One Piece

The Five Second Rule

Chapter Five: The Warning

After another night of heavy drinking, Jonah found himself waking up around noon. Jonah barely got over his last hangover, but now there was another one. He really hates himself for being unable to say no to alcohol. Once again he seemed to have magically transported to the crew quarters over night, at least this time his leg didn't hurt as much.

"Ah, you're finally awake."

Jonah looked down from his bunk and saw Kane standing by the door. Looking around, it seems that everyone else was already up and gone.

"Where is everyone?" Jonah rubbed his temples.

"The innkeeper's daughter got better," Kane explained. "He's showing his thanks by letting us eat as much as we want. Though that doesn't do much for the captain, everyone else is up there stuffing their faces. The only ones still in bed are you and Ryuu."

"Oh."

The thought of food made Jonah feel sick. It was nice that they were receiving free food, but right now he really didn't need it.

"I think I might sleep some more," he laid back onto the mattress. "You go have fun though."

"Yeah, whatever you say," Kane smiled as he turned away.

XoXo

Celine sat uncomfortably between Penguin and Shachi. The two were stuffing their faces as if they haven't eaten in months. She had eaten what she can already, which was around a tenth of what they've eaten. Normally Celine would have no problem watching people eat, but at the rate their devouring their food, it made Celine slightly uneasy to watch.

Earlier today, Celine had followed Law back to Gerald's house to check up on Raena. Law was obviously anxious to see if the cure worked, and was very pleased with the results when he examined Raena again.

Celine didn't know what Law was mumbling about, and his scribbles in his notebook made no sense either. But what she did know was that it worked and Law, her annoyingly charming captain, has saved a little girl's life.

After making sure Raena was okay, Celine headed out first to meet with the rest of the crew. Which brings her back to here, sitting between the two men scarfing down whole plates at one go.

"I can't believe we get this all for free," Shachi grinned. "Way to go, Captain Law!"

"Please don't speak with your mouth full," Celine grimaced.

"I agree! It's gross…"

That was Raena's voice.

Celine turned around and found herself looking at the said girl. Raena grinned back up at Celine, and from behind her Law walked in with Gerald.

"Hello again, Raena," Celine smiled. "How are you feeling?"

"Never better," Raena gave her a thumbs up. "Pirate-san's a great doctor."

"Yes, he is," Celine agreed with a light nod. "Why don't you come sit with me?"

"But Cel-," Penguin started.

"Shut it," she gave him a stern glare. "Move."

Penguin sighed, defeated. He stood up and walked to the next seat.

"I'll take that chair," Law spoke up.

"O-Of course, Captain!" Penguin forced a smile. "I'll go sit over there!"

Penguin bolted around the table and plopped himself down next to Bepo. Law sat himself on the newly opened seat with a smug smile.

"Are you certain it's alright for her to be up already?" Celine whispered over Raena's head.

"I thought you had faith in my medical expertise?" he chuckled darkly.

"I do!" Celine huffed. "It's just that last night she was still-."

"What are you two whispering about?" Raena stood on her seat, pushing the two apart. "Celine-san, I like you and everything, but Pirate-san is mine! He's my hero!"

Celine gaped back at the little girl, unaware of Penguin and Shachi who were failing to keep straight faces. Raena stared back at down at Celine, her glaze steady and unmoving. Everyone in the room took a deep breath as they waited for Celine's reply. Gerald almost fainted across the room, how could his daughter say that to Celine? The attraction between Law and Celine was obvious, even to a stranger.

Celine lips quivered slightly as she looked down.

'Oh no…'

A small whimper came from Celine, and she erupted in laughter.

"All right, Raena," she nodded, feeling a tear coming. "You can keep him. I fully support your relationship."

"Really?"

Raena's eyes sparkled and Celine affirmed with a nod. The little girl turned around and reached out to hug Law. The man sat frozen as she wrapped her arms around him, he shot Celine a look. That look just made Celine smile even broader. Sure she'll probably get a scolding from Law after, but right now this was the most hilarious thing she's ever seen.

"Now, now, Miss Raena…" Law pulled her arms off his waist. "I am very flattered but-."

"No!" Raena cried, grabbing onto his arm. "Celine-san gave us her blessing already!"

"I did," Celine grinned.

"What Miss Celine says has nothing to do with what I think," Law sighed, pulling from the little girl's grasp once again. "Wouldn't you like to go play with Bepo? He's a fluffy polar bear."

"Neat!"

Law let out a sigh of relief as Raena round around the table and wedged herself between Bepo and Penguin. Once again Penguin had to find a new place to sit as Raena pushed herself onto the seat next to Bepo's.

The polar bear grimaced as the girl poked and rubbed his head.

