Chapter Text
A purple coat swished gently in the breeze of the open air of Sabaody Archipelago. The sun was beginning to wane into the reddish hues of the afternoon as the owner of said coat walked quietly towards Grove 13. If anyone had bothered to look her way, they may have noticed that, as the brown haired woman walked, her feet didn’t make a sound, even with the long boots she had on.
Takimi Katya hummed to herself as she approached one of her favourite places on the island. She had been settled on the archipelago for a year now. It was good for business, being in between Paradise and the New World. Simple to distribute Tone Dials with songs, plus there were many groves with decent sized performance areas. Perfect for a musician looking to make a name for themselves in the industry.
Katya smiled to herself. It had been a tough, but ultimately the best decision to follow her dream and come to the Grand Line. The North Blue, where her hometown of Forhargo was, had been her home for many years, but the Grand Line was where you went to be noticed in the world. Singers such as her relied on audience members and record deals; the most renowned and lucrative contracts were all made at Sabaody. Its popularity with both civilians and pirates meant that record companies could make more money there than in the rest of the Blues. The companies, although they paid lip service to the Marines and World Government, didn’t completely hate pirates. Pirates loved a good song, after all.
Katya yawned slightly as she pushed open the door to her destination, a rather run-down bar, where a tall woman greeted her.
“Ah, hello, Katya-san, how have you been?”
“Please, Shakky, you can speak informally to me. You always said I could with you.” Katya smiled at the bartender as she climbed onto the bar stool and slid her purple coat off her shoulders. “Where’s your infamous husband?”
“Out somewhere causing trouble, no doubt. The usual?”
“Please,” Katya shrugged off her bag. “I’m sorry it’s been so long since I’ve come to see you. Please accept my apologies.”
“It’s never a problem, you’re busy, being who you are. Had a few Marines in here the other day who were complaining about temporary deafness.” Shakky smirked. “Figured it was your work.”
“You had Marines in here?”
“Eh, a few on occasion. They never come back, of course, once they realise who usually frequents this place.”
“Bunch of idiots, really.” Katya took a sip of the large margarita that Shakky had placed in front of her. It was early in the afternoon, but her manager had been crankier than usual that morning and she needed a reprieve from the stress of the day. “Can’t get any better company than pirates. Well, most pirates.”
“Not all pirates are the same, though. Had some big-shot rookie come in yesterday. Red hair, mouthy. Had purple lipstick, interestingly.”
“Shit, Kid’s here?” Katya cursed.
“You know him?” Shakky inquired with interest.
“We crossed paths when I was away on business a few months ago.” Crossed paths was a light word for it. She had sang at the request of a pirate family that had been celebrating on an island and Kid had been there. The man had immediately taken a liking to her and hit on her after the concert. Katya had had quite a few drinks, as had Kid. She’d woken up in an unfamiliar bed with a headache and lots of regrets, with the red haired man snoring next to her. She’d attempted a speedy exit, one that Kid was not best pleased about. If it were not for her Devil Fruit, she would never have gotten off the island without notice.
“My my, you do know how to pick them,” Shakky continued, picking up on her mood. “Apparently there’s quite the gathering going to happen soon.”
“Oh?” Katya lowered her drink. “A gathering?”
“The rookies with bounties above 100 million, they’re all getting closer to the Archipelago.” Shakky poured herself a drink and leaned onto the bar. “Maybe you’ll run into some this evening. Where did they pick for you to perform tonight?”
“Eh, near the amusement park. It’s not a bad spot. Hopefully a bigger audience this evening. It’ll take my mind off the issues at the studio earlier.” Katya took another long sip of her cocktail. “Any word on whether any of those rookies are around there?”
“A few crews have been spotted there today. You’ll have a good audience, if a rowdy one if reputations are to be believed.”
Katya nodded her head, before flicking back a piece of brown hair that had fallen in her face.
“The world’s changing, young one.” Shakky placed a bottle of whisky on the bar and poured herself a small glass. “I have a feeling that something big will be coming. I know you are good at keeping yourself out of trouble, but the more your music sells, the more of a target you could be. You know how the Tenryubito can be.”
Katya understood perfectly. The Celestial Dragons were often the reason many singers didn’t stay popular for long on the Archipelago. They would demand performers be taken to Mariejois for their own entertainment. Katya, despite being only 22, had been doing well for herself. Her tone dials were selling well, even if her manager Garkin was a sleazy asshole. It was a risk she’d been willing to take though for her music to reach more people.
“I’ll be careful.”
“Take the longer way to the amusement park today, Grove 15 had a lot of ships around today. Some slavers, by the looks of it, and a pirate submarine.”
“Not many crews have a sub these days.” Katya arched an eyebrow in interest. “Though I guess they are good for stealth.”
Shakky smirked “It’s not exactly stealthy. It’s bright yellow.”
“What kind of idiot has a bright yellow submarine?” Katya snorted, and picked up her coat. “Any other crews around that area?”
“Several other Supernovas are wandering around the island. The rumours about most of the Supernova crews aren’t great. The Straw Hat Pirates intrigue me most, though.” Shakky finished her drink.
“Straw Hat Luffy...the ones that stormed Enies Lobby.” Katya mused.
“You’re not old to recognise the hat, but I know you know the one that used to own it.”
“Hm? I know them?”
Shakky giggled. “Shanks always was your favourite audience.”
“RED HAIR?! That hat belongs to him?” Katya gaped in shock. “Maybe I’ll have to meet this Straw Hat kid. If Shanks liked him enough to give it to him, well...”
“You never told me the story of how you met him, you know~” Shakky poured out another glass of whiskey for herself.
“He was visiting an island just inside the New World. I was there for a few days myself; we were in the same bar and performed for his crew.” Katya shrugged. Knowing one of the Yonkou was a feat that most would brag about, but Katya didn’t care about bounties or status. Those she performed for were the same thing at the end of the day, an audience, ones that would hopefully tip. Red Hair Shanks had tipped well, even if it was in booze.
“My my, you do know some interesting people, Kat.”
“All part of my weird life, Shakky.” Katya picked up her coat and handed over the Beri for her drink to Shakky. The drinks weren’t cheap, hence the “Rip-Off” claim to the bar, but the company was excellent. “I’ll come by soon.” She gave the woman a wink. “Say hi to your husband for me.”
“He’ll be sad he missed you.” Shakky waved her out of the door.
Katya wrapped her coat around her and began the long walk towards the amusement park. It was time to go and see Garkin to continue negotiating about her new song. She hated the man, but he was a good manager on the business front. Now she just had to hope she didn’t run into any of those Supernovas. Unless she ran into HIM. Then, Supernova or not, she was going to deafen the man who had dumped her without warning permanently.
~
Trafalgar Law sneezed slightly as he walked down the streets of a shopping district with his crew.
“Bless you.” Bepo said.
“Someone must be talking about you, Captain.” Shachi remarked with a smile, nudging Penguin.
“It had better not be Eustass-ya, I’ve had enough of him already today.” Law grumbled back.
The four Heart Pirates were on their way to rendezvous with Ikkaku, who had been shopping for supplies. The men hadn’t wanted her to go alone and she had threatened them several times as well as ranting about her ability to take care of herself before taking Harris and Connor with her to help shopping after Law told her it was an order. They were in dangerous territory after all. He didn’t want any of his crew harmed.
“Shachi, Penguin, I’m going to look into the timings for our investigation tomorrow at Grove 1 with Bepo. You two meet the others and be back to the ship within two hours. Keep your Den-Den Mushis on hand. We’ll sort out supplies, then you can all have the evening off. Stick to the tourist areas, though.”
“Yes, Captain!” The two saluted cheerily.
The two men watched their Captain and Bepo leave before continuing down the street. Shachi yawned lazily as they ambled around by the shops.
“Where is Ikkaku supposed to be again?” He turned to his companion.
“She said she was looking for some books for Captain, plus some entertainment for us all. We got the essentials yesterday.”
“Entertainment...” Shachi began to daydream.
“Not that kind, idiot.” Penguin poked him in the ribs. “Some music and card games and things.”
Shachi snorted. “Good luck to her on the music, that’s for sure.”
“Why do I need luck?” A sharp voice interrupted from behind them. The two engineers jumped and turned to face the only female members of their crew.
“Ah, Ikkaku, we were just-“
“You two are here to help me, correct?”
“Yeah, but...” Penguin looked around. “Where are Connor and Harris?”
“I sent them back to the ship with a bunch of things already.”
“How much did you buy?!”
“It was within the budget.” Ikkaku shrugged. “Come on, I was about to look in this music store.”
The two followed her into a large record store, which sold traditional records as well as Tone Dials with multiple artists from across the Blues. An elderly man greeted them as they entered.
“Welcome, welcome, anything I can help you with today?”
“We were hoping to find something to listen to. Long-lasting quality if possible, we have a long journey ahead of us.” Ikkaku smiled warmly at the man. For all her sharp words to her fellow crew members, she had a soft spot for young children and the elderly.
“Hm, well, do you have a favoured style of music?”
“Not particularly. Do you have any recommendations?”
“Oh, yes!” The man smiled brightly and handed her a record set.
“Hm, ‘Silena Siren’...” She read aloud.
“AHHHH!” Penguin suddenly screeched. “Put that back if you value your life, Ikkaku!”
“What?” She balked.
Shachi was shaking his head vigorously. “Silena Siren is banned listening on the ship! The last time....” He paled.
“Is it bad?” Ikkaku arched an eyebrow.
Penguin grimaced. “Quite the opposite. She’s great, it’s just...well, she wrote a few songs that anger Captain.”
“Not just anger Captain, they make him downright murderous!”
“Okay you two clearly know more about this than me.” Ikkaku turned over the cover and looked at the songs. “It looks good, though.”
“Ikkaku, we can’t have it on the ship, trust us!”
“Why not?! Be clear with me!” She hissed at them.
“Because some of the songs are about Captain!” Penguin blurted out and Shachi clapped his hand over his companion’s mouth.
“Don’t speak of it, Pen, he’ll know!”
“.........you’re shitting me.” Ikkaku looked incredibly shocked. “Why would someone write songs about Law?”
“They’re old songs, but...well, he knew her. We knew her.” Penguin continued.
“Oh, you two know Siren-san?” The old man cut in, smiling at them.
“YOU know her?!” The two men screeched loudly.
“Why yes,” the shop owner gently walked over to the wall by the far side of the store. He gestured to a small section of the wall that had a variety of photographs with the man and various famous people. Penguin spotted some truly remarkable faces, including Portgas D. Ace, Silvers Rayleigh and Garp the Hero. “Lots of people pass through here. Siren-san was kind enough to sign a copy for me.”
Next to a framed - and signed - record that was identical to the one in Ikkaku’s hands was a photograph that looked recent. It had a young woman smiling next to the shop owner. She had bright blue eyes and brown hair cut to shoulder length. She was pretty, Ikkaku noted, with a dash of light freckles across her nose.
“Katya-chan....” Shachi gasped. “She’s changed so much.”
“How do you two know her?” Ikkaku finally asked.
“Because....” Penguin sighed after a long pause. “She was almost a Heart Pirate.”
Notes:
Note 2023: The hilarity of having a singer OC before Film Red was announced lmao
Chapter 2: How To Be A Heartbreaker
Summary:
Shachi and Penguin recall how they first met Katya in the North Blue. Meanwhile, a business proposition has the singer on edge.
Chapter Text
“You two need to tell me this story.” Ikkaku sat on a bench just outside the music shop. She’d told the elderly man, Morton, that they would be back in a moment. The bubbles of Sabaody floated around them as she faced the two men. She noted that they looked sad; it was not something she typically saw on the faces of the two engineers.
“It was about six years ago now,” Penguin explained. “It was only myself, Shachi, Bepo and Captain at that point. We’d been trying to make our way around the North Blue. Anyway, we stopped off at this island, Forhargo. They had an advanced medical centre there and Captain wanted to stay for a while to glean knowledge from the people that worked there. Plus, there was little Marine presence. That’s where we met Katya-chan. She was singing in a pub we went to...”
“Captain was days away from turning eighteen,” Shachi continued. “We’d been on Forhargo a week? A week and a half?”
He looked to Penguin for confirmation, and the man nodded.
“Anyway, we went to a bar to celebrate Captain being allowed to shadow the doctors in the medical centre. He’d intervened and managed to operate on a patient for six consecutive hours and saved a man from death!”
Ikkaku grinned. “He’s a great doctor, that doesn’t surprise me. Even if he was 17.”
“A couple of drinks down and several of the patrons began to talk of the singer that would be going on. A local girl called Katya but Silena Siren was her stage name, as you’ve probably guessed. Kat was only 16, but everyone talked about her with such excitement.” Penguin continued.
“She had had the voice of an angel.” Shachi had a wistful expression. “Ikkaku, I’ve never heard a more beautiful voice in all my life. It was like time stopped when she sang.”
“Yeah, and it distracted the other people in the bar from trying to figure out what Bepo was.” Penguin snorted. “He kept apologising, as usual. But either way, after the show, Katya had tried to bribe the barkeep for a drink for herself right next to us. Apparently it was something that happened often,” he grinned. “But then it happened!”
“What happened?” Ikkaku said with curiosity.
“CAPTAIN. BLUSHED.” Shachi cut in with excitement.
“WHAT?!” Ikkaku leaned forward in her seat, before waving her arms. “Not possible, I don’t believe it.”
“Yeah, he went totally red. Bepo kept asking if he was feeling well. Poor guy.” Penguin snickered.
“About ten minutes later, she came up to us anyway. She said she’d heard rumours of a ‘kid doctor and a bear’ on the island and wanted to find out what was going on. We all started talking, and that was that. Whilst we stayed on the island, Katya became our friend, much to the annoyance of her aunt. She used to try to smack with a broom every time we came by her house!”
Ikkaku laughed heartily at the image of Law, Bepo, Shachi and Penguin being chased away by an angry woman.
“Don’t laugh, Ikkaku! She was scary! Katya snuck out to see us anyway. Her and Captain became really close over the eight months we were there. It was...peaceful. Probably the longest we’ve ever stayed anywhere since the Heart Pirates were formed.”
“So what made you leave?” Ikkaku said with an arched eyebrow. “They broke up?”
“We barely know.” Penguin said. “Captain came back to the ship one evening with a large red mark on his face and ordered us to leave the island immediately, and that we wouldn’t be returning. It was horrible. Bepo cried and begged to go back twice to say goodbye but Captain refused. He told us never to talk about her again. All we ever got out of him was that he asked her to come with us out to sea and it went badly.”
“Wow.” Ikkaku whistled. “Sounds like one hell of a breakup.”
Penguin glanced at Shachi. “We could tell he regretted how things had been left, but he never spoke of her again after that.” He sighed. “Katya was one of our best friends. Smart, funny, and her and Captain...well, I think they really loved each other.”
“I can’t imagine Captain being in love.”
“It had to be seen to be believed. Two years ago, though, we heard a song in a small record shop on our way here. Most of you were on the ship. It was one she had written for Captain not long before we left. She’d played it to us to get our opinion. It was meant for Captain’s birthday, but he never got to hear it. It was her breakthrough single, according to the owner. We recognised it immediately, but then we listened to the rest of the album.” Shachi winced. “It was NOT good.”
Ikkaku turned over the record in her hands, looking at the song titles. “I take it that ‘All You Had To Do Was Stay’ and ‘Bad Medicine’ were some of the more offending ones?”
“Captain destroyed the shop after he heard them. Plus most of the island.”
Ikkaku’s eyes widened. “Wait, was that the one with the marine base? Where Captain got a bounty increase?”
The two nodded and Ikkaku stood up thoughtfully. She walked back into the shop as the two sat on the bench. From where they were sat, they could see the picture of Katya on the wall through the shop window.
“I hope she’s doing well.” Penguin murmured. “It’s been so long.”
Shachi nodded. The two sat in silence for a few more minutes until Ikkaku emerged from the shop with a smile on her face.
“YOU BOUGHT THE ALBUM?!” The two screeched, looking at the item in her hands. Ikkaku grinned mischievously.
“And I got tickets to her concert tonight! It’s by the amusement park. We’re all going!”
The two sunk to the ground. “We’re all DEAD if Captain finds out.”
“Then it’ll be our secret. We have the night off, after all. I want to see if she’s as good at singing as you claim.”
~
Garkin chewed on his cigar as Katya surveyed the stage for the concert. The purple lights were in place and she smiled happily. Impromptu concerts were oddly good marketing. They advertised them on the week of the concert only, and it meant that only those on the archipelago could attend. No point selling tickets months in advance; there were so many travellers that not many stayed on the island for longer than the log pose took to set.
“Oi,” Garkin turned to Katya. “I had an offer through the higher-ups for you.”
“Oh?” Katya’s nose wrinkled at the scent of the pungent cigars her manager was partial to.
“Got sponsorship for your new album.”
Katya’s eyes sparkled. “Really?!” She clapped her hands together. A sponsor was rare to get, and it meant lots of studio time and marketing. It could seriously boost her career.
“Mm. Some Saint Charloss. He likes your music.”
“Saint? Y-you mean...”
“You got a problem with that, brat?” Garkin squinted his beady eyes at her.
‘You know how the Tenryubito can be’ Shakky’s words echoed in her head.
“I’m going to have to decline, Garkin-san.” Katya said. The man’s face began to go purple and his teeth clenched around his disgusting cigar.
“You know what the sponsorship of a Dragon could be? We could make millions! You ungrateful piece of-“
“Garkin-san, your meeting is here!” Another voice called from beside the stage.
“This discussion isn’t over, bitch. You will take that contract, or you’re done.” Garkin spat.
Katya scowled in return. Garkin was a money-hungry asshole who didn’t care about anyone except himself. He still made her sing her debut single, ‘Fever’, at every concert as it was her most popular song. She had only sung it in the first place as it was the most popular song she had sung as she’d travelled. She didn’t even like to sing it. Too memories of Law. But it was the song that had first gotten the attention of record producers and had given her her first big break.
She went backstage and began to change into her white performance dress. It glittered with purple sparkles, but even its beauty had not improved her mood.
Activating her Devil Fruit, she made the room soundproof. She rarely used the fruit, unless she wanted to go unnoticed in a crowd. Or escape from red haired pirates that she’d had a drunken one-night stand with. But right now she really wanted to kick something and not be disturbed.
The Calm Calm Fruit, it was called. She had acquired it around a year ago at a market. The lady that had found it had just assumed it was a new kind of pear she hadn’t seen before. Katya had tried it and realised too late what it was. The taste had been beyond awful, like someone had shoved ash, a rotting corpse and vomit down her throat. She had looked it up in a Devil Fruit book guide several months later and identified it as the Calm Calm Fruit.
As far as Katya was concerned, it didn’t really do much aside from provide stealth when she wanted it. She had also figured out how to temporarily deafen people, usually creeps who had tried to hit on her after a show. The only people who even knew she had it were her aunt, whom she still wrote to frequently, Shakky, Rayleigh, and Garkin. Garkin only knew because of how many times she had used it in the studio to focus on writing her music.
“Stupid bastard.” She muttered, kicking her chair again. The door suddenly opened and Katya quickly deactivated her fruit.
“Two minutes time to curtain, Siren-san.”
“Thank you, James-san, I’ll be there in a moment.”
Katya grabbed her microphone. Worrying about Garkin and his insane contract idea could wait until after the show.
~
“Ikkaku, this isn’t a good idea! What if Captain finds out?” Shachi pleaded with the excited woman as she, Penguin and six other members of the Heart Pirates made their way towards the amusement park stage area.
“He’s with Bepo. Besides, he said we could have a free night so long as we watched our backs. Plus, won’t it be nice to see your old friend?”
“Of course, but-“
“Then it’s settled!” Ikkaku waved her hand dismissively at the two worried engineers.
“Silena Siren...” Harris read the flyer that Ikkaku had given the crew to Jake, the Heart Pirates cook. “The beauty from North Blue.”
“She sounds amazing~” The male members of the crew began to daydream. They hadn’t been filled in on the situation by those in the know. For them, this was a case of just a fun night out.
A loud cheer interrupted Penguin and Shachi’s mild panic attack and they heard music playing.
“We’re going to be late, come on!” Ikkaku ran towards the sound, tugging along the two by their boiler suits.
The crew entered and they clambered towards the stage. There were lots of pirates and citizens alike in attendance. The lights and music were bright and loud. It was a great atmosphere and their crew mates looked ecstatic. It had been a tough few weeks getting to the end of Paradise, so it was nice to see them relaxed. Shachi and Penguin looked up at the stage and gasped.
Katya was stood on the stage, a spotlight upon her. Purple sparkles were all over her white skater dress. Her hair was done up in an elegant twist and she had tiny purple feathers on her eyelashes. She was dazzling, and even more beautiful than she had been when they had last seen her.
“She’s so...”
“...Womanly.”
The two began to turn into a puddle before Ikkaku pulled them to their feet.
“But you held your pride like you should have held me...” Katya sang on the stage. “Oh, I'm scared to see the ending, why are we pretending this is nothing? I'd tell you I miss you but I don't know how....I've never heard silence quite this loud!”
“She’s so good!” Connor cheered. “Thanks for the tickets, Ikkaku!” The rest of the crew cheered in agreement and began to dance in an incredibly goofy manner, aside from Dan, one of the medical officers, who merely rolled his eyes at them.
Ikkaku began to lose herself in the music. Despite the impression she’d gotten from the two engineers, very few of the songs were actually break-up songs, and the woman on stage certainly had a lot of talent. Shachi and Penguin began to enjoy themselves too. Halfway through one of the songs, they turned to Ikkaku.
“We’re really glad you made us come, Ikkaku. It’s so great to see how far Katya-chan has come.”
“You like it, steal it, gotta beat 'em to the treasure~” Katya’s voice echoed around the stadium. “A right of passage- bad just doesn't get much better!”
“Hey, Captain!” A voice behind Shachi and Penguin made them freeze. Harris was talking into the Den-Den Mushi. “We’re at a concert by the amusement park! It’s a singer from the North Blue, she’s called-“
“AHHHH!” Shachi and Penguin dived for the small snail and ended up tackling Harris to the floor.
“Oi, wh-“ the connection cut out.
“There's so many ways to be wicked...” Katya finished her song and the crowd roared.
“Yeah, we’re screwed.” Ikkaku said bluntly.
Chapter 3: A Concert At The Amusement Park
Summary:
Katya performs for a crowd and the Heart Pirates are busted by their Captain.
Chapter Text
“Thank you so much everyone! Please enjoy some drinks, we’ll be back in a few minutes!” Katya said happily to the cheering crowd, then exited the stage. She wiped her brow with a small handkerchief as soon as she got off stage and took a long swig of water handed to her by James. She smiled gratefully at him and the man blushed sweetly.
“Hey, you can’t be back here!” A voice sounded from not far off and there was a loud crash. Katya put down her water and went to see what the fuss was about. Probably some annoying creeps trying to get backstage again.
“KATYA-CHAN!” Two figures ran towards her with several security guards in pursuit. Katya whipped her head around to see two faces she never thought she’d see ever again.
“Shachi? Pen?” She gasped loudly and ran to greet them. Katya flung her arms around them and hugged the two tightly.
“Siren-san!”
“It’s okay, Barry, I know these two.” She waved off the security.
“K-Katya-chan.” The two men murmured, squashed into her chest.
“Oops, sorry!” She released them and wiped the tears that had come to her eyes. “What are you doing here?”
“We saw you were performing! We had to see you!”
“You two always were my biggest fans.” She laughed before her face fell slightly into an angry expression. She jabbed the two men in the ribs, causing them to fall backwards, winded. “So why did you never say goodbye?! Or call!”
“We....” Penguin groaned in pain. “We wanted to. Captain said no!”
“He’s not with you, is he?”
“No, not right now!” Shachi sweat dropped. “It’s just us. And-wait. You still have the necklace?”
Katya fiddled with the charm on her necklace. It had been given to her by Law. A tiny silver stethoscope charm hung from the delicate chain.
“I mean, yeah, it’s important to me. It reminds me how far I’ve come. Plus it reminds me of more than just him. It reminds me of you two.”
The two began to sniffle. “We missed you!”
“Coming through, losers.” Ikkaku joined them and put an arm over Shachi’s shoulder. “Hi, Katya-san. Big fan!”
Katya observed the Heart Pirate boiler suit the woman was wearing. Were she and Law...? No, she shook the idea from her head. No need to entertain those thoughts. “Nice to meet you too. I take it you’re headed for the New World with these crazy guys?”
“We’re not crazy! We fought our way through the Grand Line!” Shachi took a rather ridiculous fighting stance which made Katya laugh.
“Most sane people would call that crazy.”
“How did you get here, Katya-chan?” Penguin asked abruptly.
“Hitched a ride with some ships, mostly. Paid my passage through tips I earned from shows. Made my way here. I’ve been here about ten months. It’s a good place for shows, plus I didn’t like the idea of being around water much more.”
“Why not? Wait, Katya-chan, did you eat a Devil Fruit?”
“Yeah, it’s nothing exciting, but I still can’t swim, so ships seem a bit more daunting now.” A little blush settled over her freckled face.
“Brat!” Garkin’s voice called and the pudgy man stormed up to her and the trio of Heart Pirates. “I’ve got the representatives of Saint Charloss on the phone and they aren’t happy!”
“Tell them to stick their offer up their fat, rich asses, Garkin. I perform for the people, not some assholes who will drag me away to perform privately for them after ten minutes of me signing the contracts.” Katya squared off against the man, who looked like he would explode with anger.
“This is your last chance, brat. You tell them yes or you can kiss your second album goodbye!”
“Then I guess I’ll be a one album girl.” Katya retorted back stubbornly.
“You’re fired!”
“Cool.” She said calmly. “I’m going to finish my show now. It was so good to see you, guys. I’ll be rooting for you to not get eaten by sea kings. Give Bepo-sama my love.”
“SAMA?!” Shachi and Penguin cried. “We feel slighted!”
Katya winked and ran back towards the preparation area. She was going to finish her final show her way.
~
The trio had gone back into the crowd as and had joined the others. Shachi noticed Bepo make his way towards them, along with a very furious looking Law.
“Shachi-ya...” Law’s voice was deep and angry sounding. “Penguin-ya, I think we need to have a talk.”
The two men clung to each other. “BEPO, SAVE US!”
“Oh, it’s Katya-chan!” Bepo looked up at the stage which had turned into a singular spotlight. His eyes became watery. “Katya-chaaaaan! I’ve missed her!”
Law grabbed Shachi and Penguin by the scruff of the neck. “You two are on laundry duty for a month. We’re leaving.”
“Aye, aye!” The two said meekly.
“Bepo, we-“ Law turned to his the Mink, who was crying.
“Look, Captain...”
Law looked up at the stage. Katya held up a microphone to her lips. The glint of her necklace did not go unnoticed by Law. She still wore it?
“Ladies, gentlemen, pirates, lovers of music, I’m afraid I’ve been fired!” Katya grinned and threw her hands into the air. “But before I go, I would like to sing one more song before I get inevitably thrown out by security. I’ll let it be a crowd request!”
A multitude of voices cried out various titles.
“Bad Case of Loving You!”
“All You Had To Do Was Stay!”
“Fever!”
“Yeah, Fever!”
“Fever, fever, fever!” The crowd begin to chant and Katya put on a smile. Of course they’d want her most popular song.
“Aw, you guys love the classics. Fever it is!”
“Captain’s song...” Penguin murmured.
Law was rather taken aback himself. She still sang Fever, after all these years? He had only listened to it once. He’d managed to overhear her practicing it for his birthday. He’d never told Shachi or Penguin. But that, the necklace...
