The entire ballroom went dead silent as everyone's head turned towards the balcony.
Bach could see them, in the reflection on the glass door. Hutchinson's eyes wide with fear; Tibs looking like he'd seen a ghost; old Gregson holding his grandson to him; Doll clutching Angela's hand as they both stared.
It was all Bach could do to keep his regal mask in place; when every instinct screamed at him to run, to hide; to get away from this living nightmare.
"A good evening to you too, Sir Warlord."
"As a fellow King, you need not be so formal." Kuma's voice was a drone, void of emotion. "My name is more than enough."
"Very well, Kuma." Bach glanced once again at the reflection. There was no sign of Izuku and Yamato. A stroke of luck.
For them, but not for him, nor his people. To have defeated a band of dangerous pirates, only for him to show up. Bartholomew Kuma, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea; a man who could level the entire city in the blink of an eye .
"How may I help you?" Bach inquired. Lawson moved to his side; his face cold, his eyes bright with dread.
"I wish only to talk, your Majesty," replied Kuma dryly. "I visited Holmes Hall and found it in ruins; yet the rest of your city seems unharmed; even joyous. Perhaps you could explain this."
"Would you… like to have a seat?" Bach's mind was a whirl. How did he even get here without someone informing him of his Devil Fruit ability?
"I would. We can sit out here." Kuma stepped back, gesturing to the balcony chairs. "You are in no danger, your Majesty. Unless you have done something…improper towards the Government, that is."
"No, not at all. Please, let us sit." Bach moved to join him, Lawson at his shoulder. Kuma's eyes fixed on the mouse mink.
"Lawson is my Prime Minister and confidant. What I would hear, he would as well."
Kuma made the barest of gestures, and moved to sit down; his massive frame taking up two seats.
"I must confess, I did not expect one of the Seven Warlords to appear tonight." Bach admitted, as he and Lawson sat down.
"I was already en route to Doyle when the Jammer Snails went down," Kuma replied. "One week ago, when Marine HQ received notice that Vice Admiral Scotyard's Vivre Card had been burnt, they called on me to go and ascertain the situation. I apologize for the delay."
It was like talking to a living statue.
"Would you… like any refreshments?" Lawson asked. Kuma didn't look his way. He didn't seem to move at all. Not even a twitch or a tic.
"I would like to try your tea," he eventually said. Lawson got up and hurried back to the balcony door, poking his head inside. Bach saw a worried-looking Judith nod and hurry away.
"Our finest brew is on the way," Lawson said, returning to his seat. Kuma gave the barest of nods.
"Now then, onto the matter at hand," he continued. "What happened to Holmes Hall? And the Finalem Pirates? Their ship is set in the harbor town, but is manned by Marines."
"We managed to defeat them by ourselves," Bach replied. "I can explain it to you, as I explained to Marineford."
"By all means."
Kuma sat entirely still, and entirely silent, as Bach related the story of the Finalem blockade. The massive Warlord did not move or comment, not even as Judith returned with the tea and three cups; one of them large enough for his hand.
"And thus…we were able to contain the Finalem brothers in the palace," Bach concluded.
"Who stopped the officers of the Finalem Pirates when they escaped the entrapment?" Kuma inquired, lifting up his cup and taking a sip. His expression did not change.
"Ensign Doll, as I described earlier and two Samaritans. We know little about the latter, save that one of them fought with a pipe and had a top hat."
"I see." Kuma set down his cup. "And these two warriors? This Yoichi and Shirou?"
"They are not here, unfortunately. They left without saying goodbye." A truth and a lie, neatly combined. And even the lie was only partial, and maybe only premature.
"I see. Marineford would love to get in contact with them. They could make for strong allies, unless they are associated with a Pirate crew."
"I can assure you, they have no dealings with pirates," insisted Bach, with a resolution he did not have to fake. "Nor do they have any wish to."
"I'm sure Marineford will be glad of that." Kuma took another sip. "And what of your people? They must have suffered during the blockade."
"The people have suffered," Lawson said out of turn. "But, we made it through. It was a trying time but… we came out the other end. Adlerport suffered the most, but they will heal. In time. We have aid coming in from our neighbors, and our trading partners."
"Hmm." Kuma gave the barest of nods. "Then it seems your kingdom will recover. Though I imagine you will have grievances to express at the Reverie, your Majesty."
Bach's stomach was tying itself in knots. How did this man keep on reading him? Was it a Devil Fruit power?
"What grievances would those be?"
"The G-12 base failed to protect your kingdom," explained Kuma mildly. "After all the taxes you paid for its upkeep. Worse, the cause of the failure was a treacherous plot by its own Commander. I can tell you, Marineford is very embarrassed by all this. And your fellow Kings would be very surprised if you did not bring this up at the Council of Kings. Surely you deserve to be compensated? Express whatever grievances amongst your fellow monarchs?"
Bach did his best to ignore the sweat running down his neck. "It… has crossed my mind."
"I would appreciate it if you did," Kuma went on. "The Marines' command structure needs to be reformed. There are many kingdoms in need of protection, in this Great Pirate Era. The Marines cannot afford embarrassments like this, even when they are as spread thin as is."
