A/N Slight warning that the next few chapters contain a few references to possible assault but don't panic too much. It might not be what you think.

Chapter 4

Law walked towards the man he had hated for half his life. In a detached way he wondered how many people had underestimated him looking at those outrageous clothes, not that Corazon had been much different. Even now thinking of Cora-san made a hole in Law's heart. To think, he was even vaguely contemplating making his murderer the most powerful man in the world.

Doflamingo was clearly thinking the same thing as that obnoxious grin slid off his face.

"Oi, Law! Why are you coming closer? Don't think you can trick me. Dismiss your ROOM now."

This time it was Law that smirked. "Idiot. I need ROOM in place to perform any technique, especially the 'Perennial Youth Operation'."

Doflamingo's brows knitted together and veins popped up. "I don't trust you."

"Really? I'm hurt, Doflamingo. I thought I was like your little brother after all."

"Cute, Law. But if you want Nami-ya back, you'd better not try anything."

Law could hardly look at the orange haired navigator.

I can't believe she's gone through the same thing as me. She always seemed so carefree…That must have been why she went to such lengths to save those kids on Punk Hazard…

He forced himself to glance at her, imprisoned in Doflamingo's arms. If he hadn't already been incandescent with rage, the sight of that butcher touching her like that would have sent Law over the edge. She'd clearly been abused in some way with that many injuries but she still seemed sanguine and ready to fight. Her beautiful face was marred by scratches and bruises and smudged with grime but her eyes were emphatic.

Switch us! She seemed to say.

If he managed it, it would be perfect. If he failed, both of them would likely be dead, along with his crew.

Can I risk that many lives?!

His former boss was taking no chances, his hand was flexed tight with the gossamer string attached to Nami. Blood vessels were pulsing in his forehead. He had been pushed too far. If Law messed up now, he would slaughter them all.

But I have to make a special motion to take the hearts out. It takes a few seconds to switch. In that time, he'll kill everyone! Damn it, Nami-ya, why didn't you let me free you when we had the chance!

"Law, what's taking so long!"

"You'll have all the time in the world soon, don't be too hasty." Law snapped, trying to think. Even if he freed Nami, Doflamingo would likely kill his crew instead as punishment. He needed to play for time…

"How do I know you will let them go when I'm gone? Let Nami-ya go at least, she's no threat to you."

"Won't the Strawhats come for her? Which reminds me…how did they do against Kaido?"

"Kaido! The Yonko?" Nami exclaimed.

"Ah that's right, I'd already taken you by the time he arrived. Well, at least you weren't there to witness their grisly demise fufufu."

"Law-kun?" Nami looked desperate.

"I told you before, they were fine when I left." He tried not to think about the power he had felt just mere moments in Kaido's presence. The fact that a punch that had sent Doflamingo flying, hadn't even phased the Beast Man.

"So Strawhat won't be coming for his navigator then…"

"I know you, Doflamingo. You'll kill them all after I do the operation just for revenge!"

"And what's to stop me from taking that revenge even if I set them free now. After the operation, no-one can touch me!"

"There are many ways to live forever." Law said. "An eternity in Impel Down perhaps?"

"Law!" Doflamingo snarled. "Do it now!"

"Let me see my crew first."

"As a last goodbye? How cheesy."

"You have to give me something, Doflamingo. If you kill me your best chance at immortality is gone. If you kill them your only way to blackmail me is gone."

"Only way?" Blond eyebrows quirked. "You've never seen me torture a man to death have you?"

Nami shuddered but Law stared him down.

"I'm a doctor, Doflamingo. I have a high tolerance level."

Silence stretched out as the two men looked at each other. The Shichibukai began twirling a lock of Nami's hair around his fingers. Law tasted blood on the inside of his mouth and realised he had bitten his cheek.

If he doesn't take his hands off her…

"Very well, Law. One last look. They're out the front. But if you make one suspicious move I will kill Nami then them."

"Alright I get it. But remember you need me unharmed to perform the technique."

"Why do you think you are still alive, brat?"

Law stalked past them and into the light. An ocean view opened up before him as he squinted, blue stretching off endlessly. Was that a ship he could see on the horizon?

"Ow!" Law turned around to see Nami being shoved out of the cleft on a leash of string. The threads had rearranged themselves round her neck with a second circle round her waist, holding back her hands. The chain around her neck reminded him of those disgusting World Nobles and their slaves which was no doubt the intention. Whatever happened to him, he couldn't leave her in Doflamingo's hands.

