Chapter Seven: Slingshot and Illusions
"Well I'll have you know those two men have caused us no trouble at all and unless you have some kind of proof, I won't be handing them over so quick" Morris took a quick drag of the cigarette, seemingly un-fazed by the attempted intimidation of the other man.
"Proof? Surely the safety of your crew is enough reason to pass us those two dangerous criminals!"
"Albeit the masked one seems a little off but he seems pretty close to Penguin; whose too young and sweet to be what you say, so I'll ask again, where is your proof?"
The pirate shook his head with a foul, grim grin and sighed.
"Here's your fucking proof" he snarled and with shocking speed whipped out a bulky gun and shot the supply shipmate in between the eyes. Morris fell with sickening thud and blood began pooling beneath his head, the crimson liquid extinguishing the cigarette that fell into it.
Penguin inhaled with a sharp hiss and went to launch himself forward when Killer grabbed him around the waist and shoved him into his chest.
"Don't even think about it" he breathed low. Penguin squirmed in the kid pirates grasp, stinging tears threatening to fall.
"Now, anyone else want proof? Fingerprints? Maybe a witness testimony? Or do you wanna give up the criminals?" the pirate glowered and the crew mates shuffled back.
"P-please, we can't let them die" Penguin tried to exclaim, words muffled by the material of Killer's shirt. The blonde actually pondered then, loosening his grip on the hat-clad man. But the crew would no doubt give them up soon so why wait for then?
Killer didn't even glance at Penguin as he let him go then turned and silently ran down the side of the cabin, away from the commotion. Penguin watched him go, broken-hearted as the man went about untying yet another unstable little rowing boat.
"We can't, please" the heart pirate darted after him, whispering desperately and grabbing his arm. Killer would wrench him away if it wouldn't cause so much noise. He looked to what he could see of the man. His parted, trembling lips and the scarring blush from his no doubt frantic attempts not to cry. Would the massacre soldier dare admit to himself that his will weakened for a second at the timid, kind display.
Fucking heart pirate messing around looking so sweet. Wait. No fuck that, he didn't have time, they needed to get out of there. Unlike Penguin, Killer had no problem expending a few lives for his own. But it seems they were too late. The booming clatter of the slingshot woman and barrel man came round the corner and the two pairs just stared at each other for some time before the girl lunged. Yanking her slingshot out of it's security, she removed a set of sharp looking rocks from her pocket and scooped them into the padding of the weapon, drawing it back she shot.
A shower of sharp shards came toward them with an horrifying speed. Penguin grabbed Killer and threw him to the ground with him. Simultaneously trying to yank out his own firearm as the girl loaded up again.
Killer made a gruff noise and got up flawlessly, pulling out the two swords he had collected and went for the woman. The barrel biceped man shielded her as he charged at Killer. Fist flying and going for the blonde's masked face with a thunderous whip. His knuckles were grazed with a bright flush of blood spraying onto the wood of the cabin as Penguin shot. Killer slashed into the junction between his shoulder and neck and he collapsed with a thud. But the blade was swiftly knocked from his grip with a shattering clang and went flying into the murky ocean. Killer looked to glare at the pony-tailed pirate.
All of a sudden a horrifying, slithering beast came round the cabin side. It was nothing like any normal animal and with its fangs and close-set eyes, went for the blonde. Killer's heart went wild and he stumbled back. Falling back as the creature's tail tripped him up by the ankle, skull cracking off the wood and pulling the kid pirate under.
"Oh no you don't, as if I can fight the girl alone" Penguin called, crawling over to the masked man. The girl? Shouldn't he be worrying about the great, legless monster?
Slapping the side of his mask in futile attempt, the hat-clad man and shaking him as though waking him for work. Killer sat up sluggishly but quicker than most men in his injured position. Through the holes of his mask he saw Penguin's nervous smile in the shadows but watched it turn into the shape of an 'o' as a rock struck his head. His body hit the deck and Killer watched with horror as he didn't move.