He paused, taking a long, slow sip.
"Your input at the council may shame the Marines into upping their game. Otherwise the kingdoms may seek protection elsewhere. This would only invite trouble; to their shores and to your own. I suggest you think very carefully about your contribution to the Reverie, before taking your rightful seat in Mariejois."
Bach remained silent as Kuma finished his cup and set it down. "This was a fine tea, your Majesty. What brew is it?"
"B-Baskerville Grey." Bach replied, feeling small and powerless before the titan of a man. Kuma rose to his feet.
"I would like to have it again in the future." Kuma said. "May your life be long, and your kingdom prosper." He turned his head, his blank white eyes looking down at the silent mouse mink. "Prime Minister."
He placed his Bible under his arm, removed his glove, and walked away.
"There is something else," he said, pausing a moment and turning to face them. "There is a storm brewing in the New World, over the Land of Wano."
Bach's blood turned to ice in his veins.
"Wano…where the Emperor Kaido rules?"
"Yes. It hasn't passed in over a week now. The King of Beasts is angry. Marineford does not know why, and they're reasonably worried. I advise you to keep your head low, your Majesty; lest your kingdom become a smoking ruin."
He turned away again. Then, with a popping sound, Bartholomew Kuma vanished.
Bach almost fell off his chair, as his body sagged with relief.
"Kuma… to think Mariejois would send him, of all people" Lawson breathed, as Bach stood up.
"It was a show of power," he said, his hand covering his face. "We should be thankful they didn't send someone like Sir Crocodile, or heaven forbid, Doflamingo. Clearly they assumed I would have doubts after what happened. I was a fool to think they wouldn't."
"So you did consider it!" Lawson whispered harshly. Bach glanced towards the ballroom, but no one was close enough to hear. "You seriously considered breaking away from the World Government!"
"The thought crossed my mind," Bach admitted. "But you know what Kuma did to the Sorbet Kingdom."
"And if not Kuma…"
"Any of the Three Admirals…" Bach ran his hands down his face. "They can do all he can, and more."
He stepped up to the parapet, staring out into the distant sky.
What was he to do now? What could he possibly do about any of this?
It had been a fine dream, while it lasted. The idea of Doyle making a stand, of being a great power in this world; secure against its enemies, and a friend to the powerless. But it was just a dream; no, not even a dream, but a mere delusion. Doyle could not cope with a single pirate crew. How could it oppose the World Government?
And if Kaido learned that Izuku and Yamato had been here…
The storm over Wano… should he?
No. He cannot trouble his friends minds no longer. They had escaped that awful place. Best they do not know.
"We remain loyal," he said. "We are not without friends among the other kingdoms, and within the World Government. We should cultivate those connections." He sighed. "Still…something confuses me."
"What?"
"Why would the Tyrant of all people show concern for random strangers? Why would he ask about our wellbeing?" Bach wondered, cupping his chin. "He's a Pirate. Before he became a Warlord, his bounty was nearly 300 million. True, he had been a king once himself; but not a compassionate one."
"It could have been government orders," suggested Lawson. "From what I hear, Kuma is the only one of the Seven Warlords who actually obeys orders."
"Perhaps…" Bach sighed. Now wasn't the time for that. "Now then. We should return to the party, lest our guests assume the worst."
He strode back through the door and into the ballroom. The people were gathered around, faces pale, looking to him for answers.
"What happened?" Jenner asked, as the guests erupted with questions.
"I will explain later." Bach whispered, then drew himself up.
"Friends, all is well!" he called out, as Hutchinson and Tibs gently but firmly shooed the guests back. "Kuma was merely stopping by on his way back to Marine HQ, to ask after our situation and sample some of our famous tea. He assures me that Marineford is aware of the situation, and that help is on its way. In the meantime, let us continue our celebrations!"
The guests gave a round of applause, and Bach saw Izuku and Yamato return the way they had come.
"Phew, thanks for the milk," Yamato said as she wiped her lips.
"Not a problem," Izuku said with a smile. Both paused, seeing the crowd gathered around Bach, and the balcony doors open.
"Umm, did we miss something?" Yamato asked with a quirked eyebrow. Bach took a deep breath, and smiled.
"Not at all." He nodded towards Lawson, who fell in beside him, then strolled casually towards the duo. "Continue if you please, everyone."
He strolled on, as the festivities began to resume; the musicians returning to their stage.
"A word, in private," he whispered. Izuku's eyes widened, and he nodded. He led the way out of the ballroom, the duo behind him, and Lawson bringing up the rear.
(X)
Something was wrong.
Izuku had known it from the moment he and Yamato returned from the kitchens, and seen what was going on in the ballroom. The dark looks on Bach and Lawson's faces only confirmed it.
"What happened?" he asked, as soon as they were inside Lawson's office and the door closed.
"While you were tending to Lady Yamato's reaction," replied Bach. "We had a very conspicuous visit… by Bartholomew Kuma, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
Izuku's eyes widened, and Yamato straightened up, as if ready for battle.
"One of the Warlords was here?! Why?!" she demanded, eyes wide with anger and more than a little fear. Izuku glanced from Bach to Lawson, frightened and bewildered. Why hadn't his Danger Sense gone off?
