Chapter 21
Vergo ignored the crack as X-Drake collapsed to his knees, panting heavily as he tried to stand back up but he merely kicked him aside again, calmly looking down at the brat.
"I've broken your leg, you won't be able to get away." Vergo commented as he glanced over at the opposite corridor, hearing loud footsteps making their way slowly to their side so he turned away, ignoring the man as he made his way off. "You should just kill yourself now before it eats you."
"You and Doflamingo won't win this 'game'. There will always be something after his head and I hope they get it soon."
Vergo couldn't help but turn around at that and make his way back to the fallen brat, swiftly kicking his face to shut him up. Doffy wasn't allowed to be threatened by anyone as lowly as this little rat.
"Do not be so informal, that is 'His Majesty' to you or 'My Lord', I expected better of you Drake-kun."
And with that he turned away, knowing the beast would be here soon. He had gotten quite a distance away by the time he heard the faint screams of bloody murder and the sound of tearing.
Nobody could be allowed to stand in Doffy's way.
The alarms were pretty loud, Nami guessed it was warning them that the doors were closing as they rushed towards the exist Robin had found, Robin was ahead of them with Rebecca by her side. Nami and Usopp had the job of herding Zoro along who was still BLEEDING across the floor as they ran.
HOW DID THAT NOT HURT?!
"The doors are closing! We need to hurry up!" Usopp cried out as Nami looked over, yeah, this door was closing!
Robin was through, Rebecca was through, Zoro was through, the door was getting lower and lower and she had a feeling she couldn't make it-
She would be stuck in here with those monsters and-
However a hard shove pushed her further sending her to her knees, she was forced to tuck herself into a roll to avoid hurting her head just as she saw Usopp dived under, just making it through as the door finished sliding down, clamping shut.
"U-Usopp did you just push me?" Nami blinked, startled.
He shakily nodded at her. "You were starting to hesitate s-so I thought I could get you th-through in time."
"That was close... You could have been crushed..."
"He could have been, his head could have been crushed under the pressure of the door or his legs, we might have had to cut them off to get him away from the door before a beast tried to eat his legs on the other side." Robin mused.
Nami loved Robin, she was her sister but dammit, she was morbid.
"Ah, you guys all made it!" She couldn't stand yet, her legs were still trembling as Luffy and Franky rushed over, both with mad grins on their faces.
"That was SUUUPPPEEERRR!"
"WE ALMOST GOT CRUSHED!" Nami snapped, ignoring Luffy's laughter. "NOT TO MENTION SUFFOCATED!"
"LUFFY!"
Nami blinked as a familiar small brunette flung himself into Luffy, crying and sobbing while their Captain grinned at their doctor.
"Hey Chopper! What's wrong? We all got out safe and sound!"
"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" Chopper was wailing even as Robin made her way over, trying to gently pry him off of Luffy.
"Chopper, Chopper what's wrong?" Robin asked, she looked concerned as he tried to tug the boy away.
"Luffy." Nami looked over, seeing Law, Ace and Sanji-kun approaching-
Sanji-kun had such a dark expression on his face as he stared at the ground while Ace was biting his lip, looking completely guilty.
Something happened... But what?
"Oh my! That was an interesting battle!" Urgh, Disco again, just who she needed to hear. "We have three contestants now out of the battle! Firstly, this is apart of escaping the maze event, let's start with the one who ran through the doors last, Usopp!"
"...I-I got through them last?" Usopp suddenly paled as he flopped on to his back. "...All that work... I got through them last..."
"Next who failed at escaping the maze was X-Drake, he was devoured by the terrifying beasts inside the maze!"
Oh god, he was actually eaten-
Hadn't he been one of the better contenders as well?!
"And the other who failed to get lose from his restraints in the first half of this match and is now confirmed dead from the system check was Brook."
Nami heard a suddenly scream of rage as Robin suddenly snatched Chopper away, Luffy's hand smashing straight into the wall, the wall starting to crush on the impact.
"L-Luffy-ya." Law looked stunned while the redhead assassin swore.