“I've been bitten by the bug and I'm coming down with, oh, something that can't be cured~” Katya began to sing to the now cheering crowd.
“There ain't a doctor in this town who is more qualified than you, yeah, to be so adored~”
“I can’t believe she still sings it.” Shachi said to Penguin, who nodded in agreement.
“Captain, we should go and say hello after the show!” Bepo beamed and turned around. Law’s eyes were hidden by his hat.
“So tell me what do you prescribe for these symptoms: a heart beating faster and work is a disaster...”
“We’re going.” Law said. “We have things to do.”
Bepo nodded his head in resignation and the Heart Pirates began to leave.
“Fever sure has got me good. What you do when fever takes hold? I can't help but need this drug...Don't you feel the fever like I do?”
Law gripped Kikoku tighter. She had written that song as a surprise for him. Katya...she was still so talented and beautiful. But she had refused to become a pirate.
He thought back to the night he’d left Forhargo. She couldn’t be a singer if she was a pirate, she’d argued. Why couldn’t Law just be a normal doctor and stay with her? To travel the world together when they were older, rather than pillage his way down the Grand Line?
He couldn’t. He was going to avenge Cora-san. Law never told her about him. He’d nearly told her so many times, but it was so painful, and she’d only pity him. They’d fought, and he’d left, and now he was leaving again.
~
“Thank you, everyone! Hopefully I’ll see you all again someday! Any record producers that are interested in my work, I’m often around Grove 13!” She waved with a large grin, spotting Garkin, purple in the face, at the side of the stage.
She bounced off the stage and handed her microphone to James, who was shaking with fear as Garkin bounded over.
“BRAT!”
“Garkin?” Katya scowled as she turned to face him. “Come to hire me back?”
“Don’t you take that informal tone, with me, you bitch! You’re costing me lots of money!”
Katya glared at the cigar smoking man. “I’m not performing for the Dragons.”
“Fine!” Garkin shouted. “Then I can just sell you to them!” Two large men came up behind Katya and grabbed her. She struggled in their grip and growled at her ex-manager.
“Get your hands off me, you bastards!”
“Saint Charloss is going to be at the human auction tomorrow. I’m betting you’ll fetch me a better price that way. I’ll even tell them about your Devil Fruit, that’ll bump up the bidding.” He smiled slyly. “Goodbye, Katya. You’re about to make me a nice lump sum.”
“Suck a dick, you piece of-“ A large fist collided with Katya’s jaw and she collapsed to the floor. The last thing she saw was a blurry pair of handcuffs coming towards her wrists.
Chapter 4: The Auction House
Summary:
Katya finds herself at the mercy of slavers, and several Supernovas make their way to the auction house.
Chapter Text
“That bastard.” Katya spat as she was led into the cells behind the auction house. Garkin would pay for this. The cells were not crowded, but that was because most of the space was taken up by a giant. There were a few other people sat in the shadows.
“Hey, give me the neck ring! I’ll put this on her.” Disco, the owner of the auction house, was nearby, holding up a collar above a young mermaid with green hair. “Make sure to hold her down!”
“A mermaid...” Katya breathed out. She’d only seen a few in her lifetime. She’d been to the New World once for a show, and had gone very briefly through Fishman Island. She’d gotten food poisoning on the way, so the journey had been mostly spent for her retching over a toilet.
Mermaids generally avoided the archipelago though. They could fetch a high price at the auction. Katya felt a tug of fear in her chest for the poor mermaid, who was struggling against those trying to put the collar on her.
“No!” The mermaid cried and Disco laughed. All of a sudden, a wave of energy shook through the cells.
“Such power...” Katya gasped. It was a struggle for her to stay conscious, and she began to feel rather nauseated, but she managed to stay upright. Most of the other prisoners had collapsed.
“Disco-san!” The slavers cried and rushed over to the now collapsed head of the auction house. “Someone get a doctor!”
Katya, despite her Seastone cuffs, shook off her guards and rushed forward to the mermaid. It was exhausting. The odd wave of energy plus the drain on her due to the seastone was making her feel utterly horrible. She put her hand on the young mermaid’s arm comfortingly. “Shhhh, it’s okay. What’s your name?”
“C-Caimie.”
“I’m Katya. Don’t worry; we’re going to be alright.” The lie slipped through her teeth. “I’ll stay with you as long as I can.”
“Get in your cells!”
The two were hauled to their feet by Katya’s guards and shoved back inside. They put next to each other beside the giant. Katya thought there was someone else on the other side, but she couldn’t see them behind the giant’s bulk. She held the young mermaid’s hands and occasionally wiped her tears as the auction began. Maybe she’d be able to get away if she could get the keys to the seastone cuffs. Hopefully, she could take this poor young mermaid with her.
~
“I’m still not sure about this, Captain.” Shachi said nervously as the four Heart Pirates made their way into the Grove 1 Auction Hall the next morning.
“We’re here for intel, Shachi-ya.” Law replied. The Captain of the Heart Pirates was thankfully less grouchy that morning. The incident with the concert had left him in a foul mood, but watching X Drake fighting with the other Supernovas had cheered him up considerably. Watching his rivals fight each other was top quality entertainment. The human auction, however, was less entertaining. Law had insisted the others make sure that the ship was ready for departure, so only Shachi, Penguin and Bepo had accompanied him.
The first half of the auction sped by and the Heart Pirates had been on alert. Law had adopted a laid-back attitude as he sat, but his eyes darted around the room, analysing every move of the auction and its crowd.
“Aaaaand next up, we have a lovely family of four. Hard workers, in fit shape for any manual labour needs. Do I hear 3 million Beri?” Disco’s voice echoed through the Grove 1 Auction House.
Law crossed his arms. This auction was taking a long time, and still no information about Joker.
A loud cry came from backstage, making Law’s ears perk up. Clearly a slave that wasn’t happy about being sold. The cries were cut off by what sounded like a loud thwack and a groan. It almost sounded familiar.
“Apologies for that, everyone.” Disco said cheerfully. “One of our lovely items decided that she didn’t like being a special item!”
“Special item...” Penguin murmured. The crowd also began murmuring about what kind of person it was.
“Bring her out now!” A whiny voice demanded.
“Yeah, we want to see the special item!” Another voice cried out.
“Well, we were planning to auction her off later in the show before our highlight piece of a mermaid, but I’m such a people pleaser,” Disco winked at the audience. “I just can’t say no to you all!”
A brown-haired woman was dragged onto the stage and Shachi and Penguin gasped.
“KATYA-CHAN!” Bepo cried out.
The singer looked incredibly worse for wear, a large swelling around her jaw which had clearly been made by someone with a rather strong right hook, Law deduced. His blood began to boil. He may have a complicated history with the woman, but no-one deserved the fate of becoming a slave.
“What do we do, Captain? We can’t let her become a slave!” Penguin whispered urgently to Law. Law’s brow furrowed as he thought of plans, but nothing was coming to mind that wouldn’t risk his crew.
“Item number 18 today is this stunning woman, excellent singing voice-“
“Suck my dick, Disco.” Katya snapped at him angrily. Two attendants ran forward and forced a hand over her mouth. Law had to smile slightly at her sheer nerve of talking back.
“She’s feisty and will provide great entertainment. She’s a popular singer here at Sabaody so you know you’ll get your money’s worth. Furthermore, the reason she is a more special item! She has a Devil Fruit that will...” Disco paused and held a hand up to his ear. “Hm?”
Bepo sniffed. “A Devil Fruit?”
Shachi and Penguin nodded. “She said she’d not had it long.”
“What was it?” Law inquired with curiosity.
“She didn’t actually say, come to think of it.” Shachi said.
“Ah, apologies, everyone,” Disco said after a moment. “It seems that our wonderful patron Joker himself has decided to take this lovely item.”
Law’s eyes narrowed. What could Joker possibly want with her? Shachi and Penguin gasped loudly.
“I’m not for sale! You can tell this Joker asshole that he can’t have me and he can honestly suck-“ Katya had bitten the man’s hand and spoken briefly. The rest was cut off by someone slapping a gag in between the woman’s teeth. The guards dragged her off the stage but despite the fact Katya was cuffed in kairoseki shackles and a shock collar, she was doing a pretty impressive job of kicking and slapping them as she went.
“We now move on to our next item..”
“What is Kat-chan doing here?” A voice from behind Law muttered. The Heart Pirates spun around and looked in the direction of the voice.
“No idea,” Eustass ‘Captain’ Kid was hissing to his first mate, Killer. “But no-one runs out on me and avoids payback.”
Killer tutted. “You need to give that up, Kid.”
Law gritted his teeth as the next few items were brought out. Bepo was clearly in distress at Katya being taken away, but they knew there was nothing that could be done for the moment, lest they bring an Admiral down on their heads. The gears in Law’s head were turning. How did she know Kid?
“Thank you for your patience! Just have a look at this!” Disco called out after a few moments, pulling down the sheet covering a large fish tank. “Straight from Fishman Island, Caimie the mermaid!”
~
“Mmm! Mm!” Katya struggled as the guards backstage tried to hold her down.
“Shut up, bitch!” A guard hit her in the gut.
“Oi!” Another guard pulled the other back. “Do you even know how valuable she is now? If Joker wants her himself, then she has to be in the best conditi-“
CRASH!
A huge boom echoed around the room and bits of rubble fell down all over the place. The two guards holding Katya were knocked to the ground.
What the? She thought. Was there an earthquake? She got up and stumbled towards the side of the stage. There was an emergency exit not far from the stands. If she could get to it, she could attempt to escape. Her head was fuzzy, but she heard a gunshot. She lifted her head and saw the mermaid, Caimie, banging her fists against a large fish bowl.
“Are you looking at me?” A whiny voice said. “Youuu’re annoying!”
Then Katya watched as Straw Hat Luffy punched a Celestial Dragon square in the face.
Chapter 5: The Dark King
Summary:
Katya goes toe to toe with the guards, and Rayleigh enters the auction hall.
Chapter Text
The crowd was in pure shock, including Katya herself. He’d punched a Noble? How stupid was Straw Hat? Disco was gasping in horror, as was most of the audience.
“If I hit these guys, they’ll call an admiral from the Navy and a warship here, right?” The young man with the Straw Hat was with way more cheer than was acceptable for the situation.
What the hell... Katya thought as she attempted to untie the terribly tied ropes around her knees. There was no chance she’d be able to get the collar or her seastone handcuffs off without expert help, but she’d deal with that in a few moments. Right now, she needed to get out of there. She had just managed to free herself from the rope when the Nobles began firing at the pirates.
“Hurry up and get out!” Someone screamed.
People were running frantically all over the place. Katya slunk into a corner as guards began to swarm the stage and watched in awe as Straw Hat Luffy’s leg seemed to stretch four times its length. A Devil Fruit power, and an odd one at that. The other members of his crew were also going crazy fighting the Nobles and guards.
“Katya-chan!” A plethora of voices cried out.
Katya looked up in surprise. Her head was spinning but she could see the outline of a few white boiler suits. Plus a tall red-haired....oh shit.
“Kid?!” She gaped as the man stomped up to her.
“Get out of here!” He yelled at her and grabbed her arm, pushing her towards the crowd that were leaving the auction house.
“Oi, Kid,” One of his crew members said to him urgently. “Trafalgar looks PISSED.”
Katya looked across the room and her eyes finally settled on a very familiar visage. Law had gotten even more handsome. He’d grown a goatee since she’d last seen him, but most of him was the same. Ugly sweatshirt hoodie and his sword resting on his shoulder. The bastard who broke her heart.
Ignoring her traitorous heart doing a slight somersault, she wrenched her arm away from Kid and started towards the Heart Pirate Captain.
“Is she just oblivious to what’s going on here?” One of Kid’s crew said indignantly.
“You....” she glared at Law. “You piece of shit!”
“Uh-oh.” Bepo said. Law’s face was betraying nothing and he appeared passive.
“You bastard, I ought to beat the shit out of you for what you did!” She ducked past a guard that tried to grab her and ran up the stairs. “I don’t care that you have some dumb bounty, you’ll- ugh!” The guard caught her foot. “GET OFF ME!” She screamed angrily.
“Oi, Kat-“ Kid said.
If looks could kill, Eustass Kid would have been a bleeding dying mess on the floor.
“You don’t get to call me that!” Katya cut him off. “You need to accept that it was a drunken mistake! And especially you need to stop being so hung up on the fact I left at dawn!” She shouted at the red-haired man, who growled in response.
“You should be honoured that you spent the night in my company, bitch!”
“HIM? REALLY?!” Shachi and Penguin shouted. Katya shot them a pointed look.
“Yes, yes, my taste in men is shit. You two sound like my aunt!”
“I’m sorry!” Bepo bowed his head.
“She wasn’t even talking to you!”
“I’m out of here.” Katya spat. “If I see either of you two assholes again, you’ll wish you didn’t.”
“Why you-“ Kid began, but a large flying fish flew through the ceiling and a woman with....wings? and a skeleton with an Afro appeared.
Chaos ensued and Katya headed back towards the exit, but Disco, the man who ran the auction house, pulled a gun on her as she weakly made her way to the door. Curse that kairoseki. If she had her powers, she’d be able to sneak away mostly unnoticed and without the annoying drain on her energy.
“Y-you bitch!” Disco growled and raised the gun.
BANG!
Katya dived out of the way as the shot fired, but she wasn’t fast enough. It hit her shoulder and she fell to the floor with a crash.
“Ow...” she groaned.
“Katya-chin!” Caimie called from the fish bowl. Katya’s vision swirled and she fell down next to the fishbowl. Disco raised his gun again and Katya’s head began to slump. This was it.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.
A powerful wave of energy shot through the arena. Katya passed out for a few moments but when she came to, she could see the vague outline of a dark figure walk out of a hole in the stage.
“Have a look at that, Giant-kun!” A familiar deep voice spoke. “The hall is a complete mess.”
Katya raised her head slightly. “Ray-san?!”
“Oh, Katya-chan, long time no see! Seems like the auction is over. What are you doing here?”
Katya scowled and gestured at her neck ring with her non-injured arm. “What do you think? Business deal went wrong. Why are YOU here? Shakky’s been looking for you for months!”
“Ah, I lost a bet at the gambling hall.”
“Pay better attention to your wife, old man!” Katya shouted at him.
“She’s....she’s talking back to him.” Kid gaped at the scene.
Rayleigh raised his hand and Katya felt the powerful energy again. Her chains fell to the ground. Her energy came back immediately; even though everything still hurt, she no longer felt her energy being sapped.
Katya stood up, gingerly clutching her shoulder. “How did you do that?”
“Just a skill I’ve acquired over time.” Rayleigh replied with a shrug. “Well, seeing how I’ve stolen some money, I guess I’ll be returning to the gambling hall.”
“You really need to kick that habit, Ray-san. You have customers that need coatings!” Katya smiled weakly.
“Eh, they can wait.”
“You foul old man...” the giant grumbled. “You stole money just to go gambling?”
“More like to pay off his debts to his own wife.” Katya snorted. “Worst businessman ever.”
“Cheeky brat.” Rayleigh smirked. “How is Shakky?”
“Good, though she thinks you’ve taken a lover again.”
“Stop this conversation!” Several guards cried out, pointing guns at them all.
“Hm, I guess I’ll have to head home at some point.” Rayleigh stroked his beard, ignoring them completely.
“I’ll join you, I may need to ask Shakky to do some bar work for a while. My sleazy manager fired me for insubordination.”
“Fair enough. Hm?” Rayleigh looked back at the hall, where every pirate and guard were looking at the pair in utter disbelief. “Everyone is staring at you.”
“They’re really not.”
“You slept with some of them, didn’t you?”
“SHUT UP, OLD MAN! Like you can talk!” Katya screeched at him. Rayleigh put a hand on his hip.
“You need to get that shoulder looked at. Leave as soon as you can.”
“The Marines-“ she began.
“You know what to do.” Rayleigh said firmly. Katya nodded in understanding. Her Devil Fruit. “And Katya-chan, I heard that Joker wanted you. What did you do?”
“Haven’t a clue.” Katya said, and headed down the steps, glancing at the group of pirates as she did so. Law’s eyes followed her. He looked like he was going to pass out from shock. Huh, maybe the giant was intimidating to him, Katya mused.
“Caimie-san, go to your friends!” She called and headed up the steps, before nearly being knocked over by another wave of energy.
“Geez, I wish that would stop.” She said.
“This guy...” Kid muttered.
“No way...” Law followed suit and Katya’s head turned towards him. She hadn’t heard him speak before then.
“What’s got you so tongue tied, Law?” She addressed him coldly.
“You don’t know who he is, do you?” Law replied.
“Hm? He’s a local mechanic.”
“She really doesn’t know?!” The hall of people cried. Katya ignored them and kept making her way up the stairs behind Rayleigh, blood dripping from her wound. The next few moments were fuzzy, but she eventually made her way to where Hatchan, who appeared to be Rayleigh’s friend was, at which point she collapsed into a heap. Her shoulder felt like it was on fire.
“She’ll need a doctor soon.” Rayleigh said calmly, before turning to Law. “If half of the things she said about you are true, then you’re able to treat her, yes? I have my hands full with my other friend here, and his wounds are more severe. Bring her to Grove 13 when you can. My wife runs a bar there.”
Law sweatdropped but nodded. “Bepo, carry Katya-ya whilst we head back to the ship. Treat her as best as you can until I get there.”
“Ya ya?” Rayleigh snorted slightly.
“Aye, Captain!”
“B-Bepo....” Katya felt the Mink lift her up into his arms. “Put me down..” she said. Her energy was virtually gone; therefore, she needed to save it to move and use her power. “Si....” her voice wavered. “Si....”
Katya’s eyes fluttered closed as voices shouted around her.
Chapter 6: You Suck At Fighting
Summary:
The Heart Pirates, along with an injured Katya, escape the auction house. Katya’s Devil Fruit is revealed to Law.
Chapter Text
“Oi.” Rayleigh walked up to Law and handed him a small piece of silver jewellery. A simple necklace with a stethoscope charm. “This is hers. It fell off with the collar. Look after her. Or I’ll know.”
Shachi and Penguin looked like they were about to wet themselves. Law walked away outside and Bepo looked down at the woman in his arms.
“Here, I can help a bit for now.” The reindeer offered.
“It talks!” Shachi and Penguin screamed.
“Why are you so shocked, you have a talking bear...” Several people around them muttered.
“I’m sorry.” Bepo’s head slumped.
“So sensitive!”
The next few moments were pure disarray. Shachi and Penguin helped the reindeer, Chopper, bandage up Katya’s wound and they headed outside. Shachi and Penguin took it in turns holding Katya on their backs as Bepo was fighting off guards and Marines. Law had been dealing with the other pirates and the majority of the strong Marines, so the bear and his two companions only had to deal with a few ensigns.
Katya stirred as they were running over a bridge that a rather large man had destroyed, that now seemed to be with Law and the others. Law was running just in front of her. She tapped Penguin, who was carrying her, on the shoulder.
“Put me down.” She protested, though it came out rather half-heartedly.
“Katya-chan, you’re awake!” Penguin quickly put her on her feet and she clutched her head in pain.
“Ugh. What’s going on?”
“Marines! Can you run?”
“Ah.” Katya nodded.
“Captain, look at that!” Shachi suddenly cried out. In front of them was a huge human, wearing a paw print hat. Katya stepped forward and stood parallel to Law as she looked at the imposing man who was in front of the group.
“Is it me or do this guy and Dr Asshole over here clearly shop at the same store?” Katya commented, pointing at the similar trousers and hat the man was wearing.
Law growled and focused on what was in front of him. “What’s one of the warlords doing here?”
“Trafalgar Law.” The large man said calmly.
“So you know my name?” Law pulled out Kikoku just as the man seemed to fire a huge pulse of energy from his mouth.
“Wha-“ Law gasped but Katya was faster on the uptake. She dived for him and tackled him out of the way. The beam hit the ground behind where they had been.
“Katya-ya, you threw yourself at me.” Law said under Katya, who was now lying across his body on the ground. Years ago, he would probably have been smug at the idea, but now he looked at her cautiously.
“Shut up! Don’t get yourself killed before I kill you, you bastard.” Katya clambered off him, shoving him away.
“You haven’t changed a bit. Apart from that short hair.” Law got to his feet and faced the large man, whom it was clear had had some kind of mechanical enhancements.
“At least I didn’t grew a small forest on my chin.” Katya fired back.
“Why does Joker want you?”
“Hell if I know! What’s it to you, anyway?”
“Trafalgar, you’re in my way!” Kid appeared next to the two. Katya looked astonished at the huge metal arm protruding from the pirate.
“Damn, you held out on me, Kid.” She raised her eyebrows.
“Shut up!”
“You want me to kill you? Stop ordering me around!” Law growled back at the red haired man.
“I shall make you let us pass...” Law looked up at the huge man in front of the three and activated his Room. “Bartholomew Kuma!”
~
Katya was in no shape to fight Marines. Her fighting skills weren’t great even if she was fully healthy. She carried a small knife usually, but it wasn’t with her as it had been confiscated by the auction house. That and her shoulder had meant that trying to get away had been near impossible. She’d taken one of the numerous swords attached to Kid and had done her best to swing it to help, but to little avail. She’d hit one man off his feet but that was about it. Penguin was fighting next to her to keep her away from the worst of the Marines and the blasts coming from the imposing Kuma robot.
Shachi was in front of the two, clearing the way with Law. Bepo was bringing up the rear, electrocuting any Marines who dared get near the group.
“Can’t you fight at all?!” Law yelled at her as the group continued to move towards what Katya presumed was their ship or some kind of safe haven.
“I’m a singer, not a soldier! Shouldn’t you have this all in hand, big shot rookie?”
“What about your Devil Fruit?”
“It’s not that kind of fruit!” She shouted back at Law.
“Hey Trafalgar, is she your ex or something?” Kid grunted as he threw more chunks of metal at the robot.
“Go to hell!” The two of them snapped at the same time.
“Oh, yes.” Bepo replied to Kid immediately.
“Bepo!” Katya protested.
“I’m sorry.”
“We’re getting out of here, Kat. Why don’t you come with me? I’m sure my crew would love a singer.” Kid said with a smile. “Why have Trafalgar when you could be my woman instead?”
“Okay firstly, I belong to nobody,” Katya threw the sword she was holding at a nearby Marine’s face, which caused the man to scream in pain. “Second of all, you’re coming off really desperate! Solid pass!”
“That was quite harsh.” The tall man, Jean Bart, who had begun running with the group, commented.
“Eat me.” She spat back.
“You always did like that.” Law said offhandedly. Katya went bright red and screamed a string of curse words at him as the group reached a quieter clearing away from the violence.
“Suit yourself, kitten. I’ll see you in the New World, Trafalgar.” Kid grinned in their direction before heading off beyond a hill.
“Law...” Katya turned to face the rookie pirate with a rather frightening expression.
“Eep!” Shachi and Penguin cried out together. “She’s going to do it!”
“Do what?” Bepo said.
“Try and kill him!” Shachi hissed at the bear.
Katya brought her hand up and put her hand gently on Law’s shoulder. The two engineers recoiled in shock. That hadn’t been what they were expecting. “Thanks for getting me out of there.”
“Why does Joker want you, anyway?”
“I have no idea, I already told you this!”
“Maybe he’s a fan?” Penguin said.
“I heard a voice from over there!” A Marine shouted loudly. The men immediately took their fighting stance before Katya quickly pulled them behind a tree.
“Wait.” She said sharply, and focused, before clicking her fingers. “Silent.”
Law gasped as a small film flew from Katya’s hand and engulfed the group. The bubbles stopped making sound. The Marines could not be heard, although they appeared to be shouting as they ran past. It was as if the world’s noise had been blocked out completely outside the area that Katya had created.
“What did you just do?” Jean Bart whispered.
“They can’t hear us, you don’t need to whisper.” Katya replied.
“Your Devil Fruit power!” Shachi ran towards her. “This is what it does?” Katya nodded in reply.
Law fell to his knees. “Katya....” he began to shake.
“They won’t hear us as long as it lasts. But I can’t hold it for too long.”
“Katya!” Law said more sharply.
“WHAT?!” The freckled woman span around, and a sharp shock of pain went through her shoulder. Shit. She’d twisted wrong and the makeshift stitches from it had disappeared.
“Your Devil Fruit....” the man’s voice almost had a quiver to it. “I know why Joker wants you.”
Bepo looked worriedly at Law. “Captain, her shoulder is bleeding again.”
“Bepo, carry her. We’re getting to the Tang, now.”
Chapter 7: Hating Bread
Summary:
Katya has a long overdue talk with Law. Bread is served for dinner.
Chapter Text
“This hurts!”
“Stop moving, or I’ll be forced to restrain you, Katya-ya.”
“Please drop the -ya, Law, saying yaya with my name makes you sound really weird.”
“Katya-chan!” Bepo burst into the medical room of the submarine carrying a tray full of items. “How is she, Captain?”
“She’ll be fine, she just needs to rest for a few days.”
“Like hell I will. I’m out of here as soon as I can be.”
“You aren’t staying with us, Katya-chan?” Bepo looked so downcast that Katya sighed and went to hug the bear, leaving her shoulder, which was currently detached and being carefully operated on by Law, on the table. Bepo rubbed his cheek against hers affectionately.
“It’s so good to see you again, Bepo-sama.”
“Again, what’s with the -sama?!” Shachi and Penguin shouted from the door.
“Bepo is the navigator, he deserves respect.”
“And I don’t?” Law began stitching her shoulder, the bullet now on a tray next to him.
“Not after what you did.” She grimaced as Law’s hands carefully pulled the thread through the skin to pull it together gently.
Law sighed as he threaded the needle through her skin again. “Okay, clearly we need to have this discussion before either of us loses the will to deal with the other.”
“Give us a moment, guys?” Katya said to the three by the door, and they nodded and went out, closing the door behind them. There was an uncomfortable silence between the two.
“When you’ve sorted my arm, I’m leaving. Thank you for treating it, but I have a life to get back to.”
“You won’t have a life anymore.” Law snapped. “Not now that Joker wants you.”
“I can take care of myself.”
“Listen, it’s not safe for you. If Joker knows you have that Devil Fruit, you won’t be safe here. He will hunt you to the ends of the earth.”
“At least someone will!” She said curtly. “You didn’t.”
Law was silent.
“Law, you were my world. But when you wanted me to give up everything and leave suddenly at sixteen...how could I? You broke my heart when you left, Law, and you told me it was all for some revenge? You didn’t even tell me why! Only that you picked revenge over me. You never even told me who the revenge was on, or why you were so hell-bent on it you gave up me!”
“Because I didn’t have a choice!” He slammed his fist down on the metal table next to her.
“You always had a choice, Law.”
Law finished tying the last thread in her wound, before setting the needle down. “The person I’m chasing....is Joker. Also known as Doflamingo of the Warlords. He killed the most important person in the world to me, the man who saved my life. The man...who used to have your Devil Fruit.”
Katya’s eyes went wide. “You knew whoever had this Fruit before me?”
Law nodded. “I have to avenge him someday. It’s my one goal, even above finding the One Piece. The only time I ever thought about giving it up....” his eyes turned away from her. “Was you. That last night together, I knew that if I didn’t leave then, I’d never leave. So I made you hate me. I hoped it would be easier for you.”
“Well, it wasn’t.”
“I’m sorry.” He muttered. Katya sighed and flexed her fingers on her decapitated arm.
“You got better.” She gave him a slight smile.
