One Piece

The Five Second Rule

Chapter Thirteen: The White Demon

For a man that was supposedly sick, Sei moved swift and quick. Every single kick he would dodge effortlessly. It wounded Celine's pride a little, knowing that he's been avoiding her this whole time they've been at it without so much as making a move towards her.

"Why aren't you fighting back?" she growled.

"… You're a woman," he stepped back just before her foot hit his cheek. "I don't like fighting women."

"That's not fair," she panted as she took a few steps back. "It's not like you're without any handicaps. You've got to take daily needles just to stay alive, I'm sure that's more of a burden than me being a woman."

"… I don't want to fight you," he looked away. "I'd much rather fight Trafalgar."

Celine held back a comment, and just took the chance to take a better look at Sei. The man was thin and pale, even his hair was a vibrant light silver; if it weren't for his striking ocean blue eyes, the man would be white all over.

"Well I can't help the fact that I'm a woman," Celine called.

"True," he nodded. "You want to know something else?"

"What?"

"You won't beat me," he eyed her slowly. "You're too slow – much too slow."

"Then I'll just have to get faster."

"Good luck."

Even at such a situation, he managed to mock her so. Celine growled as she lunged her stronger leg forward. Her kicks have gotten much stronger since she last had a fight; the only problem here was that they're not landing. If a hit were to land, then she'd probably send him flying and have the advantage.

Left. Right. Left. Right.

Celine kicked at a steady rhythm, with each kick getting slightly faster than the last. She had always been a fast runner, much faster than her brother and sister; but this man here was just insane. He'd dodge out of the way even before she lifted her leg.

"What's your power?" she panted, stumbling backwards. "Is this how you avoided Law's attack earlier?"

"I didn't avoid anything with Trafalgar, his attack hit me straight on," he shook his head, jerking his head just in time before Celine sliced her foot down. "But, I am avoiding you though."

"How? How are you predicting my moves?" she frowned.

"I'm not sure…" he gave it some thought. "I've got good hearing? Maybe I'm psychic? I don't know."

"Are you messing with me?" she frowned.

"No," he stepped away from her. "Can we please not fight?"

"What is your deal?" she cried. "If you don't want to fight then don't! Leave that group of yours!"

"I can't."

"Well, why not?" she frowned. "And don't say because you belong to them, because you don't."

"… I don't remember well," he shook his head. "They took me in…"

"Who? Toni? Gin? Olive?"

"Not them," he murmured.

Celine felt as if she was going in circles speaking to this man. It wasn't a waste of time trying to speak to him, but she could tell it's taking him a lot of effort just to recall his past.

"Wait, you're sick right?"

"Yes."

"My captain- Law, he is a doctor," she took a step forward.

"I already have medication."

"Where are they from?"

"… The boss."

"Well maybe Law can treat you so that you can leave the island," she proposed. "And he's a good doctor, he managed to cure a little girl from a deadly disease."

"You say he can cure me?" Sei's eyes lightened up slightly. "What do I have to do?"

"Leave Toni."

"I can't do that," Sei looked away.

Now we're back to square one. From what she's gathered, it seems he just feels obligated to serve the people that has taken him in. He didn't seem awfully fond of Gin or Olive, but perhaps there were others before. Others that now weren't here.

"Are we fighting again?" he frowned when Celine stepped over.

"I don't see another way!"

Celine put everything she had into the next kick. Using the strength of her body weight, she swerved her foot over her shoulder. It was a far-stretch considering all her past attempts with Sei, but if she didn't hit him with this one, she might actually break down crying and give up.

To Sei's surprise, he wasn't able to react as quickly as he usually did. He still saw the hit coming but by the time he did, she was already inches away from his cheek. Pulling back immediately, Celine's kick only scraped the knick of his chin.

"…" Sei rubbed his chin. "You got faster."

"Trust me that's not the only thing's that's improved," she grinned, tugging her trainers off along with her socks. "The next time I hit you, you're as good as dead."

"Yeah? And why's that?" he stared at her toes. "I thought you were Devil Hands, not Devil Feet."

"The marines got some facts wrong," she shrugged. "But just keep in mind that if I touch you, you die."

"And you think you'll be able to hit me?"

"I got you that time didn't I?" she smirked. "But I've had enough of talking."

Celine charged towards him, kicking back and forth over and over. Now with new-gained confidence, Celine felt herself going faster and faster but he was making it difficult by moving quicker than her with every attempt at hitting him. Those clogs of his clicked as he moved. It was annoying as he's able to step away seconds before any of her kicks hit.

One hit was all she needed; she can end all this with one swift kick. It was too bad he was making this so difficult for her. She didn't want Law (or anyone) having to come rescue her after she said she'd be able to handle this man. Celine wanted to prove that she wasn't just all talk and no results.