Law claimed to be little of a sleeper but he sure as hell was indulging in this nap time. He'd barely moved since the arm incident and Kid had, had to stare at the boring screen for god knows how long. The ocean outside was still dark and gave no evidence to the light of morning. Throwing his feet up on the desk and folding his arms over his chest, the redhead buried his chin into his chest for a few moments until his whole body was jolted forward by a new blinking sign on the upper half of the large compass. Shit, was this what Law meant?
Looking back in hope that one of the other navigators had seen it, there was no indicating bustle or speech that told Kid they had and the kid pirate rolled his eyes. Useless crew.
"Hrm...wha-what is it?"
A breathy huff and groan was head immediately behind the redhead who turned to his right to see Law standing sluggishly against his chair.
"This blinking spot came up, what does it mean?"
Law grabbed the headphones and effectively pushed Kid over the seat to sit in it, the magnetic devil fruit eater didn't have time to move as the surgeon of death more or less sat half in his lap. The dark haired man started speaking urgently into the microphone whilst drawing skilled fingers over particular buttons and keypads.
Kid could only sit back, watch and try not to get too distracted by the warm, sleepy smell of the man in front of him. Since this was their first indication their lost crew-mates were near he should have had better things to do then realise just how light the lean heart captain was in his lap.
Law got up with the grace of a cat and stormed over out the small room, chatting frantically with his navigators. Kid got up to follow, surprised and irritated when Law shot an order at him.
"Check the periscope, Kid" he left the room then and the redhead looked around blankly.
"...The pole thing in the middle" one of the navigators told him after Kid didn't do anything for a few minutes. Kid scowled with a minor thanks and took the periscopes handles and peered through curiously.
It was too dark at first but once the vision focused, he could see two ships in the distance, side by side with a few lights scattered about the decks.
"Just looks like some poor supply ship is being raided, why bother?" Kid muttered, to himself more than anyone else and the newly returned Law replied.
"Because they may be abducting people, suggesting it's the same pirate ship that took Penguin and Killer"
The redhead shrugged and blinked a few times, squinting through the periscope.
"We need to hurry then, the pirate ship is leaving!"
"On it" a navigator called and Kid started stumbling back to hit the wall as the submarine surged forward and up.
"Stay steady Eustass-ya" Law spoke and the redhead would snap back but the heart pirate seemed genuine and this surprised the more ruthless man.
"Alert me when we surface" Law called, running out. Kid returned to the small room to collect his coat and noticed Law's tell-tale hat so collected it in his grasp and went back to the main control area. The younger man only heard the surgeon of death though as he yelled for him to come. Kid darted after him, glimpsing the lean body disappearing round the corner further down the corridor. Charging up the stairs and into what seemed to be the entrance to the outside deck. Kid waited behind Law who clutched his sword eagerly.
The light above went from red to green and the instant it did, Law opened the heavy door and slipped out. Kid simply used his power to move the door all the way and was met with the chilling night air hitting his bare flesh. They were gradually approaching the pirate ship that was moving away from the supply ship and Law dug his hands in his pocket with controlled patience. The scruffy haired pirate started for a moment as a firm comfort was thrust on his head.
"Forgot this, Trafalgar" Kid muttered, moving his hand away from the hat he had placed on Law's head. Law said nothing but smiled in spite of the situation.
"So who the fuck are you then? Another slave master?!" Killer yelled, being restrained by several guards, he squirmed and jolted furiously. Glancing to the right every now and again to see the unconscious Penguin slung over the shoulder of the slingshot woman. The man laughed loudly, removing his hat and adjusting the large brazen belt around his dark brown trousers.
"Nah, not anymore...I'm doing a favour for a friend of mine...no doubt you've already met her" he smirked and Killer froze.
"You don't mean that fucking dental woman?"
"Mental or dental? Did you say?" the older man seemed truly perplexed for a moment or so.
"Dental, captain" the woman called and the man chuckled heartily.
"Well, it's not like there is much difference and if you are referring to Captain Arabella Mint, you are correct"
"Filthy bastard! You get a kick from this or something, the kid over there is gonna be a fucking sex toy if we go back there, you can live with that?!" Killer was getting pissed now. Sick of the way fate had twisted everything. It had all being going fine and then- with a low snarl he shoved a rather hard elbow to the man restraining him, feeling looseness for a moment before he was constricted with a painful force once more.