“Ah, I‘ve had more practice.”
“Law,” she said quietly.
“Hm?”
“I accept your apology.” She leaned back on the chair. “However, I’m still mad at you and I still want to deafen you for all the shit you put me through.”
“You can do that? Cora-san never showed that ability.” Law cast his Room and put her arm back where should be.
“I discovered it by accident...” she gave her shoulder a roll and smiled. “Huh. Not bad for a quack doctor.” She looked down at her right hand, the one she used for her ability. Her face fell.
“Will powerful people continue to come after me then?” She murmured, twiddling her fingers.
“Yes.”
Katya closed her eyes and tried not to sob. She’d built up a life for herself here and it had all managed to disappear within a few short days.
“I’m guessing I’ll need some good friends to look out for me. I don’t suppose you have a singer yet?”
“No.”
“The way I see it, I won’t be free until that shitbag Joker has been taken down. So, room for one more passenger on this ship for the moment?”
Law nodded.
“I don’t want us to be at odds anymore. I can’t forgive you immediately, but I think I can begin to live with it. Truce?”
Law offered her a rare smile. “Truce.” He took her by the hand. Katya thought he would shake it, but he didn’t. The two stood there holding hands for a few moments, before Law cleared his throat and dropped his arm back to his side.
“I guess you got your wish in the end.” Katya joked. “I’m going to be a pirate after all.”
“It would seem so. This is yours, Katya-ya. Rayleigh picked it up.” He handed her the necklace with the stethoscope on it. Katya blushed lightly and extended her hand to take it.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Katya.”
“I’m not calling you Captain, though.”
~
“Katya-san, dinner is served!”
“Coming, Jake-san!” She called. Katya picked up her things. She had been a Heart Pirate for two days and she had just finished getting her things from her apartment.
Katya had stopped off at Shakky’s Rip-Off Bar to tell her of her plans. Shakky had given her a hug and told her that she was welcome to visit whenever she wished. Rayleigh had made his way back home eventually and she spent time with him for a few hours, much to the shock of Shachi, who had accompanied her to fetch her personal belongings. Not many people could hug the Dark King so casually, but Katya explained that to her, he had always been simply Ray-san, a mechanic who had coated some of the ships she had used to travel for shows.
She hadn’t played any songs for the Heart Pirates yet. Her shoulder was still recovering, so playing any instruments was out of the question, although the crew had been playing her music from the album that Ikkaku bought. The crew had laughed their heads off at how badly Law came off in some of the songs.
Law had sat there and taken the criticism very well. He’d had a private word with Katya about them and she’d said she had exaggerated quite a lot in the lyrics in order to please the music producers.
Katya hummed as she made her way to the mess hall, where the crew were chatting and getting food together. She had met the rest of the crew and gotten to know them over the past two days. Jake the cook, Uni, Clione and the new recruit Jean Bart were all very lovely, if a little intimidating at times. She went to sit by Ikkaku, who was loudly teasing Law.
“Not even one tiny bit?”
“Ikkaku-ya,” Law was scowling as the woman held up a small bread roll.
“Wait, you still refuse to eat bread?” Katya snorted. Law went mildly crimson and threw the two women a glare that would send most people running for the hills. Katya took the seat next to Ikkaku and took up her own bread roll to tear it into small pieces to have with the broth that was for dinner.
“You know, Ikkaku-san, I used to be good at telling what people were like from a single three sentence conversation with them.”
“Really? And please, drop the -san. We’re all crewmates here.”
“Yeah?” Katya smiled. “It’s an acquired skill. When I met Law, I predicted two things.”
“Oi.” Law narrowed his eyes at her.
“But Captain, that was so funny!” Bepo laughed at he came across to them. He wiggled his fluffy bulk into the bench to sit with the small group.
“Tell us, Katya-chan!”
“Shachi, you know this already.”
“I know, but it was incredible.” Him and Penguin joined them and the other Heart Pirates were listening in curiously.
“I said that he was prejudiced against carbs, and probably into BDSM.”
The mess hall roared with laughter. Ikkaku had tears in her eyes and several of the other Heart Pirates were banging their hands on the table in hysterical laughs.
“Ah, but they weren’t completely right.” Law smirked. “I’m only prejudiced against certain carbohydrates. The rest of your prediction was correct.”
Katya went scarlet and muttered something about things that should be kept private.
“Captain, too much info!” Ikkaku faked gagging.
“What did you say about these lot?” Ikkaku gestured to the cackling Shachi and Penguin, as well as Bepo, who was chewing on his bread roll.
“I said that those two were both goofy. And for Bepo I said fluffy and soft hearted. For all of them I said virgins.”
“Katya-chan! You promised you’d never repeat that!”
“Besides, we’re not anymore!” Penguin immediately elbowed Shachi at that comment.
“Hey, shut up, you idiot!”
“Ohhhhh, you finally got laid?” Katya grinned. “Now was this with each other out of loneliness, or an inflatable doll?”
Ikkaku lost it again and even Law began to smile. The two men pointed their thumbs downwards and shouted ‘boo’ at her, along with multiple shouts of protest. Shachi jumped at her and Katya dived out of the way sticking her tongue out at them. They began to chase the laughing Katya around the mess hall throwing bread rolls at her.
“Like you can talk! You slept with KID!” Penguin shouted as she narrowly avoided a roll. Jake was complaining in the background of the chaos about wasted food, but Law was carefully using his Room to catch all the rolls before they hit the floor and back onto a plate in the kitchen.
“It was ONE TIME!” Katya roared back. “I told you I clearly have shitty taste! No offence, Law.” She waved at him as she ran from the two engineers.
“Offence taken, Katya-ya.”
“She’s going to fit in well.” Ikkaku smiled over at the captain of their submarine.
“She always did.”
“Captain?”
“Hm?”
“If you don’t tap that soon, I might.”
“Too far, Ikkaku-ya.” Law muttered, taking a swig of his coffee.
“Hey, Katya!” Ikkaku called to the woman. Shachi and Penguin had given up by that point and the three were giggling together. Ikkaku waved her over and the three came back to the table.
“Can you try to deduce something about me?” Ikkaku rested her hand on her chin. Katya nodded and looked at her face carefully. Ikkaku had brown fluffy hair, hazel eyes and two large yellow earrings hung from her ears.
“You’re the same age as me, 22.” Katya guessed. “And you’re not straight.”
The woman across from her laughed heartily. “I’m 22. And I am not. How could you tell?”
“You looked at my boobs the first time we met.” Katya grinned, at which point Law, Shachi and Penguin looked at Ikkaku with minor judgement.
“Dang, I never was subtle.” The woman tutted to herself. “Speaking of not subtle, there are bits of bread in your hair.”
Katya cursed and shook her hair free of crumbs, which tumbled to the floor.
“Sorry about the mess, Jake!” Penguin said to the cook, who rolled his eyes.
“It’s okay, Captain returned most of the rolls anyway. Thanks, by the way.”
“No problem, Jake.”
“I’d never guess you’d use your powers to clean.” Katya turned to Law, who was still sipping his coffee.
“I mostly use them for surgery, as you know.” Law shrugged. “Occasionally though, it becomes useful to prevent chaos on the ship. Like cutting up my crew for practice.”
“That’s disgusting!”
“He’s joking, Katya.” Ikkaku snickered. “The only time he uses it on us is during medical procedures.”
“That reminds me, you need to have your physical, Katya-ya.”
“M-My what?”
Chapter 8: The Deep Breath Before The Plunge
Summary:
Katya completes her physical exam. The impending war looms over everyone’s thoughts.
Chapter Text
“Sit on the chair, I’m going to ask you some routine questions.” Law said to Katya as she looked around the medical bay nervously. “Then I’ll do a basic physical.”
“Is this necessary?”
“Absolutely. I take the safety of my crew seriously. For now, that includes you. I need your full medical profile to ensure that you’re healthy whilst on my ship.” Law clicked a pen and settled down in the chair opposite to her with a clipboard.
“I know most of this already, but I’m going to go through it fully. Full name?”
“Takimi Katya.” The freckled woman rolled her eyes at how back to basics this was going.
“Blood type?”
“O negative.”
“Any long term health conditions?”
“Terrible taste in men.”
“REAL health conditions, Katya-ya.”
“No. I get headaches when I use my Devil Fruit for long periods of time, though.”
“Height?”
“5’8, I think?”
“Weight?”
“.....”
“Katya-ya, I can just put you on the scales.” Law sighed.
“Fine. I don’t actually know it anyway. Aunt Lila said they were depressing and I’ve not exactly had a ton of reasons to find out otherwise.”
Katya continued to look around the room. Law was scribbling away in his terrible handwriting on the clipboard. There were charts and diagrams on the walls, as well as a large number of medical texts on a shelf. There were several beds, cupboards and equipment. It looked like a hospital emergency department but cranked up to 11. Law certainly hadn’t spared any expense on making sure the submarine was fully equipped. If he’d even bought the submarine.
“Any chance you could be pregnant?”
“Hell no.”
“Are you sure? Are you on birth control? When was your last intercourse?”
Katya winced. “Do we have to have this conversation?”
“Yes.” Law required bluntly. “If you need regular medication, we need to know. Plus, I don’t want that kind of issue on the ship.”
“I’ve been on birth control since before we met. I have enough for two months before I require a new set of pills. And three months ago. I’ve been focused on my career.”
“Any other health concerns?”
“Other than the fear of dying of embarrassment from this conversation and a mild allergy to peanuts, no.”
“We don’t have nuts on the ship anyway. If you recall, Penguin swells up like a balloon if he comes into contact with most of them, so...”
“I’ve never seen the hospital on Forhargo so shocked.” Katya nodded in recollection with a slight smile.
“Right, strip down to your underwear.” Law got out of his chair and grabbed a pair of medical gloves.
“I’m sorry, WHAT?”
~
“What’s going on?” Penguin asked with bemusement at Ikkaku and Shachi laughing themselves silly outside the medical wing. Raised voices came from inside.
“Katya’s physical.” Ikkaku had tears in her eyes and she was clutching her stomach.
“Oh. Which part?”
“I AM NOT GOING TO DO THAT!” Katya’s voice bellowed from inside.
“Ah, the pelvic exams.”
~
Katya couldn’t sleep. She was still dying of embarrassment from the physical exams. Even if Law HAD seen it all before as he’d argued, she didn’t feel the need to be poked and prodded all over and have a Pap smear of all things.
Furthermore, ever since she had been around Law again, she was having strange dreams. Nothing was ever clear when she woke up, but she swore she could see something falling from the sky each time. They were large, black, and fuzzy. She could never figure out what they were.
Katya slipped out of her bunk in the shared room with Ikkaku. It was warm in the sub, thus she had only slept in a tank top and some shorts. She slipped on some shoes and headed outside to the deck. The bubbles around the archipelago always were beautiful at night. It was a little chilly on her bare legs but it was peaceful.
“You never did sleep well.” She remarked as she noticed Law sat on the deck, leaning against the side of the railings. He had a folded up newspaper and his sword next to him.
“I’ve a lot on my mind.”
Katya sat next to him and leaned back against the railings herself, hugging her knees to her chest.
“Do you think there’ll be a war?”
Law nodded and Katya chewed on her lip. The bubbles floated in the distance, distorting the view of the stars in the night sky.
“Did you ever think your life would turn out like this?” She murmured to him after a long pause.
“I thought I would be dead by eleven, so no.”
“Can you tell me about Cora-san? You said he had my fruit, and that he saved you from dying, but not much about what he was like as a person.”
“He was the best person I’ve ever known.” Law said and put his hat down onto the deck. “He gave me back my life. I had nothing when I met him, and he gave my my spirit back.”
“He sounds like a wonderful man.”
“He was. He also set himself on fire a lot.”
“Eh?”
After there was no reply, it was quiet for a few moments aside from the sound of bubbles. Katya looked across at Law. He had dark circles under his eyes. She shivered slightly, though whether it was from the cold or his presence was unclear.
“Here.” He shrugged off his hoodie and passed it to her. She pulled it on and snuggled into it. It was warm and it smelled like Law. Katya felt her cheeks flush.
“Law, when was the last time you slept?” She quickly changed the topic.
“About two days ago.”
Katya sighed. “The broadcast from Marineford is tomorrow. You’ll want to be awake for it.”
“.....”
“Silent.” Katya made a small dome around them and the bubble sounds stopped. “Try to rest. I’ll keep watch.”
Law nodded in defeat, and let his head slump forward. Katya stared up at the sky. There were clouds obscuring the sky. It was like a storm was brewing. She was nervous for the broadcast the next day herself. Like Law, she knew that this would provoke outrage and chaos in the New World.
Law’s crew would want to head into the New World soon, she mused. Katya was terrified what awaited her there now she was a pirate. The incident at the auction hall had proven to her that she was not strong enough for the New World at all. She’d at least need to learn to use a weapon properly. She couldn’t rely on her fruit to get her out of situations anymore. She was part of a crew now. At least until...or IF Law took down Joker, stopping him from hunting her.
The young brunette mused on her life before reaching Sabaody. She had gotten by on luck. Ships with an eternal pose to various places that took passengers for a nominal fee. She had mostly paid for her passages in songs and tips from performances. The most daring trip she had taken was to the New World for a two day trip. Some fancy rich family had paid to bring her out there as their daughter was a fan of her songs. The whole thing was a farce, full of fake niceties and snobby rich people, but she had earned well.
Then, even more crazily, on the day before they left the island, she had gone to a bar and crashed into a red-haired man with a long cape and one arm. She had spilt a large glass of booze all over him and had apologised profusely. The man had waved it off if she agreed to buy him another drink. His crew had begun shouting that she was too young for him, but she bought a round anyway. Several drinks later, she had agreed to sing for them and the crew had been the best audience she’d ever had. They cheered, sang along to some of the more classic songs she’d sung (Binks Sake had been the most popular of those) and tipped her in booze.
When she had left the bar at the early hours of the morning, she’d made great friends with half of the crew. The red haired man had told her that she was always welcome to visit and gave her contact details in order to send him a copy of her album. Katya had been so plastered at the time that she hadn’t thought twice about the fact that one of the most powerful men in the world had basically given her an eternal free pass to party with his crew.
I wonder if Shanks-san will be watching the war, she thought with worry. No, he would be for sure. Law had big plans, and that was worrying too. His plans had never included her. Now that she knew why, it was more understandable, but she wasn’t going to just fall for him again just like that. Besides, he’d probably gotten over her a long time ago.
She put Law’s discarded hat on his lap and tried to keep herself warm for the watch ahead.
Chapter 9: Marineford
Summary:
The Heart Pirates head to the Marine HQ and to Luffy’s aid.
Chapter Text
Katya could scarcely believe what she had watched. The war had been awful to witness on the screens. Law had been fixated upon them, as had the rest of the crew, when the screens suddenly cut out.
“Let’s go.” Law muttered and the crew followed suit. Katya hadn’t gotten a boiler suit yet as there was nothing that had fit her, so she stuck close to the crew; her hood was up so her face was obscured from most of the crowd, in case anyone recognised her.
“Whitebeard sold out his companions?” Law scoffed as they walked back towards the submarine. “Like hell. He’s a legend because he never does anything like that. Time to set sail, Bepo.”
“Aye aye, Captain!”
“Come with me Jean Bart, Katya.” Law said gravely. The two nodded and followed him closely.
“We’re setting sail for Marineford.”
“Are you insane?” Katya protested, stalling in her pace. “You want to just, what, sail into the middle of a war zone?”
“Yes.”
Bepo put a fuzzy paw on Katya’s shoulder. “Captain knows what he’s doing. Trust him.”
The brown haired woman looked ahead at the back of Law, who was walking towards the grove where the Polar Tang was with purpose.
“I hope so, Bepo. I don’t trust him yet, but I trust you. If you think we’ll be okay, then I trust your word.”
Bepo nodded with pride and the two headed towards the ship, and war.
~
“Katya, I need you to use your ability to surround the submarine when we surface, as much as you can, on my command.”
“Got it!” Katya stood at the entrance with him.
“Captain, we’ve reached a point clear of the ice!” Bepo called.
“Take us up.” Law said. “Now, Katya!”
“Calm!” She shouted and the submarine broke the surface of the water without a sound.
Law ran out onto the deck with Kikoku over his shoulder, with Jean Bart, Bepo and Katya in hot pursuit. A floating man was carrying what appeared to be a gravely injured young man.
“Oi! Bring Straw Hat-ya over here!” Law shouted.
“Who are you kid?” The floating man called back.
“What a weird nose.” Katya noted, looking at the man. He reminded her of the clowns that had sometimes entertained at festivals back home, though something told her he wasn’t a typical clown. Especially given that he could seemingly fly.
“What was that about my nose?!” The man screeched at her.
“Straw Hat-ya and I will probably end up as enemies, but I have nothing against him. It’d be no fun to have him die here. So I’m gonna take him away from this place! Let me take care of him for now! I’m a doctor!” He said with confidence.
Katya let out a proud smile. Law was, and always had been, first and foremost a doctor. Her smile fell when she saw the true state of the two people that the floating man was carrying.
“Connor, Harris! Get the medical room prepped for two, quickly!” She called inside. The two men, along with Uni, were the most medically trained on the ship aside from Law.
“You’ve gotta be kidding me! What kind of doctor carries a sword around?!” The red nosed man shouted. “Do you make house calls by submarine or something?!”
“Shut up! Unless you’re a doctor, you can’t do anything for them!” Katya shouted angrily at the man. She had many feelings regarding Law, but she had full confidence in his medical abilities. Even if he was missing official qualifications, Law knew exactly what he was doing. With his Devil Fruit as well, he was the best chance the injured Straw Hat had.
“Don’t waste any more time! Give him to me now!” Law yelled as a huge cannon fired at the floating trio.
“Captain Law! Warships are approaching off the stern!” Another of the crewmates, Chris, reported and Katya head the sound of cannons.
“Hurry! Bring both of them over here!” Law’s face was beginning to lose its cool composure. Katya suddenly felt a chill down her spine.
“Something’s about to happen...” she murmured. It was like she could feel it. A tremor in the air. She couldn’t explain it. It was as if the atmosphere around her had colours and she was picking up on every one. It was overwhelming, but she could feel a red shape moving towards them.
“Captain! We’re almost in the warship’s range!” Bepo’s voice came from behind them.
“Do something, Bepo!” Jean Bart responded.
“Quit acting like you’re the Captain, damn newcomer!”
“Measure your dicks later, you idiots!” Katya scolded them loudly, before she felt the tremor in the air once again.
“Law!” She called in warning and grabbed his arm before a huge shockwave seemed to shake the entire earth. The waves around the submarine went wild. Law nearly fell but thanks to Katya’s arm, he was able to stay upright.
“W-What?!” Bepo nearly fell over the side of the railing. The entire sea was rising in multiple areas.
“Ah!” Katya screamed as the submarine was tipped again by a wave that made her lose her balance. She felt her feet leave the ground and her eyes widened in terror as she saw the water below.
“Hold on!” A hand caught her and Katya slammed into the side of the railing with a loud smack. She looked up and Law had her left hand in his grasp. He pulled her up back past the railing quickly as a beam of light pierced through the air, passing her to Jean Bart.
“Katya-san, are you alright?” The larger man said with a gruff.
“I hit my ribs, but I’m okay.”
“It’s Kizaru!” Bepo said, panicked.
“Hurry up and get them over here!” Law shouted at the floating man.
“Alright, I’ll leave them with you, whoever you are! Do what you can!”
“Catch them, Jean Bart!” Bepo said as two bodies flew towards Katya and Jean. Jean Bart caught them both and handed Straw Hat Luffy to Bepo.
“Let’s dive!”
“Get them inside, qui-“ Katya’s sentence trailed off as she saw the huge beam of light coming straight for them.
“Shit!”
“THAT’S ENOUGH!!!” A pained voice cried out, and Katya and Law spun around to see a pink haired young marine screaming on the battlefield. The light faded from Kizaru’s hand.
“That kid has guts.” Katya breathed out as she watched the young man call for them all to stop fighting.
“Katya-chan, come inside!” Shachi called from the deck, but Katya had suddenly froze. She knew that presence. That feeling.
Moments later, the world watched in shock as Red Hair Shanks’ blade collided with Admiral Akainu’s fist.
~
“Shanks-san!” Katya gasped.
“Hurry, get everyone inside!” Penguin was calling across the deck but Katya focused solely on the ship that had appeared on the battlefield. She took a step forward and looked up at the flag. It was him. Kizaru’s light began to shine again as she watched.
“Katya!” Law shouted. The submarine began to sail away from the island and she was still out on deck. If Kizaru hit her...
“Benn-san!” She shouted, as Kizaru’s light disappeared and she saw a familiar man sat pointing a gun at the admiral.
“Prepare for surgery! They’ve both lost far too much blood! Prepare a blood transfusion!” The voices of the medical team could be heard from indoors.
“Captain! Katya! This is dangerous!” Bepo called and Katya snapped back to reality. “I know it’s rare to see one of the Yonkou, but hurry and close the doors!”
“Shanks-san...” Katya stepped backwards towards the door. “I can’t believe I’d see him again so soon.”
“Again?” Bepo waved his arms. “How many stupidly powerful people do you know?!”
“Just the two, I think.” Katya said offhandly as she came back into the submarine.
“Captain! We’ll be attacked if we don’t dive right away! I’m begging you, close the doors!”
“Okay.” Law said.
“Wait!” Katya turned around.
“We can’t wait anymore!” Bepo screamed, shaking Katya by her hoodie.
“Ow!”
“You forgot this! Here, catch!”
“Something’s flying towards us.” Law stated. Katya grabbed it and the two ran inside, shutting the door behind them. She looked down at the item. It was a well worn straw hat.
Chapter 10: Survival Of The Furriest
Summary:
Law operates on Luffy whilst the rest of the crew deal with the heat.
Chapter Text
The escape from Marineford had been stressful beyond belief. They were fired at the entire time, and Law was performing surgery as they did so. Katya’s ribs hurt but she insisted on donating blood to help with the transfusions. Being a universal donor had some benefits, and from what Shakky had said, Straw Hat Luffy was someone important to Shanks. She couldn’t sit back and do nothing.
“They’re both stable for now.” Bepo told Katya, who had eventually collapsed into a chair from exhaustion like the rest of the crew.
“It’s so hot...” Bepo whined. “It’s too much!”
“Knock it off, Bepo! You’re making us feel sweaty too!” Penguin complained.
Katya had to agree that the heat of the sub was far too much. She settled down next to Bepo and took off her top. Her bra and shorts would have to do for now.
“K-Katya-chan!” Shachi and Penguin cried, their noses trickling with blood.
“Knock it off or I’ll use my fruit on you.” Katya muttered, although she was mostly joking. The tiredness from the blood loss combined with the heat of the submarine was making her feel quite awful. Her head was pounding and she would have done nearly anything for painkillers.
“I hate riding the submarine.” Bepo moaned. “Especially with these scruffy guys.”
“You’re the scruffiest one here!” The two men loudly objected.
“I guess the only solution is...to make you share my pain!” Bepo grabbed Shachi and Penguin and began to hug them to his chest until the two relented and went to take the sub to the surface. Bepo and Katya rushed outside and sighed happily.
“Ah, that’s better.” She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath of the cool air. She was definitely with Bepo on this. The submarine wasn’t the best way to travel.
“I can finally relax...” Bepo said happily.
“What the hell?!” Katya noticed a shape on the deck suddenly and Bepo and the young woman screamed “SNAAAAKE!”
“What?” Shachi and Penguin ran out. “Why is there a snake here?!”
“More importantly....” Katya’s eyes went upwards in dread. “Why is there a Navy ship here?”
“We have to tell Captain!” Shachi rushed back inside.
“There’s someone up there! And it’s one of the Shichibukai: Boa Hancock!” Bepo cried in alarm.
“Don’t worry, I turned all the marines to stone.” The woman on top of the ship remarked without an ounce of regret or worry in her voice. Katya was on her guard immediately as the Warlord jumped down to the deck.
“How is Luffy’s condition? Is it bad? Will he recover?” The woman said urgently.
“You’re friends with Luffy?” Katya arched an eyebrow. Luffy certainly had some interesting friends.
“Yes! I’m his fiancée!”
“Uh, what?” Katya looked gobsmacked.
“I’m impressed that you figured out where we’d emerge. I thought that the Navy had tracked us down, and all hope was gone...”
“Geez, Bepo.” Katya turned to the bear in surprise at his melancholy manner.
“I had Salome keep an eye on you underwater.” Boa Hancock gestured to her snake, which hissed in response.
“I see.”
“Don’t try to change the subject, you beast!” Hancock said sharply, to which Bepo apologised.
“Don’t be rude to him.” Katya scowled angrily.
“Tell me how Luffy is doing, right now!” The woman demanded. The door to the sub opened and Shachi came back with Law.
“I’ve done all I can.” Law said. He looked even more tired than normal. “Surgically speaking, his condition has been stabilised, but he suffered an unbelievable amount of damage. I can’t guarantee he’ll survive it.” Law wiped his hands with a towel and squared off against the Warlord.
“Are you okay? You look exhausted.” Katya said in concern.
“I’ll be fine. It’s the two of them that you should be concerned for.”
~
As the talks went on, Katya observed carefully the Warlord, the purple haired drag queen and the injured Jinbei, before deciding to go back inside the submarine.
Katya found her way to the medical room and took a chair next to Luffy. The young man was strapped up to a ventilator, covered in bandages and a blanket. Katya decided to sit at his bedside for a while. She spoke to him in a gentle voice about her encounter with Shanks. She kept the Straw Hat safe on her lap as they travelled on.
She saw him twitch once or twice and hoped that his dreams weren’t as strange as hers. She was still seeing the fuzzy black shapes just before she woke up every time. Each time he moved or grimaced in pain, she sang him something soothing and quiet. She didn’t know why she felt protective of him. He was younger than her. Or maybe it was just that he was ill and vulnerable.
She hummed gently and wiped his brow with a cool washcloth as Law came in.
“You’re still here?”
“Yeah, just didn’t want him to be alone.”
“We’re about to reach the island of women.” Law said. “The crew keep insisting that they want to be on the deck when we get there.”
“Those idiots will get themselves killed one day.”
“Probably.”
“How are you doing, Law?” Katya stood up and made her way over to him.
“I’ll be fine. How is your head?”
“How did you-never mind. I need some painkillers, but other than that I’m okay, I promise.” Katya glanced back over at Luffy. “Will he be alright?”
“It’s hard to say. It’ll be clearer when he wakes up. IF he wakes up.” Law opened a cupboard and pulled out some painkillers, passing them to Katya.
Katya smiled at him as she took them from him. “He has the best doctor possible looking after him.” The freckled woman sidled up next to him and jokingly sang a lyric from her song, Fever. “There ain’t a surgeon like you in any place in all the world~” she placed a hand on his shoulder and grinned.
Law cracked a smile. “Doesn’t the next line of that go ‘so now shall I remove my clothes?’”
“Not gonna happen.”
“You already took them off because it was hot in the sub.”
“That was different and you know it.” Katya rolled her eyes. “So....Whitebeard dead. Portgas, son of the Pirate King of all things, dead. This is going to change everything, isn’t it?”
“It will.” Law nodded. “Get some rest. I’ll make sure the crew don’t get murdered by the women.”
“Those idiots.”
Chapter 11: The Concept Of Big Dick Energy
Summary:
Katya and Ikkaku share their wisdom with the warriors of Amazon Lily. Law hates feelings.
