Disclaimer!: I DO NOT OWN ONE PIECE! I own my OC(s), and that's just it, we are on a fanfiction site/ story site.
Time for the chapter!
Chapter 9: What are We….
~ Are we …..?! OR ARE WE …?! ~
[ Location: ?, North Blue ; May 4th.; Morning - Astrid: 12 years old ]
The day was long.
The sun beared on us, as we sneaked off the boat, with us both trying not to make a sound for danger still lurked around the corner.
The people of Flevance were no more, save for us two, and I, a witness of the events that took place, was helpless.
We all were helpless to the events that unfolded.
The jolts of pain from being shot on the side have not been pleasant, and my glasses were starting to crack.
My hair covered, dirtied with mud and debris as a bandana covered the stars that it held for extra measure.
Law and I walked and walked and walked in silence, away from the boat.
Far, far, far away.
Was it because we were both traumatized? Was it because we couldn't even save the people that we loved? Was it because the world basically turned their backs, turned a blind eye, and now…..
Ahhhh, what to do now….
The world can truly be cruel sometimes.
Law….was angry with the world. Angry with the injustice. Angry and sick and wanted to watch the world burn.
I, in some twisted way, understood. I'm angry and I felt wronged and I understood.
Living my life as a pirate….a somewhat morally gray pirate…..I understood….
We walked a sizable distance before Law broke the silence.
"Astrid-oneesan."
Law was looking at my wound, gesturing for me to sit down as I brought up my shirt.
"You're lucky that the bullet went through cleanly."
Law was bandaging me up with the supplies I had stored in my arm. His ability to give stitches has gotten way better.
I was lucky that it didn't hit any of my organs.
I was oh-so-lucky….
I could only nod my head as I stared at the ground.
I don't mean to give the silent treatment, but I feel that if I try to speak ...I'm going to tear up.
I feel a deep pit in my stomach. I can't look Law in the eye. I just can't.
Guilty.
I was right about everything. I tried to help. I tried, tried, and tried some more.
Now..I just feel guilty that I couldn't protect every–.
[TWACK]
"OWWWWW! WHAT WAS THAT FOR, LAW?!"
I rubbed my forehead as Law stared at me.
…
…
…
Awkward silence…..a weird staring contest….
Before I could even look away, he grabbed both of my cheeks with his tiny, tiny hands as we continued to have an awkward staring contest.
I tried very hard to not look him in the eyes, so I ended up staring at his forehead.
"Astrid-oneesan. Look at me."
Don't wanna. With what little I could, I could see some bit of the sky if I looked up hard enough.
"Stop pouting, and look at me."
He started pinching and stretching my cheeks. I let him, not doing anything to fight back.
It'll be fine.
Maybe…
…
….
…
I finally looked him in the eyes.
Beautiful golden eyes, no noticeable white patches on his skin (as of yet), and a face that showed concern.
I let out a breath, looking down and then back up at him.
"Law…I'm sorry."
He didn't expect that….now did he?...
His eyes went wide for one second, and then back to his neutral, straight line face.
"For what?"
I took in a breath, gotta steady my breathing, "for not being able to do more…."
"Don't be an idiot." Law pinched my cheeks, lightening up when he followed up with, "We all couldn't do anything. You did all you could, even if all you could was…..save me."
"Law….I…."
"Astrid-oneesan." Law did something I never really expected him to do….
A hug.
A soft, warm hug.
I'm the one getting comfort, when it should be the other way around….right?
Just that one hug caused me to break down crying, with me trying to be so strong, trying to inspire strength….a stable pillar of sorts…
"I'M SO SORRY."
I could feel the tears running down my face, the world becoming blurry.
"It's okay."
I heard Law trying to clear his nose.
"I'LL ALWAYS TRY TO PROTECT YOU! I'LL MAKE SURE TO NEVER LET ANOTHER PERSON I LOVE…I'LL MAKE SURE….NO ONE ELSE! NO MORE LOSING ANYONE ELSE!"
I coughed as snot was making it hard to breathe.
"I know, neesan."
I couldn't see the expression on his face, as we faced away from each other.
Law sniffled some more.
"ALWAYS KNOW! ALWAYS KNOW THAT I WILL NEVER BETRAY YOU! WE'LL FIND A WAY TO CURE YOU! I'LL DO ALL I CAN! TRUST IN THAT!"
Law just hugged me tighter, rubbing small circles on my back. I patted his back gently, as I tried to control my breathing.
It was a few minutes later, some tissues from my arm and me blowing my nose that I could finally breathe again.
"Thank you, Law."
Law patted my head, the hat atop hiding my star-filled hair.
As I stood back up, preparing to continue walking with Law, when we were interrupted by a long, loud,
[GROWL]
"Was that you, Astrid-oneesan?"
"Nope, that was the wind."
[GROWL]
"Was that you, Law?"
"No." In the most deadpan expression, "That was an auditory hallucination."
I coughed into my hand, stifling my non-existent laugh.
[GROWL] / [GROWL]
"Law."
"Yes, Astrid-oneesan?"
I motioned him to a more secluded place, as I started getting stuff out.
"Oneesan…."
With all my cooking ware out, and the ingredients that I have been hoarding in there for a good long time….
"It's time to make food." I gave him a small smile (I sure hope it's a small smile), " let's get cookin', Law."
Law didn't smile, but he started helping me out.
We'll be fine.
I'll make sure that Law doesn't go in a downward spiral. I'm going to do everything I can.
It's a promise. I'll protect him. I'll help him.
We have to get stronger.
