Pointless Report:

Gyahahaha~! Another chapter finished! In a recent poll, Trafalgar Law was ranked the 10th most popular character! *fangirl dance* I'm so happy! Speaking of polls, vote on my poll on my profile! Just click on my pen name and you should get to my profile~.

Just to help clear up any confusion in this chapter, Mariko's name means "Circle of Life"

See you next chapter!

Mariko paced, she needed to think. As soon as she was out of sight from the tent, she'd bolted into one of the tunnels. 'Just calm down, clear your mind and think about this.' She told herself.

Even though the clasp had a nightingale engraved on it, didn't mean it was referring to her nickname. Or that it came from the very island she was trying to avoid…her homeland. It could all be a coincidence, but…what the merchant told her made her nervous. 'It was made for you!'

'I need more proof before I can determine if he's an enemy or not. I can't jump to conclusions and worry Law.' She muttered to herself. She'd developed a habit of talking to herself, travelling frequently left her with little or no social contact with others, plus it helped calm her nerves.

She took off the bracelet hoping to find any clues. 'Alright, let's pretend that the merchant really is a spy. Of all things, why would he use a bracelet?' she asked herself. Excluding the clasp and its origin, there wasn't anything unusual about it. 'There has to be something…' she muttered.

She looked at the silver balls. All equal in size, weight and distance… 'I wonder…' She counted, 16 balls, her exact age. 'That's still not enough.' She thought about the color and material, silver and white gold…could it be referring to the moon or night? Hmm~, that could point to her position… It was starting to freak her out how much it represented her. 'Or you're being paranoid.' She told herself.

Why a bracelet though? Why not a necklace or a ring or a pendant…why a bracelet? Realization steeped into her mind. She knew why. The bracelet was always in the shape of a circle…her name.

'Shit…' she whispered.

-This is a time/scene skip…this is the only way Fanfiction'll let me divide things…Ignore this-

'It'll be dark soon, should we go look for her?' 'If she isn't back after supper then we should worry.'

The Heart pirates were waiting in the village square, there was going to be a feast to celebrate the harvest and then there'd be a dance until midnight. They'd already gotten the supplies they needed and had been invited to the feast. Now all they needed before they could really relax was Mariko. 'When she isn't here, she's usually up to something.' Jean Bart commented.

'I resent that.' Law turned to see her standing right beside him. 'How did you…?' he began. 'Hmm~?' 'How'd you get here? You weren't here a second ago!' he asked bewildered. She blinked, obviously confused. 'I came because you wanted me to come.' She explained. 'I meant how did you get here so quickly?!' 'Same way I always use when someone wants me to come.' She stated.

Law narrowed his eyes, this was getting him nowhere. She looked deep into his eyes. 'If you ever want me to come, I will come.' She said. Law blinked in response. 'Why are there all these people running around? Is something going to happen?' she asked changing the subject. 'There's going to be a feast and we've been invited to join them.' He explained. She looked at him questioningly.

'More like they're trying to keep an eye on us, they don't trust us.' She muttered. 'Just don't get drunk again!' she said accusingly at Law. He grinned. 'I make no promises.' He laughed.

-This is a time/scene skip…this is the only way Fanfiction'll let me divide things…Ignore this-

The feast went without a hitch. The Heart pirates didn't dare make a scene, not with Mariko watching their every move like a hawk. Everything went along fine…until the dance.

'Excuse me, may I have this dance?' Mariko looked up to see a young blond haired man smiling down at her. 'Umm, are you talking to me?' she asked uncertainly. The man's grin broadened. 'Yoko told me about you, my name's Aito.' He said politely. 'Charmed,' she said shaking his hand. 'As you may already know, my name is Mariko.' A feeling twisted in Law gut. He glared silently at Aito. The color drained from Aito's face.

'Unfortunately, I despise dancing.' She replied. 'Y-You despise it?' Aito repeated. She sighed. 'Yes, ever since my parents forced me to take lessons, I've detested it ever since.' She replied dismissively. Aito's face turned several shades of red before stumbling away. The feeling in Law's gut subsided and his face relaxed. He chuckled softly.

'What's so funny?' she asked taking a sip of her drink. 'It's just that I never pictured you a dancer. You don't exactly strike me as "dancer" material.' He said smirking. She raised an eyebrow. 'Is that a challenge?' she asked smiling. 'Actually it's more of a fact.' He replied leaning over his chair. 'I still know how… I just choose not to.' She replied offended. 'Sure you can.' He said rolling his eyes.

She chewed her lip in aggravation. Law's smile widened. He could practically see her debating whether she should prove him wrong. She immediately stood up. 'I'm going outside.' She announced. Law continued to smile, amused by her actions. She glared. 'It's not because of the dancing. I just can't stand being underground. I prefer to see the sky.' She said, her pale cheeks turning slightly pink. 'Then I think I'll join you.' He said standing up. 'I'd rather be alone.' She hissed.