At last, at the brink of giving up, Celine managed to catch him off-guard. Swinging her leg around as fast as possible, it looked like it's going to make a clean hit on his cheek. Unable do stop her, Sei's eyes widened as he watched her foot approaching. Judging by his expression, Celine knew she was going to hit him.

With a large grin, she twisted her leg giving herself a better angle to strike him. She thought she had won the moment her toe reached his skin, but instead of feeling the warm flesh, her foot flew right through his tensed jaw and out of his chin.

'What the hell!'

It was as if he'd suddenly turned untouchable. Everything suddenly made sense; how he was able to come out of Law's 'room' intact.

"You've eaten a fruit, haven't you?" she asked, stepping back in caution.

"… I suppose," he rubbed the back of his head. "I don't do that very often… it's very rare that someone keeps up with my pace to actually hit me… well done."

"How do you not know if you've eaten a Devil Fruit or not?" she frowned. "You're poking fun, aren't you?"

"Oh no, please don't think so," he looked up to her. "Of late, I'm just not remembering things very well. I don't even recall names of the important people in my life."

"You know Toni."

"I see him often," he shrugged. "It's the people in my past."

"Right…"

Celine wasn't fully convinced with what this man claims. It wasn't as if she felt he was a bad person, he did seem genuinely lost and confused about his past. But it was the fact that he insists on helping a group that he felt nothing for. Then of course there was his lack of knowledge on himself; being a Devil Fruit user too, it seemed almost ridiculous not knowing about your own power.

If Celine had to make a guess on his abilities, she'd say it's not a logia fruit but a pharmacia type. She'd spoken to Law after their encounter with Jareth about the different fruits. If Sei wielded a logia fruit's power he'd have an element, and it didn't look as if he had anything out of the ordinary apart from his ability to phase through things.

That ominous feeling she felt earlier had to be this, Sei was looking more and more like a formidable opponent. But still, she wasn't going to give up just like this. In fact, now that she knows what she's up against she's feeling better about her chances. It's much better than parrying him whilst being wary of what he's capable of.

Taking long deep breathes; Celine narrowed her eyes on the man stood in front of her. There must be a weakness somewhere, everyone had one; hers is her weak arms, Kane doesn't think before rushing into fights and Ryuu plays around too much before he gets serious.

Like before, it didn't look like Sei wanted to fight. He was waiting, giving her the time she needed before she decides to run at him again. It was no use just standing here watching him, if she really wanted to learn his weakness, she'd have to go confront him.

Celine took another deep breathe before running ahead. Though her kicks were technically 'landing', her feet slide straight through Sei's body. It's not just his head, but the same goes for all parts of his body. When she tried to attack his arm, her foot just phased straight through his clothed arm and waist.

The very first time her kick hit his chin was when she caught him off-guard. She'll probably have to do the same again. There wasn't a lot more she can do to surprise him though; he already knew how fast she could go and have an idea of what her powers are.

Gripping her fist, Celine prepared to throw them at him. She had no upper body strength, but he didn't know that. If maybe, she manages to surprise him with a quick lunge with her fist, she would be able to kick her dominant leg over quick enough so that he can't react.

That is exactly what she did. He dodged her fists easily, but didn't see the kick coming. With a small frown as he held his bruised jaw, he stumbled backwards, clogs clicking away soundly as he did. For a sick person, he handled one of her best kicks pretty well. No broken teeth or bones, just a really red cheek.

"Ow…" he mumbled, taking a step forward. "That hurt."

-Clunk-

-Clunk-

Celine looked down to his feet and stared at those annoyingly wooden clogs. For the whole time they've been fighting, those blasted things have been clicking away to the wooden floorboards. It would have been fine if he were just walking, but he was talking actual heavy steps in order to evade her.

'To evade me…'

Then it hit her.

Sei's clogs have been clicking the whole time they were fighting – even the times he was phasing through he attacks. So it meant that when he's phasing through her attack, other parts of his body were still tangible. In order to keep himself from falling through the floor, his feet have to stay solid on the ground. If she were to get him flat on his back under her, he wouldn't be able to phase pass her as he risks dropping to the deck below.

Hoping her theory would work, Celine headed towards Sei with a newfound determination. Once reaching his vicinity, she dropped down and swiped her leg down to his feet before he could even react. Miraculously she successfully toppled him off his feet completely. He landed backwards with a loud thud, and Celine crawled on top of him, pinning him down.

"Wow…" he murmured. "This is the first time someone's got me down."

"Be quiet," she hushed. "It'll be over soon."

