DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN ONE PIECE

It was hard to breathe. With each intake of air, it got more painful. It was hot. Her body was no longer on a soft bed but on the hard, wooden floor. Her entire body was sore as if someone had punched her all over. Ears ringing that she barely heard the screaming surrounding her. The young girl couldn't process what was happening.

Aurelia struggled to open her eyes. Dust and ash getting in them that the effort was practically useless. She wanted to call out to her parents but all she could do was cough. Tears were building up in her eyes which didn't help with her vision. Once more she tried to call out to someone. But she couldn't.

Suddenly her clothes were grabbed from behind and she was in the air. Smashing through a window she landed outside. Her body was in shock from the change in environment. Finally, she could see what the cause of everything was. A fire was burning her house.

She tried to stand up but couldn't with the few glass shards and burns on her legs. Coming out of the house was a shadowy figure. She could make out a woman's figure. Some hope built to only disappear as the fire lit more of the body. Her mom walked out with a bloody sword impaling her stomach from behind.

"Run." Aurelia reached out towards her when the house exploded. She flew backwards giving her more injuries on impact. A scream was caught in throat hitting her back against a tree.

Her entire body was shaking in pain and fear. She had no idea what to do. The tears didn't stop as she watched the house burn down with her parents still inside. Her vision blurred could barely see the person moving to stand in front of her. She reached her weak arm out towards them.

Fear overtook seeing the blood on their clothes. The house was no longer her biggest concern as the group of people wearing smiling jolly rogers stood in front of her. They surrounded her with grins on their faces. Like they were laughing at her. She knew immediately that they were the cause of this all. Her focus was on the two closest to her.

A sickly white boy and a tall clown dressed man. Those faces were the two she would tattoo into her brain for the rest of her life. With what little energy Aurelia had left, she spoke.

"I'll never forgive you for what you did."

Aurelia's eyes flew open, her breathing heavy. It took her a second to realize that she wasn't in any immediate danger. 'Fuck. It's been a while since I thought of that.'

She let out a groan while turning to the side. It was roughly 3 in the morning. She contemplated going back to sleep but now she was in a bad mood. It didn't help that the Polar Tang's machines were constantly making noises. The metal walls weren't that comforting to be surrounded by.

She sighed, getting out of bed. She threw on her satchel along with a face mask. Since it was night time most of the lights in the hallways were dimmed to ease the eyes. Walking over to the medical bay she was glad that hardly was awake at this time. If they were, she could avoid them easily.

The smell of antiseptic from the medical bay welcomed her. To most people it could triggered a negative memory. For Aurelia it was reassuring that she was not in a burning house. It was nice and clean and she knew everything was organized perfectly here. She spent a good portion of her life in hospitals even before the incident. Everything about being surrounded by that smell made her feel safe.

Aurelia went to the cabinet to grab some pills. Normally she wouldn't want to rely on pills but she was sure that she wouldn't be able to sleep without it today. 'Oh you got to be fucking kidding me.'

The metal door opened with a sleepless Law entering. She figured that he would be a night owl from his permanent eye bags but it was hopeful to think that she wouldn't encounter him today. "Lia-ya, what are you doing so early?"

"I could ask you the same thing." She shook the small bottle to show him what her goal was.

"Couldn't sleep?" 'No shit, detective.'

"A nightmare made me a bit unsettled. I figured you wouldn't mind if I prescribed myself medicine." 'It is way too early to be polite to you.' "What about you, Mister Trafalgar? Is there a reason why you're awake?"

"It would be more surprising if I was asleep." He took a few steps towards her to check what bottle she had. For a quick second Aurelia panicked seeing the younger version of him in front of him. It took everything not to react to the image. Her sleep deprived self with the fresh memory threw her off her game.

Law noticed her zone out and didn't move closer. She recollected herself seeing that he was observing her movements closer. 'Focus. It's only Trafalgar. I'm not as defenceless as I was then. I'm stronger than he is.'

"Do you want to talk about that nightmare?"

"No." She said, a bit harsher than intended. She cleared her throat. "I mean- I'm fine. A little tired is all."

She could tell by his sceptical look that he didn't buy her excuse. 'Maybe if I appear nervous enough he'll drop it.' She placed the bottle back in the proper place without taking any. "Nevermind. I'll just try counting sheep like other people."

"Lia-ya." She stopped in her path out. He walked past her to grab the bottle again. "Valium? Not intermezzo?"