Chapter Text
Two weeks passed and the crew were beginning to get antsy about the fact that they were essentially banned from the isle of women and confined to the gulf nearby.
Katya had spent the majority of the time getting to know the crew properly. Law, Bepo, Shachi and Penguin she knew already, but the other crew members were all new to her. Ikkaku was a delight to be around and the two women quickly developed a sisterly bond. The other members of the crew were Connor, Harris, Chris, Uni, Clione, Daniel and Jean Bart, and she slowly began to find out more about them. Uni was very quiet and reserved. Connor and Chris were twins and Law had saved them from a bad case of scurvy. The two had been sailing alone at the time and they had come across the Tang deliriously ill. Harris had joined after Law defeated a crew that he had been indebted to. Daniel had been an ex-Marine, who had deserted the life after a disagreement with his superiors and joined the Heart Pirates. Clione had always wanted to see the sea. All such amazing stories.
The crew had talked about their own experiences over the years. Katya told stories of being thrown out of bars and travelling with sketchy merchants to get to Sabaody. Penguin and Shachi filled her in on the adventures the crew had had over the years. Ikkaku was astonished to hear that it had been originally Katya’s idea for the Heart Pirates to have a submarine. Katya had retorted loudly that she hadn’t expected them to either a) listen to her idea or b) get one that was bright yellow.
Meanwhile, the Amazon Lily warriors brought them food and supplies, but most of them hated talking to the men. Those that were less afraid began bombarding Katya and Ikkaku with questions about what men were like, much to Shachi and Penguin’s dismay.
“Most men are absolutely awful at attending to your needs in bed,” The two women would sit against a tree and talk to the warriors casually. “You get a few good ones, but most are selfish. They don’t even go down on you.”
“How awful!”
“Men are the worst!”
“Plus their laundry always smell gross. Do you know what they do to socks?” Ikkaku would comment.
The Heart Pirates berated the two women for their terrible portrayals of men but they consistently laughed it off and told the warriors lots of exaggerated stories about men they’d met in their lives.
“The mushroom between their legs, Katya-chan,” one of the warriors was currently asking Katya as she tucked into dinner not far from where Law, Bepo, Connor and Chris were sat. “Luffy-kun said that if it is taken off, they could die!”
“Their dicks?” Katya was quite drunk at this point. The booze had flowed well that evening and she had engaged in a drinking contest with Shachi, which had been abandoned after Law told them he wouldn’t use his powers to cure liver damage.
“Luffy-kun called them family jewels.”
“Same thing. Yeah, if you rip them off, the bleeding could kill them, but more it’s a pride thing. Men place a lot of value on what’s downstairs.” She leaned forward and nodded very seriously.
Law smirked slightly at Connor and Chris, who were begging Katya to stop her descriptions.
“It is important to them?”
“Oh, yeah. Most of the problems in the world are caused by men trying to measure them too much.” Katya took another swig of her drink. “But they’re not compleeeeeetely useless.”
“What do they do?” One of the warriors, a younger blonde woman, leaned in curiously.
“Well, if they know how to use them, it can bring you a lot of pleasure. It’s not always about size, though that helps.” She giggled.
“KATYA-CHAN!” Connor and Chris screeched loudly.
“Hm?” She looked over at the group with an innocent expression.
“You’re being so inappropriate!”
“Anyway, there’s this thing known as big dick energy-“
“Totally ignored!” The two men shouted back.
“Big dick energy? What’s that?” The warriors began theorising amongst themselves as Law walked over.
“Katya-ya.”
“Hang on, Law, I’m almost done.” She shot to her feet and swayed slightly. “So, big dick energy is where someone is fearless!” She threw her hands up in the air, holding her beer bottle in one hand. “The loud and boisterous energy emitted by someone who has a huge dick and doesn't have to tell anyone about it. The energy speaks for itself!”
Ikkaku strode over with her own drink and smirked at Law as the Amazonians tried to wrap their heads around the concept. “She’s right. But few possess such a gift. And to find one with big dick energy that actually has a big dick? Even rarer.”
“Yeah, though some have it down. Like this one.” Katya gestured to Law stood next to her with another hiccuped giggle. “Got the confidence AND the goods, if you know what I’m saying.”
“KATYA!” Ikkaku laughed hysterically as Law’s face turned bright red and he dragged the woman away from the group, confiscating the beer bottle as he did so.
“Aw, Captain, bring her back!” Ikkaku said between laughs.
“Lawwwwww~” Katya whined as he sat her down next to Bepo. “Why did you kidnap my drink? And me?”
“You’ve had enough to drink. And I would kindly ask that you stop talking about my anatomy with others.”
“Pfft, we both know I’m right.”
“Katya-ya.” Law’s face leaned close to hers with a serious expression.
“Law...” Katya’s eyes trailed to his lips and stared at them. It seemed like a good idea to lean forward and taste them. Just a little peck, to see if they were the same...
“Katya-ya!” Law raised his voice.
“Hm?”
“You activated your Devil Fruit.” Katya looked around and realised that she could no longer hear the chatter of the crew and the warriors by Ikkaku. She groaned and focused, bringing the sound back to normal. The moment was over.
~
Katya was going to be the death of him, Law concluded. Over the last few weeks, it was like he’d been smacked in the face repeatedly with all the reasons he’d originally been drawn to her all those years ago. He couldn’t get her off his mind. Now, despite the fact that he had confiscated the rest of her alcohol, she was dancing in the middle of his crew without a care in the world, looking stunning as they all laughed and chatted around the campfire. It was like the firelight danced across her freckles, Law thought, before he immediately grimaced at such a cringey observation.
“Hey, everyone, let’s take a picture!” She quickly dragged in the whole crew and set Law’s camera (previously full of medical images) on a nearby log stump.
“Everyone say ‘Amazon Lily!’!”
“AMAZON LILY!” The crew cheered. Law had relented a small smile as the crew beamed in their odd looking group hug. Law was in the centre with Bepo and Katya either side.
“Yay!!” Katya bounced up and down with delight and put the camera down next to Law.
“Sing for us, Katya-chan!” Daniel, one of the medical team, exclaimed.
“Oh, yes, please sing for us!” Bepo joined in. Since Katya’s arm had healed well, she had been singing and performing for them most evenings. Even some of the Amazon Lily warriors had watched her with fascination.
“Aw, I can’t say no to you all!” She giggled, and hiccuped slightly. “Which song?”
“Sing the one about the ship!”
“Pffffthahhahaha” Katya began to laugh even harder. “You know I told Shakky once, I told Shakky once,” she slurred “that only the weirdest pirate ever would make a submarine bright yellow!”
Law rolled his eyes and sipped his own beer.
“You remember the bit I taught you?”
“Yeah!” The crew cheered and began singing along with Katya. “WE ALL LIVE IN A YELLOW SUBMARINE, YELLOW SUBMARINE, YELLOW SUBMARINE!”
Shachi and Penguin got back to their feet and started dancing with Katya and Law’s heart began to pound. She was smiling, and he had never seen her happier. It was in that moment that he decided that Katya would have to learn to be able to defend herself. He wouldn’t let her befall the same fate as Corazon or anyone else who had gotten on Joker’s radar in a bad way. Her training would begin tomorrow.
Although, Law observed the way the woman was stumbling over her own feet as she waved her arms around, it may start after a strong cup of coffee.
Chapter 12: Amazon Lily
Summary:
The Heart Pirates wait for Luffy to wake up. Katya considers her future.
Chapter Text
Law looked down at Katya before he exited the room. The brunette was fast asleep, her head resting on the end of Straw Hat’s bed. Aside from combat training, she had barely left the young man’s side. Jinbei, the former Warlord and fishman, had spent many hours in there too. The two had talked about their experiences of the world frequently, and when Jinbei had spoken of fishman karate, she expressed a desire to learn it.
Jinbei had walked her through the basics verbally and corrected her poses and techniques. When she had struggled to master the basics, he had remarked that due to her small size, it would be more beneficial to her to learn how to use an opponent’s weight against them.
Bepo, Shachi and Penguin had helped significantly and the two men showed her how they could use Bepo’s weight against him in a sparring situation. Katya had been up late the previous night trying to perfect a technique of disarming an opponent with Bepo, and she was now fast asleep well into the morning. Most of the crew were outside the sub on land getting lunch, and Law was planning to join them. He smiled down at the sleeping woman and put one of the blankets in the medical room over her.
The two had been flirting back and forth somewhat over the last week or so and it was beginning to drive him insane. The woman barely even knew what she was doing to him. God, he needed to get laid soon. Then the freckled temptress would be out of his mind. Law headed onto the grass covered area where the men were being served lunch and took a bottle of booze. It was too early to be thinking about potential feelings.
“Umm...” a voice shyly asked as he took a swig. “Has Luffy woken up yet?” A young blonde Amazonian stood by him, a green snake over her shoulders. Law shook his head.
“If he wakes up at all, it will be because of his own willpower. It depends on whether or not he’s got the will to live.”
“I see...” the woman looked back at the submarine. “Is Katya-san with him again?”
“Mm.”
“Margaret, we’re leaving!” A call came from one of the other women shouted.
“Pardon me. Please keep looking after Luffy as you have, and please may you pass a message on to Katya-san?”
“Oh?”
“Tell her the weapons she asked for are ready. We’ll bring them down later.”
Weapons? Law was about to ask further questions, but the woman had run off. What had Katya asked of them?
“AHHHHHH!!” A huge crash came from inside the submarine and Law looked at Jinbei, both thinking the same thing. They raced towards the ship but a large figure burst through the metal hull and into the air, before crashing down onto the island.
“WHERE’S ACE?!” The heavily bandaged Luffy screamed. Law spotted Shachi, Penguin, and a frazzled looking Katya make their way onto the deck.
“Luffy!” The freckled woman cried out. The distressed young man was running around screaming and a large group of Heart Pirates began to chase after him, Katya included.
“This is dangerous! Calm down Straw Hat!” Shachi panted as the man continued to run away from them.
“What’ll happen if we just let him be?” Jinbei asked Law, now sat back down on the ground.
“Well, to put it honestly, like I said when we came to this island, if his wounds reopen, he’ll probably die.” Law replied bluntly as he watched Luffy punch away a group of his crew that had attempted to tackle him.
“AAAAACE!” The man ran into the forest screaming hysterically.
“I’m going after him!” Katya shouted.
“Katya-ya, stay here. That’s an order.” Law said firmly. The woman froze in her tracks.
“I’ll go to him, Katya-san.” Jinbei said and rose to his feet. He places a hand on the woman’s shoulder, who looked to be on the verge of tears. “If he hurts you in his distress, none of us would forgive ourselves.”
Katya sniffled before nodding. Jinbei let go of her and went into the woods after Luffy. The young woman let out a small sob. The pain that the pirate was going through, losing his brother in such a horrific way. It reminded her of losing her parents and the inescapable loss that she felt every day.
Law’s eyes widened. Shit, she was going to cry.
“K-Katya-chan, don’t cry!” Shachi and Penguin waved their arms frantically. “Look!” The two began tickling Bepo, who let out cries of laughter and indignation. Katya felt a tear slip from her eye either way and soon she was sobbing openly.
“Oi.” A hand grabbed her and pulled Katya’s face into their chest. Law’s embrace was warm and strong. Katya wrapped her arms around him and cried gently.
“Calm down, Katya.” Law murmured to her softly. “No-one likes to see you cry.” He released her gently and pulled a tissue from his pocket, handing it to her. She used it to wipe her face, before sitting down on the ground. Law joined her and put an arm around her.
Katya leaned into his touch and rested her head on his shoulder.
“Lucky bastard...” Several of the men muttered. Law shot them a look and they immediately ran to the ship to repair the damage.
~
“We need a girls day out,” Ikkaku sighed as she watched the men talk together.
“You know, I heard that if men enter the island of women, they turn to stone and never come back, but it might be worth risking our lives for.” Penguin mused, starting at the woods beyond the canvas that the Kuja Pirates had put up to separate the men from the rest of the island.
“According to Aphelandra-chan, at the port we only saw a small proportion of the women living on this island!” Shachi said dreamily. “The kingdom of women I’ve always dreamed about. I’d like to take one quick look at it.”
“You’re gonna die. You sure are dumb.” Penguin replied, but with the same goofy expression on his face.
“Oh, yeah, they really would.” Katya and Ikkaku sat by Law. “Don’t you remember what happened with the barrage of arrows? If that Warlord hadn’t called them off, you’d all be skewered!”
“I wonder if there are any female bears...” Bepo brought his hands up to his heart.
“It’s the island of women!” The two responded and Bepo apologised immediately. “Human girls only! Human!”
Katya picked up the Straw Hat from where it was on the grass and looked at it with concern. “I’m going for a walk. I won’t go far. I just need to clear my head.” She got up and walked past the barrier and into the woods. She paced around the edge of the island and sat by one of the cliffs.
“Who dares- oh, Katya-san!” One of the Amazons, Ran, carrying a pink snake on her arm and a bow and arrow on her back, came over to her. “I was just on my way to bring you the weapons you requested.”
“Katya-san!” Margaret joined her and ran over, waving.
“Thank you...” Katya said half-heartedly, before looking back at the horizon. “Ran-san, Margaret-san,” she asked quietly. “How long do you think it would take me to master?”
“With those men?” Ran scoffed. “Years.”
“They’re special knives, Katya-san,” Margaret said. “We forge them ourselves here on the island.”
“I can’t be as weak as I am entering the New World.” Katya’s fists curled into the dirt next to her. “I can’t rely on my powers anymore. I need to learn, and learn fast.”
Ran crossed her arms. “Hm. I have an idea, but I don’t think you will like it.”
Katya’s gaze moved from the horizon up to Ran, and she got to her feet. “I’ll take any suggestions at this point.”
“I could teach you how to use those blades within a year.”
Katya’s eyes widened. “Are you serious?”
“It would be intense training. I would have to gain the permission of the Snake Princess, but it’s possible to master this in just under a year. Furthermore, you mentioned before that you could sometimes sense things. Have you heard of Haki?”
“No. What is it?”
“It is an energy. You have Observation Haki. Untrained, but it’s there. We can explain it to you more thoroughly, but know that it will also help to keep you safe in a fight.”
Katya’s brow furrowed. It was a tempting offer. She would be safe from the Warlord Doflamingo here whilst she trained, plus she’d have the ability to defend herself in the New World. But leaving Law and the crew...
She chewed her lip. “I will think about it.”
The walk back to the ship weighed heavily on her. One year.
One year....could it be enough?
Chapter 13: Decisions and Underwear
Summary:
Katya decides where she will train. Her and Law have a moment of tension.
Chapter Text
Katya sat quietly by the cliff with the crew. She had come back and sat down with Shachi and Penguin, who were fishing off the edge.
“I don’t hear Straw Hat shouting anymore.” Shachi commented as the crew sat together.
“I hope he’ll be okay.” Katya said, her voice barely above a murmur. “I can’t imagine the pain he’s going through.”
“Katya-chan, you still look so sad! Look!” Shachi held up the fish he had just reeled in. “It’s not the PLAICE to be sad!”
Katya shook her head and laughed lightly at the truly awful pun.
“That’s a tuna!” Jake called from a few feet away, which widened her smile.
The prospect of a year’s training seemed daunting, and the incident with Straw Hat escaping reminded her that her being reckless would have consequences. Katya moved to tuck her hair behind her ear as the breeze picked up. Wait. The Calm Belt didn’t have breezes.
“What is it?” Penguin gasped as he looked through the binoculars. “It’s huge!”
“Hm?” The rest of the crew looked out to sea to witness a large sea king leaping out of the water, before suddenly resurfacing covered in blood.
“It’s dead! Something killed it!” Penguin screamed in terror. “A thing that huge!”
Below the cliff, a hand burst out from the water and Law’s eyes widened as Silvers Rayleigh exited the water and began to walk up the cliff.
“Phew, I’m beat.” He whistled as the Heart Pirates gaped at him in shock. He was dripping wet and carrying his coat under him arm.
“The Dark King Rayleigh?!” Bepo nearly fell over in shock.
“Oh, it’s you!” The man addressed Law. “We met back on the Sabaody Archipelago, didn’t we?” He smiled warmly, before his expression became quite intense. “Is my Katya-chan doing well?”
The crew screamed and grabbed each other in fear. Katya shot to her feet and ran over. “Ray-san!” She beamed at him and hugged the soaked through man. Rayleigh laughed and returned the hug.
“Ah, Katya-chan! How are you doing?”
“I’m good, Ray-san, although the past few weeks have made me realise I suck at being a pirate. I am not a good fighter at all.”
“I see.”
“I’m going to learn, though!” She clenched her fist and smiled in determination. “I’m not going to just be a singer, I’m going to hold my weight when we travel!”
“We? Oh, are you joining this crew?” Rayleigh looked across at Law in interest.
“I think so.” Katya smiled at Law.
Rayleigh looked between them with a knowing look that made Law nervous. “That’s good to hear, young one.” Rayleigh ruffled her hair and she pouted, her freckles looking odd as her nose scrunched up.
“Um...” The rest of the crew began shuffling their feet nervously. “How did you get here?” Daniel spoke for them.
“Oh! My ship sank in a storm. I had no choice but to swim here.” Rayleigh said casually.
“A storm?! The Calm Belt never even has a light breeze....” Penguin thought aloud.
“That means you were shipwrecked on a distant sea, and swam all the way from there?!” Shachi finished as Rayleigh wrung out the water in his clothes.
“Well, I’m good at breaststroke.”
“That’s whack!” Katya said to him bluntly. “And it raises even more questions!”
“Alright, so,” Rayleigh waved out his shirt after wringing it free of water. “I assume Luffy-kun is on this island.”
Katya watched as Law’s grip tightened on the Straw Hat. Katya held out her hand and Law nodded before silently passing the hat to her.
“I think it’s time for us to depart.” Law said calmly, and faced Rayleigh head on. “Tell Straw Hat-ya he should take it easy for at least the next two weeks.”
“I shall.”
“Get ready to set sail!” Law called out and the crew quickly went to work. Katya stayed by his side for a moment, before putting a hand on his arm.
“Law, about going to the New World...we need to talk.”
~
“Katya-chan! What do you mean you’re not coming?!” Shachi and Penguin wailed and clung to her, sobbing.
“It’s not forever, guys. About a year, then I’ll sail back to join you. I have Bepo’s Vivre Card so I can find you again.”
“But why?” Ikkaku stood next to them with arms folded.
“I’m not strong enough for the New World. I’m not even strong enough for Paradise.” She sighed. “If we’re going into the unknown, and Joker wants my head, then I have to be stronger. Staying here is as safe a place as I can get for now, and Ran-san and the other Amazon Lily warriors have offered to teach me.”
“But Katya-“
“Please, Ikkaku. If I can’t defend myself, I will be useless to the crew.” Katya said miserably. “I’m going to learn how to fight, and how to use my fruit to my advantage in one.”
Ikkaku nodded her head with understanding. “Promise you’ll come back, though? It’ll suck being the only girl again.”
“Of course.” Katya hugged her tightly. “You’ll see me before you know it.”
“What did Captain have to say?” Ikkaku’s voice lowered in volume.
“He said to do what I had to.”
“He got mad, didn’t he?”
“A little bit. He doesn’t think I’ll be safe here, but no-one finds this place unless the tribe allow it, really. Besides, I’m the one leaving this time. We’ll truly be even.”
Ikkaku glanced over Katya’s shoulder. Law was sat underneath a tree, his hat covering his eyes. “I guess this is goodbye for now, then.” The two women hugged each other warmly.
“It’s an ‘I’ll see you soon’,” Katya clarified, before squaring her shoulders and taking a deep breath.
“Bye for now, everyone! Thank you all for taking care of me!” She said, trying to keep her lip from wobbling.
“Katyaaaa!”
“We’ll miss you!”
The crew surrounded her and enveloped her in a hug. The only two that didn’t were Law, who was still sitting by the tree, and Jean Bart, who was significantly larger than the others and would probably have crushed them. The giant man offered a smile to her as the group said goodbye.
But then it was time to bid farewell to Law. She waved to the others as they disappeared inside the submarine.
“Are you sure about this?” Law asked gruffly as she approached him.
“I’m sure. I can’t promise not to join the Kuja pirates whilst I’m here, though.”
“You’d better not.” He snapped. Katya sighed and took one of his tattooed hands in hers.
“Always the wrong time and place, huh, Law?”
“It would seem so.”
“You’d better not get a new singer whilst I’m gone.” She chuckled.
“Oh?” Law smirked slightly.
“Yep, no new singers. I’ve already staked a claim here. On two things, really.”
She thought back to her conversation with Law on Sabaody Archipelago about the man that had had her Devil Fruit before her. She had inherited that will, and she wanted to make sure that she could use her powers to accomplish what he couldn’t. “Besides...I want to help you take down Joker. For your Cora-san.”
Law nodded and she pulled him in for a hug.
“Katya-ya,” he whispered gently. “What else did you stake a claim on?”
“Ikkaku. She’s going to be my new best friend.”
“She’ll miss having you on the sub.”
“We’ll all be fine. Go and stake your claim on the new world. Leave some of it for me, though.”
“I’d rather stake my claim somewhere else right now.”
“What do you m- MM!”
Law’s lips crashed into hers. Just for a moment, just quickly. Katya hesitated for a moment before pulling him into a quick but passionate kiss. He tasted like peppermint and fine liquor, and it was intoxicating. His hat fell from his head as she wound her fingers into his hair. Law wrapped his arms tighter around her as the two slumped to the bottom of the tree, kissing each other breathlessly, like it was the last time they’d ever see one another.
“I guess that answers that question.” He smirked at her.
“Don’t do anything stupid. Don’t go getting yourself killed.” She muttered, getting to her feet and stepping away from him awkwardly.
Law grinned mischievously as he stood up. “I have no intentions of dying yet.”
“Oi, Captain!” Ikkaku called from inside the submarine. “We’re all ready to sail!”
He growled in annoyance and pulled her back towards him. “The moment you come back though, I’m going to punish you for leaving.”
“Knew you were into BDSM.” Katya retorted.
“Katya-ya. You’ll be punished for leaving me like this.” He guided her hand down slightly further than where it was and she blushed fiercely at what she could feel.
Law leaned down once more and whispered close to her ear. “In fact, I might punish you slightly now.”
“Huh?” Katya tilted her head as he pulled away from her and began to walk down to the submarine. Law jumped onto the deck and smirked deviously.
“ROOM.” The blue film enveloped both him and Katya. Her eyes widened. He wasn’t going to take a leg or something with him was he?!
“Shambles.” Katya screamed as soon as she knew exactly what the man had done. Her gaze dropped down and her hands fumbled to check. Surely, he wouldn’t have dared....
“Law, you filthy bastard!” She yelled at him as the Surgeon of Death held up her red lace underwear on his forefinger with the biggest shit-eating grin she had ever seen someone pull.
“I’ll see you soon, Katya-ya.”
“YOU PERVERT! YOU’LL PAY FOR THAT!!”
~
Katya waved the crew off despite her embarrassment and anger. Rayleigh had disappeared to hang his clothes out thankfully for the whole goodbye, and he came back a few minutes after the yellow submarine had faded into the distance.
“Oh, Katya-chan, did they leave you behind?”
“No, I chose to stay.”
“Why are you so red in the face?”
“NO REASON!”
She was about to argue with the man, and then get a fresh pair of underwear from her suitcase and find somewhere in the woods to put them on - Law, that bastard - when she heard the sound of shoes approaching.
“Oh, Jinbei-san!” She waved. “And Luffy-san!” Katya breathed out a sigh of relief.
“Hm? Katya-chan? Where’s the others, and the submarine?”
“Gone.” She replied, holding up her suitcase. “I’m going to ask the Kuja Pirates to train me!”
“Oh, Luffy-kun!” Rayleigh waved.
“Old Man Rayleigh!” Luffy said with surprise.
“I’m glad I was able to find you so easily.”
The two exchanged talk about Luffy wanting to return to the archipelago and about his crew. Jinbei just looked stunned at how casually Katya and the older man interacted.
“Are you really the Dark King Rayleigh?” Jinbei asked eventually. Rayleigh nodded gently.
“Yeah, but he’s just Ray-san, really.” Katya shrugged.
“Katya-san, you sure know some interesting people. First Red-Hair Shanks and now the Dark King...”
“Oi! You know Shanks, lady?” Luffy jumped off Jinbei’s back and grinned at Katya.
“I do. And he wanted you to have this. It was given to us from some flying clown man. Shanks-san picked it up just before we left Marineford.” Katya handed Luffy his Straw Hat.
“Thanks.” Luffy put the hat on his head happily. “I just don’t feel right unless I’m wearing it!” He laughed slightly, before turning to Katya. “So how do you know Shanks and Old Man Rayleigh?”
“I’m a frequent guest at Shakky’s Bar, so I got to know him as a mechanic. I had no idea he was so famous until not long ago. Shanks-san on the other hand, I met him when I was performing at a bar. His crew were the best audience I’ve ever met. I hope to see them again eventually after I return to my crew.”
“Oh? Who’s your Captain?”
“Trafalgar Law of the North Blue. He treated both of our wounds.” Jinbei clarified to Luffy. “But Katya-san has been looking after both of us too over the last few weeks. She spent a lot of time at your bedside.”
“It was the least I could do.” She waved her hand.
“Thank you.” Luffy grinned brightly. “And thanks for looking after my hat!”
“Luffy~” A happy voice came and the Snake Princess came running over to them with two of the other Kuja Pirates and a large assortment of fruit and other food. After witnessing the woman’s odd behaviour around Luffy, she walked across towards the Warlord and smiled fiercely, determined not to back down.
“Snake Princess-san. My name is Takimi Katya. I have something to request of you.”
Chapter 14: Observation and Daggers
Summary:
Katya trains with the Kuja Pirates. Word comes from the outside world of Law.
Chapter Text
It had taken extensive bartering at first, but the moment Jinbei said that she had donated blood to Luffy and him after Marineford, Hancock had fallen apart at Luffy’s surprised loud ‘thanks’ to Katya and proclaimed that he was indebted to her and Law. Katya spoke to the young pirate about Shanks and the two exchanged stories over food well into the evening.
The two had become fast friends for the few days that Luffy had been recovering and he asked Hancock if she could grant Katya’s request to train on the island too. Hancock had instantly said yes to make Luffy happy and Katya wouldn’t let her take it back even after Elder Nyon objected slightly as she wasn’t from the island.
Katya had moved to the same accommodation as Ran, Sweet Pea and Margaret. The three had gotten along very well from the beginning. Ran had begun showing Katya how to fight with the weapons that Katya had chosen; a small set of throwing knives.
The idea had come to her when she had thrown the swords at the Marines on Sabaody. With her Devil Fruit, she could use her ‘Calm’ ability to mask the sound of the knives whistling through the air. It would give her an advantage in combat that actually used her powers.
She worked with several of the Kuja Tribe on strengthening the endurance of her Calm Calm Fruit abilities. By four months in to her stay, she was able to dome a larger area to make it soundproof and could hold it for much longer. She refused to practice her ‘Deafen’ ability on the other pirates; if it went wrong, it could seriously damage someone’s ears. She wouldn’t do that to anyone except an enemy.
The women of the island, after learning of her singing ability, were all big fans of Katya’s music now. She had sung them every song in her repertoire and even begun to write some new ones.
But through it all, she missed the Heart Pirates. Katya kept Bepo’s Vivre Card close to her at all times. She liked the women she had met, but she didn’t trust that no-one would try to destroy the vivre card knowing it led to a male, even if it was a male bear. She also never took off her stethoscope necklace, even in the baths or at night.