"Luffy don't-" Ace pleaded softly but a familiar blonde simply laid a hand on his shoulder, squeezing to cut off his protest.
"Where is Disco?!"
"L-Luffy?" Chopper squeaked.
"I'm going back inside and I'm getting Brook!"
"Oi Luffy those things will eat you!" Usopp protested, horrified.
"I. DON'T. CARE."
"Luffy wait!" Nami managed to gain the courage to get up to her feet and rush to him, he would get himself hurt-
Attacking Disco would earn him the anger of Dressrosa and even if he managed that entering the maze again could get him very well killed-
There was simply too many monsters in there!
Between her, Marco and Ace they managed to hold him back admits Chopper's crying and everyone's mourning.
She hated this.
All of this.
"Fuck, that wasn't good." Kid grunted. "And just when I thought things were going well."
"That was terrible, you almost died, Luffy-ya just lost Brook and Doflamingo got the better of us again!" Law snapped, shaking his head. "Straw-hat-ya is a wreak right now! And Doflamingo is playing with the games behind everyone's backs and only keeping the elite's informed of it!"
"Wait they knew?" Kid crossed his arms as they continued their walk, heading the long way to the back gardens.
"The bastards weren't surprised at all when Doflamingo let out that little 'second-part' of the damned maze!"
"Any idea what we could do about that? If Doflamingo keeps the matches in some sort of notes that we could steal or make a copy of?"
Law shook his head. "Doflamingo and the people who run the games are the only ones who know what will be happening, considering they set everything up and they are all loyal to their King."
"So even if we questioned one of them they won't tell us anything?"
"No, they are more likely to report us back to Doflamingo to get us into trouble."
"Damn."
"Dammit I wish I killed Teach when I was fighting him." Ace hissed out, Zoro frowned at the other who was gritting his teeth, shaking with rage. "If I had been strong enough Luffy wouldn't be going through this again."
"Ace this ain't your fault-yoi." Marco the Phoenix was standing behind the prince, frowning down at the enraged brother.
Luffy was finally asleep, they managed to move him back to his room and now they were all gathered in the lounge of the suite, Chopper was asleep on Robin's lap while Nami was curled up against her side. All except Usopp, the guards immediately escorted him back to his sponsor before he could even do anything.
"We didn't expect this." Love-cook scowled, he was staring out the window, his hands fumbling to light up another cigarette. "We underestimated the competition and we've paid for it."
"We need to get serious. We aren't strong enough yet." Zoro clenched his fists, his Captain's screams and cries were haunting his ears.
"This 'game' will help-yoi." Phoenix stated calmly, his hand now on Ace's shoulder, squeezing.
"It just killed someone precious to Luffy. It isn't helping!" Ace seethed. "We need to take out Teach before we continue on or we'll just keep losing people!"
"Ace, how about we go for a walk?" Marco murmured earning a protest. "You need a chance to calm down, you aren't thinking straight."
"I'm not a child! I know exactly what I'm talking about!"
"You'll wake your little brother, calm down-yoi." The blonde retorted, they all waited as Ace took a deep breath before releasing it.
"I think we all need a break right now." The curly-brow sighed, shaking his head. "I'll go grab us some food, Ace mind coming with me?"
Ah, love-cook was gonna distracted him.
Good.
"Alright." Ace's shoulders sagged but he stood up and began to follow the chef out who was still trying to get his cigarette to light.
With a grunt Zoro took the lighter off the cook just as he was about to pass by, earning a protest but instead of retorting Zoro ignored it and lit up the stick himself, watching the blonde relax a little more as he inhaled.
"You need to calm down as well." He warned him quietly. "A chef's no good if he gets his hands cut."
"I'll be fine." Love-cook seemed to be relaxing a bit more so Zoro nodded and handed him the lighter back.
"Better get us something good cook." Zoro grunted earning a scowl.
"Shut up, I'll get you whatever shit I can find shitty-swordsman."
"It's starting to get pretty late." Sanji commented idly as they went down to the main floor and towards the kitchen. "Most of the others will have went off by now so I'll probably have to cook something up."