"Captain…" Bepo whined.

"Please, bear with it Bepo."

Celine made a noise that sounded a lot like a laugh, but she hid it under her hand.

"Please, bear with it Bepo," she repeated.

Law sighed, obviously not amused. It was either he or Bepo, and frankly he would rather watch Bepo being bothered than himself.

"The pose should be set tomorrow," Celine spoke up.

"Yes," Law acknowledged with a nod.

"Will we be leaving tomorrow?"

"Yes."

"Your little admirer's not going to like that," Celine chuckled.

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that," Law tipped his hat forward.

"Um-, excuse me."

The two looked behind and saw Gerald standing over them. His expression uneasy and hands curled anxiously.

"Would it be alright if I speak with you two by the bar?" Gerald asked.

Law and Celine exchanged looks but followed the man by the counter nonetheless.

"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation," Gerald started. "And if you're leaving so soon, then I must warn you about the next island."

"We're all ears," Celine sat down on a stool.

"I hear rumors that the next island is covered in red snow," Gerald told them. "And in a castle amongst the red snow lives a terrifying person with a bounty of 90,000,000. They say that he made an agreement with the marines that he'll kill all pirates that sets foot on his island, and in return, they leave him alone."

"Just who is this person?" Law asked.

"We used to know him as Prince Jareth Adair," Gerald scrounged through the shelves, and eventually pulling out a wanted poster. "But now he is called 'Akayuki no Jareth'."

Sure enough, that title was on the poster, but what surprised Celine was that in the picture was a young boy that looked to be no older than Raena. The boy wore regal clothes, and a shiny little crown. Thus proving his royal status. Jareth had a head of messy brown locks under the golden headwear, and he was scowling back at the camera rather unattractively. He had his hand held up towards the camera, and the tips of his fingers were covered in snow, almost as if he were showing off.

"This is Jareth?" Celine examined the picture closer. "He's but a little boy…"

"This picture was taken years ago, he'd be a teenager by now," Gerald told her. "Don't underestimate him, there's a reason why this child was given such a high bounty – it's been said that he killed his own parents, the king and queen of their island."

"Gee, some kid," Celine frowned at the poster. "Not looking forward to meet him…"

If they were lucky, Celine was hoping they wouldn't have to meet this demented brat at all. Law had been staring at the poster quietly all this time, Celine was unsure what to think of it.

"… Law, are you alright?"

"Yes, I was just thinking," Law quickly nodded back. "So this boy will kill any pirates that arrives at the island?"

"Yes, apparently so," Gerald gulped. "But it could all be a rumor, people like to make things up. I just thought I ought tell you considering what you've done for me and my little girl."

"We appreciate it," Law said. "Would you happen to know how long the pose would set on the next island?"

"That I don't know, I'm sorry," Gerald shook his head. "But the trip should be around three days."

"If it's not too much trouble, would you help us load enough ingredients for the long journey?" Law asked.

The nerve of him! Sure Law saved his daughter, but he didn't have to rob this man!

Celine shot him a disapproving look, in which he ignored completely.

"I'd be happy too!" Gerald said. "Feel free to ask if you need anything else."

Okay, maybe he was 'happy' to do it, but that still doesn't justify Law taking advantage of him. The man rushed back into the kitchen and barked orders to the men inside, leaving behind Celine and Law.

Law remained silent even after Gerald left. He was obviously thinking about the newly learned information on the so-called Akayuki that they'll no doubt meet in the near future.

"You're troubled," Celine stated.

"Thinking," he corrected her.

"About Jareth?"

"Yes, amongst other things."

Seeing as she won't be getting much of a conversation out of him at the moment, Celine slid off the stool and made her way back to the noisy table. She didn't understand what he was so worried over. Sure, the kid was demented, but he was just a kid. What harm can he possibly do to a strong crew such as themselves? Well the boys at least, that little boy wouldn't be able to do a thing against them.

It's been a few hours since setting sail from Pangala Island. Raena had cried heaps over the thought of never seeing her beloved Law again, but through all those tears, she also found a quiet moment to threaten Celine to stay away from him. It was funny thinking a few days ago she was wondering if Celine was going out with Law. They had set sail right after dinner at the inn, so everyone was at relatively good spirits after a long day's rest.

Ryuu was up on the observation deck at the moment steering the submarine. Celine is supposed to go see him in a few minutes time to get on with the training. She's managed to talk Shachi, Penguin and Jonah into taking turns steering the sub while Ryuu helps with her training.

Celine pulled on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, not knowing how exactly she was supposed to dress for a training session. She decided on going barefoot rather than her heeled boots, it was too bad she didn't own a pair of trainers.