Don’t forget about me, Law, Ikkaku, Shachi, Penguin, Bepo. She held the necklace tight as she slept. I’ll see you soon.
~
“The saga of ‘Try to sense when I will strike’.” Sweet Pea and Katya faced each other with large wooden sticks. The two women had been talking the previous night and Sweet Pea had spoken of Haki. Katya had asked more about it, remembering her conversation with Ran, and Sweet Pea told her about the three types. It seemed nearly all of the Kuja could use some form of Haki. Ran had good armament Haki and had tried to incorporate it into their knife and combat training that morning. She’d had little luck. Now, Sweet Pea was teaching her how to tap into her observation Haki. Margaret had deduced from some of their earliest talks on the island that Katya had some form of unskilled observation Haki as the freckled woman had spoken of how she had felt that something was coming towards her on several occasions, including at Marineford.
“Remember, Katya, observation Haki is about feeling when your opponent is about to strike, as well as feeling their will from far away.”
Katya nodded and raised her stick, careful to not get it tangled in her cape. Her own clothing had not lasted long in training, so Margaret had sewed her some more outfits, much more typical of Amazon Lily. Katya liked them. They were totally impractical for sword fighting due to the exposed skin, but they allowed for fast movement. Plus, it was a chance to show off her curves, as well as the slightly more defined muscles she was developing.
“Ow!” Katya winced as the stick collided with her shoulder. She hadn’t sensed it.
“Again.” Ran said, and this time Katya felt the swing coming. She wasn’t fast enough to dodge and ended up with a strike to her ribs, but she had felt it this time. She grinned from the floor. Six months to go.
~
“I cannot teach you anything more.” Ran smiled proudly as Katya stood over Margaret in triumph in the Kuja arena. The Heart Pirate had just beaten the young woman in a match using lots of what she had learned. Her observation Haki was getting better every day, and Katya was utilising it well in battle. Her armament had still not appeared, but Katya was confident that her skills in the throwing knives was good enough, combined with her Devil Fruit, to hold her own in a battle.
She hadn’t seen the Heart Pirates in the best part of eleven months. Her hair had grown longer and now reached her mid back. Her skin had tanned well from the beautiful weather the island had and, despite a few new scars from training, she was feeling the best she had ever felt.
Katya helped Margaret to her feet and the two smiled at each other warmly. They may have been opponents, but they were also now great friends.
“Ran-sama, I can’t thank you enough.” Katya bowed deeply before embracing the woman.
“It has been my pleasure.” The black haired Kuja Pirate responded. The stadium cheered as Margaret and Katya had left the arena, giving each other a hi-five as they did. Katya looked around at the island and felt sad that she would be leaving it soon. It had become home to her, and she would miss the friends she had made there. But she had given her word. One year or the mastery of the knife combat: whichever came first.
“Katya-san,” a voice said bravely from behind her. Katya’s cheery laughs faded as she spun around to face Elder Nyon. “There is news of your Captain.”
Katya’s face lost all of its colour immediately. “Is he okay?”
“Don’t panic, he’s nyot dead.” The old woman said, and handed her a newspaper. Katya unfolded it and stared at the front page. Her hands began to grip the paper tightly.
“The saga of ‘what does it say’?” Sweet Pea said next to her as Katya grit her teeth.
“Trafalgar Law of the North Blue, bounty of 440 million Beri, had become a Warlord!” Margaret read over Katya’s shoulder.
“I figured you would want to nyknow the nyews.” Elder Nyon said. Katya took a deep breath and shoved the paper to the ground.
“When is the next boat off the island?”
~
“Goodbye, Katya!”
“The saga of ‘we’ll miss you!’”
“Be safe, Kat-chan!”
Katya’s friends waved happily at the young woman as she stood aboard the Kuja Pirates ship. Ran was the only one of her close friends that would be on the ship with her as they sailed from the island.
“Are you nervous, Katya?” The black haired woman asked as the two women stood side by side on deck.
“Yes.” She admitted.
“You have been one of my best students in a long time, Katya.” Ran put her hand on Katya’s shoulder as the woman looked at the moving paper in her palm. Bepo’s Vivre Card was moving in the direction of the Red Line. “I have faith that you will be a strong warrior.”
“Takimi.” A commanding voice called to the two women. Boa Hancock strode over, with her snake Salome slithering beside her.
“Hancock.”
“Don’t you address me in that casual manner!”
“What do you want?” Katya’s distaste for the Snake Princess had become more apparent in the year she had stayed on the island. Hancock saw her as the lackey of men, and Katya saw her as an arrogant leader who only cared about herself.
“We will sail as far as the archipelago, then you are on your own.”
“I’m grateful for the lift there.” Katya said with a rather forced smile.
“If we didn’t need to visit the place anyway, we’d have just thrown you into the sea.” Hancock said bluntly.
“You b-“ Katya began saying, but she was pulled backwards by Ran and lost her footing. Hancock sniffed and walked away with Salome.
“Throw her into the sea.” Katya muttered grumpily and sat down on one of the chairs that dotted the decking area. She put her bag next to her. She’d minimised her belongings to mostly clothing, a log pose and her knives, plus a few small trinkets from her travels and Amazon Lily. Law’s wanted poster was in the bag, too. She had pilfered it out of the paper.
“How are you feeling anyway, Katya?” Ran joined her. “You seemed to be excited to see your friends until you saw that news last week.”
“I told Law not to do anything stupid. This qualifies as stupid.”
“I’m sure the reason will be clear when you meet them again. And you can stretch them. I’m jealous you can do that.”
“I thought I already told you that not all men can stretch like Luffy!”
Ran blinked owlishly. Katya furrowed her brows at the expression. “Or maybe that was Margaret I said that to.”
Chapter 15: Return To Sabaody
Summary:
Katya reaches the end of Paradise. A strange encounter occurs.
Chapter Text
“It’s great to see you, Katya,” Shakky and the freckled young woman sat together in the former’s bar. Katya had arrived on the archipelago earlier in the day and wished the Kuja Pirates well. Hancock had look more annoyed with her presence until she had asked her to give her love to Luffy, at which point the woman had blushed and descended into a world of fantasies. Saying goodbye to the other warriors had been tough, but promises to write had been made and Katya was confident she would see them all again.
“Ray-san still not back?” Katya sipped her drink. No-one made drinks quite like Shakky, she mused contently.
“No, he’s training Luffy-kun still.”
“It’ll be interesting to see how he turns out after all this.”
“How are you planning to get to the New World, Katya?” Shakky took a drag of her cigarette.
Katya sighed. “I was hoping you could help with that. I need transport. Something discreet but with a strong crew. I don’t want to end up drowning halfway to Fishman Island.”
“I don’t know about discreet, but I know of a crew. I think you’ll find them quite amenable.” Shakky made her way to the back of the bar and brought back with her a large Den-Den Mushi. Katya whistled. The very long range kind were expensive indeed. Shakky dialled a number and waited for it to ring.
“Who is this?” A gruff voice answered.
“Ah, Benn-san,” Shakky smiled. “It’s Shakky here.”
“Bennnnn, stop hogging the phone!” A crash could be heard through the connection. Katya was merely gaping at the snail.
“Shakky, you can’t be serious!” Calling on Red Hair Shanks as transportation to the New World?!
“Oooh, is that Katya-chan?” The phone morphed into an excited expression with three stripes over one eye.
“It is.” Shakky beamed. “Do you want to talk to her?”
“Katya-chan!”
“Oh, is it Katya?”
“HEYYY!” A multitude of voices came down the line.
“Hi...” she said nervously.
“When are you going to perform for us again?”
“Yeah, Boss has been moaning that you’ve not released anything new!”
“Shut up, Yasopp!” Shanks shouted, then changed his voice to its usual cheery tone. “What can I do for you, ladies?”
“Are you still on vacation in East Blue?” Shakky took a puff of her cigarette.
“Aye,” Shanks replied. “Wait, how did you know that?”
“I have my ways.” Shakky smirked. “You need to be more careful, Shanks-san, or people will begin to notice you visit a certain bar a lot on Dawn Island.” The Den-Den Mushi went scarlet.
“Do you mean Makino-san?” Katya looked puzzled. “The Party Bar barkeep?”
“How do you know that?!”
“Luffy talked about you when I saw him.” Katya shrugged. Luffy had told her of his youth and how he met Shanks hanging out in the bar where Makino worked. The young pirate clearly saw her as a mother-like figure. Thought it seemed perhaps the infamous Yonkou saw her differently.
“You’ve seen Luffy?” Shanks’ voice lost its happiness a little. “How is he?”
“It’s been nearly a year since I saw him. Just after Marineford....” she hesitated slightly. “My Captain, he saved Luffy’s life. He’s a doctor.”
“Your CAPTAIN?!” Shanks wailed. “Katya-chaaan, if you were going to become a pirate, why didn’t you join us?”
“It was a very spur of the moment decision.” She said sheepishly. “Sorry, Shanks-san.”
“You are returning to the New World soon, yes?” Shakky interrupted.
“Well, it’s going to be about two months’ time.”
“Could you take Katya with you? She needs passage through the Red Line, and you could listen to her new songs.”
“Where’s her Captain?”
“Being an idiot in the New World. Became a bloody Warlord. I’ve been training solo.” Katya muttered into her drink.
“Trafalgar Law?”
“That’s him.”
“Hm, well, if you promise to sing for us on the way...OF COURSE!”
“Thank you, Shanks-san.” Katya said gratefully. “I’ll even sing you my new songs!”
“Really?! Oi, everyone, Katya-chan’s going to join us!” Sharks shouted away from the receiver and a loud cheer went up.
“Not forever!” Katya waved her hands at the receiver.
“We’ll call when we’ll arrive at Sabaody. We’ll see you soon, Katya-chan!” The crew cheered again and Shakky put down the receiver.
KA-LICK.
The snail went back to sleeping as Katya seemed to realise what she had just done and buried her hands in her hair. “Did I just agree to travel to the New World with a Yonkou?”
Shakky laughed lightly at the brunette’s frazzled expression. Katya glanced at the bench by one of the tables. “I think I need to lie down for a moment.”
~
“What do you plan to do with the two months you have spare?” Shakky asked after a spirited catch up session. “I presume you’re not planning to announce your presence loudly to the world.”
Katya shook her head. “It’s too risky. I have some money saved, and I’ll keep my head down.”
“Before you left to join Trafalgar’s crew, you asked me for some bar work. My offer still stands.”
“Really?” Katya said in delight. “That would be brilliant. Thank you.”
“Ma’am!” A man burst through the door. “They’ve attempted it again!”
Shakky took a drag of her cigarette. “I’ll be there in a moment. Katya, how are you with wounds or mechanics?”
“I can change a plug?”
Shakky smirked. “Come along anyway, I think you should see this.”
Katya followed her out of the bar and the two began walking towards Grove 17. As they cleared a hill, she could see the outline of a large ship with the head of a lion on it.
“Is this...?”
“Yes.” Shakky smiled at her. “Luffy-kun’s ship.”
Next to the ship, however, were a large number of groaning men on the floor, in various states of bleeding and disarray. Sat by the ship was the huge and imposing figure of Bartholomew Kuma. Katya instinctively reached for her new knives, but Shakky stilled her hand.
“He has been protecting the ship.”
Katya’s eyes widened as she looked at the state of Kuma. He had a sword sticking out of his back and his clothing was tattered. His gaze was directed straightforward, unseeing and eerily empty. A large mark on his shoulder read PX-0. Just under it a piece of skin had been cut exposing wiring.
“What happened to him?” Katya whispered in shock.
“He gave up his mind.” Shakky replied sadly. “He made a deal though that his last order would be to protect the ship from anyone who would mean to take it until the Straw Hats return.”
A group of other men whom Katya recognised as some of the local Flying Fish riders were dragging off the injured men. Katya walked closer to Kuma carefully.
“Do not get too close, Kat. His mind is not his own anymore. He will treat you as a threat to the ship. He won’t even let anyone near enough to clean his wounds.”
Katya stared up at the giant man. Even sat down, he towered over the woman.
“Has he ever allowed anyone to help?”
Shakky looked mildly surprised. “No one has tried asking directly. Duval and the other riders protect the ship and he has never deliberately hurt them.”
Katya stood in front of him. “Kuma-san, or...ah, PX-0. I’m a friend of the Straw Hats. I won’t be able to stay here for long, but I would like to help with your task if you would let me. For a few hours a day, I will help keep the ship safe from the hunters. Hopefully it will take some pressure off you and the Flying Fish Riders.”
The man continued to stare straight forward silently. Katya experimented in sitting down facing him for a few moments, and when he didn’t move, she turned around facing the direction the bandits had come in, as if joining him on watch.
“I think I know of several ways to fill this two months, Shakky.”
Chapter 16: The Red-Hair Pirates
Summary:
Katya receives some surprising news. The journey to the New World begins.
Chapter Text
“There’s a call I need to make before I leave, Shakky, if I may use your long-range Den Den Mushi?”
“Yes, here.” Shakky said as she dropped a customer that had failed to pay to the floor. Katya had camped out of the bar for the last two months and she watched passively as the man spat out blood. Katya had spent most of her time training, and gathering intel on the New World and Joker, whilst keeping a low profile.
She’d sat with Kuma every day as she’d vowed, for four hours in the afternoon. She had helped fend off many of the bandits that attempted to steal the highly advanced looking ship. Despite the fact that Kuma was a cyborg with no free will, there was something calming about his presence. Katya spent a lot of time practicing her observation techniques when it was quiet, as well as reading books on topics she thought may be useful in the New World.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Shakky gesturing to the phone as an invitation to use it. Katya bit chewed on her bottom lip nervously. She’d been avoiding the call, but it was time. The Red-Hair Pirates would be there shortly, and the crew on the submarine needed to know she would be there soon.
“Purpurupurupuru-KACHA.”
“Hello?”
“Hey, Shachi....”
“KATYA-CHAN?!” The man half-screamed then called out away from the receiver “Everyone, Katya-chan is on the Den Den Mushi!” There was a clatter on the other end of the line and Penguin’s face appeared on the snail.
“Katya, how are you? We’ve missed you so much!”
“I’ve missed you too! I left the island two months ago; I’m at Sabaody right now but I’ve been waiting for a reliable ride to join you in the New World. But I set off today!”
“You’re on your way?!” Penguin’s face on the snail was joyful and Katya smiled in response.
“I’ve been training hard, and I can tell you all about the island of women if you like when I get there!”
“The forbidden knowledge~”
“I even got clothes from them. They’re a bit revealing, but...” she paused. “Hey, I haven’t heard Law yet. Is he there?”
She didn’t realise that snails could sweat drop, but she witnessed it with confusion. There was no response for a few moments before there was whispering in the background.
“I don’t wanna tell her!”
“I don’t want to either! You tell her!”
“Guys....? What’s going on?” Katya felt her heart jump into her throat and she fiddled with her necklace between her fingers. She knew he wasn’t dead, or it would have been in the papers, or Shakky would have told her.
“Captain isn’t here.” Ikkaku’s voice came from the other end of the line. “He left three weeks ago and ordered us to sail to Zou, where Bepo is from.”
“Then where did he go?”
“He gave orders not to tell you.” Ikkaku said hesitantly. “He said that you would go after him and ‘get yourself killed’.”
Katya grit her teeth. That bastard. “That’s not his decision to make. Where did he go, and what is he doing?”
“Honestly, Katya, we barely know. We only know what Captain told us. He said he had found the key to taking down Doflamingo of the Warlords, and was going to some kind of facility that Doflamingo owned.” Ikkaku sighed. “He doesn’t sound like he intends to come back until it’s done. Captain told us to trust him, and that he’d meet with us eventually, but it could be months.”
Katya scowled and asked as politely as she could muster “Is Bepo there?”
“Ah, yes, I’ll put him on.”
Bepo’s voice sounded cheerful. “Katya!”
“BEPO, WHY THE HELL DID YOU LET HIM GO ALONE?!” Katya roared so loudly that the Den Den Mushi snail trembled as if it feared for its life.
“K-Katya, we-“
“Bepo, do you have a Vivre Card for Law?!”
“Yes, but he told us not to follow him.”
Katya held the receiver close to her face. “Bepo, we both know that he will throw away his life to see this through if no one stops him. I won’t let that happen. As soon as I get to the New World, I’m going to pick up Law’s Vivre Card from you and I’m going to use all the skills I’ve learnt over the past hellish year to help him take down Joker, whether he likes it or not. Do you have a number for him?”
“Ah, yes.”
“Good. I want you to relay a message for me.”
“I can give you the number...” Bepo said meekly.
“No.”
“I’m sorry!”
“No, Bepo, I want you to phone Law and tell him that I’m on my way to the crew. But if he gets himself killed in the meantime, then I will never forgive him and I will join Eustass to spite him, is that clear?”
“Crystal clear, Katya!”
“Oh, and Bepo?”
“Y-yes?”
“It’s really good to hear your voice.” Katya’s face fell back into a soft smile. “I’ll see you all soon.”
~
The Red-Hair Pirates were insane, Katya had decided. Despite the fact that they were submerging and sailing towards Fishman Island, the whole crew, aside from a few such as Benn that were operating the ship, were all very, VERY drunk.
Shanks had declared that Katya joining them for a week of travelling was worthy of a party and the booze had flowed from around midday all the way through the night. Katya had told them all about her brief encounter with Luffy, and the crew ate it up. The men were all curious about the island of women, so Katya told them of her friends, but also if they wanted to live, to never ever sail there.
It was nearing midnight and the ship had just gone underwater. Katya was incredibly nervous and elected to spend time indoors in the galley. All of the crew members she knew were not Devil Fruit users. Being underwater was a very unnerving feeling.
“Katya-chaaaan, come sing for us!”
“I sang for three hours already,” the woman protested with a small laugh, sipping a small glass of booze.
“But you promised us a new one!”
“I did, didn’t I?” She rolled her eyes. “Fine, but this is the last one for tonight. Don’t make me run out of songs on the first day!” She grabbed her guitar and strummed it gently, and the crew gathered in the galley excitedly.
“South Blue nights~” Katya said gently. “Have you ever felt a South Blue night? Free as a breeze, not to mention the trees, whistling tunes that you know and love so~”
Shanks and Yasopp sat together near the back of the room and Shanks smiled warmly at Katya’s performance and the crew’s delighted reaction to it. He was incredibly drunk but still in a great mood.
“She’s too good for this harsh sea, that girl.” The red haired man mused aloud.
“You have a soft spot for her, don’t you?” Yasopp nudged his arm and grinned at his Captain.
“I never had a daughter, Yasopp. But I’d like to think that, if I did, she would have been like Katya-chan.”
“I hope she meets Usopp some day. I hope that they would get on well.”
“Yasopp?”
“Hm?”
“I think I’m about to throw up.”
“Oh, for the love of god, Boss, go outside then, qui-oh, too late.”
~
The trip aboard The Red Force had been mercifully smooth sailing by the time they reached the first islands of the New World. Fishman Island was now under the flag of Big Mom, so they had steered clear of the area. Shanks was not in the mood to deal with what he called ‘that woman’s extensive brood’, so they had continued. According to Lucky Roo, the Red Force made it from a battle with Kaido in the New World to Marineford in less than a day, but it was hard work and they tended to take it easy unless the situation required it.
The brunette had consulted with the navigators and the helmsmen regarding destination, and after another short phone call from Bepo, it was decided that the submarine would meet them at one of Shanks’ favourite hangout spots, Yukiryu Island, which was close to where the Heart Pirates were.
The phone call had been interesting. Shachi and Penguin had nearly passed out when Katya had casually said that the crew bringing her to the New World was the Red Hair Pirates, but that there was no danger to them or Law. Bepo had been slightly distressed too, but Katya had spoken calmly and said that he trusted her judgement.
She had barely put down the phone when Shanks poked his head around the corner of her cabin. “Knock knock!”
“Hey, Shanks-san. The plan is full speed ahead.”
“As you sure you don’t want to stay with our crew? We love your songs.” Shanks grinned at her.
Katya laughed lightly and shook her head. “A tempting offer, but I think that my liver wouldn’t thank me for it.”
“The crew worry about you, you know. The New World...it’s a harsh place. We don’t want to see you getting hurt.”
“You sound like my aunt.” Katya snorted.
“Your aunt? Oh? What’s she like?” Shanks inquired as the two walked out to the deck to get food.
“Terrifying. She makes grown men run for the hills with nothing but a broom.”
“Sounds like quite the lady.”
“Aunt Lila is a force to be reckoned with. What about you? I know Yasopp had a wife back home, but Shakky said something about the barmaid from Dawn Island?”
Shanks blushed slightly. “Ah, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Benn-san!” Katya gestured to Shanks’ first mate. “Tell me about Shanks’ barmaid!”
“OOOH!” Several of the men gathered around the two. “Are you talking about Makino?”
“I take it you’ve all met her, then.” Katya grinned.
“Oh, she’s the best.” One of the men piped up.
“Always welcoming, kind, and most incredibly, she puts up with Boss’ shit!”
A roar of laughter echoed across the deck and Shanks immediately dived at some of them and soon a chasing match was happening around them. Benn shook his head and sat down next to Katya, taking a pull from his cigarette.
“You overheard Shakky, didn’t you?”
“I did.”
“Hm. Figures. She knows everything, that woman.”
“She certainly does. Is that why you were in East Blue?”
Benn shook his head. “We had other business there, but we also go to see Makino if we’re nearby.”
“He loves her, doesn’t he?” Katya looked at Shanks, who was currently had Yasopp in what appeared to be an improvised headlock.
“Aye.” Benn replied. “It’s tough for them, but she understands that he belongs out here on the sea.”
“Have you ever been in love?”
“A long time ago.” He said gently. “But it was another life. Love is a gift. Not a lot of people remember that. Take a bit of advice from a man who’s been on this earth a little too long. Hold onto it whilst you can.”
Katya nodded as she watched the crew raise a toast together, the glint of the glasses throwing the colours of the sunset in the horizon across her vision.
Chapter 17: Stop Acting Like A Dad, Shanks
Summary:
The Red-Hair Pirates camp out whilst waiting for the submarine to arrive, but they are interrupted by another Supernova.
Chapter Text
After a few further days of travel, as well as more booze than Katya had ever had in such a short space of time, they arrived at Yukiryu Island. Katya had foregone her Amazon Lily gear and borrowed a warm coat from a member of Shanks’ crew. The winter island was beautiful, and the crew seemed cheerful when they arrived.
“Hey, Katya-chan, your necklace is caught in your coat.” Yasopp commented as they ambled their way through the snow to a cave slightly inland where it was dry.
“Oh, thank you.” Katya readjusted it and smiled at Yasopp gratefully.
“I’ve never seen you without that necklace,” the older man mused as they walked together with Shanks and Lucky Roo.
“I don’t really take it off.” Katya admitted, her feet trudging through the snow. “It was given to me by someone....” she paused. “Important to me.”
“Ooooooh~” Yasopp teased. “A boyfriend, perhaps?”
“BOYFRIEND?!” Shanks cried out in horror, before stopping and grabbing Katya’s arms. “Katya-chan, you don’t have a boyfriend, do you?!”
“Shut up! No!” Katya said defensively, her face flushed. “Law gave it to me.”
“Trafalgar...” Shanks’ face darkened, before he gave out a mournful wail. “Don’t let him taint you, my sweet Katya-chan!”
“Boss, you need to stop being so protective of her.” Lucky Roo took a mouthful of meat and pulled Shanks away from the freckled woman.
“Agreed. Besides, it’s a bit late for that. We’ve had sex already.” Katya replied bluntly and carried on walking forward with Yasopp, who was beginning to laugh.
“AHHH!! THAT BASTARD, I’LL KILL HIM!”
“Boss! Calm down!”
~
Shanks had pouted grumpily half the time the crew had been hanging out on the island.
“Boss, lighten up. It’s not like you had a chance anyway.” One of men snickered.
“Shut up! You know it’s not like that!” He hissed back.
Katya had grown tired whilst they were walking and had fallen asleep next to Shanks by the fire, her head resting on Shanks’ coat. Her brown hair was spread out around her and she was snoozing silently, somehow activating her Devil Fruit as she slept.
“She’s got that same bright spirit, though, Boss.” Yasopp commented. “Does it remind you of anyone?”
Shanks nodded and smiled nostalgically. “She’s like him. Full of life. It gives me hope for the young ones.”
“I’m glad her and Luffy met.” Benn said, leaning against the wall of the cave. “They share that same eternal optimism for sure.”
Shanks nodded and took another swig of his drink. “It’s something the world seems to be missing a lot of these days.”
The young woman next to him curled slightly tighter in on herself as she unconsciously snuggled herself into the coat.
“So cute~!” Half of the crew cooed, but then most of them suddenly went on alert.
“Boss, do you feel that?”
“Ah.”
Footsteps approached the cave and several of the crew stood up, swords raised.
It was not the pirates that Katya had described at all. There was no large bear mink or two men in hats. Instead, there was a tall spiky haired man with a large amount of metal attached to him.
“Red-Hair Shanks...” Eustass Kid stepped into the light. “I’m here to take your head.”
“Can this wait twenty minutes?” Shanks yawned slightly. “We were having a nice camp out and I don’t think I could forgive you if our fight wakes this sleeping beauty.”
Kid craned his head to look at the asleep woman. “Oi, what the hell is that bitch doing with you?!”
The crew around Shanks winced slightly as the two red haired men stared at each other. “Right, guys,” Yasopp got to his feet. “This is going to be an ugly one, so let’s put the booze in a safer place.”
“You should think twice about calling my daughter a bitch.”
Kid sweatdropped as the crew all cried out “Boss, she’s not your daughter! Stop being so overprotective.”
“Tch. Well, whatever. I’m not here for her. I’m here to slay a Yonkou.”
“Kid, let’s at least move her away from here.” Killer said from behind him. “If you’re going all out, you’d get mad at yourself if you hurt her.”
“No, I won’t.”
“Kid.”
“Fine.”
Katya stirred and her eyes fluttered open. “Mmm...what time is it?” She lifted her head sleepily and blinked. “Shanks-san?”
“Ah, it’s not quite sunset. But we have company. I’m sorry this bastard woke you.”
“Oi!” Kid shouted.
“Huh? Why is Kid here?” Katya sat up with a shot, nearly hitting her head on Shanks’ knee from where he was sat.
“How do you know her?” Shanks looked at Kid with an annoyed expression.
“Don’t answer that if you want to keep your head.” Katya shot back immediately in response.
“We fucked once.” Kid responded.
A strong wave of Haki burst out from Shanks as the man got to his feet. Katya swayed where she was and fell back asleep. She was too tired to stop herself from resisting the Conqueror’s Haki.
“Oh, shit.” Yasopp muttered. “Boss!”
Shanks blinked and looked down at the passed out Katya. “Oops.”
“Weak.” Kid spat in annoyance, which had Shanks’ head snapping back up to meet the man’s gaze. The crew looked between them with intrigue. Those that weren’t were quickly beginning to pull out various wallets and pouches of money.
“10,000 Beri that Boss won’t leave him alive.” Lucky Roo said to Yasopp.
“20,000 says he castrates him.” Yasopp replied, and the two looked to Benn.
Beckman sighed. “I’ll log it in the bet book. May I remind you that you two owe me a good 300,000 Beri between you whilst we’re here?”
“15,000 that Boss kicks him in the balls!”
“Seconded!”
Benn walked over to Katya and gently shook her shoulder. “Katya, it’s time to go. I sensed your crew arriving.”