Placing her hand on his cheekbone, she glared at him hard as she waited. From all the time her powers have to work properly, it just had to be now. Surprisingly, he didn't seem all that concerned about getting her off; instead he just lied back and waited for whatever she had planned. It wasn't until five seconds when Sei started stirring beneath her.

Sadly for her, Sei had another trick up his sleeve. Gathering all the strength he had left, Sei pushed forward through Celine's chest and stood up. It was difficult getting the right balance between tangibility and intangibility on his body, especially with after having most of his life drained by Celine. Sei panted heavily as he took heedful steps back from her. She had tried to kill him, and would have almost succeeded if he hadn't acted quickly.

Celine was still on the ground, staring at where Sei had just been with disbelief. Her lack of control over her own abilities were really starting to get to her, first with trivial matters like cuddling with Law, and now in a serious fight bridging life and death.

Sei watched her carefully. He may be lost and confused about his past, but this was the present now. If she was giving everything she had into killing him, he'll return the favor gladly. He pulled off his suit jacket and rolled up his left sleeve.

The moment Celine turned around after getting up, she felt a thrust into her chest. Looking down to her breasts, she saw a pale arm struck into her body. It was painful – it was painful just watching, but in reality the feeling of having your heart grabbed was incomparable to anything she's ever felt before.

"… Let go…" she held his forearm. "I can't-…"

This was the second time he's held a human's life in his bare hand. He didn't even want to think of how gruesome the heart must look; the feeling of the beating organ in his palm alone was enough to sicken him. Now that she's got her in his fingers, he wasn't sure what he should do with her. The first time he had someone's heart at his disposal… he ripped it out without thinking twice. He didn't feel the need to or the same hatred towards Celine though… but whatever he decides he should act fast before her heart stops.

"Hm…"

'My life is in his hand and he's being indecisive?!'

Celine winced when Sei squeezed her insides. It was getting harder to breath by the second, and she couldn't move in risk of him tearing her heart from her chest. Her eyes were beginning to haze too; it was difficult just to focus on his blank features.

"Let me go…" she coughed. "Please… let me-."

"I die if I touch your skin, right?" he asked. "Answer me!"

She gave him a weak nod.

"How about we die together?" he whispered. "The moment I feel my death coming, I'll pull your heart out. It'll be quick and painless."

Death seemed like a kind mercy now after a minute of having her heart seized. If she could reply she would have said yes.

"Hm…" he reached his free hand for her face. "I wonder what it'll be like… to finally end it."

Forcing her eyes shut, Celine waited for what awaited her. The end that she's going to share with a stranger… it didn't seem very befitting, but it wasn't as if she could think of a better way to die.

The throbbing sensation was still there, but Celine looked to have lost consciousness. Gripping Celine's life tighter in his hand, he leant forward towards her face. In seconds everything will be gone – all the pain, the medication, and the loneliness; he'll be able to leave everything behind. He leant in for his very first and last kiss.

"Mister Sei."

"…" Sei grudgingly turned to face the voice. "Trafalgar."

"I've killed your boss," he took wary steps over. "You're free from his rule, so now if you would release my crewmember."

"Toni is dead?"

"As dead as one can be."

Sei watched him closely, trying to catch on any small movements to indicate if he was lying or not. Once determining the truthiness in what he claimed, Sei pulled his hand out from Celine. Like all the other times he's reached into a person, his retracted hand was covered in thick blood.

Law ran for Celine before she would hit the ground. He caught her by the shoulders and he rested her on his lap. Nothing looked out of place on the outside, but Law was worried what kind of problems might be taking place on the inside.

"You're not going to fight us anymore?" Law asked when he noticed Sei watching him perform the examination.

"I never wanted to in the first place," Sei murmured back. "Is she alright?"

"She's unconscious," he told him. "Probably from the lack of blood circulation, but she's at a stable condition. She'll be out for a while though."

"… I see."

"What do you plan on doing now?" Law looked to him. "Now that Toni's dead."

"I'm not sure… I wouldn't mind leaving, but I won't get far without my medication."

"Should I examine you?" Law rolled his sleeves down and picked Celine up. "I'm a doctor."

"Yes, that's what Devil Hands told me," Sei nodded. "But it's quite alright, I've caused nothing but trouble for you."

"You let her go when you have every means not to," Law spoke as he gave her a quick glance. "As her captain, let me return a favor."

"You're surprisingly a reasonable man, Trafalgar," Sei sighed, stepping towards the edge of the deck. "I'll get rid of the rest of Grenadine's men first. I'll then come back."

"Sounds fair."

Even though Sei has said he wasn't going to fight them, Law wasn't entirely convinced. The man was all kinds of fucked up; he may not be evil, but he's certainly no saint either. Law couldn't tell what exactly his condition was, but it looked as if it's gotten worse for him over the years.