"I'm not really hungry..." Ace sulked, his eyes were staring at the ground.
"Ace if I have to force some soup down your throat I will. I've already done it to the shitty Heart elite more than once." Sanji scowled as they went to the servant's hidden side door and slipped through it.
"I never knew this was here."
"Of course not, it's for servants, why do you think there are rarely any in the hallways?"
Then went down the narrow passageway and slipped out to the gardens, Sanji wanted to go the back way so that he and Ace could keep up their private chat.
"Look it's just I should have taken down Teach, if I had then Luffy wouldn't be suffering at the moment."
"What the hell where you gonna do? He had his men with him when you tried to solo him, you were lucky Marco was following you."
"Yeah well-"
Ace suddenly tensed, holding his hand out to stop Sanji in his tracks who paused, frowning softly. "Do you hear something?"
"Please! Leave us alone!" The sound of a lady in distress!
HOLD ON BEAUTIFUL LADY!
"There's a lady in distress! Let's go!" Sanji charged out, ignoring Ace's grunt as he followed after him.
A pained cry reached his ears, the sound of a guy's, a very familiar guy's. Sanji sped up and then forcing himself forward he landed a kick on a giant figure's back, knocking him away from the beautiful lady-
"Usopp! Kaya! What are you doing here?!" Ace had his guns out, already loaded and pointed but suddenly Ace gasped.
"Ace?" Sanji stiffened as soon as he saw who he kicked.
"Zehahahaha! Long time no see Ace!" The son of a bitch stumbled to a stand, grinning at them with a glint in his eyes.
"Drop the pleasantries Teach!" Ace seethed but Sanji gripped his arm, subtly tugging him back.
"Looks like I don't need those two anymore. You came straight to me Ace! Zehahahahaha!" The fucker threw his head back, laughing again.
"What do you want from Ace? Haven't you already done enough to the Whitebeard company?" Sanji scowled, biting down on his cigarette as he analysed the area.
So far it was just them-
"He wanted us to tell him where Ace's room is." Usopp answered, nervously as he gripped his arm.
Blood was slipping out of it while Kaya trembled from behind him.
"Stalker much." Ace grunted but his knuckles were white as his grip continued to tighten on his guns.
"Your father is such a busy man Ace, I was hoping to get his attention by kidnapping his son and using you as bait." Teach grinned. "And here you are, exactly when I need you!"
"Good luck with that, my father's away and by the time he gets back you'll already be dead." Ace growled.
"Are you really still angry with me? You should join me Ace, it will just be like old times."
"Go fuck yourself is what I say you son of a bitch."
Sanji saw a light flicker out of the corner of his eye as he shoved Ace to the side, a bullet piercing just where he had been standing a moment ago- Fuck there had been someone there!
"Get to cover!" He shouted over at Usopp and Kaya who both hurried off while Ace shot at the giant guy rushing towards them, laughing, they had to dodge and Sanji watched in stunned amazement as the ground crumbled and broke apart beneath their feet.
More shots sounded and Sanji rolled behind more cover as they smacked against the pillar but before he could think of what to do a scream reached his ears. He looked over to see a tall man pulling a sword out of Usopp who collapsed, crying out in pain while Kaya was backing away, paling as the sword swayed over to her.
"I suggest you both stop moving." Cold eyes levelled on to his own. "If you both want the girl to live drop your weapons and step back out into the clearing."
The sniper-
Shit, shit, shit.
"...Usopp..." Kaya whimpered but flinched as the sword pressed closer to her neck.
Sanji couldn't, he couldn't let her die so obediently he stepped out, watching as Ace slipped back out two, seething as he dropped his guns.
"Now why can't we be this civil all the time Ace?" Teach grinned as a skinny guy approached from behind, tapping his shoes and whistling a tune.
"Because you're an ass." Ace grunted quietly.
"Do you know Laffitte, Ace?" He indicated to the man approaching them who was still whistling, smiling innocently.
"No, why?" Ace crossed his arms but Sanji could see him palming the hidden gun in his sleeve.