Stirring out of my thoughts, as I basically went auto-pilot in chopping the vegetables finely, I helped Law make the fire.
Totally unaware that there was a light in Law's eyes, brimming with determination on a new goal for the future.
{ Fate continued to change, the destiny from the original and the new dawn one person brings shines, as the new star rises, barely above the horizon. }
Once the fire was under control, we started making food.
[ Location: Mobey Dick, various other vessels; Sailing to a CERTAIN ISLAND ; 4th Day – Morning]
"Stop staring, Eustass-ya." Law, surprisingly and after arguing, much to his dismay, was eating food with all the Captains at one respective table.
He wasn't hounded for information yet, and he wasn't expecting his morning to feel even more stress after all. Added with the fact that no one has heard from Astrid, some having the faintest of clues of where she could have gone. Many tried to call contacts to see if their suspicions were right, that they found her.
But none of the Den-Den Mushis on board would work, for some unidentifiable reason.
Then, there was the fact that Law was dragged towards the table once he reached the Mobey Dick. Unable to escape.
The day was only starting.
Light was shining through the portholes, the new day barely beginning after the events of yesterday. Many people were concerned about the future, what it would bring, and wondered about the contents that they had read from each respective letter that Astrid had written for them.
Many even wondered about how? How much time did it take for her to write some letters?
Some received additional pictures, drawings, and charms in their letters, the charms holding her and the respective recipients' initials, a means to show she made them by hand.
One by one.
The images that she had with everyone, all of them with a smile on her face.
Some chose to not open their letters, out of fear…out of the thought that it could be…
Heartbreak has no tangible cure, only the passage of time and understanding can mend a heart.
Can mend a soul.
Time, being so finite, an intangible thing that people try to gain more….
One could only wonder what the future may bring.
As the clock ticks, we continue to move forward.
Some make their own path, going through various trials along the way.
Some use the path that others have created, choosing to follow.
Others, choose a path that no one has seen before, and hope for the best.
This path unknown, that these crews are trekking together, can hopefully lead to the person that they are all trying to see.
But that remains to be seen.
"You looked like a creepy nerd when you were younger, and it turns out you were a creepy nerd." Kid started.
Law shot him an annoyed look, "what about you? You looked like a feral kid, and ended up just being feral with Kid as a name."
"I swear…"
"Torao, you should stop being mean to Jaggy {Gizao}," Luffy butted in between bites of food.
"He was mean to me first, Mugiwara-ya." Law narrowed his gaze at the younger man.
Allied with the Strawhat Pirates, former Warlord of the Sea, and a man that can be harsh and deadly, Trafalgar D. Water Law never expected to be in this type of situation.
"Neeee, neeeee, Law, do you happen to have any small stories of Astrid when you were kids?" Thatch called over as he was setting some food on the table, beaming at Law.
Law sighed, looking away as everyone was starting to pay him even more attention.
The stares from onlookers only growing with each bite of food.
"TCH….I do." Law rubbed his face, sighing, "what type of story?"
"OH, OH, ACTION STORY!" Luffy got up in Law's face as Law was soon shoving him away.
Killer shook his head, "it should be a happy story. How about one where she does her regular antics?"
"WAIT! TELL US A STORY ABOUT HOW SHE KICKED THAT ONE GUYS ASS!" Bon-Clay called out from across the room.
The galley was soon getting louder, with everyone clamoring about what type of story they wanted to hear from Law about Astrid, only to be silenced by a certain…
Bushy-browed man.
He clapped two times.
He clapped once, the clap resonating in the room.
The vibrations were enough to catch everyone's attention, with the power it held.
The second clap was because he felt like it.
"I want ta hear about wha she did for ya right before joinin' the Donquixote Pirates." The man smiled at the younger.
Everyone looked between the two.
No one knew what the older meant when he asked the younger that.
Law thought about it, and he soon paled…..expression grim.
"What do you mean, Bushy-ya?"
Law's gaze was frigid.
The Bushy-Browed man smiled, "didinta she, well, do somethin' important in ordar to try to save ya?"
The smile grew wider.
"Trafalgar D. Water Law," the Bushy-Browed man's eyes, barely seen from under his hat, asked his question.
"Tha lot of ya."
His voice filled the room.
"Wha do all of ya truly know abou tha lass?"
With that, the Bushy-Browed man pressed play, as Law looked at the man, his face unreadable as things continued on.
With the galley going from loud, to eerily quiet, as that Child's story continued once more.
[ Location: ?, North Blue ; May 10th.; Morning - Astrid: 12 years old ]
"Hey, Law." I looked at him as we continued walking to what I believed was nowhere.
We really didn't have any set destination, and in all honesty, I had some semblance of an idea of what I was doing.
"What is it, nee-san?" Law glanced up at me as we continued walking.
"What do you want to do now? I don't think we can keep walking forever…." I trailed off as I nearly tripped walking backwards, Law pulling my shirt before anything could happen.
Settling myself as I matched his pace, he has shorter legs than me, he remained silent.
…
…
…
"Hey Law."
I hummed as I spun around as I started walking backwards again to face him.
"I know this is random, but I want to let you know something that has been on my mind for a long while now."
[ Kid pointed at the screen, "bet 10 berri that she's going to call him an idiot."
"20 berri that she says something heartwarming." Killer didn't turn his head as he continued to look at the screen.
Robin called from across the room, "50 berri that she gets hurt."
Law just stayed silent as he sighed, watching intently at the screen of the events of the past.
That was when an upper roar of people called out their bets with the Bushy Browed man calming them down soon after. ]
That's when he stopped walking, expression serious, for some unfathomable reason.