Katya sighed and wiped her eyes as she awoke. “Kid, you can’t win against him.” She crossed her arms and picked up a bottle of drink as she grabbed her belongings. “Shanks-san, if you’re going to fight him, do you mind if I take my things to the shore and wait for the sub? Benn said it wasn’t far off.”
“Of course. Don’t be a stranger, Katya. You’re always welcome to party with us.” Shanks beamed at her. “And send your new album when you can!”
“I will. Oh, and please don’t kill Eustass. He’s an asshole but I know my Captain wants to kick his butt himself, so leave some of him, will you?”
“Stop presuming I’m going to lose, woman!” Kid snapped at her.
“I’m not presuming. I know you’ll lose. Just don’t beat yourself up too much.” She turned to Killer. “I trust you to look after him. We’ll meet again, so take care, all of you!” She waved happily to both crews before beginning to walk out of the cave.
“She is a pain, but damn do I like watching her go.” Kid muttered appreciatively at Katya’s figure as she strode out of the cave.
“Change in bet. I say he loses at least a limb or two by the look on Boss’s face.” Yasopp grinned to Lucky Roo, before they moved out of the way so their Captain could battle the Supernova.
Chapter 18: The Polar Tang
Summary:
Katya rejoins the crew and meets the new members of the Heart Pirates. A letter is given.
Chapter Text
Stepping onto the Polar Tang’s deck, Katya beamed at the familiar feeling of her crew mates. Her observation Haki was allowing her to sense things throughout the submarine, including all the crew before her. Ikkaku reached her first and hugged her tightly. Shachi and Penguin swiftly joined and soon there was a gigantic group hug going with the eighteen or so pirates present.
“There’s more of us!” She exclaimed excitedly.
Ikkaku grinned. “There’s over twenty of us now!”
“It’s so good to see you, Katya-chan!” Bepo said happily and he rubbed his cheek against her face. “Did you see any female bears on the island of women?”
“I’m afraid not, Bepo. If I had, I’d have put in a good word for you.”
“The island! Please tell us what it was like, Katya-chan!” Half of the men on the crew began begging her, but Katya focused on Bepo, who looked nervous.
“How was he when he left?” She asked quietly.
“Determined, as always. But like he had the attitude that he wouldn’t see us again.”
Katya had worried as much. Law’s obsession with revenge against Doflamingo didn’t seem to be something that had subsided.
“He left a letter for you.” Ikkaku said suddenly, pulling a note out of her boiler suit pocket. Katya opened it and read it carefully.
Katya,
If you’re reading this, you’ve made it back to the submarine. I hope your training proved fruitful. I understand that you will be upset that I am not with the rest of the crew. I have discovered how to bring down Joker using his underworld connection of one Caesar Clown. I don’t know if you know this yet, but there is an underworld reward for your capture. I know that you will want to come after me, but you are safest with the crew.
If I come back from this, I want to see how you improved your powers. I am still going to punish you for leaving, though.
Law
P.S. Write some new songs with the crew, please. I am sick of hearing Yellow Submarine sung over and over.
Katya sighed. “That idiot.”
“What did it say? We’ve been debating for weeks.”
“What were the bets?” Katya arched an eyebrow at them.
“W-What bets?” Shachi said innocently, although he really was an awful liar.
“Just lay it on me.”
“I said it would be asking about female bears!”
“NO-ONE THINKS THAT BUT YOU!” Shachi and Penguin yelled at Bepo.
“I said it would be a racy love letter.” Ikkaku smirked mischievously.
“It’s just him being an asshole, really.” Katya passed the letter to Ikkaku to read as there was an explosion from the island they were leaving in the distance.
“What was that?” Connor cried out.
“Probably Shanks-san trying to protect my non-existent virginity and honour.”
“You really know too many scary people.” Ikkaku muttered as she continued to read. “If Captain’s given these as orders, he’ll be livid if you go after him.”
“Tell someone who will listen.” Katya said stubbornly.
“It’s really like a romantic novel, racing to be together as you hate being apart!”
“Ikkaku, you’ve been very lonely the past year, haven’t you?”
~
Katya could not sleep for worry. Law was alone pursuing a fellow Shichibukai. Furthermore, she had been informed by the crew of Law’s new technique ‘Mes’ and how he had delivered 100 hearts of fellow pirates to the Marines in order to become a warlord. She wasn’t exactly impressed by the brutality of it. Yet her whole being begged to be near Law again. It was like some crazed innate desire to protect him and be near him.
Bepo had, with some reluctance, given her a piece of Law’s Vivre Card. Katya lay in her bunk as the crew slept, watching the small paper move, as if terrified it would burn up and disappear.
Being alone on an island with only women for a year had done nothing for Katya’s mentality either. It was like the more she didn’t see Law, the more her body wanted him. Foolish woman, she chastised. You’re not making that mistake again. Besides, it would now be sleeping with your Captain! That probably broke a bunch of unwritten rules. But the thought of him kissing her like he used to, biting her neck and the feel of his hips against hers...
Nope, nope, she needed to remove that mental image. She couldn’t just lust after her Captain. Especially as he’d left. Again. Maybe Law would always choose his agenda over her. Maybe he wouldn’t. But there was part of her that was beginning to not care.
She had an idea for a song with those thoughts, and went to find a quiet place on the sub to record. Katya had left her recording equipment on the ship and retrieved it from storage easily. Realising she could use anywhere if she used her fruit to soundproof, she wandered around. Eventually, she found herself at Law’s cabin. He was the only one besides Bepo that had a private cabin.
She slipped inside and whispered “Silent”. The hum of the submarine faded from the room and it was utterly quiet. She looked around. Law was fairly tidy, she noted. His desk was cluttered with papers, but the rest of the room was spotless. She went towards Law’s bed. It had not been touched in a while, that much was obvious. She sat down and put her hands down on the duvet cover. The whole room smelled like Law and it comforted her somewhat. Like he would be back soon.
Katya set up her recording equipment quickly, determined not to let the song idea fade. She tapped the microphone to test it before grabbing a blank tone dial from her bag. It would do until she could get to a proper studio.
“I just made an appointment for a special rendez-vous...” she began to sing, crafting the lyrics and tune. This would be one of her new favourites.
The early morning rays of sun were beginning to creep through the portholes of Law’s bedroom as Katya sang through the final draft of the song.
“Doctor I want you, ooh, my Doctor wanna do, I can't get over you.
Dr. do anything that ya wanna do...” she finished finally, clicking the Tone Dial to stop recording. It was complete.
Katya yawned slightly and laid back. As she did, something caught her eye. By Law’s bedside was a small framed photograph. It was the one she had taken of the crew on Amazon Lily before she left. Everyone was smiling and laughing in the picture. Katya herself had her arms around Law’s midriff with a joyous expression. The brunette felt a lump in her throat as she looked at it.
Law had so much to live for now. His crew adored him, and she wasn’t going to let him sacrifice himself for the memory of someone who clearly wanted him to live. She pulled out the Vivre Card from her pocket. She would find Law and help him take down Joker. She wouldn’t watch that paper burn up.
~
After much coercion, Bepo conceded to Katya’s request to follow the Vivre Card to Law. Mostly it was to stop her stubbornly going alone.
She had gotten to know the other new crew members whilst they sailed. Most of them had been recruited from the pirate crews of those that Law had captured to get the one hundred pirate hearts. They all seemed like decent people whom fit well with the crew’s dynamic. The new members had all been very intrigued to meet Katya.
“I thought these guys were exaggerating about you,” one whistled in surprise as Katya finished singing a song for the crew over breakfast. It was one that she’d written on Amazon Lily.
“You listened to her Tone Dials, Simon.” Shachi rolled his eyes.
“You didn’t say how beautiful she was, though.” The man, Simon, grinned at Katya sat next to him, who blushed lightly.
“Simon’s our newest member,” Ikkaku came and sat down in between Katya and Simon, elbowing the man towards another newer crew member, Ollie. “He hasn’t quite gotten the memo.”
“What memo?” Katya said in confusion.
“Katya, have you never wondered why none of the guys ever hit on you?” Ikkaku let out a light laugh.
“No...” Katya’s brow furrowed as she took a sip of her cup of coffee. “Is it because they were afraid of you beating them up?”
“Well, yes. But also, because everyone knows about you and Captain!”
Katya snorted. “There’s nothing between Law and I. Not anymore.”
“So I totally imagined watching you two make out just before we left Amazon Lily.”
Katya spat out her coffee into her cup, which led to a mild coughing fit. She grabbed a napkin and mopped up the spillage. “You SAW?!”
Ikkaku’s eyes went comically wide. “NO! That was a joke!”
“You and Captain KISSED?!” Penguin ran over.
“I mean we joked about it because we left you two alone for a moment when you stayed on the island, but we didn’t actually believe it!” Ikkaku clarified.
“I can see why Captain hums her songs in the medbay now.” Daniel laughed.
Katya was bright red. “It was a spur of the moment thing.”
“Sure it was.” Ikkaku teased.
“There’s no point in discussing it, Ikkaku. We’re not together anymore.”
“Oh my god, you two have it BAD for each other. Captain was moping for like two weeks after you left.”
“We have bigger concerns.” Katya said, shutting down the conversation. “Law is after Doflamingo, alone. I know that he wanted to do research to take down the man somewhat subtly, but leaving you all behind just seems reckless.”
“We wanted to go too.” Penguin argued. “Bepo even put on his cute face. But you know what Captain’s like when he’s made up his mind about something. He’s stubborn. Like you.”
“If he’s going to take out Joker, I want to have his back. The bastard is after me and I won’t be able to live as I want until his goons have dropped the price on my head.”
“We know, Katya-chan,” Shachi said reassuringly. “Honestly, out of all of us, you’re the one who could help Captain the most. This mission requires him to be undercover, and you have great stealth with your Devil Fruit abilities. Which is why we’re not stopping you.”
“Just look after him.” Ikkaku said. “When we left, he spoke to us as if he wouldn’t see us again.”
“I won’t let that happen.”
“We know.”
Chapter 19: Frozen
Summary:
Katya leaves for Punk Hazard, but encounters trouble getting to the island.
Chapter Text
“I’ll see you at Zou.” Katya smiled warmly at Bepo and scratched part of his head. “Find a female bear and sing to her.”
“I will if I can!”
Katya looked across the deck at the island in the distance. It appeared to be an absolute nightmare of a place. Half of it was covered in snow and the other half looked like it was on fire. It had taken nearly a week to travel to the place as they had to go back on their route to Yukiryu Island.
“I’m going to head for the snow covered part.” Katya said as she climbed into the small wooden boat that would take her to the island. She was nervous about rowing herself to shore but it wasn’t far, and she’d be able to cope hopefully.
“Be safe, Katya-chan.” Shachi and Jake gave her a few parcels of food, as well as a life jacket and putting her belongings in an air-tight bag.
“I’ll do my best to look out for him.”
She put everything in the boat and bid her farewells to the crew.
Thus began the long row to the island. It was hard work and her shoulders burned after half an hour of rowing. She had built up her stamina training at Amazon Lily but she still wasn’t very strong. The submarine was now out of sight and for the first time in a while, Katya was truly on her own.
PHYOOOOOOM!
A cannon ball crashed into the sea right by Katya’s left side. She was being fired at?! She rowed faster. The sooner she got to the island, the better. Falling into the water, even with her life vest, would drain her of her strength, plus the icy cold waters would be dangerous. The Heart Pirate knew that she couldn’t do much against cannons aside from attempt to dodge them.
“SHIT!” She felt the cannon ball come towards her before it hit, but no matter what a person does, they can’t always move fast enough. The metal ball ripped the front off the small rowing boat and Katya panicked immediately as water flooded in. The shore wasn’t far, but she couldn’t swim.
Katya raced to get the life vest out that the crew had given her. The water reached her ankles and she felt like she could collapse. She used the last of her strength to put the vest on her head and secure the sides. She kept as strong a grip as she could on her airtight bag and managed to attach it to her wrist. The water was even colder than she imagined and she immediately began to shiver.
The effect of the water was crippling. It was like all her energy had been drained out of her like how one would drain the sap from a plant. The effort to keep her head lolled against the side of the life vest rather than slumping it forward took all of her effort.
She didn’t know how long she drifted. Her hands were beginning to turn blue and her teeth chattered. Hypothermia was not how she had intended to die. In fact, she hadn’t ever planned to die until she had accomplished her dream of being the most well-known singer in the world.
“SHURORORORORO! What do we have here?”
Katya tried to lift her head, but it was in vain.
“She’s still alive. Probably a Devil Fruit user, or she’d have swum for longer after we hit her.” A green haired woman with wings was flying above her. “Could be an interesting one to study.”
“Hmm...”
“Besides, didn’t you kill one of the nurses for the Biscuit Room yesterday?”
“Ah, yes.” The other person, a man with bright lipstick and a coat that had ‘GAS’ printed either side, crooned. “That could be useful. Pick her up, and we’ll take her back with us.”
Katya’s brain felt fuzzy. No, she had to get to Law, she had to get......
The freckled woman’s head slumped forward in exhaustion as the bird looking woman lifted her up out of the ocean and flew towards the island.
~
Trafalgar Law was not having a good day. He was still repairing the crew of pirates that Caesar had demanded of him to use as further bodyguards. The things he did in order to get Caesar to trust him. He had just finished attaching a horse leg to a pirate that had lost one, and he felt tired. Keeping his Room active for long periods of time made him exhausted, not to mention irritable.
“Open the door! Master-sama and Monet-sama are coming back!” One of the hazmat suited workers rushed past the room where Law was operating. He rubbed his temples. There was no peace with them around.
The large doors to the facility could be heard opening from down the long hall. Law put his hands in his pockets and walked out of the room. He needed to do some more analysis of the SAD room. Calculating the correct time to strike against Doflamingo was key.
“We found an intruder.” Monet flew up beside him. “She was sailing towards the island and we sank her boat. She’s quite unwell, but we can make use for her. The children need a new caretaker for now.”
“Keep me out of things. I am here to vacation. I take time away from being a Shichibukai, and you get a bodyguard. That was the deal. It’s bad enough you had me fixing those messed up pirates’ limbs, Monet-ya.”
“Suit yourself. Caesar-sama is going to send her to the Biscuits Room as soon as she recovers from her hypothermia. She was in the ocean for a while.”
“Shurororororo! Maybe you can use her for your own experiments, Law!” Caesar floated up to the two. “You do like taking people apart.”
“Tch.” Law looked away. “I’m busy.”
“She probably won’t survive at this rate. She looks quite blue.” Monet remarked thoughtfully. “Aren’t you some kind of doctor?”
“I am a doctor, Monet-ya.”
“Then fix her. We need an attendant for the children since the last one ‘quit’.”
Law grit his teeth. “Fine, but then no more favours for three days. I’m working on things.”
“Deal.”
“Here she is. We think she might be a Devil Fruit user, too, shurororo!” Caesar called forward the metal bed the young woman was being wheeled on. Her hair covered her face. There were hints of ice on it. Not good, Law thought. She’ll need to be treated immediately.
“I’ll take her into the medical room.” Law said and gestured to the room up the hall. The two men wheeling the bed went ahead of the trio.
“I’ll come to retrieve her in a day or so.” Monet said coolly. “Then she can go to work with the children.”
“Ah.” Law nodded and strode towards the medical room whilst Caesar and Monet went round the corner towards the living quarters.
He entered the room and the two men in hazmat suits had removed their helmets.
“Huh, she’s quite cute.” One said to the other.
“Shame she’s probably not going to make it though. What a waste.” The other agreed.
“Unless you know how to treat her, leave.” Law said coldly, and the two men fled the room in haste. The Surgeon or Death scared them for certain. Law sighed and went over to the woman. There was a bag tied around her wrist and he removed it, placing it aside.
The woman’s clothing was soaked through, and would need to be removed. The hypothermia would only increase if the clothes were cold and wet. Law tilted the woman’s head upright and gently removed the hair that covered her face.
The familiar freckles felt like a punch to his chest. He cast his Room and used it to slam the door shut.
“....Katya-ya!” The doctor cried out in shock as he saw the brunette’s face in full. There were icicles forming on her eyelids, plus her lips were cracked and blue. She had mere minutes at this rate.
“....forgive me for this, Katya.” Law used his powers to remove the woman’s wet clothing. For now, Katya wasn’t a woman he wanted to lavish. She was a dying member of his crew.
Law switched on every heater in the room and began to use his powers to save the female Heart Pirate.
Chapter 20: The Biscuits Room
Summary:
Law and Katya reunite. Undercover work begins.
Chapter Text
The fuzzy black shapes haunted her dreams again. They were getting clearer. Snow was falling as the fuzzy black shapes drifted in the wind of her dream.
“Law...” An unfamiliar voice said in the depths of her dream. She could almost see....
BANG!
“Ah!” Katya abruptly awoke. She opened her eyes to see an IV drip next to her. Those dreams again. It felt like the answer to what they were was just out of reach. More crucially, where was she? Her limbs felt tingly and she quickly assessed the situation. There were multiple blankets wrapped around her body making it difficult to move. There was a metal cup on the floor that had fallen off a bedside table, causing the bang.
“Ugh.” She groaned. Whoever those weird people were that had shot at her, she would make sure they got a knife straight into their artery. Or if she was feeling more generous, she’d just use her powers to take away their hearing.
She wiped her eyes and tried her best to sit up. There was no-one else in the room. There was medical equipment lying around on tables, but otherwise it was rather plain. She grimaced at the cannula in her hand. Her bag was on the bedside table thankfully intact. Huh. At least her captors had let her keep that.
Wait. She panicked. Law’s vivre card had been in her coat pocket when the boat hit. She looked around desperately for it, before she spotted it hung up on a radiator. The brunette untangled herself from the blankets and stepped out of the bed. The IV line began to shorten and she figured she was strong enough to go without it for a few minutes so she pulled the cannula carefully out from her hand, squirming as she did so in discomfort.
She looked down at her attire. A simple white gown was on her, thankfully not backless like the ones on the Polar Tang. No shoes, but she could deal with that for the moment. The woman made her way carefully to the coat and fumbled in the pocket she had left it in. Empty.
“No...” she breathed. “No, no, no!” Katya desperately searched all the other pockets before trying her bag. She had emptied most of it on the floor when she heard footsteps approaching. She grabbed one of her throwing knives from the bag and hid behind a cabinet.
The door opened and Katya readied herself, blade poised to throw. “Silent.” She whispered and the room became soundproof immediately.
“Oi.” The only other person within the bubble said.
Katya didn’t hesitate and sent the blade flying in the direction of the noise. The person at the door dodged quickly and the knife buried itself in the wall behind them.
“My, my, Katya-ya. You really did spend that time fruitfully.”
The young woman let out a broken cry of relief and came out from behind the cabinet. Law leaned against the wall casually, Kikoku perched on his shoulder. The yellow sweatshirt was gone and replaced by a long black coat. But it was unmistakably him.
“Law!”
Katya raced across the room to him and grabbed him into a hug. The Surgeon of Death did not hug her back so much as ease her away from him.
“Katya-ya, you are not supposed to be here.”
“I came to find you. We’re supposed to take down Joker together.”
“How did you even get here?”
“It’s a long story but the short version is I hitched a ride with a Yonkou, tried to prevent Eustass fighting said Yonkou then the crew found me, I took your Vivre Card and came here. I was then attacked by a man with terrible makeup and a bird lady and I woke up in here.” The woman replied mostly in one breath.
“I have a lot of questions.”
“I’ll bet.”
“If Joker knows you’re here, you will be taken from me immediately. Caesar is his direct subordinate. I cannot risk losing Caesar’s trust in me. Dammit, Katya, why couldn’t you just stay with the crew?!” He growled.
“You owe me a pair of underwear.”
“That’s not a reason!”
Katya sighed and sat back down on the bed. “Well, there’s no way I’m getting off this island without help, and I sent the others to Zou without me.”
Law crossed his arms. “They think you’re some nobody that could help with the children that are being treated at this facility. Those children aren’t to do with me. Caesar thinks I’m here to study the World Government research. He can’t know that you are my crew mate, or that you have the Calm Calm Fruit, which I see you are using at the moment. I can’t hear anything beyond this room.”
Katya nodded. “I’m sorry I made this complicated for you.”
“There’s nothing that can be done now. Play along with the ruse that you don’t know me. Do as they say for now, and we’ll find a way for you to leave.”
Katya fumed. “I don’t intend to leave.”
“Katya.” Law’s voice lowered. “I am not having you placed in the line of Joker. I sent the crew away for the same reason. He is too powerful. I will not stand to lose any of you.”
Katya’s fingers went to her necklace. “Our timing really is awful, isn’t it?”
Law noticed the gesture and sighed.
“Law?”
“Yes, Katya-ya?”
“I missed you.” The young woman leaned forward and placed her head upon his shoulder. This time, Law put an arm around her, before gently picking her up and putting her back onto the bed.
“Rest, and let me put the damn IV back in. It was there for a reason, you know.”
“Sorry.”
~
It was dawn when Monet came to fetch her for her new duty down at the facility. Whatever the ‘Biscuits Room’ was, it seemed to be important enough that Katya was talked through procedures about when the children had their medicine.
She was a little sore from the previous day. She had several bruises and she felt weak, but Katya was on the mend. She did, after all, have the best doctor looking after her.
The freckled woman had retrieved her clothes from her airtight bag and felt much more confident with her thin purple coat once more over her shoulders. Inside the facility was mostly warm, despite being in a freezing cold part of the island.
“You shall not address the Master. Any issues, contact one of the people that report to me, Grace.”
Katya had used a fake name when Monet had asked her who she was. The brunette had considered using her stage name, Silena Siren, but she couldn’t risk it. Doflamingo may be looking for both Takimi Katya and Silena Siren. Law had said to keep a low profile, so she had given the name Grace. She was wary of seeing these children that Monet had spoken of. She imagined rows upon rows of hospital beds in a cold dark room, each child frail and clinging to life. It made her stomach turn.
“Here. Someone will be here to bring them their medicine at 11.” Monet gestured to a large door and Katya opened it.
Inside was nothing like she had expected. The floor was brightly coloured and dotted with toys; meanwhile, there were sea creatures hanging from mobiles and rainbows painted on the walls. It looked like a normal playroom for children.
The normalcy stopped there. There were huge wooden blocks around and a football twice the height of Katya. The children in the room were a mix of sizes, but some were absolutely huge. Katya gasped. Some of these children had to be at least three metres tall!
“M-Monet-sama...”
She turned to ask a question but the door had closed behind her.
“Hello,” she waved at the children sheepishly. “I’m Grace, I’ll be looking after you for now.”
The children seemed a little wary of her but a few walked forward to investigate.
“I’ve not seen her before.” One of the children said quietly.
“My ship crashed,” Katya lied. “I washed up on the island. I didn’t have a way home so I got a job here looking after you.”
“Oh....” the children looked at each other warily.
“I promise I’ll do my best!” Katya smiled warmly and noticed a drawing in one of the smaller children’s hands. “Oh, that’s a great drawing. Is that a ship?”
“Yeah!” The child replied.
“It’s a good looking ship! I’ve seen lots of ships in my time.”
The child’s eyes brightened. “Can you tell us about them?”
Katya sat down on one of the block and began to tell the children about the Kuja Pirates ship that was pulled by snakes, of the Red Force with its huge flag and of course, her own Captain’s submarine. The children listened in fascination, and their earlier fear at the unexpected arrival dissipated. She began to learn their names one by one. Mocha. Sind. Ally.
The children didn’t seem to be very sick, but Katya assumed that maybe it was some kind of immunodeficiency or something. She could probably ask Law about it later. They said that the Master of the facility, Caesar, had apparently lost his son to the disease that they all had.
“Medicine time.” The door opened after a few hours and an unfamiliar woman walked in with a tray of what appeared to be sweets. “Ah, you must be the new caretaker. Pass these round to the children.” The lady, dressed in scrubs, gestured to the candies.
“Of course,” Katya complied and began to distribute them across the room. When she was finished, she spoke gently to the woman. “Why do they look like candies?”
“Oh, some of the children found it frightening to take pills, so Caesar-sama made them look more fun.”
That would make sense, Katya nodded. “Fair enough.”
“They’ll probably fall asleep soon, so you can go for your lunch break.”
“I’ll stay here a little longer.” Katya waved her hand. “But thank you.”
The woman in scrubs disappeared and Katya sat with the children until they napped, even singing them one of her more appropriate songs to soothe them into sleep.
Chapter 21: Grace
Summary:
Katya begins to find out more about Punk Hazard. The children get to know their new helper.
Chapter Text
Katya was tired by the time she made her way to the mess hall for lunch. There were a number of people in there with hazmat suits on. Some had foregone them, however. She collected a tray of food and sat on a table by herself.
“Excuse me?” One of the men strode up to the table. “Are you the lady that washed up on the island?”
“Yes, I am.” Katya smiled warmly. She didn’t want to get friendly with any of these people, but it was part of the facade she had to continue. “I’m Grace, a pleasure to meet you.”
“So cute!” A number of men behind the other instantly rushed to sit by her table.
“You were so blue when Caesar-sama brought you inside!”
“Your freckles are adorable!”
Katya waved her hands shyly and answered their questions. She lied that she had been on a merchant ship but it had capsized and she had escaped in the only lifeboat as the singular survivor of the wreck. The men fussed over her and told her lots of encouraging things about shipwreck survivors. It was all rather ridiculous, but Katya at least had company.
“So Grace-chan,” one of the men, Jared, asked. “Where do you come from?”
“Oh, I come from a small island in the South Blue. I came to the Grand Line with my relatives to begin a new life. But my grandpa passed away...” Fake tears swam in her eyes.
“Grace-chan, we’re so sorry!” Jared cried and several of the other men joined in. They were buying her lies so easily, and by the end of the lunch break, Katya had a large proportion of the men in attendance under her thumb. They had enthusiastically offered to walk her back to the Biscuits Room.
As they walked along the corridor, Law passed them. Katya was giggling and thanking them ever so much for all their ‘gracious chivalry’. She caught Law’s eyes briefly but the two couldn’t acknowledge each other out in the open.
“That Shichibukai freaks me out.” Another of the group of men, Liam, had commented.
“Does anyone know why he’s even here?” A second man said.
“I think he serves as Caesar-sama’s bodyguard.” Jared mused.
“He seems so frightening.” Katya put on a terrified face. “What a man like that could do to someone....” she clasped her hands together. “What a horrible thought!”
If Katya’s hearing hadn’t been so good, she might have missed the slight snort that came from Law’s direction. The others did not hear it and began to comfort her.
“Don’t worry about him, Grace-chan!” Jared said. “You’re one of us now! That Warlord won’t lay a finger on any of Caesar-sama’s staff!”
“Absolutely!” Liam agreed and put an arm around her shoulder. Katya struggled to keep a straight face as her Haki detected the rage coming off Law as a result of the other man touching her.
~
The men led her to the Biscuits Room and said their goodbyes. Katya went back into the room and the children’s eyes lit up.
“Grace onee-chan is back!” They crowded around her. “Can you sing for us again?”
“Of course! What kind of song would you like?”
“One about adventures!” Ally said, sitting next to her.
“No! One about robots!” Sind argued back.
“Um...” one of the smallest children tugged on the bottom of her skirt. She looked to be about five or six.
“What’s your name?” Katya knelt down.
“I’m Jess, Grace onee-chan.”
“Hello there, Jess. What kind of song would you like?”
“Can you sing a song that we can dance to?” Katya was taken aback.
“Are you well enough to dance?”
