Tales from One Piece

Chapter 11- The Departure

His dappled tattooed arm wraps snugly around her skeletal body. His warm cheek presses against hers; a smile with knitted brows. “I’ll write a bunch to you. Just write back to me?” Ace pleads in a childish voice.

Axis’s eyes settle on the vast ship across port. She has an unfamiliar inflammation in her throat and twitch in her face as she pats her brother on the back, “I will… once I get home.” She assures and gently pushes against him, “Now go. Whitebeard’s… er your Dad’s waiting for you.”

Releasing his only living blood relative, Ace steps back. His dark brows are drawn together as he studies her worn face, “Let the nice doctors on the ship take care of you, yes?” he insists stooping down and scooping up Rodger from the deck.

“I won’t have much of a choice.” She offers a small smile trying to reassure her brother and push back the building pressure in her chest.

Roger, Ace’s child with mirroring freckled good looks, leans forward, “Kitty takes good care of people!” he chirps.

Automatically, his aunt leans forward too.

Rodger gently places his cheek against hers and then touches his nose to hers, “We’ll come visit you!” he promises gently rubbing his nose against hers, “And we’ll make sure that Papa and Dadda have warm coats.”

“I know. I can always count on you. But you’ll have to work extra hard to take care of my idiot brother.” Axis ruffles her nephew’s hair affectionately, “Be good, yes?” she says and then almost laughs: her brother picked up some of her speaking mannerisms. That makes her chest burn too.

“Yes!” sings Rodger leaning back and wrapping an arm around his father’s neck.

Axis looks down at Edward hiding behind his father’s legs, “Eddie, you’re going to have to take care of your dad and your brother.” She smiles at his visibly flustered face, “Can’t blame it on me this time.”

The blonde haired child with spring green eyes looks up and darts forward.  His arms enclose around Axis’s knees.

Her knobby form teeters a bit trying to hold balance, “I thought you wouldn’t mind getting away from me?” she teases catching herself subtly and tousling his hair. The burning grows again.

Marco’s child does not answer, but carefully lets go. He looks up at Axis with so much raw emotion that Axis is confused. His cheeks are red, his eyes are full of tears, and he is struggling to hold it all in.

 It makes the burning throb painfully.

Edward moves away and runs back to his father’s side.

She looks up at Whitebead’s First Commander, “Marco.” Nods Axis.

Marco makes a humored face and then opens his arms and sweeps his sister-in-law in his arms. “Axis, we’re family now.” He ducks her head against himself hiding her escaping tears, “I will not miss the chaos, but I will miss you. I am glad to have met you and grateful you have cared for my son.”

Axis stifling her tears manages, “Take care of my brother and yourself. I will be… upset if anything happens to either of you.” She gives him a one-arm squeeze.

 He gives her a quiet smile and a tight clutch in return before letting her go, “No worries. I won’t make the same mistake twice.”

She nods managing to look a little flustered, but not teary, “I know. You’re too smart for that.”

Marco’s eyes soften as he pats Ace’s shoulder with his hand, “Time to go. Pops will be furious if we make him wait too long. You know how he is.” He wiggles his fingers at his son who clasps two them tightly.

Ace picks up the bag at his feet, shoulders it, and then takes Marco’s waiting hand. He backs up slowly, “Write.” He insists darkly grabbing his boyfriend’s hand.

“Stay alive.” She returns with frown. The burning is overwhelming.

Ace rolls his eyes, but turns forward and disembarks down to the dock.

The Moby Dick is bobbing several piers over, is the Whitebeard commanders’ destination. It is just as monumental as the Black Lotus with men who are going back and forth with crates and hauling barrels over the side of the boat. Whitebeard stands by the railing seeming to watch over all the work.

Axis suspects he is also watching the Black Lotus for signs of his missing crewmen and her gaze falls to locate her family.

A man in a woman’s kimono suddenly comes darting through the crowd. A strange jolt of jealousy pinches Axis as she watched her brother embraces him. Perhaps it is the obviously happiness and warmth as the trio greets one another. After a brief exchange, he does some form of happy dance and grabs the couple’s linked hands. The children are giggling and safe, where they ought to be. That causes a peculiar sense of melancholy… But it is a melancholy tinged with relief.

Axis sighs confused by the crushing feelings and the tension in her head grows.

Her eyes look down to the dark reflection of the Black Lotus. She is mesmerized by the glimmering water and nearly misses the tail whipping the water. A dark serpent shape shimmers in the afternoon sunlight. The body is ribbed with a strangely smooth glimmer. The head area is wide and flat like a deflated balloon, and without eyes to see, it makes a strange beeline for the ship. Light glints off its flipper like fins as they propel the body forward.

 Axis looks up again to the bobbing whale of a boat and stare blankly at the ship for a few seconds before her eyes return the creature.  She watches it approach quickly until it is inches from Jarvis’s side. The Black Lotus is a massive bio-ship and sits high up from the water like the other large ships. Even the bottom of the railing is too far for the serpentine like creature.

Jarvis is also aware of the black ribbed creature and proves it when his pliant mass makes a solid strip, from where the creature will bump into the side of the boat, directly to Axis.

“Great.” She mummers as the black body suctions itself to the side of the boat. It begins to climb with its fins that stick to the side of the boat and it’s body twists as it moves up.

As it slithering-climbs up the side of the boat she begins to hear the hostile tone of her long abandoned weapon, ‘I do not like being left behind, Master. I do not like being left behind. No. Not at all. You left me alone on a ship of idiotic pirates! You left me!’ hisses Leech angrily.

Axis looks up at the sky, not focusing on anything particular. She knew Leech would be angry and did not bother to refute his reasoning. He had every right, but sometimes she wished he would give her a break. Feeling resign, she looks down and leans forward, stretching out her hand to grasp the climbing wriggling thing.

At the offering, it weaves past her hand and sinks it’s teeth into her wrist, ‘Have I not said to take me wherever you go? Have I not demanded to be at your side?! Why have you left me alone?’ A coarse of anger and annoyance surges through her connection as Leech shrinks and wraps himself around her arm.

She pulls herself straight and offers a gentle pat of thanks to Jarvis’s railing. “I am sorry.” She says quietly wincing at the pain. The gnawing from her weapon is usually consistent, deep, and the teeth twist painful to force blood out.

‘Then prove it to me! Do not leave me! Feed me! Do not leave me!’ Leech responds without sympathy, ‘No enemy or monster has been near me for far too long! I am starved and without Master’s comfort!’ The creature’s mouth fixed to her wrist gulping deeply.

She grimaces at the locked black mass around her arm. A cheerless thought crosses Axis’s mind, ‘Is this what I have to look forward to?’  Her wrist lowers, feeling weighty, ‘Becoming a blood starved weapon?’

‘Yes!’ through the blood connection Leech perceives her thoughts, ‘-Should the Navy claim you before your end, you will be just as I.’ then the voice grew in rage, ‘Your blood is thin. It’s like sipping water! What has happen?!’

“Stuff.” She answers aloud leaving the side of boat and trying to ignore the teeth digging into her wrist.

‘Stuff? What is this stuff?’ hisses the weapon furiously biting harder and deeper in the flesh..

“Stuff.” She says out loud and then adds silently, ‘I don’t want to talk about it at this moment.’

As she walks away from the side of the boat she feels her conception of the world around her beginning to fuzz over. Reassurance at having her weapon in hand and exhaustion from her mild adventure with her brother suddenly feels much torrential than it has at any point in time. The true reality of what she has been through makes her tremble as it dawns on Axis how very close she came to loosing blood family.

She is surprised to discover that she would have been heart broken. Her chest clenches painfully and she has to inhale salty sea air and remind herself that Ace is now safe with his lover, his children, and his adoptive father.

“Please prepare for departure.” Jarvis chimes startling her out of her feelings.

Axis inhales methodically and exhales as each step makes her feel worlds away. As the air expels from her lungs she feels a lonely sadness and relief. Her eyes look over her shoulder and find her family with their children moving among the crowd nearly to the Moby Dick. Fear, like inhaling icy water clenches her heart as looks again to their destination.

A pirate ship… is still no guarantee of safety.

“Now Departing Port Indigo.” Chimes Jarvis again.

‘But it’s the safest place in the world they could be.’ Axis reminds herself. She looks at her hands and sees the four scars along the broad side of her thumb. ‘Yes…’ she reassures herself, ‘Their fathers and Whitebeard will take care of them and keep them safe.’

Captain Ciguatera stands in the center of the boat beside Dr. Trafalgar. In her hand is a clipboard. Her usually chipper smile is painted over with grim worry. Her mouth moves, but Axis cannot read lips. The sound of the crewmen around her wash over like static and time suddenly speeds to a frantic pace.

Fortunately or unfortunately, from that moment Axis’s dealings become a blur for a time.

The first few days are frantic with blood tests and physical therapy. Unsure of what is going on, Axis allows herself to be pulled to and fro. Her daily activities begin to resemble a tiresome march.

She stumbles into the mess hall around seven, blurry eyed, with a brain bent in half. After her blood sugar is revived she walks straight to therapy. At first this part is short and exhausting. As the days progress, physical therapy is longer, harder, and more painful.

Into the shower before the afternoon’s check-up and then several unknown injections jam themselves into her arteries and veins. Lunch is an event where she eats, but is not present. There is more, but she has no idea what happens for the rest of the day.

After two weeks of strenuous care, Axis finds her mind slowing down. Then time comes back into focus and she is staring at the table. The bread is sparely buttered and the strange grotesque purple soup is a mix puree of vegetables. She gathers some of the broth in the spoon and admires the almost chowder like consistency.

“Weird.” She says and then Dr. Trafalgar drops his tray down in front of her.

He looks harassed and angry. His cheeks have a blotchy red hue, his dark brows draw in, and his pupils dilate into pinpricks

“Bad day?” offers Axis surprised. It is as if she has never seen him. His eyes seem more sunken in, there is a visible trembling in his hands, and his jaw is clenched tight.

His grey eyes are a stormy black as they focus on her and his tone is deadly smooth, “What gave it away?”

The chowder like soup plops back into the bowl, “Somethin’ about your face.” She blurts out childishly.

The muscles in his face clench angrily and then as if ice is slithering down his back, he jumps and shakes his head little.

Axis spoons up more food and put it into her mouth. “Dear god!” she coughs wincing at the flavor, “That’s horrible.”

“You’re actually awake.”  He says calculatedly.

The kairoseki looks up at him, “What’s the other option?” she quips trying to control the odd urge to smile.

“You’ve been a sort of…  zombie.” Admits Law quietly watching, “You have not been present even when you’ve been here.”

“I don’t remember what I’ve been doing.” She agrees with a nod, “But whatever. I am aware of where I am now.”

“Hey Law.” Purrs a seductive voice. Dark wavy locks cascade over her shoulders, heavy lidded eyes done with a touch of make-up flutter seductively.

Law looks up and his jaw clenches again, the eyes re-dilate, but he holds a mask of professionalism, “Ms. Lillyanna.” He returns stiffly.

“I’d like to talk to you, if I could.” Full wine colored lips break into a smile.

A strange burble of laughter comes from Axis and it breaks the beginning of the tension, “Yep, she wants to talk to you about cannibalism.” For a moment Axis takes a back seat in her body as a jubilant stranger takes control.

The fruit user’s grey eyes find her. In his expression she finds curiosity and inquisition.

She grins widely and nudges his leg under the table with her barefoot, “Probably going to ask if she can borrow a leg.” She shrugs and picks up the spoon and downs more of the soup. This time the flavor is sweet like chocolate and intoxicating like the finest old wine.

“Hardly!” huffs the woman, “I would never-!”

“I would.” Interrupts a beaming Axis to Lillyanna. Her playful smile looks almost apologetic, but as she turns to Law she arches a brow as if contemplative, “The best cuts come from the legs and ass.”

Law’s expression has gratitude hidden under the surface, as he turns thoughtful, “The buttocks would more than likely provide some of the best flavor.” He ponders, “But I imagine the legs being a little hardy for cooking.”

“Nonsense!” beams Axis bewildered and captivated, “Slow cooking! That’s the ticket!” she slurps down the rest of the thick stew. From where, had this giddy feeling come? It was fantastic! Something she had not felt in so long she believed it was dead.

Lillyanna looks appalled.

“Something like pulled pork?” offers Law his smile turning humored.

“Or porkchops!” Axis adds enthusiastically, “Marinated, and slowly cooked on low heat.” She nods at her hypothetical meal, “Sounds quiet enchanting.”

“Law can I please speak with you?” Lillyanna interrupts apparent distrust in her voice.

Law looks at her, “I will come after I finish.” He insures.

“Up on the deck.” She informs him, “It won’t take long.” And hurries away from the table.

Slowly Axis feels some of herself bleed back into her body, “Don’t stay on my account.” She grins unable to contain herself; “I think she’s willing to offer you a bit more than talk if you want it.” A wink for good measure and she gazes up at the ceiling wondering if she were truly in control of herself.

“I am well aware.” Law states tartly, “I would have gone if that were my interest.”

In strangely high spirits Axis crunches on the bread then says, “What’s wrong? Too much the center of attention?” her eyes flick down to the doctor.

Confusion is there for an instant on Law’s eyes and then anger flares up, “I am not discussing that with you.”

Wild laughter burbles up out of her throat, “You’re the one who sat here! How dare you come not offering conversation!” she sounds affronted, but her smile assures him of her joke. She shoves the last bit of bread into her mouth and chews.

“I have sat here since we began this voyage towards the North.” He responds in a slow tone, “You have not been present.”

“In other words I haven’t noticed.” She smiles with that strange euphoria creeping through her system, “What a pity.” She sighs leaning on her hand, “I might have understood why Trafalgar Law, Surgeon of Death, sits before me in fury.” Her gaze falls lazy under the strange uplift.

“Do not make light of my anger.” He warns.

“I’m not.” She promises in her normal tone, but her body buzzes. Her smile falls as small tinges dance up to her brain, “I’m feeling out of sorts. Forgive my outburst. I have not been present so I don’t have any clue what’s going on.” Her gaze falls.

The silence is too long, but Law finally says, “Thank you.”

She looks up confused, “For what?” she was under the impression she had offended him.

“Lillyanna is indeed soliciting. I have a hard time shaking her.” He lifts his bowl to his lips and drinks deeply from it.