"Apparently the Government sent Kuma when they found out that Scotyard's life had expired," replied Bach. "I'm afraid he asked about you two, by your aliases."
Izuku felt a cold knife twisting in his gut. So the World Government had taken an interest; or at least were curious about them.
"I had hoped this would not happen so soon," Bach went on. "Aokiji is not due for a few days. But Kuma has the ability to turn up unannounced." He paused, and sighed. "My friends, you were having fun tonight, and you deserve far more. It shames me to ask this, but…"
"We'll leave in the morning," Izuku spoke up, his heart aching at the sadness on Yamato's face. "The Marines only know our aliases, right?"
"I told them you had already departed. But the longer you stay, the more trouble we invite." Bach stalked along the wall of the office, not looking Izuku in the eye. "You came here at Whitey Bay's request, did you not?" He glanced at Lawson.
"Lawson, contact her at once, and explain the situation. Also, relay our intentions regarding the Finalem ship."
"Very well," said Izuku, with a sigh. "In the meantime, you have a party to tend to."
"That I do." Bach opened the door. "Goodnight you two. I'll see you two in the morning, I would like to give something to you." Bach had a soft but sad smile on his face.
"A-Alright, good night your Maj-I mean, Bach." Izuku said, remembering what the blue haired man had said.
"Night Bach," Yamato added. The king nodded, and stepped out; closing the door behind him.
"I suppose I should call Bay right now," Lawson mused, and strode over to a cupboard. He opened the door, reached inside, and turned something. Izuku heard the walls clunk and click.
"Just like in the palace," Yamato mused. "Soundproofing?"
"Indeed." Lawson sat down at this desk and began rummaging through it, while Izuku and Yamato sat down opposite. He pulled out a Transponder Snail, and set to work on it.
"Ring Ring Ring Ring, Ring Ring Ring Ring" the Snail muttered. "Click." The eyes opened, and the face changed, becoming more human-like.
"Just gonna say it, damn that is creepy," Daigoro muttered only to be shushed by Nana.
"Lawson?" The face was wide-eyed, hopeful. "Is that you?"
"The one and only." Lawson smirked as the snail let out a sigh of relief.
"Thank Goodness…. So you finally did it?" asked the voice of Whitey Bay.
"Not just me, my old friend. Me, Bach…and the two you sent us." Lawson smiled, and turned the snail towards them, handing Izuku the speaking device.
"Ummm, hello Captain Bay." Izuku said. Yamato leaned in, her cheek brushing against Izuku's, making him freeze up.
"Okay, the second we get to another island we have got to work on this whole freezing up thing before it gets us killed, again," the Third User grumbled.
"Heya Whitey Bay! We did it!" Yamato chimed. The snail grinned from ear to ear.
"So I hear. How did you do it?"
"Do you want to hear it from Lawson?" Izuku asked, offering the speaker back to the beaming mouse mink, who took it.
"Lay it on me Lawson."
"Of course, my Princess." Lawson took a deep breath, then told her of all that had happened. The snail's face shifted, the smile faltering and fading, as Lawson described the effects of the blockade, and the suffering of the people, and the arrival of Kuma.
"So the Tyrant of all people showed up on your balcony? That must have caused quite the scare." Bay mused. "You two are gonna be leaving in the morning right?"
"Yes." Izuku said, taking the Speaker back. "We don't want to trouble Doyle any longer."
He frowned. He had grown to like Doyle, maybe even love it. Were he able and willing to settle down, Doyle wouldn't be a bad place to do it. But he dared not, not with Bartholomew Kuma and Kaido on the hunt.
"I understand. You two… I'm in your debt for saving my homeland."
"Hey Bay," Yamato spoke up, Izuku offering her the Speaker.
"Yes?"
"I heard Whitebeard came to Doyle many years ago, and that he had attacked this place. That can't be true right? There's no way he would do such a thing!"
Izuku shivered, as he remembered what Jenner had said in Parliament. Bay sighed.
"It's a long story, and you two need your sleep," she replied. "You two have a long flight tomorrow. Lawson, have you any Eternal Poses in your office?
"A few, yes." Lawson gave Izuku the speaker and strode over to another cupboard and opened it.
"Which ones?" Bay asked.
"Let's see… Red Port, Carrollewis, Tolkien, Rowlingsway," he shuddered visibly at the last one. "Ah, here's one. Rubikan." He took the Eternal Pose out, holding it before him. "An Island far from Doyle, two weeks sailing give or take."
"Rubikan…" Bay mused aloud, eyes narrowed; as if she was looking through a phone book. "I got it. Izuku, Yamato, meet me at Isla Rubikan. It's an island filled with Jungles but there's a pirate outpost there."
"Ohhh a pirate outpost?" Yamato asked, intrigued.
"Yep, it's where most pirates come to restock, refuel and trade their wares. Once we're there, I can take you to Pops, and he'll explain." The snail smiled. "You gave your word and kept it, so I'm doing the same. For now, you should rest up until tomorrow. There are several islands on the way to Rubikan, but only one of them is an Emperor territory, as far as I know."
"Do you know what it's called?" Izuku asked, perking up.