"Oh is he? Doesn't look like much" he wandered over behind the woman who adjusted the man on his shoulder.
"What do you think Pebble, he your type?"
"Wouldn't know captain, can't see his face" she chuckled and he smiled knowingly. Killer watched with dark curiosity now, as he struggled to see what the man saw as he seemingly slipped the hat from the heart pirate's head. It happened too quick for Killer to stop him and a stone dropped into his stomach. The guy had involuntarily saved his own identity before and now he had failed to return the favour.
A low whistle and the hat was placed back on. The man came from around the girl who seemed to be known as 'Pebble'.
"Well for your information blondie, looks like the lad is pretty aware of slave labour so I wouldn't worry about him too much" the man sniggered. Killer said nothing.
"Anyway, before we head off to the island, might as well introduce myself. Captain HurstSand Mirage" he gave a clumsy bow and stuck his tongue out with a wink.
"A little past my prime but you can never get old dogs like me off the sea"
Killer was more concerned with the mentioned 'island'.
The kid pirate kept his voice low and irritated, to come across as uninterested by the destination.
"Island?"
"Err...yeah, few miles from here. I'm gonna meet up with Miss Mint there and that'll be that" he smirked then gestured to his crew.
"Oh and blondie, did you like my little snake?" he purred, waving provocatively at Killer who cocked his head to one side before remembering with a shudder.
"Devil fruit eater me...illusionist...I like to think I work around people's worst fear and who knew such a combatant like yourself wasn't a fan of snakes?" he cackled. Killer shrunk back mentally and spat. The captain stopped his laughing and stood upright, adjusting his coat over his stubby body.
"Take em under, lock em up"
Killer could barely struggle as they forced him down the wooden steps and had only just made it beneath the main deck when a young man ran up to Captain HurstSand Mirage. He was very pale with no hair and pale lavender eyes.
"What is it Oasis?"
"There is a pirate ship approaching...some kind of submarine...seems to be of malicious intent as they are only picking up speed as though to get us"
The captain narrowed his eyes.
"Pebble!" he yelled and the woman turned from where she was passing Penguin to another shipmate to take under. The woman rushed over and followed her captain to the main cabin.
Killer snarled as he was thrown into a small wooden room, but braced himself to catch the heart pirate as he too was thrust in, the guards closed the door and bolted it before moving away. Well if this wasn't square one. Killer moved Penguin to the floor just under him and actually went for the locked door with a rage, only to find it wouldn't budge. Storming over to the lifeless body, he gathered Penguin into his arms, dragged him over to the wall and slapped what he could see of his face lightly. Urging him to wake up with rough grunts. Penguin didn't stir and just as Killer was about to lay him on the ground he looked at the younger man's face...properly.
What had the captain meant before? Used to the labour of a slave? How would he know just looking at the man's face? Despite the circumstances, Killer was overwhelmed with a curious desperation like nothing he had ever felt before. He was so intent on knowing the answer that he propped the heart pirate higher against the wall and sat infront of him.
Getting onto his knees, he leant forward, one hand on the metal behind the man's head and the other going to tug up the yellow brim of his hat. The guilt the blonde felt was immense. Penguin had never asked to see his own face and that was fair. The man had never given indication he wanted his own identity being revealed. Why should Killer take advantage now? The massacre soldier actually gulped. Penguin would never know if he was quick. Surely. With a quick inhale, Killer thrust up his hat without it being completely removed from his head. Killer blinked a few times before a jolt ran through his spine. Oh god.
"They know we are going for them, they seem to be preparing, what are we going to do?"
Law narrowed his eyes. Pushing his freshly returned hat down on his head as a harsh wind blew over from the waves, spraying the two with seawater.
"Keep going, we need to get closer, hell we need to try and tell them we only want to talk"
"That ain't gonna happen Law, these look like a nasty bunch"
"Whatever happens, wait until we are closer" the heart captain snapped. Kid hissed and took a few steps forward.