Axis looks down at her empty bowl and plate. The fuzzy buzzing feeling refuses to leave. It was not objectionable, but she felt out of control. It felt astounding like the memory from several years ago before she slumped into her depression. Was it really okay to feel so euphoric?

~~~

Law hands his dishes to the washers and strides out of the mess hall. He intends to go back to his room for his afternoon nap. (The few minutes of real sleep he is able to have.)  He subconsciously glances over his shoulder and watches as Mori intercepts Axis.

The gardener always comes for the medical illustrator, but today Axis looks around in bewilderment. Her expression first stunned, then disoriented.

Mori pats reassuringly on her shoulder and steers her back to the rehabilitation wing.

The outburst at lunch, in better times, would have been comical. He had forced himself to let go and be swallowed up by the conversation to avoid Lillyanna’s advances. Normally, Axis would not have been a determent, but her unexpected break from the normalcy of the last two weeks gave him the out he had desired. In truth, he was grateful. The doctor side of him begins worrying as his feet carry him away.

Lillyanna is waiting for him by the railing. Truly she is the most beautiful woman on the ship. A pin-up type body neatly dressed in a white nurse’s dress. It must be specially made because gown is cut to flatter her body shape. Her wavy dark hair is natural, her eyes the warm brown of chocolate, and she applies a light hand in make-up. Her personality is generous, kind, intelligent, and seductive. Once, she might have been the type of woman he would have enjoyed company with.

“Hey, Dr. Trafalgar.” She says in a happy purr.

He nods, “Lillyanna. What can I do for you?” he inquires.

“Last weekend was fun.” She smiles batting her eyes, “Wanted to know if you wanted to have some fun tomorrow. We’ll be stopping for supplies.”

“While the offer is temping, I’d rather not.” He informs her. How did one say ‘My devil fruit abilities are making me sick and after last weekend I spend three days in intensive care?’ without coming off as blaming or bitter?

“Oh?” she seems surprised.

He nods, “Thank you, though.” He offers a slight incline of the head and begins to walk away.

“What changed, Doctor?” she asks softly.

Her words halt him in his tracks and he faces her and answers honestly, “Me.” He lets his mask of professionalism fall to expose his exhaustion, “I’m not doing very well.” He smiles gently, “But last week was fun… too much. I’m afraid that sort of activity is making me ill.”

“Oh! I’m so sorry!” she says quickly, “I didn’t mean-“

“I know.” Interrupts Law, “And I did not want to sound like I was blaming you. I did agree to our engagement.” He assures her.

She looks worried, “Is there anything I do to help you?” This offer is void of playfulness. She has taken up her nurse’s attitude.

Law is surprised at how well this conversation is going, “No. Thank you Lillyanna.” he offers a genuine smile, “I’m afraid I just need time.”

“I understand.” She nods earnestly, “If I can help, please don’t hesitate to tell me.”

He nods again and heads towards the resident wing of the ship. As he walks, he commends himself for getting out of potentially delicate position. Lillyanna definitely would be his cup of tea in any other situation.

The chaffing of his medical bands sparks a reminder, ‘Ah! Of course. I need to go take some medicine.’  Lillyanna had driven the activity out of his mind.

He changes the angle of his walk, heading towards the outpatient pharmacy station. He walks to the transparent door and slides it open.

Behind the counter is the unknown pharmacist. A hard white mask covers his face and the hood of his hooded white lab coat is pulled over his head. His hands are enclosed in black gloves that show off his long spindly fingers. No one on the ship seems to have a name for him, so they call him ‘The Pharmacist’ out of a lack of any other ideas.

He never speaks above a whisper and nods politely to Law, “Dr. Trafalgar.” He says barely audible and picks up a yellow sticky note, “You are to go up the stairs to the left. Krocodil changed your medicine and you need an injection. Room 111.”

“Thank you.” He nods and walks to the stairs. He goes up to the first floor and begins to search for the door labeled 111.

As he passes room 109 Captain Ciguatera voice catches him.

“Dr.Trafalgar!” she calls.

He stops and looks the room, “Captain.” He nods politely.

“I am trying!” yells Lady Ciguatera. Rarely has the Captain’s sister ever sounded so cross, “They either go missing or Jarvis becomes mysteriously deaf! He won’t answer or explain why he’s doing this!” she continues shortly.

“Hey, can you come here for a moment. We’re having an argument. I need a medical doctor to come make sure I’m not missing something.”

“Of course.” He steps in seeing the violet haired psychologist flustered red, “Lady Ciguatera.” He nods.

Continuing the conversation Kitten asks her sister, “How long has she gone without your recommended medicines?”

“She has not taken them once!” Huffs the psychiatrist angrily shaking a plastic bottle with a muffled rattling, “Look at this?! This entire bottle is still full!”

“We’ve been having trouble with medicines not going where they need to?” Kitten asks calmly.

“No!” shoots Izabell rattling the bottle, “I’m having trouble with Axis’s medicine! I assign it, set it out, and she never takes it!”

“Really?” asks the captain suddenly soft and curious. She reaches to her desk ruffling papers until she pulls a folder, “Dr. Trafalgar have you noticed any tampering?” she inquires opening the folder and thumbing to the chart.

“No. I’m afraid I’ve been a little out of it.” He confesses.

Kitten nods from side to side and then frowns, “All notes are good. They say she’s doing better, if a little zoned out from exhaustion.”

She looks at Law for support.

“Well fuck them! I haven’t given Axis one dose since she arrived on the ship!” spouts Izabell, “I am unable to find her after dinner and Mori-san is being as goddamn silent as the grave she came out of!”

“That’s not nice.” Chides Captain Ciguatera, “Mori-san is not obligated to answer to anyone, but the Siphonophore family. And even then, it’s only about monstrous plants and such.” She flips through the folder.

“Is it possible that the crew has been meticulous about resupplying you, Lady Ciguatera.”

The psychologist’s expression falls, “The pharmacy staff are asking me for the meds!”

Law looked to the captain still studying the folder, “Captain?”

She does not answer as she read something.

Annoyed at the lack of response, Izabell huffed at her younger sister, “Kitten, my love, I am worried!”

“Over the fact she’s doing well?” questions the captain skeptically, “The reports are good.” She offers the portion she was looking at Law, “Am I wrong?”

Law skims through the notes, “It looks decent.” He nods.

“No!  About the side notes filled from other members of the staff!” she grabs the fold, turns to a specific page and thrusts it back under their noses, “Did you see this?”

The captain of the Black Lotus studies the information.

Law is surprised, but nods as he sees, ‘…Personality changes have been observed and manic out busts…’

“I remember when she used to do that…” Kitten says wistfully and taps the line he is reading, “But this would also indicate possible violence, murder, and brutality that was originally decided to try to curb, was unsuccessful or repressed.”

“Now do you understand why I’m upset?” Izabell glares, “She has her moments when her old tendencies poke out their heads, but this indicates she is reverting back.”

Kitten ‘hm-s’ thoughtfully.

 Izabell presses on, “While this does mean the mental breaking point is vanishing, this also means we could have a serial killer-“

“Purposeful serial killer.” Corrects Kitten looking up at her sister.

Izabell looks at Law, “When someone kill multiple people willingly, does this not make them a serial killer?” she demands.

Law tilted his head from side to side, “Or a pirate.”

Kitten intervened, “Axis does not commit violence against everyone. I think the Navy will have to answer for their shit soon, but she does not go after everyone.”

“She still enjoyed the murders!” Izabell protests.

“So do pirates.” Points out Law.

Kitten adds, “So do some people in the military. It’s all how you use it. “

“Wait… what?”

The blond haired captain smiles, “Right now, we could use someone who is smart enough to kill those who are hunting. And…” she hesitates, “While Axis was terrifying back then, she was not so depressed either.”

“Are you serious?!” yelps her sister, “You’re worried about the burden of caring for a potential serial killer?!”

“That’s not what I took from that statement.” Frowns the Heart pirates’ captain.

“Thank you.” Appraises Kitten, “No. I’m worried Axis will eventually get rid of herself out of desperation to curb her own physical turmoil.”

Kitten gives her a disbelieving glare.

 The captain of the Black Lotus sighs and closes the folder offering to her older sister, “And, as much as I hate to admit it, we need her bones.”

Law feels a strange icy chill.

 “Out of the thousands of people in this world who are Kairoseki, she is one of the very few humans who can grow them. Not only that, they are of a high caliber that is hard to attain.” she sighs looking at the floor.

The defensiveness in Izabell’s shoulders relaxes as she considers her sister’s statement.

 “Without her contribution… this ship would not be able to treat so many people.” She concludes and looks up resolute.

Izabell is quiet for a moment before her temper returns and she argues, “And you are willing to risk people’s lives to let your bone grower-“

“The bones grown under our psychiatric care are much more brittal than the ones she grew before.” Kitten cuts off sharply.

Law stares at the cold expression on child-like captain’s face.

Her expression makes her seem fiercer and older, “Let’s face it, we need her at her strongest. We will need to cast the die of fate and hope it lands in our favor.”

Izabell throws her hands up in the air.

Kitten’s expression softens and she looks at Law, “I’m keeping you from an appointment. I need someone to go over the facts. Speak with me later tonight, please?”

He nods, “Of course.”

“Thank you.” She returns with a nod, “You may leave.”

He offers and bows a walks out and down the hall to room label 111. He looks at the blue wash door and knocks firmly.

The door opens quickly and a male nurse with octopus shaped irises smiles, “Ah! Good you got the message! Please take a seat.” the young man insists moving out of the way for Law to enter.

While the nurse is unfamiliar to Law, he obeys and takes a seat on the chair beside the examination table.

“Any new symptoms?” questions the nurse going to the counter.

“No.” He answers formally.

“Any improvements?” he looks sideways at Law with a grimace

“No change.”

He nods grimly picking up a bottle, “I see.” He answers shaking the liquid. After uncapping the syringe, the nurse plunges the needle into the top of the bottle, “Dr. Trafalgar. I need to talk with you.” He informs Law as he draws the liquid up.

“Oh?” asks the fruit user.

 “I’m afraid I have some troubling news.” He hooks his forefinger and middle finger and uses the back of the second joints in his fingers to rub gently on the inside of Law’s presented arm.

Law settles back and repeats, “Oh?”

“The tests we have been taking have returned.” Says the nurse stopping, feeling something, “Out of the nine we took, four came back with bad results.” He hesitates watching Law’s face. He then plunges needle in without bite into the vein, “Your heart is failing.”

Law feels ice settle into his stomach.

 The nurse pushes the liquid into his veins, “Your internal organs are disorganized and shambled, and you veins aren’t always carrying blood.” His brow knits, “Your devil fruit ability is literally tearing you apart from the inside out.”

Law logically knows he is settling into shock. Logically he knows that this was an inevitable out, but is mind freezes.

“You don’t have much time left.” And the needle pulls out, “We’re trying to buy you time, but it can only work for so long.” He swabs the puncture and bandages the puncture.

Law groans within himself and looks up at the young man, “Define how long.” He did not want to hear the answer, but he needed to be ready.

Brows knit together, the nurse says, “A matter of days. We aren’t completely sure when, but time is not in your favor.” He sighs, “Your devil fruit ability has transported vital organs outside of your body twice. We’ve been able to save you, but we can’t save you from what goes on inside your body.”

“No. You can’t.” Agrees Law and the next part comes out on autopilot, “Thank you for your care. Is there anything else I can do?”

“Just rest Dr. Trafalgar. We’ll take care of anything you need.” Insists the young man, “As long as we can.”

Law nods again.

“You’re free to go.” Offers the nurse.

Law stands up and walks out robotically. The rest of the day turns into a smear on the wall. He is unsure of what happens or when he goes to bed.

- - -

“Beep-Beep…Beep-Beep…Good morning Axis. It’s time to rise. Breakfast will be ready in half an hour.” Jarvis’s voice shocks her into waking.

The dim lights above her bed turn on slowly brightening to a soft glow. Her head rises from the pillow and she wipes drool from her face as she sits up. Her muscles are painfully sore, but Axis’s theory is that the road to recovery is not paved. Axis rubs her eyes then pulls them away from her face aware of a throbbing pain.

Ugly bruises have flowered on her hands and down her forearms. Some of her nails are split and broken. The raw edged are grating. The knuckles of her right hand and the joints of the fingers are black from abuse. She admires the dark coloring feeling strangely happy at the sight.

‘What marvelous tokens do I have here?’ she muses wiggling her fingers. The pain burns, but she is pleased. Those marks on her hands are proof of her recovery; proof that things are happening, even if she can’t remember them. She smiles feeling a familiar wonderful buzzing in her brain.

By the time the clipping and smoothing of fingernails is done and Axis very late. She swings by the back entrance to the kitchen and is happy to see the white haired chef standing in the doorway with a cup in one hand and a toasted peanut butter sandwich wrapped in a napkin. Her lips are in a thin frown, but the food is an offering of forgiveness.

Chef Pallo is without a doubt a beautiful curvy woman. Her long silver hair braided back, is often tucked into her coat or under her toque. The light blue of her eyes is ghostly and around her waist is what appears to be a knife roll.

Axis knows better. The knives worn around her waist in the leather are for battle only. Her knives for cooking are guarded by her sou chef when she is busy.

“What part of thirty minutes don’t you understand?” Scowls Pallo crossly, “You are another thirty minutes late!”

“Believe it or not,” responds Axis accepting the sandwich with a girlish smile, “I awoke with nails that had been broken and split.”

“You keep yours short.” Frowns the chef getting ready for a lecture, “You are a warrior not a-“ Pallo stops as Axis thrusts a hand in her face. The chef’s eyes turn wide examining them.

The silver haired woman’s scarred and burned hand holds the beaten appendage. The nail plate is broken almost to lunula on two fingers and one is split beyond the lunula and will, no doubt, turn black and fall off, “What did you do?” she marvels.

“I haven’t the slightest idea.” Confesses Axis taking a bite out of the sandwich, “Woke up with it like that.”

The chef ‘tsk-s’ at the bruises on the hands and then relented, “You do indeed… have a valid reason for being late.” She confesses, but her eyes take on that interrogative look, “But what did you do? Your hands look like they are rotting with all their bruises.”

Axis laughs, “I told you. I don’t know.” She examines the sandwich she is eating, “Maybe I’ll find out today.”

Inhaling breakfast is not a specialty of Axis and it takes another twenty minutes. She then sneaks into physical therapy where she chided and lectured about being on time. When they begin on her exercises she is lectured again about taking care of herself and she simply nods and apologizes. Satisfied, her therapist but her through a brutal work out. Tired and exhausted she then goes to lunch where she and Law sit across from one another again.

The kairoseki drops her tray on onto the table and slouched in her seat. “Hello Dr. Heart-Stealer!” she says good naturedly, “How are you?”

Law’s grey eyes turn up, “I’m… here.” He answers quietly. His voice is distant and hollow.

“What’s up?” she inquires expression altering into serious worry.

Law looks away eyes caught on something for several minutes before saying, “I’ve only have a few days to live.”

“Whaddya mean?” asks Axis confused, “I know you’re feeling shitty, but did something happen?”

Law laughs hollowly, “My body is rejecting itself. Devil fruit problems.” He waves his hands dismissively.

“I see.” Nods Axis. She considers the North Blue captain, and then asks, “Wanna have fun with the last of it then?”

Law looks at her confused, “Why? We are not friends.”

“I know.” She shrugs, “But, I’m also black and blue-“ she holds up her hands with their split nails, “And bleeding too. But I feel wired, tired, and the desire to make a mess! If your time is running out then lets make it count! Kairoseki do that all the time. When you card is up for call, you try to make the last of the time worth something to you.”

The grey-eyed man considers her with narrowed eyes before he says, “Why not?” he rejoins with half a smile, “But I’m expecting something spectacular. I don’t have time to waste.”

Axis laughs wildly then says, “I won’t disappoint. Tomorrow we’ll dock. Meet me in our hallway when we do.”  She grins, “But I must warn you, our adventure will be all consuming and exhausting.”

Sleepwalker and Ink

Chapter 2- Lilith

“Join my crew!”

“Your crew?” asks Luka confused, “Are you a privateer or something?”

The large grin returns in full force and for the fourth time that day he says, “My name is Monkey D. Luffy and I’m gonna be King of the pirates.” He chuckles, “And I think I need a tattoo artist like you.” He points excitedly at the drawing on the cork boards, “These are really cool!”

She blinks at him, blue eyes wide and confused.

Luffy turns to his sniper, “Ussop can draw really well too! Maybe you guys could work together!”

Luka shakes off her surprise, “I see. I’m gonna hafta decline.” She laughs, “Sorry.”

“What?! Why?” pines Luffy.

“Luffy!” Nami shoots at her captain.

“I’m notta pirate.” She snorts, “I’m a tattoo artist, besides I can’t leave Lilly. Addict would overrun her.”

“Well I haven’t met, Lilith yet. But when she shows up I wanted her to join my crew too. So there’s no problem. You both can come!” he cheers.

Luka rolls her eyes, “My answer is still no. But you are welcome to visits me here anytime, Mr. Pirate King.” She teases.

“Nope I’ve decided. You’re going to come.” Luffy jumps up.

She lets out a girlish giggle and grins, “How old are you?” she asks shaking her head.

“Depends on who you ask.” Robin says from the couch.

“Join my crew!” demands Luffy unyielding.

“Dinner’s ready!” Sanji calls saving Luka from fighting with Luffy.

He and Nanao place every dish in the house on any available flat surface. Sanji then ushers Nanao to the side while the boys attack the food with a ravenous attitude similar to starving piranha.

He openly laughs at Nanao’s astounded expression. “This is why we told E, that we had to bring our own food.” He grins at the wide-eyed woman.

“I’m glad she let you.” Nods Nanao, “I didn’t even think twice about the amount. Tells you I work in a kitchen too much.” She snorts.

Sanji beams and offers an elegantly laid plate with a bowl of soup salad, bread, and steamed vegetables, “For you my lady.”

Nanao raises an eyebrow, but takes the plate, “Thank you?” she asks.

Sanji darts back and brings plates for all the girls, “Nami-swan, Robin-chwan!” he calls bounding over and offering their dinner to them.

“Ah, thank you Mr. Cook.” Smiles Robin taking the plate, “It smells wonderful, as always.”

“Thank you Sanji.” Nami grins accepting her dinner.

Sanji fights with himself for a moment before offering the last plate to a wide-eyed Luka, “Lu-Luka-san.” He manages in semi-steady voice.

Luka takes her eyes off the uproar around the food and turns to Sanji, “Oh!” she reaches out and takes the plate, “Thank you, Sanji.”  She blinks rapidily, “Your companions are… rapacious.”

Sanji glares with distain at his companions, “They’re savages all of them,” and then clarifies, “,at dinner.”

Luka snorts with laughter shoving her glasses on top of her head, “I have a little brother like that.”

“You do?” Sanji looks genuinely surprised.

“Lordy, do I.” she confirms with a smile, “He’s about as tall as you, but he’s much skinnier: no definable muscle. Even though he eats like your captain Luffy.” She laughs, “He’s only seventeen, but the Navy’s been after him for the last year.”

Sanji’s eyebrow rises, “What do they want him for?”

“Honestly?” she shrugs, “I dunno. Something about being an ‘outstanding young man’.” She laughs, “He told them to ‘ fuck off’ and started his apprenticeship as a welder. He loves to help build things, but he’s not really motivated right now. My older sister’s wife is a welder so she’s kind of kicking his ass over it. Hey, he chose it.”

“Sister’s wife?” Nami asks surprised.

“Yup. She’s not into men, never has been.” She shakes her head, “Charlotte is cool, though. She was recruited by the Navy to be a welder and now works as a shipwright. When she was station on Ivy Grotto, my home island, she met my sister and they clicked.” She gives Nami a smile, “I like her a lot. She has been awesome for my brother. Evangeline, my sister, is really girly and mother-like. Charlotte is also girly, but has a kind of tomboy attitude.” She shrugs, “I guess it was what he needed coz he has really come into his own recently.”

“And you live away from your family?” Robin asks, “It must be lonely.”

“It’s not bad. Charlotte got stationed in the New World. G…1. Marineford.” She sighs, “Apparently they need lots of repairs.”

Nami chokes.

“You okay?” asks Luka.

Nami waves one hand and smacks her chest with her opposite fist.

Sanji runs into the kitchen grabs a glass of water and his own plate. He hurries to Nami’s side and offers the glass.

The navigator takes the glass and downs half of it regaining her ability to breathe.

“Down the wrong pipe?” smiles Luka.

Nami smiles weakly, “Yeah.”           

Luka chuckles and lifts a spoon of broth to her lips. She swallows and jumps, “Wow! That’s amazing!” she applauds.

Sanji flusters pink; “I only added a few spices and added the vegetables afterwards.”

“Hm~.” She grins spooning more into her mouth.

“Sanji is the finest cook in the world.” Praises Robin.

“Whatcha think, Nanao?” asks Luka looking for her companion with a waving spoon, “Oh! Hi, Lilly!”

Sanji freezes and turns.

The girls as well look up and find the same green haired woman, now sitting in the opposite chair.

 However, her posture is relaxed, poised, and she has bread and butter in her mouth. Those tattooed fingers are luxurious in their movements and precise. Her dark eyes are calm, cheerful, and unguarded.  She pulls her bite free of the bread and chews.

She offers a little wave, then says, “I think it’s awesome.” The tone is in a hum of warmth. Swallowing, Lilith uses her black eyes to take in the mass of people, conversation, and squawking. Then her eyes cross and she has to give a shake, “ I think I’m a little buzzed.”

“I bet.” Frowns Luka, “You brain wanted a bender.”

“Goddamn it.” Grumbles Lilith sipping the soup from the side of the bowl. She looks down at bowl with a mock scowl, “This… Really is spectacular.”

Sanji smirks, “I am the world’s finest chef.” He says pompously his poised grin in place.

“Awful confident aren’t you?” grins Lilith tipping the bowl back. She swallows with a happy hum. The black eyes find his blue ones, “But when you cook like this, I guess you’ve got bragging rights.”

“A complement like that almost makes my heart flutter.” He grins back he lifts his own bowl with a little bow and slurps from the side.

Lilith bursts out laughing. Her teeth clutch at the side of her lower lip trying to stifle her out burst. Her fingers comb through her hair shoving back drifting locks and she shakes her head taking her bread up again.

Luka blinks surprised staring from Sanji to Lilith. She then looks at the women behind her.

Both look at one another and shrug at Luka.

A smile settles on Luka’s face, “Lilly, you weren’t here, but this is Robin” here she points at the dark haired woman and then to the ginger haired woman, “And Nami.”

“Hello… again. I’m sure.” She says rolling her eyes and stretching out.

“And I’m Sanji.” Smiles the Blonde, “Nanao helped me cook.” He adds.

“Oh don’t worry.” She says, “I got your name before I took back over.”

The crash and call beckons Lilith’s attention. She swivels around, letting her feet hand off the arm of the chair, “The fuck is going on?” she starts laughing again as a long arm goes whizzing towards a green haired man’s plate and is barely beaten off.

Sanji takes a seat on a stool, “Dinner.” He answers lightly, “It’s a free-for-all.” Then motions at the small gathering of girls, “That’s why I always make it a priority to serve the ladies.”

“How chivalrous.” Lilith snorts and then is distracted by the walking skeleton battling with the owner of the stretching arm.

“If you lived on our ship, you wouldn’t speak so lightly.” Robin chides warmly.

Lilith turns grinning at Luka, “God. Luka, it’s like having your brother here.”

“Except he’s been duplicated.” Chuckles Luka shaking a finger while shoveling more food, “I am a little afraid my dinner will be the target.”

“Oi Sanij! We need more meat!” cheers Luffy.

Lilith turns at looks at him, “Lordy.” She mutters taking a bite of bread.

“There isn’t anymore.” Sanji rolls his blue eye, “Eat your vegetables.” He barks.

“So whose who over there?” Lilith asks Sanji watching the captain’s sneak attack on his crewmen’s plates.

“The stretching wonder is our captain.” Informs Sanji, “Luffy.”

“Oi! Oi! Luffy that’s mine!” Zoro pulls his bread from his captain’s grabbing hands.

“That green haired marimo is Rororona Zoro.” Sanji answers with a roll of his eyes, “He’s the first mate of our ship.”

“Ship?” asks Lilith.

“Gimme! Captain’s orders!” yells Luffy.

“Not even for captain orders!” he barks.

Lilith bursts out in a deeper laughter than any of the other alters the Straw Hat Pirate have heard, “Captain’s orders? Shit. If you’re throwing your weight around for food, I’d hate to see what a daily job from you looks like.”

“Don’t worry, its only food.” Nami informs her, “He’s to busy playing around like a child.”

Lilith grins, “Really?”

“Really.” Promises Sanji and points beside Luffy, “That blue haired behemoth is Franky, he’s out shipwright.”

Frank bellows something about ‘Super’ and then proceeds to hide his food in a compartment in his body where his stomach should be.

“I’m not sure what I just saw.” Mutters Lilith blinking at the cyborg.

“No one is.” Sanji agrees and points to the skeleton, “Brook is beside him. He’s our musician.”

“Luffy wanted a musician before a cook.” Groans Nami.

“Priorities, priorities.” Chuckles Lilith.

 “His priorities are skewed.” Nami rolls her eyes.

Sanji grins, “Ever so eloquent.” He teases, but then motions to the tiny reindeer gulping down a bowl of soup, “That’s our doctor. Chopper.”

“Cute.”

“And the guy with the long nose is Ussop.” Then in a loud voice, “He’s our chicken shit sniper.”

“I can hear you Sanji!” roars the bushy black haired male.

The group on the living room furniture starts laughing. As they settle down, the food thief himself stands up and walks over to the side of the chair where Lilith half lays half sits.

“Hello…?” she asks trying once again to stifle her laughter with lip biting smile.

“Hi.” He answers, but his voice is no longer childish, “Are you Lilith?”

“How do you know that?” she grins.

“I met Nanao.” He answers still serious.

She rolls her eyes, “Ah. So who are you?” she challenges

“My name is Monkey D. Luffy and I’m gonna be king of the pirates.” He proclaims.

But unlike the other personas he has met that day, her brow raises, “Why?”

“Coz that’s my dream.”

“Why?” returns Lilith.

“What do you mean why? Are you stupid?” he asks confused.

“Luffy!” barks both Nami and Sanji.

Lilith snorts and waves at them, “Maybe, but I’m just curious.” She lifts the bowl and empties the remnants into her mouth, “Damn that’s good.”

“Join my crew!” insists Luffy.

Lilith chokes, coughing.

“Luffy don’t spring questions like that on people when they’re eating!” Chides Sanji elbowing his captain.

Luffy seems unfazed.

Lilith manages to catch a hold of herself, “What?” she asks in strained voice.

“I want you to join my crew.” Luffy says a grin spreading over his face.

“No.” she answers automatically, “Thanks though.”

“Nope, I’ve made my decision. I want you to join.” He states firmly.

Lilith snorts, “So have I.” and grin she offers is a little too shark like. However she does not stay sitting long. She bounces up from her chair with empty dishes in hand and begins rolling up her sleeves, “I think we dirtied every plate in the house.” She makes her way over to the sink pulling pots, knives, and cutting boards out onto the side.

Luffy’s brow furrows with a stab of annoyance and confusion. This is who he sensed before, but its like he’s trying to see her through dirty glass.

“Wait just a minute!” calls Sanji, “I’ll come help.”

“Nah, take a breather.” Lilith waves dismissively, “You cooked, I’ll clean.”

“But you helped.” Protests Sanji before he realizes what he’s said.

“Nanao helped. I haven’t.” She smiles back at him, “Besides I know where everything goes in our kitchen. Do you?”

“No.” admits Sanji.

Lilith laughs, “So relax. The meal was awesome!” she plugs the sink opening a cupboard below the basin.

The dark green haired first mate yawns, pleasantly full, “I’ll help dry.” He volunteers.

“Again, do you know where everything goes?” challenges Lilith pleasantly.

Zoro’s own dark eyes watch her contented and certain movements, “No.” he admits, “But I’m sure you can tell me. Sides’ I didn’t cook.” He catches his captain’s eye. Silently he promises to observe the dominant personality.

Luffy’s grin returns and bounces on the sofa besides Luka.

“Touché.” Lilith straightens with the bottle of liquid soap in hand. She reaches over and pulls a clean dish towel from the rolled up terry clothe temple, “Here.” And tosses him the cloth.

He catches it easily. He gathers up some dishes and arrives at her side as she squirts liquid soap into the metal basin.

The water sprays on high and warms slowly. Bubbles burble up in the quickly steaming water. Dishes from the meal quickly pile up in stacks around the kitchen. Zoro and Lilith separate utensils from the plates, tossing them carelessly into the pool of water.

“You guys sure scrape your plates clean.” Applauds Lilith laying another cheap ceramic dish on the pile.

Zoro snorts, “Sanji would kill us if we wasted food.”

Lilith only laughs.

Sensing the awkward feeling among the remaining people Luka turns and smiles at the group, “Soooo… you wanna play a game or something?” she offers, “Lilly will probably kick us outta the kitchen if we try to help.”

Ussop grins, “We love games.” He looks seriously at Chopper who’s eyes are sparkling with delight.

“What kind of game?” Chopper asks excitedly.

“A tricky one.” Luka looks at the amount of people. Her eyes narrow musingly. “Hang on! Lilly you gonna wanna play when you’re done?”

“Nope.” Lilith answers automatically elbow deep in bubbles and water.

“Zoro?” Luka tries again.

“I think I’ll just watch.” Zoro nods to Luka after taking the series of dripping forks from the dishwasher.

“You’re missing out!” Luka teases and disappears into the bedroom coming out again with box, “Alright! Let’s see your tactical skills.” She smirks bouncing onto to the sofa besides Robin.

The roar of mirth is deafening even in the kitchen.

“Why not got join them?” says Lilith, “I know where everything goes.”

“Its not polite.” He counters finishing drying the forks, “Where?”

“Those ceramic crocks at the end of the counter. They should be labeled.” Answers Lilith automatically, “Who cares if its polite? You’re a pirate right?”

The ceramic cylinders are indeed labeled and multicolored. Forks go into the red crock, “I may be a pirate,” he answers putting the forks, prong side down into the cylinder, “But I am not ungrateful.”

She laughs at that, but is covered by the clamor in the living room, “Alright.” And offers a sideways smile, “Well thanks for the help.”

Zoro good eye looks at her oblique, a confused expression dancing on his face, “You’re welcome.” He does not turn fast enough.

The dishwasher catches the expression. “What’s with the face?” she asks biting her lower lip a particularly stuck bit of food on a serving spoon refuses to come off.

“Its just weird.” He answers.

Lilith releases the lip stopping for a second to rummage through the soapy water, “How so?”  And offers a series of clean knives.

Suddenly sidetracked he raises a brow, “You just pullin’ out all the same utensils like magic?” he asks taking them.

She snorts, “No. I’m feeling for them in the water. Trying to make it easier on my volunteered help.” She shakes her head, “If that’s the weirdest thing of the day, it’s a good one.”

“No-“ Zoro realizes his mistake, “No. I was distracted by the knives.” He dries them going back over to the crocks. Knives go in the yellow ceramic cylinder, “No. I was just thinking its weird how… each person I met today… using your body, was so different.”

“They’re different people.” She shrugs, “Or at least they feel like they are.”

Zoro takes another handful of silverware-spoons, “Addict made me angry.” He confesses while drying, “Like I wanted to punch her for being so senselessly stupid.”

“I’ve heard that before.” Groans Lilith, “Thanks for not punching my body, by the way.” She adds with a smile.

He lets out a rueful laugh, “Sure. But you… you don’t make me angry.” He puts the spoons into the blue crock.

“Or I just haven’t said something to make you angry yet.” Challenges Lilith good naturedly offering a couple more forks.

Zoro thinks about this and says, “Alright. Are you a heroin addict?”

Lilith hesitates. She seems confused by the change in mood and looks at him, eyebrow raised, “Very much so. Withdraw is going to be a bitch in the next two days.” She offers the last of the spoons.

“No I meant… do you go after it?” he tries again and takes the objects.

She wags her head, “No. I have been clean for three fucking months. God. I hate needles. They leave little ugly bug bites.” She pokes her arms to demonstrate, “Makes my arms all itchy and shit.” Then she turns a particularly intricate koi fish tattoo, “I’ve had to have Luka touch up two of my tattoos because I clawed so badly through the skin. If itching is the most mild form of pain, then fuck all the others.”

He smiles at that, “How the hell do you get tattoos?” he asks incredulously.

Her grin is back, “Ink is not like heroin. It hurts, but not itches. In a way, I find it more comforting than gross.” She tosses the least dirty dishes into the water, “Besides I hope you know I meant syringes.”

Zoro seems surprised, but nods, “Makes sense.” He concedes.

“Let’s talk about something else,” urges Lilith freezing and glaring at the hairs drifting in her face, “like why the hell you’re carrying three swords?” she blow air out of her mouth and up sounding like a horse.

His dark eye looks at her and suppresses a smirk, “I practice santoryu.” He answers, “Three sword style.” He reaches out and shoves the floating hairs back.

“Thanks.” She commends and then, “How does that work?” she asks offering the freshly washed cutting board.

“One sword in each hand and one in my mouth.” He answers matter-of-factly. He holds the board over the water for a few seconds letting the excess water drip back into the sink and then begins drying.

“Is it always the same sword in your mouth?” she inquires conversationally.

“It does not have to be.” He admits, “But for me I usually keep Wado Ichimonji in my mouth. I want her closest.” He holds up the cutting board, “Where does this go?”

“The sword’s a girl?” asks Lilith surprised and then catching sight of the cutting board, “Oh! That goes over by the stove.” She uses her foot to point at a narrow cabinet, “That one.”

He nods, “Thanks you.” He goes to the small door, “And yes, Wado is a girl. She is noble soul. She’s always been there for me and is very steadfast.”

“Hm.” Lilith smiles, “So each weapon has a soul?”

Zoro stands returning to take another dripping board, “Yes, especially old katana. They have seen so much that they lend their previous experience to each owner.”

“Since you said you use santoryu, tell me about the other two blades.” Presses Lilith dumping more dirty dishes into the water, “I rarely meet people who are quiet as passionate as you are.”

Zoro is surprised by the genuine interest, but with humble pride begins to tell of the ill-tempered Sandai Kitetsu, wizen and broken Yubashiri, and finally of the hard won Shusui.

Lilith remains an active part of the story, asking about each one’s personality.

This prompts Zoro to open up further and tell of his battles with noble blades. He explains how each one helped him conquer in battle and how each sword taught him to be better. All the while he dries dishes, only pausing to swap towels once his current one is too soaked to dry.

Lilith is thoroughly saturated as she leans back on the counter, “You are incredibly passionate.” She praises.

Drying his wrinkled fingers Zoro turns to look at her awed expression.

“I love finding people like you.” She continues, “You see what you want and go for it without any inhibitions.”

A smile tugs on his mouth.

“I’m glad E brought you guys home.” She says, “ At first I was glad Luka was getting to hang out with some cool people, but now… Just listening to you has me all excited.”

“I’m surprised you’d want to listen to the passion of swordsman.” He admits.

She raises her brows, “Why?”

“I guess… because nobody I know has ever wanted to hear it before.” He nods to his companions deeply engrossed in Luka’s game, “They all know it. They were there most of the time.”

“Guess you just needed new ears.” She grins and stretches with arms overhead.

Zoro watches this strange girl. He closes his eye, hands still feeling the terrycloth against his skin and then says, “Do you want to see them?”

She is surprised, “That would be pretty cool, but you don’t have to.”

“I want to.” He shrugs back at her; “After all you know them now.” He walks over to the wall where he lined them.

Lilith trails over to him, hands behind her back.

Carefully, Zoro picks up Wado in her white lacquered saya. He turns and presents it for his audience, “Wado, this is Lilith. Lilith, Wado Ichimonji.”

She nods to the blade, “The pleasure is mine.” She smiles, “It’s a very unusual sword isn’t it? Its all white… like snow.”

Zoro nods and after a moment extends the sword towards Lilith, “Have you ever felt the weight of a katana?”

She shakes her head, “I’m not a swordsman.” She laughs, “I’m a gardener. I know the weight of a shovel.”

“Feel.” He offers.

Lilith rolls her sleeves down on the sides of her body and pull them over hands before holding out her hands.

“You say you aren’t a swordsman.” He says quietly placing Wado on the polite hands, “But you know-“

“I’ve met a few swordsmen.” She interjects, “And all of them are like you. Very careful with their swords.” Her hands sink a little as the katana settles, “I got reprimanded the first time.” She grimaces, “So I try not to piss anyone off.”

Zoro gives her a more relaxed smile, “I wouldn’t have reprimanded you.” He says, “ You’re not a swordsman. I don’t expect you to know.”

Lilith turns the hilt up so she can admire the wrap, “Wish you had been the first swordsman I met.” She laughs nervously then offers the sword back, “She is beautiful.”

Pleased, Zoro takes his most trusted companion and the blade pulls itself from the saya striking out at Lilith’s arm.

She slices cleanly through the thin fabric of the long sleeve shirt across the nearest forearm. The wound is deep and cuts through the radial recurrent artery. The blade is so sharp; Lilith does not feel the pain or know what has happened until Wado lands on the floor pointing at the stove.

In the next second there is too much blood. Her ears become stuffed and her vision becomes black around the edges. Her knees wobble and she slides to the ground, caught in the next instant.  There are several moments of black and silence before her vision starts clearing a little. She is aware of an agonizing pressure on her arm.

Lilith looks to where the pain is most and sees a bronzed hand tightly grasping her pale arm. The long deep gouge is bright red with streaks going down her arm. Then there are tiny hooves suturing her arm shut and she shakily lifts a hand to pat the little doctor on the head.

Her roommate Luka’s hand grabs it first, clutching at it desperately. Her face is scared, cheeks flushed red and her grasping hands are hot.

Lilith leans back as the world starts spinning and comes in contact with her storyteller who is being a human tourniquet.

Zoro’s face is worried, drained of color, with confusion darting around in his eye. He lifts his free hand placing it on her neck.

“I’mmmmm…not. Dead.” Promises Lilith watching the tension ebb somewhat from his face.

His hand drops and he asks something.

“I… can’t. Hear you.” Says Lilith squinting at him, “And you’re sota… fading into… black.” And then he does.

Lilith wakes when the first heroin cravings force her awake. She is cold, shaking, and her stomach has a strange hunger. She shoves it back and settles up on her elbows, pain throbbing in one, aching in the other. Her long fingers twitch and jump as she stares at them blankly for several moments. Then, as if she is being tuned into life, she is aware of the noise.

“Zoro its okay!” Luka’s voice says reassuringly, “I looked over, I saw the whole thing.” She promises, “You handed her your sword, she handed it back and it was like… an invisible hand shot out pull your sword from it sheath! This wasn’t your fault.”

“If your friend dies, it will be.” Says the swordsman seriously. He lets out an exasperated sigh, “Why can’t she go to the hospital for blood?”

“This time of night? Please. You will get shot. The drug baron’s men patrol this island. They don’t want snitches or thieves after their work. Anyone is suspect.”

“Is lab quality heroin that expensive?” Nami’s voice asks.

“Hell yeah, but that’s the only kind they sell here.” Says Luka, “Its bad shit, but its better than what happens to it further away from the island. Once it gets cut and sold it causes big problems in the human body.”

Lilith gets out of her bed and stumbles to the door, opening it. The world sways dangerously, but she says, “Do you… always talk outside people’s doors?”

“Lilly!” Luka’s arms reach out and hug her roommate, and notice the slight wobble to her friend’s body, “Don’t stand if you can’t handle it!” she chides. She looks to her left.

With one arm, the swordsman grabs Lilith and takes her over to the sofa. Carefully he places her on the cushions and there is a strange amount of worry on his face.

Other weights settle on the sofa and blurred shapes gather around, “Hi there…” she says shaking her head a little trying to clear the spinning.

“How are you feeling?” Zoro asks automatically.

“Dizzy, cold, craving dope and nicotine, and disoriented. Pretty normal I guess.” She makes an extended blink, “I don’t think your girlfriend likes me though.”

This earns a chuckle from Nami and Robin.

Zoro winces, “No. I think somehow I must have let her side out.”

“Quit blaming yourself.” Snaps Luka’s voice to her right, “I told you it wasn’t your fault.”

Zoro’s blurred expression does not change.

“I think I just pissed your sword off.” She smiles and looks down at the sore and bloody bandaged appendage, “Does this, “she holds up her arm, “Count as something that makes you angry? That your sword doesn’t like me?”

“Wado would never be so rash.” He counters, “I must have hurt you.”

“I dunno, Zoro.” Says Luffy’s voice, “You both were standing right there, wide eyed when I turned. I don’t think you did it.”

“It doesn’t matter.” Lilith says dismissively, “I’m alive, you’re fine, and I’m sorry I must have killed your guys game.” She looks at a blurry Luka, “Were you winning?”

“For your information I was. But I would have lost next turn.” She sends a smile to Robin, “Robin here was a move away from cutting down my pedestal.”

There is light laughter.

A fluff ball bounces into Lilith’s lab and she takes a moment to realize it’s the little reindeer, “Chopper…right?” she asks raising her good arm to rub her eye.

“Yes.” He nods.

“Thanks for closing me up.” She says.

The little doctor nods again, “Lilith, you keep closing one eye. Is your vision blurred?”

“A little.”

Chopper nods seriously, “Can you still move your fingers?”

She lifts her injured arm and wiggles her fingers with sharp shooting pain, “Ow…”

Chopper look relieved, but says, “You were out for three hours. Its close to midnight-“

“It is midnight.” Corrects Franky.

Chopper sighs, “IS, midnight. Do you-“

“I’m okay, Doc.” Protests Lilith, “I just need to be careful for a bit.”

Chopper sighs, pursing his lips together with a frown, “Where have I heard this before…?”

“All the same,” Luka inhales, and then says, “I know you guys said you were going back to the ship, but can I persuade you lot to stay till morning?”

This idea pleases Chopper; “I think that is a good idea. Just in case you feel worse.” He states looking at Lilith.

She waves with her good hand relenting.

“Come on.” Luka says, “I keep all sorts of linen’s and things in the closet.”

Lilith helps Chopper off her lap and watches the blurred shapes follow Luka.

That is everyone but the swordsman. He remains sitting off to the side with furrowed brow.

Lilith’s unsteady gaze observes him, “I’m okay.” She promises.

He exhales unsteadily, reaches into his jacket a pulls out half a pack of Blue’s, “Cook said you could have a few.”

“Can’t smoke in the house, but thanks.” She takes the offering.

“You can’t?” he asks, “So where do you?”

“The greenhouse, upstairs.” She answers sleepily. Her brain is on auto pilot and she gropes around inside her tunic until she finds the small built in pocket with a lighter, “Can’t get up there right now, but maybe in a few.”

He extends his hand again, “I’ll take you up.”

“You don’t have to.” At his expression she adds, “I’m not even mad. Shit happens, ya know?”

“I do.” He agrees, “But that was unwarranted.” His hand remains out in front of her.

She sighs, but the temptation of killing a nicotine craving is too much, “Carry me.” She says in a resigned tone.

He scoops her up gingerly and she points to a door by the kitchen, “White door by the kitchen.” She instructs.

Zoro looks before he moves to where she is pointing. His eyes catch on his swords he has left by the wall. A burning shame and anger makes him walk to the door, open it and climb the stairs.

It is not far up and he emerges into a garden like nothing he has ever seen. Trees with strange fruits reach for the top of the glass, small bush like plants with tiny little pumpkins lounge down the neat path that breaks up the sections of garden. However he notices a cement bench with an ashtray and makes for it.

He sets her down and looks around in disbelief, “You grew all of this?” he questions.

“Yup.” A touch of pride is in her voice as she puts a cigarette in between her lips, “There was a hurricane right before Luka bought this building. Tore off the top floor. She was pissed. She never did anything with it until I became her roommate.” She fumbles with the lighter.

The flick of the lighter pulls his attention back to her, “Oh?”

“Yeah.” Her hands shake too much and she quickly becomes angry with her instability. She chooses to throw the lighter in a fit.

Zoro cannot help but chuckle.  He stands up and retrieves it without being asked, “How did the pair of you end up as roommates?” he inquires scooping up the plastic object and coming back. He takes a seat beside her and with steady hands lights the cancer stick.

“Thanks…” she hums relieved. Exhales, then answers his question, “I’m not always sure how we did. I don’t remember a lot. Addict must have been on a bender for at least two weeks, but she slipped. I woke up in a cascade of rain, with a beautiful pink haired woman standing in front of me.” A smile creeps onto her face, “She told me, You’re going to be my model.”

“Are you serious?” blinks Zoro’s one good eye.

Lilith nods, “I was homeless because my alters were so out of control. I wasn’t present most of the time so it didn’t matter. Not until Luka was there.” She laughs, “I blatantly told her I was heroin addict and would most likely rob her blind.” She snorts at the memory, “She told me she would ‘take her chances’. And I went home with her. She tatted me up and I ended up staying.”

“Just like that?” he asks.

She nods, “Yeah… I’m not always here or stable, but she made the others stop taking over so suddenly.  She helped in a lot of ways.” She chuckles at a thought,” But ya know what sealed the deal? I found out she had the stuff to cook… but she burned water.”

Zoro offers a grin.

“Her excuse then became she needed a cook. So I stayed as her cook, but nothing like Sanji!” Zoro nods, and she sighs inhaling nicotine, “Then it  turned into because I like you.” She rolls her eyes fondly.

“I Like you?” he asks wonderingly.

“When Luka makes you as a friend, she’ll tell you from time to time, I like you.” She snorts, “I think it’s a… way to remind you that she still cares.” Lilith looks at Zoro who is wonderfully attentive.

“Guess that was little more drawn out than you wanted, but I’mma girl. Whadda expect?” she inhales as if smoking is the healthiest thing one can do and hands the pack back, “As wonderful as nicotine is, I have a feeling I’m going to be sick if I smoke anymore these.”

“Can’t imagine why.” He says humorlessly, but there is an odd undertone that says his mind is elsewhere.

“Are you still hung up on that?” she asks serious.

He looks at, “Yes, I am. That-” he points at bandage over her left forearm, ” -should never of happened!”

“Not your fault. There’s no way, at least from the angle we were standing, for you to do what Wado did.” Lilith sighs.

“Then it still should never of happened because Wado does not behave like that. Its Kitetsu is the one who craves blood.” He sounds confused and wounded.

Lilith leans on his shoulder, “So what? Maybe you need to learn something else. Maybe they were listening to our conversation over dirty dishes and are trying to be unpredictable. You know, like they wanna train you more.”

This explanation drains more tension out his body.

“All your worrying is making me goddamn tired. Geeze.”

He laughs softly, “Normally I am accused of not worrying enough.”

“See? Training.” Says Lilith, and sighs sitting up and dashing the last of cigarette into the ashtray. “Alright I’m done.” She grumbles tiredly, “Can I request a lift back down stairs? I can wobble to my bed.” There is a distinct buzzing in her head. Its not pleasant but she finds it to mingle with the blood loss causing the heroin cravings to lessen and dope sickness to wash over.

“Of course.” Zoro stands and picks her back up.

“Thanks.” She tells him, and they go back down the stairs.

Zoro makes a beeline for Lilith and Luka’s bedroom. Having taken Lilith to her bed earlier he knew where it was.

“Oh… thanks.” She offers a smile as he slides her onto the mattress.

“You’re welcome.” He says, but his one good eye betrays his anxiety.

Lilith reaches out and grabs his coat stopping his hasty retreat, “Remember,” she says, “You’re being trained.”

His lips turn up into a smile as she reassures him, “Right.” He agrees.

She lets go, and the swordsman leaves.

No one asks Zoro why or where he took Lilith. There is no teasing, not even an acknowledgement that anything has changed. Everyone is made comfortable with blankets and pillows.

“Thank you again for staying the night.” Luka says shyly.

Nami waves, “Its not a problem at all. Besides who wants to walk back to the ship?”

“Where’d you dock?” Luka asks curiously.

“East bay.” She answers.

“Good choice.” Laughs Luka, “Everyone here thinks its haunted. No one will touch it.”

They laugh.

Sleepwalker and Ink

Chapter One- Addict, Ecstasy, and Nanao

The cherry red end of a cigarette catches Luffy’s attention. Against the spring green color of her locks, the red stands out like a ruby in the grass. The hooded tunic is an earthen brown without sleeves, but falling past her knees. Her feet hid in long since dead, dirty without remorse sneakers. She sucks in her toxic love and remains in her curious posture. Rubber soles kiss a metal pole with her back trying squeeze between the metal bars. .

No one on this island seems to speak anything other than the local dialect of this isle. Nami, Luffy’s orange haired navigator, had not even been able to decipher the name of location.

The woman seeking her thoughts perches above ground just outside the only noticeable landmark, a church. She summons Luffy-Just as each of his crewmen had before her.

Ignoring the calls of his companions, he invades her personal space and is halted by dark eyes much like his own. X-ray vision is the closest description of how he feels, as she looks him up and down.

Before he could say a word, her lips cocked the cancer stick to the side and huffs a breath of clouds, “You’re not from here are you?” her tone is not rude, merely assessing.

Once again intuition gives him the edge; someone who speaks more than what her small island had offer, “Nope! I’m Monkey D. Luffy and I’m gonna be king of the pirates.” He announces proudly.

Her mouth twitches in a lethargic petite smile, her sleepy eyes leave him to watch his approaching crewmen, “I see. And what, then, can I do for you Future-King-Luffy?”

 The tone of the woman, with her beacon of death, is pleasant to the rubber man so he speaks frankly, “Well we’re lost and none of us can speak the language on the island. We don’t even know where we are!”

“Luffy!” challenges his navigator.

“Poppy Island.” Responds the woman sweeping her spring hair through her fingers.

“Poppy Island?” he repeats questioningly.

“Also known as “The Opiate in the Crown” or “Addict’s Refuge.” Those eyes must see the confusion in his eyes because she chuckles and says, “This is an Island with a big black ‘X’ on it. We have no Navy and are apart of the Trade.”

“What’s the Trade?” asks Nami her bright eyes narrowed.

“As pirates I’m sure you’ve seen auction houses of the slaves or met traffickers. Maybe you’ve even tasted the wonders of the island, but don’t know it. This is just one place, out of many, producing toxic substances called drugs.” Black voids search Nami with a quiet awareness, “I am… impressed you arrived here. It’s very hard to get here.”

“I’ll say!” Franky, the blue haired shipwright, calls loudly, “It was SUPER difficult!”

The green haired woman chuckles and turns her gaze back to Luffy, “Whatcha need?”

He holds up a badly dejected hat. The ribbon is frayed and the crown of the hat extends out like fingers of hand, “This is my treasure. It needs to be repaired.”

“Treasure?” she asks extending a delicate hand. Blackened with expressive ink with small bandages from follies, her fingers gently take the straw hat. Turning it slightly she can see where the weave has been repaired many a time.

“Yes.” Luffy answers.

She smiles, “We have a hat shop, back up the way. C’mon I’ll take you. I know the way.” From another hand she produces a syringe with honey amber liquid, “But first… it feels like night time. I gotta talk to Judas to wake up.” She unceremoniously uncaps the needle and shoves it into the artery in her neck, “Don’t try any meds on the island.” She sniffs and pulls the needle out her eyes dilating, “Or you’ll be one of the poison people.” She laughs, “Like me.”

Luffy only smiles and offers the lid to the needle, “You dropped your cap.” He smiles offering it.

She takes it, “Thanks.” And recaps the needle. She blandly shoves the needle into a hidden pocket.

“So…what do we call you?”

“Me? I am Addict.” She answers.

Nami mutters, “Great, a druggy.”

“That’s easy. You have green hair like that toxic symbol we saw at that laby thing!” Luffy laughs warmly.

But the lips fall into a frown, “No.” she motions at her body, “You see Lilith, but not me. I am Addict.” She corrects and effortlessly unravels from her post, gliding past Luffy and ghosting beyond the crewmen, “Are you coming?”

“Ooops. Sorry. Yep!” he begins towards her and Addict turns her back to him heading back up the street, “But who is Lilith?”

“The owner of this body.” Responds Addict over the shoulder, “The guy who owns the hat shop,” she continues turning the page, “Doesn’t speak the national dialect, so I’ll translate for you.”

“Thanks!” beams Luffy, “You’re a good guy!”

Addict looks over the ridge of her green covered shoulder. Her lime colored eyelashes flit as those dark eyes consider him again, but she says nothing. Somehow, her thanks is in the silence. Her ghost like sway gives the illusion that she is haunting the street as she guides them up to a gold and red striped overhang with a scalloped edge; A trade sign with a simple widely grinning hat indicates their destination.

“I saw this when we sailed in.”Comments the Chef of the Sunny, Sanji.

Dark eyes flit over to him, “This is Rigny’s Milner’s Shoppe.” Informs Addict and with a flick over the curled handle the door opens and noise floods the like the surf at high tide, “Great, the whole lot of them are here.”

The Straw Hat pirates step into to the shop startled by the elegance and detail. Sweeping metal plums bare the fruits for view. Traditional work caps like the newsboy, wide lipped sunhats, bowler caps, and cowboy hats with turned up brims. The shelves and displays on left and right were divided by gender. The left were men’s from fancy tall top hats to straw cone shaped hats. The right was for women and more ornate. The shelves had extravagant tiny tricorn hats with feathers and jewels to cloth bonnets. At the back of shop was an old well-kept granite counter top with an old man perched behind reading a newspaper.

His mustache is white and curled up at the ends with matching bushy brows just above his gold-rimmed glasses. His neatly cropped snow hair hides under a brown tweed cap. A collared blue shirt poked out under his brown cable knit cardigan with sleeves that were slightly too big covering over his spotted and veined hands.

The jingling bell from overhead gives them away and his bright green eyes catch sight of their ghostly guide. A smile splits over his face and in the strange dialect of the island, begins to boisterously greet them.

Addict with the calm of steadiness of a tree, goes to the counter with Luffy’s hat in hand, and leans comfortably on the polished stone. She responds in a quieter more measured tone, but is still very much speaking the same mottled patois.

The old man’s expression goes from humored to business formal. 

When Addict sets the destroyed straw hat on the counter, she waves a hand to indicate the Straw Hat pirates.

The old man adjusts his glasses, frowning as he does at the tattered straw. He asks something.

Addict turns to them, “He wants to know if you wouldn’t rather replace it altogether.”

“No.” Luffy says firmly, “That hat is my treasure. It was given to me by my hero. I know he’ll know if I don’t give him back that hat.”

Addict gives this information to the old man.

He chuckles and says something back.

“He says he made this hat back when he was living Loguetown. He was a milliner’s apprentice and his work was often sold for less than his teacher’s…” she hesitates as the man continues talking and examining his work, “He says a young man purchased the hat because it was best made and cheapest he could afford. He said he was going to be a the pirate king.”

Luffy’s grin returns in full force.

Addict cocks her head listening to the old man and add, “He says he can repair it, but it will be expensive because of how it was made. Would you still like him to repair it?”

Nami is the one who comes forward, “Whatever the cost, I’ll cover it.” She promises.

Luffy watches something like respect flicker in the green haired girl’s eyes.

Addict speaks again to the milliner. After several minutes of what sounds like haggling, she says, “40,000 beri up front. It’ll be done sometime tomorrow.”

Nami fishes out the money and sets it on the counter.

The man nods to her and puts the money in the cash register and then fishes out a ticket with the amount paid and something they can’t read.

Their translator rolls her eyes and holds out her hand with an annoyed tone.

He places a pen in the girl’s hand as he hustles to the back of the shoppe yelling for someone in the back who answers.

She translates the few lines on the paper to read ‘Hat Ticket- Straw Hat to be repaired and enforced. Please bring to retrieve hat.’ Then with carelessness she tosses the pen on the platform and offers the tag to Nami.

Nami takes and reads it with a nod, “Alright.” Then the tangerine haired beauty looks up with a smile, “Thanks.”

Addict shrugs, “Sure.”

And the group heads out the door.

The green ghost begins heading back down the hill without so much as request for payment and Luffy makes his decision right then and there to try to coax this creature to come with him.

“Hey Addy!” he calls after her.

She stops and turns to look at him.

“Can we borrow you for the day?!” he grins, “We gotta restock and none of us speak whatever is on this island.”

Nami joins in, “I’m even willing to help fund your drug habit if you can help us.”

Addict snorts rolling her eyes, “I don’t have to be bribed. I will help you and I don’t want to be paid. I fund my own self destruction.”

“What a waste.” Sneers Zoro’s voice.

Luffy watches those coal eyes look up at the swordsman and regard him with a blank coolness.

“Excuse me?” she asks in a calm voice.

Zoro with his barrel chest thrown out and arms crossed in front speaks up again, “What a waste!” his voice is louder and more condemning, “Why give into weakness when you can train yourself to be better?”

Nami’s face flushes with embarrassment and opens her mouth to reprimand him, but Addict’s soft bored tone beats her.

“Some weakness can not be controlled with brute force. I find that it is better to learn to work with weakness instead of murdering my sanity to control that which I cannot.”

Irritated Zoro responds, “It’s a waste of your strength and any talent you haven’t destroyed with your drug addiction.”

“I’m a lowlife in comparison to you.” She shrugs, “I can only be what I am. I will be your guide and I won’t lecture you on piracy if you won’t lecture me on drug addiction.” And this ends the conversation with bitter feelings on both sides, but leaving a pacified taste in everyone’s mouth, “So…” she looks at Luffy again, “Where do you need to go?”

Luffy looks at his Chef, “Sanji? Meat?”

The blonde haired man with a swirled eyebrow rolls his eyes at his captain, “I need to go grocery shopping. This,” he pulls his own lit cigarette from between his lips and points at his captain with surprisingly manicured nails, “- is cattle’s worst enemy. He goes through tons of meat. We are low on all sorts of fresh produce, alcohol,” and he shoots a glare at the green haired swordsman, “And I would love to see what exotic spices this island has to offer.”

“Grocery shopping.” Confirms Addict with a slight lift her brows, “Anything else?”

“Uh- I wanna go shopping.” Nami puts in.

Addict nods with tighten lips.

“I need to restock our basics. I’m the ships doctor.” A tiny reindeer, Chopper, says, “With all of our recent battles we are running low on bandages to say the least.”

To this Addict’s eyes narrow, “It is possible to obtain medical supplies, but do not accept anything unless I give you the go ahead. People here are always ready to form another drug aficionado.”

Chopper’s nods sternly.

“Well I need more reading material. I’m reading Charles Dickinson again for the umpteenth time.” The raven-haired woman with sunglasses perched on her head states, “As enjoyable as classics are, I really would like some more literature.”

“Books. Okay. There’s a shop just down the street. They’ll have them written in the central dialect.” Nods Addict, “Anything else in particular?”

No one else answers.

“Right… Book store first, food second, and finally we’ll head into the center where the main shopping is.” And Addict begins again down the road.

The pirates follow behind her taking in the wonder of Poppy Island. It is little wonder it is called Poppy Island. The flowers surge everywhere in magnificent multicolor fashion. The flowers are potted leading up to an ornate classically sculpted lime stone building with a banner proclaiming, “Cherry”. Here, Addict leads them up the short steps into the large bookstore with books crammed everywhere. Every single decoration doubles as a bookcase, shelving books upon books upon books.

A smartly dressed woman in a business cut suit and red tie comes forward. Her hair is falling in curls with black lined eyes. Long sensual lashes flutter with striking cerulean eyes and bright red lips break into a dazzling smile with perfect white teeth.

She greets Addict with an, “Addy!” and a bunch of perplexing gibberish.

Addict humors her with a slight bow and after two or three sentences, both turn to the group.

“Everyone,” Addict says formally, “This Cherry, the store owner. Cherry… I don’t know everyone’s name, but this-“ she points to the captain, “This is Luffy and these are his crewmen. They’ve made a pit stop here.”

“Charming.” Her voice is accented and words roll of her tongue in a strange blend of languages. Her tone is light, elegant, but her words almost sound exotic.

Sanji breaks into a red gush of blood from his nose and wiggling hearts and promptly collapses from blood loss.

Alarmed, Cherry reaches out, “Are you alright, Sir?”

Sanji promptly kills over on the ground and mumbles, “With such a beauty like you worried about me, how can I be anything but alright?”

The dark haired Robin stays with blue haired Franky at the bookstore while Addict guides them quickly to the nearest medical facility.

Zoro, who charges forward with Sanji over his shoulder, glowers, “Shitty Cook!” as they enter through the clinic’s automatic doors.

Luckily, the staff is not busy and a nurse comes forward instantly. She has honey colored hair rolled up in a messy bun and red cheeks. Her scrubs are pink with flowers all over them and white badge clipped to the breast pocket shows her and name under stating her name as Hannaha Luxe.

Nurse Luxe speaks rapidly and bored looking Addict answers. Then she points at Chopper and the woman nods several times. She calls over her shoulder and two dark haired men in blue scrubs come over quickly with a stretcher. They easily lift Sanji up and run him to a room while the nurse begins drilling Addict.