Law tilted his head. 'Alright, I won't go with you. Instead I'll stay down here and order some more drinks, get drunk and have some fun.' He said cockily. She narrowed her eyes in obvious annoyance. 'Fine, follow me like a little lost puppy, see if I care.' She muttered walking away. Law smiled triumphantly.

-This is a time/scene skip…this is the only way Fanfiction'll let me divide things…Ignore this-

The night air was warm and humid, but after being cramped in a slightly stuffy cavern, it felt wonderful. The moonbeams danced across the lake and the wind brushed against the grass. The island was completely tranquil.

'Why do you hate being underground?' Law asked suddenly. Mariko avoided his gaze. 'When I was a little girl, I was trapped in an underground room for 8 hours.' She said softly. 'Now whenever I go under, it freaks me out…' she whispered. Law put his arm around her thin shoulders.

'You don't have to be afraid. You know that if you were ever in trouble, Bepo, Jean Bart, everyone else and I would help you.' He told her. He held her closer, she didn't object. 'That's what I'm afraid of. That's why…' she said trailing off. 'That's why you don't want to tell us about yourself just yet.' He said finishing her thought. 'I understand.'

'I'll tell you all someday, but it's just not the right time. I'm not sure if I can trust you.' She said shaking. A tear slid down her cheek. Law pretended he didn't notice. 'It doesn't matter who you are, it still won't change our opinions of you if that's what you're worried about.' He said gently. 'I don't want you guys getting hurt and knowing me is a danger itself.' She warned. 'I've heard rumors that a group of people from my homeland are after me. I don't want you guys getting involved with my personal problems.'

She laughed softly. 'What is it?' Law asked alarmed. 'I think I just figured out why Yukio bonded me with a pirate.' 'She had a reason?' 'Shut up and listen for a minute. For the past 10 years I've been running from the past. I never stopped to try to make any friends because I didn't want anyone mixed up with me.' 'So you're anti-social.' 'I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that.' 'Alright.' She glared at him.

'You know we're having a really sappy, heart to heart conversation. Don't ruin it.' He smiled and shrugged. 'Anyway~, by bonding me with you, she's forced me to socialize with an entire group of people, who I need to trust in order to live.' 'Great plan, forced socialization.' 'It also means that I have to stop running from my problems and face them.'

She sighed. 'This is going to be painful…' she groaned. 'Don't worry, we'll suffer with you.' She punched him lightly in the jaw. 'Jerk, like that'll make me feel any better.' He grinned.

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'Do we have everything?' 'I think so. We'll be setting sail soon.' 'That's good.'

Mariko was sitting beside the poison lake in a daze. The grass felt cool and relaxing, just what she needed to clear her mind.

First Yoko, then the merchant and the bracelet, she was so screwed. 'Why can't they just leave me alone?' she wondered. She could hear the crew loading the supplies on to the ship. Whether she liked it or not, she was one of them. She couldn't place herself as their nakama yet though, she didn't know them and they didn't know her. She was Law's slave, nothing more.

'Mariko-sama~!' She turned to see Yoko running towards her. 'You don't have to call me "sama", Mariko's fine.' She yelled. Yoko slowed her pace. 'Sorry.' 'It's alright.' Yoko fumbled with her bag. 'I wanted to give you this before you went!' Yoko said handing her a box. Curious, she opened it.

Inside was a strange entanglement of wires and metal rings. 'It's a puzzle. When you solve it it's supposed to look like a picture. I thought you might want it for when you're at sea.' She explained nervously. Mariko smiled warmly. 'Thank you Yoko, I love it.' She replied. 'MARIKO~! WE'RE SETTING SAIL!!!' Someone onboard yelled.

She gave Yoko one last smile before running towards the ship. 'May the gods, grant you luck!' she heard Yoko call after. Mariko felt her face twitch into a smirk. She was going to need a whole hell of a lot of luck if she was going to stay alive.

-This is a time/scene skip…this is the only way Fanfiction'll let me divide things…Ignore this-

Law stared out at the vast blue sea and breathed deeply. It was mornings like this he felt truly alive.

It'd been 4 days since they'd left Honjin Island and there was still no sign of the next island. Hopefully, the supplies would last until then.

'Hey Law, how long are you gonna stare at the sea for?' He turned to see Mariko walk beside him. 'Well good morning to you too.' He said laughing. 'Whatever.' She muttered. She leaned over the side of the ship. 'Careful, you'll fall.' He warned. She snorted. 'I've never heard of a master worrying about his slave before.' She replied coldly.