"Oi, Doflamingo! You said you wouldn't harm her!"

"I said nothing of the sort, Law, it was your crew we were talking about. Besides I'm not harming her, I'm helping her along."

"I'm fine Law-kun." Nami said, attempting to glare at Doflamingo without cutting herself further.

"There, Law, around the other side. You should have a good view from there. Fufufu!"

Dread curled in his stomach as he trudged round to the other side of the outcrop. The shoreline curved into a small bay crashing with surf. It would have been idyllic with the sunlight reflecting off azure waves if it hadn't been littered with parts of his yellow submarine. Law clenched his teeth at the destruction of his home but it was his crew that his eyes desperately sought.

The shouts he thought he'd heard earlier rose from the beach and then he caught sight of the Birdcage and his hapless nakama within. They were fighting the threads as they closed in, smaller and smaller. He could see Bepo, his large white form more visible, beating the cage with various weapons. The others were discharging bursts of Haki but it was no use. Several boiler-suited bodies washed against the shore in pieces.

"You bastard! You said you wouldn't hurt them!"

"Fufufu! I didn't say anything about what I'd done before, Law. You should be more specific."

"DAMN YOU! YOU'VE NEVER CARED ABOUT ANYTHING BUT YOURSELF!"

Doflamingo's grin turned down. "Does it make it easier for you, brat, to think that? YOU ARE THE ONE WHO ATTACKED ME! WHO ATTACKED MY FAMILY! YOUR CREW'S DEATHS ARE ON YOUR OWN HEAD, LAW!"

"Don't pretend you really care about your executives, Doflamingo. Everyone is just there to serve your needs! At least that snot-nosed cunt Trebol died without realising it!"

"ENOUGH LAW!"

Nami screamed as Doflamingo wrenched her bonds and blood poured down her as Law gasped. Doflamingo hurled her to the side and stretched out his arm to attack. It was just what Law had been waiting for.

"SHAMBLES!"


Nami hit the ground and instinctively raised her hands to protect herself. They came up around her as she rolled and her eyes widened in disbelief.

He did it!

A large rock exploded near her and the shards bit into her already lacerated skin, but she didn't care. At last she was free!

Raising herself with difficulty she saw Law and Doflamingo battling each other. Law's attacks were furious, trying to keep the Shichibukai from gaining enough time to destroy what was left of his crew. But Doflamingo seemed beyond rage. His entire face was red and his forehead a mass of veins. He punched and slashed Law viciously, hurling the rocks that he destroyed at the Heart captain in a deadly bombardment.

How is Doflamingo still going? Luffy must have beaten him up good for them to think he was defeated.

It was unbelievable the sheer strength and determination of the warlord. His fury usurped even Law's. Nami could see it was only a matter of time before he won.

She dragged herself up, hoping they had forgotten her in their clash and half running, half stumbling got herself back into the festering cave where she had been imprisoned. Remnants of string and blood lingered on the walls and floor. She ignored them to hunt for the Clima-tact.

Where is it?! I know it fell down here somewhere!

An explosion outside rocked the cave and parts of the ceiling fell, smashing just next to Nami.

Shit! I have to hurry.

But the trauma of what she had suffered was catching up on her and she swayed and almost slipped on the slimy floor.

I have to do this! Luffy wouldn't give up, neither would Law-kun!

Using a fresh burst of adrenaline, she forced herself on and knelt down, ignoring her body's protests, to search for the lost weapon.

More blasts hit and she ducked to the side to avoid more falling debris. The light from the entrance dimmed and Nami looked back in dismay.

The entrance! It's blocked!

Blackness enveloped her and her breath came in shallow bursts.

Trapped underground! No way out!

Whimpering, she clutched her arms as the ceiling rumbled again and dust and rubble fell on her head.

What do I do? Law-kun can't help me now. The next hit could bring the whole ceiling down!

She shivered, the cold darkness clinging to her.

Breathe, Nami breathe…come on, what would the others do?

Luffy - hold up the ceiling with his hands and smash his way out. Zoro - cut through the rock with his swords. Robin - use her devil fruit power to move the rocks from the outside. Law-kun…LAW-KUN!

"No, I'm not giving up! He needs me!" She shouted against the stygian gloom. Pushing herself up, she reached out a hand and touched a cool metal rod.