Addict translates the questions to Chopper who is able to give all basic health information.

The Nurse takes her leave and the group takes a seat in the waiting room.

“Does this happen a lot?” quizzes Addict in a surprisingly soft voice.

Chopper shrugs, “Just about every time he sees a pretty girl. Something happened on Okama Island and now his nose is really weak.”

Luffy’s gaze is locked on his potential crewman. Her expressions have changed. Her eyes are opened wider and her expressions are more innocent. She sits with her hands on either side, fingers pointed out.

“Wow. That sounds really dangerous, do you keep a lot of reserved blood on board your ship?” she chirps sweetly.

Chopper looks up at her, “Recently, yes. It can happen at anytime.” But his expression is curious.

“What?” she asks and turns eyes cross-eyed, “Is there a bug on my nose?”

“No. Are you okay?” Chopper asks slowly.

She uncrosses her eyes and nods, “I’m fine, why?”

The reindeer shakes his head confused.

She shrugs back at him with a smile.

“We’re gonna hafta wait on Sanji.” Groans Nami, “He’s the only one who knows what groceries we need. Not to mention the quantity.”

“So we’re grocery shopping?” asks Addict still in her chirpy voice.

“Yeah. You said you would translate for us. Remember?” laughs Nami, “None of speak… whatever the fuck this island speaks.”

She blinks and looks around, “Did I? And the dialect is called Opiate.”

Suddenly confused Nami says, “Yeah, you did. You didn’t change your mind, did you?”

“I don’t have any plans.” She shrugs again, “That’s fine.”

Luffy grins, “I’m Luffy. I’m gonna be King of Pirates.”

His crewmembers roll their eyes.

But the woman in front of him with cheerful disposition says, “Pleasure to make your acquaintance. I’m Ecstasy.”

Luffy grinned, “Cool.”

“I think so too.” She laughs.

The swordsman and the navigator exchange concerned looks, but say nothing.

“So, Mr. Future-King or should I say Young Prince? Tell me about the guy with the really bloody nose.” She crosses her legs and leans back in her plastic chair.

“Oh he’s our chef! He’s the best one ever!” beams Luffy, “His name is Sanji and he like suits and ties and really pretty girls.”

Newly named Ecstasy gives a girlish smile and decides to flip her chair with the back facing them, “Is that what got the blood going?” her fingers knit together with one elbow over the back of the seat, her body curled. There is brazen confidence that was not there minutes before.

“Yup! He saw your friend Cherry when you took us to the bookstore.” Luffy laughs, “She was really pretty.”

“I think so too.” Agrees Ecstasy and leans forward with grin of conspiratorial delight, “Just between you and me, I’d totally go lesbian for her. She is awesome.” And winks.

Luffy roars with good-natured laughter.

Those dark eyes twinkle with enchantment, “Alright then tell me about each of your crewmen.”

The captain does with gay abandon. He speaks highly of each of his crewmen. Luffy makes Nami blush with pride when he talks about her cartography and earns a grunt of approval from Zoro when remarks come about his swordsmanship and goal of earning the title of  ‘Worlds Greatest Swordsman’. The little reindeer, Chopper, blusters with delight as Luffy tells of his superior skills as a doctor; he makes his skeleton muse with ghoulish delight as he praises the melodies that only Brook can play. He need only introduce his sniper, Sogaking Ussop, and the long nosed companion begins his own boisterous recount of his triumphs.

Ecstasy humors him, but clearly does not believe a word.

Then the Captain in the red jacket tells her of his cyborg shipwright who build his ship Sunny and of his loyal archeologist Robin who’s unusual battling skills mark her as spectacular in her captain’s eyes.

“You speak so well of all your comrades. They are lucky to have a commanding officer who sees their talent.” Says Ecstasy at last.

Luffy grins, “I can’t be the Pirate King without the best crewmen in the world.”

Dark eyes flutter with a charmed smile.

Nurse Luxe returns with a wobbly Sanji. She talks to the spring green haired woman with urgency.

Ecstasy relates the information, “She says your friend lost a lot of blood and may need a second transfusion. He needs to take it easy.”

“Great, we’re gonna hafta put off shopping for day.” Grunts Zoro rolling his eyes, “Good going Curly brow.”

The blonde haired man looks up with murder in his eyes makes a quick move and falls on his back much to the nurse’s distress.

Whatever the medic is saying its cracking up their translator. She giggles and assures the nurse in gentle tones.

Despite his teasing, Zoro helps haul his companion to his feet and keeps one of the blonde’s arms over his shoulder to procure balance.

Nami settles the medical debt with minimal help from Ecstasy who has the nurse very calm and assured within minutes.

Out the door, they find Franky and Robin coming towards them with a couple bags of books.

“Are you alright, Cook-san?” presses the ebony haired woman.

Sanji with all the grace of a flopping fish says, “Ah, to know you worry for me, is all I need to be all right!” he assures her with heart floating all around him.

“Hey E,” says Luffy catching Ecstasy’s attention, “This is Robin and Franky. They are the two I told you about.”

Ecstasy smiles and nods at them, “Hi, I’m Ecstasy. Your captain has told me so much about you.”

Luffy sees the recognition in his crewman’s faces as they notice the change in posture, facial expressions, and her tone. They play along with their Captain’s attitude.

“Nice to meet you.” They agree together.

“Fuck it’s late.” Groans Sanji staring up at the darkening sky.

“Wanna have dinner with me and Luka?” asks the translator pleasantly.

Sanji squints at her confused, but says, “We couldn’t do that to you. I told you before that Luffy is the enemy of cattle, but I should have said, he’s the enemy of anything edible.” He seems perplexed by her cheerful disposition.

Amused she grins, “So we’ll just have to cook more.” She motions at herself, “I’m afraid Luka and I aren’t professional cooks so it won’t be fancy.”

“I am professional, so I’d be happy to help.” Offers Sanji, “As long as I take it easy I should be fine.”

“We’ll eat with you if you let us buy the food. I promise, Luffy will clean you out.” Nami add.

Ecstasy shrugs yet again, “If that’s what it takes.”

A quick trip through town to pick up immense amounts of food and promise to return, they go to the more run down part of town. White buildings with peeling paint tower overhead, squished together with extending escape ladders and large windows with a variety of shops.

The largest window with elegant scrawl stating “Heroine Ink” with a blindfolded woman holding scales with tattoos is where they are led. The backdoor in the tiny ally way is the path they are ushered to take.

“We’re above Luka’s studio.” Grins the green haired drug enthusiast, “She’ll be done in like an hour.” Up the stairs to a neat second floor with open kitchen that leads into concert living room that smells of ink with cork boards lined around the walls with detailed illustrations.

“Does your friend… do these?” breathes Sanji stumbling over to one wall to admire the intricate designs.

“Luka draws all the time. She did all of my tattoos, except one.” She waved at the designs; “Luka’s planning something so she’s working on art like crazy.” And Ecstasy waltz over to the kitchen, “I’m hungry. Let’s get cook~in!” she cheers.

Sanji leaves the illustrations and group places crates and bags on the countertops. He begins organizing, “What are you gonna make? ” he raises his curled brow, “I can help right? If I’m not intruding.”

“If you want.” Says Ecstasy lazily, “I warn you, I don’t cook well. So no criticizing my limited skills.”

Sanji returns her smile, “Promise.”

“Alright.” Nods the woman and goes to the fridge where a white board tells what they’re making, “Okay, so we need to chop veggies first and then we’ll go from there.”

Sanji grabs a bag of onions, “How big?” he asks holding it up for her inspection.

“Like chopped. Tiny.” Grins Ecstasy she looks at the others, “Make yourselves comfy.”

Brook chortles, “Shall I play a tune?”

“Go for it.” She cheers with a warm smile.

Brook strikes a tune and Sanji finds a cutting board and knife block with several dull knives. He spends five minutes sharpening a long abused blade. After a moment he then sharpens all the blades.

Ecstasy gets pot of water going and then tries to cut vegetables with horrible accuracy. Somehow she manages mismatched shapes and sizes. The way she moves is similar to draining peanut butter out of a jar and she is easily distracted by the conversation and laughter in the next room.

Sanji rolls his eyes, but does not comment. For several moments the laughter in the living room and sound of work in the kitchen becomes calm. However, Sanji hears the amendment before he sees the next persona. The unmeasured cuts suddenly turn pedantic and intelligent. His blue eyes nonchalantly turn to the woman beside him.

The knife in her hand is held sure and firm. The speed and form is like his own. Each potato she slices is the same as the last. He looks to her face and sees the hooded firm look to her eyes, the set jaw, and sterile expression. Her hand swipe up the slice and toss them over her shoulder without looking.  Into the pot of water with a plop they announce their spectacular arrival at their destination. She suddenly is aware that she is being surveyed, those eyes glimpse up astute and vigilant.

“Hi?” she asked shortly, rubbing her arm

He swallows, “I don’t really know what I’m doing. You didn’t give me a recipe.” Sanji returns politely.

Delicate tattooed hands set the knife on the counter and go back to the refrigerator. Fingers deftly ruffle through the pages taking a paper. The forefinger and middle finger clutch the paper oddly and she reads through the script. Her free hand rubs the arm flipping through papers distractedly.

“Like I told you, I’m a chef. All you hafta do is tell me what we’re doing.” Sanji says with pride.

Those dark eyes gaze at him sarcastically and the fingers offer the document, “Here. These are the basic recipes we use. Don’t change them too drastically, but I ain’t gonna badger you. Bread is mine, but if you wanna manage the others: fine.”

Confused at the abrupt hostility he takes the paper and reads the three basic recipes. A soup made with raw ingredients in such a way as to take away any grace. The bread is rustic at best. A desert that is nothing more than fruit and peanut butter makes his brows knit. He can dress them up a bit and add sides to match, so he nods and his face takes on that special focus. He goes straight to work, but keeps an eye on his companion. The sudden aggression is strange.

She mutters a curse, rubbing her arms furiously, and then washes her hands again.

He notes, with surprise, she knows how to make bread. She does not even ask for the recipe he has. Her hands move through the process as if she has done it a million times. God, what he would not give to understand it like she does. No more flour than necessary, but it dense with seeds and nuts. She throws it into a bowl to rise and then asks if he could use assistance with anything.

Sanji gives orders and she obeys with a strange firmness that was not there moments before. Half way threw preparations she puts the oven on and throws in a flat stone. She uses her hip to shut the door and returns to Sanji.

“I’m adding two side dishes.” He says firmly, “Shred that heap of lettuce and throw spinach in to make a salad. I think it will be good with the soup.”

She nods and begins.

Luffy must know something happened because he bounces in and he says, “Hi!”

She stops momentary and looks at the captain, “Who are you…?” she asks.

“I’m Luffy. I’m gonna be King of the Pirates.” He answers for the third time that day, “Who are you?”

Flatly she resumes working and answers, “Nanao. What are you doing here?”

“E asked us to come here for dinner.”

She nods, “Kay. Where did…” she struggles for a second then says, “I meet you?”

Luffy grins, “We met Addict and she helped me find someone to fix my hat and a bookstore. Then Sanji had to go to the hospital and we met E.”

She stops and looks at him.

Luffy can almost smell the difference between each one, and this one is formal, perplexed, and assessing.

Her eyes shift from him to the people in the livening room, to a point above his head in which she listened to Sanji working behind her, and then back to him, “Really…?” she asks, “Is that all I told you?”

“You didn’t tell me anything. Nami said Addict was a druggy, but that’s it.” Luffy shrugs.

She makes a funny small smile.

The house goes strangely quiet.

“No one warned you about anything?” she asks seriously.

“Nope.”  He says.

She straightens, “That’s a problem.” She looks up at the ceiling and then says, “How many times have you introduced yourself today to this physical body?”

Instantly Robin’s mind locks onto this person, ‘Specifying- that is the sign of someone is cleans up after someone like Addict. She is not the same as the other two. ‘

“This is my third time.” Luffy answers.

“Damn it.” She groans, “Lemme give you a F.Y.I.” she leans back and crosses her arms, “I am Nanao. I am consider an alter of patient ‘Lilith’ who is who you see on the outside of this body.”

“What’s an alter?” asks Luffy, knowing every one of his crewmen is listening. He can hear it in the jingle of Zoro’s earrings and the shift of parchment as Nami shuffles through papers.

“Alters are dissociated identity states. We have obtained our own identity, experience from the main persona.  We can have our own consciousness, memory, skills, emotions, worldview and view of ourselves.  At least this is the textbook information. If you have introduced yourself three times, then you have met separate people who are in this body.”

“Dissociative Identity Disorder.” Chopper says seriously.

“What?” asks Luffy looking back at the reindeer.

“You ever heard of split personality disorder?” inquires newly christened Nanao.

“No. But I know you’re not the same as Addict or Ecstasy.” Luffy grins.

Nanao gave him an appraising look, “No. I’m not.”

“What are you good at?” asks Luffy cheerfully.

“Work. I’m good at getting shit done. I’m a baker most of the time.”

“You are a cook?” asks Sanji carefully.

“When Lilith’s not here, yes.” Agrees Nanao shortly. She checks the clock and grabs the dough out of the bowl. She divides it and rolls it in on itself, scoring it with one of Sanji’s freshly sharpened knives. A quick glaze of watered egg goes over the bread and the dough are them hustled into oven on the stone.

“Will we get to meet Lilith?” asks Luffy excitedly when she completes the task with the dough.

Nanao shrugs, “Dunno. You might, you might not.”

The door slams and a singsong voice says, “Hello all!” and a tattooed woman swinging a white hooded sweatshirt with rinestones enters.

“Hi Luka.” She says despondently.

Luka’s eyes are blue like a perfect sky with a yellow patterned headband holding up her light pink hair. Body held fast in a too tiny black tank top and dark blue skinny jeans she exposes the ink of her life; Brightly colored flowers crawling down her left arm with a fox chasing down to her wrist, on her right are intricate patterns, stars, skulls, a quotes of some sort, gears, claw marks, butterfly, and solid characters. Her glasses pointed are perched on her nose as she laughs at them.

“Nanao we have company!” she grins, “Who brought them?”

“Ecstasy.” She says smoothly.

“Ah…E. Never thinks twice. Oh well!”  She grins at them, “How are ya’ll?”

The warm tone instantly dispels the confusion and annoyance. She gets many hellos back as Luka makes her way to the kitchen. Her arms wrap tightly around her friend and she turns to the blonde haired man in her kitchen, “Hi!” she says cheerfully.

Sanji makes the mistake of looking. His visible eye goes wide and his cheeks turn pink. He barely manages a stuttering, “H-h-hello.” Before he turns away furiously working, “Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.” He assures in a more confident voice, but remains oddly stiff.

Luka blinks at him and looks at his companions who all have their mouths on the floor.

Luffy decides he likes Luka too. He’s never seen Sanji turn shy.

Luka squeezes Nanao, “Where have you lot been today?” she questions, “You left early this morning and I haven’t seen you all day.”

“I haven’t the slightest clue.” Frowns Nanao, “But I feel like there is a bug bite on my neck.”

Luka turns attentive and finds the pin prick from the needle, “I see it, but that’s too close to…” she stops and turns to the group, “Has she called herself Addict today?”

“Yup.” Agrees Luffy, “She was the first one we met.”

Luka’s expression turns serious, “Stop what you’re doing.” She commands.

Nanoa obediently goes stiff.

Luka gives her companion a formal pat down locating two more syringes filled with a dark fluid and the used one. Up till this point, the grey long sleeve shirt seemed like an unusual, but comfortable part of the outfit. The sleeves are only up a little of the way, but Luka pushes them up, turning the tattoo arms over and locating four needled points on each arm.

“Guess Addy’s been busy.” Groans Nanao, “I’ve been wondering about the itch.”

“How many grams does this make?” Luka demands.

“Hell if I know. I’m just here to make food.” Nanao growls.

Luka groans and notices her guest watching them, “Sorry. On-going investigation.” She offers a smile.

“I didn’t realize that she wasn’t supposed to have heroin.” Nami states, eyebrow raising.

“Who Nanao? Nanao doesn’t seek out heroin.” Answers Luka confused.

“No. I meant-“

“Oh! Don’t worry about it. I’m just pissed at Addict.” She groans, “I’ve had Lilly off heroin for three months.” She looks at the syringes in her hand, “And Addict decides to wake up and goes on a bender.” She shakes her head.

“Can I finish?” asks Nanao curtly.

Luka nods, “Yeah, yeah. Sorry. Go for it.”

Nanao rolls her eyes and goes back to work beside Sanji.

“Hey Luka!” calls Luffy cheerfully.

“Hm?” the pink haired girl answers.

The Kairoseki Incident

Chapter 9- Trafalgar's Ailment

Law has coffee, but the coffee is not helping. He feels like his brain is trying to drool out of his skull. His fingers tremble so violently he has to set the ceramic mug on table. No sleep plus chaotic devil fruit abilities equal physical fatigue.

A half conscious Axis sitting beside him picks up his half slurped mug. Grey eyes glare down into the coffee and ask, "Does it help you wake up?"

"Not even tenuously." Responds Trafalgar pinching the bridge of his nose.

Idly, her fingers ward off the mug.

A viscous shriek of laughter makes Law cringe. The noise reverberates and magnifies in his head. He sighs, reminding himself that children's laughter is considered the most infectious. Too bad it only seems to be infecting his brain with anguish.

"This is all your fault." Grumbles Axis hands over her head as if she can barricade herself from the noise.

"Your brother's brooding is worse." He promises with a half a smile.

She peaks from under her arms to him, offers a glare, and hides under her bony limbs.

The Surgeon of Death considers the woman at his side. For all his encounters with the Siphonophore family, he has rarely seen the girl. While she is pleasantly hostile, he has never minded her. Her presence at the kitchen table, while expected, is comfortable. It is very unlike dealing with Ace, Marco, or her Uncles. She does not pry, or encourage a conversation. She merely states what she will and goes back to her silence.

A brief silence brings the laughter back ten fold with Marco and Ace yelling over it.

Law tilts his head back, listening to the squalling giggling merriment of the reunited parents and their children. The sounds of normality are so strange to Law. They are so far from most of his upbringing. Some how, normalcy almost seems to leave a bad taste in his mouth.

So he searches for a distraction. Mentally, Law recounts the last several days' events. His brain instantly buzzes with exhaustion and caffeine.

The injuries the Whitebeard commanders and children had obtained from skirmish had been relatively minor. Dr. Ciguatera was able to set them right. She had pulled Law aside and thanked him for isolating the problems.

'Having all the preparatory work done ahead of time really makes my staff's job so easy. 'She had complemented.

Kitten was an excellent ally to work with. He had been grateful for her particularly when his fruit abilities decided to go erratic. She had come immediately to rescue his nakama from him.

He could still feel the moment his abilities vanished and gripping cold settled over him. His eyes had looked up into the red eyes Gavroche Medici. He was so dizzy that he only caught glimpses of his ship with bloody spray and drizzle decorating the submarine interior. Medici assured him that it was mostly his, but that Penguin and Bepo had severe injuries.

He was a threat to himself and those he cared for. He could not risk interacting with anyone until he could get himself under control. Captain Ciguatera's crewmen has stepped up and cared for his crew while isolating him. Two white porous bracelets were fitted tightly to his wrists and suddenly he felt the chill slice through him; Kairoseki cuffs.

An injured body, an exhausted mind, and Law felt the first tendrils of depression slinking up his spin. He spoke rarely to the staff, frustrated each and every day that he could not force his body to obey.

'Law you may never recover from this.' Kitten had sat down next to him in the infirmary, 'You need space to let your abilities go crazy, but where you can't hurt anyone… Or yourself.' He had looked away, cheeks burning, eyes stinging with tears of frustration, 'Stay here long enough to get some rest and recovery. We'll look for a place you can work through your problems. Unfortunately… I can't keep you here.'

He knew Captain Ciguetera could not keep him, and some how her words stung.

Regrettably, he only had a little time to recover before he needed to pay a debt to Smoker. He had given up the bracelets and charged forward to complete his task. To be fair he had not intended to stay on the island. After delivering the medicine he was ready to jump ship and leave. Law had found Bepo, who had insisted on traveling with him till he found refuge, and decided to call Ciguatera for a pick up.

However, the stoic gardener had come out of nowhere and grabbed him by the back of his coat. Mori-san coolly informed him that she would need his services as Dr. Adam Siphonophore was elsewhere on the island. He had at first refused, but after being assured that Mori-san was not only an ally of Dr. Ciguatera, but that she would provide him with shelter till the Black Lotus came, he gave in. He had felt the tremors in his hands, the ache in his bones, and the pressure on his heart, and he knew he would not last long.

He had begun his work in the Siphonophore household. Forced his attention on the patients and went to work. Beaten bodies were cared for, breaks and flare-ups in the children's bodies were isolated, and he had help Axis's skeleton re-grow. It was exhausting once Portgas D. Ace became an anxious parent. Without Marco the Phoenix there to pull Ace away from the children in Law's care, Law would have lost his temper.

Finally, the house grew silent on the first day after the incident. While atmosphere was tense, the Siphononphore family did indeed provide shelter, food, and a bedroom for him to isolate himself in. He tried to rest, and angrily found himself unable.

He left his room, bristling with exhaustion and teetering on the edge of his tolerance. Law had strode down the hallway towards the front door planning on a walk through the massive gardens that surrounded the house. He was stopped by the old blind man, walking idly toward him.

Miguel flashed a white smile, "Ah, Dr. Trafalgar!" he said with obvious delight, "May I have a moment of your time?" He inquired a warm tone.

Confused at the man's instant recognition, he obliged and would never fail to remember what ensued.

"You're not doing well." Miguel had said easily pouring two glasses full of bourbon. They were in Miguel's office space. The piano with its ivory keys on one side, a drum set on the other, the desk where the glass liquor bottle and glasses sat on a silver tray, and a mess of papers that looked like they had sheet music were scattered about.

"Well enough." Countered Law stiffly, but he felt his fingers start trembling even as he made his proclamation. He cursed his sleepless nights.

"Lies do not become men like us." Miguel rejoined effortlessly turning and offering the glass to Law

He took it to be polite, "Thank you." He said. He was not offended by alcohol, but he was unsure. He could tell by the fumes that it was a luxurious brand and the slight vanilla aroma made him curious for a sip.

"Tell me, young man, what is troubling you so?" inquired Miguel.

Law shook his head, "Nothing that you need to be concerned about." He assured, "As soon as Captain Ciguatera comes ashore, she will complete the work I cannot and I will take my leave. I apologize to be such an unexpected guest in your home." He had given into curiosity and sipped the amber liquor. The flavor was bizarre and seemed to nip at his brain painfully.

"Nonsense." Miguel answered dismissively, "On the contrary. Adam is always busy, we were fortunate you were able to be of service." The composer on the other hand took a mighty gulp of the alcohol and said, "But you must answer my question, lad." Here a smile had curved his lips, "What is troubling you?

"Nothing more than the cares of a pirate." Law had tried to skirt the edge of the net, but quickly found he was caught.

"Then why does your heart beat so strangely?" Miguel asked in a calm voice. His head tilted only a little as if he were trying to hear what Law might say.

Law felt like he had been hit over the head with club. How could the blind man hear his heart? Trafalgar Law needed a stethoscope to hear one in a body of a patient. Was his abnormally loud? For a moment his mind flashed back to his time working for Doflamingo. All he could see was the wide Cheshire grin and heard Miguel's words repeated in Doflamingo's voice.

Miguel pressed on, "I hear a trembling as you hold your glass, and your steps have been making a double noise as if you are stepping on the outside of your foot and then on the inside. Surely these are not cares of a pirate… unless you are always like this?"

To show weakness was to be executed and Law's jaw tightened. He waited for his body to be taken over by invisible strings and to be punished for his faults. He felt absorbed by his past.

At that moment Mori-san entered from another door on the opposite side of room and took in the scene. When her bored eyes caught his expression and posture, she rounded on Miguel with the authority of a queen, "If you're bullying a guest I'm going to feed you to my flowers." She threatened in a sickly sweet tone.

Law's pulse had died down then. Her voice shattered the flashback, like breaking a blinking bulb.

"Why do you always assume-" Miguel began feigning hurt.

"Don't play stupid with me, goddamn it." Her voice became hard, unmovable and she whacked the composer over the head with the palm of her hand.

He squawked and gave a protruding lip, "Mori-san!" he said indignantly, "You shouldn't beat up an old man!"

Mori-san rolled her and eyes and groaned, "Sorry about this Dr. Trafalgar." She waved her hand, "Miguel likes to pretend he's evil."

He had blinked gaping at her blankly. If Miguel was pretending, he certainly did not want to entice him to be evil.

Miguel's pout became more pronounced, but his voice became professional, "The boy is very ill." He snatched the bottle of liquor off the table, "Although it's devil fruit related." Two fingers took the glass cork out and he sloshed some into his glass, "Your source is right on that account, Mori-san." Concedes Miguel re-corking the bottle and putting it on the table, "Because I don't hear normal irregularities in the body suggestion an microbial invader."

Law had searched Mori-san for some sort of explanation. How could anyone hear microbes?

She groaned, "I requested that Miguel see if he noticed what I noticed." Mori-san stole the bottle of bourbon glowering sideways at the music composer, and then returned her gaze to Law, "You don't seem alright."

For a moment he wondered if he looked as ghastly as he felt. Then the white of Miguel's hair made Trafalgar's his eyes darkened, "Did Bepo mention something to you?"

"He didn't have to." Mori-san shoved her hand into the top pocket of her overalls and produced a letter with a lotus wax stamp on the back.

"Ciguatera." Law shook his head. Of course she would want to intervene. Despite only being a dentist, she had a medical doctor's conscience.

Mori-san flipped the back of the letter to herself, "She is very worried about you."

After that he had more or less been harassed into staying at the main house up North. Not that Law would complain. He originated from the North and it would be pleasant to return. He was surprised that Kitten had singled out the Siphonophore family. They were renowned to be eccentric.

The back door opens, banging against the wall with a triumphant force. Atlas, Ace's cousin, tromps in with her boots squeaking. Oval goggles end up plastered to the top of her head as she happily moves them from around he neck up, "Hey kids." She greets, "Law, Bepo just called. We sent him back to your crew yesterday and he got there fine."

"Thank you, Atlas-ya." He says with a warm smile spreading over his face.

Atlas shrugs back and turns on her cousin, "Axis~!" she sing-songs.

"If you haven't brought a tranquilizer I don't want to talk to you." Grumbles Axis with her forehead on the table.

Law snorts at the comment. A tranquilizer would be nice right about now.

Atlas cackles loudly, "I don't have a tranq, but~ I can take you aboard. Kitty's got all our shit together."

A giggling screech from up stairs makes Law flinch, "If you wouldn't mind, I will happily escort you to the vessel."

Axis raises her hand, head still to the table, "I will only comply on the terms that sanity is not required and that you have chocolate to bribe me with."

Atlas smirks and fishes out something and lobs it at Axis, "As if I would come offering without a sufficient bribe!"

Axis sits up suddenly attempts to catch the thing and miscalculates. She jerks back slamming her head into the wall behind her.

Easily, Law extends his hand and captures a brightly colored foil oval. He turns the oval and realizes it's a chocolate egg, and he chuckles. Glancing sideways to Axis he has to stifle a laugh; Slightly cross-eyed with a messy Mohawk and an off frown.

"Ow…" she mutters covering her head.

Atlas roars with laughter, "Come on kiddies. Let's go. You've received your bribe."

Law is half urged to eat the candy to annoy Axis, but squashes the idea instantly. He is not Monkey D. Luffy and he spent too much time with the rubber idiot. Instead he holds the colorfully wrapped oval of sugar to her.

She closes one eye and manages to take it from him.

The doctor gets up and picks up his bag.

"Say 'ah'." Commands Axis getting up behind him.

Automatically he goes to ask why, when half of the chocolate egg is popped into his mouth. The chocolate is from some southern country. The texture is smooth, creamy, and undeniably tinted with a bit of spice. The burn of the spice is pleasant and instantly soothed by the sweetness of the candy. It is an excellent chocolate.

The kairoseki walks past him; stopping to pick up the large leather bound portfolio and duffle bag. She slings the duffle bag over her shoulder and catches his confused expression.

She too is eating part of the chocolate and visibly moves it to one side of her mouth and says, "Consider it your payment. But don't get used to it." She warns with a half smile, "I don't like to share my candy." She turns and begins rubbing her skull.

Atlas snatches the portfolio case and bag. Quickly she loops leash over her head and settles the strap of the portfolio on her shoulder, "Kitty said not to wear you out." She grins.

Axis shakes her head, but concedes to the treatment.

Choosing to accept candy as a gift, Law picks up his bag and takes his sword from leaning against the wall. He follows behind the women as they exit the house and start down the dirt path to the village. The main harbor is where Captain Ciguatera is anchored and going through the village will be the fastest route.

He is familiar with Atlas and her unholy strength. The double swordswoman is known formally as 'Switch Blade'. The four half blades she carries interconnect. Each blade had different properties and depending on how Atlas put them together, she could pretend to have elemental powers or make a double edge sword.

From his time sailing with Ciguatera, Atlas has also been his official ass-kicker. The first mate had an uncanny gift for seeing through his facade, and would challenge him to brutal battles. He often found himself bloody and bruised, but was always in good spirits at the end; Regardless of whether he won or lost.

However, he was not looking forward to sailing on the Black Lotus. He was a patient on a vessel he had once served as surgeon. It made his blood run cold as his limitations stared him in the face, laughing.

"Lacy!" calls Atlas over her shoulder.

He looks up with glower.

Atlas's cousin looks perplexed before turning and seeing his livid glare.

"Aw come on Lawsie!" she chirps changing pet names, "Don't look at me like that." She ushers their little group over as two-way traffic begins.

"What do you want?" glowers Trafalgar. He swerves, missing a group of people headed out of the village.

Atlas grabs him by the arm and tugs him closer as they enter into the town, "I was just telling Axi here about last time you sailed with us. Wasn't our battles epic?" she grins.

Axis rolls her eyes and dodges some kids playing kick ball, nearly tripping in her gaucherie attempt to move.

Law's hand lashes out catching her by the back of jacket, "Considering I won 42 out of 67 times, yes they were." He answers with a smooth grin.

"Thanks." Axis mutters shaking her head.

Law nods, "You're not exactly graceful."Up ahead he can see a throng of people, tightly packed on the main venue.

Axis glares at him, but does not have time to say anything.

Atlas roars happily and points at the ally way, directing her companions and continuing her conversation with Law, "You were counting? Now Dr. Law I thought we agreed to call it even?" she pouts.

Law turns with the women down the juncture, "Never." He feigns surprise, "I didn't sign a contract."

"Like you'd keep it." Snorts Atlas in a challenging tone, "I heard all about you going warlord and then skipping out." The group comes out in a residential street over from the main street without the crowd of people.

"That served a purpose." Law counters.

"Yeah? What was that?"

"I'm not in the frame of mind to elaborate such a complex plan to a child." He retorts.

She makes a very girlish grunt of indignation; "I will open a can of whoop ass on you and work you to death." Atlas abruptly turns left.

Their group follows, going down a steep hill to the open bay. Ahead, are the everyday fishing vessels and merchant ships. Behind them, taking up most of the shallow water is the floating Black Lotus. No sails are visible, only towering spikes that look like petals from far away.

"Kitten has policies about using deadly force on patients." Points out Axis despondently.

"Too true." Agrees Law with a hum.

Atlas motions for them to follow her, "Then, get ready to be sedated the entire ride." She snorts weaving through the modicum of people.

Law tails her effortlessly, "As your patient, I will simply be as unbearable as I can. If I'm going to be sedated I might as well make it worth the product." He sighs, "And good pain killers are so expensive."

"Heroin's pretty cheap." Axis grins behind him.

He chuckles, "To be used, with extreme caution, least you become addicted." He informs her from over his shoulder.

Atlas waves them over to a long dock extended out to the ship.

Law follows letting his boots click noisily across the planks.

"No kidding. In the South there is a belt of islands known as the Black Market. Each one produces a specific drug at what they call 'lab' quality." Axis agrees as thumps behind him.

"And how do you know about those? They're not on any map except for Naval." Atlas points out waiting by the ramp.

"I've hopped through it. I started on Coca and ended on Poppy Island. I've never seen flowers like that anywhere. They were everywhere. It was astounding." Axis offers a smile, but sounds a little breathy. Small beads of sweat roll down her neck and her limbs have a slight tremble from the exertion.

Atlas rolls her eyes and striding up the ramp and bangs on the side of the ship. It absorbs the blows like jelly sending ripples through the boat.

"Do they produce morphine?" inquires Law joining Atlas, "I haven't made it that far south yet."

There is a 'ding' from the ship and a door slides open, "Yeah, but you gotta buy in bulk. I'm surprised you haven't." comments Axis, "I woulda though a pit stop there would be your priority."

Leading the way through the door, Altas calls, "Yeah, well there was a big fire out break on Poppy."

"Fire?" asks Law trailing after her into the darkness of the ship.

There is a soft hum and overhead lights turn on like bioluminescent. "There is a hybrid species of some ancient dinosaur and dragon that lives below the surface of the island. There was some sort of break at the entire island went up in smoke. Naval and Black Market dealer alike died. It is still burning." Atlas shakes her head and motions them to follow.

"Pity. Pharmaceutical grade drugs are hard to acquire." Comments Law shrugging, "I assume you lot are still manufacturing yours."

"Naturally." Agrees Atlas turning to a wall where several rows of circles are, "Mori offers a lot with her island gardens. Being well versed mostly in deadly plants she offers mostly toxins. While this vessel is not in the market of murder, we do like to be one step ahead." She runs her fingers over them in a pattern.

"Welcome home Atlas. How was your journey?" asks a disembodied voice.

Atlas sighs, "Fine. I have two patients."

"Very good. Please proceed."

She begins walking backwards, "Okay kiddies listen up. Both of you have been patients before, so you know the basics, but this is the first time that you, Dr. Trafalgar, are sailing as a confidant and assistive surgeon. Like before if you do not feel that you can assist you are allowed to decline. If something changes with your condition, for worse or better, we need to know."

"Till death do we part?" Law asks in purr following.

Atlas glares at him, "I will sedate you." She threatens and then looks at Axis, "You care allowed to work on any medical illustration or shennagins you want. However, you must show up for counseling, go to physical therapy, and take prescribed medication. Oh! And Pollo threatens if you don't eat she will force feed you."

"Chef can kiss my bony ass." Grumbles Axis as she rubs as her neck and face.

Atlas stops, halting both of them with a hand, and a membrane comes up on all sides. They slide down in their membrane box to the lower level. The walls absorb back into the ground.

The first mate points in two opposite directions, "Welcome to your residence." She then reaches her left hand out and opens a door, "Dr. Trafalgar you room."

Law peers in and sees to his dismay the black scrubs sitting on his bright yellow comforter. Everything else in the room was just as he left it. Laundry basket of clean underwear, long sleeve shirts, and black scrubs perched on his bed and broken furniture all about.

"I was not sure if you wanted to repair your furniture or dispose of it." Says the disembodied voice again.

Law sighs, "You are welcome to eat it Jarvis-ya." He calls and watches as the splintered bits and chunks are absorbed into the floor leaving a mess of papers and books.

Atlas jabs him in the side with a finger. He jumps and looks at her, "As you should remember, uniforms are not optional. I am aware both of you prefer long sleeves so I'll only say this once. You can wear something under the shirt, not over." Here she gives a pointed look at Law.

Law glares at her, but says nothing.

Atlas slings off both straps from Axis's luggage and offers them to her cousin.

Axis's door is open and he does a double take, distracted, "That's a closet." He states.

Atlas rolls her eyes, "We know."

Unlike his roomy bedroom with a comfortable bed, bookshelf, dresser, and closet, there is barely enough space for the white drafting table with adjustable light, a stool, and a ladder.

Axis pulls out a drawer out the wall and places the offered portfolio case in it, "It has lots of storage." She shrugs shutting it with her knee.

He squints at her, " What about a bed?"

She points up, "I have a loft. There are drawers for my clothing and shelves for books, knickknacks and such."

He gives a disbelieving look.

"You gotta see it." Grins Atlas shaking her head, "It's like a squirrel burrow."

Axis slides out and motions for him to go.

He sets his bag and sword in his room and carefully slides into the room. Now that he is in he can see that all the way up the walls are drawers. Engraved labels identify things like, paper, charcoal, and bits of bone. He looks up curiously and sees an opening in the ceiling.

"Go on." Cheers Atlas warmly.

He glares at her for the comment, but takes hold of the ladder and climbs up. His pointed boots are more hassle then they are worth, he decides once he reaches the top and sits on the edge. The points kept threatening to slide him off the rails. As his eyes adjust to the low light he finds a touch light.

He prods it and slowly the room lights, "This is an ingenious conservation of space." He complements as he glances around.

The bed is a traditional futon, layered with too many blankets. Several rows of books decorate the short wall by the bed. On the opposite side connected by a small crawl path is what he assumes serves as a dresser. Two long shelves with three small drawers on top.

He looks down to find Axis looking up, "Its pretty cool." He admits with a smile.

She shrugs, "Small space for a small person." She offers a smile.

"Are trying to guilt trip me?" he asks with a light smile on his face.

She rolls her eyes, "You're a captain. There's nothing small about you."

He chuckles approvingly, "Alright, I'm done gawking."

She nods and moves out.

He jumps down with catlike prowess.

"Show off." Mutters Atlas not so discretely.

He smirks and rolls his shoulders as he straightens, "Only for you darlin." He grins. Not sleeping had made him edgy, but Atlas always managed to put him in a good mood.

"You gonna do a strip show for two?" she asks sarcastically as he exits.

"Why? You wanna see if I really do put my pants on the same way as everyone else?" he strides pompously out of the cubby and into his room.

"Sweetheart, I know you do." She challenges back, "I'm your doctor."

He turns on his heel and slouches in the doorframe settling into predatory grin, "Pff. As if." He retorts leaning forward, "I don't trust you to clip my nails."

Axis starts laughing, "Oh look, he knows you pretty well." She shakes her head heading into her closet.

Law chuckles.

Atlas shoots Axis a dirty look, but the door clicks shut in her face. She rolls her eyes and looks back at Law, "Alright Princess, strip." She reaches into her pocket and tosses two white hoops at him, "I'll meet you up on the deck."

He effortless captures the objects and feels his body freeze over. The smile falls as he stares at kairoseki bracelets. For an instant he sees Penguin's agonized expression as he lay in the infirmary. He shakes his nightmares from his eyes and closes the door.

Contrary to Atlas's jokes, Law did not strip sinuously. Everything was done meticulously. All his barely worn clothing are folded and replaced into the dresser. Stomping over the papers, Law shimmies on his yellow three quarter's shirt before pulling on the dark pants. The black scrub top is made of light fabric and all Law can think of is how cold the ship is. He tugs it on and the annoying bunch at his back has him digging out his hood from under a layer of fabric. He looks around and then has to get on his hands and knees to pull on rubber sole flats. Really, as fashionable as Captain Ciguetera is, one would think she could at least afford men's boots.

"Jarvis-ya?" he calls.

The disembodied voice answers, "Yes, Dr. Trafalgar?"

"Can you do a safe on my sword. I want to be able to have it you need to be defended. I'm not permitted to carry it as a patient."

Jarvis answers, "Yes, of course." Membrane walls come up around the blade against the wall and Law's nodachi is swallowed up by the ship, "Anything else?"

"No, thank you." He returns politely.

"Call if you need something." And then it is silent again.

Law nods in the silence, irked by rules he has imposed on him. He places on the bangles and opens the door. He is confused for a second as he finds Axis staring back at him from her doorway. The purple and black-striped long sleeve shirt must be older than death. It is faded, and frayed at the end of the sleeves with little strings coming off. His eyes look down and notice Axis is neglecting shoes in favor of bare feet.

"What?" she asks.

"You are being eaten alive in that." He comments letting his eyes come up to meet her's.

She raises a brow, "You too." She nods at the several sizes too large scrubs.

"Not nearly as much as you." He retorts, but his smile is coming back.

She gives him a pursed smile, but shuts her door. It locks and she stands in the center of the hallway.

He does like wise.

The membrane walls rise up and they are sucked up to the dock of the ship. Law imagines it is what being slurped up a straw feels like.

Seemingly osmosis-ed through the ship, Law looks around the deck as the membrane walls receded back into the dock. The helm men are busy fulfilling orders and answering up to the violet haired hermaphrodite, Law knows as Tempest.

Tempest, one of the few entirely human members of the Black Lotus, was also the only decent shipwright for a bio-ship. Bio-ships were never a rare phenomenon, but the ability to use one as a ship was. Tempest had explained to Law that bio-ships are traditionally tiny organisms that grow up in the trenches of the oceans. As they get bigger, they migrate up into warmer waters. Often they attach themselves, like barnacles, to a rock or steady object. The end result being that they looked like jellyfish sea flowers, but they had intelligence far exceeding both land and oceanic peoples. For this reason, they never willingly became a ship for anyone- Until Tempest began to study them.

Being neither from a well-learned family nor a wealthy family, most of Tempest knowledge came from talking to others. Despite the incredible temper he was known for having, Tempest also had a fair amount intellect. While he did not read, but he was far from stupid. The bio-shipwright had informed Law that while he was not a doctor, he could still kick Law's ass and look hot while doing it. Honestly, Law annoyed by Tempest's loud voice.

Tempest spots him instantly, and offers a grin, "Well lookit whose back." He grins striding over.

If Law was honest, the size difference and along with Tempest's muscle mass is always intimidating, "Temp." he nods politely.

Clearly Axis knew him as well. She looks side ways and exhales, "Hi."

"Don't look so happy, pumpkin!" laughs the shipwright. He reaches out a hand claps Axis on the shoulder.

Axis caves downward with the force, causing the shipwright to grab after her.

"Shit, darlin'! I wasn't tryin' to break ya." He offers a worried look, "Hell, you're fuckin skin a bones."

"Yup." She agrees, but does not struggle or argue.

Tempest set her right then looks at Law, "Boy, you gotta get you some sleep! You look like death warmed over."

Law knows he does and bites back a scathing remark, "I would love too. Please, tell me how to fall asleep. My body has forgotten."

Tempest chuckles, "Well ain't you two a sorry lot." He sighs, "But at least you're alive."

"Have you pulled more bodies?" Axis asks suddenly alert.

He nods gravely, "Divers pulled up four. Judging from the condition of the bones, they were recent victims. Bones that have been in the sea for a long time have more wear. Kitten wants you to get ID's on them right away."

Axis nods her head from side to side, "Wonderful."

"Tempy!" hollers a voice from behind.

The shipwright turns and then yells, "Just tie it off. Don't worry about it! Jarvis needs his shots today!"

"Jarvis is sick?" asks Law.

Tempest rounds on Law, "No. Vaccines. I had to ask a biologist in Canary Port to help. Lots of these lil' ships are gettin' sick. There are three different viruses that are running amuck. I was fuckin' pissed. I lost a garden."

Law raised a brow, "A garden?"

"Oh right! I didn't tell ya. They seem to grow in neat rows that look like gardens. So I decided to call them that." He smiles, "Ms. Izabell says that it must be something to do with their hive mind they maintain while they're growing."

"They have a hive mindset?" asks Axis surprised, "I though they were like little thought bubbles."

Tempest chuckles, "No. When they're tiny they work together. Their survival depends on it. I though it was neat how if one of them is going to die, it passes on what is killing it to try to save the others."

"It seems like your research into how these bio-ship work is going well." Law says approvingly.

Tempest nods, "Yup. Jarvis told me that other's, that are big like him, are all interested in potentially finding crews. I told him Kitten needs an armada to save the world, and he said he was game." There is a loud crash, and Tempest groans letting his shoulder sag and glaring up at the sky, "I gotta go. My crewmen are going to punch holes in Jarvis. See ya! Don't be a stranger." He waves turning and running towards three men who have pale expressions of terror.

Both Axis and Law watch as Tempest unleashes hurricane force winds on his men.

"I would die if I worked for him." Axis comments.

"Me too." Agrees Law.

Before either of them can move, an arm wraps around both of them, and Atlas holds them in a head lock, "Hey Kiddies!" she cheers.

While it is futile, both Law and Axis struggle to remove themselves from the switch swordsman.

She releases them with a good natured laugh, "And look! You both are wearing your uniforms right! I'm so proud of you."

Axis lets loose a mutter of curses.

"Hello again, Atlas-ya." Sighs Law, "How are you?"

"I'm excellent. Lets go get you two checked in. Mori-san said she's bring Whitebeard commanders and the kiddies." Atlas loops her arms around one of each patients' and hauls them towards the western lotus petals.

With all the charity of an ax murderer, she guides them into the west wing and up to the desk. A man and woman sit behind the counter and stand as the patients are wheeled into the counter. A soft hiss from both fractious patients as they bounce into the unforgiving stone.

"Hey! I've got Dr. Trafalgar Law and Gol D. Axis for check in!" she cheers.

Law lets out a wheeze as his diaphragm contracts painfully.

The man hurries around the desk the check Law, "Are you alright?" he asks placing a webbed hand on Law's back.

Law waves as he struggles to catch his breath.

"Lady Atlas, please refrain from injuring the patients further." Reprimands the woman behind the desk and she slithers around the barricade.

"They're fine." Snorts Altas clapping Law on the back.

"Medusa." Mutters Axis wincing and rubbing at her lower ribs.

Eight tentacle legs with underbellies of suction cups swirl back and forth as she draws closer, "Welcome back Axis." She nods.

"I must concur with Medusa, you could cause internal damage." The man says irritably, "Don't make our jobs harder just because Dr. Trafalgar beat you last time he was on board."

Law looks at the man. He recognizes him as Krokodil- the narcotic chemist. Unlike Crocodile who was a well-dressed man, missing a hand, with ashen colored skin, Krokodil was translucent Jellyfish like male, covered in retractable scales. He wears the black tank top covered by a white pair of coveralls with his ID badge clipped to the left pocket. The bright blue of the man's eyes were intense and made Law uncomfortable, although he knew Krokodil could not do anything about it.

"Hi, Dil." He manages clearing his voice.

"Hiya, Law." He shakes his head and turns his gaze on the first mate, "I'll kick your scrawny ass." He threatens.

"Really?"

"Yeah." He returns with a cool frown.

Atlas may have been the first mate of the ship, but Krokodil had the third eyelid blinking and frozen blue eye color going for him.

She turned away throwing up her hands, "Whatever! I'll behave."

He shook his head, "Come on, Trafalgar." He gently urging with one hand, "Lets get you checked in so you don't have deal with us."

Law obeys easily. While being given orders angers him, no one on the Black Lotus is demeaning. They are simply doing their job. He follows the chemist to a room and sits on the examination table.

Krokodil picks up a clipboard and with a pen fills out the paper clipped to it, "How was your vacation from here?"

"Is that what that was?" he chuckles.

Krokodil snorts and sets the clipboard down, "Alright you know the drill." And from under the coveralls he pulls his stethoscope.

Law nods quietly and exhales. He extends his hand, darkened with its black ink design.

Krocodil takes Law's pulse in silence. His frown never leaves his face. Then he takes the sphygmomanometer from its perch on the wall and shoves Law's sleeve up. Then he firmly cuffs the bicep.

"Did anything change while you were away?" he asks positioning the stethoscope in the nook of his elbow above the brachial artery.

Law meets his examiner's eyes for a second, and then looks away without answering.

Krokodil shakes his head and check the valve above the rubber bulb. Then he pumps the bulb watching Law's face. His eyes turn down and he stops listening. He shakes his head, annoyed and lets the pressure out still listening.

Law decides the chemist is not happy with what he hears because the cuff is practically ripped off his arm in his haste.

"Well, your blood pressure is dropping more." He groans scribbling onto his paper, "Goddamn it. You won't survive at this rate."

Considering Law has experienced more bouts of dizziness when he stands, he is not surprised; "With those encouraging words I commit myself, into your hands." He says mock lightly.

Krokodil snorts, "Yeah well we don't want to be the hands that burry you." He leans back against the counter, pen poised, "What's changed?"

"I find myself more exhausted than usual. I force myself to lay still for at least six hours of the night to insure that my muscles have time to relax, but my hands shake and my steps are not normal."

"I got that memo from Mr. Siphonophore." Agrees Krokodil, "He says its like your feet have an echo."

"I am… unsteady." Law admits, "It is as if my muscles have decided to revolt."

The chemist snorts again, " Law you're in a funny mood aren't you?"

Law shakes his head tiredly, "I am in a mood."

"Agreed. So what else?" asks fishman.

"I feel like my organs are rearranging themselves inside my body." He says quietly, "I feel them moving around inside of me."

"Does it hurt?" demands Krokodil.

"Sometimes." Admits the Surgeon of Death, "Sometimes not."

"We're gonna need an X-ray." Mutters the examiner, "Miguel also noted to us that you had a double heart beat. When I was listening I heard a triple heart beat."

Law says nothing, as his brain fumbles for a reason of why his body is acting out against him.

"Are you eating?" tries Krokodil watching Law stare blankly at his hands.

"Not as much as I need, but I can't eat a lot." He shakes his head, "I'll throw up all of it if I over do it."

"How much?"

"Maybe a cup of solid food. If liquid, maybe 24 ounces." He admits.

"Goddamn it." Curses Krokodil again and sits up, "Come on. We're going to x-ray lab."

Law is hurried three doors down to a room. He steps in and Jarvis' voice comes in, "Dr. Trafalgar, please stand in the center."

He complies and stands feeling somewhat foolish.

"Please close your eyes." Requests Jarvis, "The radiation is intense."

The moment his eyes shut he sees a blinding light through the skin of his eyes and feels a tremor start up his legs. Inside, his stomach literally flips and then flips again to its original position.

"Complete… Law?" calls Jarvis concerned.

"One moment." He says surprised at the hoarseness of his voice.

He feels that shiver of his power rippling through his body, violently bounding against the fibers of his being. Then he starts shuddering vehemently as the kairoseki around his wrists backfire the vibration into his very bones. He opens his eyes, feel his body settles, and opens his mouth to call out. Then his equilibrium shifts violently and he collapses onto the floor.

The door to the room opens and a worried Krokodil eases him up into a sitting position, "Breathe, come on Law you're holding your breath again."

Law forces his lungs to exhale, surprised when it aches to breathe.

"Good now you have to inhale." Instructs the chemist rubbing circles in Law's back.

Law manages a stuttering choked breath and his fingers spasm as whispers of recoil dance through his body.

"Very good." Applauds Krokodil, "Now exhale."

Law would be angry, but without another voice he would not be able to perform. He lets the breath out, feeling the painful thump against his ribcage.

"Alright you are going to partially inhale and then drink-" he holds a glass up with a translucent blue liquid, "This."

The breath hisses between his teeth too hot to be air and then the glass is cool against his lips. The arctic chill from the liquid sloshes into his mouth and down his esophagus. It hurts like little needles, but puts out the burn in his lungs. His body screams for more air as erratic twitches fade instantly and his brain feels like it untwists itself.

Then there is silence. His body breathes on its own, his heart hammers painfully, unpredictably against its bony cage. His eyes focus on the ceiling of the x-ray organ and everything slows down. He blinking once, then his eyes rapidly twitch from side to side stopping only as he stares ahead.

"Good." Krokodil sounds pleased as exhales loudly.

One of his translucent hands drifts before Law's view and his eyes attach to the transcendent shimmer of blue-purple veins just below the surface. Gracefully the hand draws his graze down, but Law recoils as twitches of pain lance up his neck.

"Its okay. That is the tremor of your devil fruit toxins. Focus on my hand only." Insists Krokodil's voice.

Law's eyes find the lure and, slower this time, he follows the hand's descent down. He feels the ache in his body, the pressure at the base of his skull, but no longer feels the energy bouncing around him.

"Very good." Applauds the chemist, and carefully eases Law into a standing position. Then with hands on Law's upper arms guides him out of the x-ray area back to the examination room.

Law knows the scales have extended to support their owner because in the next instant, Krokodil has him on the table. His eyes catch the receding protection as his examiner comes around to face him.

"Your eyes are racing back and forth. Is your vision disrupted?" questions the fishman, blue eyes too attentive.

Law shakes his head, not trusting his voice.

Krocodil looks disheartened, but motions, "Okay. Take it easy today. No more exercise than necessary." He sucks on his lower lip as he looks at the charts, then abruptly throws the clipboard, "Don't make me confine you to a wheelchair." His voice is worried, begging.

It is always strange, the amount of concern every doctor on Black Lotus has for a patient. Law never feels neglected and Krocodil is often his primary physician, he senses the concern of a comrade.

"I'll be careful." He assures quietly, "I do not want a repeat."

Lips pressed firm, fishman nods. He grabs four plastic straps from his desk and begins to lock them then securely around Law's thin wrist; A bright yellow bracelet warns "Fall Risk", a second white one announces "Trafalgar Law: patient", a third in an obnoxious pastel pink proclaims "Fruit User", and the fourth and final in blue says, "Unstable."

Law glares at the plastic bracelets, but does not say anything. He would have done the same thing to a patient who exhibited his behaviors.

"You can go. Call me if you need me." Prompts the Chemist stepping away.

Law slides down, and finds his symmetry upset. He stands with hands out stretched on either side, trying to balance the tilt of the world. After a moment, his inner ear agrees that he is standing solidly and he is able to nod to his physician and exit.

On the deck, the Whitebeard commanders are standing with excited children. Axis and Ace seem to be half glaring at one another, when Rodger looses his balance and thumps against his aunt.

She looses balance and flops on deck, the ship choosing to absorb her fall. She looks bewildered staring at her wide-eyed nephew.

"Look at that!" cheers Ace extending a hand to his sister and scooping his son up, "Rodger's already stronger than you."

Axis takes Ace's hand and Law is perversely pleased to note multiple bracelets on her wrist.

Ace tugs his sister to his feet and then waves at Law, "Hey!"

Law nods quietly walking forward.

Axis turns to him, "I see they've tagged you as well." She sighs holding her wrist up to indicate the bands around her own wrist.

"Yes." Agrees Law, "Although I doubt ours match."

Axis glances at his and then at her own. Both have the white band, but her first is light purple, and second is a black band with white writing.

Law reads: Kairoseki in bold characters. Inwardly he cringes. It is not bad enough that she is kairoseki, but she must be branded at every turn. In a way, just like him. His 'Fruit User' band is just as damning as hers.

"Who cares." She shrugs misery evident in her voice," These," she twists her wrists letting the plastic rattle, "Pretty much say 'confined to Black Lotus.'"

Law actually laughs at that, "There's optimism for you." He cheers.

"Honesty is best served cold." She responds warmly and then both turn to look at the Whitebeard commanders, "So ready to go home?"

"Yes and no." Marco answers gently swinging hands with his son, "This is going to be significantly different."

"Don't worry, you're kids have been around the Underground community plenty. They know what don't make a sound means." Assures Axis.

"I'm not sure whether to be relived or concerned." Admits Marco.

"Be relieved they understand the weight of their consequences and concerned they might turn into marines." Teases Law and looks sideways to Axis.

She smiles back at him.

Ace blanches, "I'm not sure that's comforting." He shakes his head, "Although I'm glad Rodger didn't get my narcolepsy. At least you won't worry about falling asleep randomly."

"You have narcolepsy?" questions Axis surprised.

"I did before I died." He admits, "But I haven't had an attack since coming back to life."

"It may take several months before you are completely back to par." Law offers, "Don't rule it out yet."

Ace shrugs, "It hasn't happened yet. I don't think its gonna happen."

"But," Marco interjects, "We'll be on guard just in case."

Ace rolls his eyes looks more like a young child than a parent, but says, "So you're going up North?"

Axis nods, "I'm going home. Have fun pillaging and whatever pirates do. I'm gonna nap for three months."

Ace snorts, "Having too much fun with me?"

"Hmn." She agrees darkly.

Ace looks to Law, "And you're going up as well?"

"Yes." He agrees, "I need some R&R." Law watches Fire Fist's eyes lock on the 'Fall Risk', grateful when the Whitebeard commander senses Law's desire to remain silent.

Jarvis' voice suddenly sings around the deck, "Good Morning. I am to inform you that I am setting sail for the Port of Indigo. We'll be there is a few hours."

"Who is that…?" Ace asks looking around.

"Jarvis." Answer both of his children.

The Kairoseki Incident

Chapter 8- The Silver Lining

Dr. Ciguetera captain of the Black Lotus swept over the island like a wave. The enormous ornate black flower shaped ship looked so innocent on the horizon, but within the hour proved that it concealed a horrifying multitude of specialized soldiers. Like a raider ant colony, meticulous groups descended on the island wiping out the Navy.

Ace did not know anything was going on until Mori came in. The gardener in her dirty overalls had met him in the kitchen and threaded her arm through his, "I wish to show you something." She prompted lightly.

He allowed himself to be led to the largest window facing the community below. His dark eyes had not noticed anything at first. Everything seemed unremarkable, but so had the last two days. They had been on high alert waiting for the Navy to retaliate. With Marco worried sick over the children, his sister out of commission, and recent events, he worried that the Siphonophore family would be taking the fall.

Mori as if sensing his misguided search said simply, "Those naval vessels have probably been converted to bio-contamination units."

He drew his gaze from the village to the sea and saw the three large vessels that had docked only a few hours before. Now, each vessel was enveloped in a strange greenish membrane. "What…happened?" he breathed.

"Captain Ciguatera probably put all the dead bodies of the soldiers in those ships and sealed them. Either that or she gave them bubonic plague." Mori shrugged.

Ace at looked slightly thunderstruck, but was not phased by the horror. He was a pirate. It was not as if killing Naval soldiers did not happen, but the method was strange. As if echoing the name dawned on him, "Captain Ciguatera?" he solicited.

"Yes. I sent a message for her to come straight away. As her crew have been your children's primary physicians for the last several years, I wanted to have the specialists to correct any unforeseen problems."

"The ones nobody will tell me about." Ace said in an undertone of bitter annoyance, "Would that the be the unforeseen problems?"

"Truly I understand your bitterness." She assured, champagne eyes down cast, "But, don't take it so personally." Mori looked up at him again, "You have not dealt with their current condition well."

He felt childish, his cheeks burning red with shame and anger.

The gardener's eyes remained steadily on him and she added, "At the time, I could not trust you with more."

As if mention of dinner, Ace's attention jumped back to the gardener, "You said could not."

"Yes." Agreed Mori, "I think you should know about some of the boney problems your children were born with."

Ace waited.

"But I want the medical facility to explain it. I am no doctor of human bodies and I would probably screw it up."

Ace sighed, but now that answers were coming, "I can wait a little longer." He conceded looking out the window.