Picking up Celine's discarded trainers on the way, Law made his way downstairs.

XoXo

The fight with the Grenadines ended really abruptly with one of their leaders showing up from nowhere and slaughtering every single one of his remaining subordinates. He had insisted he made peace with Law, and asked for rest of the crew to return.

They were now assembled on the first deck waiting for their captain to return from the med-bay with Celine. Everyone was still well on guard, keeping a distance from Sei. It also didn't help that Sei now carried the katana Gin dropped earlier in the fight. The katana was propped horizontally on Sei's knees, and with his arms crossed as well, the man gave off an intimidating aura.

"I mean you no harm now that the Grenadine boss is dead."

"Why exactly did you turn on your nakama?" Kane asked.

"Did Celine beat you?" Penguin called from across the room.

"… No, I almost killed her."

"You what?" Kane exclaimed.

"I had her heart in my hand, and I was going to yank it out."

"Not cool," Ryuu grunted. "And Law let you off?"

"Seems like it," Sei looked at him. "He's also going to treat my illness."

The boys exchanged looks. Not only has Law let him live after he almost killed Celine, but now he was going to treat him too? It seemed a little too far-stretched. No one has actually seen Law since they got back; they had taken Sei's word for it and came back with him. Everyone grew uncomfortable as they realized the same thing.

"… I'll go check up on the captain," Kane stood up.

"Wait no!" Shachi cried. "I want to go!"

"Don't be ridiculous, something so little can be done by me!"

Shachi, Penguin and Jonah all began scampering for the door. It was a little embarrassing how afraid they were of Sei. Kane sighed as he sat back down next to Sei.

"I'm going! I'm going!" Penguin cried, shoving past the two. "I'll go check up on-."

"That's not necessary."

Law came from the dark stairwell, almost scaring the living daylights out of Penguin. The captain surveyed the room dully, but gave a knowing smile towards Sei.

"Celine's just fine, everyone," he sat on a free seat. "And I hope you've all been treating Mister Sei well."

"Mister Sei, you mean the guy that tried to kill Celine?"

"He had his reasons," Law gave Ryuu a glance. "I understand fully why he did what he did."

"I'm going to check up on Celine."

"She's in her bedroom," Law watched him go.

Ryuu headed downstairs and through the still corridor. It took no genius to guess that Ryuu was upset; if it were he in Law's place, he would have killed Sei without a second thought after his attempt on Celine's life.

Entering her bedroom for the first time, he saw her small figure lying on the bed. Like Law had said, Celine was still out cold. As he got closer, he saw the Kairoseki necklace was placed on the nightstand next to her bed. He picked the chain up and watched the gem dangle.

Law hasn't spoken to Ryuu about it, but he knew that Law was aware of his feelings towards Celine. Placing the Kairoseki carefully into Celine's open palm, he slowly reached his other hand towards her cheek. Unluckily for him, the door creaked open just as he was about to touch her; he froze immediately and turned to the door, in fear that it was his captain.

"What are you doing here?"

"Here to pay my respects."

"Don't speak as if she's dead," Ryuu frowned as Sei stepped into the room.

"It wasn't my intention to offend you," Sei took notice of the chain in her hand. "… Who is she to you?"

"Just a friend."

"Really?" he picked the pendant up. "… She's with your captain right?"

"Yeah – they say otherwise, but we all know better."

"… Is it true that she can kill you with just her touch?"

"Well I'm sure you've experienced for yourself," Ryuu shrugged.

"… She told me so too," he murmured, dropping the chain over her covers. "That's so convenient."

"Convenient for what exactly? Killing?"

"No," he shook his head. "Convenient for me."

Ryuu eyed him warily; it was the first time he saw the need to be so protective of Celine since all other times Law's got it covered. But this time around, it was Law letting this murderer walk freely around on their submarine. If Law wasn't going to do anything then he'll have to.

"Why are you glaring at me?"

"I'm still trying to figure you out," Ryuu crossed his arms.

"Hm? Well by all means, ask away," Sei hummed. "I'm sure you have questions, and I'll be happy to answer them."

"… Okay, what's up with that katana? It's not even yours, right?"

"I keep it for sentimental reasons."

"Was it yours?"

"No… I'm not quite sure why but I feel attached to it."

"… Okay…" Ryuu accepted his answer with a light shrug. "You're a weird guy, you know that?"

"I do recall being called that before."

"Yeah? Well, whatever," Ryuu picked up the chain, placing it back on the nightstand. "We should leave Celine to rest."

"Hm… I agree."

This is kind of short because I decided to split up the chapter. The next chapter will be a flashback type of deal based around Sei.

Do review on this one too! :) Tell me how you liked the fight scene and development!