"Despite the late time, I'm not isonomic." She didn't need to be told that the pills that she grabbed weren't technically sleeping pills. They were meant to relieve anxiety with the side effect of drowsiness. While she didn't believe she had a form of anxiety, it was still possible for it to treat nerves for a short term. Mainly she just wanted to forget the memory right now and go back to sleep.

Law handed her the bottle again. "As long as you are aware of what you're intaking, you're free to use the medical bay as you see fit."

'He's pitying me. All because of that stupid nightmare. That was also his fault.' She held onto the bottle tightly. "I understand. I'll keep that in mind for next time. Good night, Mister Trafalgar."

Aurelia stuffed the bottle into her pyjama's pocket as she went back to her room. Sitting on her bed she stared down at the white capsules. It felt different receiving it from Law. There was a feeling behind it that she hated the idea of using them. Taking anxiety medication from the man that caused it in the first place. It was an insult to her pride.

She didn't take any that night. In turn she didn't sleep either.

Training was mandatory for all Heart pirates. This could be split into two categories. First, was the expected combat training. Many times the crew would personally indulge themselves in this as a precaution that kept them alive in their profession. However, Law made it apparent that he wanted to set a dedicated time to assess everyone's progress to ensure that everyone was able to protect themselves.

Second, was basic medical training. This meant that in any emergencies, any Heart pirate would be able to assist Law. Or even in situations where he wasn't around, they would have a lesser chance of letting someone die on their watch. Now that there was another doctor on board there was a bit more insurance that the amount of injuries being effectively managed would be lower but that didn't change that first aid training was important.

Every once in a while Law would surprise the crew with sudden tests of their knowledge on first aid procedures. This included the well known CPR, situation based reactions or even simply the steps needed to be taken to secure the patient in emergency cases.

The main point that he emphasized during these tests was to do something rather than nothing. Try to stop the bleeding, ask the patient what they need, call for help, do not sit there when they have a chance to be saved.

The Heart pirates were already used to these tests of medical knowledge and strength. With their newest member it wasn't surprising for them to hear her answer all of Law's questions so easily. Early in the morning too. Each question progressively got harder that all of them got lost in trying to understand what they were saying at some point. With each answer she provided he wanted to learn more about her background.

Law already knew that Aurelia was a good doctor purely by her little works in his medical bay and her character but he wanted to see her limit. He was never formally taught after all. His parents did allow him to study all he wanted but there were always restrictions in what he could do without resources. As a pirate not many people were open to the idea of letting him borrow facilities for his own use. There's a reason why the Polar Tang's medical bay had some of the most advanced technologies out there. Everything he did learn was through books or using his devil fruit to his advantage.

Compared to that was Aurelia who, unknowingly to the crew, went to one of the most prestigious medical schools out there. On top of that when she was granted her medical license and travelled all around the grand line to study on her own. Anything that she wanted was a quick call to her father to get. Never running out of resources and constantly wanting to study, she learned as much as she could.

In terms of hours put in, the two were equal. It was only a matter of what they were exposed to and how they learned from it.

"Final question for today." 'Oh finally! We've been at this for nearly an hour!' "List off a few possible reasons for nightmares."

'How he loves to irk me to no end.' "There is no set reason found. However, studies have noticed a relationship that can relate the frequency of nightmares to mental stress and anxiety. Or the environment."

"And your thoughts on this?"

"I don't disagree with these findings. There is a significant amount to back this up but can not get a defined reason due to the difference between each testing. I do disagree with forming a basis on a particular person's condition from only one incident. The brain is the least understood part of the body because of said complexities. That being said, I will once more return these to the medical bay later." She put the filled bottle of pills on the table. Aurelia didn't like that he was using this time in front of everyone to point out what happened earlier. She was already tired that being tested like this was an exam was annoying.

Law, seemingly fine with her answer, left her alone. She felt slightly better when Crow placed a hot cup of coffee in front of her. "Thank you Mister Crow."

He eyed the bottle. She covered it with one hand. "All is fine. Merely a precaution I wanted to have earlier today. Do not worry for me."

He respected her word and went to serve the others food. It was useful that he wasn't too nosey. She held onto the cup. The warmth felt nice. The first sip cleared her mind enough to temporarily forget that Law was grilling the next person for answers they clearly didn't know. 'It's been so long since I had an all-nighter. Takes me back to when I was still in school.'

"Are you going to be okay for combat training today?" Penguin asked quietly beside her.