Law stared, dumbstruck. 'Where's this coming from?' he managed to ask. She shot him a glare. 'That's all I am right? You bought me, I'm your property. So why do you give a shit about what happens to me?' she yelled. He sighed. 'Maybe it's because I care? Did that ever occur to you? As for the slave, master part, why are you bringing this up now?' he asked calmly.

'I don't know!' she snapped aggravated. When she saw the surprised look on his face she calmed down. 'Sorry, I'm just a little sleep deprived is all.' She said slumping down on the floor. 'My nightmares are just getting more and more frequent.' She said staring at the ground. Law noticed light circles under her eyes.

He crouched down beside her. 'Do you want to talk?' he asked softly. She nodded. 'The dreams are all the same. I'm standing in the middle of a forest. I'm out of breath like I've been running from something. All around me, the grass and the trees are wilting all around me. A freezing wind blows and freezes my skin. The sun is swallowed by darkness and the sky turns black. The sea,' she shivered, 'turns to blood…' she finished shaking.

'Is there anything else?' he asked calmly. 'Screams…Ear piercing screams echo all around me…that's the part that terrifies me the most…' she whispered. Law squeezed her hand. 'Listen, go back to bed and try to get some sleep. Maybe the dream won't happen, but if it does, come find me.' He advised. She nodded silently. Law sighed. If only the girl would open up more, then they could understand and help her.

-This is a time/scene skip…this is the only way Fanfiction'll let me divide things…Ignore this-

Mariko reached into her backpack and took out an old photograph. Two smiling young girls holding hands stared back at her. One of the girls was a 5 year old version of herself. The other girl was younger, maybe 2 or 3 years old. The girl had chocolate brown hair and sky blue eyes. Both girls were wearing white tunics with golden belts.

'Keiko…' she whispered. 'What should I do…?'

-This is a time/scene skip…this is the only way Fanfiction'll let me divide things…Ignore this-

The sun set low on the horizon. The sky was painted shades of orange, yellow and pink and the dark clouds floated lazily. The Heart pirates were all in the galley enjoying their dinner when Mariko entered the room. Law looked up from his food.

'Did you have a nice sleep? You've been asleep all day!' He called laughing. She mumbled something before grabbing a plate for herself. 'It was alright.' She lied. After the dream had woken her up for the third time, she'd given up and just lay on the bed for the rest of the day. Obviously she looked rested enough that met Law's approval, because he'd turned his attention back to his meal.

'Any idea when we'll get to the next island?' She asked casually stabbing a piece of meat and putting it on her plate. 'No sign yet but the climate's stabilizing so we're probably getting close.' He replied swallowing his drink. 'That's grea-' She stopped mid-sentence. 'Oh no,' Law sighed, 'what's wrong now?'

'Danger.' she replied. 'There's a ship coming from the east side. I think it's a pirate ship.' 'And let me guess, you smelt them?' Law asked sarcastically. 'Actually I can hear them, they're screaming battle cries.' She corrected. Law laughed.

-This is a time/scene skip…this is the only way Fanfiction'll let me divide things…Ignore this-

'Do you see it?' 'It's just like she said. There's a ship headed this way!'

'Should we stay and fight them, Captain?' Jean Bart asked. Law smiled. 'I don't see why not.' He replied. The crew prepared themselves for battle, preparing the cannons, sharpening the swords and loading the pistols. Mariko was staring at the unknown ship with her telescope.

'Can you see their mark?' Law asked standing beside her. She nodded. 'It's a Jolly Roger, the skull has laughing eyes and there's a blood stained blade in its mouth.' She reported putting down the telescope. 'Can you see anyone who looks like the captain?' he asked watching the ship get closer and closer. 'I don't need to. I already know who it is.'

She glared at the enemy ship. 'The Sakki pirates, natives of the West Blue. Their captain is Aoi Hayato, bounty of 75,000,000 beli, he's known for using a single katana. He has light brown hair. Blue eyes, he's about 6"1 and is roughly 23 years old. ' Law blinked. 'How do you know all that?' he asked. She gritted her teeth.

'No, Yukio and I had to deal with them a few years back.' She growled. 'I wonder if they remember you.' He said smirking. 'It's possible. After all we do leave an impression on people.'

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'FIRE!' Law yelled. They blasted a cannon ball at the ship. The ships were getting closer now and the Heart pirates could see on board the ship. The Sakki pirates all had a blood thirsty look and growled as the ships neared each other. When there was about 8 feet between the ships, the Sakki pirates jumped onboard the Heart ship.