"You'll know it when you see it," she replied, with what might have been a shrug. "We know it's under the Red Hair Pirates; since it's surrounded with buoys with his Jolly Roger on it. Stay well away from it if you can, and don't draw attention to yourselves, and you should be okay."
"Really?" Izuku asked.
"Yeah, Red Hair is an Emperor, but he's a pretty reasonable guy. You don't bother him, he doesn't bother you. With any luck, you should get to Rubikan in about two to three days. It'll take me three to four myself, or a week tops." The Snail took a deep breath. "You guys still have the money I lent you right?"
"As for that matter, they won't be hurting for money." Lawson said. "Master Izuku and Lady Yamato captured the Finalem ship themselves. Per maritime law, it and everything on it belong to them."
The mouse mink smirked, and Izuku blinked, stunned at what he had just heard.
"We…we can't!" he protested. "We took a few things for our journey, but we can't take all that! How would we carry it!?" Yamato slumped in her seat like a disappointed child.
"You may dispose of it here in Doyle," replied Lawson, still smirking. "We can keep the ship and its contents for you, or we can sell them for you as you wish. All monies may be stored in an account at the Royal Bank of Doyle."
"A Royal Bank?" Yamato tilted her head. "So what'll happen to our money there?"
"You leave the money with the bank, and it'll gain interest over time," Bay explained, with an identical smirk. "You've always had an eye for helping others Lawson. I can see the history books calling you the best elected official there is."
"Heh, I think I'm the only elected official outside of the Council Leader at the Reverie!" Lawson laughed. "It's only right that I do so."
"Do we have a count of how many Berris were in that vault?" Izuku asked.
"Well, there were vaults plural on the ship," said Lawson, leaning back in his chair. "Plus jewels, gold and silver ingots…I'd estimate somewhere north of…800 million berries."
"800 MILLION?!" Izuku gawked, eyes wide, chin hitting the floor.
"Wow… that's a lot!" Yamato exclaimed.
"Ohhhh baby, we hit the money!" Daigoro laughed.
"Maybe we can find a Casino Island, have a little fun." En mused.
"I'd rather use that to build a nice house and study." Hikage added.
"Now now all of you, this is Izuku's money." Yoichi said.
"Just don't put it under your exact name." The Second warned.
"I suggest we put the account under different aliases," Lawson sent on. "Your Yoichi and Shirou names are known by the government; and they're going to get around. Does that suit you both?"
"Well…" Izuku mused, biting his lip.
"Use mine kid." Daigoro suggested. "You can use my name."
"No you he can use mine." En added.
"Hey I claimed dibs!"
"First is the worst." En dryly retorted to the angry Daigoro.
"Quiet down!" Nana chided, Izuku hearing two whacks upside the head. "We can't just live vicariously through these two. Izuku, it's up to you." Izuku looked up to Yamato, who was smiling at him.
"Whatever name you go with, I'm fine with Izuku." She grinned ear to ear, and after some pondering, Izuku smiled.
"Well… I was hoping we can go with Hisashi and Anna." Izuku suggested. Lawson cocked an eyebrow.
"Hisashi and Anna?" En and Daigoro spoke aloud in his head.
"Oh! Hisashi is the name of your Father right?" Yamato cut in. She smiled and blushed, fidgeting with her forefingers. "You told me before, and I started writing it down. Everything about your life."
"Even how I met… him?" Izuku asked. Yamato nodded, grinning from ear to ear.
"That day in the sunset in that neighborhood when you asked him if you could be a hero… and he said yes." Yamato closed her eyes, remembering that night when he told her his origin. "I can never forget that story."
Izuku felt warm inside, his heart skipping a beat.
"But where did Anna come from?" Yamato asked. "You never mentioned anyone like that."
"It's an anagram for my teacher's teacher," Izuku explained. Yamato blinked, confused.
"Ohhhhhh Izukuuuuuu~!" Nana glomped Izuku from behind, her chest straining against his back. "Thank youuuu you sweetiebuuuun~!"
"Oh?" Yamato mused, then it clicked. "Ohhhh her, that's right! Yep! I'll be Anna!"
"Very well," Lawson got out a notepad and began to write. "I shall attend to this as soon as possible. There will be much to do in the days and weeks to come."
"That's more than fine." Izuku felt Nana release him and he relaxed. "Take the time you need. Focus on the people first." Yamato nodded in agreement.
"Well, sounds like everything's in order," commented Bay from the snail. "I need to get my ship underway." The snail smiled. "Izuku, Yamato, words cannot express my gratitude. You've saved my home, my old friends Lawson and Judy, and my baby boy."
Her voice softened, and Izuku felt that warm pride again. Glancing to the side, he saw Yamato beaming; and knew she felt the same way.
"It's not a problem. It's what heroes do, Captain Bay."
"Alright… you two go onto bed. I would like to talk privately with Lawson. I'll see you both at Rubikan." Izuku nodded, looking to Yamato, who was busy looking at that music box again.
"Yamato?"
"Oh sorry, Izuku." The tall girl replied. "Just-"
"You seem quite fond of that music box." Lawson surmised. "Bailey, would you like Yamato to have it?"