Mori's smile was in her tone as she said, "And you shall have your answers, Mr. Portgas." She assured.

Except, he had not expected the incursion from the Black Lotus's Medical Facility. The petite captain plodded into the house without introduction or care for anyone's feelings. The door, he learned later, was always open for her.

With a flick of her delicate wrist her men went instantaneously to his sons' room. When her men met stout resistance from Ace and Marco: she said nothing. A glance sideways from Mori and the new parents were removed from their children.

She finally spoke on her way out the door. "You should have called me sooner, Mori-san!" she insisted delicate brow furrowed, "They need immediate care! Thank the heavens I sent Dr. Trafalgar!" from with in her black coat, she pulled pastel pink pad of paper and a black pen. She scribbled a note hastily and jabbed it into Mori's chest, "Give it to Atlas, yes?"

"Yes." Agreed Mori unperturbed.

"I'll be back for Axis." She assured, "Don't let her move and if she is a pain in the ass call for me immediately. I'll send a sedative."

Mori nodded again, her smile never left her face as the parents stood behind her in shocked horror.

Then she went to the door and yanked it open. With more force than necessary, she shut the door and the house was strangely silent.

Mori turned to Ace and her brows raised, "You look dead on your feet. Go rest." She urged still calm holding the pink piece of paper.

Ace ran from her. His first order of business was to go screaming to his sister. He barged in Dr. Siphonophore's empty office.

Axis, who had been a doze, was startled by his appearance, but allowed Ace to manhandle her from the couch in the quiet of the office to Ace's room.

Marco must have thought Ace was going to bed because he was standing nervously at the window. His face turned confused as Ace dumped her onto the couple's mattress and shut the door with a wild look in his eyes.

Ace knew it was wild because of her calculating expression and the way Marco stood just out of reach. However, she merely made a show of watching Ace without changing her expression.

For two hours he walked back and explaining in mixed gibberish his panicked. Most of it made little sense to Ace, this word vomit helped empty out his panic and anger. His mild whirled in its assault of the events, but as each word and sentence emptied out of him, he felt sharper… even if he could see the worry on Marco's face. Finally at the beginning of the third hour, Ace's brain seemed to have worked out what he was so overwhelmed by.

He looked in disbelief at his sister, "She's like-maybe five feet! Big as a rail, blond hair, and big doe brown eyes!" –here there were also humorous hand gestures to go along with ranting- "She was wearing a pink frilly dress under that black lab coat, and that tricorn hat had more pearls and glitter than a drag queen!"

Ace saw her lopsided smile appear and his brain halted, "Yes." She agreed curled in blanket on his bed.

The blonde haired commander finally gathered his thoughts, as half demanded half begged, "Are my kids safe?"

"Her staff have been their doctor since they came to our family. They are fine." Assured Axis for the sixth or seventh time.

Not moving made Ace jittery as another thought dawned on him. He reached out and grabbed his sister's face between his hot palms, "Are you fine?" he demanded. His body shook as a horrible thought occurred to him. 'Why isn't Axis being treated?!'

He could not pretend the vacant dark eyes and ghastly pallor of her skin were fake. Like a corpse in his hands she leeched the heat from his body icing him to his core. Grey eyes too empty, tone too calm and gentle he feared that the last battle had broken something.

Unable to escape the attention of Ace, Axis exhaled tiredily, "I will be, in time."

"Do I need to get Law?" demanded Ace fiercely, "You look horrible."

Her eyes closed and she exhaled slowly, "Ace." Her voice was too patient in tone, "They will come back for me. I only need a little work." Then her eyes lock on his black, "I am okay. I just need to sleep." She assured.

Fire Fist snorted as he read between the lines. In his mind it translated to: I'm fine you asshole. They didn't take me because I need the most work. His hands felt so cold and numb from where they were pressed against her skin that it very nearly echoed in his being.

Clearly Axis could not take anymore as she looked beyond Ace, "Marco, I beg you to save me from your boyfriend." Groaned Axis casting grey eyes up to the blonde haired man.

Marco placed warm hands on Ace's shoulders, "She really does need rest." He said quietly in Ace's ear.

"Yeah… yeah you do." nodded Ace shaking himself from his inner demons. He released her.

The fire inside filled him, ripping through his body, and warming the empty cavity where his heart is- More like where it should be. Ever since Dr. Ciguatera took Rodger from him, he had this empty spot in his chest that was heavy. He felt crushed under an immense pressure, "Sorry."

"Its okay." Comforted Axis, "You need some sleep too. Why don't you take me to my room so you can have your bed back."

"But-" began Ace.

The hands on Ace's shoulder's tightened, "Ace." Marco interjected gently, "She isn't going anywhere."

Ace turned and looked at his lover. He could see the dark circles under Marco's eyes, the unshaven beard, and the way his body slouched. Marco needed sleep, "Y-yeah." He agreed.

Axis's body was rigid, but unmoving. She was awkward to gather up, but easy to transport. He took her out his room and down the hall to the end. He used his foot and slide open the door easily.

The bedroom was more of an office. The long table furthest from the door had chairs with strung skeletons sitting upright. The tabletop was an intricately decorated wooden world map with symbols and characters. Some of the symbols were obvious, like the marines or infamous Red Hair pirates. Others were unknown, like the mini skeletons all posed around the world map. Then there were the other tables cluttered with paper, pencil, charcoal and such that line the walls beneath the built-in bookshelves; Bookshelves that have no books, but boxes and boxes of bones all the way to ceiling. There was a single pillar in the center of the room, that was a bookshelf all the way around. Beside the pillar was the easel and stool, well used and liked. Then there was the bed. A narrow cot piled high with blankets.

He maneuvered her under the mass of soft cloth, "Are you okay?" he asks as he finishes tucking her in.

"I will be, Ace." Promised Axis quietly, "Are you okay?"

"Not really. This situation is completely out of my control." He confessed.

"I know." Agreed Axis, "But it will be okay."

Ace nodded, "Guess I'll just have to trust you on that one." He ruffled her hair "See ya in a while."

"Right." She yawned.

Ace left, shutting the door behind. He had traveled down the hall to his bedroom and hesitated at the door.

He stands there reflecting. His finger tips press against the grain of the door, but he is unable to feel anything. So empty from his panic that he feels and sees nothing. His head begins to droop and he knows its time to go in. Carefully he opens the door.

Marco sits with his fingers laced together loosely. His eyes gaze down at the floor as he seeks answers in the grain. His feet rest on the blades of his feet, front two toes twitching aimlessly. His expression is grave making him appear older.

The dark haired fire user comes forward and places a hand on Marco's unshaven cheek.

Whitebeard's first commander, looks up with worried blue eyes, "Is this going to be okay?" his hand raises to clasp at Ace's.

"Dunno." Admits Ace, "Axis says yes, but I have no clue." He concedes.

Silence falls between them. Both stare at one another trying to form words to describe the panic and concern. The words do not come. Ace moves forward wrapping his arms tightly around his partner. Somehow he wants to give comfort he does not have, but feels as if he receives comfort from the smell and warmth of Marco's body.

Marco's arms tighten around Ace and drag him to the bed where they lie, holding one another.

In silence, the pair find their pillows and blanket. Sleep is the only thing either can think of to relieve the worry. They separate, each worrying they might squeeze the life out of the other in their quest for comfort. They find their side of the bed and start on the edges. However, in sleep, their bodies seek out one another until they are entangled. As if sharing their bodily warm with ease the dread and fear.

The world of dreams is empty and void of humor, fear, or confusion. Both men are only aware of the physical warmth and comfort. In this stillness the pair grasp the depth of their exhaustion and find a strange placate they have lacked since the day Gol D. Axis walked into their lives.

Then there is the moment between waking and sleeping where they could turn one-way or the other: Dive back in the dreamless feeling or rise to meet the world. If not for the door opening, they might have plunged back into that state of sleep, but the grate of wheels on the sliding tract jolts both in wakefulness. Instincts from life as a fugitive compel them both to sitting positions instantly; fight or flight making their hearts pound painfully.

In the door way is a small figure, maybe five feet tall and she is a little ball of sunshine without her imposing captain wears. A delicate pink frilly dress with white stockings gives an almost doll like look. Captain Ciguatera's wide brown eyes fringed with blonde lashes have a soft child- like gaze. Her little pink lips turn up into a smile at their alert and dazed expressions.

"Sorry. I didn't know that you had finally gone to bed." She apologizes in a sweet tone, "But Adam did say you were awful quiet today." She looks genuinely puzzled, "Mah, whatever." She smiles amiably, "Can we chat over tea?"

"Tea would be lovely." Marco exhales slowly, a habit he developed to try and calm down.

She giggles, "I have sleepy teas or comfort teas. Which makes you feel better right now?"

"Comfort." Ace answers automatically staring blankly at her. His mind refuses to process his waking life.

She giggles, "Great, green tea it is. Come down in a few, yes?"

"Yes." Nods Marco in a daze.

"Hurry cause I've got great news!" she chatters disappears from the door and they hear her 'tromp' down the stairs.

Ace looks at Marco who gives him the same sort of anxious hopefulness. They slide out of bed and hurry down.

The little blonde haired doll turns carrying cups and hot teapot, "Wow! You guys are like jackrabbits!" she giggles and clinks three small cups down, "Sit! Sit." She urges and plops down across from the anxious parents.

"Of course." Marco answers quietly. He automatically pulls Ace's chair out before his own and then drags his own chair back so he can slouch into it.

Ace sits without comment, but unable to ignore warm unspoken affection Marco directs towards him.

The little round teapot drizzles tea into the cups and she shoves two to the men. Ciguatera take a small sip and then says, "First off, you kids are going to be fine." She promises.

The pair exhales feeling the true weight of tension they did not know they were carrying. They had thought sleep had released tension! The true weight was so crushing that the relief makes them light headed. Both shakily take a sip of tea letting their suddenly winded minds relax.

For several minutes no one says anything. They take sips letting their minds inhale the relief while the dainty captain smiles drinking her own.

Ciguatera is completely content watching them as calm. Her words have her desired affect as their body relax and tension drains from their faces. As she fills her cup again she says, "I took Axis back a little bit ago, but she should be fine." Then she added in an annoyed tone, " After a long…long stay-cation home in the frozen woods. Where its dreadfully cold." She shivers at the thought.

Ace looks up at her and smiles, "Stay-cation?"

"Ya know," she giggles, "Stay-at-home-vacation? Duh."

Marco snickers, probably more out of relief.

"I was worried when she didn't call at Canary Port." Admits Ciguatera, "I'mean, she was supposed to go there, do a project, and call me to take her home. Guess what? She disappears and reappears in the newspaper escaping the gallows." She snorts, "Thank you life for being unpredictable and stupid. Oh well."

"Canary Port?" asks Marco surprised, "That's in the New World."

"Yup. It has a university there that only recruits the best of the best to do work. She doodles their pictures." She waves a hand, "Guess what? They called me just before I got the paper that she hadn't shown up. Of course its in the newspaper the next day and I have to threaten all of creation to try to track all of you down-" she exhales and continues, "But seriously. If Mori-san hadn't called, I wouldn't have found you." She looks thoughtful, "Though I could have lived without the whole 'kid's need surgery' stuff."

"Surgery?" Ace's eyebrows shoot up.

The tension in the man's frame makes her turn from playful to serious "Ah! Mori-san said she didn't explain." She gulps the last of her tea quickly and says, "So there are two looooonnnnng named bones diseases that are shit. Period." She waits.

The pair nods eagerly for more information.

She nods back, pleased, "FOP, Ace, is what your sister has." She rolls her eyes and head together, "and so does your kid. This means it comes from you male's predecessor. This is where the bones grow over soft tissue. This is painful and it freezes up the body. It is not reversible."

"Usually the bodies are more frozen then what I've seen in Rodger." Marco says slowly thinking.

"Exactly!" agrees Kitten "We have kairoseki tools!" she offers an apologetic smile to Ace, "Built out of the bones we pull out of your sister."

Ace is a little unnerved but nods again for her to continue.

"These tools allow my physicians to cut the body open without actually injuring flesh, tissue, muscle, or ligaments. So when Rodger-dear has flare ups or any pain, we open him up and cut the excess bone out. It heals practically overnight and there is not pain." She stops, "You okey-dokey so far?"

"Yes…?" blinks the parents together.

"Alright. So, my peeps in the osteology department are half mermaids or fish-people. Aquatic medicine is fantastic at rebuilding the body and helping it to make new tissues, muscles, ligaments-whatever. We re-grow anything that was calcified or we had to break to free the appendages for movement. We do the same to your sister, except I yell at her first."

Ace's cocks a brow at her, "Why?"

"She's supposed to tell me when shit goes down!" her little cheeks puff up and her face reddens, "I gotta report back to this psycho-family! Do you think her uncles will ever lend her to me for doodles if I don't keep her safe?" she puffs up her cheeks, "Honestly, when you're not a pirate your family keeps tabs on you."

"But you're a pirate…" Ace tries again.

"Ah-ah-ah!" She chides, "Black Market Medical Facility. I treat pirates, marines, everybody." Kitten corrects, "The government just doesn't like that I don't wanna work for them." Her nose goes up in the air defiantly.

Marco and Ace chuckle appreciatively.

Happy with their positive reactions, Kitten turns to Whitebeard's first commanding officer, "Now then. Mister Marco I believe you're next."

Marco straightens slightly, "I believe so." He agrees diplomatically.

"You've got Eddie. Ed's got the opposite end of spectrum from Rodger." She begins, "I'll give the long name because its shorter than the other: Osteogenesis Imperfecta or OI."

"Okay." Marco says slowly.

"This where the bones are fabulously fragile and break easily. What we do, is take bone marrow from certain kairoseki to enhance and fortify his bones since they just aren't strong enough on their own. I have swapped back and forth between Axis and her buddy Gavroche." She moves her hand to indicate her next words, "Axis is kinda like a band-aid on a break. Not super helpful in this regard. Gavy is more like a built in cast. His bones are better for OI so we generally use his."

"Remind me to thank him next time we see him." Says Marco looking sideways at Ace.

Ace nods thinking back to the behemoth he met.

"So…" she knits her fingers together, pursing her lips, "Feel better?"

"Yeah." Nods Ace and then, "and no…." but he waves to indicate it's not important.

"Now that all of the reaaaaallllly important stuffs outta the way." She sits up like a princess and smiles, "I am Captain Kitten Ciguatera. I'm the captain and dentist aboard the Black Lotus Medical and Research Facility." She beams.

"I figured." Grins Ace.

She smiles back.

"How on Earth do you know Mori-san? Or Axis for that matter?" asks Marco, "Or do you make it a priority to look after unknown factors in war?"

"My first mate is Atlas." She explains, then slouching forward with a grim smile, " Who is a little shit for running off, but I love her. Damn love. It means I can't kill her."

Ace bursts out laughing at her thoughtful expression and lets his brain feel a rush of endorphins.

It is okay.

The tears plop onto the ground, teeth grinding against one another, throat constricting against the cry of agony, and when the pressure becomes to great Axis sees nothing behind her eyelids, but tastes the copper tang. Her gasps come out in short agonizing bursts, chest animated as she dry heaves from the pain. The palms of her hands remain tense and pressed against the tiles.

A planking position was not what she preferred, but it was how her crop of bones broke. She held herself up on wobbly hands, unyielding to each crippling wave of anguish.

"One last break Axis." Says the ever-firm tone of the aquatic doctor.

Unclenching her jaw blood drools out from her mouth, her body quakes from exertion, but she glares up at the fishman, "Then do it." She hisses determinedly.

The doctor regards her coolly. There is admiration for her determination, but also aggravation at her tone. With a twist smirk, he turns from his patient and forces her spine to break off the excess in plates and splinters.

Choking on saliva thicker than molasses with air that is trying to shove its way down, Axis collapses as a shuddering pile of misery. Her fingers are stiff, sore and curl in like claws.

The cold of the floor cloaks the slice of the knife in her skin, but the squelching noise of her body being ripped open makes her wince. There is a clanking noise, most likely the bucket for the bones, and then she feels calcifications being pulled and scraped from her body.

Like cares, fears, and anger each weight removed lightens her load. They drop two or three at time into the basin with clatter. The large pieces sound hollow like a wooden xylophone and smaller slivers seem to chime. The acid resolve of her tissues eat away the tiniest calcifications preventing any accidental damage. The pieces disperse as they invade the surrounding mass, pulled back into the body for later use.

It is over.

The flesh of the back is sewn up like a rag doll. The nearly invisible threads of amino acids knit the torn flesh back together but hold fast in a death hold. In only a few minutes the body will hold the fresh cut close and the injury will be mostly consumed. Although, it will not be until tomorrow that the body will have healed.

The doctor and his assistances yell at Axis to proceed with caution. Their words go in one ear and out the other as she stares dully at the expanse of the floor. As if Axis honestly seeks out trouble! Why did the doctors always assume she was gun-ho for a fight?

When it becomes apparent Axis is not going to respond, they leave her to regain mobility.

The grout between the neat tiles is a valley for the swirls of her blood to drain into. Its strange how blood so naturally seeks out a path, as if being inside a human body makes it crave the guidance of walled veins. The red is quiet pretty on the pristine tile. It is like some sort of abstract art, an expression of the most extreme.

Lost in her musings, Axis does not find the strength to even move her eyes from the swirls. It is so hypnotizing. It is the proof that she has lived; A signature poured out in unbridled honesty. Just like all of her companions who did not make it. She has seen their signatures scribbled across dirt, rock, and pristine tile… just like this.

Eyeballs begin to itch and force her to blink. The magnet attraction in her eyes is gone and her gaze's shifts to the invading needle in her arm. Axis glowers at it. Her eyes follow up the tiny tube where the blood sack dribbles much needed fluid back into her wilted body. She did not feel the puncture of the needle or remember being hooked up to the drip. Strange how one pain dims another.

Nakedness strikes her as a shiver runs through her body. Sensation claws its way into her filling the emptiness with new awareness. Sore twinges in her spine and frigid ice kisses begin to turn into a delicious warming pain. Her organs seem to find footing and a sudden ravenous hunger makes her take the first steps of revival.

Palms place themselves on the ceramic and she forces herself up into a sitting position and she takes in the first withered look of her body. Stress and the bone removal and regrowth destroyed the muscle she had earned, taking defining female traits from her form. Not that she had a bosom worth noticing, now it not only lacked nipples, but it had no form.

'Great. A breast reduction.' She rolls her eyes at herself, but pushes herself up all the same. Her muscles scream indecent things as she slowly stretched herself upright.

Her knees are knobby, weak, and buckling inward. She glowers at her body with its inherent weakness and is shocked by a spray of warm water. Grateful for the heat and lack of pressure, but angry at an intrusion she has yet to notice. Another spray removes off the coat of grime, relieves aches, and makes her feet slip on the tiles. She falls on her nonexistent rear end stunned, having yet to feel the pain.

It hits worse than cold water, "God fucking damn it!" curses Axis in a hoarse voice wincing as she moves slightly to alleviated the pain in her tailbone.

"That does about describe what you look like, but eh. You'll be better soon enough."

Axis glowers up behind her at the ever-cool tone of Lady Ciguatera, Captain Ciguatera's older sister.

Wavy, heavy violet locks of love tumble over one shoulder as she stands in a terrycloth bathrobe to cover a large bust and barely hide a perky posterior, "Think you can manage one more spray down before a bathtub interrogation?"

Axis rolls her eyes. As if there was truly a choice.

Kitten Ciguatera retires to her ship in the bay shortly after eight in the evening. With the parents calm and at ease, she finds her spirits high. The night is humid and with patches of large clouds. The sea rocks the ship gently and the salty air ghosts are about.

She smiles as she steps onto the deck. The guards give slight bows and 'Evening, Capt'n,' as she passes. She inclines her head politely and walks to the recovery unit designated wing of the ship.

She stops only to speak with her older sister, the resident psychiatrist, "Well?"

Kitten's older sister Izabell offers a purple binder, "Darlin," She answers darkly, "Remember when I said it was only a matter or time?"

Kitten sags in agitation.

"Well we've hit it. She cannot be sent out of the Northern Woods until I clear her. I can forgive the accidental overdoses. Call it stress factors. It can be managed easily. But cutting is unacceptable and from what Miguel told me, it's little wonder she hasn't turned into her mother."

"How do we counter it?" questions the dentist.

"Isolation, pull her off a couple of meds, and put her on supplements. We've been trying, for so long, to compensate for her lack of stability…" she winces, "We've made her a time bomb. Grant it, no one could have foreseen the Navy's interception."

"Actually, Orakle did." Comments Kitten offhandedly.

"Our Navigator?" questions Izabell.

Kitten nods, sighs again and says, "Yeah. She had a vision of a hangman's noose and fire." Pausing for dramatic effect she adds, "Two days before Axis contacted us to say she had a job a Canary Port. Too bad I did not understand what she meant."

"Lucky bitch." Shakes Izabell, "I would love to see bits and pieces. It would help me when trying to deal with Axis's temperament. I changed her medicine just two weeks earlier because of the previous job for General Garp. Wish I hadn't. It made her worst."

"Unfortunately we call it practicing medicine for a reason." Acknowledged Kitten and she opened the binder. She leafs through it, "This is not reassuring."

"We'll have her for a few weeks while we ferry her back up North." Izabell sighs, "It's the best we can offer for the moment."

Kitten nods, shutting the binder. She places the binder back in her older sister's hands.

"You don't want to read it?" Izabell asks dejectedly.

"Not now. I'll talk to Axis and then we can discuss it over hot chocolate and cookies." She fills her cheeks up with air in a pouting face, "Then I need my spouse for some cuddling."

Izabell sighs and pats her younger sister consolingly on the shoulder "Go be a captain then. I'll put the water on."

They depart company. Kitten mentally curses her position and then takes on a new mentality. The brief skim through of her sister's report makes her poignant, but if she wants to cut off her patient's idiocy it has to be all laid out on the table.

In through the second door on the left and up two flights of stairs she comes to a locked door. It is unremarkable in appearance offers no clues to what is inside.

Kitten lifts her hand and places three fingers on the door. There is a 'click' and the door opens. She slips inside, careful to allow no more exposure to light then necessary. The moment the door shuts, the dark lights light up and expose the patient.

"You look like hell." Comments Kitten walking politely over to the figure curled up in a blanket.

Grey eyes, turned iridescent in the light, flick up, "One shitty thing after another has happened. It's like fucking suffocating."

Kitten chuckles, but says, "So my bone-men tell me your skeleton was 'over coated'." Her lips twitch, "Harder to break…"

"What can I say? The Navy is growing grade: A bones." Axis sounds low and adds in jerky twitch, "I'm ready to give up." She sits up pulling the blanket tight around her.

Kitten takes in how the t-shirt slides to one side over the knobby shoulder and how brittle her friend has become. "Told you, you're not allowed to." Kitten offers her hand. She shoves down worry and takes the responsible role she needs to, "Although I've gotten your psyche report and I'm not pleased."

"With what?" she takes the hand and with a little of Kitten's force, stands up wobbly.

The Captain Ciguatera voice returns as Kitten steadies Axis, "Three overdose-"

"Unintentional." Interrupts Axis tartly.

Annoyed with being intermittent, Kitten punctuates her first word, "Eight definable cutting ordeals, and severe weight loss-"

"I just want to go home, Kit!" Axis interrupts again, exasperation and tiredness coloring her tone. "I just… want to… go home." Nothing can break Kitten's resolve faster than that helpless tone.

Determined to carry on while there is still strength in her voice she continues, "What of your sibling? The kids? Your new allies?"

Axis speaks in little voice. "My brother will manage himself. Death dumped him on my door and sent me to give him to a reaper." She glares at her fingers curled in, "And Rodger and Ed are their kids-" here she refers to Marco as well, "And I don't have new allies."

"Whitebeard pirates?" return the Captain politely.

"Awaiting the return of their commanders, but with unexpected added bonuses." Axis rolls her eyes.

Unexpected added bonus, now that describes Kitten's next round of conversation. "Trafalgar Law?" she questions, seemingly innocent.

"Smoker's runner." Axis shrugs.

Pursing her lips the Captain, nudges, "If he was just a runner… wouldn't he have left?" Kitten urges Axis to think.

"I dunno. I have not sought him out. I've avoid everyone I can, pretending they have the plague." Axis rubs her face in what Kitten knows is a semi-soothing gesture.

Kitten chuckles at the comment, but decides to drop the bomb she has been carrying for several days, "He remains here because he needs a place to crash. I've already sent one of my runners to take Bepo back to the submarine rendezvous point."

An uncomprehending Axis looks slowly up at Kitten from her hands.

"I have offered my ship, but it seems his fruit abilities are haywire. We both agreed that would cause more trouble than help. Seems Smoker found that out the hard way." Kitten shrugs, "But patching up Commodore wasn't toooo bad."

Axis's expression crashes, "You didn't…" disbelief stains over her face.

"He is from the North as well so I suggested it. He wasn't keen on it, but both I and Miguel have insisted on having him stay with your family." Kitten taps her chin thoughtfully, "Besides there is little up there that he cause problems with and lots of room to train his abilities."

"Why did you get my Uncle involved?" there is a slight wail.

"I know you won't or rather can't fight Miguel." She flips wayward hair over her shoulder, "I figure some isolation in the Northern Woods will serve Trafalgar well. He needs to be stabilized before he returns to his crew. He could seriously hurt them."

The infuriated look Kitten receives in almost comical.

"Suck it up." Kitten offers a grin, "I can promise he won't be annoying and you two might even develop a friendship. He sailed with me for a little while."

Axis's brows knit in confusion, she blinks rapidly giving a little shake of her head, "You're younger than me, and I know he's older than me… how?"

"I have been established for a while. When I was up North he and his crew needed a bail out, and we were happy to provide it. I was able to provide teachers to give him the medical knowledge from the Deep and help shelter him while he finished studying. He's a real joy to work with. None of that squeamish shit I get from most humans and he's neat as a pin at his workstation. Not his bedroom. God help him." She frowns at the memory, "Though I was always impressed by his interest in human bodies. He could name every bone, muscle, joint, and nerve…"

"And he let you…detain him?"

"At first he didn't have choice. God, he was injured. Super mistrusting and what-have-you, but after two weeks of working with me he sorta gave me some leash. I think he realized I was for real when I caught one of the Navy's rats on my ship and let him watch my interrogation. After that, he we were friends." She taps her lips again, "To be honest he's sort fucked up, but in a… kicked puppy sorta way."

"Not helping." Glowers Axis.

"You're the same way." Retorts Kitten, and waves it aside, "But that's beside the point. I trust him, I trust you, and he did bring you meds from Smoker so I think he deserves a little of your care and attention."

Axis sighs relenting.

"I really do think you two may be able to form a friendship of sorts. Having allies is what will keep you from ending up as a blade." Kitten fists her hand, "Oh! That reminds me, where is Roach?"

Glaring sideway at Kitten, Axis answer, "It's not roach, its Leech- and probably on the Moby Dick. The attack happened so suddenly that I didn't get a chance to take him." She grimaces, "Probably pissed as all hell though."

"Like that name's much better." Cringes Kitten.

"I didn't name my blade." Reminds Axis shortly, "But its sturdy as a cockroach."

"I believe that. So if Leechy is not here, what were you cutting with?" her arms cross. "At least your blade is Kairoseki and the cuts would heal without marks."

"Straight razor." Grumbles Axis.

"If I find you doing stupid shit on our way home, I'm gonna fucking put you in straightjacket till you get home." Threatens Kitten overly sweetly.

"Kiss my ass. You wouldn't know I was cutting if I hadn't told Ms. Stick-Up-Her-Ass."

At the mention of her older sister, Kitten decides it is time to play dirty, "Hostile aren't you? I'm beginning to think you might need to do this voyage in a drug induced coma." Pressures Kitten with a huffing breath.

Axis glares and sighs: She knows she has lost.

Sensing the submission, Kitten allows Axis to disembark and gather her belongings from her Uncle's home. As punishment, or rather as incentive to be obedient, Kitten has Axis charter Edward up to see his father.

Axis looks angry, but says nothing. Blessedly, Mori arrives. Helpfully she offers to carry up Rodger and escort her companion up to the house.

"Fraternizing with my enemies does not win you any points." Scowls Axis gathering up a sleepy Edward. She is struck by how heavy he feels.

Mori smiles calmly, "One should not make enemies of Black Market doctors." At Axis's face she adds, "Shall I carry him as well? I don't want you hurting yourself."

"I'm fine. I just need you to watch me."

Mori's steadying hand reaches out regularly to keep her companion from falling over.

Axis's feet feel unsteady and her body screams from carrying a small sleeping child. She ignores the pain with the knowledge more is to come.

When they reach the front door, Axis has nothing left and slides to her knees in front of the door, body shaking from the simple walk.

"Fuck." She mutters angrily at her weakness.

Mori pats her on the head, "It's okay. Gimme sleepy." And she stoops down taking Rodger in her other arm. Easily she stands up and opens the door; "I'll be back for you in a minute." She shuts the door behind her.

Axis turns herself and sits exhaustedly on the front steps. Only days earlier that walk would have been nothing. Once carrying Edward was easy. Groaning at her loss she reminds herself she can learn and gain the strength to do it again.

"It's a little late to be out, don't you think?" says a cool voice to the left.

Axis looks to the sound and sees the Surgeon of Death, hands in his pockets, "I agree." She concedes, "What are you doing up?"

"Can't sleep." Chuckles Trafalgar Law drawing closer, "But Mori-san's garden is handsome. I'm enjoying a stroll."

"Cool." Axis nods.

One black eyebrow raises, "What are you doing out?"

"Just got back from Captain Kitten's interrogation." Groans Axis shaking her head, "I'm too wiped to go up stairs."

"Want help?" he offers.

She shakes her head, "I'm okay. Its nice out. Sides Mori-san is coming back for me."

He nods looking out to sea.

"Soo… you're coming back with me?" Axis asks with no discretion.

He stiffens, but answers, "Yes. I'm sorry for the inconvenience."

"I'm sorry too."

He looks back at her, "For what?"

"For you having to deal with my family. It's gonna make you wish you were at the bottom of the sea." She scratches her head, "Its crazy."

He chuckles at that, "I've already had that experience. I'm not worried."

"Oh yeah?" asks Axis curious.

"Yes." Agrees Law, "Mugiwara-ya's crew made me often regret my wishes to work with them."

"Who…?" blinks Axis.

"Ace-ya's little brother… although I suppose he would be your sibling too." Considers Trafalgar.

"Luffy…" Axis grimaces, "I guess Ace has understated his brother's eccentricities."

Law's smile returns and he takes a seat beside Axis, "He's headed to the New World. I doubt you'll meet him anytime soon."

"I hope not." Axis makes a face, "I've had too much family bonding." She looks at Law with a half smile.

His eyes return the smile, "Your family… frets over you." He ventures, "It's a nice wave of normality to have."

"And you." Axis points out, "My Uncle Miguel doesn't just stick his neck out for anyone."

Dr. Trafalgar seems uncomfortable as he looks to the side at nothing in particular, "I take it you understand how the arrangement came about."

Axis nods from side to side, "More or less. But significantly less of more than more of less." Agrees Axis.

He makes a comical frown blinking rapidly as her words hit him, "What?" he asks chuckling slightly.

She opens her mouth to say something, but the neat click of the door behind the pair opens. Axis turns and looks behind and up.

"Oh. Hello, Dr. Trafalgar." Smiles Mori and then she looks down at Axis with raised eyebrows.

It dawns on Axis that she has a half smile on her face, but is unable to wipe it off.

Law chuckles and nods politely to the gardener, "Mori-san."

Mori's eyes flick up to him with a smile, then back to her the frail looking woman on the doorstep, "Axis, let's go. You need sleep before you can pack. We're going to the Lotus at noon tomorrow and then we are headed over to meet Whitebeard to drop off you brother and his and the boys." Mori informs extending a hand.

"Okay." Axis agrees and takes the hand offered. She is jolted to her feet by Mori's inhuman strength," Whoa!" and in the next instant is slung over Mori's shoulder.

"Goodnight Doctor. Please be ready tomorrow." Mori urges looking over her shoulder with a matter-of-fact tone.

He gives a slight nod, "Of course. Good night."

Mori turns and Axis looks up from over the shoulder and waves, "Night?" she offers with perplexed smile.

The Kairoseki Incident

Chapter Seven: The surgeon and the Patient

The thrashing started at midnight and has been going on for close to four hours. The white furred polar bear stares longingly at the screen. He wants the bone mass to read the 75% he needs to pull out the frenzied creature in the tank. Bepo is getting worried. The strength exhibited by the pliable boned creature is striking and the tank glass is cracking under the pressure. The cracks are still inside the two-inch thick glass container, but they are slowly working through and spider-ing out.

Another bash against the container makes him wince. There is now more danger for the poor creature than for him. The dark bruises have started to form on the skin and there is a diluted red flare in the water from time to time as the skin breaks and blood comes out.

The bear makes another desperate call to his commander. His commander won't pick up and he's getting nervous. There is a sudden click and , "Hello?"

"Where is Captain Trafalgar?!" bellows the bear in desperation.

The voice on the other end gets panicked, "Is everything okay with Axis?"

The bear suddenly places the voice. His captain named him as Portgas D. Ace, the patient's brother. "Ace?" asks the bear.

"Yeah its me." He responds quickly.

"Where is Captain?" wails the bear.

There is a sudden static and the smooth calming voice of Captain Trafalgar comes on, "Bepo what is going on? Portgas-ya is upset again."

"The patient has been thrashing against the tank for the last several hours. Tranquilizers, on the medical report, had to be cleared with you! There is more blood and bruises! The tank is shattering from the inside out!" he ends on a slightly panicked weep.

The complete silence is stifling, but only last a few minutes, "Bepo…" says Captain Trafalgar calmly, "What does the bone mass indicator say?"

"It's been stuck for the last hour on 62%." Reports Bepo trying to will himself to be as calm as his captain.

"Start draining and prepare the wrap. I'll be down stairs in a minute." He promises.

"Yes Captain." Sniffs Bepo and hangs up. Bepo presses some buttons and begins draining the tank, worried that the body's internal organs are going to collapse. However, Captain Trafalgar is almost always right, so he ignores his worries and goes for the closet. He pulls out the white wrap.

A wrap is a cross between a straightjacket and swaddling. It's used primarily for beings that become a threat to themselves and do not know it or need added support in their limbs. The fabric is stiff, strong, and elastic in nature and is like a giant blanket with buckles and straps along the outside.

Bepo turns and notices a large crack has extended to the outside. The being inside has collapsed on the inside of the now drained containment unit. Its rubbery bones have bent in odd angles when it lost the water.

Slowly it struggles to pull itself in a more correct position and only manages to sit up and thrust its knees in its face.

The door opens and Dr. Trafalgar sweeps in. His eyes are locked on the tank from the moment he enters. The pitiful form in the tank is one of the most dangerous creatures he has ever met. Nearly suicidal with its technique of bone breaking, particularly because of what it does to itself. Although the flexibility Axis demonstrates when her bones are little more than gelatin is remarkable.

Yes the sad creature that is madden and injured, is Axis. Her skin sickly pale, her eyes dilated into tiny dots with their sleepless hallows wide and empty. The body has little support and ever so slowly crawls about supported by only the now taut muscles. The rubbery plastic skeleton in her body bends this way and that, but does not stretch past normal human measures. Her fingers claw their way forward in near curved talon form.

"The bone mass has only been at 62% for the last hour?" he asks removing his eyes from the person in the tank to Bepo with the wrap.

Bepo nods profusely, "We can't coax the body to heal anymore. Not with the onslaught of adrenalin. The body at some point realized it was not somewhere normal and panicked!"

Law nods "Pull open the containment unit." He instructs heading for the container.

Bepo flees to the monitor and presses a few buttons. The glass pulls itself deep in the ground. The spider web of a crack grows a little wider and there is a faint clatter. Finally it releases its captive within the glass to lie like a dead fish.

Law clicks up the incline to the elevated point where his patient is. The moment he reaches for the injured and wounded girl, she fails about like a fish. Her naked body is showing off the bizarre musculature that had formed due to need. No matter how unsure she is, she must know something is not right. She keeps trying to twist out of his grasp, gripping her arms and tearing at the healing flesh. She screams from deep with in. The sound is hollow, void, endless and tearing through the underground.

Law quickly manages to pin his patient. He sits on the scarred and marred chest. He suppresses the underbody's movement and sharply pins her arms and hands with his knees.

She twists and wiggles under him still shrieking with her eyes glazed over. She is trapped in a world of unspeakable horrors in her mind.

Deftly he places his hands again on her face. The sensation is cold in his body. However, he finds a whirring calm that settles through out his muscles and up and down his spine. The silence he craves in his head is given to him and world comes sharply into focus.

Axis stills. Her heartbeat is frantic, manic. Her wide eyes swirl desperately around.

Law places his thumbs over her bitten lips, "Axis." He says in a hushed tone, "You're safe. You need to stop struggling." He instructs in serious and deadly calm voice.

He feels the twisting under him and he only sees the flash of the pale skin. The palms of her hands attach to his wrists; her own thumbs feeling his pulse. Then the eyes begin fluttering around as another wave of exhaustion hits and she suddenly collapses under him.

She is dried off, bandaged, and then swaddled in the wrap. It is significantly easier now that she has lost consciousness and control of his waking world. Her body twists a little as the nerves twitch and wiggle. Her brain sending uncontrolled signals through her body that she can only react too.

The glazed expression returns as Bepo sets her in a hammock. He buckles her body into the bed, and then gently pushes. It rocks like a cradle or waves on an ocean. The sensation must be soothing because her body fails to regain rigidness and simply lulls in the movement. After five minutes her eyes close again her head falls to the side as sleep successfully overcomes all the panic.

Dr. Trafalgar nods stiffly, "Alright then. You can hook her up. You should be able to pull her arm out and put the IV in, but I want you to wait five minutes. I know she's worn out, but I want to make sure she's unconscious." He sighs.

Bepo nods, "Does she need blood?"

"Yes." Agrees his captain, "I'll admonish you to ahead of time. Don't use anything other than the blood Dr. Siphonophore provided. Nothing else will likely to be accepted into her body. Understand?"

"Yes Captain!" agrees the polar bear.

Dr. Trafalgar nodded and turned, "I need to go do damage control. Ace-ya is panicked." He grumbles.

Bepo gives him a quick nod.

Law leaves his temporary workroom and walks up the two flights of stairs to the ground level of the Siphonophore's summer home. He finds Ace, just as he left him: anxious, practically on the balls of his feet prepared for flight. Law keeps his expression neutral and deadpan.

"She's fine." He says. It's a half lie, but Ace would only panic and there's nothing more that can be done at this second.

Ace exhales harshly and rubs his face.

Trafalgar takes a seat on the floor leaning against the wall, "You should get some rest." He urges, "All your worry is going to make you sick."

Ace looks at the man. They never would have met and if Mori had not permitted him in the house. In fact Ace is pretty sure he would have picked a fight with the captain just so he could eradicate all his nervous energy.

"Can't." he responds.

Law blinks slowly, "I have something if you need some help getting to sleep. Melatonin and an herbal muscle relaxer." He informs Ace.

If Trafalgar Law had not just spent an uninterrupted two hours alone with his children, maybe he would be able to relax. No one was willing to tell him what was wrong with his kids.

When Rodger awoke abruptly in the middle of the night screaming and crying, Ace was certain it was a nightmare. However, he began complaining that his little shoulders hurt and when Ace gently took his small hands to help him up, he cried out in pain. Ace couldn't understand what had happened.

Adam, at Ace's request, checked on Rodger. Then he delegated the job to Trafalgar who had finished up with Axis. While Law was gentle when he found something unseen with his fingertips, he had to set up a workspace in a closet of a room and sent the nervous Ace out.

Then Edward woke up. Edward was wondering what was going on with all the noise. He made it to Ace's side before collapsing. Tears filled his small green eyes, but he refused to cry out. The water leaking from his eyes was all Ace needed before he gathered up Edward and checked him over.

Edward said his legs felt inflamed. And inflamed was word he used. His voice became riddled with sobs as Ace discovered something was wrong with the boy's shoulder. This troubled him and Adam, who popped in to check on them, made the point of knocking on the closed door where Dr. Trafalgar worked.

Law answered and Adam motioned toward Edward. Law took Edward and shut the door.

Two long hours later in which Ace woke Marco and the pair sat on the sofa, useless, Dr. Trafalgar came out. He carried both children easily and carefully placed the small bodies into their parents' arms. Clearly he could guess who belonged to who.

When they asked what was wrong.

Law told them to ask Mori. Mori has requested that he not give them more information tonight as they were already distraught.

Marco accepted this and went to go to bed, tugging Ace.

Ace got up, but only to transfer the sleeping Rodger into his boyfriend's arms.

Unable to consol or convince Ace, Marco went to their room with the kids. Ace sat nervous and unable to avoid staring at the calm composed figure of the Heart Pirate Captain; Trafalgar Law.

Ace snorts at the offer and looks at the ceiling.

Law's frown deepens, "You won't be able to help anyone if you are ill."

"Yeah well sorry. You just spent two hours with my kids and won't tell me what the fuck is going on." His voice came out as a snarl.

Trafalgar raises his thin eyebrow, "I'm sorry Portgas-ya." Apologizes the surgeon, "I was told to abide by Mori-san's rules." Despite Trafalgar's habit of adding –ya to the end of people's names, even he referred to Mori as Mori-san.

The calm and collected gardener held more of position among her peers than she let on. She had successfully brought Law into the house without fight, convinced the good doctor to treat Ace's sister, convinced Law to only give her medical information, and even without Mori around, he still referred to her as –san.

"Who the fuck are you working for?" his voice is laced with venom. Maybe it's the lack of sleep. He does not really want to piss Law off. The doctor holds power over his children and sister.

Law closes his eyes wondering how much the second commander of Whitebeard's crew knows. However he only says, "Smoker requested my help." He sighs and continues before Ace can say anything, "Suffice it to say that I agreed to help your sister."

Axis awoke and screeched. The giant white polar bear had startled her and she fell out of the hammock. She burst a vein while yanking out needles from her sink on the way to floor. Her rubbery bones absorbed the fall without transferring any residual damage with in the body.

She lays there, sprawled on the concert floor, staring up at the pipes and electric wiring of the lowest layer in her Uncle's housing. The dull throb in her head reminds her to be more prepared for the unexpected and she sits up and stares at the bear sitting on the floor staring wide eyed.

She examines herself. She was in some sort of loosened, but tight swaddling. She is nude, bandaged, and covered in rising and falling bruises. "What's going on…?" she asks the surrounding area.

"Are you awake?" blinks the white polar bear.

She looks at the creature. He looks soft and fluffy like a cloud trapped in a black jumpsuit. Maybe an angry rain cloud trying to constrict its mortal enemy? "I'm awake." She scratches the short hair at the nape of her neck still looking around, "Are we in the basement?"

"Yes." Agrees the bear getting and walking over. He helps Axis to her feet and unties what she now recognizes as a wrap. That's not a good sign, "Are you sure?" presses the creature with a worried look.

"Awake?" inquires Axis.

He nods, those black eyes gaining some curiosity.

"Yeah I'm awake." She feels the prickles of the cold climb up her skin, "Can I… can I have some clothes er something?"

The bear with another quizzical nods, looks around and grabs a large towel from the side. He drapes it over her shoulders to give her something to start, "Walk slowly." He instruct motioning for her to walk, "You might-"

Axis falls over as black spots danced across her vision.

"I said slowly!" yells the polar bear desperately grabbing Axis before she can hit the ground. He palms the top of her head in what is supposed be pat.

"Not slow enough apparently." She smarts as her vision swims around.

"No, not slow enough." Agrees the bear. He struggles to help her walk on jello legs to a chair. Her coordination is horrible and she sways slightly as her uneven steps dance about.

Axis sighs upon plopping herself onto the cold metal folding chair. She looks up at the creature curiously as he grabs a bathrobe of some sort for her, "My name's Axis." She says introducing herself as he offers her farbic, "Thank you."

"Bepo." Says the bear watching her fold her body into the folds of the fabric.

Once wrapped in something she looks up slightly hunched over, "Where did you come from?"

"Up north." He says warmly.

Unable to contain the lopsided smile, she gives it to him. There is a slight giggle as she asks, " Sorry. I guess I mean how are you here?"

The bear plops on the ground so he is not towering over her, "I came with Captain." He answers, "He's a doctor you know."

"As in… Dr. Trafalgar?" Axis asks suspiciously.

"Yes! You know him?" The bear beams at her with such enthusiasm that Axis fails to feel upset.

She scratches her head self consciously, "Kind of. He helped me in the market place a… a little while ago?" suddenly she looks around confused, "How long was I out?"

"No more than twelve hours." Promises Bepo, "Captain gave you his new serum."

"Oh?"

"I helps the body heal in under twenty-four hours. He originally developed it for the Captain of the Straw Hat pirates." He stops, "Oops." His face turns horrified, "I've said too much!"

She waves her hand, "I'll pretend I didn't hear anything." She promises.

Bepo looks surprised, but then cocks his head at her.

"What?" she asks feeling uncomfortable his gaze.

"I'm sorry." Apologizes the bear flustered.

"No. no. Sorry." Axis returns. Her tone must have sounded annoyed, "You're fine I was just trying to figure out what you were pondering."

Bepo looks thoughtfully at her. Then with a shy smile says, "You're weird human." He comments.

She laughs, "I've been told that before." Its impossible not to like this creature. The simple guileless in the way he interacts with her. She sighs, reaches out and feels weightless fur under her fingers as she strokes him on the head.

It was only supposed to be a pat, but the polar bear leans forward and puts his head in her lap.

She gives a girlish expression as she rubs her fingers over his head. 'Damn you cute bear.' She thinks. She has ten minutes of petting time before the door opens and in steps the Surgeon of Death.

His eyes are wide as he sees her, still petting Bepo. Confusion flits across his face and he marvels at her sanity.

"You're awake." He states walking down the steps.

Bepo jumps up, "C-captain!"

"I'm awake." She agrees and watches his saunter down the steps. He comes across the cold hard floor. Truly for a human, he is a magnificent specimen of beauty. His caramel brown skin, thin frame and darkly outlined eyes give him a very elegant look, while is clothing choice shows off his personality. The clean-cut symbol with no embellishment of his flag tells of his desire to be intricately simple. The color choices are what catch her attention the most in this moment.

Color psychology is debated long and hard among humans. What does a color mean and how it affects someone? Some people say is not possible to determine. However, in Axis's experience, color has a lot to say about someone. The color yellow is the color of the mind and the intellect. The bright hue, similar to a sunflower or the sun, definitely sets well with the good doctor. His mood while calm is just as suggested; optimistic and cheerful. The negative aspect, of which she can barely detect in the Doctor are impatience, criticism and certain cowardice. While Law seems anything but a coward, Axis deems him cautious.

There is a color she see proximately on him, that is reflected in her wardrobe; black. This is the color of the hidden, secretive, and unknown. In many cultures it is also the color of Death. This color on the Surgeon of Death is her only warning sign. He keeps things bottled up inside, hidden from the world just as she does.

Law calmly stops in front of her, "You look significantly better than you did several hours ago." He comments and extends a long fingered hand.

Reflexively she jumps back as he reaches out for her face.

He hesitates, "I'm not here to hurt you." He assures her touches her jaw lightly. With a little insistent pressure he turns her left, then right examining her face. For Law it is amazing how the madness is gone from her eyes, the skin, while pale, no longer looks sickly and ill, and her muscles are rigid. He knows the bones have limited ability to support. His mind is curious how the body understands the need for the muscles to pretend to be bone.

"Insomina?" asks Axis suddenly. She has been studying the grey eyes of the doctor. They are northern eyes. Like hers, they have no real color, but are not blue. His are much more deep set than her own. The weeks of almost no stress and recovery have given her the more invigorated look while his are hollow.

He focuses on his patient, thoughtful. "Yes." He answers, "I can see that you do as well." He comments.

"Its off and on." She corrects now distracted once again by something on his person. This time it is the cold earrings. They're real gold, yes, but the style is simple. Nothing intricate or frilly about what he wears. The aesthetic is obvious, but it evens out his very professional expressions and mannerisms.

Law lets go of her face; "The bone mass index says you're only at 65%. Meaning you're still a gelatin."

Axis shifts in her skin feeling her bones again the hard chair. Yes they're still a little soft, but there is only two hundred and six. She does not feel the extras that usually poke and prod her organs, "They're all right." She confirms.

He raises his eyebrows, "You're at risk of having you internal organs collapse." He warns, "I suspended you in water originally. When I arrived here earlier, you had no bones."

"Probably not." Agrees Axis thinking back. Her eyes wonder to the ceiling as she recalls the last events. Unsurprisingly she remembers being followed by Law, meeting up with Alas, her brother, Marco, the kids, and then there was a fight. Struck by the idea she asks, "How are Ace, Marco, Atlas, and mini humans?" her voice betrays no anxiety, which for Axis is some sort of miracle.

Law looks slightly confused as he collects his thoughts, "Atlas is fine. Nothing other than blood loss and bruises." Suddenly her name for the children dawns on him, "Did you call the children 'mini humans'?"

"Yes." She agrees, "What about Ace and Marco.. And the," she hesitates then rolls her eyes giving Law a similar word, "-kids."

Law's brow is creased as he tried to make sense of his patient. "Marco and Ace are tired and not seriously injured. No stitches or broken bones. The children are…" he stops. Mori did instruct him to not to say anything, but somehow he gets the feeling this did not include his patient, "hurting." He stops.

Axis groans and finally turns her gaze to him, "Lemme guess, Rodger has bone growth in his limbs and shoulder. That's where it always flares up after fights." She shakes her head, "What did Edward break?"

Law is positive Mori did not mean Axis. "Edward shatter the bone close to head of the femur on his left leg and cracked his right patella. There are tiny fractures all over the scapula and clavicle is broken in the center."

Axis groans, "Time to call Ciguatera." She rolls her eyes, "Tell her to bring her the osteologist."

"That's what Mori said she was going to do. I gave them painkillers and went inside their bodies. I've isolated the problems with my abilities and placed them inside their own… space."

"You're the guy who pops people's hearts out right?" she asks.

He nods, "I'm impressed."

"Do they have holes in their bodies?" she winces remembering what someone told her about Trafalgar's abilities.

"No." he shakes his head, "I've isolated inside of their bodies."

Axis nods frowning.

"You seemed very unconcerned about your bones." Law frowns voicing his concern.

Axis looks at him, "Should I be? They're normal at fifty percent." She raises an eyebrow at him, "But I think over the last several weeks it was more like eighty percent. I was so stiff."

Law continues to sit there staring at Axis, "That's not normal." He leans back away from her, "I know you're a kairoseki. Their bones are considered ridiculously light, but yours can barely support you."

"No they support me just fine." She seems confused, then her mouth opens, "Oh… wait. Sorry. You're asking why are they so light?"

He nods slowly. Maybe all the lights are not on upstairs.

"Sorry. Be more direct." She orders politely, "My guardian is the octopus."

Law's facial muscles visibly relax and he lets out the breath he was holding in, "Ah." He says.

Bodies are strange and especially for kairoseki. Since their physical being can be altered depending on whom they work with sometimes they do not have traits of their species. In this case, a human with unstable bones supports itself fine while it wonders around. Not something that generally works.

Octopi are known not to have bones and the guardian, while not officially known by the general public, is named Octavin. This octopus guardian of the deep more than likely alerted the body of his trainee while teaching this kairoseki to survive. The lack of bones in octopus meshed with the human skeleton to form a semi-solid calcium mass. While asleep, Law had performed an… 'x-ray' of sorts.

He combined his abilities and took apart his patient and discovered the extra calcification hidden in the body. The most disturbing attribute was the realization that this was actually a genetic malfunction called Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva or FOP. Due to the constant removal of bones from Axis's brutal bone breaking technique (the Navy referred to as "Bone Puppet") her FOP was largely ignored.

Instead of freezing her body in awkward positions and slowly encasing her into a bone coffin, the disease itself mutated again. This time, FOP started growing bones where the old ones had been. It replaced and built up new framework, but was continually adding to the foundation and now he knew that it was pliable because of the octpus guardian's training.

The constant adding, no doubt, is what protected Axis from overusing her abilities and destroying the skull. The cranial bones were the only bones never touched by her abilities, although the vertebrae had been fused several times. (Law knew this from the cuts and indents of the bones.) Apparently the protection of the brain was still seen as the most vital function.

Law had hypothesized all of this and if his prediction was true, this woman was actually one of the few kairoseki who were actually built durable enough to withstand torture. He had no doubt there were reasons for her survival and that made her an interesting subject to study, but he also knew what he had been informed while working as a member of the privateers; Gol D. Axis was an unstable war of morbid confetti and drugs. Which ever was the moment would depend on what someone would work with.

Axis leaned against the chair, watching him with a blank expression. It was very disconcerting.

"I'm glad you're feeling better." Law said finally, he straightens and looks a silent Bepo, "Bring her upstairs."

"What?" Axis asks stupidly.

"I don't want you to over do it. Sleep will help prevent any problems." He walks away and shuffles through a case sitting on the near by table, "I'll give you a sedative to prevent aggravation of your injuries."

Axis frowns as the Bear picks her up like a toy, "Now hang on! I'm fine!"

He walks over, "Sleep." He insists and his hand lashes out like a snake. The injection of the sedative is fast and the hypodermic needle is pulled out the moment she begins to react.

She rubs desperately at the pinprick spot, "What the hell?" she mutters and looks up at him in confusion.

The expression has been there the entire examination and with two blinks she is suddenly dopey.

He watches her go limp over Bepo's shoulder and Law caps the needle.

Axis is surprised to find her brother staring across from her when she wakes up. He lies on the pillow nearest on top of the blankets with a solemn stare.

She attempts to move, but finds her joints solid and unmovable. Then comes the memory of the fight in the town and an earlier encounter with Dr. Trafalgar Law.

"Do you need to sit up?" Ace asks quietly.

"No." she answers, "I just couldn't figure out why you were here."

Ace reaches out touches his sister's face. She can't draw away from him so he takes advantage of the moment. His abilities turn into ashes and his body feels cold, "I was scared." He says.

"Of what?" Axis rolls her eyes, "Marco had your back, Atlas had the kids-."

"I was scared you were killed." He confesses, "I've only just started to get to know you. There's so much I don't know. I was scared." Now his hands flops on the mattress and feels the light poke of odd bones in her shoulder, "And I didn't know about…all of this." He applies a little pressure to the bone.

"I'm hard to kill, thankfully." Axis groans, "And don't be dramatic Ace. Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva might kill anyone else, but I have ways of taking care of it." She shakes her head a little, "Beside you've gotta kid. That's your priority."

Ace purses his lips, "I may have a kid, but I also have sister who is a kairoseki." He sighs, "I don't really know what it means, but you should have told me. About all of this." He moves his hand to her neck and flinches. Where there should be soft flesh, there is a hard boney structure, "I'mean why do I have find all this out from your friends? Why can't you just be upfront? I'm not gonna just toss you to the sharks because I don't like what I hear."

When Axis's bones come back in, they come back with a vengeance everyone had to be afraid of. The soft muscle that had been left from the technique she used to destroy the Navy soldiers, had been overgrown as bone. Her Uncle Adam, Dr. Siphonophore, had shrugged and promised to break the muscles. Ace had been informed the hard tissue would realign with no extra aid.

"Having you worry is detestable." She answers matter-of-factly. Mentally she makes notes to kill off Mori and Gavroche. It was not as her companions had to tell the truth and the pair did not have to give answers. Nevertheless they did and it was out of that viler thing called concern.

Ace laughs, "Really? Really? What the hell."

"There's no reason to fret." Grumbles Axis looking away.

"Why?" he sighs again. It is a loosing battle. His concern is clouding his better judgment.

"Because I can't control it, at least not now, and you can't control it! Why worry?" Ace frowns at the mattress, "I'mean what do you want me to do?"

"Tell me everything! Tell me whatever you can think of!"

"No." she says shortly.

Ace crosses his arms and lays on them, "At least give me some clue of what I'm dealing with."

Axis inhales and turns her head into the blanket. She lets out a muffled groan. Everyone had a right to his or her own destiny. Everyone has a right to know what they're up against. She looks at him.

Ace knows he's won. That look that he saw on his Grandfather's resigned face on the day of his execution is mimicked in Axis's tired gaze.

"My name on paper is Gol D. Axis. Where I am from up North, the last name is interchanged with Siphonophore since it is my mother's family surname." She purses her lips and continues, "I'm twenty-three with high paranoia and insomnia. My anxiety is through the roof and I severely depressed to the point where my antisocial personality shines the brightest." She looks at Ace who has not interrupted, "And I take copious amount of medicine to control all of this. But every now and then I run out or forget and have withdrawal."

Ace nods to show he his listening.

"I am kairoseki or at least my bones are. I have been apart of the torture operation since I was nine. I am among the top ten percent that are valued for our strength. When I die my bones would make a good weapon." She sighs, "The Navy has caught me off and on, but I still escape." She sucks on her cheek, "I'm scared of spiders, falling in love, and having something that can be taken. I like anatomy because it's practically the same for everyone and while I am specialized as a medical illustrator I am used a lot to examine bones."

Ace shifts a little, but still says nothing.