"If it's fate for us to meet, where you guys found me on the beach inland in Flevance, and everything in between, then you should know that I'm glad to be with you."
I skipped a little bit forward, trying to be mindful of my still healing wound.
Jumping up in the air, and spinning around.
"I'M GLAD TO CALL YOU MY LITTLE BROTHER!"
I ran back towards him, tripping over a rock and my face meeting the ground.
…
….
…
[ "Fufufufufu…."
"Typical Nee-san."
"NEE-CHAN! STOP GETTING HURT!"
"CALM DOWN, YOU ANNOYING DIVA!"
"ACT LIKE KILLER FOR ONCE, ANNOYING JAGGY-HEAD!"]
Two tiny feet were in front of my head as I looked at ground level.
"Owwwwwww." I groaned out, pushing myself off the ground, a hand extended towards me.
Looking up, I could see Law smiling, which is becoming rarer and rarer.
Soon his smile turned into shock.
"BAKA NEE-SAN, YOUR NOSE IS BLEEDING!"
[ "DON'T CALL NEE-SAN A BAKA!"
"SIT DOWN FIRE-FIST-YA!"]
I started getting out the tissues from my arm as he was soon treating my bloody nose, and my two newly scraped knees.
Yay for being clumsy, and having shitty balance.
XoXoXo Afternoon XoXoXo
We stopped walking when we started to see a junk yard area.
Which…if memory serves me correctly…we'll be meeting a certain flamingo.
Wait, no, Doflomingo?
Mingo.
AND CORAZON! Rocy…Rosy….Nah, it's probably Rocy.
Now I'm concerned.
Are we just going to keep walking, with Law developing a vendetta against Corazon?
Is everything predetermined?
What if I could change everything…..and Law doesn't have to suffer anymore?
….
…
One way to try.
"Law."
I stopped walking in my tracks, waving for him to follow me. He looks at me confused, but still follows me where I sit him down on a metal box hybrid with a dresser attached to it.
I kneel down in front of him.
"I want to try something, but," I look him in the eyes, "I need your consent to do it before I try it."
He starts opening and closing his mouth, squinting his eyes a little, before he actually says something.
"What are you going to do?"
That's when I touch the two small holes on the sides of my shirt, getting out my staff from my two X tattoos.
"I want to try again."
Law really tried to deter me, lookin' a bit shocked I would even suggest to try something that made me faint before.
So many unsuccessful attempts, and unable to do anything, but I tried and tried.
To changing the predetermined story-line…..
After much going back and forth, he relented.
"If you perish, I'll find a way to kick your ass."
I snorted.
"If you perish, I'll cry." I retorted back.
For a second there, I saw Law's face droop, as I got started.
First, for healing, purifying, and nullifying, it's like opening a water faucet.
You have to jimmy it a little before it starts working, and I'm hoping with more practice, I don't have to jimmy the faucet.
Second, I can only open one at a time.
Two at a time means I faint, and when I am healing, I need to concentrate.
I need to impose my will on the other person.
I have a will to heal.
I have a will to purify.
I have a will to nullify.
["Astrid-oneesan….don't do it…." Law whispers.]
Unlock the faucet, use one, close the faucet, open the faucet, use the other power, rinse and repeat.
I've been practicing using two powers, even though I can only do so for five minutes. Hopefully…that's enough.
Hopefully, I'm enough, and Law doesn't have to go through hardship anymore.
If only I could have done this sooner.
If only…
I tried so hard back then, I can only try so hard now.
For Law.
I breathe in, I breathe out.
I focus.
Amber-Lead Syndrome attaches to the organ.
Open the faucet.
Focus on the organ, heal the organ.
Slowly, open the other faucet.
Slowly purify the sickness away from the organ, slowly….focus….focus on both.
Both.
….both….
….boootttthhhh….
FOCUS.
'Neee-saaan'
Focus on what you need to do.
Deep breaths, purify, heal, both….booooottthhhh…..
I feel…..
When did this become a winter island….
FOCUS.
LAW NEEDS YOU.
I CAN'T GIVE UP!
FLEVANCE NEEDED ME!
MOM NEEDED ME!
I WASN'T ENOU…..
WHY?! I…..I CAN DO THIS! I….CAN….DOOooo….
Moooom….dooonnn't…gooooo…
Don't leave.
I'm sorry I couldn't save you Lami, Mr. Trafalgar, Mrs. Trafalgar…
"ONEE-SAN!"
Law smacked the staff out of my hands.
I'm fighting for air, my lungs need more air…I CAN'T BREATHE….
"Onee-san, you're burning up." Law was pressing his hand against my forehead, voice steady, as I mumbled.
I collapsed, since I was already kneeling in front of Law, I didn't have much of a fall as my limbs turned to jelly.
Falling towards my right.
"Sorry….didn't….I..," Law shushes me as tries to treat me in my delirium.
The staff goes right back into my tattoos, an instant recall.
Everything is moving and shaking, my head is literally spinning.
I can't do anything like this.
The last thing I saw before passing out was the beautiful face of my darling, precious younger brother.
His sharp golden eyes, staring back at mine.
His eyes, filled with worry…
[ Location: Mobey Dick, various other vessels; Sailing to a CERTAIN ISLAND ; 4th Day – Late-Morning]
"BAKA! YOU!" Kid gets right up, lunging towards Law as Killer tries his best to stop him.
Law got up as well, but not to fight.
[ ROOM ]
Law looked annoyed, that's for certain, while everyone else paid attention to the screen as they saw a younger Law carrying Astrid, passed out and feverish, through the rubble to find some semblance of help.