"He used to be a police officer, it's not important though, what's more important is that he knows hypnotism."
No, fucking hell, no way.
Ace scowled. "You must be running out of ideas. Just because my little brother fell for hypnotism during that first match doesn't mean I will."
"Don't be so sure. You will have to pay close attention if you don't want the girl to be killed." Laffitte smiled. "And Shiliew is rather sadistic, he wouldn't make it quick."
That was weird, Ace's eyes already seemed to be dulling, as if just this guy speaking was causing him to fall into it-
Fucking hell it was, wasn't it?!
Brook Cou- Used to be able to hypnotise people with his songs, of course someone might be able to with their own voice-
"Augur, shoot the blonde chef."
If he moved Kaya was dead, if he didn't move he was dead. This was a sniper, he wouldn't miss.
He couldn't, he couldn't, he couldn't.
Shit.
He couldn't do that to Usopp, he loves Kaya and Kaya was a lady-
She was innocent-
Sanji heard two shots ring out, wait two?!
But before be could even think on it pain erupted in his chest as he collapsed backwards, landing harshly on his side with a cry.
Kid immediately slipped behind the pillar of the archway as the guy named Augur collapsed to his side, swearing up a storm as a violent look gleamed in his eyes, Kid swung around, determined to put the fucker down for spoiling his and Law's stroll outside and fired off several bullets, finally getting the bastard in the head.
He then snuck up to the wall and slipped out a pocket mirror, angling it until he could see that Shiliew guy and Law fight, their swords clanging together as they grew faster and faster in their attacks. The girl was attending the Straw-Hat's sniper while their cook held his wound, looking extremely pained.
Ace seemed to stare blankly as Laffitte drew his gun, looking determined to finish off the blonde but before Kid could even point his gun a familiar green haired swordsman was suddenly there with a fierce look in his eyes and the Phoenix guy, both lunging themselves at the skinny guy. He saw Teach stumble back and growling ordered his men to retreat as he began to withdraw but Kid shot him in the leg instead, cursing that he missed the fat ass' chest-
How the fuck did he miss the bastard?! Now he was fucking off! Dammit he'd need to track him down and finish him off-
His thought process was instantly cut off though as Law sliced off the swordsman's arm and instantly that smirk on Law's face drove him nuts.
Change of plan. He needed Law, he needed to pin Law against that wall and fuck him-
The way his arms moved, guiding his sword as his body curved and twisted, that cocky look on his face and those legs, those long legs and his fucking ass-
Kid could feel himself getting hard already...
What the hell was wrong with him?!
"They got away." Zoro swore as Marco kept Ace pinned to the floor who had tried to disappear as soon as Blackbeard said to retreat.
"And they hypnotised Ace." Marco scowled while Zoro rushed to the love-cook's side, hearing a small hiss.
"Take it easy cook." Zoro hushed, kneeling down beside the blonde to steady him and to stop him from wriggling around too much. "You just got shot in the chest, you gotta stay still."
"...Hurts..." Sanji whined, gasping heavily, he was starting to pale as more blood spilled from the wound, even as Zoro started putting pressure against Sanji's wound. "...I couldn't... I couldn't dodge..."
"Getting slow cook?" Zoro murmured, brushing away some of his hair from his sweaty face.
"They'd... Kill Kaya... Lady... Couldn't do that... To Usopp..."
"Shhh. Don't worry about it, just get some rest. Law's here, he's just finished the bastard off alright?"
Law was wiping his sword against the other's clothes with a smirk.
"Oi Law, Sanji needs some help!"
"...Sanji?" The curly-brow blinked but Zoro merely hushed him.
"He's bleeding, a lot." Zoro was trying to restrain his panic, they already lost Brook today and then nearly Usopp and Sanji.
Fucking hell if anything else happened to Sanji-
No, the love-cook was perfectly fine. He was right here and Law was on top of it, ripping open the moron's shirt.
"I need to check if the bullet is out." Law murmured idly as he began to treat the wound, frowning. "Cook-ya it's still stuck in your chest, I need to get it out."