"You mean, mother's music box?" Bay asked, and Yamato gasped.
"Oh it's from your mother? I mean, then I shouldn't take it. Just that it sounds so nice and it's unlike anything I've heard before and-"
"Take it." Bay smiled softly, and Yamato perked up as they had stood up. "It's just collecting dust on Lawson's counter anyway. Better to be appreciated by someone who likes the music." The snail smiled, and Yamato looked to Izuku, who shrugged and smiled.
"Go ahead," he urged. And Yamato took the box in her big hands.
"Good night Mister Izuku, Lady Yamato." Lawson nodded, smiling warmly.
"Good night Mr. Lawson, and thank you Bay!" Yamato called out. The Snail laughed.
"No worries. I'll see you two at Rubikan. Sleep well you two."
(X)
"Don't feed me."
Koala sat on a log, with her right arm in a sling and covered in bandages, glowering at him. She had been hurt badly, and had been screaming and biting cloth once the adrenalin wore off. Fortunately with some ointment and pills, the pain had largely passed.
Since the battle, they had camped out in the mountains, far from Londinium. With a Marine fleet on its way, they would need to keep their heads down, and then slip out at the first opportunity.
Until then, Koala needed to heal; and to heal, she would have to eat.
"Come on, Koala," pleaded Sabo. He was holding a plate of stew, the pieces cut up small so he could feed them to her. But she was being stubborn, as usual, and would not be fed.
She would need to rest at Baltigo too. There would be a lot of yelling.
"Will you be good to head to the Lift tomorrow?" he asked. "We gotta get to our ship. Well, if our ship is okay that is."
"Course I will," grumbled Koala, her stomach rumbling. Even with the warmth of the fire before them and the wind of the mountains all around them, she was still frowning. "Besides, if we can't use our ship, how are we going to get off this rock?"
She glowered at him, and then opened her mouth. Sabo smiled, and spooned some stew right in.
"You could have gotten a sandwich instead," griped Koala, once she had swallowed.
"And miss out on this? Not for the world." Sabo smirked, and Koala glared; but allowed him to keep on feeding her.
"Was your first mission… like this?" she hissed. Sabo opened his mouth to speak; then froze as a loud POP echoed through the clearing.
"Less broken bones, more welts and sores" said a dry voice. The two youths turned, and there was Bartholomew Kuma loom over them.
"Kuma!" Sabo exclaimed, sitting up and grinning. "What are you doing here in this neck of the sea?"
"O-Officer Kuma!" Koala got up to her feet, standing firm as she looked at Sabo and gave him a kick in the shin. "Stand at attention!" she hissed.
"At ease." Kuma raised his hand in dismissal, and then knelt down, looking her over.
"How did it happen?" he asked, the man displaying his hand, the paw pads facing toward her.
"I used the secret technique Hack taught me, and told me not to use unless I was ready or it was a life or death situation," Koala explained.
"Hold out your arm," Kuma urged, and Koala winced as she showed her bruised and bandaged arm. He placed his paw-palmed hand on it, and a translucent, red-tinged bubble began to form.
"You still didn't say why you were here," Sabo asked rhetorically. "Government business?"
"More or less," Kuma replied, as the bubble floating over his palm swelled to the size of a balloon. Koala blinked, looking down at her arm.
"So this is what it's like to be Pad Healed…" she mused aloud.
"Don't move your arm too much, I only removed the pain and fatigue, the injury remains. Keep it steady, and let Sabo continue to apply salve and ointment."
Kuma looked a the red bubble, and pushed it into his own arm. Koala gasped as his arm spasmed; but Kuma's face did not so much as twitch.
"Y-You didn't need to do that sir!" gasped Koala. "I could have borne it! I mean, what if the Government finds…!"
"They won't. Trust me Koala," Kuma urged. "I've been through worse." The man took a deep breath and rose back to his feet, his eyes glowing in the night. "Now, Sabo. You were in charge of this mission,yes?" Sabo nodded.
"Yep." He said as he cleaned out his ear.
"You were given clear instructions not to intervene and cause a scene. Yet I heard from the King that two Samaritans defended the Doyle Gasworks from the Finalem Pirates. If they keep digging, the Government will figure out that a Revolutionary Officer was here on Doyle." Kuma's permanent scowl deepened. "That will draw attention to the cause."
"I know," Sabo replied, staring back at him. "It was my call."
"Explain then." Kuma asked. Sabo took off his top hat, running his hand through his hair.
"A wise man told me; evil exists because good men do nothing. The king was willing to sacrifice his home to trap the pirates. Yoichi and Shirou were on the run from a dangerous pirate that we know; but they fought for a kingdom that wasn't their own." He looked Kuma in the eye again. "If they aren't good people, I don't know who is. And if they didn't deserve our help, I don't know who does."
Koala watched in stunned silence. Kuma set down his bible, and raised his hand. Koala winced as it came down.
And settled atop Sabo's head.
"Those who disobey orders are inadequate. Those who disregard the innocent for the sake of orders are inhuman," Kuma said. Sabo smiled back up at him, as did Koala.
And the man who had the scowl of stone, was smiling.