Thank goodness! She smiled and grabbed the Clima-tact.

Okay, I have to do this right. Do it wrong and the whole cave will collapse…

Using the staff to find her way through the fallen rocks, she made her way to where thin bars of light were cutting through the blockage.

I hope there's enough room in here!

"Weather Egg!"

The atmosphere grew hot and dense. As the pressure built and the cave was lit with bursts of electric charge, Nami bit her lip.

It's now or never.

"Science of Weather - Thunderball Tempo!"


The side of the cliff exploded outwards. Both Law and Doflamingo paused in their duel to look. Out of the steaming crater, billowed dark clouds, sparking with electricity.

"Nami-ya?!" Is she ok, I don't have time to-

Then she stepped out from amidst the storm like some vengeful goddess, the wind whipping her flame coloured hair. Doflamingo raised his hand to strike but before he could, Nami fixed him with a death glare and raised her staff.

"Thunderball Tempo!"

A monstrous bolt of lightning arced towards them. Law covered his face against the light and a wave of sound smashed into his ears, deafening him.

He picked himself up off the ground, blinking.

Gods, was it really that powerful? Wow. Wait, where's Doflamingo?

Looking around he couldn't see the infamous pink coat anywhere. In their fight they had made it halfway down the hill. Had Doflamingo escaped?

"There Law-kun!" Nami shouted, pointing to the base of the incline. Doflamingo had rolled all the way down. He rose shakily, smoke rising from his blackened coat and looked up at Nami with murder written on his face.

"Now Law-kun!"

He didn't waste anytime. With ROOM still engaged he thrust his hands out pulling both their hearts out. "Shambles!"

Nami hurled the Clima-tact towards him just as the change took place, then her face took on a twisted, incredulous look.

"You bastard, Law!" She cried and Law's mouth twitched. The body was the same, but with Doflamingo's base tones it was hard not to laugh.

"Being a woman suits you, Doflamingo." Law grinned as he caught the staff. "At least your clothes won't look so camp now."

"FUCKING BRAT!" Doflamingo cried and leapt down with Nami's fingers curved like claws.

Throwing Nami's weapon aside, Law swung with Kikoku and heard a high pitched cry behind him. The moment's distraction cost him the advantage as Doflamingo avoided and hit him with a Haki enhanced kick. Blocking with his sword, he realised that despite his disbelief and lack of Devil Fruit power, Doflamingo was adjusting to Nami's body quickly. His own stamina was a breaking point and his slashes grew weaker from the bullet wound in his shoulder.

If I don't bind that soon, I'll lose consciousness. He thought as he narrowly avoided another punch.

"Law-kun! Don't hurt my body!" Law almost slid on the gravelly slope as he turned.

If the vision of Doflamingo in Nami's body hadn't phased him, then the sight of Doflamingo's face painted with Nami's concern did. Law felt his flesh creep. He doubted that face had ever looked so genuine.

"Go to the sea! I'll switch you back." He shouted.

"I don't think so!" Doflamingo cut in and with a last ditch effort Law caught Nami's swinging fist and twisted it behind her back. No matter how strong Doflamingo's Haki he was still dealing with Nami's injured body. With a mental apology to his ally, Law wretched her arms and Doflamingo screamed in pain and outrage.

"It's over Doflamingo! You've lost!"

The Shichibukai sucked in a few breaths and then his shoulders fell. Suddenly they began to shake and for one bizarre moment Law thought he was crying when that familiar laugh burst out of Nami's mouth and echoed off the cliff.

"You've done so well, Law! I admire your determination…."

Law was about to retort sarcastically when Doflamingo pressed Nami's body seductively against him. Vomit burned in Law's throat and he pushed him away reflexively. Doflamingo swirled round and smashed a foot into his face. Law flipped over and tumbled down the hill, cursing himself for falling for such a cheap trick. He cried out as he hit several rocks on the way down and his vision blackened.

"Fufufu! How could you resist this body, Law! I certainly couldn't."

Hatred made him rise before falling again.

"If you've hurt her…" He croaked.

"Oh Law, from her reaction," Doflamingo said, caressing Nami's ample curves, "I'd say she enjoyed it."

"Bastard…how could you?!"

How it sickened him to see Nami's lovely face smile with such glee.

"Fufufu. I could tell you all the ways, it looks like you still need some education in that area. "

Law's stomach heaved again. He raped her?! Please tell me he's lying!