“I think so.” Jess nodded. “My parents used to dance a lot.” She said nervously.
“That sounds fun,” Katya smiled gently at her and she looked around at the other children. Their eyes darted nervously towards one another.
“But Grace onee-chan, we don’t know how to dance.” One of the larger girls, Mocha said.
“Dancing is about having fun, not always looking good.” Katya grinned. She’d trained to dance in order to perform, but the best kind of dancing was always the kind that was improvised, goofy and fun. She swirled her arms above her head and tapped her feet. “See?”
Mocha copied her movement and beamed as the other children looked at her with sparkly eyes. “That was so cool, Mocha!”
Katya did a few more moves and did a few silly dance moves that Penguin often did when he was drinking. Lots of waving arm work and no technique whatsoever. Jess bounced up and down and the room was soon full of awful dance moves.
Katya began to sing as they danced around the room.
“All we need is a drummer, for people who only need a beat! I’m gonna add a little guitar and make it easy to move your feet!”
She climbed onto one of the wooden blocks and kept singing as the children jumped around happily. “Dance to the music, dance to the music~!”
She took Jess’s hands in hers and twirled the young child around. The girl began to smile for the first time since Katya arrived. It reminded Katya of the reason she sang. It was to bring joy to others. Music brought people together.
Chapter 22: Life On Punk Hazard
Summary:
Law and Katya settle into a routine on the island, but their plans are interrupted by the arrival of the Straw Hats.
Chapter Text
The next few months passed uneventfully. Katya, under full disguise as Grace, had become fully trusted by all those in the facility. The children adored her and she sang for them every day.
Under the cover of night, she would use her abilities to sneak to Law’s living quarters. The man had given up his attempts to send her away after she had managed to get to areas of the facility he hadn’t been able to due to her Devil Fruit abilities, as well as eavesdrop on conversations. Thanks to Katya’s Devil Fruit and Law’s outward contempt for anyone who disturbed him in his room, they were never interrupted. They discussed strategy against Doflamingo, they trained together, and did an awful lot of flirting.
Law had not tried to define what kind of relationship they had, and Katya was content with that for the moment. She had nearly been caught coming back from Law’s room once or twice by someone on patrol, but had passed it off to them as insomnia to those who inquired why she was walking around in the dead of night. They had stopped meeting as frequently in the last month due to the fact that Katya had nearly been caught, and they agreed to keep their guards up.
The last few weeks had been strange in the Biscuits Room. Mocha had been withdrawn, as had a young boy with a partially shaven head, who had disappeared shortly after arriving in the room. Katya had attempted to speak to him but it hadn’t worked.
She continued to perform her duties but that morning there seemed to be tension around the whole facility. The rumour was that a ship had been spotted on the horizon headed towards the island. Katya had kept an eye out, but kept to herself. If it was urgent, Law would find her. She’d accidentally fallen asleep on the sofa in his quarters the night before after a late night medical training session. Mostly it was Law practicing a new technique whilst she read books in an attempt to understand what was going on. Her medical knowledge wasn’t great, but she now knew basic first aid at least.
The children had continued to grow larger and larger, with some such as Sind reaching around four metres tall. They seemed well in themselves, though Katya began to question whether the medicine was slowing down whatever was happening to them effectively enough.
“Catch me if you caaaan!” Katya raced around the room whilst Ginko, one of the new arrivals, chased her. Ginko was giggling but then the sound of a large explosion rocked the Biscuits Room.
“Everyone, get behind me!” Katya called and turned to face the intruders. Sind dropped his ball in shock.
“Who are you?” Mocha said nervously at the four people that entered the room. Katya observed them. There was something very familiar about some of them.
“Gigantic children?” The blonde man said, and what appeared to be a severed head under his arm repeated the words. Law’s work, then. Whomever they were, the man with the severed head was obviously not in Law’s good books.
“What’s going on here?!” An orange haired woman exclaimed.
“Wait,” Katya paused and stepped forward. “I’ve seen you before.”
“Who are you?” The severed head screamed. “And what’s with the children?!”
“Grace onee-chan...” Jess’ bottom lip wobbled and she stepped behind Katya nervously.
“It’s okay, everyone.” She said soothingly. “Sit down for a moment and I’ll talk to our...guests.” Katya stormed up to them.
“What are you doing here?” She hissed quietly.
“Wait, I recognise her!” The reindeer, Chopper exclaimed. “We saw her on Sabaody with one of the Supernovas!”
“Shhhh!” Katya hissed and dragged them to the side of the room. “The children don’t know that. Are you with Luffy?” She said urgently.
“You know Luffy?”
“Long story, now why are you all here?!”
“We landed on this island. What is this place? Some kind of nursery?” The orange haired woman, whom Katya recognised as Cat Burglar Nami, asked.
“Yes. I look after the children here, and they know me as Grace. Do NOT blow my cover, or I will kill you!” She said angrily.
“Grace onee-chan, are they the ones that were frozen?” Mocha asked quietly.
“I’m not sure.” She replied with a comforting smile. “But we’ll find out.”
“This island is getting more and more mysterious.” Cyborg Franky spoke up and Sind’s eyes sparkled. Oh no, she knew that look.
“A robot!” The children all rushed forward excitedly.
“W-what?”
“It’s a robot! It’s so cool!”
“Watch out!” Katya called as the blonde, Sanji, was nearly sent flying by one of the larger children’s feet.
“Oh my my, do you like armoured me so much?” Franky posed for the children.
“Look, it’s a stuffed animal!” One of them cried, pointing at Chopper. “A stuffed tanuki!”
“That’s a reindeer...” Katya said with a laugh as a large hand picked up Chopper.
“Franky’s sure popular with these kids.” Sanji said offhandly.
“They’re kids, they like shiny things.” Katya crossed her arms. “And they’re also ill and here for treatment. What are you all doing here? You’re going to ruin months of my Captain’s plans!” She growled at the man, who paused for a moment.
“A beautiful lady!” The man’s body seemed to twirl around happily. He reminded her oddly of Shachi and Penguin, but with even less tact.
“SUPER!” All of the children shouted together happily.
“These idiots are going to ruin everything.” Katya facepalmed.
~
“Hey! Do any of you know a child named Momonosuke?!” A voice cried out. Katya looked at the severed head that had been put on the floor.
“Momonosuke?” She said, stepping forward. “Small kid, top knot, grumpy?”
“Yes! Where is he, damned woman?”
Katya growled. “I don’t know! And stop being so rude! You’re scaring them! Besides, even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you!”
“Eh?!”
“You’re in pieces but you can still talk, which means Law cut you up!”
She pulled out one of her throwing knives from a holster under her skirt and held it up ready to attack them. She would protect the children, no matter what. This whole facility was full of enemies, but the children were innocent.
The Straw Hats suddenly looked towards the door, where footsteps were racing towards it. Guns cocked and pointed towards the Straw Hats. Katya screamed and stood in front of them. “Stop! Liam-kun!” She recognised one of the labelled suits. “You’ll hurt the children!”
Liam lowered his gun. “Grace-chan, are you hurt?”
“No, I’m okay!”
“Leave them to us!” Liam and his unit ran past them in pursuit. Katya followed quickly and soon outran then, catching up closely to the children.
“Robot-san, you aren’t from this island, are you?”
“No-“
“Save us!” Sind shouted suddenly to them. “Please, save us!”
The others joined in and Katya was taken aback. Save them?
“Save you?” Katya said to Mocha worriedly. Mocha backed away from her.
“We’re not sick! You know that!” Mocha shouted at her angrily.
“What?” Katya stopped running. “You are sick, they told me that you were sick!”
“Liar! You’re with them!” Mocha said, and knocked Katya away with the back of her hand, sending Katya flying into the wall. She felt herself tear up as Mocha shouted to the Straw Hats to save them.
Katya winced as she sat up, her eyes wide in horror. If they weren’t sick, why were they there? Her heart sank into her stomach.
“Let’s help these children!” Nami was declaring as Katya finally caught up.
“What are you saying, Nami-san?! There’s no reason to do that!” The blonde said, the severed head back under his arm. “They even said they were sick! This might be a hospital!”
Katya stepped forward with tears in her eyes. “It’s not.”
“Huh?”
“I should have realised sooner...” She sobbed and turned to Mocha. “If you were really sick, then they would have gotten Law to treat you!”
Mocha’s tears fell down and Katya swallowed hard. “I’m so sorry, I should have seen that this place wasn’t helping you!” She knelt down and cried at Mocha’s feet. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry! You must all hate me!”
Little Jess ran forward. “Grace onee-chan, we don’t hate you! You were nice to us! You sang songs and played with us and told us stories!”
“They’re going to get away!” Liam and the guards were catching up with them. “Grace-chan, get out of the way!”
“My name isn’t Grace!” Katya’s face lifted, sobs racking her body as she stood to her feet. “It’s Katya! Takimi Katya! I’m a Heart Pirate wanted by Doflamingo of the Warlords! And I won’t let you hurt these children!” She held up her knives and faced the guards, who were in shock. “So leave now, and maybe I’ll let you live, Liam-kun.”
Chapter 23: Snowfall
Summary:
Katya blows her cover. Law deals with the G-5 Marines.
Chapter Text
“Run!” Katya shouted as her, Nami and Chopper raced with the children towards the exits, after going through an incredible horrifying room full of frozen corpses that Katya was glad she hadn’t encountered whilst she had been staying there. How many things were going on in this facility? she thought. Law and I were so focused on keeping cover and assessing the SAD factory part of it, that we didn’t think to look into the rest. Unless Law had and he didn’t tell her.
“Why are you even here?!” Nami shouted at the brunette.
“Get the children out now, ask questions later!” Katya scowled at the orange-haired woman as she ran. She led them towards the front door.
The children weren’t exactly quiet as they ran down the stairs towards the exit.
“Those frozen people were so scary!” Jess said with a sniffle. Katya was carrying her on her back, as she was one of the younger children that had less stamina. Mocha, Sind and the other giant children carried the babies.
“I’ve had enough of this place!” Chopper shouted as he ran.
“Look! A door! We can get out of here!” Nami said and pointed to it. How she was managing to run in heels, Katya did not know. Her own black knee high boots were beginning to rub against her feet as they ran.
“We’re out!” Chopper kicked through the door and the icey wind hit Katya. Geez, it really was horrid on this island. She hadn’t considered the weather. The young children had no coats. It would be difficult to get them to safety on the Straw Hats’ ship. Katya was near the back and the children were cheering as they clambered to see the door.
“We’re out of the building!” Sind exclaimed happily. “We can go home!”
“Clear a path, children!” A rumbling sound came from behind her and she turned to see Franky in a form that appeared to be a makeshift tank and singing about it. Katya pulled a face. This really wasn’t the time to be showing off.
“One, two, three, SUPER!” All the children posed, including Jess on Katya’s back. Katya laughed lightly before she felt the overwhelming aura of annoyance come from the side of the door. Oh, she was so going to pay for this.
“Hey, isn’t that that guy from Sabaody?” Chopper screamed.
“Were you the one that imprisoned these kids? You scum!” Nami yelled right in Law’s face and Katya kicked her in the shins hard.
“NO HE WASN’T!” She roared at the orange-haired woman. “Hey, Law” she grinned.
“GRACE-ya, care to explain yourself?” Law said coldly.
“Just call me Katya again, I blew my cover the moment the Straw Hats arrived. Plus, all of Caesar’s minions were trying to hurt the children!”
“We can’t go this way! Hurry back inside!” Sanji shouted loudly. Katya craned her neck and noticed the Navy soldiers that were standing by the door.
“What’s the Navy doing here?!” Nami and Katya both cried out and hustled the children back the way they came.
“There’s a back door. Hurry!” Katya pointed in the direction of it and turned to Law, Jess still sat on her back.
“I promise I had nothing to do with the Straw Hats being here. I’ll leave you to deal with the Navy.” She said firmly and ran along with the children.
Law sighed in exasperation and pulled out Kikoku, facing Smoker with a sadistic smirk.
“That blasted woman. I suppose I’ll have to heed her request.”
He held up his sword and faced Smoker as the soldier drew his kairoseki staff.
~
“Dammit, Law!” Katya said angrily as the consequences of Law switching the bodies of the Straw Hat Pirates became more apparent. They would be no help to the children if they couldn’t fight in their own bodies.
“HE DID THIS?!” The Straw Hats roared in unison.
“Yeah, he’s not done it much before! Only on me and him to see if it worked!” She went rather scarlet at the memory. Being in Law’s body had felt exceptionally good, even if it was for a few minutes. Mostly because she felt tall and powerful. They’d considered seeing what if was like from the other’s perspective for longer, but they decided it would be a little too weird, even for their odd relationship.
“What the heck is wrong with you?!” Nami roared in Franky’s body. The group were struggling to keep the children motivated and warm in the freezing snow.
“What will we do? The children won’t last much longer.” Chopper said in Sanji’s body.
“I’ve got them to huddle together for warmth, but it won’t last long. We need to get them somewhere safer, sooner rather than later.” Katya said.
“A camera! I want a camera!” Sanji kept saying in Nami’s body. Katya turned to him and pulled out a knife. Nami also had a murderous expression on Franky’s face.
“Stop perving on her body, or I’ll personally make sure that your own body is castrated!”
“Put something on each of your heads!” The severed heads demanded. Sensing that the man somehow had a plan, Katya helped the others to collect rocks and balanced them on everyone’s head. Warm clothes appeared out of nowhere and covered the children, as well as the Straw Hats and Katya.
“What a useful power...” Katya said, looking down at the boots and coat. “BUT WHY DIDN’T YOU USE THEM BEFORE?!” She screeched and punched the man, Kin’emon.
Nami and Katya consistently attacked the man the moment he made a comment about concealing their breasts. Katya growled angrily. She wasn’t even a boob person, unlike the top heavy Nami. She had a good butt, and she preferred it that way to having endless back pain.
“Piece of shit.” She spat out angrily.
“Oi! There they are! Hey, guys!” A loud voice echoed through the mountainous area.
“Luffy?!” Katya turned around with a wide smile. She ran towards him and the others riding on the back of what appeared to be a large man. His companions were sat next to him.
She waved as the group got closer. “Luffy!”
“Ohhhhh, Katya! Long time no see!”
Katya hugged Luffy tightly after he had taken a few minutes to mourn the loss of his ‘hind legs’ and the crew had caught up with where everyone had been.
“It’s wonderful to see you, Luffy! Did your training go well? How are the warriors?”
“Ah, they’re all great! They brought me from the island to Sabaody a few weeks ago!”
“Awesome!” Katya smiled. “I came to the New World with Shanks! The Red-Hair Pirates gave me a ride!” The two started bouncing around enthusiastically hugging and cheering, swapping stories faster than the rest of the crew could follow.
“Oi, everyone!” Luffy said eventually, pulling her over to the rest of his crew. “This is Katya, she and Tra-guy looked after me after Marineford!”
“TRA-GUY?!” Katya burst out laughing hysterically. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“Katya...” the skeleton Brook stepped forward. “I heard that name from a man I was working with in the last two years, Sancrin Garkin.”
“That bastard’s still alive?” Katya scowled. “He sold me to slavers.”
“Wait, that means...AAHHHH!!” Brook threw his head back and screamed. “You’re Silena Siren?!”
“Woah, THE Silena Siren?!” Nami gasped. “Brook loves your music!”
“Siren-san, please may I ask...”
“Hm?”
“What colour are your panties?”
“Black.” She replied immediately. “Why do you need to know?”
“DON’T ANSWER HIM!” The Straw Hats shouted.
“Thank you.” Brook said and sank down to the ground. “I can die happy. Ah, but I’m already dead!”
“I feel like I’ve seen you before.” Katya furrowed her brow. “A poster, perhaps. But not a wanted poster.”
“Ah, I was doing a world tour until recently. The Soul King Brook, at your service.”
Katya’s eyes widened and she broke out into a grin. “The Soul King! No way! I’d love to record with you!”
“It would be my pleasure, Siren-chan!”
“We have more pressing concerns than this!” Nami in Franky’s body said angrily as Usopp adjusted the picture of Nami onto a sweatband to be worn around her head. Katya scowled.
“Don’t suck the joy out of this just because you’re annoyed.”
“YOUR CAPTAIN DID THIS!”
Chapter 24: Complications And Implications
Summary:
Katya talks with the Straw Hats. The children begin to display unusual behaviour.
Chapter Text
Luffy was sat with Zoro by Brownbeard, who was tied up. Katya went to join them, huddling into her coat. She hated extreme weather. There was a reason she’d rarely left the indoors of the facility for weeks at a time. Cold did not agree with her.
“Grace-chan, why are you here?” Brownbeard looked surprised as the woman approached the group.
“Ah, it’s actually Katya. I’m here with Law.”
“Oh yeah, where’s the bear?” Luffy asked.
“Bepo? He’s with the rest of the crew. Law and I are here alone.”
“Quit it, you damn kids.” Brownbeard said angrily to the children that were tugging at his makeshift legs and tail.
“What’s happened? Until recently, you weren’t willing to open your mouth, but now we can’t get you to shut up.” Zoro said bluntly to Brownbeard, who laughed.
“It’s because you’re going to be dead soon. Law is going to come and save me. I hate all of your generation,” Brownbeard said gruffly to Luffy. “But Law is different.”
“He certainly is.” Katya said with a small smile.
“It seems more likely that Trafalgar-san will come for her.” Robin said smoothly from behind them. “Or is that musky smell on you from someone else at this facility, Freckles-san?”
Katya whipped her head around. “How did you-?”
“Oi, did Tra-guy make you smell funny?” Luffy pulled at part of her coat to sniff her. “What a mean guy!”
“Not quite, Luffy.” Robin smirked. “It just implies certain things.”
Katya bit her lip and pulled the coat closer to her.
“We’ve been working together in his quarters on strategy. Occasionally I fall asleep there. And you have to keep it to yourselves. There are powerful people who would use that implication against us. It’s not, we’re not...but if people thought we were, it could be bad.”
“So Tra-guy isn’t hurting you?” Luffy said suspiciously.
“No, Luffy.”
“Ah, good. Eh, what were you saying about my generation?” Luffy turned back to Brownbeard and the bearded man told them about how the island came to be. Most of it was information that Katya already knew.
She sat down and hugged her legs close to her chest. The big problem for her now was how Law and her were supposed to enact their plan to bring down Doflamingo now their cover had been blown.
“Grace, ah, I mean Katya onee-chan,” Jess said, crawling to her. “Are you tired?”
“A little.” She admitted.
“You always looked after us when we slept, so we can do the same for you!” The young girl said with determination. Katya nodded, too sleepy to argue, and huddled into her coat. It didn’t take long for her to drift off.
~
“Katya-san! Wake up!”
“Five more minutes...” she murmured as she snuggled into her coat.
“Katya onee-chan! It hurts!” Mocha cried. Katya sat up quickly and ran to her side. The young girl was crying and writhing around.
“Mocha!”
“K-Katya onee-chan.” Jess said in a scared voice next to Katya and the Heart Pirates scooped the child up into her arms.
“Mocha! Sind!” She looked around at all of the children collapsing to their knees and crying out.
“Chopper-san! What is happening to them?” Katya felt Mocha’s forehead. The girl was burning up.
“NHC-10. That’s what I found in the kids’ bodies.” Chopper said in Sanji’s body, facing Brownbeard. “There were only faint traces, but it’s a narcotic!”
“N-No.” Katya breathed. “How did it get into their systems?”
“C-Candy!” Sind was crying. “I want candy!”
Katya began to shake. “It was in the candies? B-but they had them every day!”
“No wonder they’re suffering!” Nami-Franky said.
“I-I gave them the candy. I was told it was medicine.” Katya said and put Jess gently on the ground. “I gave them the drugs....”
She felt bile rise up in her throat and she dashed away to the side of the cavern and threw up, tears mixing in with the vomit. She retched for a few moments. Robin put a hand on her shoulder and rubbed soothing circles into her back.
“Chopper what do we do?!” Luffy shouted. “They’re all collapsing!”
Katya shakily wiped her face and Robin offered her a tissue. “I did this.”
“You didn’t know, Freckles-san. This is not your fault.”
“I should have seen...I should have known...” Katya cried out, looking at Sind, Mocha and the others in pain all around her.
“Katya onee-chan, we need the candy!” Sind wailed.
“You can’t, Sind! It’s bad for you! It’s hurting you!”
Sind cried some more and began to act strangely, as did lots of the children around them.
“AGGHHHH!” Sind shouted angrily. “GIVE ME THE CANDY!” The large child punched the wall next to Luffy and began raging angrily.
Katya wiped her face more and picked up Jess again.
“Sind is scaring me! Make it stop Katya onee-chan!” Jess began to cry. She was six years old and had been fed drugs, along with all the other children. Katya’s heart began to break. How could anyone do such a horrific thing? The people at the facility had USED her too, to drug the children. She gripped Jess’ coat tightly.
“It’s going to be okay, Jess-chan.” She said soothingly, and a few of the other young children gathered around her as the Straw Hats attempted to knock out the rampaging children.
Usopp’s ‘Knockout Star’ worked a treat. Katya had gently placed Jess down and gotten out of the way as the star had hit them and they had all fallen asleep. Katya knelt down and smoothed the hair away from the young child’s head.
“I’m going to kill him.” She said darkly, looking up with a furious expression.
“You would betray the Master?” Brownbeard yelled at her.
“Of course I fucking would!” Katya screamed back. “He drugged children! Innocents!”
“How do we know if you weren’t in on it?” Brownbeard said accusingly.
“Shut up! Katya would never hurt someone like that!” Luffy shouted at him.
Katya sat in the corner, her knees held close to her chest. Her gaze was kept on the sleeping children. She was stroking one of the children closest to her’s forehead and singing softly to the children. There were tears in her eyes and her voice was shaky.
“It’s going to be okay, Katya.” Luffy said. “I promise.”
Chapter 25: Like Friends, Right?
Summary:
Law meets the Straw Hats. An alliance is proposed.
Chapter Text
Katya hated the Yeti Cool Brothers. They were loud and brutal. She hadn’t been much use when they attacked, as she was desperately trying to keep the children safe. She only had one knife with her. She had managed to embed it in Scotch, one of the Yeti Cool Brothers’ foot, but she had been kicked into a wall. Chopper had offered to treat her, but she waited until the others were done.
A loud crash occurred outside briefly as she helped Chopper. Law had taught her a few medical things, after all. All members of the Heart Pirates were required to learn first aid, and Katya had missed the lessons, so Law gave her a few when she visited him at night. Although, they spent more time flirting than actually getting things done. The crash was loud indeed. Luffy must have attacked the Yeti Cool Brothers, as they hadn’t come back.
“Is that okay, Katya-san?” Chopper asked as he secured a bandage around her upper arm, which had been cut by some ice.
“Yes, thank you.” She smiled. “You’re a good doctor, like my Captain.”
“Shut up you bitch! Complimenting me won’t make me happy!” The body of Sanji wiggled around happily and Katya giggled.
“I’m back!” Luffy rushed into the cave happily.
“Luffy!” The Straw Hats cheered, but they sweatdropped at who was behind him.
“Law!” Katya got to her feet, but winced when she moved her arm.
“Katya-ya, are you alright?” He said in concern.
“I’m okay. It’s just a cut. But Law, the kids! Caesar is drugging them!”
“He just told me.” The man growled angrily.
Her face scrunched as if she was about to cry. “I gave them those drugs unwittingly for months.” She said with a hiccupped sob. Law put his hand on her good arm gently.
“Don’t blame yourself. Ah, I believe this is yours.” He let her go and held up her knife that she had left in the foot of Scotch. “I know how precious you get about them.”
“Thank you!” She took it happily and gave him a small smile.
“Guys! I have news!” Luffy said cheerfully. “We’re going to be in an alliance with the Heart Pirates!”
The Straw Hats screamed in shock. Katya looked up at Law, who nodded in confirmation.
“You were going to tell me this when?” She pouted.
“It was an idea from this afternoon.” Law replied casually.
“You just went to get Nami back, so how did it come to such a crazy deal?!” Usopp shook Luffy. “I won’t be able to sleep at night if we form an alliance with such an enigmatic, unpredictable bastard!”
“You-“ Katya gritted her teeth and stepped forward, but Law tugged her sleeve to hold her back.
“Katya-ya, as much as you rushing to defend me is incredibly gratifying, now is not the time.” He whispered to her.
Katya sighed and looked down at Law’s other hand. “Dear god, did you kill Chopper?!”
“No, I found him like this.” Law gave Chopper’s body to the real Chopper, who frantically began to treat it.
“Luffy,” Robin said next to them. “I’ll follow your decision, but you should know that pirate alliances are often marked with betrayal. They may not be suited for someone as overly trusting as you.”
“Eh?” Luffy turned to the two. “You gonna betray me?”
“No.” The both replied instantly and Luffy put his hands on his hips and grinned.
“BE MORE SKEPTICAL!” Usopp screamed and Katya began to finally smile again.
“I think a pirate alliance sounds fun! Besides, Tra-guy is a good guy, and Katya has cool stories and songs, but even if they aren’t good, there’s no need to worry! You guys have trained a lot in the past two years and can back me up! Hahahaha!”
The Straw Hats immediately began to be embarrassed and cheery as Luffy showered them with compliments. Law looked positively done with the entire situation.
“Hey, Tra-guy~” Katya grinned. “You doing okay?”
“Never ever call me that ever again.”
~
“I wanna save the kids.” Luffy declared as he looked over the sleeping children.
“They’re so much trouble.” Law said. “Leave them. The drugs in their system won’t give them long anyway.”
“Law!” Katya cried. “How can you say that?!”
“How could we possibly transport them away? Who would look after them? How would the drugs even come out?” Law replied. Katya didn’t have an answer for any of them.
“You’re the best doctor I’ve ever met. Surely you can do something?”
She looked down at Jess sadly, who was curled up with Mocha. Law gazed at her with an unreadable expression.
“You really want to save them?” Law said.
“Of course.” Katya said quietly. “I’m their onee-chan. I won’t let them down. Please....” she looked up at him “Captain.”
Law knew she was serious. She had never called him ‘Captain’ to his face before.
“Fine.”
“Oh, and Sanji went to put the samurai back together!” Luffy was saying cheerily. “If you’re going to be allied with us, then you gotta help out!”
Katya looked at Luffy with a slight smirk, before looking back at Law’s horrified face.
“Pffffffthahahahaha!” She burst out laughing, her solemn mood gone in an instant.
“Geez, I knew you had no idea what was going on.” Usopp said. “The alliance he asked you to form only means that we’re working together for the sole purpose of achieving a certain objective, right?”
“Naturally.” Law replied, and raised an eyebrow as Katya continued to laugh.
“That’s what you meant, but when Luffy hears the word alliance, he thinks of something else.”
“Like friends, right?” Luffy said and grinned happily at Katya. The freckled woman gave him a high five.
“If you thought you could get him to follow some plan, that isn’t gonna happen.” Usopp continued. “Once he gets some wild idea, he won’t budge. That’s the problem with Luffy. He’s always like this. In terms of self-centred stubbornness, he’s on par with the Yonkou.”
“I know someone like that.” Law muttered and looked across at Katya, who was laughing at Luffy flicking a booger onto Chopper’s face.
“It’s like there’s two of them.” Usopp sweatdropped.
“We don’t have time to argue.” Law said bluntly. “You can take care of the samurai yourselves. I’ll investigate the drug that was administered to the children. Which one of you is the doctor? I’ll need them with me to distract Caesar.”
“It’s Chopper-san.” Katya gestured to the reindeer covered in bandages on the floor. “Which could present an issue.”