"Dragon will be proud of your actions. You saved countless lives, both of you." Sabo chuckled at the praise, even if Kuma smiling was kind of off-putting.
"I only helped. The real heroes were Shirou and Yoichi. I just followed their lead." Sabo rubbed his nose, grinning as Kuma removed his hand from his head and he rubbed his right arm a little.
"Those two are the ones who intervened at the Knight Festival, yes?" Kuma inquired.
"Yeah. Lil kid about Koala's age with green hair, and Shirou is a big, tall white haired lady with a rocking bod and-OW!" Sabo yelped as Koala elbowed him. "And had horns too."
"Horns?" Kuma mused.
"Yeah, they dressed a bit weird too… and the green kid, Yoichi… it felt weird talking to him. When I shook his hand it felt like…"
Sabo trailed off, brow furrowed as he tried to think of the right words.
"It was like…it wasn't just him. It was like there was…a group, ya know?"
"A group?" A massive eyebrow rose slightly.
"That's what it felt like." Sabo shrugged theatrically. "I know it sounds crazy, but that's what I felt."
"I see." Kuma picked up his Bible.
"How did you find us all the way out here Officer Kuma?" Koala asked. The Warlord opened his bible, turned some pages, then reached in and pulled out a small glass flask. Koala's eyes widened as she recognised it. Within it, the ball was titled S, and the small paper was pointing towards Sabo; who shrugged and smirked.
"The only difficulty was finding your campsite in these mountains," Kuma explained, as he returned the flask to the bible, and closed it. "Is your boat docked in Adlerport?"
"Just outside of it actually." Sabo said. "We'll go down there tomorrow morning and hitch a ride on the Lift. I bet you got places to be."
"Yes, I must be making my way to Marineford to report my findings. Along the way, I will relay word to Dragon." Kuma looked down at the boy. "Sabo, you've been here longer than I. What is your opinion of King Reichen Bach?"
"Well… coming in before the blockade, I thought he was just some other Royal. Kinda reclusive, with some…eccentricities. And there was that time his Dad burned down Jansentown." He paused, frowning.
"What about it?"
"Well it's complicated. No one seems to know if the old guy actually did it or not. Some say he burned the place down because it was an eyesore, some say he was gonna sell everyone into slavery and then tear it down; and others say it was just some stupid rumor, and the riots caused the fire." Sabo pulled an apple from his pocket and bit into it.
"But when the blockade happened, the dude stopped taxes and gave out money to help people, some of it from his own pocket," he went on, swallowing.
"Don't talk with your mouth full!" growled Koala.
"Sure thing Mom," Sabo replied wryly, making her pout and glare.
"You would choke. It's smart not to speak while eating," Kuma chided. Sabo winced, as he saw Koala smirking. He paused, and finished swallowing.
"Then he risked his own life to lure the pirates into his palace, then let the place get wrecked to stop them. The rest of the pirates were caught in the plaza and mown down by the soldiers. It would have gone perfectly but for those three getting out and running for the gasworks."
He paused again, and gave Kuma a grin.
"I don't know about his old man, but Bach's one of the good ones. That's what I believe, and that's all I can say."
Kuma stared down at him for what felt like a long time. Not for the first time, Sabo wondered what was going on behind those eyes. Was there something he knew?
"Then perhaps he may become an ally in the future, if we play our cards right," replied Kuma. He stretched his neck, the muscles popping. "For now, return to Baltigo and rest. Koala needs it, and you need to write your report."
"Do I have to?" cringed Sabo.
"I can't write, you know." Koala gestured to her left arm. "You can." Sabo groaned, and sighed.
"By the way, on your way to Adlerport, if you have the chance," Kuma asked. "Would you buy some tea? When you return to Baltigo, just place it within my quarters."
"Ummm…" Sabo looked over to a perplexed Koala. "Sure. What kind?"
"Baskerville Grey, if possible." The blonde boy shrugged.
"Sure, I'll do what I can." He smiled up at the towering man. "Still, it's great to see you again Kuma."
"You as well Sabo. Koala, take care." He lifted his uncovered hand and tapped himself, and he was gone with a POP.
"I've never seen him smile like that before…" Koala mused. "He always frowns, and makes statues look lifelike. Was it all because of what happened in Sorbet?"
Sabo sighed, adjusting his top hat. "That's a story for another time. Sorbet's… complicated." He took another bite of his apple. "Let's finish eating and get some shut eye. Gonna need it to beat the traffic to the lift." He sat back down on his stone, and Koala on her stump, as he offered the stew to her again.
"So, is it good?" he asked, smirking as she opened her mouth and took another bite.
"Yeah… It's good."
Koala's cheeks were pink. And Sabo gave a big cheesy grin.
(X)
Yamato sighed as she finished drying herself off.
She was going to miss hot showers; especially ones as nice as these. There was nothing like a hot shower, especially in the morning. Hopefully she'd be able to enjoy them again in the future.
With her bathrobe tied tight, she stepped out of the bathroom. Izuku was waiting outside, with a cart piled with food.
"This was left outside our room." Izuku said as he got back up. "You eat what you need to."