"I HAVE HALF A MIND TA–!" Kid growled.
[ SHAMBLES ]
Law had Kid trade places with the least expected person to trade places with.
"Why didja do tha', Law?" The Bushy-Browed Man raised an eyebrow, his eyes visible under all the facial hair.
"He was annoying, and Onee-san always spoke highly of you," Law shrugged, "you're better company than Eustass-ya."
"OIIIII!" Kid gritted out, stomping back to the table.
"Well, Kid, the way you're acting right now is stopping us from watching Astrid's story…"
"NOT YOU TOO KILLER!"
"OIII, VILL VOU SHUT VOUR MOUTH!"
"DO YOU WANT A FIGHT, YA OKAMA!"
"FORMER QUEEN TO VOU, BOYA!"
"GO FOR IT QUEEN IVANKOV, I'LL JOIN YOU!"
"BON-CHAN! DON'T FIGHT!" Called someone on the ship.
"I swear, " Mihawk started to unsheath Yoru as he sipped his wine, setting it down as Whitebeard shaked his head.
"Hawky, don't go and start a fight too."
"Red-hair, they are all too annoying for my taste."
"Heeee, then what about us?"
Mihawk's gaze sharpened, "barely tolerable."
"OUCH, STRAIGHT TO THE HEART!" Shank, in his overdramatics, clutched his chest.
"BOSS, NOOO!" Yasopp was right by his side, encouraging him.
"If they are barely tolerable, then what about Astrid-yoi?"
Mihawk turned his to the 1st Division Commander, sighing and resheathing his sword as he sat back down.
A good amount of attention now on him.
"STORY TIME!"
Someone cheered, banging their hands on the table.
"STORY TIME!"
More people cheered, all the crews soon joining in.
"STORY TIME!"
Everyone was part of it, even when some people were acting disinterested on what he had to say, they were still curious, nonetheless.
Mihawk looked even more annoyed, but he grabbed his wine, and started to speak.
"My dear niece isn't intolerable, nor just tolerable," his gaze fierce, as he explained, "she has a tendency to do the unexpected, as many of you know."
Many people in the galley nodded in agreement.
"When she first started learning swordsmanship from me, even if we were not to speak, her mere presence brought a silent comfort." He paused, before continuing on, "she would defend me in all manners that she could defend, even though she…"he sighed, "…even though I never earned that right, all because she deemed me as family."
His gaze wandered around the room, meeting everyone's eyes.
"She is my dear niece, and nothing will ever change that. If anything bad were to happen to her again…"
The room became cold.
" . . .MAN."
Many chills were felt as the declaration took hold.
Mihawk turned his gaze back to Shanks.
"She's wasted on you, Red-Hair," he then looked at Law, "and I still don't see what she sees in you, Surgeon of Death."
"And for the rest of you that have received my ire…" he scoffed, as he let the subtle insult settle in.
Kid growled as Killer only shook his head. Uta looked at Mihawk, crossing her arms and looking the other way soon after. Ace could only roll his eyes as he also shook his head. Sabo didn't show his emotions, even though it irritated him a little, and Koala grumbled a little as she stared down at the table.
Hancock looked offended, but her sister's somehow managed to calm her down before she could have an outburst.
Crocodile looked unamused as he continued to smoke, Daz Bones completely ignoring the swordsman.
Dragon had a smirk, clearly amused by the whole ordeal, as Iva-chan rubbed their temples.
Everyone else looked annoyed at the swordsman, and Luffy….
"OH! OH! I HAVE A STORY!" He raised his left hand as his other hand held onto his food.
"LUFFY-SENPAI!"
"SHUT UP YOU RUFFIAN!"
"MAKE ME CABBAGE!"
Luffy continued on like nothing was happening, "SO, nee-chan got me meat this one time, and it was MAGIC MEAT!"
Some people gasped, others looked at him in disbelief, and some just ignored him.
"GUESS WHERE SHE GOT IT FROM! GUESS! GUESS!" Luffy looked so excited.
"Where did she get it from, Luffy?" Zoro tilted his head, knowing his Captain would answer even without a guess.
He bounced up, before shouting,
"SHE GOT IT FROM A DINO-GOD!" He laughed as he jumped up and down.
The Bushy Browed Man spat out his drink when Luffy said that.
"ASTRID DIDA WHAAAAAA?!"
That was when everyone started paying attention again.
Luffy tilted his head, thinking back on it, "Nee-chan pretty much said, 'this is special meat that I got from a friend, who is basically the Dino-God, so I think you'll like this more than I would,'" Luffy nodded, finishing his recollection.
The Bushy Browed Man gaped at the younger man, before grumbling something under his breath, with few catching, 'ofa' course she woulda' give meat to ta youngin' of a bratha…damn magic meat was meanta for…' with no one catching the last part.
[CRASH]
Everyone immediately looked up at the screen, seeing a younger Law, threatening a group of people to help his older sister.
"SHOV THEM WHVS BOSS, BOYA!" Iva cheered.
Usopp looked at Law, "I WOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME!" Posing gallantly.
"Really, God-ya?"
"FOR SURE!" Usopp blushes as his arms wave around.
Younger Law then finally convinces the groups of, pirates?, to help him under a certain condition.
"OIIIII, ISN'T THAT MINGO?!"
The Bushy Browed Man breathed rather suddenly, right before he exclaimed,
"GYA, GYA, GYA, ALL OF YA' AR TOOO DAMN FUNNAY!"
And they continued on.