"Here, I got some tweezers." Phoenix threw a pair over just as he was cuffing Ace's hands behind his back who was swearing and struggling.
"Normally I wouldn't condone this but Cook-ya's losing too much blood." Law scowled as he slipped the tweezers in, earning a whimper.
Zoro was quick to pin him in place, not letting him squirm so Law could work without interruptions. Sanji made some small wordless whines but they easily ignored it as Law worked, using a scalpel from his pocket to slice Sanji's skin to get more access.
"Got it." Law smirked as he carefully pulled it out, earning a small, whimper. "Roronoa-ya put some pressure on his wound, we need bandages, I would use my shirt but..."
Yeah that's what you get for cutting a guy's arm off, covered in blood. Instead he shook his head and nodded to Sanji who was even paler now, looking dazed even as he tried to help them keep pressure on the wound.
"I'll use my shirt, you keep a hold of him."
"Yours seems clean but I'll still need to treat him properly inside the medical bay so he doesn't risk injection." Law murmured as Zoro slipped off his shirt, allowing Law to tear it and use it as a bandage.
"Is Sanji okay?" Zoro blinked over at Usopp who was panting, strained as Kaya held him up.
"He should be fine." Law answered as he finished. "We need to go though, Eustass-ya can you help Usopp to the infirmary?"
"Seriously? Why me?" Zoro spotted the redhead approaching, his eyes locked onto Law who grumbled.
"I need to keep an eye on Cook-ya, Roronoa-ya will need to carry him and Pheonix-ya is busy with Ace-ya."
"Fine whatever." The redhead grumbled just as Zoro began to carefully lift Sanji up who blinked slowly at him, looking drowsy and out of it.
"We need to hurry, his skin is turning grey and he's getting even more pale, he might go into shock soon from the blood loss."
The shitty cook had better hang in there or he'd kick his ass.
"He's been in there for hours." Penguin frowned, watching Straw-Hat who was beside Sanji's bed, the blonde was fast asleep, more colour gradually coming back to his cheeks. "So has Zoro."
The green haired man was leaning against the wall beside Sanji's bed, scowling.
"Those two haven't realised it yet but the little eggplant and that swordsman are completely smitten with each other." Zeff grunted as he sipped at his drink.
"I'm surprised you're not back inside there." Shachi commented but Zeff shook his head.
"I thought I'd give his Captain and vise-Captain some time with him, besides the little eggplant hasn't woken up yet. Law said it would take a while before he would regain his strength too."
"At least he's okay now." Shachi looked relieved but Penguin frowned.
"Blackbeard wanted him dead. He won't stop at just this, he will probably be back to finish Sanji off."
"If that brat shows himself I'll kill him with my bare hands." Zeff gained a fierce look in his eyes and even with one leg missing Penguin had a feeling he would take down Blackbeard if he dared show up again to harm Sanji. "Nobody gets away with putting my son in a hospital bed."
"And the hypnotism hasn't worn off Ace yet, Marco's had to lock him up." Penguin noted, smiling at Zeff. "And you said 'my son'."
"No I didn't, you're mishearing things brat."
"I think we heard 'my son'." Shachi teased, leaning forward. "Who knew the head chef was a big softy at heart-"
And then suddenly Shachi was face first into the floor, a wooden peg smashed against the back of his head. Penguin shook his head, knowing that had been coming as the blonde chef sat back down grumpily.
"Brook, Ace, Usopp, Sanji." Luffy seethed, Zoro frowned softly at him, knowing he was starting to blame himself. "Blackbeard keeps hurting people I care about."
"Law and some of the guards are already heading over to his room now, with any luck they'll kill him on sight."
"He needs to be dealt with." Luffy's eyes still hadn't left the love-cook's sleeping form, he was on his side now, clutching the pillows as he snored softly.
Chopper had put him on heavy sedatives to made sure he stayed down instead of getting up to kick Blackbeard's ass. Heh, the cook's gonna miss out on it. Chopper said he would be out for hours after all.
"We'll get him Luffy."