Yamato saw the empty plate on the bed beside him, and nodded. As Izuku stepped past her to take his turn in the shower, Yamato stepped up to the cart. There was a loaf of sweetbread, sausages, and buttered muffins that were still warm. There was even a stack of pancakes with syrup, and some wrapped items on the tray underneath. Yamato beamed, and then saw a little note.
Thank you for everything you've done for us. For Doyle. For the Prime Minister and his Majesty'
'The Household Staff
A list of signatures followed. Yamato recognised Miss Judith'ss, and there were more beneath it; a Miss Robinson, a Miss Cathryne, and many more.
Yamato smiled, and felt warm inside. No one had ever treated her like this in Onigashima. The only time that even came close had been…
She shook her head, forcing the bad memory away, and dug into the food. She would have liked to savor it, and thank the maids in person. But there was no time, and they must have dropped off the food and left. No doubt Bach and Lawson had warned them of what was going on.
It did not take her long to empty the plates, and then stow the wrapped food in the two backpacks. This done, she changed into her normal attire; her white blouse and red hakama, her wooden sandals and rope belt. It felt nostalgic to wear them again, after so long in Doyle clothes.
"Note to self, try out other islands' clothing…" she murmured, and looked out of the window. She was going to miss this place.
"Gotta focus," she urged, grabbing Takeru and slipping it over her back. She pulled on her jacket, then her backpack and goggles, then sat back down on the bed. Might as well enjoy the soft sheets one last time.
All at once the shower stopped, and Izuku emerged in his bathrobe.
"You ate quickly," he said, smiling, as he grabbed his costume.
"I didn't want to keep you waiting."
Izuku retreated into the bathroom with his costume. Yamato looked out of the window again. It was early dawn, the sun still breaking over the mountains, and the birds were singing.
"Ready?" Izuku asked. Yamato turned, and saw him in his jacket and scarf, backpack on, goggles round his neck.
"Yep," Yamato replied, grinning. Izuku stepped up to the window and opened it. It was wide and tall, just enough for them to fly out.
Then a knocking at the door made them pause.
"Miss Yamato? Mr. Izuku?" It was Lawson. Izuku hurried over to the door and opened it, revealing Lawson and Bach. .
"G-Good morning Mr. Lawson, Bach." Izuku said. "Why are you up at this hour?" He looked at his watch.
"We haven't slept." Bach shrugged, rubbing his eyes. "When you run a Kingdom that has just gotten out of a blockade…." He left it hanging.
"Calls, paperwork, people to deal with?" Izuku asked casually.
"More or less. And setting up the bank account under Hisashi and Anna's names of course. Greasing a few wheels," He paused to yawn. "Here and there."
They stepped inside, and Lawson closed the door behind them.
"Why's there a sword on your waist?" Yamato asked, pointing at the shorter man's hip. Izuku noticed as well.
"Well, the staff have already made their farewells," Lawson gestured to the cart. "So now we must do the same." He smiled.
"It is time for you to have the reward you deserve," Bach said gravely. "This is hardly an appropriate time or place, but these are hardly normal circumstances."
He drew the sword, its blade shining like polished chrome, and brought it to en garde position.
"Izuku and Yamato," Lawson said, stepping to Bach's shoulder. "Go thee upon thy knee, and receive the honor of knighthood."
"Knee?" asked Yamato, perplexed.
"Just do it," hissed Izuku, who looked like he was about to have a panic attack. He shed his backpack, and went on one knee before Bach. Yamato did likewise, and found herself looking Bach in the eye; ruining the effect somewhat.
"For your courage in defense of our kingdom, for your honor in battle, for your mercy to the powerless," Bach intoned. "I, Reichen Bach, King of Doyle, bearer of the blade Firebrand, do deem you worthy of noble knighthood, and membership in the Order of the Doyle Protectorate."
He turned to Izuku, and lowered the blade onto his shoulder.
"I dub you once, twice, and three times," and then to Yamato. "I dub you once, twice, and three times."
He stepped back, and sheathed his sword in one smooth motion.
"Arise, Midoriya Izuku, and Yamato, Knights of the Doyle Protectorate."
"I'm a knight…" gasped Izuku, shaking as he rose. "Whoa…"
"But we didn't win the tournament!" protested Yamato, doing likewise. "Is this really okay?"
"You displayed the virtues of knighthood," Lawson explained, smiling with almost fatherly pride. "And you defeated the Finalem brothers. No other honor would come close."
"I'm a knight…" Izuku was swaying.
"I can't believe it… thank you so much Bach!" exclaimed Yamato. Bach nodded, and smiled.
"I would have liked to do this properly, in the cathedral," he said. "And to have granted you titles and lands. But time is short, and you are on the run. I can only hope that one day you will return in peace, and all can be made right."
"Thank you so much your Majesty." Izuku mastered himself, and bowed to the king. "I hope that-oof!"
He was cut off as Yamato laughed, and wrapped all three of them in a big group hug.
"Oh this is amazing! I can't believe it! I'm a Knight now!" Yamato laughed as she twirled on the spot, swinging them around, overcome with joy. Nothing like this had ever happened to her before! It was like a dream! Only Kozuki Oden being there could have made it any better!