[ Location: ?, North Blue ; May ?.; Evening - Astrid: 12 years old ]
"...is she going to….."
"...why go so….."
"...she looks….."
"...why is her….."
Everything waking up is blurry, as my glasses are not on my face.
Hearing unfamiliar voices, I avoid using my abilities, as I slowly sit-up.
"I have a question."
I raise my hand, as my limbs are kinda-sorta-working.
The room turns eerily silent as I try my damn best to make out faces from the blobs of color around me.
CURSE NEAR-SIGHTNESS.
"Have you seen an adorable kid, about..kinda…yay high," I do my best to measure distance from the bed I'm in as I have no clue how far the floor is, " semi-permanent scowl, looks about ready to fight someone a majority of the time?"
"OI!" I heard Law from somewhere in the room.
Someone started chuckling.
I continued on, "has darling yellow eyes, a cute spotted hat, whenever he blushes, his ears turn red and he tries to hide it to no avail….."
Full-blown laughter from multiple people.
[In the galley, Law is covering his face as everyone else is hooting-and-hollering in the galley]
"O-NEE-SAN!" He yell-grits out.
The laughter is kinda contagious, filling the room as I start to smile.
Even though I can't see anything, I can only imagine his face right now.
"I'm just telling the truth," I cross my heart, "you are ab-so-lutely adorable." I smile wide as he shoves my glasses onto my face from my left.
THE BEAUTY OF SIGHT, HOW I MISSED YOU FOR THOSE FEW SHORT MINUTES!
So that's the distance from the floor to the bed, good to know.
I look up and I take in my surroundings….
Ara~
Hora~
Ara, Ara~
We're screwed.
Well, yes, understatement of the century, I'm sure.
I tilted my head, looking at Law as he stayed by my side, waving casually at the rest of the people in the room.
"Who are your friends? What happened? Did we both go to heaven or am I still asleep?" I questioned in rapid succession as everyone else quieted down.
"HOW THE HELL WOULD WE BOTH BE DEAD?!" Law had the shark teeth, pointing his finger at me, as he got close to my face.
I tilted my head even more, as I was being shaken by Law, "Haaaahhhh, I don't know? I was asleep for the most part…."
"O-NEE-SAN!"
"Okay, okay," I hugged Law rather awkwardly as he tried to shake me more, before giving him a flick to the head to calm him down.
Law yelped, as he rubbed his forehead.
[ "Mean," Law muttered under his breath.
"Deserved it." Kid muttered, as Killer elbowed him. ]
"Have the both of you calmed down, fufufu?"
I looked in the direction of the voice, one Doflamingo Donquixote looking at the both of us, as the rest of the Donquixote Pirates? (I think that's what the pirate crew is called?) Looked at us.
I looked at him, back at Law, and then back at the man.
I waved my head side to side, "I'm always calm though?, I looked to the side, "well….I think I'm mostly calm."
Law sighed beside me, "that's what you think," shaking his head.
I pouted, which prompted more laughter from the group.
I looked around at my surroundings more, finding this to be more of an infirmary than what I saw in the manga and the anime, where they had a common room? With stairs leading up to it….
Hmmm, this ... .is odd?
"Ahhhhh, uhhhhh, who are you guys?" I sneezed soon after, going,
[Achoo, achoo, achooo, achooo]
"Bless you, nee-san," Law handed me tissues as I blew my nose, a chill rising through my spine.
"Awww, so cuuute. Doffy, we should keep them." A lady with a dress, and rather flashy glasses motioned to the both of us.
Now this…is even more confusing….didn't it take a while for Law to join them?
How long was I asleep?
Oh no, please don't tell me that Law was going through hardship and I've been passed out for a long time.
(Internally screaming)
..nee-san….
DAMNIT, WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?
HOW COULD I BE SO RASH?
….Nee-san….
I'M A FUCKIN', DAMN IDI-
"ONEE-SAN!"
I feel chills, and goosebumps, and I feel nauseous.
I looked at Law, panic probably apparent on my face as Law grabbed my hand, and put a towel on my forehead as he forced me to lie down.
"You guys are disturbing the patient, so can we please save this conversation for later?"
I get the medal for worst big sister in the world….(inwardly groaning).
I heard some windy motions? Maybe nonverbal communication was happening, but then I heard chairs screeching a little.
The shuffling of feet alongside Mingo saying, "we'll all have a good chat later."
"Take good care of your sister, Law."
Hmmm, that sounded kinda, very much, ominous….
"I know you don't feel that good right now, so let me change your IV, nee-san."
I HAVE AN IV?!
I look at my right arm, needle and IV bag in place.
I HAVE AN IV!
"Law, serious question," I shoot out my hand, pointing to the ceiling.
Very pretty ceiling, by the way.
Law grunted, in his speak for me to continue on.
I took a deep breath, "how long have I been out?" I felt my face go scrunchy.
Law was lookin' down at me as he continued to change the IV.
…
….
…
"Law?" He's gonna make me wait?
He said something that I couldn't make out.
"Law, I couldn't hear ya, say it again?"
…
"You've been out for four days."
…
….
…..
"Onee-san?"
"I've been out…for four days…" there's a pit in my stomach.
I groan, shaking a little, "sorry Law."
I look him in the eye.
"I'm sorry I left you alone for four days." That must have sucked.
I'm terrible.
I didn't know.
I shouldn't have pushed so hard.
I am just –
Law then proceeds to grab my face, headbutting me.
"OWWWWWW." My left arm rubs my forehead as Law has my undivided attention.
"BAKA ONEE-SAN! STOP THINKING SO MUCH! WHAT MATTERS IS WE'RE BOTH FINE AND ALIVE!"