"I should have been there to kick his ass!" Luffy snapped, looking frustrated. "Instead Usopp got stabbed and Sanji got shot! And they nearly kidnapped Ace! Or is it grownapped? Adultnapped? Either way they nearly took him!"
"He's safe, Marco's locked him up and says the hypnotism should wear off with some time and we've got guards posted outside Kaya's, Usopp's and curly-brow's rooms."
"I'm not strong enough yet! To protect any of you!" Luffy whined, looking distressed but suddenly he saw Luffy flinch, looking startled.
"You... Aren't to... Protect us... We're a team... Right?" Sanji's hand was curled loosely around Luffy's wrist, blinking blearily at him while Luffy grinned.
"You're awake, want some meat? I can bring you some from the kitchen!"
The shitty-cook smiled but shook his head. "Moron... Nah... Won't help me heal..."
"Sanji's awake, right Zoro, he's fine right? He's fine?" Luffy was rocking in his seat, looking absolutely delighted while Zoro sighed.
"Luffy, go visit Usopp. Love-Cook's fine here."
Curly-brow managed a thin smile of amusement as Luffy grinned down at him, Zoro watched him carefully slip Sanji's hand back down on to the bed covers before stepping back.
"I'll see you soon Sanji, I'll bring lots of meat! Lots! You'll heal faster right?!"
"Uh Luffy I don't think-" Zoro tried to stop him but Luffy was away, beaming cheerfully. "And he's gone..."
Sanji gave a small grunt of agreement before drowsily settling back down, wincing softly. Zoro raised an eyebrow but reached out, gently smoothing the love-cook's hair back, seeing a flicker of pain in his eyes.
"Go back to sleep shitty-cook, you'll feel better." Zoro murmured softly, stroking the blonde's neck lightly, trying to settle the moron back to sleep.
It seemed to work since his eye finally slipped closed again, his breathing easing out as sleep began to reclaim him.
"Don't worry me like that again alright? You're meant to be worth a thousand people remember?" Zoro snorted though, smirking. "Though I'm worth two thousand love-cook."
"What the fuck, how did he seriously get away with that?!" Law snarled, Doflamingo watched him pace in front of his desk, completely enraged.
"Moria and several others vouched for him. Sorry darling but witnesses say he was elsewhere when our young chef and Prince were both attacked."
"It wasn't just them! Lady Kaya and her former Champion were attacked too! How could that not mean anything?!" Law stopped suddenly, slamming his hands on the desk. "Teach was shot too and had a stitched up wound-"
"Which unfortunately could have been from this morning's match." Doflamingo soothed, getting up and pushing Law back until he sat on the couch. "You need to calm down Law, you'll give yourself grey hair's if you keep stressing, fufufufufu."
"You should be more worried, if Ace's father finds out Ace was endanger and we did nothing about it he'll strangle you-" Law made a small grunt as Doflamingo began gently stroke the back of his neck, pushing his thumb against any tense muscles he came across at his shoulder blades earning a groan.
"No need to fret, I have people guarding the Prince's room now, besides, his guard is in their with him, trying to keep him from running away again." Doflamingo murmured, using his palms to smooth back against Law's upper back earning a small mumble in return.
As usual Law had about a million knots in his back so Doflamingo took the time to sort each of them out, keep the little bird from thinking about Blackbeard too much. A shame, he had mentioned Blackbeard to Moria just to stir a bit of chaos in the games a little more, to take down some of the other nobles from their high horses but right now he was completely stressing his poor lover out instead.
"He's... Still hypnotised... Don't know when it will... Wear off..." Law mumbled softly, Doflamingo took a peak and grinned, seeing Law's eyes starting to slip shut, he moved around to Law's front and gently tucked his head against his chest, pinning his head in place while he used his free hand to rub away at Law's shoulder blade, first smoothing his fingers and palm over his skin before rubbing deeply with his fingertips, earning a few more mumbles.
"Every hypnotism usually has some sort of time limit. It'll wear off sooner or later, dear-heart." He felt Law beginning to relax against him and took a quick peak, smiling when he saw Law's eyes were now closed, his breath starting to ease into a soothing rhythm.