"I'll be fine. Just go easy on me. I've never really had training like you guys." 'I've had it way worse.'

"If you help teach me some medical stuff, you got it." She never pegged him for the smart type. Law's questions were proving that since they were simple things yet for some reason some of them had to take five minutes to come up with an answer.

"Sounds like a deal." 'Sounds like I'm a part time tutor now. Great. Why don't you just learn to study more?' She yawned with her mouth closed. 'I should have taken the intermezzo. Next island I'll pick up my own medicine so that I don't have to report to Trafalgar.'

Aurelia thought of the next island. Each day they were getting closer and with all her research there wasn't any super special plant there that would catch Law's attention. He already had a lot of the herbs located there. The ones he didn't, weren't anything that he couldn't find on any other island.

She knew that this island had to be the reason why they remained in Paradise but she couldn't find out what that was! For someone that wanted to study his every moment, it was ridiculing that she couldn't figure out what his goal was. It's not like she could ask him directly. The damn pirate would find it suspicious.

"Sorry Frost-san, but I'm going to be with you today for training." Keith walked up to their table. He took the seat closer to Penguin.

"He told you that already? But you're a sharpshooter?"

"Yeah but captain said that today he wanted to test your skills so he doesn't want to overwhelm you. I'm not the best at close combat so I think we'll be a good pair today." He bashfully said. 'So I'm at the bottom of the food chain here. Perfect.'

"I have a feeling that you'll still be better than me though." 'If I'm holding back and I still win, you all are more pathetic than I thought.'

"I hope so."

"Are you any good at fighting, Aurelia-chan?"

"I would say that I can take care of myself. Though I haven't run into any big problems. A part of that is due to me avoiding danger when it comes my way." Now that she thought about it, this training session would be a good chance to assess his combat skills.

Not only Keith but the rest of the crew as well. It would be a long shot for her to train with Law that she had to slowly move up in terms of power ranking. Observe him and his weaknesses from behind the others.

"Well when you're with us you'll be in many dangerous situations, but count on us! We'll take care of everything!" Penguin flexed in front of her. She forced a smile. 'I know I'm playing the weak doctor act but these pirates really love the idea of being a knight in shining armor for me.'

"That's reliable. Being a pirate must be hard but I'll adjust as best as I can to not hold you all back."

"Frost-san too. We'll rely on you when we get sick or hurt."

"I doubt it. Mister Trafalgar is the main doctor on board. I'll only be following behind him in case of emergencies."

"That's not true. Captain has a lot of responsibilities. I'm sure having you on board would ease things up a little for him." 'Keith is so nice; shame he's a pirate. He'll get eaten alive out here.'

"Then in that case I'm going to have to work extra hard to be like him. Both as a doctor and a fighting pirate." She shuddered at the idea of being like Law. A pirate too. How disgusting.

"Reaching captain's level may be a bit much for you now but it'll be cool to see if you become stronger here."

"I suppose that is what training is for." She took another sip of her coffee. The only thing keeping her sane during this conversation. It was easier to focus on burning her tongue than to argue back.

"After breakfast, report to the main training room." Law announced to everyone. Besides Aurelia, they were used to the process.

Once Law left the room they all sighed. Training day was something they all dreaded. At least she wasn't the only one not enjoying this experience. Each time they got a question wrong she would want to bang her head against the metal walls. Now she had to fake fight against the weakest member of the crew.

"I'm done eating but if Frost-san wants to get some more food, I don't mind waiting." Keith suggested.

"I'm alright with going now." She stood up with her cup.

"Are you sure? You didn't eat anything? That can't be good for you."

"Mister Keith, I am a doctor. I am aware that skipping breakfast is not ideal. However, I am falling asleep by the second and would like to not prolong this. If that's alright with you." She was really forcing herself to be nice with her trying to stay awake. If she wasn't covering half her face they would have saw her mouthing swear words at them whenever she could.

"A-alright. I trust your decision." He stood up to lead the way.

Walking in the halls, Aurelia didn't make it known that she was scanning Keith up and down from behind. As expected, he had a good body. The few times he was without the signature Heart pirate boiler suit she could see that he was fit enough to carry heavy artillery and go a long distance but not in a show off sort of fashion.

The only downside of his personality was that he was too soft. Anyone could look at him and think that the only reason why he was fit was because he went regularly to the gym. She's seen his work though. Even without Ryder, his shots were incredibly accurate. Whether it be the sniper on his back or the Polar Tang's torpedoes, he had a high success rate in sinking ships on first hit. If only he could be less of a scaredy cat outside the battlefield, he would be a real threat.