"But my job when I am home up north…" she groans and then says, "I am an autopsy specialist. I take people apart so my cousins, the morticians, can make people ready for burial." Ace's eyes blinked rapidly, "I would like nothing better than to stay there, but I can't simply ignore the suffering of other kairoseki."

"You work in morgue?"

"Yeah. An older cousin is a pathologist, another is an embalmer, another still is a mortician, and I am a morgue assistant… more or less." She looks at him again, "I have plenty of subjects to use to draw medical illustrations…"

Ace laughs. What was he expecting? Certainly not this, but it makes him happy. None of her friends told him she worked in a morgue. She told him.

"What?"

He shakes his head, "Okay."

"Okay?" she responds.

"Okay I get it." He says gently, "I wouldn't tell anyone I worked in a morgue either. Most people don't wanna deal with death."

She shrugs.

Ace can see she appreciates his understanding, "And we're family." He wraps an arm around her pulling her close to him.

Axis looks sideways at the dark curls poking her eyelashes.

The Kairoseki Incident

Chapter Six: Truth and Lie

The clock reads 5. The bold green letters shining in room's dusky light as Axis sits with more work than she should be accomplish in one sitting. Her face was smudged with graphite and ink stains the slender fingers. Various items are scattered around the desk in hazardous chaotic mess.

Without her black coveralls, Axis's clothing is filthy. Her furious detail scrawls ink, graphite, and erasers shaving all over the grey jacket and jeans. Her head hurts, her eyes feel severe pressure from behind the soft squishy balls, and her heart is heavy. She finally lets her head drop onto the desk and sighs.

The Navy moved in two or three days ago. They must have been tracking Ace and her movements across the ocean. More than likely, the Navy was aware that she and Ace would meet up with the Whitebeard pirates and then had tracked Whitebeard. Only Whitebeard was on the neighboring Island. If the Navy had not figured out they were both on the Black Islands, they would soon.

Despite being angry her best male friend, Gavroche, left maps, information, and some exotic chocolates from his home in South Renaissance on her desk. He was not her lover, but they had grown up very close. He was married with a wife and kid. Not to mention his brother-in-law/ nanny to his daughter. Gavroche had even made Axis his daughter's Godmother. Not that it was good.

He was about as good a parent as Axis was, which is to say a bad one. However, he was sincere when he said things and demanded a certain level of respect from the the criminal enterprise. Those sickly souls they worked with. No one could say he horrible person. Life had not been kind to Gavroche and Axis knew most of his life's story from first hand experience, just as he knew hers. Mostly because of what they were, but according to the rules of survival it did not matter. What matter was a person's ability to survive the curve balls life saw fit to hurl to them. Good news; both Gavroche and Axis were professionals at survival.

She sits up and shoves herself away from the desk. The map is marked in with ink symbols some still glistening from the drying ink. The sketches of scapula as well as the surrounding structure lay complete in a messy stack to her left.

Did she mention she had a headache? Her brother was helping to add to that; Ace and all his niceness. Why couldn't he be an asshole who did not want anything to do with her? Why couldn't he leave her to rot in all her messy madness. That's what everyone did! They left her to fall apart, then they would pick up the pieces. But no. Ace was putting duct tape on every crack and she was starting to feel fragile like a house of cards. Soon not even his patchwork help would be able to keep her together. Axis throws all the thoughts out of her mind.

She wonders around in her room, searching out her soft pajama pants and t-shirt. Unfortunately the t-shirt did not work and she ended up with a sweater Gavroche had left her with last time they bumped into each other. He had a habit of leaving his jackets for her. Probably because he knew how cold she was all the time.

Once Axis finally made it to the bathroom, she shut the door, and left the light out. The blue emergency light plugged in at the sink is all the light she can tolerate. She dumps her clothes by the toilet and turns on the shower.

The clothing was stripped off in a hurry and even in the dim light; the large mirror reflected the abused body of the young adult female. The scars raged from old to new and all had a distinct story to tell. Only a glance was needs to send Axis into the shower to hide from her reflection.

Once the hot water hit her tension-ridden body, her mind goes blank. The sudden change in sensation dims her thought process and she is lost to the world for a long period of time. When she snaps too again she is crawling into the mound of blankets she claims to be her bed. She buries her face into the pillows and suddenly the world is black.

"Dad…Daddy…Dad? Dad? Dad? Dad? Dad?" chirps Rodger clambering on his father's back, "Dad? Daddy? Daaaaddd?"

Ace groans and buries his face in the pillow.

"Daaaaddd!" he whines.

"Come here, Squirt!" Marco groans grabbing the brunette off his boyfriend.

"Paaaapaaa." Whines Rodger, "Lemme go!"

"No. Go back to sleep." Urges Marco tiredly snuggling against the squirming little body.

Rodger struggles vainly, "But Papa!" he yells clawing at the blankets.

"Rawar!" barks Edward bouncing onto the two men.

"ACK!" squeaks Ace as he gets stomped. He rolls over and grabs the blonde haired child who squeals with delight, "What are you doing this early in the morning?"

"Daddy!" giggles Ed, "Leggo!" he twists turns and worms desperate to get out of his Dad's vice grip.

Over the last two weeks since they were introduced, Edward has more than warmed up to his parents. Because Marco took the hint and Edward awoke to his elder's sleeping form in the middle of a bad storm, he has given his trust. Marco's serene nature and Ace's playful attitude keep the children giggling and laughing as children. For them, they have achieved all they wanted and more.

"No." Ace wraps his arms around the little boy, "You're gonna be my new pillow." He snuggles against Edward's back pulling the little boy in like he would Luffy.

Ace really loves his kids. He does indeed call them both his kids. Marco's son, while guarded and serious is loving. He wants to be loved so badly, that when he caved under comfort of his Papa, Ace was an automatic. Ace knows it has something to do with his own giggling and shrieking child. The pair plays off of cues they give each other.

"I like that idea." Agrees Marco, "We can have little pillows." And he balls Rodger against his chest nuzzling the soft curly black hair.

"NOooo!" both children screech happily.

Ace casts a weary eye at the clock. Six in the morning. Of course. Their kids have too much energy, "Alright alright! I'm up. I'm up." He sits up letting his back 'pop'. He sets Edward free on the bed.

Together, the brothers attack Marco who is still under the illusion he can get away with sleeping in. The moment little hands catch a hold of him, he shrieks. The kids have found a particular ticklish spot on his neck and sides. Flailing, he gets tangled up in the sheets and the children laugh harder.

Ace snorts and rolls his eyes. He reaches out and grabs the two devils off his boyfriend, "You two are bad." He chides with a grin.

Marco sits up. He shivers, shaking his head as chills run up his spine. The last time someone tickled him was when Thatch was here. He pushes the thought out of his head not ready to admit the sadness that weights in his heart. He shoves the blankets off his legs and slouches to the side, "Morin'." he greets grabbing Ace by the hair and kisses him.

"Eeewww." Rodger moans.

"Gross." Groans Ed.

"Yeah, do that some other time." Encourages Rodger.

Ace smiles at them, and looks up at Marco. There is a mischievous glint in the first commander's eye. The little twats did come in and wake them up.

Marco always kisses him first thing the morning. It was one of the strange things they had agreed to. They wanted to be happy every morning they saw each other. The kiss was a reminder of that.

"Go get dressed." Ace says gently batting at the blond tuff on top of Edward's head. Then he ruffles Rodger's back curls.

"Noooo-wa." moan the boys. They frown bemoaning the fate of putting on clothes. Getting them dressed is a morning battle that requires reinforcements. Usually Atlas or Miguel pop in and help throw them into jeans and t-shirts before setting them free in the garden.

Marco's brows go up and he looks sideways at Ace, "Well I guess you two can sit there and watch us kiss each other." He smirks.

"Good bye!" and both children scramble off the bed and go running down the hall.

Both men laugh. Kids are so predictable.

Ace grins and leans forward, "I'll take another kiss."

"Even if it is gross?" chuckles Marco pecking him.

"Even if it's gross." Agrees Ace returning the favor. He slings his feet over the edge, "They have too much energy."

"If I could bottle it up and sell it, I'd be rich." Agrees Marco, "Phew. I don't know how much more I can take. I need a day of sleep." He yawns and climbs out of bed. He grabs his navy cargo pants and fishes for the purple long sleeved shirt.

"I hear ya." Ace gets out of bed and search for his jeans and red t-shirt. The weather is rainy and cold. Even with his devil fruit abilities, clothing is still needed to block out dampness that seems to infiltrate his bones.

After some hazardous stumbling, he starts down the hall and finds his children up to no good.

"Aunt Axis!" calls Rodger.

"Da fuck you want?" mutters Axis sleepily.

Ace peers into his sister's room and watch her emerge from under a mountain of blankets. The dark circles never seem to leave her eyes and despite having recover most of the way in the last week, she still seems overly fatigued.

"Get up! It's time to get up." Ed beams.

"I don't recall asking for an alarm." Growls Axis vanishing under the blankets.

Rodger throws up the blanket and sticks his face under the covers. His voice becomes muffled, "But Aunt Axis, today we're going grocery shopping with Aunt Atlas!"

Axis lets out a moaning groan.

"Axis!" chirps Rodger again.

Axis sticks her head out of the blankets and Rodger falls backward onto the floor, "Get the fuck outta my room. I'll be down in a minute."

"Yay!" and the two flee the room and dash past Ace for the stairs leading down.

"You don't have to get up." Ace says gently considering his sibling.

Axis more or less rolls out of bed into a pile on the floor. The hooded sweater she wore to bed makes her look like some form of bull dog with folds of heavy skin. Her pajama pants are low on her hips and one black sock is on and one is off. Her feet 'thud' onto the floor as the appendages finally find their way to the floor and she looks gloomily at her brother.

"You obvious underestimate the power of your children." She groans. Sluggishly she reorients herself to sit up and shoves down the sweatshirt. She squints at the clock on her desk and after determining she can't see it, gropes blindly under her pillows for the heavy framed glasses she pulls out. Her heavy lidded grey eyes glare at the clock then at Ace.

Ace raises his eyebrows, "Do I?" he didn't know she wore glasses. That seemed to be the case every day though. I didn't know… Always there is some new little fact or story he does not know about her. Oh sure his kids have lots to tell him, but so do Axis's family. They tell about some of her misgivings they know specifically about.

"Yes." She responds flatly and slides her hand under the frames rubbing her face.

Ace walks over and offers a hand, "Need help?" he asks.

"No." but she accepts his hand anyway as he pulls her to her feet. The glasses perch on her nose and she shoves them up so they don't fall off.

"I think you're a polar bear." Snorts Ace looking at her, then the mound of blankets.

She turns around and looks at the unmade bed. It has a cavern appearance at the moment. "They're warmer than I am." She answers back, "I wish I were a bear." She slouches against her brother, "Uaghhh. Yer kids were better behaved before you."

Ace laughs and loops an arm around his sister's frame, dragging her out the door, "Maybe you weren't around enough to know. They tell me you're gone most of the time."

"I have shit to do." She groans, "And they're not my kids."

"You really have no parental instincts." Marco teases warmly coming up behind the pair, "I take it you got a six o'clock alarm as well."

"FuckyouMarco." She slurs rubbing her fingers under she glass over her eyes, "It's too damn early."

"What time do you normally get up?" he laughs as they trot down the stairs, "Earlier this week you said that ten o'clock was too early."

"That' s because it is." She moans, "I'm nocturnal. I don't fuckin'…get up until what? Like… five or six at night?"

"Shit." Snorts Ace, "You're up reeeally early aren't ya?" he says guiding her to kitchen.

"Fuck yer face."she mutters grumpily.

"That's Marco's job." And Ace sprints away only too aware of what may come.

"ACE!" howls Marco beat red chasing him.

Axis blinks several times, snorts, and rolls her eyes. Its gonna be a fun day.

After several minutes of mindless arguing, milk juggling, and food orders the group sits at the table with breakfast in hand. Both little boys like milk, cheese, and bird-in-the-nest toast. Edward eats his plain and Rodger slathers on a healthy dose of butter over the bread and part of the egg. Macro joins his sons in their favorite dish, enjoying jam rather than butter with a cup of coffee. Ace has almost everything he can find with black tea.

Axis stuffs an eighth of a yellow apple in her mouth as she pulls out toast out of the toaster, "Where is the damn list?" she mutters to herself.

"What list is that?" asks Marco looking up, "Ed, don't chew with your mouth open."

Ed stuck his tongue out with the chewed food on it.

"Edward." Warns Axis grabbing the jar of peanut butter from the cabinet, "Don't be an ass."

"Axis, he's a kid." Laughs Ace. He would have done the same thing. But, Damn! Marco was cute in his Papa mode.

"And he can still be an ass." She retorts spreading peanut butter over the dried bread.

"Don't call them that." Marco requests rolling his eyes. His brother's sister is far too blunt. What part of Please don't curse around my kids doesn't she get? Probably the 'don't.'

She shrugs, "In answer to your question, in this house, they keep a grocery list and once a week we go grocery shopping." And add under her breath, "If you recall from past weeks."

Marco nods missing the last part, "Oh right, I forgot about that." He reaches over the table and begins cutting Rodger's toast, "Rodger your mouth isn't big enough to shove the whole toast in." he sighs. The sticky yellow dribbling egg is smeared all over his face. He groans and grabs the napkin on the table and begins wiping his face, "You are a mess."

The black haired child grins up at his Papa. His big brown eyes admire Marco's care silently.

Marco finishes with a sigh and balls the napkin up. He tosses it to the side while he settles himself back in his chair.

Rodger's attention has been stolen. He's staring curiously at the floor. "Aunt Axis?" he quips.

"What Reggie?" Axis answers Rodger taking a bite of toast and peanut butter. She dumps the rest of the apple slices onto the plate.

"What is…" he hesitates and pulls a paper from the floor, "Love Lube?"

Both of his fathers cough loudly and spit out their food.

Rodger blinks up innocently Axis holding a long piece of paper.

"Oh, there's the list." She takes two steps and takes the paper scrolling down, "Where do you see 'Love Lube'?" she asks reviewing the information.

"Its on the back." He answers.

She flips the paper, "Ah! Sure enough." She squints at it, "Ace is this your handwriting?" she inquires looking at her brother.

Ace is red in the face. He knew about the list. How could he forget? When he told Miguel he needed something for personal matter (and if such personal matter were okay in the house) Miguel laughed and said it was fine. Just put it on the list, he said. Fuck.

Of course, Ace does not have to look at Marco to see the annoyed fluster look on the first commander's face.

"Sooo what is it?" quips Rodger again.

"Stuff grown-ups use when they have sex." Axis answers blatantly still examining the list, "Fuck we're out of cream again. Butter too. We'll hafta stop by the dairy on the way home."

"AXIS!" gapes Marco.

She looks at him, "What?"

"Oooh… What's 'sex'?" Rodger blinks. Being this innocent has to be a crime.

This time his aunt looks at him and says, "It's the process by which people show intimate affection for one another and the way the species procreate in order to maintain and continue their species."

Marco practically throws his plate at her, "This is not for kids!" he protests.

"He asked." Axis points out, "The truth is what it is."

"You neglect to state that its something that adults do. And is not pertinent to children!" he gapes.

"You mean what the Navy guys did with the nurses at the medical office?" Rodger continues, obviously curious.

The room goes silent. Both men look at the little boy.

Axis nods, "Yes. But your Papa is also right. That is not something for children."

"That's what the nurses said." Edward returns.

Axis nods, "And they were right then."

"Why do we need 'Love Lube'?" questions Rodger knitting his brows together.

Axis rolls her eyes, "Because…" she gives Ace a quick look (Ace hopes he looks mortified), "Someone in the house would like to show affection to their partner."

"Oh." Rodger blinks and looks at his egg, then at his Dad, "Is it you?"

Ace buries his face in his hands. No parental instincts exist in Axis's brain. The basic concept of censoring ideas and facts do not even cross her mind. For all the brains she has (and she certainly has quiet a bit) apparently child proofing does not occur to her.

"Yes." Axis answers and returns to the list. She changes the subject, "Miguel wrote on here new boots for both of you. Did you kill the last pair we got you?"

"Out grew them." Ed answers.

"You two are growing like weeds." She comments.

"Mori-san doesn't like weeds." Frowns Rodger.

"Like weeds. I'm not saying you are a weed. You're just growing really fast." She explains continuing down the list.

Ace is staring at his children and then at his sister in utter disbelief. The conversation is continuing like his and Marco's interjections do not exist. Axis is still not editing the information she is giving them and children are simply receiving the information and continuing. He has a problem with this, but does not see a way to argue with her at the moment.

Axis chomps the last of the toast, "Alright then. I'm gonna go change and then we can go." She sets the list down and grabs a pen from the counter and pushes the list over to Marco, "Put boots for Marco and Ace. I saw the state of your shit. Let by gods be by gods and lemme buy you a decent pair of shoes." She grabs the apple slices and walks out of the kitchen back the to the stairs.

Marco stares at the list and writes the information down. Then he glares at his boyfriend, "I'm going to kill your sister." He warns.

"Pff. Only if you beat me to it." Ace retorts.

"But I like Aunt Axis." Edward chimes in.

"Ed, this is one of those Papa and Daddy are talking moments. We won't literally kill her. We're just angry." Marco frowns.

Rodger shovels the last of his egg and toast in his mouth, "Why?"

Both men look at one another in exasperation. Clearly the children did not pick up on the whole 'Shut up Axis' part of the conversation.

"Love Lube." Mutters Edward.

"Oh." Rodger nods.

"Edward!" barks Marco.

And that's how the conversation is left. Marco takes two steps outside and runs in to find the pair of jeans. Ace retrieves the bright orange hoodie Dr. Siphonophore gave him. He tosses it over the red t-shirt. The weather is damp in the way where you feel it in your bones. It's not necessarily cold in temperature, but the dampness (or humidity) of the morning seems to cling to everything. Neither man is inclining to wonder shirtless on this island. At least not while its cool.

Atlas comes in through the kitchen door. She's muddy and in rain boots that are cover in dark grime. Her good nature helps to lessen the tension, although she doesn't miss the atmosphere. She helps the kids crawl into their boots and hooded rain jackets while teaching Ace and Marco how to lace the boots.

"They pinch my toes." Grumbles Edward.

Atlas hooks the last lace and grins, "That's why we're getting you new ones. You just have to wear these until we get you new ones. Kay?"

"What about breaking them in?" asks Rodger, "Aunt Axis says you'll get blisters if you don't."

"Aunt Axis also says if you wear to pairs of thick socks you won't feel it." Reminds Atlas, "You can switch between the shoes, but you gotta wear them at least an hour a day until they break in."

"No wonder my feet hurt after I get new boots." Mutters Ace.

Atlas laughs, "Barefoot is the other option, but when you go up North that'll become murder."

Ace winces. Yeah he's seen snow. But the way Atlas and Axis talk about where they're from, he can only cry. Cold, damp, with tons of snow, black sandy beaches, and hot spring of water teaming with fish and tropical life. Snowy island with tropical water… this sounded horribly weird.

Marco finishes tying Rodger's little shoes, "All done."

"Yay! Thank you Papa!" and he bounces down off the bench and kisses Marco on the cheek. The action, although like the flit of a butterfly's wing, is as powerful as a punch.

Marco feels the innocent affection his new found child has for him and smiles, "You're welcome."

Edward bounces down too, "Thanks, Atlas." He grins.

Atlas ruffles his hair, "You're welcome."

"Hey!"

Atlas calls, "Hey Axi! Lets get out of here you got the list?"

"Yes." Both men say simultaneously in a tone that wards off any answers from Ace's sibling.

Atlas looks at one then the other, "What the hell did she do to you two?" she asks blankly.

"Love Lube." Chime in the children.

Atlas whips around and at the kids, "Hey!" she warns, "Not again or you get soap in your mouth." Its not a curse word, but their parents are clearly bothered. Particuarlly the way they both wince with the children's words.

The children cringe because Aunt Atlas will stick a bar of soap in their mouth and they will stand for an hour before she is satisfied.

Atlas looks at the men in their aggravation. She nods for a second, licks her teeth with her tongue, and says, "I'll talk to her."

"Please." Begs Marco tartly.

The group head out as soon as Axis comes down the stairs with the list. She like her brother and his boyfriend, has jeans, t-shirt, and jacket. The steel toe boots she wears are waterproof with scuffs from the many years of wear. They clunk heavily down the stairs and Axis in her usual near drunk weave, attempts to walk.

Marco and Ace walk ahead with Edward swinging off his father's arm. He talks excitedly about the bugs he found yesterday and about the centipede that Atlas killed with a spade. Rodger, riding on Ace's shoulders, says very little as he clings on his father's long hair. He and Ace laugh and giggle at Edward's excitement and relax in early morning sunlight. Behind them, a fair distance away, are Atlas and Axis.

"So the weather man is calling for a hurricane today." Says Atlas pleasantly admiring the loose sunlight that begins to filter between the bright green leaves.

Axis nods and fingers the crumpled list in her pocket, just to make sure she did not forget it.

Atlas continues, "Although, I noticed we have the beginnings of hurricane in the house." She hears Axis groan, "Wanna explain that one to me?" she looks sideways at her younger cousin with high raised eyebrows and a stern expression.

"The kids asked what 'Love Lube' is." Axis shrugs, "So I told them." She looks around, "Then Rodger asked what the word sex means, I'm assuming for clarification, and so I briefly explained what it is."

Atlas groans, "With their fathers sitting there?"

"Yes." Nods Axis.

Atlas sucks her cheeks in and bites on the inside, then says, "Did Ace write that down?"

"Yes." Agrees Axis again.

"Does the concept of censoring mean anything to you?" she inquires tartly, "I'mean for the love of fuck these kids are what? 4 and 6?"

"Yes." Agrees her cousin again.

"SO they don't need all their information. Despite it being available." Alas points out in a heated tone.

"I know."

That stops Atlas and she glares at her younger cousin, "Apparently not! You've officially pissed your brother and his boyfriend off."

"Am I supposed to alter the way I speak to these kids, just because I found out they're related to me?" Axis reasons coldly.

Atlas considers the idea. She frowns. Valid point to Axis. Children need people to be consistent. More so than adults. As people get older, people get used to seeing two faces or more on people. The business face, the parent, the lover, the child at heart are just to name a few labels, but most children only ever had one face. It is as plain as day.

"The one thing I can promise those kids is that I will be honest with them. They've been lied to plenty. If their parents wanna fuckin shelter them, that's cool. But don't leave them with me. I'm not changing just coz the kids are related to me. That's not how I do shit." The vulgarity is a sign that this is something she is not moving from.

While Axis may be able to be reasoned with and coaxed into a different opinion, there are some things better left to her. Quirks and opinions are what make different people, people. Atlas has become relatively accustom to picking part social behaviors Axis does not understand or know about to things she does not observe because they are part of her personality.

Glowering at Axis, Atlas tries again, "But this is what their parents want." Ah-ha! Score one for Atlas.

"Doesn't matter." Axis responds crushing her older cousin's argument with her insensitive response, "This is how I've always worked with them."

"Yes and we can see how well that worked." mutters Atlas darkly. However she knows it is pointless to continue this conversation. Axis was just too damn stubborn and this was quirk and not a misunderstood formality.

There is a warm hum, insect buzz among the trees and bird sing gloriously all around. The path wines smaller into cobblestones which give away to large well worn stones and turns into primitive, in appearance, town. Town is busy and bustling with activity. Shops and stalls advertizing everything from fishing hooks to native fruits and vegetables were splayed out for the public to see. The world of brightly colored booths fits in this tropical world. The cold morning air is lifting letting the heat roll off in great waves. As if the shops, decked out in there brilliant array were not vibrant enough, the sun kissed people of this island paradise are dressed in equally bright apparel.

Atlas in an attempt to cool the on coming war, herds Ace and Marco, plus kids, to the shoe store where a busty blonde haired woman explains options and fits them.

Axis wonders through the market place gathering groceries and supplies. The sellers are polite and offer no resistance as she places quick orders going from vendor to vendor.

She makes a stop into the art supply store having received a phone call from a client when she went up to change. This store is small and tightly packed with supplies ranging from expensive oil paints and gold leafing to the crayons and coloring books her nephews adore. The man behind the counter chuckles at the sight of her and waves casually.

She waves back and wonders through the shelves picking up graphite sticks, conte crayon, and ink.

When she wonders around the edge of shelves she sees a man carrying a long black coat with golden spots. A coat, which she observes, is obscuring what appears to be a long black lacquered blade scabbard. He is dressed in a simple yellow and black hooded sweatshirt that stops three quarters of the way down his arms and spotted blue jeans. The jeans are fitted so that his body shows off its fineness. The pants taper off over black leather boots. They're square toe, matte, and more than likely steel toe like her own. The pair he wears have a nice inch heel, sturdy, but very stylish.

The tattoos are tribal in style from the north with strange twist. It appears southern, but Axis can not be certain. The skin is the color of caramel and the hair is navy blue almost black peeking out from under a fur spotted newsboy cap.

He turns at her approach and those stormy blue eyes gaze curiously down at her. The scruffy goatee and long sideburns are not normally her style, but he pulls off the half street boy half professional look well.

She gives him a polite nod, which he returns and moves around him to wire racks laden with watercolor paper. She squats on the ground and runs her fingertips through the paper searching silently for the correct weight. A pad catches her attention and is pleased to note it not only the correct weight, but it won't kill her budget. She fidgets with the pad and groans. It has been tangled in wire from the back.

Axis glares at the wire from the next side over and reaches under. Her slender fingers quickly twist through the wire, freeing her paper from the confined space. However she looses her balance and has to throw a hand behind her to steady herself. Despite feeling better from the jellyfish stings, the left hand catching her is still badly tearing and splitting.

Unlike her brother and his boyfriend, she was up as soon as she was able. Unable to lay still or contain herself, she made the soft blisters pop and tear frequently. The scabs would frequently pull themselves off her skin and blood would ooze over everything. She had only recently managed to get the skin to heal and did it ever itch. Now it tore painfully at the weakest point, between the junction on the fingers, and she winces as dirt rubbed into those open crevasses.

"Allow me." Says a voice behind her.

She looks up and sees the man with stormy blue eyes.

His hands vanish under the coated rack and disentangle the paper from the rack. The navy haired man hand slides out, grasping the sheaf of paper, and Axis sees more tattoos.

The tattoos are the same style as the ones on his forearms, but the lettering on her fingers sends a shiver up her spine. D-E-A-T-H is splayed across the digits. Out of any information she manages to retain about potential enemies, that small detail she has noticed… is the bucket kicker.

She closes her eyes and lets her head lull back grimacing.

He loops an arm under her arm and pulls her to her feet.

"Thank you." She says politely. She looks quietly at him as she straightens.

"My pleasure, Axis." The paper slides in her hands and one of his hands slides up quickly to the side of her neck. He draws her ear close to his mouth. A brief surge of panic is replaced by his words, "The Navy is livid with you and your brother's flight. They are harbored around the island surveying for the pair of you. Go home." And lets go of her neck.

She draws away from the man she knows is a doctor and surgeon, "Excuse me?" she blinks.

He smiles smoothly, "I haven't seen many women wear a mohawk." He says louder, "Oddly enough, it suits you." His voice is pleasant.

Self-consciously she reaches up and runs her fingers through her hair, "Eh, hehe." She laughs nervously trying to discern his moves. She does not know him, and therefore can't make assumptions. It's frustrating.

The doctor seems to realize she's mentally stuck on his previous words, "Don't worry." He assures her in a low tone, "Getting out now, is not a problem."

"I don't really care how handsome or charming you are," assures Axis with narrowed eyes (might as well admit the truth if you're going to die), "I'm not going to just jump through fire because you tell me it's a good idea."

There is a glimmer of delight at the compliment, but his eyes narrow to match hers, "Go home." He repeats in the same even tone.

Axis purses her lips.

He turns on his heel and is stalks away with a fancy new pen in hand. She hears the clerk as he checks out and leaves.

Glowering Axis shakes her head and quickly checks out. The clerk is pleasant and offers a 'goodbye' as she leaves.

However, everywhere she looks, from there on out, he is there. His black coat is on his arm, the long lacquered case of a blade perched under and his quiet blue-grey eyes looking cold and troubled.

Finally after a half an hour of seeing him everywhere, she checks out from the Dairy and feels him right behind her and stops. What she realizes she picked up on was the sound of his fashionable shoes: The heeled boots that click-clack slightly on the ground. She turns and finds him directly behind her.

"I don't want help from you." She says politely, but inside she in rolling in inner turmoil. The paranoia that never stands down in her body has reared its ugly head. She can pass most of what she feels and sees as hallucinations from some of her medication, but not this.

He takes several of the bags from her arms and threads his arm around hers, "I'm afraid you have to accept." He breathes and urges her to walk with him.

Axis finds the man slowing his stride so she can walk comfortably with her, but feels insistent tug and pull as he guides her through the crowd. It's uncomfortable to be so close to him, this privateer, but she feels that way about anyone. However, she has learned that sometimes its best to see where people's intentions lie. So she allows him to coax her where he will.

He stops by the road leading back to Siphonophore house and lets her go, "Go home." He repeats.

She stares at him coldly, "I can't. I need to go get my brother." She sets the brown paper bags by a tree along with the white plastic bag containing her art supplies.

The man drops the bags he carried besides hers, "I will go." He insists in a low voice beside her.

"Forgive me if I don't trust you." She says continuing her respectful tone, "But I'll get him." There really is no point or reason for this man's care. They've never met.

He reaches out and grabs her arms, "Leave." He insists in a cold tone, "There is no need to further-"

"I have too." She cuts him short, "You cannot protect him." she straightens and shakes his arms off hers, "Thank you for your concern."

His hands latch onto her face.

Axis feels a strange panic in her system.

He opens his broad lips again and says, "This is vital for your survival at this time." He reasons, "At this moment, you must trust me."

She stares again.

"I will got get them." He promises, "And bring them here."

She opens her mouth to ask how he knows about them. Marco, Edward, and little Rodger were never mentioned during their conversation. But his thumbs press against her mouth.

His face is grave, intent, and those eyes are soul searching. Its as if he is trying to will her to see some truth. She realizes he knows the question she wants to ask, but they both know he cannot say it out loud. Finally he says, "Smoke in the wind."

The friends she has made over the years who are Devil Fruit users place their hands on her face as submissive and often in a desperate attempt to make her listen. The touch of bare skin turns off the abilities of the user and left them vulnerable to her often-brutal techniques. Smoker was actually the original person to decide this was effective. He did not do it often, but when he did it meant he was inconsolable.

His grip becomes firmer as he feels the tremor.

"Okay." Is all she says and his hands leave her face. Black and yellow coat disappears into the crowd.

There are signals people use. Discrete movements, speech patterns, and sounds that a variety of people she knows use to say when something is safe, wrong, or needed. Right now, just about everything the good doctor is doing are signals. The face thing is Smoker's: His undeniable technique to force her to listen to him. The steadiness in his voice may be there naturally, but its Mori's technique for soothing over Axis's constant panic. The lip thing, well… that was his own… perhaps 'signal' is better than 'thing'. It conveyed a lot by the pressure and gentleness of the movement.

She groans again. Someone talked and convinced the Surgeon of Death to keep Axis out of trouble.

Axis wonders over to the groceries and sits down staring up into the leaves. The panic that is welling up inside her body is forced down as a wave of sleepy dizziness which wails over her brain. She feels the strange contentment that only her medication brings as it suppresses her ability to feel.

She glances at the open brown bag he carried and sees a white box sitting on top of the garden supplies (rope, string, bamboo sticks, ect.). The pulls it out and notices the sloppy scrawl that Smoker passes off for handwriting. She opens one end and pulls out two new plastic pill bottles. One has long white pills with an indent in the middle and tiny numbers pressed into the back. On the opposite are violet translucent gel capsules with black number and letters. The bottles are tapped together with a single note.

When the tape comes off and she opens the paper, the note says in Smoker's messy scribble;

Be safe. Keep him safe. Tell the chitlens I say 'Hi'. Good Hearts never lie.

-E.S.

That the note really means is;

Last time I saw you, were about to get killed. Yah, I didn't like that. Cannot ya not make my life hard and stay alive? Fuck you. Tell Ace to quit being a pirate because now I feel guilty about hunting him. Rodger and Edward are in danger. The Navy identified your family to be the fucks that decided to shelter them from the Navy. I sent Trafalgar, Law. He's trustworthy.

She jiggles the medicine and note and stuffs them back into the white box and buries it among the gardening supplies. She looks up and sees Atlas laughing with Ace and Marco. Ace is strutting around in his new black boots and Marco is rolling his eyes. Rodger and Edward are carrying their shoeboxes listening to the adult chatter.

Atlas sees Axis and waves, "Hiya!" she beams, "Get everything?"

Axis wonders for a moment if Trafalgar found them, but then sees the swish of his black coat in the crowd, "Y-yeah." She nods catching herself. She finds his gaze and realizes he did not have too. Their group was already on their way back.

He nods silently and disappears as someone passes in front of him.

"What?" Axis blinks looking down at the giggles children.

Rodger grins from ear to ear, "I found boots just like my Daddy's!" he repeats.

"Oh." She looks at Ace's black boots, "They'll be more than comfortable." She nods. She looks at Edward, "Find something?"

He opens the box and shows the brown leather creations hidden inside.

Axis nods, "You can put more than one pair of socks on under those when you come up North…"

"You've been busy." Praises Ace looking at bags, "I suppose you need a hand or two?" he reaches down and grabs two of the largest containing slabs of giant green snapper and squid.

"Uh, sure." Smiles Axis standing up. The pair seemed to have forgiven her for earlier in the day, although they might as well not. She has no intention of changing.

"Ms. Gol?" enquires a stoic voice.

Axis slowly closes her eyes and let's loose a groaning sigh. According to the work she did all night the Navy would either show up today or tomorrow. Unfortunately it had been today. She bit the inside of her mouth and exhales. She spins on the ball of her foot and looks up wearily at the man.

He's in his late forties. The salt and pepper colored hair is cropped short and his blue eyes stand out brightly against his sun tanned leather skin. In one hand he charters a long silver bo and in the other he carries a yellow envelop. The black suit with blue tie has a white and gold cape resting on his shoulders.

"Hi." She grumbles taking in the man.

He nods slightly, "I am Officer Nyugen." He informs her tartly.

"Wayne?" asks Axis repeating what she thinks she has heard.

He nods, "Yes." He offers a letter to her, "This is your official letter of arrest for piracy, arson, murder, and –"

"Don't make me kill you." She interrupts, "Since when does the Navy offer official letters."

"The new requirement made by the Renaissance governments." He states, "As such, you are also required to submit and come with us." He pulls cuffs out from behind his back, "If you just place your arms in front-" and that's all the man gets before Axis's foot collides with the side of his jaw.

She hears the mandible crack under her pressure and is instantly aware of being surrounded by the Navy.

Everything from this moment on is a fast pace blur. The blood curls down the faces of the assailants as Marco and Ace are forced to go on the offensive. There are flashes of Axis's nephews are being thrown around and out of the way.

Atlas's motherly nature comes into full view as she shields and keeps the children from the barrage and onslaught of attacks.

Ace is startled to see his clothing is fire proof. This is his first clue the Siphonophore family knows more than they let on. His attacks are aimed at the waves of men (and some women) of attacking figures. Marco is at his back blocking and protecting him. Ace is a sword and Marco is a shield and together they feel a strange determination to remove any potential problems.

Axis is barely aware of her surroundings. The paranoia of having the Heart Captain follow her around the shops of the Black Islands transforms into her actual talent; knowing where people are and breaking bones. She fights bare handed taking on many and breaking bones in the wrists, knees, and ribs. Her heart is in her ears and each time she blinks there is a new face: Some new soldier who is only following orders. Hell bent creatures foaming at the mouth with annalist ambitions.

In another place, another time, maybe she would have been a friend with many of these people. Axis often thinks about the fact that she did not know these people. She assists in the endless senseless slaughter of people just to stay alive. Then all these lives seem to not satisfy her blood lust because she sleeps with knife just so that she can destroy more at any given moment. However, as another body crumbles under her skilled hands, she also knows that allowing these dedicated misled soldiers to kill her, would not solve anything.

The flash of gold in her vision is what jerks her out of her daze. She sees Edward's golden locks and wide green eyes as he barely manages to dodge the swipe of a solider. It's only then that she also becomes aware of the orders being barked.

"Get the children. General Ingli wants them returned unharmed!" barks an officer hidden under his white and blue naval cap.

"Edward!" barks Axis willing the child to hear her over the noise and roar around them in the open war at the edge of the market place.

Miracle of miracles occurs. Edward hears his aunt's shriek and those green eyes turn up briefly and he dodge around another swipe of a naval officer.

Axis's foot collides with another marine's patella. The crunch is lost as she makes a mad dash for the little boy scrambling awkwardly around the sea of enemies. If Ace and Marco had not been keeping the marines busy, Axis never would have been able to slip, slide and gather Edward tightly against her as she went under some officer's legs.

The little blonde child clutches desperately at Axis's jacket as Axis jumps up, stumbling at dodging around the butt of a gun. She trips and Edward is flung from her arms.

Dead bodies prove to be good for something, as Edward bounces off the flesh sack of bones and organs. He is uninjured if shaken.

In her view, Axis sees Dr. Nyugen advancing towards the child. Cursing her luck, she gets up and scrambles over to him. Axis clutches the fabric of Edward's jacket, pulls him from the ground into her arms. She spots a petrified Marco whose eyes beg for her to give him his son. She curls his body into ball, he grabbing his knees, and tosses him towards Marco. Marco's arms encircle the small boy and his mouth opens to yell something that never comes.

The wide pipe like bo crashes down and splits the soft flesh of Axis's head.

Axis feels the blood roll down. The pain goes numb in her body. The fragrance of red substance drooling down from the injury hangs in the air around her and grinding of bones rolls into her head as the Naval commander winds up for another swing.

Her eyes glaze over and from the tear ducts to the outer side of her eyes, blackness began to seep in. It spreads with a final blink turning the scleras of her eye black leaving grey rings hanging suspended in the inky color. The world turns silent and still. Her eyes roll to the side and see Officer Nyugen.

Then everything is on fast forward. Her body caves and ducks to avoid the next blow. Her head pulled down, body bows down, and suddenly her arm shoots up. Her long fingers catch around the ankle of the thick leather boot and she uses his momentum to pull the his body to her. Her legs swings up and catches the man in the crotch nailing him cleanly in the balls and no doubt injuring his manhood at the same time.

He howls in agony, but Axis is far from done. She pulls him closer and he looses his balance, falling back instead of forward. That's when she see's his foot caught on the large tip if the rock, buried under the dark earth. She feels the crack in the toes of the opposite foot she holds before she hears it. Then her foot moves down in a sharp arc and collides with the side of the knee. There is a sickening crack as her mind rings out her trainer's warning 'It only takes five pounds of pressure to break any bone in the body.' Says his words over and over inside her head.

The officer's body bows and he topples backward as Axis's releases his leg. Then those long slender fingers find his thick neck, locate the second vertebrae of his spinal cord, and then there are a deafening crack. His body goes limp and his head hits the dirt ground and blood spills out his throat.

Ace freezes. Those long delicate looking fingers are so deadly. With a careful and sure grip a person would perish indefinitely.

Axis turns ignoring the head injury. Those hollow near black eyes with their grey rings choose their next target before she can be struck again. She jumps in time to miss another attack and her hands camel clutch the next marine officer's head. Her legs wrap around him from the back and there is another deafening crack as his neck is broken. Her long legs release him and shove him forward and rebound out of the way of the next assault.

She takes a gun shot to the shoulder, which stops her momentum. At the pain in her arm, and Axis turn lifts her fingers and they go rigid. In fact, her whole body goes rigid as Ace witnesses what can only be described as the Marionette Bone technique. The surrounding officers loose their voice and freeze like statues in their place in odd positions.

Ace glances at his sister again and has to do a double take. She is gritting and grinding her teeth, her own skeletal frame strains against her skin giving her a deathly appearance. Those near black eyes are dilated with concentration and he is not sure he can handle the monster staring through his sister's eyes.

He opens his mouth to call to her, but suddenly there is a ripping cracking noise and the bodies around him twist in drastic bizarre shapes as their bones are smashed from the inside out. The larger bones strain and some protrude out through the skin as they shatter, break, bend, and demolish themselves. The soldiers' eyes roll into their head and their mouths fall open in silent screams. Then they collapse like puppets. Their strings cut from their final performance.

Axis's bones stop straining against their flesh bindings, but she does not move. She shakes as she struggles to remain standing, her eyes close and open still black. She is no longer grinding and gritting her teeth, but all the color she had is gone from her skin.

"There you lot, are." Says an oddly cheerful voice.

Ace's head whips around to see the gardener in her black overalls, "Dr. Siphonophore wondered where you lot got too." She chuckles.

"Mori?" quizzes Marco blinking at her.

The strange wise smile and calm demeanor is so out of place on this body riddled battleground, "Hello." She waves. Her eyes flick to Axis as she collapses. Those long champagne colored eyes lashes stare quietly at her friend, and then she says, "Why don't you go back? I'll finish grocery shopping and get the bags already collected."

Ace is drug out of his stupor by his sister collapsing. He walks over silently and stoops down. He gathers his hands under her body and instantly feels the change that has occurred in her body. Where rigid organs normally push and shove against him, he feels nothing. There is a strange stiff softness to the body.

"Ace." Calls Mori.

He looks at the woman with the heavy lidded eyes.

"Its easier if you treat her like a baby. Ya know? How they flop everywhere?" Assures Mori gathering up a stunned and worried Rodger from Atlas, "You need to support them a little more."

Ace nods stiffly and wraps an arm under her head and neck and curls her into his body as he supports her rear-end and lower back. It works well and he has her against his body when he notices water on her skin. It's only then that he realizes he's crying.

"Tell me the truth." Ace begs long after his children have gone to bed, "Please." He adds as Marco's grip on his hand tightens.

Across from him is the lovely, calm, and polite Mori. This gardener, whom he has rarely seen, has always struck him as odd. In the middle of madness she as still as stone and as sure as a blade. The deep browns of her eyes reflect none of her thoughts and words that drip from her lips are always soothing. This is why Ace finds her scary. Nothing gets under the gardener's skin. Not even as she bandaged him, Marco, Atlas, and Axis.

She helped clean their injuries; all of them minor, with a gentle smile speaking in soft tones. The children, still in state of shock, gradually awoke in the arms of their parents as Mori spoke whimsically.

Ace half expected them to break down at the realization of what they had been through today; to his surprise he found them relaxing under the mummers of the gardener. That was when doorbanged open and in came the most monstrous man Ace had ever seen.

He stood maybe seven feet. He was enormous in size. The bulging sculpted musculature did not thing but make a beast out of him. Although, his skin was soft golden color his cropped blonde hair was longer with sweeping tresses. It was probably the only soft thing on him. His eyes were an unnatural red, set deep into his skull. When he opened his mouth Ace saw the jagged pearly white canines that lined his entire gum line. No, Ace really did not want to fight him. Not now.

Despite his initial impression, the ripped short-sleeved army green shirt and dirt blue jeans were unassuming. The jeans were tucked into brown cowboy style boots were an eye catcher because of how simple he was.

He introduced himself as Medici Gavroche. Oh boy did Ace know that name. He was an architect, artisan, and pirate. He was expensive to commission, impossibility disagreeable, and well known for not being human. He was under a classification of people that simply called themselves Sea Devils.

Sea Devils are like humans, but have both gills and lungs. Their teeth are ground sharp, all their eyes are red, and they're all known for being powerful warriors and swimmers. Fishmen do not play with these counter parts because of their moody disposition and or their tendency to be… blood thirsty in battle and eat people.

In any case, Gavroche yelled back and forth with Adam, the doctor, before Siphonphore got the boot. The Sea Devil presented aquatic medicine to the gardener muttering about 'stupid human medics'.

Mori merely thanked him and continued to care for the group, minus Axis who was comatose upstairs.

Once again his children startled him by going and greeting Gavroche with hugs around his legs.

He had rolled his eyes, sighed and scooped up them up. "You'd better not be getttin into any trouble." He warned in dark tone.

They both shook their heads vigorously to show how serious they were.

He chuckled and ruffled their hair before setting them down and sitting beside Mori, where he had remained.

Now, the blond haired man with the cold red eyes studies him for a moment then says, "Alright, whadda wanna know, Fire Fist?"

Ace flinches at the revelation. Gavroche, knows all about Ace. "What is she?" he says before he can politely revise his words.

"Human." Assures Mori with a smile screwing on the lid to the medicine.

But Gavroche, with no intent on lightening the mood says, "Do you know what a Kairoseki is Mr. Portgas?"

"The thing the Navy uses against Fruit Users. It makes us weak." He frowns. What the hell did this have to do with his sister?

"That's what it becomes; A weapon against its opposite." Agrees Gavroche not denying the truth in Ace's words, "But do you know what it is?" presses the man coldly.

Marco answers up this time, "Kairoseki or sea stone, start off as people. They born under certain circumstances determined by the time of year, placement of the stars and moon. When they die, their bones become a malleable stone that has unusual properties."

Gavroche smiles sadly at Marco, "Yes." He inhales and his face becomes a mask "And the older a Kairoseki is, depending on the person, the stronger it gets. The bones' major determining factors are the obvious training, and the not so obvious, torture each person go through."

"Kairoseki… are people?" breathes Ace.

Mori nods, "Were people… Is more accurate." She sighs, "Unfortunately for them to be of use against Fruit Users they must be pulled from within the body. However these bones must be tempered. This process is brutal and time consuming."

"Tempering is a process that makes things stronger by, usually, subjecting them to harsh conditions then calmer ones." Clarifies Gavroche sounding more and more like a dictionary as he attempted to explain the complications in his world.

"They slaughter them…" translates Ace, "Like elephants. Wanted for nothing more than the bones in their bodies? And the bones have to be in the body to be tempered so they are strong enough to be used?"

The pair across nods.

"The Navy has an underground sector completely dedicated to it." Gavroche snorts, "Pisses me the fuck off. Your sister and I have both been subjected to long hours of torture and training. We are highly praised for Kairoseki."

"My sister… is a Kairoseki…?" he asks and translates.

"Yes." Mori agrees, "She puts everyone at risk she knows because of it. So does her Uncle Miguel." She motions to the man beside her, "As does Gavroche and his wife Anna. All these people are Kairoseki."

"Are you?" Marco asks weakly.

Mori gives him a smile again, "You flatter me." She assures him, "No. I am a monster of another sort. I don't have a name." she shrugs, "Couldn't tell you."

It seems the tension is too thick because Gavorche rolls his eyes, "Damn good thing you are. I know no little fuckin' girl who can toss five tons of rock as people like a baseball." The man groans looking off to the side.

Mori looks thoughtful, "Maybe Captain Ciguetera?"

"Tooth Fairy? Naw." He shakes his head," She's more about poking your organs through your body."

"My sister does that." Ace says distantly.

"Where do you think she learned it from?" snorts Gavroche irritably, "That's not h Axis's technique. No. She's all about bone breaking."

Ace looks at the floor.

"Ace?" Mori breathes.

He looks up at Mori with her brown eyes and champagne colored hair. There is a calm politeness with which she deals with people. He appreciates that formality, but also finds himself wishing he could understand and see everything she does. His mind so riddled with questions is forced to try to pick apart this conversation with devastating results.

"Being a Kairoseki is not like anything else in the world." Mori's eyes lower and she looks at her laced fingers, "The moment you are discovered… your rights and privileges as a human being are revoked and you are hunted; Like an animal. Those who survive up to older ages are queer in nature, distrustful, cold, and confused." Mori struggles to convey her knowledge to Ace, "There is so much that goes into this. So much pain and terror."

"Is that why I can't even coax her into loving me? As her brother?" his voice is rising with anger.

"That'd be part of it." Shrugs Gavroche coldly, "Only the mentally disturbed survive wars like this." From within his pocket, the red-eyed mammoth of a man pulls a pill bottle, "This is one of four medicine she has to take." He turns the bottle to Ace: Tranylcypromine.

Mori attempts to sooth the tension, "Besides… if you break… you're useless to the Navy as a future bone weapon in their arsenal. They have to keep you alive and use you in the Navy."

Ace snorts ruefully, "Rather have a dead body to store than a living one to take care of. Is that it?"

"You could say that." Agrees Gavroche tiredly.

Ace buries his face in his hand as he tries to digest the information. He inhales shaky breaths and finally looks at Mori, "Is that why Marco and I floated when we were in the water? Why my abilities shut off when I touch her?"

"Yes." Agrees Gavroche, "It's a defense mechanism. Kairoseki can turned off a Devil Fruit user's abilities and change their own if you were to train with one of us for a long period of time. You would always be able to float in water if one of us touched you. But we might no longer be able to shut your abilities off course, sometimes we loose our ability over a Devil Fruit user entirely."

Marco's brow scrunches, "I didn't know that. When?"

"The most common is: Lovers. Physical inmate relationships usually result in a change of control. The body chemistry of a Kairoseki is set up for change. Which is to say, if one of us let someone in that close we would be altered. No one deserves the control over another's life, especially when it comes down to a relationship. This is a sort of fail safe." He sighs, "And it differs from person to person."

"Fuck…" mutters Ace.

The group looks at the black haired male.

"That's why she's a virgin. She can't risk exposing herself to someone who might stab her in the back…" there is horror in his mind, "But she won't even risk a relationship for the fear of being changed."

Gavroche swallows thickly, "Most surviving Kairoseki are virgins for the that reason Ace," he looks into his hands, "And your right. I'm kinda surprised how fast you figured that part of your sister out." He sighs, "We've lost a lotta people because they became numb to people and lost sensitivity. Then the Navy used those people against our kind."

"That makes sense." Nods Marco and he tries to help steer the conversation away from the more intimate parts of life, "Any others?"

"Siblings." He points at Ace, "The two of you are blood related. Therefore how your abilities react to one another are going to be different. Long time allies or friends who fruit users are also at risk of altering a Kairoseki. Like I said before, when you train with someone for a long period of time, our bodies alter. Consider it our will. Our desire to protect our comrades often give the fruit users new ideas and control on their abilities."

Mori smiles, "Kairoseki are not worthless or less valuable because they were altered. In fact that is sometimes an unexpected side effect of the training. Sometimes that's why the Navy lets Kairoseki live."

"In order to make them a weapon?" growls Ace.

Mori nods.

Ace in angry, hurt, sad, and overwhelmed. He lets the anger deflate out of him and he sinks into the sofa staring blankly at the ceiling.

"I… just can't bring you any closer than you are." That's what she had said to him two weeks ago.

His heart burned and ached. Suddenly the coldness, which he interpreted from her, he saw as loneliness. When every move you make can destroy your survival, what do you do? His sister had figured it out. You kick ass, take names, and shut yourself off. And now… and now Ace wanted the Navy to pay.

He couldn't have a sister. No. Not right away. He couldn't risk her safety, his boyfriend's, or their children.

The Kairoseki Incident

Chapter Five: Edward & Rodger

Ace and Marco sit on one side of the living room and on the opposite side of the room are the two small children who have attached themselves to Axis. The three sit on the floor in a small group. These two beautiful children were introduced (first thing in the moring) to Ace and Marco as their sons. The boys have different personalities and have been raised as brothers for the last three and half years. They have been with the Siphonophore family for a year and half.

The blond haired boy is Marco's. The obvious color of hair and the large heavy lidded eyes give away his parentage. The color of the iris is the only apparent mystery. They are green like new spring grass. He's a very serious and somewhat rebellious child perhaps four to six in age.

The dark raven-haired child with the cropped black hair and large brown eyes is undoubtedly Ace's. The telltale freckles speckle his blush-covered cheeks, the color and body of the hair, and even the shy merry expression he uses, all point to Ace. He presses his tiny body against Axis and behind his older brother.

Axis groans under the weight of the two kids and unravels the kids from her. She sets them on the floor a little ways away from her body, "Well." She sighs.

Ace continues to stare at the children like doe in the headlights. His head is reeling. He is a father; A parent… and a pirate. His child is in danger from this second on.

Marco's hand is covering his mouth; his normally sleepy eyes are wide in disbelief. After all these years of managing to avoid any potential problems, careful planning to insure safety of the crew he works for, even protecting and loving his boyfriend… he is simply horrified. For the last several years, a child has lived without its living parent. His child, who needs a father, has lived without him.

"Um…" Is the only intelligible sound Marco makes as he blinks.

Axis rolls her dark eyes and looks down as Edward crawls back partially into her lap. Deciding Ed has the best idea Rodger bounces between his brother and his aunt and Axis groans. She nudges the kids in her lap, "Boys say 'hi' to your parents." She urges, "They're a little star-struck." She adds with a grumble.

The boys look up at her and then obediently they speak.

Edward's lips are in a frown as he says, "Hi." in a flat clipped tone.

Rodger is less agitated and more bashful as he offers a little wave and a barely audible, "Hello."

The blonde with his sullen expression glances at his brother and returns Marco's stare. His eyes are guarded. There is an edge to expression and frown marring the beautiful boy face. His spring green colored shirt matches his eyes and his worn, torn, and patched jeans are only held up with a belt. Normally he's better dressed, but they've pulled him from playing outside.

The little dark haired boy, in his jean overalls and blue-stripped shirt, is adorable in every such way. Beautiful does not quiet fit him because of his shyness. He peeps out from behind his brother with large brown eyes. His expression, very much unlike his older brother's, is of genuine curiosity. However, he like wise says nothing to his parental figures.

After several moments of unbearable silence, Ace's sister groans loudly and flops over onto the hardwood floor of the living room, "What the fuck did I do this for?" she mutters.

The dark haired boy crawls on top of his aunt and then sits on the ribs of her body, "Do what?" he inquires childishly.

"Don't answer my rhetorical questions, Rodger." She grumbles.

"What's a re-re-re-rhetorical question?" stutters the child trying to say the word.

"Rhetorical, like you're not supposed to answer it." Ace answers automatically leaning back against the sofa, "It's kind of like the questions you ask to the world. You don't really want an answer."

"Sort of like Uncle Baron asking why the beer is gone after he drinks it all gone?" quips the boy bouncing slightly so he turn and look at his parent.

"Ow!" mutters Axis, "Watch the ribs. You gotta boney butt." She grimaces in discomfort.

"Sorry, Axis." He apologizes instantly, and then examining the fabric of the jacket his aunt is wearing says, "Uncle Miguel said I had boney butt too." He looks up sweetly at Ace with a half apologetic expression, "He said I cut off his circulation in his leg."

"And now you're gonna break my ribs." Frowns Axis gathering the boy up under his arms and setting him on the floor, "Go to your Dad. He has cushioning called muscles to protect his body."

The little boy cocks his head and turns around to look at Ace, "Really?"

Ace laughs, "No." he leans forward and opens his hands towards his child sitting on the floor.

The little boy smiles shyly. He stands up and shuffles over to the man with freckles. He allows Ace to gather him off the floor and Rodger sits on his father's leg. Very quickly he notices the heat that radiates from his father's body and snuggles in deeper against his frame.

Ace is startled, but no one could replace the smile on his face. He carefully wraps his arms around his son and settles against the cushions of the sofa.

"You're warm." Concludes the boy.

The blonde haired man smiles at the pair and nods, "Yeah, he's always warm. I use him as heater when I'm cold."

Ace lets his face be covered with rosy blush, "Which is all the time."

Both men laugh and the little boy joins in.

However, the blonde haired child remains sitting in Axis's lap. He won't venture closer to them and he certainly won't leave the safety of the person he knows. The child does not miss the flicker of hurt in his elder's eyes and does not miss his brother's giggles of joy. He will not move, he will not.

Axis sits up while her nephew and her brother begin a series of question and answers and nudges the remaining child, "It won't kill you to try." She whispers.

He glowers at her with hurt, "No." the response is short and clipped.

Axis tries again. Her ability to interact with people is limited, but her knowledge of these two children is vast, "Edward… he's not going to hurt you."

The green eyes glance at her and glare resolutely back at Marco, "No."

"I might hurt you if ya piss me off." warns Axis with a hardened expression, "This is ridiculous."

Edward looks at Axis again and silently he judges the consequences of his actions. "No." he responds a third time.

Axis inhales loudly and grits her back teeth together. She hates children. She really does. "Please help me out." She begs darkly and adds in an undertone, "I'm not asking you to go back to the Navy."

To the boy, that comment about the Navy is a low blow. He faces her staring at Axis with a disbelieving horror.

"Fuck." She mutters and looks up at the ceiling, "Edward…" she warns, "I am losing the little bit of patience I have left." She sets her jaw slightly to the side biting down, "Either you help me out or I'm gonna fuckin leave."

"Leave…?" he whispers as his eye grows in size. His tiny heart speeds up pace, panic sets in like a vice.

"I'm not asking you leave." Corrects Axis automatically, "But your Dad would like to get to know you."