"Don't worry. I'll kill the bitch and put her out of her misery. After I take care of you." He raised a foot and brought it down on Law's head.

"Time to take my body back."


If Nami thought she had been in pain in her own body it was nothing compared to Doflamingo's.

How is he standing, much less fighting? His or rather her insides were mush, barely held together with string. The back felt like one solid bruise and there were numerous barely patched up wounds. After watching Law's duel and reacting to his attack which could have cut her own body in half, she had tried to heed his command and reach the ocean, but her injuries were too much. She had fainted from the pain and lain prone for goodness knew how long.

A scream and falling pebbles against her face roused her. Opening her eyes she woke to a field of red.

Shit, my eyes! Suddenly remembering they weren't her eyes and their owner wore red glasses calmed her racing pulse.

Ugh, I'm in Doflamingo's body. I hope mine's alright…

Clenching her teeth she struggled to get up and caught sight of herself striding down the incline towards her. Nami blinked.

Is that Haki? She thought, noticing dark skin covering her right arm.

Crap, it figures the moment we switch, he's able to use his powers in my body but I have no idea how to use his and his body's a wreck! So much for levelling up!

In desperation she raised an arm and willed that devastating string to emerge. Doflamingo paused.

Nothing happened.

Come on! She thought and frantically waved the hand, ignoring the pain from other parts of Doflamingo's body.

"Fufufu" He laughed at her. "You need to practise Nami-ya. It's skill not luck."

"Stop laughing like that in my body, you shit!" She spat, trying to back away slowly.

"And what a lovely body it is! But I'd prefer my own, it's nice seeing it in its full glory from the outside." Doflamingo raised a fist. "Sadly I'm going to have to wound it a bit more."

Shit! I can't lose this chance! How did Luffy and Robin say how they got used to their powers? Aa! I'm just going to have to go for it.

Focusing on the idea of string with all her might, she pointed at her doppelgänger and said "String bullet!"

"Fufufu, you can't-"

It was weird to see her own face crumple and scream with pain. Nami clutched her own shoulder in response and then smirked.

YES! That's for Law-kun and Momonosuke, you bastard! Oh crap, I hope I haven't hit a vital spot!

As much as she wanted to pay Doflamingo back, he was in her body and neither of them could take much more of a beating. Without waiting to see whether he was following her, she stumbled through the trees towards the beach.

I hope Law-kun's ok!

Every breath was a labour and the strings within the Shichibukai's body were failing. She was beyond pain and the edges of her reddened vision kept flickering. Eventually, she had to grab each tree to keep going.

An inarticulate screech and a crash of branches told her Doflamingo had entered the bank of palms.

Can't stop.

She pointed her finger behind her and fired wildly to keep him back but she barely had any energy to go forward let alone fight. The threads within faltered again and she threw up as her stomach cramped and spasmed.

Focusing the last bit of energy on the internal strings she staggered out on to the beach with Doflamingo close behind.

"Law is unconscious, he can't switch you once you are in there!" His frenzied voice called from her own mouth. "Stop, you crazy bitch, or we'll never get our bodies back!"

Doflamingo's wretched dress shoes kept sinking into the sand. In despair she kicked them off and lurched on towards the welcoming waves. There was a ship anchoring just off shore and a longboat heading towards her but the sail had no emblem so she had no idea if it was friend or foe.

One of Doflamingo's henchmen?

"I'm going to rip you apart, you little slut, if you don't stop!"

Fire bursts came from the vessel as a black figure hurtled towards them.

Could it be?

A abnormally long arm followed and extended past Nami as she teetered and almost collapsed with joy.

Luffy! Sanji-kun! They're alive! She thought at the same time as Doflamingo hissed "Strawhat! Why won't he just die!"

The arm grabbed a palm and her captain propelled himself towards her just as Sanji flew in.

"Guys!" She shouted ecstatically.

Wait, why do they look so angry?

"Diable Jambe - Flambage Shot!"

"Gomu Gomu no Rocket!"

They think I'm Doflamingo!

"NO!" She cried as her crew members' attacks smashed into her and she blacked out.


Thanks as always for your reviews. Feedback (especially more detailed feedback) keeps me enthusiastic and also helps my development as a writer so if you enjoyed please consider telling me why or even if you have criticism as long as it's constructive and not pairing related/flaming etc. :D I'm really busy with University stuff at the moment so I can't respond individually but I really do appreciate each and every one.