He shoves a glass of water into my hand.
"DRINK THIS!"
It nearly falls from my hands, but somehow I grab hold of it.
"You don't have to glare…" I sit back up to drink the water, wet towel falling from my forehead.
Hydrate.
Hydrate while my dear younger brother practices bad bedside manner.
Good stuff.
I sip some of the water, thinking, 'hmmm, this tastes kinda weird'.
I stare at the water.
…
…
Why would this pristine looking water…taste weird? Water's water, there isn't much of a taste unless there's, like, metal, or….there's something…
…
I look at Law.
I look back at the water.
I look back at Law, staring at him dead in the eye.
"Did you drug my water?" I'm pretty sure I'm making a face, as I sipped some more.
[ "She looks really shocked, and concerned." Robin commented, somewhat surprised.
Law grunted, "she had a bad poker face in the past."
Many people spoke up in agreement to that statement.
Even the famous red-headed man.
Shanks sighed, "how times change." ]
"Yes." Law said without missing a beat.
I looked at him incredulously as water was now spilling out my mouth like a waterfall.
CONSENT TO BE DRUGGED VIA WaTER IS IMPORTANT.
CONSENT IN ALL MATTERS OF THINGS IS IMPORTANT.
CONSENT AND INFORMATION NECESSARY.
LAW! NOT COOL!
"IT'S GOOD DRUGS!" Law rather forcefully shut my mouth to stop the puddle that was forming on my lap.
I swallowed before jumping up suddenly, nearly falling off the bed before catching myself last second, as I pointed at him.
"LAW!," he looked rather shocked, kinda just gaping at me like a crazy person, "WHAT ARE ALL THE MEDS PRESCRIBED TO ME?!"
After calming down, a lengthy conversation about what medicines are prescribed to me, and understanding that my condition was rather 'bad' at the beginning, I couldn't get to the conversation I wanted to have the most.
Law was dragging my wet blanket and putting it in a corner, while getting a new blanket from a cabinet.
"Astrid-onee-san….we'll talk about those four days later." Law got me to lay down again, tucking me in.
"You need to rest."
I wanted to protest.
Wanted to get answers.
But I understand that he's been through things, and I should respect that he doesn't want to talk about it now. Hopefully later.
Maybe later.
Later.
Or maybe never.
[ Location: Donquixote HQ/Base, North Blue ; May 15th.; Evening - Astrid: 12 years old ]
The next day started off nice.
Waking up to sunlight on my face, the sound of someone eating something crunchy in the room I'm in, and just thinking, 'wow, it's a blessing to just be here, ALIVE.'
[GROWL]
Man, I'm hungry.
I slowly get up into a sitting up position, putting on my glasses that were left on the nightstand, to see who I believe to be one of the Flamingo Pirates….
DonPiote Pirates….
Donquixote Pirates?
Eating chips.
Well, it's not just him, as a girl is next to him.
But why would they be here though?
"Good….morning?" I tilted my head, looking at them both.
The girl beamed at me, rushing over to my side with stars in her eyes.
"GOOD MORNING! I'M HERE TO HELP YOU, JUST SAY THE WORD!"
"BABY 5! Remember what Doffy said."
Baby 5 looked at the other boy, pouting as she pointed at him, "TREBOL, SHE IS SICK AND IN NEED!"
She looked back at me, "AND I CAN HELP!" she looked to the side, her nose kinda sticking up.
Woah, so that's their names that I didn't remember till now?
Memories of the manga are hazy at this point, it's weird, but that's what happens with so much time having passed from back then-then to the current now.
"Uhhh…thank you….Baby 5?" I tilted my head as her eyes gleamed even more.
"WE'RE NOT ALLOWED TO HELP HER! LAW AND DOFFY HAVE AN AGREEMENT!" Trebol shook his head.
"BUTTTTT…"
[SLAM]
The door slammed open, as Law looked to where I was, Baby 5 still holding my hands.
"Baby 5," Law, in the most chilling voice, eyes unseen from the brim of his hat, walked into the room.
Door slowly closing behind him.
A chill in the air and silence that followed as we all stared at Law.
Baby 5, looked conflicted on what to do, as Law came nearer.
Either she was going to stand her ground, or start crying. She's going to do one of the two.
Law, his yellow eyes visible from underneath his hat, had the eyes that screamed imminent doom towards anyone that would receive his ire.
Baby 5, in other words, is in danger.
Before Law could reach the side that Baby 5 is on, as that was where he was headed, I grabbed her by under her armpits and proceeded to pick her up and move her to my left side.
Baby 5 shrieked in surprise, Trebol gasped from his seat, as I gently put her down.
When Law reached my side, he glared at Baby 5 before he started talking to me.
"How do you feel, Nee-san?" Law started checking my vitals, and checking my meds, smiling? which felt more eerie and made me more uneasy.
Internally, just wondering if Law is okay? He was glaring one second, smiling the next.
Very concerning, slightly unnerving.
["Awwww, isn't someone protective?" Barto started to coo at Law as some people started to giggle in the galley.
Law looked over to Barto, sighing.
"She wanted to stop a fight from happening." Killer piped up.
"Nee-san would usually separate us when we would try to fight." Uta nodded along.
Kid snorted, "wasn't much of a fight when you were such a shorty, hiding behind her when you didn't get your way, MISSSS DIIIVAAAA."
"OIIII!" Uta pointed at Kid, as the latter smiled smugly at the former.
"Astrid-neesan would do the same for Luffy, Sabo, and me." Ace pointed at the screen.