Too bad she was unaware of Izuku's face in her bosom, Back and Lawson being choked by her forearms with their feet suspended off the ground.
"That's all nice, can you let us down! Please!" Bach urged. Yamato paused, laughed awkwardly, and let them down. Bach mastered himself immediately, while Lawson coughed. Izuku was swaying again and stammering.
"Yes… that's the arm that took out a 400 million Berri Pirate alright," Lawson wheezed as the girl laughed.
"Heheh, my bad. Ohhh I just can't contain my excitement!" she said with her rubbing the back of her head.
"So I see," replied Bach, adjusting his hair. "And now, for one last gift." He pulled an Eternal Pose from his pocket, and placed it in Izuku's hands. "This will lead you to Isla Rubikan."
"Thank you, your Majesty," Izuku said, as he took it.
"If our maps that Carrollewis and Tolkien are of any indication, there should be some islands on the route," Lawson added, his voice having returned. "If you feel the need to take a break, I would say make camp from there. But there is an Emperor Territory in that section of the sea, under Red Hair. Be careful."
"Got it. Bay says it's gonna take a few days." Izuku hefted up his backpack and shouldered it, as did Yamato.
"Doyle starts waking up in ten minutes, and the sky is cloudless," Bach cut in. "I would suggest you go now."
Yamato took a deep breath. This was her last chance to say what she wanted to say.
"Bach, Lawson…when we defeat Kaido, can we come back and eat as much of those crumpets and roasted duck. And go down Gregson Lane and those shops again?"
"Defeat Kaido…" Bach uttered, eyes wide. Izuku nodded.
"Yes, that's our goal. As long as that… thing exists in the world, there won't be any semblance of peace. I saw his cruelty firsthand in Wano. It's why Yamato and I need to get stronger, to find allies so that we can free the Land of Wano, and defeat Kaido."
"Defeating one of the Four Emperors," breathed Lawson. "An impossibility, even for you."
"Mr Lawson, I've been told about impossible things all my life," replied Izuku firmly. "Me being a hero, Yamato being free. And the way I see it, if this world can create something like Kaido, it can create a means to destroy him."
Yamato beamed, and nodded. She liked that logic.
"The world is full of wonders as well as horrors" Bach agreed. "A long life, my young friends. With the good fortune to enjoy it, and the good sense to live it." He smiled and bowed. "Go quickly now, while there is time."
"Thank you Your Maj-" Izuku paused, seeing Bach smirk at him. "Bach. Mr. Lawson."
"We will come back here! And I'll tell you all of our adventures too!" Yamato added as Izuku floated up, and she embraced him from behind. The Black Whip emerged, the tendrils wrapping around her and bearing her up. "Someday soon!"
"Take care!" Lawson called. Izuku floated out of the window, and turned around, Eternal Pose in hand.
And Yamato felt the wind rush through her hair as he sped off, angling up into the violet sky.
"Alright, Ilsa Rubikan!" Izuku called, looking back to Yamato. The girl smiled, then looked down at the city as it faded from view. The great snaking river, the forests, the mountains with their snow capped peaks. "You ready?"
"Yeah. Izuku?"
"Yep?"
"We will come back here someday right?" she asked, and Izuku smiled back at her.
"We will. Once Kaido falls, and we can go about with our true names, we can." The white-haired girl smiled in relief.
"Okay, the direction was dead ahead." Izuku stated. "The Second is watching the stars."
Yamato looked up. The dawn was breaking, but a few stars were still visible, along with the setting moon. She reached out her hand, imagining that she could touch them.
"Amazing…"she murmured, and then smiled. "Alright! Whitebeard is waiting for us both!"
"Right! Let's go!" Izuku grinned back, and Yamato felt him pick up the pace. She laughed aloud, then glanced back one last time. Londinium was out of sight, hidden behind the white-capped mountains.
"Goodbye Doyle, everyone!"
And they flew on, over the coastal cliffs and mountains, and out over the sea. On and on, until Doyle was out of sight.
And so ends the Doyle Arc of the Hunt for Whitebeard Saga. Again, big thanks to Juubi-K , IKnowNothing and WildJoker000 for their help on this on.
So yeah, the World is beginning to react to Doyle being closed off, and in turn are beginning to learn of our mysterious duo. what will proceed from here is anybodies guess... except ours of course lol.
Lots of things had to be trimmed for this one I admit, including a scene at the very end straight out of the end of a Sherlock case and Bach and Lawson, and a private conversation with Lawson and Bay, but IKN felt the fly off to the sunset was a better conclusion for the chapter. And the Lawson and Bay convo's bits can be used again for a later time, mainly for when our duo is present.
This was a lot of fun making this Island and Juubi added a ton to it that wasn't originally planned(Jansen) which in the end helped a lot. Looking back maybe I could have foreshadowed Baker a little bit more but the culprint of the Base falling wasn't the priority. It was well, defeating the pirates.
The last leg of the Saga is next, and a part in the story that many are interested to see I imagine. The chapter is already made actually, just needs polish and I can post again soon.
We hope you enjoyed this island. I imagine Oda would have done loads more with it, but for peeps that write for a hobby, I would say we did a good job :)
We will see you all in the next one!