She yawned. 'Let's get this over with. I'm going to lose anyways.'

Law was reading by himself when they showed up. He expected a lot of them to take their sweet time in coming.

"You two are going first? Are you sure?" She noticed that he was asking her specifically.

"Should we wait our turn?" He set his book down.

"No. Carry on. To repeat the rules for Lia-ya, it's just a simple sparring match. Only hand to hand combat and no targeting the hand. You have maximum of two minutes to knock the opponent down. I give the final call. Understand?"

"Seems easy enough."

Combat training was standard. A few sparing matches with him watching in order to give them pointers on how to improve. It would help in them learning how their fellow crewmates worked that could help them in the battle field. For a solo fighter like Aurelia, fighting alongside someone else was a hindrance. Training was overall annoying.

Aurelia and Keith stood across from each other. "Um, do you want to change before we start?"

She looked down at her clothes. The lab coat wasn't something she was used to fighting in but it shouldn't be that big of a problem. Compared to her usual baggy assassin's clothes, this was way easier to handle. She couldn't bother changing for this one training session.

"No, I'm fine."

"What about putting down your bag?" She clutched onto the bag's straps at Law's suggestion. It contained everything that could point to her being a traitor. She couldn't let it out of her sight.

"I assure you that I'm fine with my current attire. In a real life situation, I won't have the opportunity to change so it would be best if I get comfortable in my day to day clothes." That was one thing Law noticed about Aurelia. Sometimes an innocent action would cause her to react emotionless.

First was her refusing to tell Law about her nightmare. Second was this. Even that time she mentioned her dad's death, she was unwilling to discuss further. It didn't help that each time, Law was the one to ask her. He'll have to make note to try slowly opening her up. Starting with that bag.

"Lia-ya, what is in your bag?"

"Nothing super important. Some first aid, my trident, a wallet, hair ties, extra masks, stuff like that." No mention of her clown mask. It was starting to make her uncomfortable that he wasn't dropping it like usual.

"Is there a reason why you won't put it down?"

'Because you're a dirty pirate that will probably snoop through my things and use your authority over me to try to reason it.' "I don't like the feeling of not having everything I need on me."

"You're safe here. There's no need for extra precaution."

"We are traveling at the speed of ocean currents with no land for days. If anything happens we are at the mercy of sea kings and anything we have on hand. It may be a small bag but it can make a difference in keeping someone alive." Particularly herself.

"Is there nothing that would make you feel more comfortable with us?" He fully thought that it was her fear of getting hurt that was making her nervous.

"Prove to me that you can protect us. Only then will I allow myself to calm down." Now her sleep deprived self was talking. She wanted to challenge Law.

He smirked at how bold she was. "Room."

The blue circle captured the three of them. Aurelia held her breath feeling the devil fruit's power brush over her.

"H-Hold on captain that might-" Law ignored Keith's concerns. He unsheathed his kikoku as she took in everything she could about the ROOM.

"Amputate." Cleanly, he sliced at one of her legs. Instinctively her haki warned her of the attack and strengthened her leg. Quickly realizing that she was protecting herself she forced her body to take the hit.

Her leg popped right off making her fall forward. 'It's been a while since someone knocked me off my feet. Literally. How amusing.'

"Frost-san don't panic! This is normal for captain! You can put it back on!" He helped her sit back up.

She focused on her leg. She still had control over it if she tried. 'So this is the Ope Ope no mi's power.'

Law walked up to them. "This is my devil fruit. Anyone that steps into my range is at my mercy. I can do a lot more than cutting limbs. Is that enough reassurance?"

"Yeah... I'll cooperate." It may look like she was in shock from her leg hopping around. In reality she was only holding back her happiness.

From this one experience she already gathered so much intel! His ROOM was transparent but had blue borders. If he wanted, with enough distance no one would notice if he set one up. Then there was the deal with her leg hopping around. The process was painless which was reassuring. Being able to control her severed limb was even better.

The main thing she made note of was her haki's response. If she did use her Busoshoku haki, would he be able to cut her? Was that a weakness that he wasn't aware of? On top of her seastone trident, she had gained another advantage point against him. If she could get his fruit to malfunction she would only have to deal with his sword and his crew mates. Meaning, that the next island she had to get him alone.