"Well I don't wanna be fuckin useless when the time comes so I'm getting ready" Kid raised his arms and the submarine groaned at the slight pull of the magnetic force. Law actually watched the redhead as miraculously, a few old ship parts and weapons flung themselves up from the sea into the night sky before adding to his arms. Law kept ahold of his own sword as the magnetic pull tugged at it. He then looked back over at the ship.
"They are heading to us now, get ready"
"That's what I'm doing Law" Eustass sighed. The clanging and brittle twangs matching the surge of the current around them.
"Looks like they don't fancy negotiation, I'm going to-" the heart captain stopped and after a few seconds Kid glanced over at him.
"Err...Law?"
The dark haired man started breathing heavily then made short, choking noises. The redhead could only watch as Law stared at his hands before him, horror in his eyes as he then started screaming. Waving his hands about violently and screaming.
"Whoa, Trafalgar, what the fuck?!" Kid refused to drop his metal arms even as the hat-clad man's knees hit the metal surface of the submarine.
"Eh, eh! Snap out of it! What's wrong?!" Kid was panicking. The ship from up ahead was moving away and the captain of this one was losing his freaking mind. Furiously dropping his freshly magnetised weapons, it all fell back to the ocean with thundering splashes and the kid pirate ran over to the dark haired man.
"What's going on?!"
"My-my hands...they're gone, they're fucking gone, oh my god" Law was shaking, looking for his hands with the fear of a child. Eustass looked at his very real, visible hands and narrowed his eyes.
"Don't play games you bastard, they're right here, look we are losing them!" he pointed out to the sea, grabbing Law by the collar but the doctor just went weak and spluttered.
"Fuck, fuck-" he gasped downwards. He then snapped his dark eyes up to the redhead, meeting his golden-brown eyes momentarily before snapping his gaze to his large pale hands. Collecting them up in his own he went still with confusion and horror when he felt the calloused shape of fingers around his non-existent ones. And then slowly, he began to see the tattooed flesh of his precious hands.
Watching them appear slowly, Kid could only witness the light return to the older man's eyes and his body calm down.
"Look, they are there...okay? Calm your shit" Kid growled, but his voice was quieter and softer than usual and as he tried to move his hands from Law's, the doctor resisted and gripped his tighter. Kid stood, dragging Trafalgar with him but the lean man's legs gave way and he hit the ground hard. Bowing his head he exhaled ruggedly.
"We lost them, I'm sorry" he admitted and the redhead rolled his eyes and dragged the dark haired man close to pull him in his arms bridal style and got up, heading to the door.
A/N: It's really hot today, unusual for Britain but great!
I know I said less Kid and Law but that moment, it just came to me! I ran out of space to continue with Penguin being unrevealed but I reckon it makes a pretty neat cliffhanger. And well what will we learn about Penguin!? I hope I make him out to be interesting or appealing to y'all, if it's not already obvious I am a sucker for build-ups when it comes to an intimate relationships.
-LAW09
"I can't wait" Guest: Aww, your excitement put a smile on my face so thank you so much for the review!
"Idea at the End" Guest: *Exhales with relief* Oh, I am glad you think so, I was tentative about it because Law is such a composed person but I think something like that might momentairly tip him over the edge, It's good you liked the fear idea itself and your reasonings are exactly what I was aiming for! I am glad you are not confused with the switching between Kid/Law, Kil/Pen and that you are enjoying it, thank you so much for the review!
"Law losing his Hands" Guest: *Exhales with relief once more* I am very happy you think so, hahaha, I was nervous about what to choose so I'm glad you appreciate it, thanks so much for the review!
yujonokage: I love them together too! I can't remember what got me hooked but I think it's so sweet, it'd be so cool in the series if Kid/Law kept with their rivalry yet their first mates were in love, SQUEAL. I'm glad you like my writing and story, thanks for the review!
Myde the Turk: Mixed feelings are always good, ahah, I hope that what I decide for Penguin's appearance is remotely appealing or makes any sense, I am glad you are excited and anticipating! Thanks for the review!
Thanks to all my favouriters and followers!