Once she was ready, she left her bedroom and headed straight to the observation deck. Stepping through the hatch, the first thing she noticed was the empty navigating seats by the controls. Celine panicked a little as she searched the room frantically. On the hammock, sleeping peacefully was Ryuu.

"What the hell!" she yelled, kicking the hammock. "What are you doing sleeping?"

"God, what the hell is up with you?" he sat up, rubbing his back. "It's not nice to come up to a sleeping person then kick him in the back, you know?"

"What was I to do?" she threw her arms in the air. "No one was driving this tin can!"

"This 'tin can' doesn't need someone to drive her twenty-four seven," Ryuu air-quoted her. "You push the right buttons and you can just supervise."

"That didn't look like any supervising I've ever seen before," Celine crossed her arms. "In fact, it looked more like you were slacking off."

"Details," he shrugged off. "Who's coming up here first?"

"Shachi… I think," Celine picked from the top of her head. "Does he know how to control this thing?"

"I guess we'll find out," Ryuu stretched his arms out. "Let's go."

"What? Now?" he nodded back to her question. "I thought you said supervision was-."

"I built this submarine, remember?" he looked back at her lazily. "Just follow me."

Celine gulped but didn't put up an argument. He was right, this was his submarine and he knows it better than anyone. It'd be pointless to argue with the man that built the ship. Not to mention, he'll probably use his twisted logic to counter any of her arguments.

Giving the empty seats one last glance, Celine climbed down the hatch after Ryuu. He yawned slightly as they made their way down the stairs, and through the corridor they ran into Shachi.

"Hey, you better hurry up," Ryuu patted his back lightly before sticking his hands back into his pockets. "There's no one steering the sub at the moment."

Shachi gave him a dubious look and ran down the corridor.

"You really are terrible," she mumbled as they reached the dojo.

This was the first time she's been to the dojo since joining the Heart Pirates. She's always heard the boys mention it, but she never had the need to go there herself. Ryuu kicked the large sliding lock open, and gave the door a light push with his hip.

Inside, the floors were wooden paneled and the room was lit brightly. There were weights and other equipment on one side of the room, and on the other mats. Celine stepped through and Ryuu directed her to the mats. He kicked off his shoes and walked onto the mat.

"Wearing your gloves again, Celine?" he finally took a notice of her appearance.

"Wouldn't want you to get hurt," she teased.

"Like you can anyway," he scoffed. "I doubt you can even hit me."

"Yeah? We'll see."

Ryuu smirked as Celine lunged for him. He avoided the first couple of punches easily, but soon found that her fists were flying faster and faster. One eventually landed on his stomach, and she grinned in glee.

"Okay… you're fast, I'll give you that," Ryuu smiled. "But that felt like nothing. I've fought a few girls before, but all of them had twice your power."

"Shut up!" she snapped. "Stop patronizing me!"

"No one's patronizing you," he sighed, rubbing his head. "Why don't you give me a kick? I'll even make it easy for you, I won't move an inch."

Celine's fists curled as she glared at him. Did he really think her that weak as to mock her? She'll definitely make him regret not trying to dodge…

Celine took a deep breath and took a step forward, swinging her other leg around into an arch. The kick connected with Ryuu's cheek and sent him crashing onto the ground with a loud thud.

'Okay, what?'

This completely caught her by surprise. Sure he said he wouldn't move (which he didn't), but was that small kick really enough to send him to the floor?

"… What the hell," he rubbed his cheek. "You can kick but not punch? Any other hidden talents I should know about?"

"Nope," she shook her head.

"So you're fast and you can kick, huh?" Ryuu stood back up.

"I did a lot of running around as a kid," she shrugged. "Guess all that running paid off."

"You better hope it paid off," he smiled. "Because you're going to try it out in a spar."

XoXo

Earlier, Bepo had ran down to the med-bay informing Law that Ryuu and Celine had begun their training session, like he had asked him to do. He's already seen Celine's Devil Fruit power, but he was curious to see if she really was hopeless as she claims to be.

Luckily for him, the dojo doors were left open, leaving a nice gap for Law to look through. Peering through the gap, he watched as Celine and Ryuu exchanged blows and dodges.

Celine wasn't as half as bad, she was keeping up quite well with Ryuu though he wasn't putting much effort in.

What caught his attention was that she was only kicking and dodging, but she was doing a fair job as she made it up with her speed. In fact, by the looks of things, she was moving faster than a normal person would be.

This intrigued Law to no ends, just by watching he was able to make some observations. Celine was faster than a normal girl her age, and she had no upper body strength but brilliantly strong legs. He wanted to examine further in detail… perhaps he'll ask for a physical examination.

Law smiled slightly as he guessed how she would react if he did ask. She'd probably turn red and try to hide her face as usual. Then after moments of staring at her feet, she'll eventually decline. He can imagine it already.