"...Hopefully... Sooner... Needs to..." Doflamingo quietly chuckled at Law's slurred voice, sleep was claiming him fast as Doflamingo continued to ease out all those build up muscles which must be pretty sore by now.
Usually in the mood Law was in with him now he would have struggled and squirmed to escape but right now he was probably just way too tired to try. It also would have helped that he had accompanied Law to have Teach arrested before getting the alibi from Moria and a few other nobles, it made him seem innocent in this incident in Law's eyes this time.
Gently he laid Law down on the couch, earning a confused mumble but he simply played with the back of Law's neck, earning a few small blinks before his eyes slipped back shut again. Sleep finally claiming him as he slumped against the pillows, burying his head against the cushion. Doflamingo grabbed the blanket over the back of the couch and gently tucked it around Law, giving him a kiss as he pulled away.
"Sleep tight Law." He chuckled softly before existing the office and into the main suite, he switched off the light and carefully closed the door so he wouldn't wake the sleeping heart elite.
He existed the suite and indicated to the guards standing by his door. "Stay here and guard my room. No one gets in. Our Heart Elite is inside so do not disturb him."
"Yes Your Majesty." The leader of the four nodded while the rest bowed.
Satisfied Doflamingo walked off, he had someone to visit after all.
Her throat was burning and her stomach kept roaring, she felt cold. She was freezing down here, starving and thirsty, she could have been down here for days or weeks, the tournament could be long over or barely moved on with. She just wanted out of here, she didn't care anymore, she felt disgusting and horrid and in pain.
But what pain was worse? This or betraying her loved one?
A whimper escaped her lips, she could hear the footsteps descending down the stairs and head straight towards her cell so she curled herself tighter into her small ball, hoping for some protection.
She knew it wouldn't work though.
The door opened with a clang, hitting the wall as a familiar laughed echoed in her ears. "Hello little Limie! Been a good girl?"
Her throat was dry, she couldn't say anything as she lowered her head, not wanting to risk anymore harm to herself. She knew it probably hadn't been weeks but it felt had it had been, with receiving no food and very little water.
Mistress Monet approached as well, standing in front of the Young Master with a ladle filled with water, clear, sweet water- Lami whimpered for it, she needed it.
"Are you thirsty Lami?" Lami managed to nod as she shakily fell to her knees from her curled up ball, desperate. "Then you know what we want from you."
She couldn't do it, she couldn't betray Law that way-
"Fufufu, what's so difficult little girl? All you have to do is serve Eustass, gain his trust, then stab him in the back. He'll trust you easier because you're Law's precious little sister."
She shook her head, managing to croak out a reply. "I can't... Not to... Law..."
Her throat burned violently at that.
Both of their gazes hardened as Mistress Monet spoke again. "Repent Lami and you shall be free. Law constantly frets over your health. Don't you want to ease that burden?"
"L-Law?" She blinked hopelessly, Law loved Kid right?
She couldn't do it. She couldn't hurt Law like that-
So she shook her head again. "I want to... I can't..."
Lami gasped as the metal ladle smacked her in the face, the water scattering across the ground as she sobbed, gasping when she was kicked in the side, sending her straight to the floor.
"Y'know." The Young Master kneeled in front of her, frowning softly while she curled, hoping to shield herself. "I only just managed to get Law to go to sleep, his back was filled with hundreds of knots and those shadows under his eyes were way more darker than usual. He needs his precious baby sister back to sleep properly again. He was so tired this time, I didn't even need to sit him down with him kicking and screaming, this time he willing let me sooth him to sleep."
No way, he couldn't be possibly that off- Law didn't want the Master touching him, he tried to avoid it happening every single time they met. Was he really that bad off or was this just another trick? Slowly she uncurled herself, unsure as she looked over her Master, he had taken off his glasses and was staring her in the face, eyes truthful and concerned.
Was he masking it? Usually when it comes to Law he doesn't, Law was precious to him.
Her head was pounding, she didn't know what to do, which would hurt Law more?