It was an all out brawl. There were gun shots, yells and mayhem everywhere. The smell of blood and gunpowder choked the air. Law ran about the ship using his devil fruit powers on various enemies. As he ran he saw Jean Bart smash two men, Bepo kick someone in the gut and in the heart of the battle, Mariko dueled with a pink haired woman. Sparks danced of the knife blades as they fought. Law had only a moment to watch before he caught sight of the other captain, Aoi Hayato.

The two captains ran at each other, both with the intention to fight to the death. The battle raged on for hours, neither side willing to yield to the other. Both sides were tired but continued to fight. Finally, Aoi Hayato yelled out. 'Trafalgar Law! My crew is tired and so is yours. Why not call a truce? Our thirst for blood has long been satisfied, so why not have some rest and celebrate a good fight?'

Law hesitated, he knew his crew couldn't last much longer but he wasn't sure he could trust Hayato's word. 'It's natural for you to suspect us. Therefore I'll be calling my crew back first. As for the celebration, we can discuss that after our rest.' He yelled after seeing Law's reaction. Law nodded uncertainly. Hayato signaled to his crew. Confused, the crew retreated back to their ship.

'Did they surrender?' Bepo asked. He was covered in blood, not all of it was his own, but he was otherwise unharmed. 'No, we called a truce. He wants to celebrate our fight after we've rested.' Law replied. 'Can we trust them?' Jean Bart asked joining the conversation, he wasn't as bloody as Bepo but he had a nasty looking wound on his arm. 'We can trust them…at least for now.' A voice said darkly. Law stared at the speaker.

Slashes were all over Mariko's legs and arms, her clothes were in rags. She had a large bruise on her cheek but carried herself as if there was nothing wrong with her. Her face broke into a grin. 'If you think I look bad, you should see Quadisa.' Law assumed she was talking about the pink haired woman he'd seen her fighting. 'I landed a few good stabs on her. Too bad they didn't kill her.' She sighed.

Law looked at her slightly alarmed. She smirked. 'She remembered me~!' she sang. She stretched out her arms. 'Law, you should check the others wounds, some of them look really bad.' 'What about you?' She smiled at his concern. 'I can take care of myself, you worry about the others.' She said shrugging him off. Law watched numbing as she walked off.

'Why is it so hard to tell whether she's lying or telling the truth?' Bepo asked scratching his head. 'That's just the way she is.' Law said sighing.

-This is a time/scene skip…this is the only way Fanfiction'll let me divide things…Ignore this-

Law yawned as he walked to his cabin. He'd just finished treating himself and the rest of the crew and he just wanted some sleep. He opened the door to his cabin. Mariko was standing in the middle of the room, wearing only a bra and some shorts. She was applying some green cream to her arms.

It wasn't her lack of clothes that caused him to stare. There were scars slashed all over her body. Some were faint, while others were slightly red, but what really caught his eyes was a large black tattoo that covered most of her back.

The tattoo was in all respect, simple. It had three straight horizontal lines with a single vertical line right through the middle.

Nervously, Law cleared his throat. Mariko's head shot around. She froze, her eyes widened. 'Oh shit…' she muttered. 'What happened…?' Law asked. He wasn't sure if he wanted to know the answer. She chewed her lip nervously and sighed deeply. 'Do you want to know about the tattoos or the scars first?' she asked putting down the cream.

'Let's start with the scars.' He said closing the door behind him. 'In the past 10 years, Yukio's been training me. These scars are just the result of that.' She explained taking a shirt out of her suitcase. 'What kind of training would that be? Training from Hell?!' he asked. If those scars were still visible after 10 years they must have been deep…really deep.

She smiled weakly. 'Actually, that's what she called it.' 'You're kidding.' 'Nope.' She pulled the shirt over her head. 'Now did you say "tattoos"? I can only see the one on your back.' He said sitting on the bed. Guiltily, she showed him her hands. Without her gloves on, he could see a large hollow purple diamond with a smaller diamond in its center. The two diamonds were connected at their points by lines. She had one on each hand.

'The one on my back means "king", it's to show I'm loyal to the royal family. The ones on my hands,' she smiled faintly, 'are my symbol, my mark that I made up.' She finished. Law smiled back. 'That's great Mariko.' She cheeks turned slightly pink. 'I-It's late, and we'll need some energy if we're going to deal with the Sakki pirates.' She said quickly. Law laughed silently. She was starting to open up.

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'Sir, we've just gotten a call on the Den Den Mushi!'

Bishamon sighed and ran his fingers though his short brown hair. 'Who was it? We made our report yesterday.' He asked. 'It's Tatsuya! He said he's found her!' the young man replied. Bishamon jumped to his feet. 'Is he sure? We need to know it's her before we take action.' He asked. 'He's sure of it, sir!'

Bishamon smiled. They finally found her. 'Set our course to Honjin Island!' He ordered.

The nightingale would be caught once more.