Luffy shouted out an affirmative as he managed to say in between bites, "s.e wou.d .e us."
Some people looked confused at the Straw-Hat pirate, as others tried to understand what he said.
Sabo laughed a little, before saying, "like how Luffy said, she would separate us before we could start fighting."
"At least Ace and I never fought," Uta looked so happy, before Ace popped her bubble.
"We did once, but you were too young to remember."
"HUHHHHH, WHEN DID WE FIGHT, ACE?!"
Uta rushed over to him, grabbing a hold onto his shirt and shaking him while he tried to explain.
"YOU WERE SMALL, I DIDN'T WANT TO SHARE NEE-SAN. I CALLED YOU GROSS!," Uta interjected, "I WAS TOO SMALL TO UNDERSTAND YOU! NEE-CHAN PUT A STOP TO THAT REAL QUICKLY."
"YOUR NOT–"
"WHEN DID WE FIGHT–"
Ace blurted out, "I NEARLY HAD YOU ADOPTED!"
"WHAT?!"
Ace looked to the side, as many people were looking at him.
In the smallest voice, "I put you in a basket while you were asleep when we were young, and…well…, nee-chan found out…."
"ACE." Uta looked like a demon while Ace was sweating buckets, with her still holding onto the collar of his yellow shirt.
"DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH TROUBLE I WAS WITH NEE-SAN BACK THEN?!"
Uta then proceeded to put Ace in a headlock, "DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH TROUBLE YOU ARE WITH ME, RIGHT NOW?!"
The two fought it out, to many peoples amusement, some peoples displeasure, and others continuing to ignore them entirely.
Luffy then started laughing in the background, as the two were fighting, "I GUESS UTA AND ACE HAVE FOUGHT, SHISHISHISHI." ]
"Hey Law, so how've–"
"Baby 5. Trebol." Law still had the smile on his face, just a lot more ominous.
He may have a smile, but his eyes aren't smiling.
.AREN' .
"Please leave," Law, this is so damn…scary….I feel chills, damnit, "you're disturbing the patient."
Baby 5 was immediately dragged out by Trebol, with her crying a little as they had literal smoke mark their exit.
I slowly looked at Law, his eyes no longer scary looking, as I still felt cold from panicking.
"What…was that for…?"
Law, finishing the last little bit of fixing my meds, sat down on the side of my bed.
Law let out a breath, "Nee-san, you're too nice."
I gaped at him.
"I'M NOT TOO NIC–"
"YOU ARE! PEOPLE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT, AND THEY'LL EAT YOU ALIVE!" Law started rubbing his face, pinching the bridge of his nose as he shook his head.
"Remember Flevance, hell, remember how I blackmailed you to train me with you," Law looked me directly in the eye, "remember how much you tried to help people, and those people didn't even deserve your help."
Law grabbed my hand, "we can only rely on each other, nee-san. All I'm asking is that you let me do the talking."
I'm not too nice.
I'm a pirate!
I've been raised by pirates!
I'm not….I'm not too….I'm not too nice…
Am I?
I glanced away from him, "I'm not…maybe…I just…"
"Nee-san, you just stopped me from trying to do something to Baby 5…and you don't even know her."
I tried to find the right words to retort back to him, I looked at him directly, but no words came to mind.
"Law…I know we can't trust them…so I won't use any of my abilities…but…at least let me help you a little…."
Law pressed my glasses to my face, back to the top of the bridge of my nose, as they have a tendency to slide down my nose.
"Nee-san, you've helped me so much….let me help you, nee?"
Law smiled.
After every little thing, after all the hardship, he smiled at me without worry or care. His eyes, although not sparkling, held the warmth that they usually had with Mr. and ….
With Lami….
"Okay." I nodded, as Law let go of my hands, and started to prepare some black hair dye.
Time to make sure that all these secrets don't get out to anyone that we don't want it to.
Because at the end of the day, what we are, what are we?
An elder sister, a younger brother, trying to do what we can to move forward.
[ Location: Donquixote HQ/Base, North Blue ; May 17th.; Evening - Astrid: 12 years old ]
I haven't seen much of the, what Law has told me, Donquixote Pirates.
The last two days have been quiet, with Law helping me keep my hair black with the dye. New gloves to cover my hands, no longer using the ripped gloves that I had prior. Changing my meds, storing things in my arm so we have ample supplies.
How does Law justify this amount of supplies needed for me?
We did go over briefly how the four days went with the pirate crew.
Well, he didn't go into the specifics.
He made a deal.
Fairly simple, but complex.
Law didn't want to worry me, he didn't want me to feel bad, or guilty.
Today, on this day, I felt something change….
I noticed something change…
When I rubbed Law's hair, when he came by to visit, I heard his voice, even though he didn't say anything…
"PLEASE, HELP MY SISTER! SHE'S ALL I HAVE LEFT!"
I fixed his hat, my fingertips touching his head lightly.
"I'LL DO ANYTHING, I SWEAR! JUST HELP HER!"
"How far are you willing to go? To help your sister, fufufufu."
When I stopped, I didn't hear anything, everything from whatever that was, stopped.
I had my gloves off, and curiosity took over for me.
It was when I touched his face with the palm of my hand, lightly, that I saw everything.
In a blink, in an instant.
X0X0X0X0X0
Law, with a blob on his back…me?
GRENADES ON HIS PERSON?! WHERE DID HE GET GRENADES?!
"I'LL DO ANYTHING! PLEASE, HELP MY SISTER!"
"Doffy, what do you want to do?" a guy with glasses and wearing a suit pointed at the both of us.
