP, for an example. This chapter might be a bit better for you then, since there are more original parts in it. :) Thank you for reading and reviewing!

binderya22: Thanks, I try keeping everyone in character as much as possible. Thank you for reading and reviewing!

Crack-jouchan: Yep, yep, Abaddon was made from the image of Slenderman. :D And no, it isn't bad…I think, cause I'm the same way. XD I actually always wanted to make him even more evil/sadistic but I have to keep a balance since Miyako is a bit mellower in that aspect…plus he's becoming more and more of a good guy in the manga too. :') Thanks for all your reviews! Unfortunately I can't answer them all individually, but I did read them all, so I'll pull out some questions and answer, I guess. ^^ Josh and Miyako are really just friends, he thinks of her a sister rather than a love interest, really. Also, Miyako is a Pisces. :) Thank you for your lovely reviews, I hope you'll like the next chapters as well. ^^

Guest: Thanks :D I will. I'm slow, but I always update sooner or later~

Chocogirl24: Yep, Bartolomeo, Cavendish and Miyako are a force, too. XD I want to do more interactions between them in the future~

ReflectedDarknes: Thank you very much. Indeed, we are done with the Dressrosa Arc soon. I have something special for you guys after Dressrosa, though. ;) Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Orion's Left Arm: I almost finished this chapter on a sad note too. XD Luckily, I continued. Haha, right, I love how during fights in anime/manga people just start talking and their opponents just stand there and listen, politely waiting for them to end…yeeaah…. XD Thanks for reading and your review!

Guest: lol Hm, if you mean if it will be talked about in detail more in the future, then yes. But if you mean; will there be any dramatic twists, then no? (I don't think there is really anything that I've planned that would be considered a dramatic twist).

Nunally: Oh, wow. That's a tough question. XD Lately, the song that always comes to my mind is Warriors by Imagine Dragons.

Dokuroskull: Yup, I have a lot to build their relationship-wise after the Dressrosa Arc, which will be interesting to write. I'm looking forward to that filler too. I will be able to bring a lighter mood, which is kinda lost in this arc due to all the devastation happening. :') Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Lucy Jacob: I miss them too~ And I did! Meh, there's nothing to handle, I already have my full Hearts crew (for now). It can't be helped. :3 Thanks for reading! :D

Hitoshirezu Ryu: I feel like Miyako is all over the battlefield, witnessing all kinds of scenes. XD I thought helping Cavendish and Bartolomeo defeat Gladius would be a perfect role for her so I definitely wanted to put that in before she headed anywhere else. I like those three together, even though it seems they hardly have any teamwork. And your questions will be answered in this chapter. ;) Thank you very much for reading, as for your detailed reviews. I hope we will continue with our Christmas special too! Till then, can't wait for your new chapter of Dragon Chronicles~

Guest: Thank you for reading. :)

Erina: To be honest, I don't feel I'm creating any big moments as long as I'm following the cannon story. XD (Cause most of it is already written and predictable, I guess?) ^^' It's fine, though, you might like this one more since there are more original scenes. :) Thank you for reading and reviewing!

Bizzy: Hiiii! Missed you too~ I'm always here…somewhere. ;) haha yeah, I think he might be. Yeah, I'll be cutting it pretty close, I hope one filler will be enough (I only planned for one). We shall see. We might even find out more about Law's crew soon~ lol I didn't even notice about the 666 numbers. XD Thanks for reading and reviewing! See you next chapter~

Apple Bloom: Yeah, I also miss them together and they will have a lot to talk about. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Kingsredcrown: heh, yeah, bummer. I won't be adding new crewmembers (for now at east), so my Hearts stay as they are. However, there are some guys in my crew that I haven't described yet so I might use cannon Hearts' appearances for them. (though the names will have to stay as they are, I won't be changing them even if Oda reveals all of cannon Hearts' names).

Trainer Azurite: I don't think Cavendish is a pushover or weak either, but if compared to Miyako, I think she is nearer to the generation of Zoro and Sanji, than Bartolomeo and Cavendish when it comes to strength. Thanks for reading and reviewing!