Edward's tiny world crashes in on him. The panic of loosing the stability of the Siphonophore family, of the woman he knows and has come to respect chokes him. Axis might as well have said she hated him. "No!" he screams and jumps up and sprints out of the room on Hermes winged shoes.

"Eddie!" yelps Rodger in a panic and wriggles out his father's lap, "Eddie where are you going?!" he belly flops on the floor and quickly clambers to his feet. The raven-haired child chases his brother out into the house.

"Fail." Mutters Axis rubbing her face, "I fucking hate fucking kids." She grumbles again. Perhaps not her best choice in words, but she is desperate. These children need parents. Not a half crazy bunch of relatives who live in dark twisted world of blood and gore. Stability and unconditional love are what they crave and so rightly deserve. She can offer neither, nor can her extended family.

Ace seems a little startled, but laughs, "Luffy used to do that to me. I'd leave a room and he'd chase after me. He'd follow me all day." He giggles.

Axis nods glumly, "They've been raised together as siblings. As I've told you before. I'm afraid one cannot leave without the other. Even from a room. It's an apocalyptic event for them. " She carefully looks at Marco's sadden face, "I'm sorry Edward isn't more receptive. He's older and been through a lot. I'm afraid he's… untrusting of adults he doesn't know. It takes him a while."

Marco looks up quiet, "I understand." He says calmly, but swallows a lump in his throat.

She sighs and rubs her forehead.

"Did you know they were our kids?" Ace quizzes watching his sister. His hand nudges Marco's leg and his significant other latches onto his hand with a loose grip. The injuries have, for the most part, healed in 48 hours due to the tremendous skill of Dr. Siphononphore. The final stages of healing are still tender to touch, but no longer severely painful.

The raven-haired girl shakes her head and looks up at him, "No. I only just found out as well." She shrugs, "My Uncle -Miguel- was making odd remarks. He said something to the effect he wanted to meet you when I said I bounced into you." She sighs again, "He was trying to discreetly tell me there was a reason, but I need to be hit with a bat."

Ace snorts, "I know that." He teases affectionately, "And I've only known you a few weeks."

"Quick learner." Praises Axis shortly.

Marco chuckles, "You could say that."

The day is gloomy and warns of the next storm. The rainy season is cooler here in the Black Islands and brings high tidal waves and hurricanes. The Whitebeard Commanders' offspring tail after their known guardian into the gardens. Ace and Marco linger behind the trailing children, keeping their distance. The unexpected shock of having children has delighted and scared them into submission of the Siphonophore household rituals. While most of their time has been spent in recovery, the rest of their time at the strange sound proof home, has been spent in following the routine.

The gardeners bring fresh vegetables and fruit up to the house around 10:00 AM. In the house chores are rotated. Whoever is on cooking duty goes into the kitchen and starts lunch. Lunch is the heaviest meal in the house and is served every day at 1:30 PM. The cook may ask other to help with minor kitchen chores, but the bulk of the work is the cook's.

Ace and Marco have been thrilled to assist in the kitchen; the chores go from peeling, cutting, and arranging food to washing pots, pans, and dishes. When not employed in the kitchen, they have done minor cleaning in the house or helped run errands into the small village in the valley. Clothing and hats help hide their identities and when they have presented the Siphonophore name, everyone turns quiet friendly towards them. The people ask no questions and politely do their business dealings.

Today is the first day they have really spent outside. The pair have been hoping to help in the massive vegetable garden where the dreams of fruit and vegetable alike are realized in this small home; Luscious lettuce, bright red tomatoes, burly green, orange, yellow and red pepper, languid lovely green bean stocks, light short sweet peas vines, deep forest green cucumbers on their wild vines, bright ripe strawberries in neat rows, blueberry bushes loaded with bright plump navy colored fruit, and many strange varieties of edible plants the pair had never seen. The trees that grow around the house are loaded with beautiful fruits of every kind, including the favorite peaches, apples, cherries, and pears. There are also shorter pruned trees (that look more like shrubs) with ripe yellow meyer lemons dangling off. Not to mention the bulbous gooseberries that surround the house.

As Axis pushes back the white washed fence gate, and lets the children dart ahead, another woman comes from between the plants in the garden to greet them.

Her dark wash denim overalls are filthy from digging in the mud and the wicker basket she carries is laden with leafy green vegetable and tubers. Her face is smudged with dark charcoal and her brown hair is pulled up in tiny ponytail. She grins with rightful pride as they enter her domain. However, Ace spots two swords leaning against the washhouse and suddenly wonders if she is, in fact the head gardener. The one blade in its red lacquer sheath catches his attention. The decoration on the sheath looks like fire. The one blade beside it, resting more in the shade speaks of earth. The green sheath is more worn looking with a strangely textured surface.

His attention is drawn back to the approaching woman, "All right there, Axi?" she says pleasantly kicking up dirt as she walks.

"Alive." Agrees Axis, "We've come to help you in the garden."

The brown haired woman looks behind Axis to the two men, "I've already been warned. Dr. Siphonophore threaten to burn down the whole vegetable garden if I let you three help me." She grins, "But I'll accept you two." She beams at the little ones.

The dark haired boy, Rodger, grimaces at the dirt.

"Aw come now," beams the woman, "There's no need for that. I have an excellent job for you and you won't be diggin' in the dirt." She promises.

He offers a shy smile.

She winks at the little blonde haired child, Edward, "As for you I have some lovely beetles I need off my cabbages and kale." And both children go sprinting toward the garden where another gardener takes them.

Ace recognizes the voice of the woman covered in dirt with her wicker basket. He is unable to place it right away, but is sure it will come back to him.

"Can I have their energy?" sighs the woman looking at Axis pleasantly.

Axis shrugs, "Could you catch it?"

The brunette laughs warmly.

"What are you doin' in Mori's garden? Killing the plants?" Axis offers looking around.

Ace is surprised to have his silent question so quickly answered. So, this woman is not the head of gardens. She is just another of people who work among tending to the plants.

The brunette sticks her lip at Axis, "Ha fricken Ha. I'll have you know I'm doin a good job at maintaining her work."

"Bakers belong in the kitchen." Retorts Axis flatly.

"And this Baker has a doctorate degree in Illustrative Botany." She returns, "Jeeze I get no respect."

"Why? Because you're fucked up off your meds?" questions Axis.

"Watch it! What about you and your meds?" the woman returns haughtily.

Axis rolls her eyes, "What meds?"

The woman rolls her pale green eyes and looks at Ace, "You are going to straighten out your sister right?" she prompts.

"I make no promises." Grins Ace. Her personality is kind of charming in harsh and flat way. There is a certain amount of optimism in every word and well as a healthy dose of teasing.

"Well you haven't changed." She groans, "How did I end up in this family?"

"I'm sorry, who are you?" interrupts Marco, "I'm afraid-"

The brunette snorts again, and then gives Marco one of Ace's grins, "I'm Bones D. Atlas. My mother is Ace and Axis's aunt." She extends her hand and shakes Marco's.

Ace's jaw drops, "Wait a second! Didn't we meet when I was chasing Blackbeard?" And somewhere in his head he realizes the implications of what she said. Gol D. Rodger had a sister as well. A sister who gave him a cousin who even looks a little like him.

"Was that what you were doing?" Atlas snorts unimpressed, "Fuck! No wonder you were being stupid." She mutters, "But yeah, that was me."

Ace rubs his head, "Wow… I thought I was hallucinating." Vivid images flash through his brain and Atlas's voice soothes the corners of the painful memories he has suppressed.

"Well when you eat Kaotion Berries that does have a tendency to happen. They're a highly hallucinogenic." She shrugs, "I would hope that pirates have some sort of botany lesson for when they're living off the land."

"Uh, no." Ace grimaces, "So that whole event..?"

"Yeah… you got yer ass kicked. I took care of ya and you fled! Like a rabbit!" and here she mutters under her breath again, "Right back into danger."

"I see there is a story." Concludes Axis.

Atlas ruffles Axis's hair, "Maybe one day."

Marco raises an eyebrow, "You're Ace's cousin?"

"First cousin." Nods Atlas. "You can see it, can't you?" she grins looping an arm around Ace's shoulders and pointing back and forth between her and Ace.

Marco snorts, "Yes…"

Atlas grins and claps Ace on the back, "Ahhhh… fuck!" she looks at Axis, "We're all gettin' together! Ain't this the cutest family reunion?" and moves as if she is going to wrap an arm around Axis, but stops as Axis stares at her arm suspended in the air, "Yeah never mind." She waves if off.

"Do you want help?" Axis says changing the subject.

"Do I want Mori to feed me to the Hanging Tree? No!" she snorts folding her arms with the basket.

"Basic ground work." Axis prompts, "Cleaning, peeling, cutting?"

"Oh that. Yeah sure. I got a butt load of potatoes that need to be cleaned. We're having bacon potatoes tonight!" she grins, then turns to Ace, "Miguel's cookin'. He always wants the weirdest shit." She shrugs, "Well come a long duckies!" and marches the trio over to the washhouse.

A large vat of water is given to Ace, monster basket of potatoes is shoved in Marco's hands, and Axis gets a tall empty woven basket shoved over the top of her head.

"Put the clean ones there." She grins, "I've got work to do. Find a spot out of the way and get to work!"

"She can be quiet the slave driver, huh?" Marco mutters to Axis stuck in the upside-down basket.

"You don't even know…" promise Axis darkly.

The three find a spot in the grass to sit and work on the hill looking over the garden. At the bottom of the vat of water are several bristle brushes. These brushes along with the clean water quickly remove excess soil and dirt from the tubers outer surfaces. Once clean, the roots are placed in the large wicker basket for the short trip up to the kitchen.

"I haven't seen Atlas in years." Comments Ace tossing a spud into the basket.

Axis glares, "Consider yourself lucky."

"Why so cold?" chuckls Marco.

Axis glares at the ground, "Does the term 'older' mean anything to you in relation to a family."

Marco and Ace laugh warmly.

"Are you always annoyed about this subject?" grins Marco.

"Dysthymia insists on pessimistic moods." Says a smooth female voice from behind.

Startled, the three peer behind and up.

The heavy sutures across her forehead are the most propionate feature of her face. They automatically draw the eye's attention with their silver gleam. The champagne grey brown hair is chin length and thick. Her eyes are heavily lidded with large brown pupils that gaze from under the champagne colored eyelashes. She skin, while pale, has more of a bronze color to it; perhaps its from the dark colored soil she works with. The overalls are black with six gold buttons over top a white blouse with a black satin ribbon tied under the collar. The long sleeved shirt is rolled up to her elbows showing off the dainty thin wrists and shapely arms. With in those bare arms are thick crème colored bones.

"Mori-san." And Axis offers her first real smile.

Mori, with her benign graceful smile, says, "Welcome back, Axis!" she looks at the men, "I take it you two are our visitors."

Ace grins and bounces up. He bows politely, "Yes ma'am. I'm Portgas D. Ace. It's a pleasure to meet you."

She chuckles at his formalities, "Hello."

"Forgive me for not getting up," says Marco waving up at her, "I'm Marco."

Mori chuckles warmly, "Pleasure I'm sure." She looks at their task, "Potato duty huh?"

Ace can't help but relax at whimsical sound of the woman's voice, "Yeah! It's not so bad."

"Well worth the trouble." Assures the woman in the black overalls.

"Ace," interjects Axis, "Let me introduce you a little better. This is Mori. The gardener." She motions to the champagne colored hair woman, "Mori-san, this is my brother Ace and his boyfriend, Marco. They're Edward and Rodger's parents."

Mori blinks slowly, naturally, her smile never wavering, "Oh. I see the resemblance." She agrees. No doubt, she was warned.

The raven-haired man looks taken a back. He turns and casts his eyes over what looks like a mini plantation in his opinion. The bright colors that are strewn across the grounds strike him silent. The bold lush greens that pop up all over the garden astound him with wonder and then he looks back to the woman with the sutures.

"You do all this?" Ace asks.

She nods politely, "I'm the head gardener for all the Siphonphore households." She reiterates, "I really loves plants." she sighs and looks around again, "But I also have lots of help."

"Common garden vegetable too boring for your tastes, Mori-san?" teases Axis.

The gardener's brown eyes flick down, "Of course. I only want rare and dangerous plants." Then as an after thought, "Preferably carnivorous or marrow consuming."

"Assume that's what those are for." Comments Marco looking at the hard organs.

Mori shrugs, "But of course. What else would they be for?"

"Where does someone get bones from? The butcher shop?" asks Ace curiously.

"These are human bones." Corrects Mori politely.

Both men blink in disbelief. As they examine, they can see the long femur and humerus of a human skeleton. Looped around her arm, is a broken pelvis missing the sancrum.

Marco tries again, "Where does someone get human bones from?"

Mori's gaze turns to Axis, "I have plenty given to me from a variety of sources." She looks at the men, "My most common bones come from the marines."

Ace swallows, "Why?"

"Because they're a bunch idiotic sheep." Grumbles Axis glaring at the dirt that has formed under her fingernails.

Marco looks from Mori to Axis, "Who is your normal source?"

"Axis." Mori states, "She and the so called 'Tooth Pirates'."

"You mean the Black Lotus, Research & Development Medical Facility?" Marco cocks his head curiously, "The one captained by a Dentist?"

Mori nodded, "Yep, but I need to get going. The Hanging Trees get angry without food." She starts down the hill weary of making Ace's sister uncomfortable, "I'll see you at dinner!"

"See ya." Calls Axis watching Mori leave.

"That's your head gardener?" gapes Ace at his sister.

"No." corrects Axis darkly, "That's my best friend. Mori. She is a gardener by trade." She tosses another potato into the basket, "My family was happy to supply her with land to experiment and grow on. She mostly grows exotic, demonic, carnivorous, or undead plants. The vegetable garden here on the Black Islands is one of the gardens she manages. All her freaky shit's up North where I live."

"Where the hell's she from?" mutters Ace.

"West Blue." Answers Axis grasping for another potato.

"Ah." Both men nod simultaneously.

The black haired girl looks curiously at her brother and his lover. It's curious how often the mention of the West Blue soothes everyone's worry.

Despite the cooler weather, limited sunshine, and the curious breeze the trio made quick work of the vegetables. Axis teasingly suggested that the cause for so much cleaning and cooking was Ace's stomach. Atlas, Ace and Axis's cousin, in her well-worn and dirty overalls comes to find them. She is pleased and startled by their quick progress.

"Want somethin' else ta do?" inquires the brunette grinning.

Ace smiles at her, "Do your worst!" he challenges.

She laughs, "Ho-oh! One round of potatoes and you think you can manage everything huh?"

Ace stands up, "I do."

"I accept your challenge." She beams. She points at the washhouse, "We just pulled in the peaches for the day. I think you should cut and pit these luscious beauties."

"You make this sound like we're having sex with the food." Ace smirks.

Marco chokes.

Atlas leans forward so she's in his face, "The best food makes you have sex with it. Your taste buds go orgasmic."

Marco continues choke loudly.

Axis gently pats him on the back, "You okay?"

Ace grins in Atlas's face, "Well I'd be honored to help."

"Good! Miguel wants dumplings." She says, "Come with me to the wash house and clean the dirt from under your fingernails. I don't want that in the food."

Marco clears his throat and gets to his feet. His face is flushed as he watches Atlas trot towards the white washhouse, "Picky isn't she?" muttered Marco to the siblings. And then more to himself then to the siblings, "At least for someone who likens good food to having sex."

They both snort in humor.

"I hear you." Warns Atlas looking over her shoulder with a grin, "Just for the record, Blondie can carry the bowls." She looks over her shoulder, "Better be glad you're still injured."

"Or there would be hell to pay." Teases Axis under her breath.

"Hey! Hey! I know where you sleep!" warns the brunette.

They were marched to the cottage where they were given another round of brushes to scrub their nails with. Unlike with the potatoes it is a long going. The dirt is under the fingernails and refuses to come out with a simple sweep. Several minutes pass and the trio have stilled failed to be clean. The door bangs open and in darts the boys with wings attached to their feet.

The trio looked down curiously at the wide grins.

"What's up?" asks Axis rinsing the brown water from her skin.

"Lookit what we found!" the children cheer together and hold up their goods for inspection.

In Edward's pale dirty fingers are series of dead glossy beetles. Two bright blue insects and six golden beetles with shimmering exoskeletons. In Rodger's tiny hands is a beautiful dark colored coiled basket chartering stunningly beautiful orange fruit. Both children have selected brightly colored treasures and both are overjoyed.

"Those are beautiful, Edward." Praised Marco not lifting his eyes to meet his son's. He kneels down to examine the insects' closer. The radiance and luster of the shells are exquisite and beyond any common black garden beetle he has ever seen, "What are they?"

"The blue ones are called Sea Glass Beetles. They're from this island. The gold ones are called Deadman's Coins. They're found in large concentrations of rare metals." Says Edward cheerfully, "They must've strayed here on a merchant ship."

Marco admires them for a moment longer and then lets his blue eyes meet his child's.

Edward has a naturally cold disposition, but he sees a curiosity in those green eyes that was not there before.

There in this silence is a polite, reserved affection between the pair.

Ace's son has bounced into his father's open arms, "Aunt Atlas is the only one who grows these." Rodger says showing the oval shaped fruit, "She says they're from high up in the mountain in the New World."

"Are they?" Ace inquires curiously to the bossy brunette.

Atlas flashes a large grin at her cousin, "They are. The locals called them Quarps. They high in sugar, protein, and omegas that I've only seen in fish."

"Eat one." Presses Rodger happily pressing the fruit against his father's somewhat chapped lips.

Ace presses his lips together and draws away. Rodger playfully tries to shove the fruit in his father's mouth, giggling as he makes the attempt. Fire Fist gives the boy a playful smile then grabs the fruit with his teeth and takes a bite.

The moment his teeth pierce the skin the juice of the strange fruit in squirting and teasing his taste buds, "Oh! Wow! That's good!" he praises chewing and swallowing, "It's kinda tart, but also sorta sweet. It doesn't smell bad either." He sniffs.

Rodger looks at the half of the fruit left. A silly shy grin glows over his innocent face and then he shoves the quarp into his mouth. He winces as the sharp flavor attacks his mouth and begins to more or less gnaw on the remains.

"Marco you gotta try this! Here. Give him one, Rodger." He says nudging his son who is now dripping with translucent thick orange sap.

The black haired child fishes out another orange oval shaped fruit from within the basket. Despite the quickly congealing sap on his fingers the fruit is probably safe to eat. However, Rodger rubs it on his shirt removing the access and offers it to the blond haired man.

Marco straightens and takes it, "Thank you." He takes as bite and shivers. His face winces and twists as he tries to handle the tartness of the fruit. He forces himself to swallow, grimacing as he does, "Sorta tart?! It might as well be a lemon!"

"Told ya, Reggie." Grins Edward playfully locking his arms behind his back, the beetles clasped in his fists.

"I like em." Rodger returns continuing his slow consumption of the orange fruit, "They're good." Noticing the sap is oozing down his tiny arms he lifts his arm and begins to lick down, like a puppy, in a vain attempt to clean himself.

"Me too." Grins Ace snickering at his child's behavior.

Marco cringes at the fruit. Unwilling to waste the food he turns to his ever present human garbage disposal and offers the remainder of the fruit, "Here. Finish mine." He shivers, "Its gross."

Ace grabs the fruit and downs it in the blink of an eye.

The group laughs at Ace, but stops as thunder rolls overhead.

Atlas blinks rapidily, "Shoot! I didn't manage to get half of the shit I need to get done." She groans.

"Mori won't hold it against you." Assures Axis.

Another peel of thunder and quickly flash of lighting startles Atlas, "Wow! That storm is movin' fast!" she winces, "We need to get up to the house before the down poor."

There is a violent crash of thunder and lightening strikes a large towering tree. It lights up in dazzling white nearly starting into a fire. Smoke billows from the impact. Edward bounds from his spot, dropping his beetle and grabbing at Marco's legs. His small form shakes and he looks around fearfully.

"It can't hurt you in the house." Promises Ace with a smile.

But Edward does not budge. He clings hard to his father's legs staring out the open door toward the dark gathering of clouds advancing in the distance.

"It's alright." Soothes Marco kneeling down and pulling the boy to him, "It's alright." Surprisingly the boy moves closer in, desperate to be surrounded by the warmth of his elder.

Atlas gives a knowing smile and says, "Well, Axis and I will do peaches in the kitchen. It looks like the storm is about to come." She motions to the children and their parents, "Take your small things and go play in the house."

"We'll take the underground passage." Nods Axis opening the closet door and revealing a flight of stairs. She finds a string in the dark and tugs. A light flickers on and hums into life.

"We'd said we'd help." Ace counters moving so his sister can pass him and lead the way down the passage.

Atlas dismisses him with a wave of her hand, "There will be plenty of time to do chores." She promises hefting the bowls and the fresh basket of scrubbed potatoes.

Axis gives both of them a nod, "You're guests while you're injured. Take advantage of it." She scoops the bowls from her older cousin's arms and proceeds down the stairs.

Marco moves cautiously and Edward gives him silent permission to pick him up. Marco gathers the child close to him and picks up the fallen beetles. He pockets the insects and the men follow women down through the passage and back up into the cellar of the washhouse. Another flight of stairs lands them in the large kitchen where the basket is hauled onto the table and the bowls are dropped.

While the girls set things up to work, the boys go to the living room. Edward buries himself against Marco's body during the short walk to the cushioned room. His small form is shaking horribly. Tiny tremors find work from his shoulders and spin outward towards his arms and head. She rubs his face desperately against Marco taking in the scent of his elder. His Dad radiates warmth and his Papa gives off some body heat, but waves of soothing comfort peel off him like waves. It's the first time an adult male has made such an impact on him. The sincerity with which his Papa has tried to reach him is real. He can feel it in the way the larger body caves to protect him and smell in his father's sea salt scent.

Marco finds himself rubbing small circles into the child's back. The small shivers and tremors decrease and Edward continues to rubs his face against him. Marco returns the movement by nuzzling the blonde child's head. Instantly, Edward stills and his face turns in against Marco's neck. There is a soft breathing against his skin and the trembling continues to still. The storm should not be a problem, but it is. Even if it worries him, Marco is grateful for the opportunity to be a father to his son. Before Marco realizes it, Edward has fallen asleep.

As Marco looks down at a giggling Rodger, he notices for the first time the dark haired boy has been watching Marco out of the corner of his eye. For a moment, Ace's child looks at him with his rosy freckled cheeks and gives him the most comfort he's felt all day; A sincere serene smile. Its almost as if Rodger says out loud, 'You're okay.' And for a child, that is all one could expect.

Marco lets the tension in his body relax and he carefully gathers up Edward's now limp frame, "I'll be back." He promises, "I'm gonna lay Ed down." But some little flash in Rodger's eyes tell him it's a bad idea to leave his child during a storm, "And maybe I'll take a nap with him." he adds. Marco is pleased to see the relief that floods Rodger's chocolate brown eyes.

"Kay." Nods Ace and makes a squawking noise as Rodger bounces onto him, "Hey! Whatcha doin? Huh? Whatcha doin?"

Rodger shrieks with laughter as he attempts to escape from his father tickling fingers.

Marco shakes his head with a smile and walks down the hall. How can such a small child see so much? His mind is racing with the repeating question of; what did the Navy want the kids for? Perhaps it had something to do with the unusual understanding hidden in those big brown eyes. He sighs and hugs his son closer to his body.

Just as he passes the kitchen he stops on the other side of the doorframe, just out of sight. Both women are there, but there is a man, also sitting with them.

The man resembles a monster. His form is huge, bulky, scarred, and ghastly. His lips reveal large canine teeth; his eyes are hollow black circles, and his hair a crop of blonde tresses. He is not anyone Marco has seen in the house before. He is not someone; Marco really wants to cross either.

"So I checked an', bloody fuckin morons ask if I'm a fuckin' Naval Officer." He growls in his heavy accent, "Fuck! Do I like one of those bloody fuckin piss ants?"

"What did you find out?" Axis asks dully.

"I foun' out that Whitebeard is stationed Builder's Island." He answers.

"Port Indigo?" asks Atlas surprised, "That makes sense. The island just across the way."

"Aye." He agrees, "He an' his men are fine. They're fixin' the ship an' they said for his boys ta stay put. Whateva that means." He sniffs, "Fuck I hate this weather."

"Didja tell him he's a Granddad?" grins Atlas teasingly, "'Member I told you the kids' parents are members of the crew."

"Fuck no." the man answers, "I'm not 'bout to be shot. I'm the messenger. Not the target."

"Thank you, Gavroche." Axis says abruptly, "I know it isn't your favorite thing to do, hnting down information for me, but I'm grateful for your help." While Ace's sister sounds sincere, there is a strange formality to it.

There is silence, and then the man says, "Who's here?" he asks.

Marco swallows. For a split second, he wonders is the mammoth of a man, knows he's standing outside the kitchen.

"My brother and his boyfriend." She answers.

"Aye." He groans, "Lemme guess. They both work fer Whitebeard, ah?"

"Yes." Agrees Axis, "Commanders One and Two." She clarifies.

"I wondered what the fuck you wanted information on Whitebeard for." Gavroche snorts, "Great, just great." He grumbles, "Whole fuckin world is looking for Kairoseki, like you and me, and you jus' hafta locate a sibling!" he thumps against the table, "Fuck Axis you're trying to make yourself weak."

"Weak?" Atlas returns politely, "You training partner is anything, but weak."

"Fuck you." Hisses Gavroche, "How many months has it been since you last had the Doctor take out more bones?! How long? Have you been an' any battles?" his voice is seething. However, the rage is not entirely sincere. There's a strange ebb and flow in his voice. A cracking that he cannot hide in his rage, "How long can you keep going before the whole world realizes that you are karioseki? Can ya hide for much longer, before the bones show themselves through every pore?"

There is another bout of silence, and then Axis returns, "I appreciate your concern."

"But what?" he spits.

"But I will not have my weaknesses showing. Not now, not ever again. You, of all others, should know why I do what I do."

"It doesn't change the fact that if the Navy catches you- right now- you're dead! You would have to turn yourself over rather than suffer your brother and his lover. You did it fer those kids." He snaps.

"What's gotten into you?" Atlas questions in a hostile tone, "Since when are you a dick towards your best friend?"

"Since she was stupid enough to get caught!" he retaliates, "You dumb fuckin bitch!" he snarls his comment directed towards Axis.

Axis answers him, "You're right. I don't have long before its too obvious." Her voice calm and even but wavers, "I would rather die, then let anyone close to me be tortured in their hells. And you're right, if something happen, I will be the first to fall. But I am not so weak as to give up before the fight."

"Because you're stupid!" he barks, "Get them as far from you as possible! If you have any emotional attachment, squish the bloody thing and get a move on! The entire Navy is aware that you are out an about! What more do you need, to stop being stupid?"

Marco's brain is racing. His heart is thumping painfully in his chest. He knows exactly what Gavroche is talking about. His breath catches in this throat as he realizes what his sister-in-law is.

"I can't help but be stupid!" Axis returns with a heavy heart broken edge, "For fucks sake… I'm human!"

He growls, "But we both agreed! No more avoidable stupidity!"

"What about Anna?" Axis returns again.

He does not respond. He is breathing heavily like he's winded.

"What about Anna… and your daughter? Your brother-in-law?" questions Axis.

"I made a mistake I am not willing to let you make. I am weaker than other Kairoseki on this planet because of them!"

"But you can't get rid of them." Axis states, "And won't."

A chair scrapes across the ground and heavy foot falls leave the table for the back door in the kitchen, "You're a fuckin' idiot, Axis!" and the door slams shut jolting Marco out of his stupor.

Quickly the Whitebeard commander hurries up the flight of stairs to Edward's room.

The loud thump of the door startles Ace, "What was that?"

"Probably Gavroche." Answers Rodger crawling into his father's lap again.

"Whose that?" Ace asks stretching.

Rodger scratches his head, "Hmmm, that's Axis's best friend. He's BIG like a monster and he's gotta a-a-a bad temper."

"Is he scary?" Ace presses.

Rodger shakes his head, "Not really. More like… violent."

"Why doesn't this surprise me?" mutters Ace glaring at a wall. His sister has a horrible taste in friends.

The little boy takes his father in consideration for a moment. His large brown eyes search for some understanding… some flaw. He fully expects his father's anger. Rodger knows many things. But there is something on his chest. He sighs and decides to ask the burning question, "Does-does my name bother you?" wonders Rodger out loud looking up at his father shyly.

Ace's expression softens dramatically, "Why would you think that?" surprised by his son's change in mood. Only moments before, he was giggling and laughing.

"I heard you don't like Gol D. Rodger." Mutters the little boy, "My name is Rodger…"

How could the little boy forget? The navy rubbed it in face, forced him to face the fact. The last time he was caught (two months ago) he had learned to truth. He had been found out. His heritage was out in the open and the old man named Monkey D. Garp looked horrified as Secret Commander of Interrogation told the truth at war meeting.

Edward sat beside him, green eyes wide and staring. At the mention of First Commander Marco the Pheonix an unreasonable fear had swam in his brother's eyes.

To Rodger, the fear had seemed reasonable. Edward had been through so much more than he. Rodger's personality was so docile and sweet that the Naval Officers never really had a reason to bully him. His older brother was another story entirely.

"This child's father is Gol D. Ace." Proclaimed the scary man. Rodger could never determine what he really looked like. Looking at your feet was better than staring down adults. They did not appreciate it.

"He's a descendant of Gol D. Rodger." The man continued.

For the first time in his life he understood why he was named what he was. The Pirate King would have been his grandfather.

"Portgas." Correct the scruff officer named Garp, "Ace… does not accept that name. As you are aware he hate's his father and his name."

The entire group looked up at the old man. Rodger had curiously stolen a glance at the man.

"Gol." Returned the Officer, "We will call him by his proper name. The name this child bares."

"Portgas huh?" laughed the pink feathered man sitting on the table, "Whitebeard commander?"

The officer nodded.

"And this little boy," his long tanned finger pointed at Rodger, "Is his kid?"

"Does he know?" inquires an older woman's voice.

"No." the Scary Officer continues, "However, he were also able to tie another link to him." he clears his throat, "The Daughter of Evil, Gol. D. Ace's sister, Gol D. Axis."

From that point on the conversation had been mottled. He remembered the sense of relief of undying affection he felt for the woman he knew, his aunt. His aunt who was a horrible parent, but sincere if nothing else. Who came home and brought the man who hated his grandfather.

His brows remain knitted and offers the only consolation he can think of, "You could change it…" he looks up under those long eyes with his big brown eyes brimming with tears.

Ace brings the little boy as close as he can. His chest starts that familiar aching as he presses their bodies so close he can feel the heart beat inside his sons chest echo against his, "No." he says quietly, "No. Your name is Rodger." He sighs. What on earth gets inside kids' heads?

"Won't it upset you?" quizzes the boy looking up with large eyes.

Ace smiles at the consideration only a child could have, "No." he repeats, "Because I am your father. And as your father, I love ya." He leans down and kisses the soft cheek, "Your name is yours."

Rodger studies him quietly, then rubs his face against the warmth of his father's body, "I lub you too." He mutters. It only takes a few minutes for Rodger to become still. A great burden seems to have been lifted off his tiny shoulders. Rodger's breathing evens out and his body goes limp.

Ace stares at the child secured in his arms. Two days ago he did not dream of being a parent. The small body in his arms tells him how hard it would have been without this small person. Now, in this moment, he feels like his life would have been empty. In fact, he kind of hopes he'll get to spend some time with Marco's son. Edward is awfully guarded, but today in the garden, Ace saw the childish wonder that still seems to exist.

He looks up and finds Axis standing in the doorway. She leans against the frame, half hidden by the wall. Her eyes are heavy; he expression is quiet, distant, and maybe even a little sad.

"That's creepy." He states making a face at her.

She shrugs off his comment and offers a more neutral look, "You're natural caregiver." She states quietly.

Ace blinks and then looks down again at the freckled face child in his arms, "I'm not sure I can do this." He admits, letting his insecurities have a voice, "There's no way I'm good enough." He laughs nervously, "God, I wish I was a kid still. When Luffy was small… I just knew I could take care of him." he stops unable to continue with the lump in his throat.

"You can't turn back time." Reminds his sister quietly, "We can only do the best with what is here and now."

Ace looks at her, "But…But can I do this? What if I fuck up?"

"Worst than me?" Axis returns with a hint of smile.

Ace can't help but return it. He is desperate. "It is really hard to beat some with no instinct for care giving." He teases back.

"Thank you Ace." She smiles rolling her eyes.

Ace stops and his brows knit together, "You're not gonna just let me flounder with these kids are you? Coz you know them better than I do."

She sighs, "I promised would be there if they wanted it. " she looks at the floor, "By default, as their parent, this also extends to you."

Ace nods quietly.

"And you've got Marco. Not to mention the whole Whitebeard Crew." She reminds him, "And-" Ace looks up her-, "Now you have my family."

Ace stares at her, "But you don't even like me."

"Yes I do." She responds automatically. Her brow knits together and she licks her lips from between her teeth. She looks pained as she admits; "I… just can't bring you any closer than you are."

And this sad statement breaks Ace's heart worst than anything that has happened today. For the first time, he actually kind of understand his sister. The concept of love, affection, family… they're just words. Whatever dismal world she lives in, it isn't his.

He stands up, shifts Rodger to one shoulder and comes forward. He does not press anything that might make her shove him away. He simply leans forward, and places his forehead against hers. His abilities shut off leaving him defenseless.

To his surprise, she returns the advance staring at nothing in particular. Her empty grey eyes are a million miles away. The expression is painfully void. Then those eyes return to the present and she stares into his dark eyes.

He knows right then and there. He can't throw in the towel. Portgas… no. Gol D. Ace will be a brother to his weird half sister Gol D. Axis. Even if she does not like it. Even if she cannot do anything more than touch her forehead to his, it will be enough.

The Kairoseki Incident

Chapter Four: The Siphonophore Family

Marco calmly keeps his eyes shut. His mind is awake and listening to the world around him. The storm is louder than ever in his right ear, but he cannot feel the wind or rain and he cannot hear the noise from the left side. There is also Ace's smoldering body at his side. His lover's arms are wrapped loosely around his torso, his head resting on his chest. Then there is the warmth of the blankets?

Marco lets his eyes drift open. The dreary light shines over the well-worn quilts that cover their bodies. He lifts his hand and tries to splay his fingers out. The sudden stab of pain through out his phalanges is intense and quickly spreads through out his whole body. The muscles seize up and tremble. He winces for several seconds. Ever so slowly the muscles go lax and the pain subsides to a dull twinge. Marco begins moving again. Careful not to move his fingers, the first commander rearranges his arm into his field of vision. He is horrified the moment he sees the bloated strips of puffed skin. It has nothing to do with the fact the flesh is swathe in a cerulean blue paste.

Whatever injured Marco is on a whole new level. The nerves in his body twitch and jump all up through his bpdy. His mind processes this information and a second more terrifying bout of data flees through his mind. His devil fruit ability should have taken care of his injuries, but he can sense the upheaval of confusion in his body. The poison from this thing has altered or stopped his abilities. Then a final illumination spreads through his mind as he stares at the bloated skin with its blue paste. The paste has a distinct sharp almost minty scent, indicating that the paste is a salve. Someone is treating him. Someone is also treating Ace (who nuzzles Marco's shoulder in his sleep).

He glances at the raven hair male and winces. Ace's exposed chest is hidden under bandages. His upper arms and around his wrists bare more cloth wrappings.

Marco exhales and stares up at the ceiling, 'Where are we?' he murmurs in his head.

There is a creak to his left and Marco's head turns. In the large armchair, with wrappings of her own, is Axis. A heavy jacket covers her torso, jeans hide her legs, and her feet are bandaged so all Marco sees are her toes. She has just awakened.

She looks around curiously for a moment, and then sees Marco and waves sluggishly at him. She stretches with a slight twist and slumps further in the chair. Her eyes are darkly outlined from lack of sleep. The medical illustrator blinks slowly as what little sleep she has received, is chased away. There is a slightly hiccupped yawn and the blinking picks up pace until she opens her eyes wide and owlish. It's rather funny to watch.

"Axis." Marco croaks and clears his throat finding it dry. His lips are unusually chapped and he licks them with his too dry tongue. It feels like there is a mini dessert in his mouth.

She chuckles, "Hey." And yawns again while rubbing her eyes.

"Where the hell are we?" he inquires is voice thick and raspy.

"My Uncles's summer home." She answers and curls up so she sitting straight and alert, "How are you feeling?"

Marco sighs, "Alright…" then panic sets into his system as his mind catches up with him, "Wait a moment! Where is Whitebeard? The Moby Dick!" he sits up sharply and his whole body wrenches with pain. He falls back onto the bed and the bed springs squeak in protest.

Axis laughs at him. The sound is worn as if she's speaking through a woolen sweater.

He winces at stares in disbelief at her, "What?" he snaps.

"We were in Black Waters, the area surrounding the Black Island." She informs, "We were all stung my Tacturn Jellyfish. A Jakenpi Jellyfish found you and Ace in the shallows. I found a Box Jelly- "here she mutters, "-fuck was I angry-" and continues louder, "We will all be hurting for a while."

"A what?" Marco asks again. His brain is feeling sluggish under the warmth of his companion and the comfort of the bed.

"Jakenpi Jellyfish; The deadliest creature in this part of the sea. They kill in under a minute." She yawns again, "Box Jellyfish take a whole three minutes, but they both hurt like a bitch."

Marco blinks at her confused.

There is a momentary silence then she adds, "As for the Moby Dick, I dunno what happened to it." She shrugs, "I sent someone to go find out what was going on. I'm sure they're fine. This is the Whitebeard Pirates."

Marco offers a smile and forces himself to relax; there is nothing he can do. His immediate concern will have to be caring for himself and Ace. He has some silent gratitude for Ace's sibling. At least, she is on the ball with looking for his family.

Axis lets her legs drape over the front of the chair and gingerly gets to her feet, "Fucking hell." She burbles audibly.

Marco snorts, "Does it hurt?"

"You think you're funny Marco." She answers and hobbles over to the door. The moment she opens the polished wooden door, noise floods into the room.

"Who the fuck put you in charge?" The first voice says irritably. There is a gravely tone embedded in the sound of the man's voice. It is a deep baritone as if the person is a lion.

There is a hum as another voice answers, "The marines!" it says elegantly with a pompous clip.

"Haha, you were a marine." Agrees a third soft-spoken male's voice.

"Unwilling marine." Reminds the second voice in an almost austere tone.

Axis groans, "Adam!" she calls down.

The third voice calls up, "What is it, Axis?"

"Marco's awake." She answers.

There is a distinct shuffling noise then, "I'm coming! Orange or Pineapple?"

Axis looks at Marco, "They're medicine flavors. Black Island is in a tropical climate." She explains. His expression must be comical, confused, and urging her to explain.

"Pineapple." Marco responds waiting for Ace's sister's come back. Surly she has some sort of smart remark.

Axis's mouth twitches with what might have been a smile, but looks back out the door, "Pin-apple." She responds.

Adam takes no less than two minutes to appear on the landing and startles Marco by walking in with sharp heel-toe clicks. He has a gentle face with a soft smile. His hair is brown with white streaks. His eyes are his niece's eye; stormy grey. Of course the large blue knitted sweater, which does anything, but fall off his body. He is built like a boxer. His voice barely matches his physique.

"Hello." He smiles softly, "I am Siphonophore Adam. I a physician." He states introducing himself in the same peculiar speaking patterns Axis's uses.

Marco looks around apologetically, "I'm sorry!" he says immediately glancing at the bed, "I'm Marco the first division commander of the Whitebeard pirates."

Adam dismisses the blonde's embarrassment, "I'm a physician Mr. Marco. I don't expect you to attend to formalities in your injured state." Adam chuckles, "Now then, I've got some medicine for you, that you need to take."

Marco smiles at the man.

The yellow ceramic mug in his hand is hot and steaming. Dr. Siphonophore hands it to his neice with a smile, "Alright lets have you sit up, so that you can drink this." He says warmly

He quickly crosses over to Marco and detangles him from Ace. With a flip of Adam's hand, Ace's long hair is cast over his bandaged body and shows off the bright pink hair tie that is holding his wild long locks together. Adam turns his attention back to Marco and gingerly sets him up against the pillows, ever mindful of Marco's most painful spots on his body.

Marco hardly feels any pain and is pleasantly surprised by Adam's gentle nature. The unwavering smile and strong hands are kind and thoughtful. They do not pull, but push carefully into comfort.

"There we go." He hums gently rearranging Ace's head on the pillow beside Marco. One arm is still slung over Marco's waist and he remains curled against the first commander's side.

Marco's expression softens, "Thank you." He smiles at the older man.

Adam beams at him and motions to Axis, "You're welcome." He extends his broad palm to her for the ceramic mug.

She places the yellow mug in his hand and her knees buckle in. She lets out a yelp as she sinks to the floor with an incredulous look on her face. The irritation is almost overwhelmingly evident the moment she looks up at Adam's grin.

Adam chuckles, "Did I not worn you about over doing it?" he asks placing the mug to Marco's lips, "Drink carefully." He advises, "The first sip will go down easily, but your throat will begin to constrict and waver as it is moistened by the fluid."

Marco wants to object, but realizes how stupid and painful it would be to try to hold the mug. His fingers refuse to close or clench and the periodic spasms make his entire hand jiggle and twitch. He takes a few swigs from the cup and is pleasantly surprised by the taste. The drink really is pineapple flavored. So much so he almost misses the medicinal properties. He honestly did not think that it would taste good. After all, this is supposed to be medicine.

"It hurts, but that doesn't mean I can't move." Axis responds darkly from the floor.

Marco smiles and steals a glance at the frowning girl on the floor.

"Can you try to get down a little more?" urges Adam to Marco.

Marco nods, "Yes, thank you."

Adam smiles and helps Marco get the rest of the substance down his throat. Marco is surprised by how constricted his esophagus now feels. Just as he is getting over the painful twinges, there is a painful jab in the very back of his throat, and the muscles are suddenly burning. Marco reaches up and gingerly presses the pads of his fingers against his neck.

"May I see?" Adam asks instantly. His brow is knitted together in concern, the deep grays of his have a strange sterile look to them as the man medically discerns every move Marco makes. It is unnerving, but he respects the man for asking first.

Marco nods politely.

Two gentle and firm hands reach up and press softly against the muscles in the neck. When Marco winces at a particularly tender spot just below the angle of his mandible, Adam groans, "We got to the poison in time to keep it out of your brain, but look how high it was." He murmurs.

"This is poison?" Marco asks hearing the note of worry in his own voice.

Adam nods quietly, "The Jelly creatures around this island are particularly hazardous and the venom of these little fragile devils is horribly painful. It assaults the central nervous system and makes its way through the various organs shutting them down and killing them off." he sighs, "In humans it's not so dangerous as to completely shut down the organs, but it can." He removes his hands.

"Thank you." Marco says again, "Thank you for caring for us."

Adam chuckles, "Of course. You're just lucky Marina was the one who found you three and not Josephina." He smiles.

"Who?" Marco asks again.

"A piranha mermaid who lives in the region. She keeps her prey alive while she eats them." He states, "Marina is a Koi mermaid and long time friend of the family. She went because Axis said she was coming tonight. Good thing too."

"I imagine swimming with two of us is quiet difficult." Marco nods.

"Oh its not just that." Adam groans slightly and rubs his eyes, "Axis and Ace both sustained sonic injuries. The vibrations ruptured several veins and caused internal bleeding. Ace sustained major eruptions in his liver and kidney. Luckily, on this island, organ repairs are a simple matter." He looks down at the girl on the floor, "Axis only had inner ear damage from the sonic range. It has left her a bit deaf, but it will recover in time. I, however, won't tell you about the depth of the bone injuries to her scapula, ribs, and tibia. I assume those were caused while still on board the Moby Dick."

"They're not that bad, Uncle." Grumbles Axis.

"You're right." Adam agrees with a certain amount of sarcasm. However, is next statement is sincere, "Ace is very sturdy. The organs were able to be replaced, no major bone fractures or breaks, and his body simply is very sick from the poison of the jellyfish. Not to mention the burns. He will recover fairly quickly." Then the clipped edge returns, "You are mildly destroyed. Inner ear destruction causes your balance to fail, the bone fractures and bruising will take several weeks to heal, and lets not mention those lovely stitches that you got from god-knows-where. Did I forget your jellyfish injuries?"

"The stitches were from a fight before we picked her and Ace up." Marco offers and instantly regrets giving the information.

Axis glowers at Marco darkly, "I'm leaving." She points at the door a wobbles out. The slight sway in her step worries the first division commander and he looks quickly at Adam.

Adam grins at him and sighs, "Good to know she never changes." He gingerly pats Marco on the shoulder "Don't worry about Axis. She's too tough to kill… like a cockroach."

"Really?" asks Marco curiously, not sure if he should like or dislike the last comment.

"Really." agrees the doctor, "Now, I assume you are hungry, let me get you food." He gets up and goes to the door.

After eating, Marco sits reading a book on his lap. He cannot hold it, but it sits propped against his knees. With a trembling pair of hands and a cup of hot broth he studies the text idly. His throat has loosened from drinking fluid constantly and his head, while tight, is focused. A smile is tugging at his lips. If this were any other time, any other place… this might be romantic.

Ace's ebony locks splay across his white pillowcase. His dark lashes rest gently against the tops of his slightly flushed cheeks. While the fever went down an hour or so ago, he has not lost the rose blush that colors his cheeks, ears, and down his neck. His cherry lips are dry and the inside of his mouth is glossy from saliva. Visually, to Marco, he looks like he does after their sexual encounters.

However, the bandages stand out in stark contrast. The white grey tinged cloth bindings cover the pale boy's body. His skin has lost his bronze color from before and his flushed cheeks tell of his injuries. The bruises on Ace's body are hidden under soft folds of cotton blankets and the welted skin from the venom of the jellyfish is covered in the sticky blue salve.

Marco shutters at blood, salve, and bandages. His emotions yanks on his heartstrings with such violence he takes another sip and lets his bones seek out the comfort of the pillows.

There is a groaning noise from where Marco's lover lays and then there's a distinct grunt of pain. Marco looks down and Ace stirs. He moves his head sleepily wiping drool across the pillow as he goes. He looks up groggily at Marco with his cross-eyed expression and blinks slowly several times. Several strands of wayward hair float across and into his face and Ace bats his eyes furiously as the strands tickle his face.

The blond chuckles and carefully places the mug on the side table with both hands then reaches out carefully caressing the freckled face, "Hey." He soothes smiling at the brunette

Ace smiles back then his eyes dilate and he snatches Marco's hand. Ace cries out from his own pain, but cradles Marco's bandaged hand. His breath is short as he tries to focus on two things at once. The obvious pain in his hand causes the limb to tremble, but he exerts no pressure to Marco's hand.

Marco quickly retracts his hands and places the hand on top of Ace's, "Don't move." He commands, "The injuries-".

"What happened to your hand?" Ace's words tumble past his lips. His eyes are wide and dilating back and forth as he struggles to see through his self agitated pain.

Marco strokes the second division commander's cheek with his forefinger. The bandages graze Ace's cheek only once and only then does he say, "What happened to you? Have you looked at yourself?"

Ace lifts his hand and focuses on his dressing, "What…" he mutters staring at the trembling fingers, "What happened?"

"I'm not entirely sure." Admits Marco, "But we're being taken care of."

"By who?" groans Ace gripping his head.

Marco smiles quietly, "Your sister's family."

Ace's face falls and he stares at Marco, "Axis's family…?" he asks uncertainly.

"Yes. Dr. Siphonophore is very nice." He chuckles, "How he's related to your sister I'm not really sure."

"Doctor?" he mutters incoherently.

"Yes. Dr. Siphonophore Adam. Youngest of his family line and he's been caring for us over the last twenty-four hour period."

Ace continues to stare at Marco quietly for a minute or two before he asks, "Is Axis alright?"

Marco smiles at his thoughtfulness, "Yes she is. She is as injured as we are, but is alright."

Ace looks at the ceiling. Marco knows there is something wrong. He can see Ace biting the inside of his mouth as he struggles with the ridiculous amount of emotion trying to spill out, "She went after me." He says finally. His voice is choked, "She went after me… in the water."

The first commander nods slowly, "Yes she did, but She didn't save us on her own." He makes sure his lover looks at him before continuing, "There was a woman, a mermaid, name Marina who dove to help us."

Ace nod quietly.

"Ace… can I ask you something?" Marco knows he needs to change the subject. However, if he moves the subject too far Ace will panic in his unusually unstable state of mind. Marco says, "I've been meaning to ask you if you felt anything weird with her."

Ace's brows knit together, "What?" He is disoriented, but he seems able to connect.

"When I touched your sister's arm, back on the pirate ship… I felt my abilities seize up." He sighs, "Nothing like the jellyfish, this hurts!" he chuckles nervously, "But when I grabbed her bare skin with my hand I felt like my fire had been extinguished." He thinks, "Pops said to pull her on the ship and when her arms were around my neck, in midflight, my body shifted back to my human form. I was worried at first, but I had gained enough air to be over the ship, so it didn't really matter at the time."

Ace's expression relaxes and his eyes dilate, "Yeah…" he mutters, "Yeah I did. I felt the same thing." He thinks for a moment. Marco can see the wheels turning rapidly in Ace's head, "I felt the same thing in the water."

"What?" Marco asks.

"In the water, when I fell and she grabbed me." He shakes his head trying to clear his mind, "I felt my abilities quit." He looks up at Marco with wide dark eyes, "And suddenly the water wasn't pulling me down anymore."

Marco thinks back. His mind was fuzzy the moment he hit the water. He had hit badly. The dark bruise at the base of his skull tells him so. Then his mind drags up strange feelings.

The sensation of being an anchor in the dark sea is first. Then he recognizes Axis's cold hand that reaches out and grabs his fingers. Then he comes to the knowledge and fear of him being cut off from his natural healing and transformation abilities. Then as if someone has pulled the chains off his body that drag him down; his body regains its buoyancy. His mind is so fuzzy that he recalls Ace's weight partially transferred to him, but cannot distinguish sound or actions.

The blonde shakes his head clearing his thoughts, "Yeah-yeah I remember feeling that too." He agrees staring at his partner.

"What happened?" Ace mutters again not fully grasping the reality.

There is a pleasant knock on the door and it slides open. A white haired man with wide grey blind eyes and a dark suit walks in, "I hope that's you Mr. Portgas." He says eloquently, "I really don't enjoy waking people from their slumber."

Marco notices the orange mug with its wispy steam, "Yes it is." He confirms watching the old man.

"Oh good!" he grins cheerfully, "Because my little brother insists that you be awakened immediately and be given your medicine." He wiggles the cup a little and shuts the door behind him; "Adam's a little bit of a stickler on meds."

"Who are you?" Ace asks bluntly. Exhaustion and confusion is mottling his normally well-mannered behavior.

"I am Siphonophore Miguel. I'm a composer and music teacher." He chuckles walking forward, "I am also Adam's oldest brother."

Marco starts, "Do you need help?" a blind man with a cup of hot liquid might not end well.

"Certainly not, young man." He chuckles maneuvering forward with even steps, "You two are horribly injured." He takes a seat on the side of the bed Ace is on, "Now then, Mr. Portgas, your medicine." He offers the ceramic mug.

"Thank you?" Ace asks gingerly sitting up.

Marco quickly pulls and supports Ace's weak muscles so he is in a sitting position.

Ace reaches out and grasps the pleasantly warm mug and blows on the surface of the liquid. There is a distinct orange scent on it.

The white haired man sighs, "Drink it down. It shouldn't be too hot." He urges, "But please, slowly."

Ace looks at him curiously and presses the cup to his lips and swallows a mouth full and starts coughing.

Miguel catches Ace's hands and steadies the cup as Marco rubs his back, "That wasn't slowly." Reprimands the old man.

"Fuck… you." Coughs Ace.

Marco stares at Ace who is trying to catch his breath.

Miguel only laughs, "I did warn you. Slo-wly." He repeats.

Ace's coughing becomes restrained and he tries again. This time he sips and swallows. Very quickly, Marco notices his lover grabbing at his throat the same way he, himself, did.

"Jellyfish poisoning, here in the Black Islands, was originally a point of torture." Explains Miguel as if he can see Ace's actions, "Its still used by the Navy in these parts to extract the most delicate and important of information."

"Are you really blind?" Ace frowns.

Marco nudges Ace.

"Yes, quite. However, vibrations in your movement as well as the adjustments in your posture allow me to see what you are doing. Besides I can see by using sonar." He smiles, "I am an old man after all. I've had plenty of time to learn."

Ace stares deadpan at the man.

Marco looks around the room, "Is that why all the rooms are relatively soundproof? So you can get an idea of where you are through the sound?"

"Very observant." Praises Miguel, "Very much so. I'm afraid I'm also rather loud at all hours of the night. I enjoy composing far too much."

Ace looks into the cup, and then swallows more. He winces as it goes down, but forces the rest down.

"Careful." Marco and Miguel say in unison. Marco looks in disbelief at the empty eyes that stare straight ahead and Miguel chuckles.

"Knock it off." grumbles Ace dropping his hands into his lap, "I'm injured not terminally ill or crippled." He scoffs staring at the wall.

"If you push yourself you might be crippled by the end of the day if you work at it." Miguel says cheerily.

Ace snorts and rolls his eyes.

Miguel turns his head a little more towards Marco; "It might put a damper on your sex life." Ace sputters, "Unless he's the one bottoming." He gets up.

"That's none of your business!" barks Ace.

Miguel starts laughing, "You're such a kid." He grins, "I'm glad."

Ace's face is even more flustered than he was when he was asleep.

"I'm only teasing." Miguel waves, "And you're right. It's none of my business. But old men have lived long lives. Nothing surprises me." He sighs, "Hungry, Mr. Portgas?"

Before Ace can argue, his stomach growls at the offer. Ace's face is progressively turning a deep scarlet.

"Very good!" praises Miguel once more, "Lemme go fetch food. I'll tell Adam you're awake!" he goes out swiftly pulling the door shut. The door bounces against the framework leaving it cracked.

Marco places his cooler hand on Ace's brow, "Are you okay?" he knows the answer, but right this moment he wants an excuse to touch Ace.

Ace's eye look at him side ways and he glowers at his lover.

Marco drops his hand and sighs. It will all be okay. Everything will be fine. The phoenix just needs to know that the Moby Dick is all right. That his Father is standing at the helm happily waiting for his sons to return. If that is the case, then everything will be fine. He smiles at the coverlet trying to think of something to say.

An echoing par of footsteps catches the pair's attention. In the instant the footsteps stop nearly outside the room, Marco becomes aware that there are two distinct pairs of feet. Then there is a softer third that is carefully sliding across the linoleum floor.

"Axis, if Miguel sees you he'll throw you into bed." Says a little defiant voice.

Little whining noises then, "Uncle Miguel isn't that mean, Eddie." Whispers a softer more shy voice.

Eddie, as he was previously called, snorts, "He threw her last time. You looked like a rag doll."

"Thank you Edward." Axis's voice replies shortly, "Where is this magically wondering shirt?"

"Ummmmm…" little feet again go tottering down the hall.

There is a soft mummer from the second voice.

"Speak up Rodger." Commands Axis, but not unkindly.

"Eddie cut up the shirt…" says the soft voice louder.

Axis groans, "Why?"

"I don't know. He said it was fun." Says the shy voice.

"Do you think so?" Axis asks.

"Not really. But I don't like his bugs either. Or playing in the dirt." He whispers again in a softer tone.

Axis grunts and the little boy known as Rodger squeaks as he is no doubt scooped off the floor, "You don't hafta like what Ed likes." She points out.

"I know…but…." He hesitates.

Axis sounds surprisingly thoughtful and soft spoken as she presses, "But what?"

"What if my Daddy doesn't like me?" a panicked squeak ends at the sentence, "W-what if I'm no good because I don't like things he likes? Am I a bad boy? A-am I am-"

"Call down." Axis stops the boy before he can work himself up into a frenzy.

The boy sobs and quickly become muffled, "Rodger. I haven't known your parents for very long. But good hearts never lie. Your father will be happy that you are you and Ed is Ed." She exhales, "You think too much. Just relax."

"But I can't!" he sobs, "I'm so scared." He starts crying harder.

Axis groans, "Reggie, I am not equipped with the proper foreknowledge for tending to your…emotional needs. This is ridiculous. You don't know anything about your parent."

Rodger sobs increase, "That's why I'm scared!"

"For fucks sake…" mutters Axis with a groan, "How did you deal with meeting with our family."

"We both knew you couldn't be worse than the navy. " Edward is back and sounds unsure.

"Let's see it Ed." There is a moment of silence and she laughs, "You must be really stressed out. Lookit that poor shirt."

"Axis?" Eddie sounds scared.

"What…" She stops and groans, "Aw c'mon Eddie, there's no reason for you to cry either." There is a clatter and Axis make a muffled noise, "C'mon you two. Since when is this something to be scared of?"

"Since the Navy brought us to Uncle Miguel's front door." Edward sounds upset and defiant, "I-I don't wanna leave!"

Axis sighs again. She really sounds worn out, "Ed, the Navy-"

"-Said we were both bad! We should've never been born!" Ed yells and his voice wavers.

Marco reflexively clutches at his chest. It feels like his heart is going to break. He looks at Ace, whose eyes are wide. There is anger and sadness gathering in his significant other's expression. Gently he reaches out and grabs Ace's hand. Despite the pain creeping up he cannot find the will power to let Ace go through his memories alone.

Ace clutches his hand back, but never looks at Marco. He continues to stare at the old door, parted just so that the voices can echo in the sound proof room.

"Fuck the Navy." Axis says in her blunt tone, "Seriously, fuck em. If you're worried your parents aren't going to want because the Navy said that shit, then get ready for a reality check, the answer is no. No, they do want the pair of you. Are they going to be good parents? I guess. Love is all that counts towards being good. Good role model… eh I'm afraid not. Then again, neither is Uncle Miguel."

"Are you a good role model?" hiccups Rodger feebly.

"Probably not. But I'm better than what you could have had if the Navy had kept you on base." She thinks for a moment, "Unless Smokes was there. Then you shoulda been stuck with him."

There is a silence that stretches between the three for several minutes, and then Axis says, "There is nothing to be afraid of."

There is a sniff.

"Look have I ever lied to you?" she states.

"No." the boys answer together.

"Not even when I got stung by the jellyfish," Rodger confirms, "You said if I didn't lay still and sleep I would die."

Eddie sniffs and giggles, "Or the time I got a concussion from falling off the rocks in the bay?" he lets out a giggle, "You said the damage made it hard to walk, and if I didn't walk instead of run I would die."

"She did, didn't she?" agrees Rodger.