There weren't that many people around them, so…not the full crew?
Donflamingo tilted his head, thinking, before he smiled.
"All right," he moved forward to the both of us.
He was about to grab me? The black blob? Before Law moved me away.
"Don' .HER." Law glared at him, "I know how to treat people," Law gritted out, "just give us supplies, and I'll treat her."
Donflamingo's smile grew even more, as he started to laugh.
"Fufufufufufufufu…"
"Doffy…?"
"FUFUFUFUFUFUFUFU."
Law took a step back.
"FUFUFUFUFUFUFUFUFU!"
Donflamingo stopped laughing, looking at Law, "alright then, but just know."
Donflamingo squatted down, to look Law straight in the eye.
"You can't go till your debt is repaid in full."
X0X0X0X0X0
That…
That was a lot to take in….
Another power? Another ability?
Something I…CAN'T CONTROL…
"Law…." I looked at my hands…
"Nee-san..what's wrong?" Law grabbed my hand, where I started hearing things again.
"LAW! I LOVE YOU, BIG BROTHER!"
Lami's voice.
I grabbed his hand with my left hand, and before I knew it.
X0X0X0X0X0
"Okay Donflamingo, until my debt is repaid, leave my sister alone." Law looked so serious, so stern.
"Fufufufu, okay, Law."
They were alone in an office, just the two of them.
"Donflamingo, when I say leave her alone, I mean all of your crew has to leave her alone."
Donflamingo readjusted himself in his chair.
"Awww, Law, why do you want that?" Donflamingo had his hand supporting his head as he leaned over the desk.
Law stared at him, "she isn't suited to be a pirate."
X0X0X0X0X0
"Law….remember what I said…about my abilities…." I let go of his hands.
The suddenness of it all, Law looked hurt and confused.
"I…think I have a new one…." I looked at my hands, then back at him.
I gulped, "Did Donglamingo say, 'you can't go till your debt is repaid in full,' or something like that…"
"Nee-san….how…."
"Did you say, 'She isn't suited to be a pirate,' when talking about me to him?"
That was when I looked back up at him, his face pale and filled with shock.
"Ohhh, noo….Law….oh, I'm so sorry….I'm so sorry….I…."
"Nee-san…." Law was about to grab my hands, but I shot them in the air, shaking my head no.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I didn't know, I didn't mean to, I…"
["Nee-san…there's nothing to be sorry about…" Law shook his head. ]
His small hands grabbed my face, rubbing away tears I didn't realize were there.
"Nee-san….your new ability…involves touching people with your hands and….predicting the future…"
I nodded, keeping my hands out of reach.
"Nothing happens when I touch your face?"
I shook my head no, as he continued to wipe away my tears.
"Only hands?"
I nodded.
"That's okay." Law got me a tissue and told me to blow.
Afterwards, I asked for bandages, wrapping my hands alongside having gloves on.
This was only the beginning of our stay…with the Donquixote Pirates.
[ Location: Mobey Dick, various other vessels; Sailing to a CERTAIN ISLAND ; 4th Day – Afternoon]
"WE'RE GONNA HAVEA A BRIEF INTERMISSION!" Declared the Bushy Browed Man.
"WHAAAAAAAAAAT?!" Many people called out in the galley.
Some were protesting.
Some were concerned.
And some were about to get out of their seat and fight the man.
"I'LL BE BAC INA HOUR! NONE OF YA CAN STOP ME, AND YA KNOW IT!"
The Bushy Browed Man immediately ran towards one of the doors, disappearing to who knows where.
With some of the people in the galley, wanting to run after him…but knowing what he said holds true…
If any were to fight him…
Nobody would be safe.
HELPFUL STUFF!
Astrid's Abilities:
Abilities to Confuse a Child:
- Teleportation
- Future Touch
- Space Hair?
Chosen Abilities:
- Spatial Storage
- Tri-Staff from the X's
Miscellaneous:
- Gut Feeling
- Odd Luck (It's a thing)
A/N:
HEYO!
It is I, with NEWS!
I have a job, you know what that means~
(IN THE CAREER I WANT!)
Yup, the next update might just be Turkey Month, Merry Cristler…or the NEXT YEAR, whichever comes first.
LIFE UPDATE!: I am applying to my Masters (Hopefully this month (sadly, no)), I have battled fleas and bed bugs (and survived? Still itchy - they even bit my middle finger as an FU to your dear author), and I bought shelves! LIKE AN ADULT!
This is so weird, like, I have a degree, I NOW HAVE A JOB THAT LIKES ME, AND now I HAVE MONEY! TO BUY THINGS! FOR ME!
First thing I buy is One Piece figurines…..anime figurines and shelves for them….only to shove them in a different room cause I shoved my life in garbage bags due to bed bugs…..
Still need to save for the degree tuition tho…..I've been buying/pre-ordering figurines like a madman.
ALSO, I have experienced family drama, and now have covid again…..yay….NOT.
Light-hearted sidenote, like, Law was done dirty not having golden eyes, sayin' it here, like…..they took away some of his drip…FROM HIS EYES! GOSH DARN IT [Bangs table].
I want a Law figurine with his golden eyes….[sobs].
Anywho, I'm just gonna hope for the rest of the year to be fairly okay.
Peace out, WITH A FIST OF LOVE
-DH
Edit:
Sooooooooooooo….
Just to let ye know, ita'll b afta' One Piece ends tha' this kiddo' actually gets to tha meat.
GYA, GYA, GYA, GYA!
[THONK]
THAT WAS A JOKE!
- Bushy Man