The submarine shook abruptly just then, causing Law to hold the wall for support. The shake wasn't terrible, but still enough to knock someone off their feet.

"Uh, sorry about that," the speakers buzzed. "If you're going to get mad at someone, blame Ryuu."

Now that he thought about it, it probably wasn't a good idea letting the likes of Shachi, Penguin and Jonah steer the submarine while Ryuu was helping Celine.

Law pulled himself from the wall, and turned back to the dojo. At that moment, he felt a slight twinge inside of him.

Seeing as they were standing in the middle of the room, with no support but each other. They had collapsed on each other, with Ryuu lying on top of Celine. The two stared at each other, wide-eyed, neither knowing what exactly just happened.

Law felt an unease growing inside of him as he watched them, the seconds ticked by slowly for him. Just before he could turn away, deciding that he's had enough, Celine acted first. Ryuu was kicked off and Celine immediately stood up, brushing herself off.

"What the hell!" she crossed her arms. "Don't go falling on people like that!"

"What, you think I wanted to fall?" he picked himself off the ground. "Not all of us have monster legs, you know?"

"Monster legs?" she repeated, sounding completely appalled. "Take that back!"

"No way," Ryuu shook his head. "You know what? For someone with such monstrous legs, it's only fitting you have a monster for a trainer. I'm going to get Bepo for you."

"What? Don't be ridiculous," she called after him, dropping her arms. "Bepo can't teach me anything."

"That, you're mistaken," Ryuu turned back to her. "Bepo happens to be our best kicker."

"Seriously?" she thought it over for a moment.

"Yup."

"Huh, you don't say," she replied. "Go get him then."

Law had ran down the corridor after Ryuu made even the smallest step towards the door. He really didn't fancy being caught watching the two, it'd be embarrassing and he'll have to come up with an excuse.

Once back in the safety of his bedroom, he sat on his armchair and took deep breaths. Thinking back to the incident that just occurred, that was the first time Law's seen Celine and Ryuu speak like that. They do seem on good terms, even playful perhaps. That was something she didn't sure with Law. With him she was all uptight and mouthing smart comments.

"Cap?" a knock came from the door.

"Hm?"

The door creaked opened slightly, and Ryuu popped his head in.

"Hey Law, you seen Bepo around somewhere?"

"I'm afraid not," Law replied, giving him a quick glance. "What do you need Bepo for?"

"Uh... it's a funny story actually," Ryuu pushed the door open wider and leaned onto the frame. "You know how Celine's probably the weakest girl on the whole Grand Line? In terms of strength, I mean."

"Sure."

"But she's got one hell of a fast kick," he pointed at his cheek. "Gave me a clean hit across the face. And I meant the fast part too, I barely saw her coming."

"So about Bepo…"

"Right yeah, Bepo kicks the best out of all of us," Ryuu shrugged. "Thought she could learn more from him than me. But if he isn't here then I won't take your time. See ya, Cap."

Law watched the door close dimly, and leaned back against the armchair. It wasn't like him to care so much over the small affairs amongst his crew. In fact, it wasn't like him to get so shaken up over a girl.

"Celine…" he murmured, closing his eyes slowly.

Still thinking of the frustrating girl, Law slowly drifted to sleep. Not knowing that she'll haunt his dreams too.

Pretty short chapter, the next one will be better I promise!

Dundundunnn… new character introduced!

A big thanks to Aiko Yamazaki for helping me with Jareth's character! :D

As usual, a thank to you to those that alerted and favorited.

valeries26 – I'll keep try to keep it that way, but Law's going to misunderstand their relationship :P Thank you for your review!

the everchanging – Thank you! I know, I'm tired of Celine being deadweight in fights :P At least now she'll be able to do something. Yeah, that's what I decided to do! :) Thank you for the review! :D

10th Squad 3rd Seat – Thank you! :)

indescribable music – Tehe, jealous Law is the cutest Law :P Thank you for reviewing!

Guest – I agree! Thank you for your review! :D

Aiko Yamazaki – teheh updated! :)

Death's Eternal Rose – She will get stronger throughout the series! :) For now she's going to train in some basic martial arts but she will try to develop her powers further on! Law is awesome, I completely agree! :D Thank you for the review!

Demeter13909 – It's about to get even more epic! :D

ladeste – Thank you! Really, that means a lot to me :) I'm happy you like her! The last thing I want would be a boring OC :P Thank you for your review! :)

xxOMGgalxx – Thank you! And yes, she will, but not any time soon. Right now I just want her focusing on not getting in the way during fights :P But when the time comes, I got all sorts of goodies planned out for her :D Thank you for your review!