"Funny how you only remember the times I've told you were 'going to die'." Grumbles Axis, "I was hoping you'd also recall the time when you got here."

"When you said you didn't know who our parents were?" Rodger asks hopefully.

"And you didn't care because we were now part of the Siphonophore family?" adds Eddie.

"Exactly." Agrees Axis, "Was I lying?"

"No." they both say firmly.

"So trust me. It's all good."

"You're going to fall over, Axis." Edward states successfully breaking the mood.

"Thank you Ed." There is a grumble in her voice, "Now, help me out. I need to find my backpack and I'll draw Ed the fuckin… weird ass beetle and Rodger… what did you want?"

"Lienardia purpurata." There is a silence then, "The pretty spiral seashell that looks like a castle top. They're pretty."

"Sea shell for Rodger. Good now, shoo. I've got to get to my desk before my injuries knock me out in the middle of the hallway." There is a stomp.

Suddenly little feet go rushing past the cracked door and all Ace and Marco see, is a whirl blonde and streak of black. The door next door opens and shuts as Axis goes in and Marco feels like his brains is oxygen deprived.

The Kairoseki Incident

Chapter Three: The Exchange

Ace's screaming was somewhere between a screech and a wail. The sound is ear splitting with an unusual accuracy in holding the highest sound and is too feminine to be the sound of the second commander. Never the less, it is Portgas's distress call and the one at fault is Marco.

Marco throws his hands up sending a heavy wooden brush clattering into the side of the wall, "You're sucha damn baby!" Marco growls. His voice in unusually fully of anger and frustration, but four and quarter hours of trying to brush Ace's knotted hair and failing has pushed him over the edge.

The hair brushing was not an affectionate occasion between the pair. No, this was something funnier and more entertaining. Two and half years of being 'dead' had caught up with Ace. There had not been any real effects for the last three weeks. Then again, he was running on scraps of food, little to no sleep, and his body was recovering from brutal injuries. His determination to find his little brother had been admirable, but had landed him up in a marine fort again. Apparently, now that his body had caught up on sleep and food for the first time since being alive, it went haywire. He grew a good eleven-inch beard and his hair went from kind-of-long to down his back in dreadlocks. Shaving eliminated the beard, but the massive quantity of hair on the top of his head is tangled and everywhere.

Marco volunteered to help, but had reached the end of his leash.

Ace, crying from the pain, pines, "I'm not!" His fingers work between the tangled strands massaging his scalp.

The door to the cabin opens and Axis steps in, "Any luck?" she asks shutting the door. Due to Ace's clinging behavior while asleep, Axis opted to sleep on the floor and woke up to Wooly-Ace. Axis immediately had grabbed Marco from his relaxing morning coffee and threw him at his fellow commander.

Marco shook his head, "Did Izou have anything?"

His instructions could not have been stranger to Axis when she asked if he needed something. Being told to go down the Commanding quarters and ask 'Commander Izou' for help was easy. Not being warned that Izou was a cross dresser who looked more feminine than herself was not.

In fact, Izou first words out of his mouth were, "Boy you need a little work. Women dress much better than that." After the brief explanation that she was a girl and she was on a mission from Marco, Izou looked like he was staring at a dead fish on his prettiest kimono.

Axis holds up the white plastic bottle of conditioner and a wide toothcomb, "I can take it from here." She volunteers noticing Marco's flustered face.

The first division commander jumps up, "He's all yours." He grumbles. Quickly he passes Axis and slams the door.

Axis stares at the closed door, then turns and looks at Ace, "What did you do to him?"

"Me?" Ace glowers, "Nothing!"

She raises an eyebrow at him. Two weeks on the Moby Dick have taught her Marco and Ace get along very well. If the commanders are not getting along, then Ace has done something. The usual routine for their arguments is; Marco leaves and does responsible things, Ace wallows in self-pity for a little while, and over dinner they apologize to on another.

Ace huffs childishly and crosses his arms on over his chest.

Axis walks over to him and takes her spot behind him on the bed. She flicks open the bottle cap and squirts some into her hand.

"This is gonna hurt isn't it?" gripes Ace.

Axis starts at the ends of the long hair, "Potentially" she agrees massaging the slippery substance into his tresses, "It is more likely to take a while."

Ace groans again. He had a heart attack waking up to a beard, but his hair is so matted and clumped he could not cut it without leaving him bald.

The comb carefully glides through separating the hair. After five minutes of success, Axis picks up speed and Ace begins howling.

"Damn it, Axis!" yelps Ace, "What the hell!"

Groaning inwardly, Axis slows down, "I would never have taken you for a tender-headed person." She mumbles.

"Ow…" whines Ace rubbing his scalp. Of all the wars, battles, and fights he's had, nothing compares to the slow torture of combing out his hair.

Axis makes herself comfortable and squeezes more conditioner in her waiting palm. This will be a long… long day.

After an hour or so of this unusual sibling bonding, both she and Ace are tired of the relentless silence.

"Let's play a game." Ace says abruptly.

Axis moves another small section of hair, "Right…" her voice is skeptical.

Ace wiggles his feet, "What?" he turns his head up to her.

"I don't do games, Ace. Hold still." She gently shoves his head forward.

Instead of deciding on rules, Ace mentally makes up what he is going to do based on a similar game. Ignoring her first comment Ace asks, "What's your favorite color?"

Axis sighs heavily and runs the comb through the first layer of detangled hair, "Violet, what's yours?"

"Orange." He answers instantly, "Although, I like red and yellow too."

"Funny. They make up orange." She says flatly.

Ace grins, "I never noticed that." He laughs, "I just like em because they look like a flame."

Axis nods.

"Your turn." Informs Ace.

Axis closes her eyes and silently weighs her options. Playing Ace's game will keep him still and not bored. It may even potentially pass the time quicker. If she doesn't play, Ace will be moody and whiny as he often does when he reaches his bored point.

She clears her throat, "Uh, right. What's your favorite food?"

"That's a horrible question." Ace accuses, "Do you know how many foods there are?"

Axis nods behind his back picking at a curled knot of hair, "Yes I do."

"I love all food." He states firmly.

"Not a picky eater, I bet that made your guardians happy." She says flatly.

Her comment spurs on his next question, "Who raised you?"

"My Uncle Miguel. He is my mother's oldest brother and an academy music teacher." She answers, "I think I told you about him when we first met."

Ace thinks for a moment, "I forget. If you recall there is a gape of time where we were both MIA."

Axis chuckles and shakes her head, "What about you? Who were your guardians?"

"There was a buncha mountain bandits who looked after me for along while…" he stops and looks at the floor, "In fact they looked out after my brothers too. Luffy and Sabo."

"Who's Luffy and Sabo?" Axis returns genuinely curious tossing more hair over his shoulder.

Ace snorts, "Luffy is my littlest brother. He's a goofball and he's stupid." He hesitates a smile growing on his face, "But…He's my brother. And Sabo was another brother… he died." He shakes his head a little and is quiet before returning, "Do you have any siblings?"

"I have a brother named Ace." She answers flatly.

Ace glares at the floor, "Axis."

"He's a half a head taller than me, flashy, a flirt, first division commander of the Whitebeard pirates, and Marco's boyfriend." Axis explains flippantly.

Ace chokes on his tongue, "WHAT?!" whipping around, yanking his hair out of Axis's hands he stares at her.

"What?" she groans testing the viscosity of the conditioner left on her hand.

"How the hell did you know?" Ace asks panic rising in his tone.

Axis raises an eyebrow, "I thought this was obvious." She answers, "His care for you exceeds other nakama and I've caught him…" he coughs slightly, "Staring." She chuckles, "Not to mention you said you had other partners, but that also implied you were not being a free floater at this time. You have an anchor so to speak."

Ace exhales slowly.

"Besides you just confirmed it with your outburst." She places her hands on either side of his head and turns him back to the door.

The fire pirate rubs his feet against each other. He half looks over his shoulder at her, "Are you….." he exhales shakily groping for words.

"Against your affections for another male?" she offers.

"Yeah…" Ace rubs his foot harder.

She shakes her head, "No. You have a person. Everyone wants someone. I'm not particularly for or against it."

"In other words you don't care." Ace filled in with a clipped tone.

"Correct." Axis nods, "I'm not a god and I'm not interested in what other people think. If you care for him on a great scale, then good for you. Good for Marco. You both have someone you can confide in and be secure with."

Ace feels a strange shift from aggravation to curiosity. He lets his head lull back and looks up at her in the face, "Thanks."

Axis shrugs, "Besides, even I can see that he is good for you." Her expression is point blank but Ace has learned to read her eyes. She is very sincere. She shoves his head forward, "Stay there."

"Do you have a person?" Ace asks.

Axis rolls her eyes, "No Ace. Are you asking about my preference in gender?"

"Maybe." Ace admits.

"I am the norm. I am a female that likes males." She replies. She pulls her hand back in disgust; "You have the world's most revolting hair right now."

"Hey I dunno what happened." Ace giggles, "Marco was using strange things."

"What's with the laugh?"

Ace smirks, "I can be on the look out for a boy for you. I'm telling ya the sea is full of them."

Axis burst out laughing, "You're gonna find me a person…"

"Yes."

"Knowing nothing about me or what will and will not work."

"That's why we're playing this game."

"Ace."

"No. I've made up my mind." He says grinning.

"Ace."

"If you find someone I won't stop you-" He quickly interrupts.

"Accceee."

"-Unless its Marco-" Continues the Second Division Commander

"Ace-"

But Ace is no longer listening, "Or Luffy's first mate-" he adds grimacing.

"Wait what?" Axis stops pulling the comb through his hair and blinks several times.

"Or Smoker."

"ACE!" she yells yanking on his hair

"What?" he snaps back.

"Don't try to do something where I am going to hafta kill you for it." She glowers and gently shoves his head frontwards again.

Ace laughs at her while she continues the war of hair.

Desperate to change the subject Axis asks, "Can I ask you something a little more personal than what we've previously discussed?"

"I dun see how that is possible, but sure." Snickers Ace.

"Alright…" Axis sighs gently pulling through the last bit of hair on the left, "Why are you particularly bitter towards Gol D. Roger?"

Ace is still for a moment. It takes her exchanging another layer of hair before he manages, "I'll answer yours if you answer mine."

"Kay." She answers starting over at the right of his head for the final round of hair.

"Why do you use his name instead of your mother's?" he said seriously.

Axis thought for a moment gathering up more Ace's wavy black locks. The knots are gone with minor tangles. The last bit of hair will not take long. Her mind says that it is okay to indulge this particular question. "Because my mother is an insane bitch."

Ace is surprised at the venom in her voice. Somewhere in the back of his head, he recalls the bone chilling conversation where she admitted to killing her own mother. Ace remains silent; almost appalled that she could hate the woman who had her.

Axis nudges him with her toe, "Why are you bitter towards Rodger?"

"I hate him." Ace spews out darkly, "I hate the ugly mark he left upon my existence." He looks up at the ceiling of his room, "But my mother… my mother sacrificed everything for me. Out of that… that respect and admiration for her I hold onto her name."

"What mark do you think he left?" Axis's voice is oddly somber.

Ace stares at the door, almost willing it to come alive, "I was told if Rodger ever had a kid, that kid should apologize for even existing. The navy, marines, and people would all want to kill him and he should be killed." He stops, "I should want to kill myself."

"You're rather melodramatic dontcha think?" Axis frowns.

Ace's brows knit together, "What?"

"You're melodramatic." She answers.

Ace leans back and looks at his sister, "Why the hell-"

"Because this apparently is your burden." She answers his unfinished question and pulls the comb through the last tangle.

Ace jumps away from her and turns so he can see her better, "Don't you fuckin dare." He seethes, "It is a burden! A burden we both share!"

"Don't try to dump your sissy shit on me." She counters sharply, "For fucks sake Ace, you're angry that you exist? You're angry that your biological donor was the Pirate King?"

"Yes I am!" he barks back.

Axis smirks, "You're pathetic." She states openly, "I agree. Father is a name one must earned, but your heritage does not determine your existence." She looks him up and down, "You chose to be a pirate."

"I choose to be a pirate to wipe off his name! To make sure no one would ever speak of him again!" Ace yells rising to his feet.

Axis shakes her head, but follows him up the floor, "How well did you do?"

Ace clenches his jaw.

"How well are you doing? At the very mention of his name you are livid and ready to kill. It's a wound you never even bothered try to heal." Axis holds up the comb and tosses it to her brother; "It has festered and turned into a rage and self loathing that will hold you back from reaching your potential with your devil fruit." The comb hits Aces in the chest then clatters in front of him on the wooden floor.

"Rage is the only thing I need. It keeps me going." He growls.

"That's not living." Returns Axis again, "Rage in its simplest form is pride. Pride cometh before a fall, remember?"

"I do not need a lecture from you!" Ace spits, "I still can't believe you killed your own mother! How could you do that?! She protected you while you were in her! She could have had an abortion!"

"The abortion would have been an mercy for me and would have destroyed her physical body." Axis explains getting up, apparently not willing to be talked down too, "She was warrior, slut, and mentally unstable. Her body would not have been able to with stand it. Child birth was easier and less evasive."

"Mentally unstable? From what Marco tells me, that would make you the same as her." He growls.

"I am a survivalist, Ace. I have to compartmentalize everything! If I didn't let myself turn over to unfeeling, I would never ever get out alive!" retorts Axis.

Ace snorts, "Are you sure you aren't that way all the time?"

"You would have gotten out during the original Marine Fort if you had not turned around to Blackbeard." Axis states. The comment is a low blow, but she is far from caring at this point.

Ace reaches out and grabs her by the collar, "What did you say?"

"I said you would have survived if you had not turned around to Blackbeard!" she answers, "Your stupid pride got you killed once! If I am not mistaken, you also almost got your little brother killed!"

His fist connects with the side of her jaw. He is seething and ignores the fact the door as opened, " What is wrong with you!" he yells.

Axis smashed into the wall of the cabin and bounces off to the floor. Her hands reach out and she catches her body easily. She lowers her knees to the floor and straightens. Her eyes are black emotionless voids, "Nothing that can be fixed." She assures him.

"You know what? I really fuckin hope, after this, we never meet again!" he states, "Because I don't know what do with a monster."

"What else is bothering you?" Axis presses wiping blood off the side of her mouth, "I am not unfamiliar with Hostility… however I do like it to breed." She gathers herself together and stands up.

"You wanna know what's wrong? Do ya? Really?" Ace snaps, " Well, ever since I met you, you are flat, sarcastic, and a fucking bitch! You get under my skin like no one I've ever met! And you can't see that Go D. fucking Rodger was a monster!" he yells, "What the hell! Everything is in a sterile ball that you examine! You're fucking with my brain!"

Axis chuckles.

Ace's eyes narrow.

She smiles and says, "You hate that I can verbally dissect your problems and can see through that transparent, but thick shell you wear? Do you wish I was a happy marry sunshine who believe that all pirates are dashing young princes of the sea?" she raised an eyebrow, "You know less of me, than I know of you." She responds.

"All my rumors and posters are great information." Growls Ace painfully aware of the hand on his back.

"You and I both wish." She responds, "I do not know your inner most thoughts. This is for good cause. I know your physical history and General Garp, made one request when I was at the Naval base where he was stationed."

Ace is caught off guard.

"He asked if I saw you or your brother… and you fall in the ocean, to pull you out." She smirks, "I'm pretty sure he'd be angry to know I am more than willing to let you flounder. Because I have no use for anything that is more unstable than myself."

Ace's eye narrow again.

"Marco, his hair is done." Axis says, "I'm leaving tonight. Please forgive my intrusion these last several weeks." She states politely, "And Ace, you might want a shower." She walks past the two men and shuts the door.

The conversation is over and the reunion is done. The reality is here. The feeling is like being drowned in a bathtub. There is enough water to die in, but you almost have the ability to save yourself. If only you could pull your body out of the water and force the oppressive hands off your throat you would survive. However, no matter how close the surface is, you cannot escape. And so the water fills your lungs and for the last time, your life is out of control.

No mater how close the Gol siblings should be, apparently there is no way to reconcile their feelings. Each knows the other's weakness and in true sibling action, cannot forgive them for being less than perfect. Childish though the exchange might of have seemed, to anyone listening they would have heard Ace rising to Axis's bait. While the original intent may not have been to start an argument, it has ended as such.

"I'm leaving tonight." Promises Axis over the Den Den Mushi, "I've had enough sibling bonding to last me a life time."

Laughter rings on the opposite end and shows on the snail's face, "I'm glad you're alive." Says the man's voice, but the laughter stifles, "I still can't believe you met your brother!"

"I'd rather not discuss that right now." Axis prods.

"As you wish." Agrees the man, " Where are you?"

"I asked the navigator, he said we're somewhere. Where he pointed it out for me and it looks like I am close to the Black Islands."

"Oh really? That's where I am. I have a composition to write and direct at the upcoming Musical Festival of Illness."

Axis smiles, "Really? Is it good?"

"Axis!" says the man on the other line feigning hurt, "This is your uncle! Monsieur Miguel Siphonophore! The Master of sound! Ahhhhhh….hm."

Axis snorts and mutters, "Master of the house, quick to catch your eye-"

Her Uncle interrupts and ignores the comment, "No but seriously, why would you ask? Aren't my compositions amazing?" the snail is grinning and Axis knows it probably can't compare to her uncle's grin.

"Miguel, they're miraculous." Chuckles Axis.

Monsieur Siphonophore laughs and sighs, "I do wish you would bring Ace. I would love to met your brother."

Axis presses her lips together, "No. I can't get along with him, and he can't get along with me. Neither of us have patience for one another." She bites the inside of her mouth.

"That's nothing new." Snorts Monsieur Siphonophore, "My god child, if I could convince you that it was a good thing to have friends and family, do you think we'd be having this conversation? No! You'd be dead."

"I'm not sure if you intend that as a compliment are or an insult." frowns Axis.

"A little bit of both actually." He answers, "Look all I'm telling you is that in the past it served you well for survival, but things are different now. Maybe you should consider new… emotions, perhaps? Or consider new people? People do have value."

Axis bites her tongue. She has a snappy remark she does not want him to indulge with his philosophies of life.

"Regardless," Miguel sighs, "Please come home."

"I will." She promises, "See you tonight."

"See ya soon! Love ya lots!" and the conversation ends.

Axis has that familiar throbbing in her chest. Every time she talks to her Uncle, it returns. His craziness is a façade that has masked an intense cruelty in battle and a softness that only shows itself in the home she grew up in with him. She can never forget the feeling. No matter how she might want too. He did not have to take her in and because he did she survived for many years without the identity of Gol D. Rodger hanging over her head.

Instead she wore the badge of shame as Siphonophore Ophelia's daughter: The monster of Northern Woods. Axis understands Ace's hurt towards their male donor, but does not feel the same. After all, her father did not try to drown in her in the surrounding sea. Axis lets out a tired groan and walks back through the tangle of bodies to the deck.

"Axis!" calls a voice from the crowd.

Turning she sees the cross dressing commander, Izou. She stops and waits for him to catch up, "Hello."

"Pops wants to see you!" he says.

Her eyes narrow, "I don't really feel like being bitched at over his favorite son." She comments. She is not stupid enough to think the whole ship keeps its nose out of their commanding officer's business. After all, when Thacker whatever-his-name-was got drunk and made out with his best friend, who was also drunk, the whole Moby Dick knew about an hour later.

"You won't be." Promises the commander, "That's a sibling war and none of us want in on. Sides, its not like you're a crewman or anything."

She groans and rubs her face, "Show me the way." She mutters.

And Izou does with a flourish. Quickly dodging around the throng of people, the commander manages to get the both of them to side railing. Izou and Axis skirt around the edge of the ship, until they arrive are near to the captain's quarters. Then Izou begins strutting forward like a peacock and the crew parts for the pair to pass. Curious stares are shared their way, but no one comments. Either because they know retribution is a horrible thing or because they are being polite, Axis could not tell.

"I got her!" Izou grins throwing open the door to the cabin.

Whitebeard's grin grows, "Didn't think ya could leave without sayin' somethin' ta me didja?" booms the giant captain sitting on his bed.

Axis shakes her head and steps into the room behind the Fourth Commander, "I imagined I might hear from you if you weren't too busy, but it is hard to determine between pleasure and work on this boat."

He laughs and motions for Izo to leave.

The commander grins and waves shutting the door behind the pair.

Whitebeard's smile subsides into a sad silence. After a few minutes in which neither talk, he says, "Marco tells me this will most likely be the last we see of you here."

Axis nods.

The big man sighs and stares quietly at her, "I did hope you two would get along."

"Why?" she frowns.

He offers an expression of serious sadness as he answers, "Your brother has a strong body, but his mind is out to make him sick."

"At least we have that much in common." Grumbles Axis.

"Your encounters have been rather explosive." Agrees Whitebeard, "Although Ace seems to be willing to admit when he is wrong."

"As am I." Axis states, "I will not, however, sugar coat the truth. I was honest with him from the start and it has done nothing, but bite me in the ass."

"Most people don't want to know the good and the bad when they met someone." Reminds Whitebeard.

"In my life and experience, it has proven to be the only way to determine true friends from foes. I sugar coat nothing."

Whitebeard sighs, "Admirable, though that might be, you could stand to sugar coat some truths a little. The full force of who and what you-"

"He didn't ask what I was." Counters Axis tartly, "And if you know I advise you to keep your trap shut."

Whitebeard lifts an eyebrow, "The rumor aren't rumors." He murmurs, "Any colder and I might believe that you were carved from ice."

"I've heard that comment before." Mutters Axis.

Whitebeard's frown deepens, "Then you're hard-headed like your brother too. I bet reckless is under your description somewhere."

"Right next to 'implusive, manic depressive, and violent' and all written in that scribbled shit doctor's claim as handwriting." She scowls.

Whitebeard nods, but says nothing. There is a strange sadness in his features; A heaviness that seems to have engulfed his body. His frown deepens and his shoulder slouch a little more and his forearms resting on his knees slide down.

Axis opens her mouth to say something and is thrown off her feet. She rolls into the wall of the cabin and her backside slams into the wall. Her eyes are wide with a comical expression between disbelief, concern, and embarrassment.

The giant captain stands up, looks about and listens hard, "We're under attack." He murmurs.

Axis rolls over herself onto her knees. She straightens and stands up, "I have no idea what you're talking about." She says sarcastically. Her ears pick up on a strange whirring noise that seems muffled and quiet some distant away.

"Stay out of the way!" commands Whitebeard throwing the door open and storming out.

Ignoring the order, Axis tails behind him feeling the tremors within the boat. Her feet wobble and her body suddenly feels unusually unsteady. Her inner ear starts humming and a strange amount noise drums through her body. Her brain makes the connection before her mouth can warn the members of the crew; sonic weapons.

Sonic weapons had been outlawed due to the internal damage that could be done to the people of the sea. Even pirates for all there ruthlessness, obeyed this rule. Apparently the marines attempting to kill them did not have such reservations.

She stumbles to the side and the next blast knocks her off her feet. She rolls away from the crew and slams into the mast. Nothing breaks in the body, but the bruises will be extremely tender. Her head bounces off the mast as well and onto the floor. Her vision blurs and little sparks flash across her vision.

She attempts to get up and she feels the next blast that throws her into the railing of the ship. Her arm smashes into the middle of her humerus and she feels a tiny break; fracture. She winces and looks up and watches colors swirl and blend. Then there is another blast and a body slams her off the deck. She plummets into the water.

The coldness of the water shocks her senses and she feels herself ripped up from the water. Her vision clears and she reads the lips of the crewmen because her hearing seems to have stopped.

He's asking if she's all right, then his face looks pale and he reaches out. He touches the side of her head by her ear. He draws his hand away and it is covered with blood.

The glimmer of a shot makes Axis look up and she watches as a body comes hurling at her. Her mind slows down and she recognizes the violet tattoo on the broad muscled back. The flash of orange that sails past her vision is a hat and her brother Ace smashes into Axis. The pair is shoved deep into the water.

The crewman is hauled out of the water before anything can happen. He sputters as he is pulled through the wreckage of the railing, "Get off of meh!" he coughs, "Commander Marco!" he bellows shoving his fellow crewmen away from him, "Commander Marco!"

The phoenix savagely tosses another marine into the water and turns to the scraggily sailor, "What?!" he barks.

"Commander Ace and Ms. Axis went under!"

Axis is grateful for Ace's lack of clothing and grabs his bare forearm tightly with her small hand. She manages to pull Ace towards the surface. She emerges out of the water with Ace clinging tightly to her torso. His bare arms are wrapped tight enough around her neck to hold on. He must realize that who ever has him, is significantly smaller in mass than he is. Her vision keeps stretching and swaying. Black splotches threatened to entirely cover her vision and her body feels the violent tremors the sonic weapon's aftermath.

Commander Marco appears over the edge of the boat. He must have found a way to tear himself away from the battle. He grins at the sight of Axis with Ace. Quickly he throws a rope over, 'Hang tight!' he orders in a muted yell.

Axis can make out the knotted rope in her blurred vision and grabbed it tightly. She is not worried her brother will slip back into the sea. He has a vice grip on her that would no doubt darken her accumulated bruises.

Her body is shaking and sick. All she can think is 'The sonic weapon… sonic weapon…' she can no longer hear anything or feel anything but pain in the pit of her stomach.

The veering noise echoes around her and there is another jolt. Axis, shaking, lets the rope slide from her hand and she sees Marco purple form sail into the water.

Axis moves Ace's grip up and she dives back down. She plunges deep catching Marco's bare hand in the darkening water. There flashes above the water indicating that a storm is hitting. The waves echo the endless noise from the sonic cannon and Axis is struggling to remain conscious. Axis manages to pull her brother and his lover up to the surface and they both inhale sharply.

Both men were nearly unconscious, but Marco was aware enough to move part of Ace's unconscious body onto his as he holds on to her hand. Axis looks up at the sky and sees the dancing lightening. The waves are churning and whipping around. The small waves in the distance are taking on new heights.

Axis swallows knowing she will not last with fatigue clinging to her body like an anchor. There are suddenly slender fingers that grab her side! Axis panics. Her mind recalls two important facts.

One; they were near Black Island and Piranha mer-people encircled and roamed the waters. There really is no hope of fending them off. The second terrifying thought settles in. The drifting Jakenpi Jellyfish is also in the water. Their venom is so deadly they can kill in under a minute.

The Kairoseki Incident

Chapter Two: Marco's Tale

Ace wakes up in the dimming light of the evening. His brain is confused as his eyes sweep around his commanders cabin. The space is pristine and bare, except for the bed he lays on and the desk on the opposite wall. Upon the old worn hickory wood desk is his dagger and the bright red beads. His orange hat perches on the top of the chair, the long leather straps wrapped on the frame of the chair for security. His backpack sits beside the desk leg with the bite taken out and his black boots lean on the backpack on the floor. Everything is just as he remembers it.

'Was everything before… just a dream?' he wonders and rolls onto his back to stare at the ceiling. His arm brushes something cold. The something cold steals the heat from his body and freezes his insides. A very dizzying sensation latches onto his nerves and his hand tingles like it did in the 'dream' about the Marine Fort on Hurricane Island.

The fire pirate turns his eyes slowly to his side and finds the girl. The strip of fluffy black hair sticks up on the worn blue blanket she is using for a pillow. Her back is to him and the stained canvas shirt has been replaced for her current overlarge cotton one. The shirt is almost off one shoulder and he can see the coarse fabric of the medical bandages on her shoulder. His mind automatically connects the injury with shot fired at the fort.

It impresses Ace that she has squashed herself into the corner of the bed; then again Ace is somewhat spread eagle across the large double mattress.

He rolls on his side and gently pokes her between the shoulder blades on the spine sticking up through the skin. Receiving no respond he repeats his motion and this time she shifts a little. Ace maneuvers one arm under and one over the top of her torso into a bear hug and wrenches her out of the corner of the bed. He rolls her top of himself and he rubs his face on the spine. This always gets his idiot brother up when all else fails.

He has her undivided attention. She squawks startled awake. Instantly Ace feels like he is holding a snake. Her body is twisting and flailing around until she pulls herself from her brother and rolls off the side of the bed.

There is a 'thump' then, "Motherfucking son of a bitch!"

Peering over the side of the bed, a disheveled and tired girl looks up at him. Her black eyes narrow, her mouth thins into a line, and he can visibly see her clenching her jaw. He cannot remember her name right this moment.

"Uh… morning?" he asks hoping for a better reaction.

She blinks those large black eyes at him slowly.

Ace swallows and wonders what exactly he woke up.

"It's nighttime, asshole." She glowers jerking her head towards the porthole where the limited light is coming in, "And if you want the whole damn bed there are easier ways to get what you want."

Ace sits up, "Haven't you ever heard of a hug?" he says irritably.

"You're referring to your bone crushing embrace?" she retorts crossing her arms.

Ace throws the pillow in her face, "You don't have to be a bitch about it!"

She hurls the pillow in his face, "And you don't hafta be a dick the first time you wake up!"

Ace throws the pillow onto the bed and slams his feet into the wood floor, "Why the hell were you in my bed?"

"Because this is where I was told to sleep?" she shrugs, "Because your crewmen asked me to stay with you until you woke up- and in case you haven't noticed, it's been several days since you were last awake."

Ace stops. That's right. They were at the marine fort on Hurricane Island… then they escaped thanks to Smoker…. Then they were on a boat… How many days was that? How are they on the Moby Dick? His brain stops and he glares at her.

"I don't remember your name." He states matter-of-factly. Hopefully a change in subject will organize what is going on.

She groans, "Axis. My name is Axis, Ace."

Now he feels embarrassed. She knew his name when he did not know hers.

As if to save the siblings from an awkward silence, the door opens. Marco, Ace's best friend and First Commander of the Whitebeard pirates, enters and his smile falls at the sight of the siblings. Ace can already tell how this looks.

"Good to see you up, Ace." The First Division Commander says slowly and looks from Ace to Axis on the floor, "What's up, yoi?"

Axis rubs her face with her hands and mutters something incoherent.

Ace glowers at her. From the sound it could not have been anything nice, "Nothin'."

"Oh boy." Mutters Marco and reaches out to Ace, "Well I'm glad you're up. Let's get some food into you, maybe a bath, and definitely a check up, yoi."

Ace looks from his fellow commander's hand, to his sister, and then back to the hand, but does not move, "Yeah…"

Marco nudges the female sibling with his foot, "Go back to bed." He states, "The nurses will have a field day if you open up those stitches."

"It was an accident." She grumbles dropping her hands to her side.

"Accident or not, you've lost a lot of blood. Now crawl back in and I'm gonna drag your brother away for a bit, yoi?" Marco sounds like Marco. Bored with a hint of authority in his voice, however Ace can't help but notice the edge in his tone that normally is not there. He sounds as if he might be walking on eggshells.

After a few moments of silent coaxing, Axis crawls back onto her side of the bed and pulls the blankets over her head.

Ace almost wants to apologize, but he tugged out of his room by Marco. The moment the door it shut Ace shoves his best friend off him. He opens his mouth to demand some sort of answer, but the phoenix's pale palm presses hard against his lips. Something in his friend's gaze forces Ace into silence.

Ace looks away, annoyed.

Marco's expression in the hush promises to explain.

Marco drags him to the infirmary. Ace is grumbling under his breath at his friend when Marco throws open the doors, "He's all yours, yoi." Marco does not even bother to keep out the irritation from his voice.

There is a pleasant squeal and the curvy beautiful nurses surround Ace. His spirits lift considerably as their admiration and concern wash over him.

"Commander Ace!" giggles one, "We were so worried about you!"

Another one coos, "We can't believe you're back!"

And other such comments are spread around along with gentle rubs and kisses. Ace is pleasantly flustered as the compliments become a little more in the 'grey area' of professional and personal. However, Ace does not deny that this best wake-up call he has ever had. He's never had so many women (or men) at once, demanding to give him affection.

There is a sharp click of heels and a, "LADIES!" and the girls back up and give the Head Nurse an access way to Ace, "Please. He is still patient." Her loud booming voice softens to a gentle motherly whisper.

"Yes, Ma'am." Agrees all her fellow nurses.

"Miss Kayla!" grins Ace, "How are you?"

The blue eyed woman smiles sweetly at him, "Now that both of my intensive care patients are completely awake and functioning? Amazing."

Ace beams at her like a little boy, "I bet all of you have worked hard to help me… and my sister get back on our feet."

Kayla tucks her red curls behind her ear, "Sweetie, we're happy to do it. Aren't we Ladies?" she says gesturing to her girls as walks towards the pirate.

There is a surrounding giggle.

Kayla stops in front of Ace, "After all you are a commander." She reminds him, "A commander we have missed over the last two and a half years."

Ace reaches out a hand and catches Kayla's dainty hand. He lifts it to his lips in chaste kiss and looks up from under black eyelashes, "Thank you…. Thank you for all your hard work."

"But, Commander Ace!" whine several the girls, "We helped too!"

Ace winks at the nurses, "I know. But it seems only right that I thank your Leader. After all, if she did not give such good directions, you would not have been able to save me." This last bit is said a little dramatically, but the girls take it for all it is worth.

There is another round of giggling.

"Besides," he winks at them, "I'm sure I still need a check up."

If Ace did not love the attention, the reaction would have been bad. Ace had never been cared for as if he were glass. He went through a physical with Kayla and several of the other nurses offered lingering touches and caresses as his gifts. And he, being mischievous, sent seductive grins their way. Ace did not miss Marco laughing at him at he waited by the door.

Once declared fit for war, Ace was given a shower. A bath might have been nice, but Ace's stomach became demanding part of the way through his physical. So in the quickest shower of his life, he drenched himself, soaped up, and rinsed. It helped the water on board was cold due to a broken heater, but Ace decided to blame it on his stomach.

"You're sucha flirt, yoi." Marco snorts throwing Ace his shorts to cover his black boxers.

Ace catches the sewn fabric and steps into them, "It's hard when you're this cute." He says cheekily at the First Commander.

Marco rolls his eyes, "Let's get you some food."

Ace is feels that sense of joy at the mention of food. Carefully he threaded his belt into the buckle and through the back. He tightened it so his heavy shorts would not fall of his slim hips. That had happened once and he did not want it to happen again!

Ace lets himself slump against the railing of the Moby Dick. Gravity and his lethargic muscles drag him down to deck and he grins. His stomach is pleasantly full and he enjoys the tickling sensation from warm breeze. He inhales the salty air and the lets his eyes wonder around the evening deck.

People are either on night watch or chatting idly in various spots around the deck. A couple of his fellow commanding officers are lounging on the deck with their drinks in hand. Whitebeard's bedroom door is closed with a big sign that reads 'Wake me and Die.' One man is curled up on the deck with his blanket.

Ace looks up at Marco.

To his surprise he is smiling down at Ace. "Feel better, yoi?" inquires the Phoenix.

Ace stretches up and grins, "Yeah!" he says with such contentment he almost misses the disquieted look in Marco's eye. He lets his hands fall to his side and says, "What?"

Marco carefully sits beside Ace and looks at his younger crewman sharply, "Ace," he says with such a cool tone Ace almost wonders what he's done wrong, "When we left your bedroom I had a feeling you were going to ask me something..."

"Well yeah, but-"

Marco cuts him off, "Now is the time for the answers." He states and looks idly at the crewmen on deck.

Ace is unsure if he is being invited to ask questions or if he is being told he will have to answer them. He waits a moment or two before he says, "Can I- can I ask now?"

Marco chuckles a little and nods.

Ace rummages in his head for the questions buzzing in his head and finds one to start with, "Are you scared of her? Axis, I mean." he asks thinking back to Marco's reaction.

"No." the plainness in Marco's voice is hard to argue with, but when his gaze shifts Ace knows there is more, "Lemme ask you a question."

"Alright." Agrees Ace.

"How long do you think you've been out, yoi?" the First Commander's voice is very dry.

Ace snorts and rolls his eyes, "Not more than two days at most." He laughs, but it quickly dies. He can see the stern expression in Marco's eyes. Ace falls quiet. "There's no way I was out for more."

"Actually there is." Marco returns. He makes himself comfortable against the railing, "You have been out for fours days aboard the Moby Dick, yoi"

Ace shrugs. Inwardly he's not too impressed. 'Only?' Sure four days is a little long for him, but its only four days.

"You were asleep on your Skipper for another three days." Marco continues, "So you've been out for almost a week."

Ace looks at Marco in silence. Then the other nagging question in the back of his mind manages to tumble out, "How'd we get back to the Moby Dick?"

"Get comfortable." Advises Marco sighing. He turns his face up to the star studded sky, "This is quiet the tale and completely true."

Ace cross his legs and hunches over. His face lands in his hands and he stares resolutely at the zosan logia user.

Marco's formal voice returns quickly at he dictates the past events, "As I mentioned, we found you at three days. According to Axis, the first two days out to sea, nothing happened. Apparently you got stuck in the calm belt, and then she navigated the boat into the Grandline. On the third day, just as dawn broke Axis told me that you were delusional and sick. About high noon you two were attacked by a rag-tag group of pirates."

Ace raises an eyebrow, but does not interrupt Marco. In all honesty, it only felt like a day of sleep. He does not remember anything.

Marco continues, "We saw the fight and apparently so did the navy-" and Marco shivers as the scene plays out in all its gory detail.

The navy was on the other side of the fighting and the Moby Dick on the other. Marco shrugged unimpressed at first glance. These 'pirates' were nothing more than cocky brats who had no experience in the Grandline or other pirates for that matter. The fight would be over soon and it would not really matter who won or lost. All that would matter is who had to fight the Whitebeard pirates. With Pops back, nothing was impossible and nothing was over.

Marco looked over the side of the ship lazily and stopped. He saw an Ocean Skipper. That particular boat was only from the far Northern or far Southern Blue. As he stared at it longer, he realized it was a specific type of Skipper that only came from the Plague Islands in Northern Blue. The sight was so unusual that he almost missed the black haired male sleeping in it.

He literally jumped over the side of the boat and landed in the Skipper. He could hear the calls from his crewman, but ignored them. He reached a rough palm and touched the freckled cheeks of Portagas D. Ace's face. It was unreal. Just like when Pops showed up. But here he was.

Marco remembered carefully gathering up Ace and flying him to the Moby Dick. When he landed the other crewman exclaimed there shock and awe. Their second commander was alive, dehydrated, sick, and asleep.

The medical staff onboard instantly whisked Ace away and Marco jumped back over the side of the boat to collect Ace's belongings in the Skipper. This time when his feet touched the planks of the boat, he looked up and saw the girl.

The obsidian blade was hard to miss against the sun. The blackness shadowed the sun as it sliced through its opponents with ease. She landed on the boat closest to him and he saw the blood splattered canvas shirt. The curved frame and stiff shoulders of the girl were shaking in silence.

She lifted her blade and threw at the crewman aboard the ship. She went after it and with her bare hands began jabbing holes through people's bodies and spilling organs on the deck. He visually searched for the blade, but found it was gone. Before his mind could tell him what to do he heard Whitebeard above him.

"Marco." He said gruffly, "Bring up their things and go get the girl." He commanded.

Marco tore his gaze away from his commander and looked down in the Skipper. It was the first time he had noticed the black backpack on the ropes. He reached down and took it along with Ace's belongs that were all neatly stored together. Bright orange hat, red beaded necklace, zebra print backpack all fire proof and all undeniably Ace's.

He did as he was commanded and was quick about it. Then he jumped in the middle of the action. His feet felt the appalling touch of organs and he felt more than he heard the 'squelch' when he stepped on them. Marco reached out and grabbed the girl's arm from behind and suddenly felt his fire extinguish. It was like his entire body was cold.

Axis turned and broke the contact with him. She stared at him for a moment breathing hard, her eyes wild and unfocused.

As if someone was breathing for him, his body swelled with its devil abilities and filled him. Something on the inside lit him on fire and he knew he was able to use it again. The sensation alone was enough to make him weary of touching her.

Then there was a whistling through the air and the obsidian blade made reappearance. Marco's head jerked up and he watched the blade plummet down and Axis rip it from the air.

"You need to get out of here!" He managed to yell, "There's no reason for you to fight these fools." He slammed his foot into some poor crewman's jaw that had snuck up behind him.

Axis jerked her sword hand behind her and sliced another man's head off, "I beg to disagree." She responded politely, but with such a cold undertone Marco wondered if it was just her nature that made him feel cold, "But my brother is a little M.I.A."

"Ace?" Marco remembered asking her as he blocked another assailants heavy fist.

"Yeah!" He heard her voice over the crowd.

"No need!" He yelled, "He's a Whitebeard pirate! We saw him and already took him on the Moby Dick!"

Apparently Axis did not need to be told twice. However he watched her throw a glance off the side of the ship. She saw something and swallowed. "Hey Pineapple!" she yelled at him.

Marco grimaced. Only the other crew members on the Moby Dick dared to give him nicknames. Never the less he answered, "What?!" he yelled driving a fist into someone's nose.

"Do not get too close to the water!" she barked dodging around an older man.

Marco was confused and a little taken a back by her comment. Any normal person would have said, 'Don't get in the water.' His mind wondered for a moment if she knew about his abilities. Maybe she had watched him fly back and forth between the Skipper and the Moby Dick.

"Alright!" he consented.

"Then let's get the fuck off this ship." And she bolted off the side of the sailing vessel.

Had she not just said, 'Do not get too close to the water?'

Marco transformed and shot up into the sky just as the pirate ship shattered into little pieces. His eyes were wide in disbelief. He heard the cheers from the navy ship watch the military vessel begin heading for the Moby Dick. Marco instantly searched the churning waves for the girl he was supposed to take back. His eyes couldn't make out anything. A strange color was beginning to make the water turn murky. He looked towards the Ocean Skipper and he saw her in the water.

He dove down towards the boat. Idly, he danced out of reach of the cannon balls. Marco was pleasantly surprised by her skill in swimming. She made swift speedy stroke that tore through the water. Her body would vanish under the waves, and then shoot back up propelled by the violently moving ocean. However the moment she pulled herself up the side of the Ocean Skipper Marco understood why she had been worried about the water. Clinging to her exposed hip was a giant squid tentacle. He could even see the little hooks on the suction cups.

Axis had wasted no time literally ripping the tentacle from her flesh and severing the appendage. The hooks tore off a deep path of skin and blood began changing the color of the canvas shirt she wore. She dropped it in the sea and Marco finally saw the creatures in the water. It was not just his one very large squid; there was hundreds of squid in the water. Because of his vision and point of view, he could see them tearing apart the sailors in a violent feeding frenzy. The water was going a sickening red. The coppery scent filled his sinus and as the breeze dropped allowing the First Commander the ability to get closer, he watched the squid sail on the waves eating one another in all their rage.

Marco dropped to the side of the Ocean Skipper and nodded for Axis to get on him. Tired as she was, she climbed on him and he flew straight up before he felt his body forced to shift back into its human form. He was directly over the boat, so he simply looked like he was making a dramatic entrance with a damsel in distress. He had moved her from his back to his arms and hit the deck with a resounding 'THUD'. Of course he thought his oxygen supply was probably going to diminish because she was hanging so tight to his neck.

Carefully he had set her down to face the Whitebeard crew. The girl was a bloody mess and the navy was bearing down on them. Marco thought there might be a potential interrogation, but Axis nearly fell over from blood loss. She was rushed into intensive care beside Ace and Marco returned to his position beside Oyaji for the battle against the marines.

Marco pauses his story and Ace knows just from the careful stare of the First Commander that he is wide eyed.

The story is gruesome and a little more than Ace can comprehend at the moment. He is a pirate and has seen the terrors of this world. That does not stop Marco's description about the cannibalizing squid, giving him the shivers. There is also the blunt way Marco speaks of Axis's fighting style. Ace knows no one who punches organs out like a cookie cutter… other than Axis.

"Are you alright?" Marco asks gently.

"I'm okay." Ace admits letting out air. He fills slightly sickened by the vivid description Marco is giving him. He rubs his face and blinks rapidly "Okay so what happened then?"

Marco nods, "We won again the Marines, naturally. It was only after we had treated our own wounded that Whitebeard told us who she was. It was all over the newspapers. Escaping from the Fort on Hurricane Island is no small matter." He sighs and waves a hand, "Apparently you both have the same blood type, but you were dehydrated. Your sister needed blood right then, so I donated. The nurses were happy that her body did not reject it." He says calmly, "Once you were alright, they took some from you to stabilize her. It took two days, but once she was up we stopped worrying."

Marco heard his words come out of his mouth before he could stop them, "Is Ace alright?"

The nurses giggled at him, "Oh he's fine. He's not completely better, but he sort of wakes up and asks strange things before he falls back asleep. We think he's just exhausted and finishing recovering."

Marco felt himself relax, "Well then," he said formally, "Is Axis currently awake?"

"Yes. She's a little… odd, but we think it may be the blood loss." Nodded the same nurse.

"And for god's sake Marco, please do not move her yet!" demanded a pretty blond woman, "She has more stitches than a rag doll. Do not move her."

Marco held his hands up in mock surrender, "I shall not." He promised and was escorted to the bedside of Gol D. Axis.

His first impression of Axis was that she really was a rag doll. The bandages from the night before had been removed from her bony frame and were being exchanged. Apparently they were waiting on some medicine to dry on the skin. The thin-strapped shirt she wore exposed the new lines of sutures across her chest. They overlapped old scars and gave him the impression that she was held together only by thread. The dark hair was Ace's; the same slightly curved shape in the strands, same body with in the hair, the same color. But those eyes were not. They were a stormy gray that did not change.

"Hello, Ms. Axis." He had said politely.

She lulled her head to the side tiredly, "Hi." She responded a blank tone.

"My name is Marco. I am the first commander of the Whitebeard pirates." He remained formal unsure of what she will tell him.

"Yes I know." She answered looking away, "Whadda want?"

Marco remembered being somewhat taken aback the frankness in her tone. He takes this as permission to say what he will, however he will, "Many things actually, yoi." His accent is back.

She squirms a little getting comfortable and looked at Marco, "Like?"

"Thank you. Thank you for taking care of Ace." He takes a seat by the bed, "He may be your brother, but I know you don't know him. He's a good friend… my best friend. I've missed him and I am happy to have him back, yoi."

The blank expression finally gives in and she half smiles, "I'm glad he was worth the trouble."

With this expression of gratitude, Marco feels safe to venture down other topics, "Secondly, I would like to inform you of how brutalized you are." He leaned back in his chair.

She chuckles.

"You lost well over a third of the blood in your body, needed forty two sutures, and was unconscious for two days." He said with a grin.

Axis laughs silently at the information.

He smiled wider, "But you are relatively stable now."

"Sarcastic yaaayyy." She responded dryly.

He shook his head, "And third I have a request from Whitebeard on behalf of Ace."

She raised a finger; "Ace has made all sorts of unthinkable requests in the last 12 hours since I've been awake. I'm not sure he should be taken seriously."

Marco chuckled, "Yes I know." He grinned at her, "But this is more Whitebeard than Ace."

She rolled her eyes with a smile, "Alright spit it out."

"He would like you to stay, at least until Ace is well enough to talk to you." Marco explained, "He… well I too feel like your brother and yourself need to spend a little time together. Ace… Ace is a little emotional. We are worried if you leave right away he will be confused, hurt, and do something rash."

"I do not really have anywhere to be at the moment. If your ship can tolerate me I have no problem staying." She agreed, "Even if it is against my better judgment."

"Why is that?" quipped Marco curiously.

She lifted the hand without the IV and rubbed her eye, "Marco, despite what any poster will tell you, I am not a pirate. I'm positive within a few hours you will come to the same conclusion everyone else does."

Marco appreciated the honesty, "I watched you fight, briefly, against the other pirates. I know you are not. The most obvious way to note this is you bare no mark of pirate. In fact-" he picks up the backpack at his feet, "And I hope you'll forgive me for this, but I went through your belongings and find you to be a little well versed in anatomy."

Axis shakes her head with a half smile.

"This is a personal question from me, but what is it that you do, normally?" he said leaning back in his chair.

"I'mma medical illustrator and an unofficial osteologist." She explained without hesitation.

"Forgive me, but what is 'osteology' and what do you mean 'unofficial'?" inquired Marco.

"Osteology is the scientific study of bones... more specifically human. Mostly used to determine a person's age, sex, growth, death all that good stuff. I always say osteology, but I am versed in aquatic osteology as well which is the study of ocean beings bones." She paused and Marco nodded for her to continue, so she complied, "Unofficial because I hold no degree. However, I am trained by all intents and standards."

"And used frequently I take it." Marco added.

She nodded.

Marco smiled, "That would explain a few of the human remains in your backpack." He watched her carefully, "Do you always carry around a human skeleton in your bag?"

Axis pressed her lips together carefully choosing her words, then she replied, "No I do not. But… don't pull those bones out again please. The navy is looking for…" she stopped. Clearly she had become comfortable talking with him and had said too much.

"I said it as a personal question." Reminded Marco, "I'm not incline to give this information to anyone… other than Ace."

Axis shrugged, "I'm not worried about you telling him…" she stopped and looked away.

Marco looks at Ace seriously, "Then I basically switched topics. I had her stay in your room with you. The first night she complained you were clingy." He smiles at Ace, "Then I asked her about how you came to be where you were and she told me. She's very blunt when answering questions."

Ace lets out a nervous chuckle, and then says, "She has a human skeleton in her backpack?"

"I originally was not going to tell you." Marco informs the second division commander.

Ace 'hms' and scratches his head, shaking off the eeriness. Then another of Marco's statements bothers him, "What do you mean she said I was clingy?"

Marco chuckles, "I am only repeating the information. At any rate, I assume that is why she was feeling rather cross today. Whatever squabble you two got into, you probably hurt her in the middle of the episode. She has many many sutures and is in a lot of pain."

Ace flinches. His well-meant hug more than likely felt like he was crushing her bones.

"When you asked if I was afraid of Axis, I told you no. I was concerned she would pull her stitches. She has too many and that could be potentially dangerous."

Ace groans at his stupidity.

"At any rate, I have promised your caregivers-" Ace snorts thinking about the nurses, "-That I would not keep you up long. I apparently lied. You need to go to bed."

Ace stretches out and then stands up, "Yeah I will. Thanks." Marco nods at him as he turns and starts for his room. A lot has happened since he was awake last.

When he gets to his room he found that his sister has unraveled from the blanket. He sits carefully down on the bed and stares at the bandaged body with its arms wrapped tightly around itself. Ace pulled the blankets up and slid under. Quietly he tossed half the blanket over his sibling and turned so his back was facing her.

He felt tired, but his head was buzzing with new information. Finally after several moments of inner conflict he said aloud, "I would be pissed too if someone hugged my stitches."

To his surprise he hears a breathy chuckle, "Go to sleep Ace."

The Kairoseki Incident

Chapter One: Escape from Marine Fort on Hurricane Island

The clinking of heavy steel chains stop when Axis halts. The soles of her feet seize up and induce painful cramps and the muscles in her calves, contract and pull. She is only a few feet from the newly caught pirate. Axis is not inclined to meet the eyes of the pirate and stares at the grubby stone floor. Fingers thread themselves through the top of her hair and yank her face up.

She is slightly regretting not cutting off all the hair on her head. It is cut just so that the sides are short and the strip down the middle is long in a half mohawk fohawk style. It is unfortunate in Axis's opinion because it has been pulled more in the last 48 hours of interrogation than she would have liked. Her eyes are black like her hair and heavy with dark circles from a lack of sleep. While her skin, which normally maintains a dark color, has become rather pale and sickly looking during her stay at the marine fort on Hurricane Island. In fact, she has been there for five grueling weeks.

Her arms are lashed behind her in a succession of locks that lead up to her shoulders. The muscles are nearly stone stiff from their position. The painful rubbing of the metal against her skin has caused dark bruises and abrasions. The injuries have her arms looking unnaturally splotchy. The military officers have learned her well over the years and have included the 700 milligrams of some sedative to keep her in check. It makes her vision blur.

At the moment, Axis wishes she could simply knock out, but her insomnia is proving to be troublesome.

The person in front of her with his echoing black eyes and freckled face was someone she has never met in all her travels and encounters with pirates. His tanned skin had bruises and a cheery grin was being ripped from his face. He was without a shirt and his pants were probably only held up by the belt with the large 'A' on the buckle. He seemed befuddled by her.

The marine officer at Axis's back introduces them to one another in a solemn, but grating tone, "Portagas D. Ace." He drawls slowly, "I would like to introduce you to someone."

In her drugged state, Axis rolls her eyes at the officer's smugness and lets her head lull back to look at the man. His clean-shaven face and square jaw are the most prominent features; Probably only second to his rather large nose. His small grey eyes glower down at her and she notes in her silence, that he has brown hair. She may need to remember him.

He in turn, shakes her so her head falls forward, "This is Gol. D. Axis." He must have been relishing the shock on the boy's face for a few seconds because he does not speak right away. When he begins again, it is in a sneer, "Axis I would like you to say hello to your brother, Gol D. Ace."

"Portgas!" snarls Ace at the officer, snapping out of his daze.

The officer curls his lip at Ace, "Do not be foolish, boy. You and your sister will be executed together under the proper name you bare. Just as you did before and hopefully this time… you will stay dead."

"Wishful thinking does not suit you, Officer." Axis mutters as she inhales sharply.

Grabbing the back of Axis's shirt he shakes her so her arms move painfully, "What was that, girl?"

"Fuck you, that's what." She glowers tiredly, "I'mean what the fuck is this? I'm supposed to sit here and say hi to my brother, now? Couldn't this have waited until you were done trying to kill me? Or if you kill me?"

The officer shoves her hard. She is off balance and her mind does the quick calculating to brace itself. She is going to collide with the wall and then the floor. The impact however, is different. She hits into an overly warm body and realizes her newly introduced sibling has protected her. Ace is twisted just so that he can support her with her momentary lack of balance. He pushes her off himself so she can straighten.

Axis blinks at him and then in a lucid voice says, "Thank you." She is grabbed from behind and winces at the sharp shooting pain in her shoulders.

Axis watches as Ace's hands are grabbed from behind and wrists pushed upward.

"Bad blood must've run in Ol' Roger's veins. Two pirates from the same bloodline." Snorts one of the officers behind Ace.

Axis rolls her eyes, "I dunno a single pirate who believes I'mma pirate." Her voice slurs.

"Then you must not be in their rank!" jeers another officer.

There is pressure on her back and she is shoved forward. She can see Ace moving unsteadily ahead at the same time. The heavy metal doors open and spill in the late afternoon light with all its rosy hues. The pair walks forward to perch above the cheering crowd of marines.

A new practice keeps pirates from ever being hopeful again. Axis knows about the "Marine Fort Incident". This time, they will be executed on the spot to prevent such problems as an uprising. No stalling, except in this case. Having been there for five weeks worth of hurricanes, Axis knows the military is wary of a potential problem.

The guards force them to kneel in front of the crowd. The pair is supposed to have heads bowed in a 'remorseful' silence. Since Axis now knows Portagas D. Ace has already been down this road before, she is not surprised to see he keeps his head held high. Ace's coal black eyes remain narrowed at the crowd, and his lips pursed. His shoulder blades are rigid and weighted kairoseki cuffs bind his hands.

Execution day certainly has taken too long to get here. Axis is no stranger to the marines and no stranger to the hatred of the pirates. She keeps her eyes straight ahead, her jaw clenched shut, and her ears open. There is a smell in the air she knows. The omen of good fortune catches her attention in the crowd and she smiles wide.

The crowd falls into silence as the executioners come forward. No formal reading will be held until after they are dead. The prisoners have been at Hurricane Island too long. The long blades are presented forward, pulled up high and prearranged in an 'X' across the prisoners. The reflection in the blade shows each prisoner how mortal they are.

Portagas D. Ace swallows hard.

Blinking twice, Axis inhales the familiar harsh toxic aroma. Before the panic can set in, she forces herself to remain calm and waits for the pain.

The swords prepare to move and a gunshot rings out over the crowd. A momentary panic escalades and fades as Axis is thrown back. Her body crumples on the platform with a shoulder bleeding from an embedded bullet. There is a heavy silence that suppresses the naval forces.

The guards, offset by the shot, are suddenly guarding themselves instead of Ace.

Axis pushes herself up with her head. The wound bleeds freely and the metal brace holding her arms creaks as the arms shift around. Her spine regains its composure and she hauls herself up onto her legs. Then she stands. Those black glossy confused eyes have been replaced. The eyes are dilated strange and her jaw is loose in a wild smile.

"Axis! Stand down!" Is the order from the guard to Ace's left.