A swift blow or a slow one? She could end Kid quickly and things would go back to normal, Law would mourn for a short while but then he'd mask it again or she could just stay here, continue to starve and waste away and Law would probably do the same, unsure if she was safe or not.
"You're being selfish, do you really need more time to think about protecting Law? I thought you would say yes after all he's been through."
"He went through a complete and utter nightmare which he still has panic attacks from while you were safely nestled away. Don't you owe Law some comfort now?" Mistress asked, tilting her head as she frowned softly. "Us older siblings protect our baby sisters from harm, don't you feel like you owe Law something back? Something for all his hard work?"
"...What can...I do?" Lami croaked out, sniffing.
Was she being selfish? Would this really help Law?
"Help us get things back to normal, serve Eustass, get the mutt on your side and then when you get the chance, stab him in the back, or slit his throat. The sooner we get rid of him the sooner we can get Law to calm back down."
"He nearly had a panic attack today." Mistress revealed, her eyes gleaming. "The Young Master managed to stop it from happening but Law is getting worse. If we get him away from the games he will get better."
"...Really?" Lami whimpered hopefully.
Water, she needed water, everything burned. Her head was pounding, Law was hurt, she needed to sleep, so did he, her bruises were sore-
"I... I wish to... To help..."
"Are you sorry Limie?"
"...Sorry... I'm sorry..." She cried softly as Master chuckled, standing back up and slipping on his glasses.
"Prove it, lick my shoe clean, it got a bit dirty from walking around in your cell."
She whimpered softly, her tongue was too dry, the Young Master's expression darkened though so obediently she crawled forward and gently licked, feeling her tongue burn, it was swollen and hard as she attempted to clean his shoe of the dirt on it, the dry, stale taste burning her.
"Good girl, see Limie, isn't this so much better?" He purred, looking delighted again. "You may stop now, Monet, go get her cleaned up for tomorrow."
"Of course Young Master." Mistress Monet hummed, tugging her up by her arm, Mistress Monet was so much stronger so easily ended up carting her around.
She was back out though, it was okay.
Everything was okay.
.:End of Chapter:.
So, long chapter was long xD Thought I treated you all before my driving theory test on Thursday, so depending how it goes I might add another chapter from sheer joy or get depressed and throw more tests at myself (I'm sick of all these tests though D: Brain, overload xD) So wish me luck guys! Or y'know, if someone knows how to pass a Scottish driving theory test come over here and pass for me :P
SEllen23, So yeah... Luffy's now heartbroken and pissed, Brook's dead and Sanji and Usopp are hurt, his brother was also nearly grownnapped /shot/ (couldn't resist xD) I seem to catch you during the middle of the night don't I? I'm so sorry xD I feel like I'm giving you a lack of sleep ._. I'm glad you were able to laugh during the last chapter, this one seems to be more depressing ._. And I couldn't resist partnering him up with Kid, just everyone going 'omg help me' was hilarious to write up xD Oh I know, I can't wait to see what happens with Kid, I've been hearing so many theories of him being captured and I really wanna know what's gonna happen! And again, sorry for the lack of sleep xD
NebulaHeroine, I half know what you mean (driving test is not the same as an exam, shush me :P) xD You're perfectly fine, I hope the exams are going well for you :D And thanks for reading my other story :D I should be posting a new chapter for it soon :3 And I LOVE writing Luffy, he's the best character to play around with ever xD Glad you like the chapter :D And yeah... We'll see what happens in the next chapters ahead... I think this might have been a taste of it though ._.
xXMinShadowCatXx, I thought Luffy's strength played a big part of his character and people's reaction to him, so I needed to fit it in somehow xD And yeah, Sanji's distressed and I feel even more sorry for what I've done in this chapter ._. D: And Law and Kid are adorable together, in their own weird way xD And it's fine, I'm happy you could get a quick review in, hope everything's going well :) I know, I was surprised we saw more of Vivi this chapter and did you see Sabo's brother?! ._. Seriously?! What happened?! I loved seeing all the nobles starting to gather, and Vivi, as rebellious as ever, not getting married, jumping off high places :P ;)