Axis looks at him sideways. The smile is scary and disconcerting. With her eyes in their dilated positions it makes her look mad. In the heavy silence, the brace hits the ground with one final movement from Axis's shoulders. She has carefully contorted her shoulders and arms to remove the device. However, her hands have not gone unscathed. Long lines of peeled flesh dangle from her hands and she holds her appendages up for the guards to see. Casually she tears the ragged skin off, but no blood falls from her hands. Then she rolls her shoulders forward with a variation of cracks and lets her body realign itself. There is no way that she can dislocate herself to remove the cuffs from around her ankles, but she is completely unconcerned.

"Kill her!" yells a commander's voice.

The entire world seems to mobilize, except Ace's captors. Axis knows them. They are watching for her next move. The swords swing down at her from her guards and she bends backwards. The movement of her body is like water. It is a smooth movement that is prepared to react to each assault. She avoids being cut a second time and opens her right hand.

The fingers are pressed tight against one another her thumb is pulled to the side making a bladed hand that strikes back with definitive force. The body of the assailant stops. The sword clatters and rolls to the side on the stone ground. Axis's hand goes through the stomach and drops out one of the kidney and a liver through the back.

She is slick with blood up to her elbow and withdraws her bloody weapon through the guard's stomach. There is a squelching noise and a crimson squirt of warm body fluid covers Axis's canvas shirt. She lets her assailant topple over onto the ground. Axis hears the cry of rage and despair from the second guard and she ducks his lunge. This guard is significantly taller and bigger than Axis and he falls on top of her. It is only a moment before another hand, another kidney and part of what looks like an intestine come out of the guard's back. His body goes limp over her.

This time Axis squirms underneath the man. He is overweight and painfully heavy, but he his less bulky by his arms. She manages to wiggle out from between tangle of the two guards bodies. Her feet slip out and kick the big man off, showing off the lack of the ankle braces. As she faces her new sibling, she flashes him a smile with a shiny key between her lips.

Axis starts for her brother and the two guards scatter without much of a threat. Clearly they remember the last encounter they survived. They jump into the crowd of people, shouting and screaming about the 'Daughter of Evil' coming to take revenge. Axis ignores their words and quickly kneels down by her brother's ankles. The key carefully fits into the lock and with one quick flick of the wrist the chains jangle down at his feet. She rolls her shoulders back telling them 'pop' a little more and grabs him by the cuffs. He will be of no use if his hands aren't free. The cuffs crumble at the welding points as she applies pressure to them and hit the ground with dull clanking noises. If the restraints had not been kairoseki cuffs, they would not have broken so easily.

It's like Ace's body ignites. His posture changes; the muscles in his shoulders relax, straighten, square themselves towards the marines clambering up the stairs to the execution platform. Axis can see his eyes narrow and focus. The first assailants charge forward and Ace stomps his foot against the wooden platform. Fire erupts from his feet and charts a quick path to the opening of the stairs. The flames become roaring bonfire that blocks the marines. He grins. The stage has only one entrance, but they have a moment to breathe.

Axis grabs him.

"I didn't burn you did I?" he blurts suddenly looking at her. Apparently he forgot she was standing so close to him.

Axis grins wider, "Do I look burned?" she smarts and tugs on his hand, "Let's go!"

"Go?" he retorts. "Go where? We have to go through the marines to get outta here, unless you can fly." He snorts.

Her face drops the smile as the adrenalin in her body is wearing off. However, her eyes pick out the fire escape and she clenches her hand. It surprises her that he reacts by clutching back. It is permission to do as she sees fit.

Axis quickly pulls him from the platform back towards the doors, but to the right. Beside the grand doors is a slender opening. There is a small staircase. He grips her hand harder and follows silently down the flights of steps. The world becomes black and Axis directs their path based solely on sound. The steps lead to a passage with dim lights. Her mind races ahead to quickly calculate where they are going. She recognizes the numbered doors with their plaques of who work in that area. She takes the next left down a hall to the opposite side of the building and then down another set of stairs.

The stairs end at a door she shoves open. They are just outside the marine fort on Hurricane Island on the left hand side where there are open rolling hills of green pastures. She pulls Ace along the edge of the building till they both the see the ocean. They break into a run down the grass plain. Ace stumbles briefly on a large stone hidden in the tall grass and recovers quickly. He must be used to having someone drag him places. At least Axis's assumes. They pass several large clumps of palm trees and the grass begins to thin out into the yellow sand.

They tread carefully across the hot beach. Axis can hear the uproar from the fort and can smell herself for the first time. She grimaces. She smells like dirt, sweat, and corpses. She shakes off the thought because her brother smells like many burnt corpses (in her opinion). Only when they run further down the beach does Axis see him standing there with a boat. White Chase Smoker stands with the thick rope to a boat. The pair draws up to him and Axis sees the glistening brass pistol on the marine officer's hip. Axis knows for a fact Smoker had no use for guns… except in this case.

"I ain't gonna rescue your sorry ass again, pirate." Glowers Smoker at Ace and throws him into the boat. He grabs Axis by the back of her shirt and tosses her in with her brother, "And you," he points a finger at her, "Quit getting caught." And shoves the boat out.

Smoker vanishes from sight before she can turn and thank him. Axis feels a lump in her throat. There is a lot that Smoker, or Smokes as she calls him, does for her.

The wind is on the sibling's side. It fills the sail quickly and shoves the boat further out to sea. Axis quickly gets up and grabs both cords attached to the sail and the boat begins to skip across the water.

"What are you doing?!" yelps Ace jumping and holding tightly to the mast.

"Getting further out!" she yells, "Hurricanes will hit this island soon and we can't afford to be caught up with it, unless you as a devil fruit user can also swim!"

Ace bites his tongue and looks to the left of their skipping vessel. He must see the ominous clouds headed towards the island they were just on.

Axis lets the boat skip for a good fifteen minutes before she releases the sails from their wide position and quickly begins tying the sails down. By this time the island is distant on the horizon and the on coming weather to the island will hopefully make the marines think twice about pursuing them. She is silently impressed. Smoker remembered the time they were on an Ocean Flyer, like this boat. Axis makes a silent reminder to herself to get him more cigars as a 'thank you'.

She flops down into the boat.

Ace jumps up with what Axis assumes is his bag. He rummages through it and finds what he is looking for. It looks like a watch, but Axis knows better. A preset brand new log throws light off its orb top and Ace quickly steers the boat further away from the marine occupied island towards somewhere.

Axis feels disoriented and does not move for several minutes. Then she straightens herself, blinking slowly and winces at the bullet encased in her shoulder.

Ace notices her pain and quickly locates medical supplies.

'Make that two more boxes of expensive cigars.' Thinks Axis seeing the tin box in Ace's hand.

Ace strips his sister of her shirt and stops. He blinks several times then places a finger on the largest of all the scars on Axis's torso. The scar runs from shoulder blade to shoulder blade and is about three quarters of an inch wide, "This… doesn't hurt anymore… does it?"

She surprised by his concern, but smiles and says, "Hehe, nope."

He lays the fabric across her chest area for modesty's sake, and then pulls out the tweezers, "Sorry." He mutters.

"No, thank you." She laughs reminding herself that gratitude is taken much easier than sarcasm.

Ace knows enough medical skills to sterilize the metal utensil with his fire and then with unskilled hands begins a painful process to extract the bullet from within the skin.

He has to probe torn flesh and Axis hisses as the bullet slips and wiggles around. The blood has made the bullet slippery and it slides everywhere in the open wound. Only when the casing gets caught between two pieces of jagged flesh does Ace manage to pull it out and flick it over the side of the boat. Ace then finds there is fresh water on board and uses some of it to the clean bloody hole, then dries it with a bit of gauze.

As Ace sterilizes the needle with his flame and then threads the surgical implement Axis catches his hand.

"Just gimme the damn thing." She mutters pulling herself into a sitting position.

Ace is hesitant to comply but after a silent moment he offers the needle to Axis.

She takes it and quickly gives herself a series of complex sutures. Her experience has always been, more is better. She is too rough with her stitches and these will pull and bleed if she isn't careful.

"I'm pretty sure that is not how you close a wound." He states offering to cut the offending trailing thread with his fingers.

She glares at him, but lets him burns the threat in half. "Thanks." She mutters flopping back onto the deck of the ship.

He nods and covers her chest back up with the canvas shirt.

There is silence and the pair watch one another for almost an hour. Axis is not sure what to make of 'Fire Fist' Ace, her newly found brother. They look similar, but are obviously different. The large scar across his chest is nicely healed and she remembers it from almost six months ago back on Frost Bite Island. This is the person she was sent to retrieve. She recalls the words of Superbia, the old man, 'I feel as if I am carrying you.'

Axis breaks the silence unable to take her own thoughts roaming around so freely in her head, "Smoker thinks of everything doesn't he?" she smirks finally flicking the tin box of medical supplies.

Ace chuckles, "Yeah. And I thought Smokey didn't like me."

Axis chuckles at his comment and look up the darkening sky. She knows Smoker does not like pirates.

Feeling comforted by the broken ice, Ace ventures down a new topic, "So you and I are siblings?"

Axis rolls her head towards him and 'hms' with an eerie smile. "Does it bother you?"

"No. I'm just really curious." He admits and quickly does a check of the sail and their position before he settles back down.

"'Bout what?" mutters Axis sleepily watching the dark hues of the night begin to creep over the sky.

"Lotsa things." Admits Ace, "Like, well this is stupid, but for one, why aren't you named Ann?"

His sister squints at him with a raised eyebrow, "Strange I think is more accurate." Axis returns, "But why would I be named Ann?"

"I was always told if I were a boy, I would be named Ace and if I were a girl I would be named Ann. There are two of us. I would've thought you'd be Ann." He admits.

Axis sighs, "Ace, we have the same male genetic predecessor… but um we have two different female genetic givers."

The information sinks into her brother and Ace's expression becomes clouded.

Before her brother can raise a fuss, Axis answers the unsaid question, "Gol D. Roger was a fuckin pirate, Ace. He probably had many lovers."

This statement seems to have at least pacified her brother, but his next question catches her between a rock and a hard place, "How old are you, Axis?"

If they are years apart, Ace won't be happy. However, he will not care and be able to reason that Portgas D. Rouge was the last lover. There is a problem. Axis is almost positive her brother and herself are about the same age.

Preparing herself for the worst she answers truthfully, "Twenty-three."

The only sound is the water splashing against the boat. He is still and silent. His body is oddly rigid and stiff as it sits on one side of the little boat.

"Ace." Axis says carefully, "How old are you?"

His eyes flit up to her and his frown deepens, "Twenty-three." He responds darkly.

"That son of a bitch." Snorts Axis tiredly and laughs.

Ace is perplexed by his sister's good nature, "What's so funny?"

She laughs harder and looks at him, "Ace he had two lovers at once! Holy hell! Can you imagine trying to see two women? Two women from two different sides of the world! PHEW! HAHAHA! We are so close in age I gotta wonder if they knew about one another." She laughs again, "Shoulda asked the Bitch when she was still alive."

Ace bristles, "What?"

Axis recognizing the misunderstanding continues to smile at her brother, "My female genetic predecessor… my mom?" she grins, "Fuck! I shoulda done some research into all this shit. Then I could asked her before I killed her sorry ass."

Ace is taken aback, "What?" he repeats again, this time with a blank uncertainty.

"What, what?" Axis shakes her head a little and looks at her brother, "What?"

"What do you mean you should have asked? What do you mean you killed her?" he is horrified.

Axis yawns; painfully aware she's just stepped on a land mine. However in is not her nature to lie, even when the truth is unpleasant. "My mother," she says this with a hint of venom, "had me while she was captain of some ship. I don't remember a lot about the first three years of my life. Hell if anyone does, but I remember being terrified. The bitch hated having me there and finally got the balls to drop me in the sea." Axis stretches upwards, "Basically told me I ruined her life and she hoped I died. Pretty awesome. But I didn't."

"Bullshit." Ace glowers.

Axis shakes her head, "I was raised by my Uncle Miguel and I killed my genetic predecessor when she became paranoid that I was a liability. Hell, she tried to kill me multiple times when we bumped into each other." She looked at Ace, "Personally I hoped she would be caught by pirates, but ehhhhh…." She shrugged, "I didn't feel like dyin' when she had enough of my sorry ass."

Ace is appeased for the moment, and then draws back his original reason for being pissed off. "The son of a bitch." He mutters rubbing his face with his hands.

"I know right?" She laughs.

Ace groans and drags himself to his sister's side. He plops his head against her stomach, "What the hell…" He breathes rubbing his face.

Axis is a little uncomfortable, but humored by her brother's annoyance, "Don't tell me you've never done such things. Ya know? Had lovers?"

Ace opens his fingers so he can see his sister and glowers at her for a moment.

"I thought so."

"And you haven't?" he growls back.

Axis laughs again, "Ace, I've never had a boyfriend." She grins at him and how fast he can blink at her.

"Say what?" he sits up on one elbow.

She shrugs, "I'mean I have male friends, but not a boyfriend."

"No, no I got that." Ace stares at her, "You've never had a boy?" he asks. Clearly this is not something normal.

Axis is sleepy due to blood loss, but says, "I'm notta pirate. I am always on the run, and fuck I swim to most places or hop between pirates ships."

"What about Smoker?" Ace is clearly disgusted at the idea of her with a marine, but Smoker's concern must have is brain in knots.

Axis' grin remains, "I rescued Smokes from drowning a while back. He was gonna just lemme go, but I had the flu. He took care of me for that week and quickly figured out the Marines were lying about me being a pirate. He's a good friend."

"But notta lover." Ace confirms.

"Why is my nonexistent sex life interesting to you?" She retorts.

Ace rolls his eyes, "Lemme think. Hm. Well you're my age and a virgin."

Axis laughs at her brother, "You say that like it's a bad thing. Apparently our mothers didn't keep their legs shut and you and I exist." His face is dark, "You're not gonna tell me you had the best fuckin childhood and that you haven't wished for a different life."

Ace thinks about this statement for a moment, but glares at Axis, "I simply meant you are a major target for the slave trade." He glowers.

"I appreciate the concern." She responds in clipped tone.

Ace is angry, but carefully lays down on his sister and stares up the dark sky.

"Am I pissing you off?" she yawns.

"No fuck." He replies.

Axis ruffles his hair.

"FUCK! Quit that!" he looks up at her.

She grins at him, "Get the stick outta yer ass and lets grab a nap while the sea is calm." She looks up at the stars peeking through the cloud coverage.

Ace lets out a huff, but silently agrees.

The Kairoseki Incident

Prologue: New Life

The snow started drifting earlier in the afternoon. The bright green vegetation now shimmered in its new white lining. The biggers trees groan under the massive weight of the snow. A heavy gust sweeps between the trees gathering up sparkling white snow crystals allowing them to sway and dance. However, upon the wind is an awful scent that is only buried under the snow; death. The force of the wind shoves the snow from the tops of the trees and adds to the blanket on the ground.

Unfortunately for the figure attempting to climb up the snowy hill, this makes the journey more difficult. The ominous overhanging branches keep threatening to dump their load right on top of the figure. One such branch, laden with large cup shaped leaves, finally droops. The leaves deposit the mass amounts of snow on the person in a sudden drop.

The figure is unharmed. For within the left hand of the well-worn leather glove is a bright red, yellow, and orange soul. This soul gives off so much heat that it melted the crystallized water before any damage could be done. In the right hand is a soul the color of the snow, but so powerful it created a barrier between the now droplets of water and the person.

The flame like soul rolled around in the hand as if it were laughing. The flames lick the gloves, but never burn the fabric. Still flickering with its own delight, the soul scuttles up the side of the arm.

'Cheeky little fire-ass.' Thought the person in wonder as the figure continued up the snow-covered path.

The snow-white soul remains heavy and steady in the opposing hand. It had a quiet strength and steadiness the figure had come to enjoy. The patience this soul had certainly dwarfed the fire soul's. The figure admired the old white soul silent as it passed up from the snow-laden path, to a well-shoveled stone path, which led up to the top of the hill.

The figure stopped at the top of the hill where the old man sat.

He was a man with salt and pepper hair and large blank blue eyes. His white dress shirt is hidden underneath the orange cable knitted sweater. Overtop the sweater is the familiar long brown overcoat with its occasional bloodstains. The worn dark denim blue jeans vanish into the tall black boots with the shiny silver toes. In one hand he carries a red and white cane with a hefty bottle of gin and in the other, a clear opal needle. Two large black caskets lay in the snow on either side of the old man touching only at the end.

The brown bottle tips up and the man press the opening to his rosy lips. He pulls back from his liquor and his mouth spreads into an eerie grin, "Didja bring them?" he asks in a harsh raspy voice.

"Yes." Responds the figure with a feminine tone.

"It took ya a while." Snorts the old man, "Thought for sure Death woulda sent someone more experienced." He waves a hand dismissively, "But at least they're here."

The figure tucked under the hooded black coat blinks black eyes at the old man, "How long have the bodies been functional?"

"For one and half years." Smiles the old man, "Its like havin' two comatose children." He laughs jovially "Fuck though! I've never had more of a nightmare then tryin' ta force these bloody bodies to heal. Their nerves be shot, then their heart be failin'." He continues laughing, "Probably a good thing you didn't bring 'em sooner. They've only just been stabilized." He grins as footsteps start his way, "Had ta do two or three surgeries just ta fix the stupid bloody heart on both of these blokes."

The figure stops beside the man and his caskets. The black eyes glance first at one then the other.

The old man stands and shoves off the lids with the heels of his black boots. The lid 'thump' deafly into the snow. "Gimme one." He grins extending a knarred and boney hand.

Due to the fire soul roaming about in the hood the figure gives the doctor the white soul.

The old man grins and his bare hand touches the energy, "Hullo Edward Newgate." Chuckles the old man wondering over to the massive body, "It's me! Superbia!" he chuckles and begins his work.

The figure that walked up the hill begins a fight with the fire soul. The person is surprised by the nervous anxiety of the flame soul. Reaching back with both sets of hands to the back of its neck where the soul has decided to hide, the person traps the dancing soul.

"What's with you?" the person asks aloud. There is a frustrated tone in the voice and an agitated edge. Carefully the figure coaxes the soul out from under the hood. Just as the red, yellow, and orange soul is in the worn leather gloved hand, the wind shoves the hood back. The face is blasted with cold air and the figure shivers violently.

As if in apology, the flame soul squirms out of the gloved hand and darts back up the arm. It nuzzles the face of the person who has carried it for the last six months, sharing its heat.

Superbia chuckles coming over to the figure, "You've made a friend!" he beams, "Which is quiet the accomplishment for you."

Glaring at the doctor, the genderless person cups the right hand and captures the fire soul again, "Thank you." It replies stiffly.

The old man smiles and cocks his head to the side as if studying the soul and the figure. After a moment, in which the person successfully traps the soul in both of the gloved hands, the doctor says, "Axis," and in a slow voice continues, "I think this one may know you."

"You're not about to go on another 'soul mate' lecture are you?" glowers Axis offering the soul to the old man's wrinkled hands.

Superbia shakes his salt and pepper haired head, "I am most serious, Axis." He takes the bouncing soul. As if he has been shocked the old man becomes still, "What is this?"

"The other soul Death gave me to return to this world." Responds Axis flatly.

The old man rubs his thumbs gently on the flame soul, calming the anxious person in his hands, "I feel as if I am carrying you."

Axis snorts rolling its black eyes.

"Yes I feel that, but this is you." He says gently bouncing the soul in his hands, "As in there something that feels like you."

"I'm flattered?" asks Axis, "These are pirate souls. I'm notta pirate. You know that, pirates know that. I'mean fuck."

Macabre Diagram

Chapter One- Restoration

The needle slipped into the flesh stinging the nerves. In went the amber brown fluid, out came a burst of crimson blood into the syringe, and together they surge back into the veins. Another blue-purple spot painted the evil addiction on the pale skin. Any hunter could have tracked the culprit.

The brain tingled with joy. Shivers of pleasure gushed through the body at lightening speed restoring the body’s balance. The dark drug induced depression cleared- offering a commonplace feeling.

Suddenly the sense of consciousness switched from observer to victim. The dark iris swept around the ally way and down into the hand. The delicate syringe needle pointed to the fiend who continually poisoned it and self-loathing kicked in.

Yanked out the needle and capped the contaminated end, Toby Green shoved the syringe into her pocket. Wide golden eyes swept through her area trying to find her location, but the detritus and rubble had no map to offer. Her arms wrapped around her shoulders and head. She sank in a crouched position trying to be as small as possible.

Why couldn’t the earth swallow her whole? It would be amazing to be claimed by the worms, to be eaten, and silence the craving. She had not needed much but she was still using. She gave herself a little credit. The dosage remained small, even though her insides wanted more to feel normal.

Originally, the high was nice. It felt so good it almost made what came after irrelevant. Her brain had been so muddled that when she woke up black and blue with bleeding cuts and aching muscles, she could forgive the drug. It had spared her from waking memories and left her dreams black and empty.

 Now it’s about becoming normal. The forgiveness was rescinded because the amber liquid had to go into her veins. Being dope sick was not an option. She nearly died two years ago from the violent vomiting and shaking. If it were just the depression, she could have ignored the needle.

  In her right state of mind, the depression sunk in. Shame burst across her cheeks but now that the hit is in her body…god she’s sleepy. Her fight to stay awake and receive a kiss from the poppy, now had consequences and requirements. Her body demanded to be paid in water: food was optional. Her brain wanted to be paid in sleep. Her conscious burned with self-loathing and compunction.  Her mind furiously folded in on itself demanding to be paid first. Toby might have let her brain win, but an annoying ringing began.

She struggled to pull the den-den mushi up out of her jacket pocket. All she could hope was it was not a client. She could not handle measurements, materials and money, “This is Toby Green.” Her voice came out raspy.

“Toby? Shit you sound horrible. It’s Kid.” The snail had a cross between disgust and worry on it’s face.

She cleared her throat and her voice returned, “Captain?” She frowned blinking feverishly to clear her psyche, “What’s up?”

“Where are you?” he demanded shortly.

Sluggishly she stood up and verified, “I’m not sure.” She confessed looking around, “Why?”

“Goddamn it! I’m standing on your front doorstep!” he barked, “That’s why!”

“Why?” she asked again as she stumbled from the ally to the sidewalk. At the end of the street she saw a stick with a sign. Unable to read the blurred words she began towards it.

“I need help!” he bawled crossly, “What else do you need to know?! Now where the fuck are you?”

Toby patted her face as she squinted up at the sign, “Glasses…” she muttered, “Where are my glasses?” she gave herself a mild pat down.

“You can’t even see? Great! Just great!”

The plastic bump in her pocket made her fumble and pull the well-worn glasses out. One lens was a spider web of cracks, but the other was whole. She rubbed the intact lens on the front of her shirt.

Shoving them up on her face she finally said “I’m on my street. I must be down a ways.”

Captain Kid was silent then, “Wait… is that you?” the snail’s eyes squinted at her with a deep frown.

“Is ‘what’ me?” Toby raised an eyebrow at Den-Den-Mushi.

“Wave.”

Toby complied unenthusiastically. Her wave looked a little more like a flopping worm.

 Captain Kid let out a bark that might have been a laugh, cheer, or threat, “HA! That is you.”

Squinting she saw something fury standing on the upper story walkway of the apartments where she lived, “You look like something Killer dragged out of the drain.” And began towards the building. Her feet felt small and her shoes too big. The distance from the street corner to the complex looked far away.

A chorus of laughter rung in the background “Fuck you!” yelled Kid.

She hung up and stalked forward. Groggily, she managed to get to the building. On her way up the groaning metal stairs she mused that her captain could crash the ladder if he was truly angry. The worn out boots ‘thump’-ed onto the concrete and the world swayed a little. Holding still to steady herself, she found the Kid pirates standing on her doorstep.

“Hi.” Her voice was dead and empty as she came forward, “Why are you here?”

Kidd shoved Heat and Wire out of his way. Once in the front of the group, Toby noticed the stumpy mesh of arm and broken metal surrounding it, “I need a couple of parts for a repair.”

“Last time I saw you… you had two arms.” She said staring at the mess, but her hand went into her pocket and she pulled the jingling mess out.

“I don’t wanna talk about it.” He glared.

She motioned for him to move and he conformed with an angry stomp. Toby nodded to her upper crewmen and to the first mate before shoving the key in the lock. Then with a click the door opened. Looking at her shuffling feet, Toby realized her shoes were dirty. She had tracked through the wet mud to find her dealer and now it was all over tan colored shoes.

She stepped in the front hallway and toed her murky shoes off.  Behind her came a series of ‘thumps’ as the pirate crew did the same.

“You don’t have to take your shoes off.” She offered standing in the hallway, “Mine are just nasty.”

“And these aren’t?” Killer asked lifting one of his blue boots: The boots were blue… once. Now they were a spattered color of excrement brown.

“I was pointing out, I don’t have rules for you.” Offered Toby, but did not wait for his reply. The edges of the denim pants she wore were grubby and made her feet cold with their dampness. She staggered into the living room followed by the Kid Pirates. She flipped on lights to show a table set with parts, drafts, and tools.

With one hand she swept her project to the side and took a folding chair from the corner. She jolted it open and set it beside the newly cleared space.

“Whatcha workin’ on?” Kidd asked with a glance at the jumbled mess.

“A prototype for a prosthesis. Apparently somebody had most of his or her right side eaten. The O&P asked if I could modify a design.”

“Do you often modify designs?” questioned Kid casually.

She shrugged, “Arm up here.” She patted the table.

“Stripped the gears in bicep.”   Kid explained as he lays his stump on the table, “They tore like hell.”

“What kind?” she questioned examining the fine mechanics with her probing fingers. How Kid managed to cobble things together was beyond Toby’s reasoning. The mechanics are filthy and she leaned over the table to grab a cloth.

“Two or Three spur gears.” He answered with a frown, “Then they got loose and killed my helical gears.”

“You really do make anything work.” She commented dragging a white rag through the grime and blood, “Why is there so much gunk in it?”

This time, a glowering Killer answered, “He took on some pirates, and then the Navy got involved. It got ugly real fast and he did-“

“Fuck off! Did you see the Navy ship’s closing in?” he snarled.

“No. I told you to let the small fish live!” he growled back.

“Don’t break anything.” Said Toby glumly, “It will be hard to put things back together.”

“Imagine that.” Killer said with a sarcastic edge in his voice.

“In any event, it’s not just the gears. If I’m seeing this right, it looks like the couplings got smashed. I’ll need to cut them off and see what else is damaged too.” She continued to clean and prod, “Jezuz Captain, how do you put half of this shit together.”

“Magnetic abilities.” Answered Kid blandly.

She rolled her eyes, “I knew that part. I meant how do you decide what you’re going to use or how to use it? Hold on!“ she seizes a pair of tweezers and miniature flashlight. Hastily, Toby inserted them into cavity where something had glinted a moment before. Kid yelped in pain, “There’s a bullet in there.” She looked up at him.

Kid went rigid and his pale cheeks flush with color.

Killer’s head turned to his captain, no doubt glaring behind the mask.

Kid ignored Killer’s infuriated aura, “I told ya, I got shot a coupla times.” He reminded Toby, “The worst of the bullets took off my arm.”

“Kid… this is fucking huge in caliber.” Her eyes looked up again, “And it’s-“ her face scrunches in disgust as the little light reveals the extend of the injury, “-Gross! Kidd it’s fucking infected and shit!” she pulled her tweezers back and looked sulkily at him, “You need a goddamn doctor.”

“Ain’t got one. Pull it out.” He ordered.

“I’m not a doctor.” She stated, “And that bullet’s nice and in there…” she stopped unable to hide her revulsion at the injury’s development.

“Pull it out.” He ordered again.

Amber eyes turned to Killer for confirmation.

He gave a jerk of the head.

She inhaled and her expression fell again into toneless annoyance, “I have no idea what I’m doing…” she tried to reason.

Kid puffed up angrily, but Killer said, “Why don’t we call Dr. Trafalgar. If he’s near by he can do it.”

Toby rolled her eyes shaking her head, “I thought you said you didn’t have a doctor.”

“I don’t!” snapped Captain Kid. Then he rounded on his first mate, “We are not calling that quack doctor!”

“Yes! We are!” Killer returned, “If you get fucking sick after we leave here, you could die while we’re in the New World! Then everything we’ve done will be for shit!”

A rumbled agreement met the statement.

Kid tried another tactic, “You got the number?” he drawled sarcastically, “Doctor fucking Trafalgar is not fucking telepathic!”

Killer’s hand went into one pants pocket and came out with a crumbled piece of paper. He smoothed it flat and in a decisively neat script was: Trafalgar Law and a set of numbers.

Defeated and angered, Kid began a war with his first mate trying to acquire the fragment. Discretely Killer passed the paper to Wire and then continued to pretend he was keeping the number firmly in his massive fist.

Wire moved out of the way, picked up Kid’s Den-Den Mushi and called the number on the paper.

It rang several times before a smooth sterile voice answered, “Trafalgar Law.”

“Captain Trafalgar, this is a Wire, a member of the Kid Pirates.” Announced Wire.

Behind Wire Kid froze, maddened brown eyes turning red in anger. He squinted at Wire then at his first mate.

“Yes. How may I help you?” his voice was cool with warning.

“Uh, our Captain has a bullet in his shoulder and-“

Kid screeched, “GODDAMN IT WIRE! I said don’t call-“

“Ahhh.” Chuckled the voice on the other end, “Eustass ‘Captain’ Kid.” There was a smile on the snail’s previous blank face, “I see.” He cut through the unnecessary jibber, “Where are you and your crewmen?”

“Don’t you fuckin dare, Wire-“ Kid tried again, this time he lunged for his crewman.

Killer seized the snail off from Wire’s hand as the pair toppled onto the ground wrestling. He declared, “Bell Island. Are you in the vicinity?”

“I’m afraid not.” Sighed Captain Trafalgar airily, “But the removal of bullet is easy enough. I could give instructions.”

“Instructions of murder!” Kid growled trying to untangle himself.

“It almost sounds like you do not trust me.” Law chuckled.

Killer smacked Kid over the head, “We do. What do we need?”

“Sterilized tweezers, needle and cloth. ” Rattled off Law in a business tone, “A bout of string, since I doubt you own anything else, and steady hands. If you are not careful, you could leave shrapnel in the wound.”

 “What if the wound has pus and is about the color of a red grape?” voiced Toby flatly glaring at Kid.

Kidd returned to the glare, grinding his teeth.

“Who’s that?” Law queried.

“Toby. Our draftsman.” Killer answered dismissively, “More than likely she’ll be playing doctor.”

“Wouldn’t you rather do it?” Toby tried again. Her hit of heroin made her feel sleepy and she did not want the responsibility if something went wrong.

“You build meticulous mechanics all the time.” Killer said ignoring his captain’s growl of annoyance.

“Toby…?” Trafalgar Law sniggered, “Since when is Toby a girl’s name?”

“Since now!” barked Kid angrily.

“Well I expect payment, Eustass-ya.”

Kid seethed, but Killer agreed, “That’s fine. I’m handing you over to Toby.” He offered the snail.

Sighing, Toby took the small snail and said, “Alright…”

“Toby-ya,” said Dr. Trafalgar in a clinical tone, “Do you have any of the items I mentioned before?”

“Which were?” Toby glares at the snail.

There is a groan and the snail’s looked exasperated, “Do you have a needle, tweezers, and a clean cloth?”

“I’ve got tweezers,” she pulled a small box from the corner with a pincushion, thread, needles and pins, “I have a sewing needle? And uh…”she looks around the gloomy apartment, “ I’m not sure what you mean by a cloth…” She noticed the neat stack of washcloths in the kitchen, “Will a wash cloth do?”

Trafalgar sounded annoyed, but there is agreement in his voice, “Yes. Use fire and alcohol to sterilize both the needle and tweezers.”

“I’m not doctor.” She reminded him, “Wanna give me instructions?”

Another annoyed sigh, “Wash your hands thoroughly, then place one of the metal items over the fire, repeat for the other metal item. Put both items in a clean bowl and clean with alcohol. I doubt you have anything else.”

A bottle of clear vodka was lobbed towards Toby and she barely managed to seize it.

 After ten minutes she had both needle and tweezers sterilized and a clean washcloth. Killer helped remove Kid’s prosthesis and then angrily chided him over the wound as he arranged him in the chair again with his nub of an arm on the table.

Around the nasty compilation of dried blood around the opening, popped sores with yellow-white puss leaked onto the skin. The area around the wound was a dark rich red with tiny little streaks climbing up the stump of the arm.

“GODDAMN IT KID!” Killer scolded, “That’s fucking blood poisoning!”

Evidently Law heard Killer because he dismissed Killer’s frustration, “For some reason, I’m not surprised.”

Toby winced at the infected wound. She settled the snail on the table with the items requested. Her tweezers were probably horrible for such an operation, but it was all she had. The needle was doubtless the least contaminated thing. A white washcloth held the sterilized items she turned to the snail once more, “Alright. What do you want me to do?”

“You’re ready? Good.” 

Dr. Trafalgar’s provided guidance for Toby to extract a gory bullet.

Toby, not being a physician, had to make several attempts of grasp then wheedle out the large caliber.

Kid muffled a scream of pain as puss and blood dribbled down the opened cavity.

 The squelching noise made Toby tense and her stomach roll, but her hands remained steady. With blood splatter on her lens and wine colored hands, she began the tedious examination the area in and round the injury. Miracle of miracles her one unbroken lens was sufficient to pluck tiny slivers of shrapnel out.

Law asked about the angle of the bullet, and then advised her on places to look for shrapnel.  “If the wound isn’t clean it will cause more problems later.” Stressed Law over the snail.

Her captain’s face was a grey hue and he had begun to shiver, “Don’t shit out on me now.” She warned, “Or I’ll do terrible things to your favorite pants.” She looked down the at yellow and black printed pants and pulled out a pink prick of metal.

Kid sneered at his subordinate, “And I’ll kick… your goddamn ass!” his voice tapered off to a hiss and he blanched at her bloody hands.

Toby raised an eyebrow to give a dubious expression, but did not take her eyes from the wound. “Its as clean as can be hoped for…” she reported to Law, “Anything else and I can’t see it.”

“It will have to suffice.” Law agreed, “Is the wound, very large in diameter?”

Killer answered, “Yes, but as Toby mentioned, its infected.”

“I was going to have you sew him up, but because you took so long… I forgot you mentioned the infection.” There was a pause for careful consideration, “However, I don’t want to trap the bacteria in the open wound…”

“What should I do then?” inquired Toby watching Kid’s grey face.

“Clean the wound and watch it. Take more of the alcohol and put it on the cloth and carefully clean the wound.” He added, “If you have lemon juice you can also use that.”

“Just alcohol.” Toby reported sloshing the liquid in the bottle. Indeed there was a fair amount left, but it was going to hurt.

“Then clean the wound with it.”

Kid did scream then. The crude alcohol bath seared the open wound and the devil fruit user’s magnetic abilities made the small metal items in the house ping off the walls in his agony.

Toby ducked several small boxes containing screws and had to stop to dodge.

To get the worst part over with, Killer stood as a shield to allow the draftsman time to clean up the wound.

The alcohol made the throbbing excruciating. Veins stood out against the pale reddening skin. Kid’s hand had a death grip on the chair, slowly crumbling the metal.

After the stinging cleaning, Toby was relieved that the wound looked less repellent. While the injury still spoke clearly of it’s neglect, it no longer looked like a maggot’s dream.

 From a duffle bag, Heat produced soft white cotton bandages and gauze pads. Killed made it his job and assisted in the dressing of the injury.

For all Toby’s skill in drafting, she was clumsy as a medic. The pads of her fingers would accidently skim the wound causing more pain. Her wrapping was first too tight then too loose.

Killer finished dressing the wound on his own to spare all parties involved the pain.

“I doubt you have anything that could prevent infection, other than care. Wrap wound tight and keep it clean. Once it clears up call me and I will make a decision whether to sew it up or not. I will send an antibiotic for Eustass-ya and an invoice.”

“Very good.” Nodded Toby. She examined her gory fingers. Too bad she didn’t have gloves like doctors’ she had seen. Hers were leather, worn, and would have made the process worst. 

“Is there anything else I can offer you?” Law asked calmly.

Toby looked to the crewmen who shook their heads, “Uh, No thank you. But Thanks very much Dr.Trafalgar for your help.”

“My pleasure.” And he hung up.

Kid chose that moment and collapsed on the floor in a heap. Breathing slowly, face slowly going from scarlet to a rose blush as his blood pressure died down.

Killer groaned and slanted his head to the ceiling in his annoyance. Then he turned to Toby and in a matter-of-fact voice informed, “I’m gonna put him on your bed.”

“Fuck no you’re not.” Toby returned, “I help you lot and then you go on your merry way!”

Killer straightened and made himself taller and more imposing over his subordinate, “It’s either that or on the floor. We just pulled a bullet out of his arm to keep him alive, remember?”

Toby conceded with a squinted golden glare at Captain Kid in a heap on the floor.

The first mate then gathered up Kid with practiced strength and familiarity over his shoulders. The bedroom door was kicked open and Eustass Kid more or less took over her bed.

 The draftsman dragged the stump of mechanical genius closer to her and hefted it. It was heavy as all hell and she set it on the severely damaged folding chair. Her worktable was in disarray and all of her carefully organized parts, both on the table and in the surrounding drawers, were everywhere.

Heat blessedly appeared with a broom and a bucket, “I’ll get started on his. Take care of the arm.” He said setting the bristles to the concrete floor.

Wire groaned as the mess, but he too began cleaning a path so the barefoot Draftsman would not destroy her feet.

“Thanks.” She muttered and edged out of the room to the kitchen. She turned the knob over the sink and scrubbed her hands three times before feeling remotely clean. Through the chipped black nail polish she wore she could see something reddish under nails and grimaced. But there was work to be done and no time to nurse her squeamishness.

 In the corner were the pair of  steel-toe galoshes. These were Kid’s apologetic offering for the many times his temper got out of control and made all the little trappings scatter. She tugged them on and drooped back into the living room.

Killer had returned and taken the liberty to start cleaning the mess of blood off the worktable. Washcloth in one hand and another bucket she kept under the sink in the bathroom in the other.

Toby moved between men and made her way over to wall lined with many open drawers. The large open shelves on the bottom held dark colored plastic boxes and she began rifling through them.

 “How ya been?” Killer asked trying to return the mood to casual as he scraped tiny bits of flesh into the trashcan.

The large long box at the middle of the shelf appeared and Toby dived for it, “Alive.” Silver gleaming armature parts appeared in the box, undisturbed by Kid’s temper, “I suppose that’s all I can ask for.”

The noise of the washcloth stopped, “Do you need a hit?” Killer looked over at her.

Gold eyes met his masked ones as she produced a strong large lens and the base of her armature. “No…”but the first mate did not look reassured so she went on, “I need to sleep and shut down. I haven’t slept much.”

“Then sleep.” Killer went back to scrubbing the bloodstains off the table.

She pulled out a series of metal rods that interlocked, “I would but my captain showed up.” There was a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

“I think Kid’ll understand.” Offered Killer chuckling at the tone. He dunked the cloth in the rapidly reddening water in the bucket.

Toby snorted.

After a few more minutes of work, a majority of the findings had been gathered up. Toby waved off her upper crewmen, “I’ll ask Captain to find the remaining bits.”  She sighed looking at the full box, “Just set them over by the cabinet wall.”

Wire and Heat did so and then discovered something.

They were hungry. In fact, Killer’s stomach growled angrily as if to point he was as well. The Kid pirates made themselves at home, as they always did when they came to see Toby. Everything was ridiculously organized and easy to find. Heat was an excellent cook and quickly the house was full of the smell of food.

Killer finished cleaning the table, then helped set up the armature. Since Kid had manufactured the device for Toby’s work, Killer had intimate knowledge of how to set it up. Once properly arrayed, Killer lifted the heavy prosthetic arranging it for optimum accessibility.

   The blue haired woman made herself comfortable at the table. She drew up another, less destroyed, folding chair and padded it with the blanket she kept in the living room. The magnifying glass was arranged in front of her and she began to silently survey the damage.

She was still sitting there a half an hour later when Heat plopped dinner beside her and became persisted (if not ordering) on a break. She humored her senior and ate, but the lack of focus was making her sleepy again. She tried to listen to the tales of their most recent adventures, but she had to get to work. When she would go to bed, she would not be waking up for a few days.

Thank whatever gods there were that she did not have clients right now.

The draftsman sat at her table trying to figure out how Captain Kid had constructed his arm. Really, Kid was more of the mechanical genius than she. Luckily the many years she had worked for the wild pirate were in her favor. He always had a method to his madness. If she could undo the minor problems and provide new parts, Kid could usually finish the project. Unfortunately, Kid had managed to crush many parts during the breaking of the arm and she was not entirely sure what some of them were.

With tiny metal cutters she sliced though broken gears, wires, and plates. She had to spend a fair amount of time cleaning as she went. A clean rag and oil made the metal gleam. There was no doubt to Toby that she had missed other problems, but she began to shake violently from exhaustion. She simply cut through the visible problems and hoped that was all Kid expected.

She had plenty of spare parts (if jumbled) and knew several machinists on Bell Island. She severed the last ribbon of metal and exposed seemly exceptional parts.

Toby decided to call it a night. If there was more that needed to be done, Kid needed to give some goddamn directions.

She stood up and used her hand to sweep the broken and distorted metal in a haphazard pile. She received the gift of a few nice cuts in the process. She went to the small trashcan and retrieved it before using a paper to put the rest of the mess into the trash on top of the bits of flesh.

‘Tiredness is no excuse for stupidity.’ She chided herself.

The amber drug had worn off a while ago, but focus had spared her feelings. Now a sweeping depression sank over her. The cuts on her hand bled a little and the kitchen offered wash off the blood. Tired feet made the trip into the kitchen sluggishly. The weight of the boots was almost like bricks of granite strapped to her feet.

There was a mess in the kitchen from Kid’s crewmen and she rolled her eyes as she moved several large dishes. A twist of the knob and cold water trickled down. When the hand came out from under the spray, she saw several small deep cuts. They bled quiet a bit, but were irrelevant. From the cabinet came the bandages and she dried her hand off before placing the adhesive bindings over the injuries. Toby then held onto the counter and pulled her feet free from the boots.

The Kid pirates left earlier to go back to the ship. Killer had interrupted her thought process to let her know. He left Law’s number and Kid. Kid was sound asleep: His body shut down from the alcohol cleaning.

Remember this, she sleepily stumbled again. Her blurred vision saw no shine of a screw or felt the sting of a nail as she crossed the living room to the bedroom door. She either would be sleeping in the bathtub or she would kick her captain out of the bed: Most likely it would be the tub. She pushed the door open with her shoulder.

To Toby’s surprise, his eyes were open.

Kid was awake. He remained on his back, eyes studying the ceiling. He seemed far away. At the click of the door he looked at her with a placid expression. Eustass Kid was never a tranquil person in Toby’s experience. He had loud raunchy laughter and was as flamboyant as a parrot.

She attempted humor, “I hope you know, I am not willing to give up my bed. Not even for you.” She informed him. It was an empty threat, “But I do hope you’re feeling better.”

“Sorta. Kinda hard to feel better when you throw salt in an open wound.” A smile appeared on his face, but it did not match what Toby was used to, “And I know about your bed.”

“I certainly hope so.” She offered a half smile, “I’d hate to kick an injured person.”

He snorted, “Still keeping the bed. Prepare to fight.” His voice was jovial but his face relaxed into a somber expression.

She sighed, “I figured as much.” Toby walked to the side of bed, “You’re really fuckin’ lucky Dr. Trafalgar was willing to give instructions.”

“Yeah.” He agreed, “But where the fuck did Killer get his number?”

“Probably asked for it.” She stated.

He rolled his eyes and stared at the wall. He was quiet for so long that Toby thought he was done.

‘Better grab a pillow and some blankets from the closet.’ She thought and made to move.

 “I need ta talk to ya.”

Her gold eyes looked down at him. His face was still to the wall, but the rusted brown of his eyes were watching her, “You have my undivided attention.” Nodded Toby and she grabbed the chair under the desk.

Eustass ‘Captain’ Kid looked at the woman who slouched into the chair. She was very level where he was not and maybe that was the irony of their hair colors. He was hot headed with long wild red hair and she cool with her short vibrant turquoise blue.

That was why he had noticed her originally… at the slave auction.

 In his mind’s eye, he watched as Toby was dragged on stage. Explosive collar appeared more like an oyster shell and her blue haired head- the pearl.

 Many of the potential slaves ushered onto the bidding platform had cried and shied away from the crowd. She stood in an artistic contrapposto with arms folded. Like many of the girls, she had been dolled up to appeal to the patrons. She had an average body and build and was not the most luscious female that had or would be brought out.

To Kid, it was the blue that caught his eye and the gold of the eyes that stole his attention. She looked around as the auction began, without expression. Surely as she was being assessed, she premeditating on the people in the crowd.

Then the auctioneer had stated, “From West Blue, we have this little lady here. There is a note from the people who obtained her; ‘Will not give name’ apparently she’s been causing some other trouble so you can safely assume she has not been broken. ”

‘Not broken’ was all Kid had to hear. He knew what drudgery slaves had to go through before auction. She clearly was not the favorite and the wild captain went on an impulse. He paid very little for her.

Killer groused at Kid’s actions, but Kid had said, “If it doesn’t work, just sell her back.”

His boys had teased him a little, but left him for the night. His purchase arrived in a robe covering the sexy lingerie. The moment she was relinquished to him, he was surprised.

She was no threat to him: Not a devil fruit user or a magical creature. She was simply a girl who looked tired and, he could sense, a strong will to live. He removed collar and, on a whim, decide to take the manacles off as well. She had no significant muscle and he could subdue her if the need arose.

The girl however, let her arms fall to her sides. Without movement beyond breathing stood with eyes watching him

“A ‘thank you’ might be nice.” He had sneered.

The amber eyes disappeared under her eyelids in a lethargic blink, “Thank you, …” her voice had sounded flat and challenging.

His temper flared and her expression remained calm as she interlocked her fingers behind her back.

 Before he could think he had backhanded her hard enough to leave a mark.

She stumbled backward; spat blood out on the floor. She had bitten the inside of her mouth and looked back at him with eyes dilated, “Short tempered. I’ll remember that.” Her voice remained detached.

“You should. Don’t give me bullshit.” It dawned on him; she may not be trying to insult him, “Name?”

Without force she had answered, “Toby Green.” And offered and incline of the head.

He raised an invisible eyebrow: she gave him information freely, “Do you know why I bought you?” surely she was not naïve enough to not realize her predicament.

“Of course.” She said once again interlocking her fingers behind her back.

The sex of the first night was… gauche to say the least. She was not particularly aroused by his ministrations. She obeyed his orders, but was not particularly good either. Her expression changed little and her eyes looked flat as if no one was home.

At first he thought she was acting, but it didn’t add up. She clearly was trying, but Kid found it hard to be aroused when his partner was not putting up a fight or visibly flustered. Maybe his performance was horrible? He disregarded the idea. He had many partners before this one, all of which were pleased.

He did manage to get off and then flopped on the bed. His bedmate laid with feet dangling over the edge of the bed. He reached over and pulled her to him and found her forced into sleep. The little jitters of shivers from her body should have been his first clue that someone peculiar was in his bed.

As he lay on the brink of sleep his mind decided to offer multiple answers from the girl being a lesbian to her simply being a difficult partner. It spiraled into dreams of confusion and then blackness.

The next morning he (would eventually find out) that Toby was dope sick. She could not control her body temperature and spent most of the morning vomiting in the bathroom. He asked Killer to come over.

Killer did.

 After examining the addled girl he found a series of little dotted bruises near or around veins and realized she was a heroin addict. A shot of black tar and she came around even more confused and exhausted.

Toby was most certainly a docile fuck. She never tried to escape or fight and stayed out of Kid’s crew way. She helped where requested and did not interfere with anything. It was almost like have a sack of rice that magically became a woman at night. She was there, taking up space, but that was it.

Kidd had sex with his new purchase several more times before he angrily asked, “What the fuck gets you off?”

“I haven’t the slightest clue.” She had conceded dully.

With the unfulfilling sex he experienced, he decided she was a lost cause. Thank the heavens he had paid so little for her. He had decided to kick her off his boat at the next port. No slave auction, he would just let her go. She had not been a hassle and she had no purpose like an empty crate.

The winds of change blew through his ship in a violent manner.

The climate was hot and it was humid. All the men on board were practically naked. Everyone was miserable and sun was beating down. Kid was only seen for short periods in a pair of cutoffs because Heat nearly lit the entire boat. Once the fire was put out the kitchen had to be gutted and rebuilt. The red haired captain had determined the fire was because of a corroded fuel line that broke. Luckily they would be in port in two days and Kid intended to retrieve provisions.

Unfortunately, he had to draft plans for the reconstruction and improvement of the galley. His handwriting left much to be desired and he had to take constant measurements. It was not as if the rest of the crew could not rebuild the kitchen, but Kid was inclined to criticize their work. He always saw where things could be better. Regrettably, when left to designing spaces, Kid lacked creativity and his mind eventually became so jumbled he was pulling his hair out.

Feeling his eyes cross he angrily swiped everything off the table he had been working on. Parchment flew everywhere like a flock of white birds, an inkpot smashed, and his ruler and compass went flying. He heard a scuttling and turned to see Toby baring the afternoon meal. She was confused at his temper.

He offered no explanation and ate quickly. He was on the verge to tell her to shut the door when he heard the laughter. He went out on the deck and saw the merchant vessel they had pulled up beside.

 Kid enthusiastically blew off some steam by attacking the ship. He claimed all manner of expensive foodstuffs, gold, and a marine map of the bases in the New World. He was in high spirits as he strode into his workroom, coveted map before him. He rolled it up and froze. The mess was gone and his plans... vanished.

Cursing everything under the sun he began a rant. He stormed up on deck demanding to who had taken his ‘goddamn plans!’

Annoyed, Killer had said, “Ask Toby. I told her to clean up the mess you made.”

Kid was furious. He did not need a maid; he needed a decent fuck that did not throw out his plans! He had spent hours on them!

He stomped to his cabin and threw open the door. His lungs were full of air to continue his yelling, but he froze. He deflated like a balloon gaping at the blue haired woman on the floor. The tattered, splattered, chicken scratch papers lay in specific order, arranged beneath a large piece of paper. This large paper carefully rendered his ideas in intricately conscientious schematics.

Sitting on the ground before the paper, unaware of his entrance was Toby. Her hands were decorated with the ink she had cleaned, but not a smudge was visible on the paper. With a straight edge and a makeshift compass she was rendering his idea. She sat a little too close to the paper, which told him she probably had poor vision. It apparently did not hinder her ability to detail mechanically and architecturally how the kitchen would be rebuilt.

Toby was an atrocious fuck, but she was a prodigy draftsman. Measurements indicated specific sizes, shapes, and divisions to make the kitchen usable again. He admired the additions she included like the storage, built into needed structures. It used every inch of space and offered extra space for food. In a word, he found it beautiful.

He walked forward and looked over her. “Where’d you learn this?” he inquired.

She jumped like he had stunned her. Eyes wide she spun around and looked confused for a moment, then looked up to her captain, “Oh… its you.” She relaxed breathing slowly out of her mouth to deliberate her breathing.

The red-head slowly crouched beside her, eyes admiring the intricacy, “Where’d you learn this?” he asked again and picked up the paper. His is brown eyes looked straight into hers and he saw the sudden confusion in hers at his stare.

“I was an apprentice… before.” She seemed embarrassed, “I didn’t get very far. At least not in the actual designing and stuff.” She answered, “I apologize, but I saw your plans and figured it was something I could offer...” 

Kid had not realized till that moment what kind of jewel he had bought for nothing.  Her role he had purchased her for was not what she was good at. Yet, In clear neat handwriting that Killer would most certainly approve of, were precise dimensions and details.

His eyes roved over the paper, “Its… awesome.” He grinned and he looked up at her again in disbelief.

In return, she had presented him with her first smile.

As any pirate knows, once you have a treasure, you must either hide it or protect it. Kid made some decisions that night. Her draft was exactly what he wanted and he felt giddy with delight.

 She had crawled into his bed sleepily and Kid had slumped beside her.

Her silent query was understood and Kid said, “I don’t need anything. Catch some sleep.” And she instantly collapsed into slumber. Studying the sleeping woman for a moment, he then got up and fetched his newly acquired map.

 He chose to stash her in the Deep South, Bell Island. It was an island without pretense and would not come under the radar of any Naval forces.

The idea settled, with in a few weeks he bought a comfortable small apartment and gave an allowance with rules. She was allowed to work and build clientele, but he wanted monthly records and half of what ever she earned after rent was paid.

Understandably, Toby was perplexed. She was a slave turned into an outside crewman literally overnight. He required nothing further of her in bed and gave her his mess of work to make sense off. She supervised the repair of the kitchen and earned the crewmen’s respect for her knowledge and careful planning.

Kid’s opinion had changed radically. He went from being sexually thwarted to addressing her as one of his crew. Indeed, before he left her on Bell Island he had done something peculiar.

“You’re not my whore.” He had stated with Killer at his side.

“Oh?” she had asked neutrally.

“You’re part of my crew now. I need a good draftsman who can translate my madness. Saves me tons of time and energy.” He grinned and then in a pompous tone said, “I wasn’t expecting to receive a rare garnet for a mere few beli.”

Toby had never felt like a jewel and it was so out of character for Eustass to give such a complement that she took the approval without question. It was as sincere as her captain would ever be.

That was five years ago and a lot had changed.

Toby was now a respected draftsman, a basic engineer, architect, and while not fully qualified, she could do decently as a machinist. Kid knew from the monthly reports that she had done well on this island and Kid made a nice chuck of change for it.

Kid, himself, was a notorious supernova whose bounty continually grew with each adventure he went on. He had lost an arm, but he had trained his body hard to make the most of his remaining limbs. His engineering skills were unrivaled and his temper was more rash.

They both had done well.

He recalled clearly when he made his first series of connections about his purchase. Toby had difficult time expressing her facial expression and sex was not something she had natural interest in. Strange though that concept was to Kid, he had accepted the fact after she became his draftsman.

She did have some traits he liked from the beginning. She listened keenly to him, he liked that she was clever, and he prized her for her vigilant and scrupulous assistance.

Then there were the few things he did not like… and vexed over. Toby was heroin addict.  Originally the heroin was used to allow her to bare excessive pain and be compliant. She had to be administered the deadly substance or would go into withdraw and could potentially die. He would always have to keep an illicit and disgusting drug available to her.

Toby was also Agoraphobic. The bigger the space, the more likely she was to panic. When she did wonder about, it was usually for drugs and she would not come out of her spot for several days after. Her tolerance never got any better. On several occasions when he had sailed with her, going out on the deck had became too much. She had been shaking and tears had poured down her face. She said not a word, but Killer had to put her in a secluded spot on the ship.

Although, Kid’s biggest problem with Toby was and remained that she lacked expression. It was often difficult to figure out what was going on. Grant it, she was getting better. She knew to smile when making a joke or to say things in distinct patterns so that she was understood. From the first night he had bought his slave to her current position as Draftsman, he recognized her seemly blank and analytical commentary for mental notes. He had not understood that this was her personality until he had spent several weeks with her.

He had seen a specific true emotion: anger. Kid had never experience a temper quiet like Toby’s. When it showed up, she became still and quiet. Those gold eyes would turn sharp and dangerously focused. Then she’d strike out in force that he had yet to understand where it came from. She may not be exceptionally strong, but she knew where to aim and in the moments of anger she was deadly. She would then return to her blank demeanor and act as if nothing happened.

All this came back to Kid as he pulled him self into a sitting position. His wound ached and sent lighting bolts of pain up and down his arm. Shaking his head to clear it, deep brown eyes focus on the woman in the chair.

“Tob… I’m taking you back out to sea.” He stated.

She blinked eyes growing wider, “What?”

“We’re going to the New World and beyond. I wasn’t gonna take ya, but… I need someone who is competent in upgrading.”

“I’m not an engineer, Kid.” She warned, “That’s your job.”

“I know, but you’ve got more experience than anyone I know. When I need shit done, I come to you.” He insisted, “And I don’t know what’s waitin’ in the New World, but I’m not planning on trying to find someone else when I know someone already who can do the job.”

Toby leaned heavily on the back of the chair with arms crossed. Her brow was drawn down, like her eyes, and she bit the inside of her mouth thinking.

“You are a Kid pirate.” He growled, “I’m your captain and I want you to come.”

Gold eyes looked up at him quietly, “Then why are you having a discussion with me? Why not order?”

Normally, Kid would be defensive, but alone with Toby he left his guard down, “Because.” He said quietly. Their history made things complicated in his mind.

“I was sold to you.” She said face resuming the blank analytic expression, “You chose to make me part of your crew.  I am a crewman.”

“You weren’t always.” He stated coolly.

Toby regarded him silently for several moments before she said, “I know. The past is the past… this is now.”

He nodded letting his head fall.

“Captain.” Toby’s voice turned formal and he looked up, “What are my orders?”

Kid stared at her. His expression was unreadable. “Be ready to set sail in two weeks.” He said coolly.