Usopp thought for a moment before pulling some rope out of his pocket and attached Chopper to Law’s head.
“Okay, this should do it.”
“Sorry,” Chopper said. “I can’t move right now, so I’ll have to rely on you.”
Law’s face was comedy gold. Luffy half collapsed laughing. “Don’t drop him Tra-guy!”
“Superrrr cute!” Franky grinned.
“He looks ridiculous.” Katya bit back a laugh. “I’ll carry Chopper-san.”
“Katya-ya.” Law said in warning. “This is dangerous, facing Caesar.”
“He knows I’m a traitor by now. Who cares? I told the crew I wouldn’t let you do anything stupid alone. Besides, where else would you put Chopper so you could fight?”
“I was going to tie him to Kikoku.” Law said without an ounce of remorse.
Chapter 26: Vergo
Summary:
The Straw Hats storm Punk Hazard. Katya and Law encounter a new enemy.
Chapter Text
“Please, take care of the children.” Katya said to Nami as her, Chopper and Law prepared to leave. The woman had been harsh to her, but she cared about the children. Chopper was nestled in Katya’s good arm. She could see why the children had thought that he was a stuffed toy. He was incredibly soft and she tickled his head.
“The main experiment room will have Caesar-ya and a woman in it.” Law explained to Chopper as they walked. “I’ll get them out of there. When that happens, take Katya-ya and investigate the drugs.”
“But you’re strong. You could easily get close to this Master. Why don’t you capture him yourself?”
Katya looked at Chopper. “We have our reasons.” The sounds of G-5 battling in the background could be heard.
“Looks like it’s getting rough down there...” she said to Law.
“What is that?!” One of the men suddenly cried.
Luffy, with Franky and Robin in tow, crashed into the front door with a huge ‘BOOM’!
“WHAT IS HE PLAYING AT?”
“Master, get out here!” Luffy shouted loudly. “I’m going to kick your ass and kidnap you!”
“Go Luffy!” Chopper wiggled in Katya’s arms.
“That idiot!” Law said angrily. “Who told him to take on the whole Navy?”
“At least they’ll be distracted?” Katya offered as a silver lining.
Law growled and Katya wondered what his blood pressure reading would currently be.
“Law, I know you like to plan, but life is rarely like that. Without spontaneity and chaos, nothing exciting usually happens.” Katya said. “Meeting me again wouldn’t have happened if everything had gone to plan, would it?”
“No.”
“Luffy is chaotic, but I think that everything will work out in the end.” She smiled at him encouragingly. “Besides, don’t the Straw Hats remind you of our crew? They’re just as goofy and silly. Just in a more destructive way.”
Law sighed and Katya put a hand on his shoulder. “Besides, when this is over, I-“
Another explosion cut her off.
“Okay! Let’s go inside!” Katya blurted out quickly.
Law warped the group into the facility. They stopped off at Katya’s room in order to grab her knives at her request, and they were now strapped to her belt.
“I can make us stealthier with my fruit?” Katya said as they walked down the corridor.
“Use it to follow one of us if it’s needed.” Law advised. A few more minutes and they were outside the room. Chopper had been hidden in a bag hanging from Law’s nodachi, which Katya thought was rather awful for the reindeer. The brunette hid in a small alcove by the door as Law walked in.
“If you’re looking for the Master, he’s not here.” Monet said without looking up.
“Where is he?” Law asked calmly.
“Who knows. He’s pretty twisted, so he’s probably watching the battle outside.”
Law put down the bag with Chopper in on a large pink sofa that was in the room.
“I’ve found everything that I’m going to find on this island, so I’ll be leaving soon.”
“I see. It’ll be lonely without you.” Monet said, still writing away in her notebook.
“I need to borrow your ability for a small task. Mind coming with me?”
Monet turned around and moved the glasses from her face. “Oh, a date? How lovely.”
Katya grit her teeth but maintained her position.
Law walked out of the room, gesturing Monet to follow. He went in the opposite direction to the alcove where Katya was.
“Unsocial as ever, I see.” Monet chuckled. “What is it?”
“You’ll see when we get there.” Law said flatly.
“Fair enough. I was bored anyway.” Monet flapped her wings and went to follow Law.
Katya waited for a few moments before activating her Devil Fruit and following in the shadows. Monet’s wings and clawed feet would make her a difficult opponent should it come to it. Katya went from alcove to alcove, her ‘Calm’ ability making her not make a single sound as she walked or moved.
~
They were a good way down the corridor when Law began to stumble.
“Law?” Monet inquired. Law clutched his chest like he couldn’t breathe.
“Who....is it?” He gasped out.
“What’s wrong?” Monet asked and landed next to him. Katya quickly dived into another corridor before the bird woman could turn around to face Law.
“It looks like you’re in pain.” Monet commented.
Law spat out blood and he was on the verge of collapsing to the floor.
“Who’s...there?”
Footsteps approached and a low male voice said simply “it’s me”.
“What....are you...doing here?” Law gasped out.
“How many years has it been?” The figure asked. “You’ve grown, Law.”
Katya clapped a hand over her mouth. Law was on his knees in front of Vergo. Law had told her about some of the people that they may face, and Vergo’s name had come up. However, she couldn’t take out both of the threats.
“Did you honestly think HE didn’t know what you were up to? Or that you brought the woman with the Calm Calm Fruit with you?”
Katya readied her knives and came out of her hiding place. She threw her first knife at Monet, who screeched as it hit her leg.
“Oh, this must be her. Takimi Katya.” Vergo said. He had what appeared to be a whole burger attached to his face like an awful after effect of a large meal. “Monet, deal with her. Joker wants her alive, though.”
Monet turned and slashed at Katya, who dodged swiftly. Her months of training were paying off in terms of the observation Haki, at the very least. She used her knives to strike the woman, but it went straight through her. Her Snow Snow Fruit, Katya cursed. The only way to hurt Monet would be through armament Haki, which Katya had never been good at. She focused and aimed at Monet’s wing, using her Haki as much as she could and threw. Not much of the blade worked was coated, but the tip was. It embedded itself in Monet’s wing and the woman screeched angrily. Before Katya could ready another, Monet had grabbed her and kicked the knives away from her hand.
Monet jumped and used her claws to tear apart three large cuts into Katya’s belly before pulling her away down the corridor. Katya screamed in pain and fell to the ground, clutching her stomach.
“Katya!” Law shouted. “You bastards!”
“If you try to keep secrets from adults, you will inevitably be caught, Law!” Vergo was saying. Monet laughed sadistically as Katya brought her hand up enough to slap the bird woman in the stomach.
“Then....I’ll just have to....get rid of you!” Law grabbed Kikoku and prepared to strike.
“Oh, and there’s one other thing.” Vergo said, and gripped a small cube in his hand. Law writhed in pain and Katya recognised that it was one of the cubes Law made when he used his Mes technique. But if Law was hurting...
“No!” She gasped in realisation.
“You misspoke. It’s Vergo-SAN.” The man said, and hit Law in the head. Monet dragged Katya away from the two men as she struggled. Law’s heart was in Vergo’s hand, and there was nothing she could do.
“LAWWWW!”
Chapter 27: The Cage
Summary:
Katya finds herself at the mercy of Vergo. The poison gas weapon is launched.
Chapter Text
When Katya came to, the first thing she was aware of was the large amount of pain coming from her abdomen. “I knew that sucking at armament Haki would come to bite me in the ass one day.” She muttered weakly.
“Katya!”
She looked up to see an odd variety of people. Vergo and Monet were staring at her from outside the large cage that they were trapped in. Law, Luffy, Robin, Franky, Smoker and Tashigi were all there with chains wrapped around them.
“Law! Are you okay?” She asked immediately.
“I’m alive.” He said.
“Ah, young Katya awakens.” Vergo sipped his cup of tea. “Are you enjoying the kairoseki?”
Kairoseki? Katya thought. She felt fine. Had they mistaken these regular chains for kairoseki?
“Not really.” She replied grumpily. It was to her advantage to pretend they were real for now.
Monet giggled. “I knew who you were from the very beginning. And my my, was it interesting to see what kind of person you were. You know it’s ever so naughty to sneak into your Captain’s room at night.” She smirked at Katya, who grit her teeth.
“Ohh, Law.” Vergo said amusedly. “Did you finally get yourself a woman?”
“Suck a dick!” Katya spat at Vergo. “Though from the sounds of it, you already seem to be sucking Doflamingo’ as fair bit!”
Monet’s temper flared. “How dare you-“
“You need to get laid too, you harpy bitch!” Katya continued. “You flirting with Law earlier reeked of desperation. Maybe go find Doflamingo and have a nice orgy while you have the chance, before we all kill you!”
The room was silent for a moment before Vergo began to laugh. “This one is feisty. Maybe I’ll ask Doffy to spare her for a little while. That level of fierceness would be excellent to break.” He walked over to the cage and crouched down by Katya.
“I bet that mouth of hers would be fun to play with.” The man said with a sadistic smile on his face. “Maybe I’ll see if I can make her scream more than you, Law.”
Law growled angrily and struggled against his chains. “Don’t you touch her!”
Katya glared back at Vergo. Her blue eyes met the reflection of his sunglasses and they stared at each other for a moment before Vergo stood up. “Doffy wants the Calm Calm Fruit, you see. When he found out that his traitorous brother had used it to work for the Marines, he was furious. But then he realised all the advantages of having someone on his side that can go places completely unnoticed. So you can either comply with him or you’ll die so the fruit can be reborn.”
“Not going to happen.” Katya said with venom in her voice.
“Then death it is. Although..” Vergo smiled at Law menacingly. “I can see him having some fun with her body first.”
Luffy and Law were glowering at Vergo. If looks could kill, Vergo would have been dead ten times over.
“No matter. The rest of you will be dead shortly.” Vergo said, and nodded to some guards that had entered the room. “Bring her to the ship ready to depart for Dressrosa.”
“No!” Law struggled and Katya pulled against her chains to wriggle towards him. She leaned against him and whispered quickly “chains”. Law’s eyes widened. Katya’s chains were also some of the fake ones that he had swapped out for the real kairoseki.
The guards grabbed her arms and pulled her away as Luffy protested loudly. Law grit his teeth. She had to escape quickly. Or her mouth would really be the end of her this time.
~
The guards were easy enough for Katya to defeat once she freed her chains. They had hesitated for a second when they were leading her away. One of them was a man she had become friends with on the island, Jared. She had retrieved her knives and told him to leave. He too had not known about the effect of the candy on the children, being of low rank. She would let him live. She tied him up using the chains she had been in and shut him in a cupboard. The other guards were not so lucky. They were unconscious on the ground.
She saw the broadcast being made and rushed to the front of the facility as quickly as she could. She had faith that Law and the others would escape, but the poison gas would be there quickly.
“Calm.” She uttered, and ran towards the lever that opened the gate. She could hear guards from before looking around, but she hid carefully and used her observation Haki to avoid them. This is what she excelled at other than singing. Fighting was a backup. Her skills lay in espionage.
She heard banging on the gate, which she presumed was the G-5 marines. She didn’t want to let them in, but she had no choice. If she didn’t open the gate, Law, Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hats would be trapped outside.
She pulled on the lever and the gate began to open slowly.
“Why is the gate opening?!” One of the men shouted. Katya ducked to avoid them seeing her by the ledge.
“O-Over there!” One of the others yelled. Law’s group had escaped the cage and were standing in the doorway.
“Great, now everyone can get in!” Tashigi said.
“You’re welcome!” Katya called down and grinned at them.
“ROOM.” Law said quickly. “Shambles!”
Law immediately appeared in front of her by the lever.
“You’re bleeding.” He noted worriedly, looking at her stomach.
“Yeah, that bitch Monet got a scratch in. It’s not too deep.”
“Well done for getting away.” Law said quietly, before turning to the others. “Now then, what are we going to do about our hearts?”
Katya’s face darkened. “Ah, Law,” she growled. “About that.”
The surrounding people gasped as she slapped Law across the face.
“WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING TAKING OUT YOUR HEART?!” She roared at him. “Now I know why I didn’t see you much the last few weeks! Is it because you were worried I’d notice that you DIDN’T HAVE A HEARTBEAT?!”
“Basically.” Law said bluntly, pushing the lever to close the gate.
“You absolute ba- mmph!” She was cut off as Law pulled her into a fierce kiss.
“I won’t let any of them take you.” He murmured quietly.
“Law...” Katya said breathlessly.
The door to the facility exploded and the two were thrown backwards. Law warped them to the ground and the two watched as their only escape from the gas was destroyed by a large man with lizard-like legs and the remaining Straw Hats.
“A conversation for later, it seems.”
Law and Katya separated themselves from everyone after a few minutes.
“We have something we need to do!” Katya called to the others. Law just walked off without informing them, presumably to give them a taste of their own medicine.
The two had made their way to the SAD manufacturing room. Its tall steel doors represented all the things that they hated about Punk Hazard.
“It’ll be nice to get out of this wretched place.” Katya commented as they entered the manufacturing room.
“Definitely.” Law said as he opened the doors.
“Emergency message to all towers in Laboratory Three!” A loud voice rang out over the comms system. “Trafalgar Law of the Shichibukai and Takimi Katya have broken into the SAD manufacturing room!”
Red lights flashed as the two entered the room. The huge container for the SAD stood in front of them.
“Ready to stick the middle finger up to Joker and cause some chaos?” Katya grinned and Law returned her smile.
“Let’s go, Katya-ya.”
Chapter 28: Destruction
Summary:
Law and Katya get to work. The Straw Hats ready a tram for escaping.
Chapter Text
“I guess this is what you call ‘biting the hand that feeds you’.” The cold voice of Vergo came from behind the two Heart Pirates.
“This guy again.” Katya hissed, but Law put his arm out to stop her going forward.
“Katya-ya, leave him to me. You know what to do.” Law said.
The brunette nodded and rushed off to the side to where the vats were. They’d made contingency plans in case they were caught. Law would deal with the threat, whilst she destroyed the plans and equipment as best she could.
“It would be easy to kill you by squeezing your heart, but I won’t do that.” Vergo said to Law. “It’ll be satisfying to take my time and torment you. You won’t die before I make you watch. I will rip that woman apart. I will use her body and then I will kill her slowly right in front of your eyes. You’ll watch her fade right in front of you!”
“I won’t let you hurt her.” Law growled.
“Is this love, Law?” Vergo said mockingly. “Or did the memory of HIM want you to be around the person with his fruit? The Young Master will get it back. Now, I’m going to fix that cocky little face of yours. I’ll make you remember what fear tastes like. Just like before.”
The two men rushed towards each other and clashed in battle.
Katya worked as quickly as she could when she went down the stairs. She set alight all the papers she could. Her knives slashed the lines to the chemicals and threw her more damaged knives into tanks. The freckled woman hated to see them be destroyed, but it was necessary.
She could hear some horrified screams coming from Law and tried to focus on her task. She couldn’t cast ‘Silent’ and block the sound out or she could miss the sound of someone approaching. She wiped away a tear and continued. She was pushing some buttons on a machine when something flew down and landed by her.
Law’s hat. She scooped it up and tucked it under her arm for safekeeping. She looked up to see Law as well as Smoker from the Marines fighting Vergo. Katya kept going, destroying vials of fluid and letting the tanks leak. All but the large tank remained.
Katya ran up back to the higher deck. Law was lying on the ground badly hurt. Smoker was facing Vergo across the room. Vergo had just punched him into the ground. Smoker’s kairoseki staff was broken into two on the ground.
“You may want to punish me for dishonouring the Navy, but you lack the skill, Smoker.” Vergo looked down at Smoker’s battered form on the ground. “Bravery alone will not protect your subordinates. It’s over.”
“Go to hell!” Katya stood in front of the two and threw her knife at Vergo’s head. The man speedily dodged out of the way as if it was easy.
“Your Haki needs work, girl. You missed by a mile.”
Katya grinned. “I wasn’t trying to hit you. I was trying to distract you.”
Vergo turned around to see Law putting his heart back in his chest.
“Thanks for returning it, Smoker. Katya-ya, is it done?” Law said as he faced Vergo square on.
“All but the big one.” She smirked and took Law’s hat from under her arm, placing it gently onto the taller man’s head. “You dropped this, Captain.”
It could have been seconds. It could have been minutes. All Katya could focus on was the fact that Law had cut clean through the entire laboratory as he sliced through Vergo.
“It’s been two years since the Great War. Who set what in motion back then? All you did was protect your position.” Law said to the Den Den Mushi with Doflamingo’s face. “All Whitebeard did was end an era. Navy HQ has made a new military force, but the major players haven’t made a move. It’s as if they’re preparing for something.”
Katya stood next to Law and stared down at the snail determinedly.
“That was war nothing but a prologue. You always said that an unstoppable wave is coming. One that brings a new age for the strong.” Law smiled triumphantly. “I’ve destroyed the gears. Now there’s no turning back!”
Katya grinned. “If I were you, I’d start panicking.” She leaned forward and picked up the receiver. “Joker, I heard you wanted me and my fruit. Well, you get your wish.” She looked to Law and smiled wryly as she spoke to the frowning snail face. “We’re coming to you, you piece of shit. Have a wonderful day.”
She slammed down the receiver.
“Fancy getting off this awful island?” Katya said to Law and put her arm through his, flipping off the angry Vergo as the two walked away with Smoker following close behind.
“Katya-ya, I’m not going to lie here...” Law looked shocked. “I don’t think you have ever done something more attractive.”
~
“Is this really necessary?” Smoker grunted as him, Katya and Law dragged a huge tram between them down the corridor from buildings D to R.
“Yes, it’s the tram they use to transport the SAD. Everyone can use it to ride out. The lab won’t last much longer.” Law replied. “We have to escape as quickly as we can.”
Katya pulled the tram with them but the claw marks Monet had given her were beginning to deepen from the stress of moving her body around so much.
“Straw Hat!” Law called and Katya spotted him and a large group up ahead.
“Oi! Tra-guy, Katya, Smokey! There you are!”
“Everyone!” Katya suddenly screamed and ran forwards. The children gasped and rushed to greet her. She hugged the ones she could, including Jess. “Wait, where’s Mocha?”
“She ate all the candies, onee-chan!” Jess cried.
“No...” Katya said in shock and Sind nodded with tears in his eyes.
“Everyone, get into the tram!” Law ordered and Katya helped the children climb in. The larger ones helped to lift the babies in and Katya lifted many of the younger ones who were exhausted. Jess was one of them, and the shy girl was shaking. Katya held onto her as Nami and the other children made sure everyone was inside the tram.
“Onee-chan, can you sing for us?” One of the older children whispered. “The others are scared.”
Katya placed her hand on the young boy’s arm who had asked and the other children crowded to her.
“There is no combination of words I could put on the back of a postcard...” she sang softly. “No song that I could sing, but I can try for your heart...”
Jess climbed up to sit in Kayta’s lap. “Our dreams, and they are made out of real things, like a shoe box of photographs with sepia-toned loving....”
Jess smiled shyly at Katya and she stroked the girl’s head comfortingly. “Love is the answer, at least for most of the questions in my heart...Like why are we here? And where do we go? And how come it's so hard? It's not always easy and sometimes life can be deceiving....but I'll tell you one thing, it's always better when we're together...” she sang gently.
“Mm, it’s always better when we’re together....”
Katya saw Law looking up at her with an unreadable expression. She turned back to the children and gave them a group hug. The children were going to get out of there safely. Or she would die trying.
Chapter 29: The Tram
Summary:
The group attempt to escape Punk Hazard. Katya’s wound from Monet catches up to her.
Chapter Text
The matter of capturing Caesar was still pressing, but the building was coming down thanks to Law cutting the whole facility in half and that was definitely the more immediate threat. Chunks of rock were falling as Katya made her way over to Nami.
“Are you okay?” She asked the orange haired woman.
“Yes, I’m just anxious to get the kids out of here.”
“Me too. They like you.” Katya smiled. “And your personality...you remind me of Ikkaku. She’s the only other woman on our crew.”
“You have another woman in your crew?”
“Yeah, it’s the two of us. Plus seventeen guys, one male bear and Law.”
“It’s tough when there’s only two women, right?” Nami sighed. “Trying to keep Luffy in line is hard enough, but those idiots are a nightmare to handle.”
“You’re not their mother.”
“It feels like I am.” Nami muttered.
“If we let Caesar escape, the entire plan will be ruined.” Law’s voice cut through the women’s conversation.
“What are you talking about? We’re not all here yet!” Luffy shouted from down on the ground. “Several of my nakama haven’t arrived!”
“Mocha isn’t here either!”
Katya made her way to Law and stood with him as they waited. The Captain of the Heart Pirates looked tired. Katya put her hand on his wrist and felt the heartbeat there, reminding herself that he was alive. They were both alive, and they were going to see their crew again.
“Why are they like this?” Law muttered.
“They fight for what they love.” Katya said thoughtfully. “They fight for their friends and they fight to be free. They just happen to save people on the way.”
Law looked across at the freckled woman with surprise at her insight into the Straw Hats. Even so, if they didn’t leave soon....
“LUFFY!” A voice rang out as the doors were closing and Katya spotted Chopper and Brook. Mocha was being carried by a number of men and she appeared to be unconscious.
“Mocha!” The children shouted. Katya went to jump down to go to the young girl, but Law held her back.
“There’s not enough time, we need to leave now!”
“This place is gonna blow! Everyone get on!” Luffy cheered and the group rushed to get on the tram.
“I didn’t want the o-others eating the candy.” Mocha coughed as the tram sped along. Katya and Chopper both sat with her. There were traces of blood splattered around the girl’s mouth.
Katya felt tears come to her eyes. “Chopper-san, will she recover?”
“I’m doing my best.” He replied gravely.
“Watch out!” The Heart Pirate cried as she felt a large chunk of debris about to fall with her above them observation Haki.
Whooosh!
The concrete was kicked out of the way by the blonde Straw Hat, Sanji.
“Are you alright, my lady?” He asked as Katya watched the concrete crash down onto the tunnel behind them.
“Yes, thank you.” She replied with a smile.
“Any time!” Sanji swooned. “But I have to ask, how did you feel it coming down too?”
“Ah, I have good observation Haki. My armament Haki is terrible though, so I wouldn’t have gotten to it in time. Thank you.” Katya smiled warmly.
“SO BEAUTIFUL!” Sanji shouted with hearts in his eyes and grabbed hold of Katya’s hands. Katya blushed slightly.
“Oi, Sanji!” Luffy said cheerfully. “Look!” He pointed to Law, who was glaring daggers at Sanji.
“What do you want, bastard?” Sanji growled at him.
“Get your hands away from her, or I will cut them off right now.” Law’s eyes narrowed and put his hands on his nodachi.
“It’s okay, Law.” Katya smiled at her Captain and let go of Sanji’s hands. “Sanji-san was just being friendly!”
Law put his sword back on his shoulder but still glared at Sanji.
“What’s his problem?” Sanji muttered and took a drag of his cigarette.
“Vergo made some threats against me earlier. I guess Law doesn’t want anyone touching me that he distrusts.”
“Katya, come sit at the front with us!” Luffy’s arms stretched towards Katya and grabbed her by the torso, pulling her against the pirate.
“STRAW HAT!” Law gritted his teeth.
“Ow...” Katya untangled herself from Luffy.
Drip!
A single drop of blood fell to the ground. The trio of pirates glanced down. Katya’s green coat had a small red stain spreading across it. The wounds from Monet...she’d ignored them all this time.
“I think-“ Katya began, but then a humongous explosion rocked the entire island to the core as elsewhere in the facility, and caused the whole research building D to explode in a cloud of fire and gas.
~
“Hang on, Katya.” Law murmured. “We’re outside.”
“I trust you.” Katya said weakly. Usopp was helping apply pressure to the wounds on her stomach as the tram rolled to a stop outside the facility.
“You guys finally made it!” A voice said from above them. Franky in a huge armour was stood on top of the SAD transportation ship. “Super!”
The children cheered and looked at him in awe. Katya, Tashigi, Robin and Nami just sighed. Men.
“Buffalo...Baby 5!” Law cried seeing the two people that were blocking their way.
“Law?!” The young woman on the ground said. “Are you really going against Joker?!”
“You traitor!” Buffalo said angrily. “Joker was saving the Seat of Hearts for you!”
“That belonged to one man alone!” Katya said to the two angrily. “As if Law would try to take his place!”
“Takimi Katya!” The large man exclaimed.
“They’re the enemy!” Law said to Luffy and the two executives leapt into the air with Caesar. Katya watched as Nami electrocuted the escaping trio and Usopp fired rubble at them. Caesar had kairoseki wrapped around him and he began to plummet towards the ocean.
“We did it.” Katya said to Law with a pained grin. “I need to check on the kids!” She declared, but when she tried to sit up, she gasped in pain. Law said nothing, but picked her up bridal style and carried her down from the tram.
“But-“
“Katya-ya, for once in your life, be quiet and let me look after you.” Law looked down at her and she felt her heart flutter. “You destroyed the manufacturing room perfectly as we planned, so stop trying to do more. Now, let me do my job as your Captain.”
“I really have the best doctor in the world.” Katya rested her head against his chest and let him carry her away.
Chapter 30: Looking At Her
Summary:
Law has a discussion with Smoker. The children meet the Navy.
Chapter Text
“It’s okay, Sind.” Katya said soothingly as the young boy floated in pieces around the small cave Law was using as an impromptu medical hub. “He needs to take the poison out of you. This is the best and quickest way to do so.” She beamed. “It’s part of his powers. You’re in the best hands!”
“His hands say ‘DEATH’ on them!” Jess pointed out.
“Eh, that part’s for the aesthetic.”
“Get out here, Law!” Chopper screamed from the doorway. The reindeer had run in a moment ago when Law had been cutting Sind in pieces. “You! What were you doing to the children?! If anything has happened to them then I-“
“It’s okay, Chopper-san!” Katya called.
“That’s why I told you not to look in here.” Law said in annoyance. “I was just slicing them up.”
“Ahhhhh!!” Chopper screeched and ran inside to where Katya was.
“They’ve been fed narcotics. Their recovery will be long and hard. There’s no way around that. But I did what I could.”
The children smiled at Chopper as he entered. Katya shook her head with a grin. Law must be feeling better if he was saying dark things to scare the small doctor.
Katya was lying on the floor with her coat under her as a makeshift pillow. Her stomach was wrapped in bandages and she looked exhausted. She had refused to let Law do anything more than basic bandages and sterilisation as he had been exhausting his powers the whole day in the fight with Vergo and beyond.
“Hello.” A voice came from the door. Tashigi walked in holding a notepad. Her glasses were broken. Katya eyed her skeptically.
“Children.” Tashigi said with a smile. “From now on, the Navy will take care of you.”
“No way!” The children all cried. Katya tried to get to her feet but winced. Law gave her a warning look and she laid back down.
“This whole thing is the Navy’s fault!” Katya protested angrily to Tashigi.
“Please, Katya-san, I want to return them to their families!”
“You mean....we’ll see Momma and Daddy?” Jess said after a short moment. The young girl took Katya’s hand. “I don’t want to leave onee-chan....but I want to go home!”
“Jess...” Katya welled up.
“She’s right.” Ally said. “Onee-chan, you’ve looked after us all this time. But we need to go home.”
“I’m going to have them treated by Vegapunk and returned to their families.” Tashigi bowed to Katya. “I promise that I will take care of them and will not rest until they are safe!”
Katya looked up at the group of children, who had tears in their eyes.
“You’re the best big sister ever!” The children said in unison and Katya let out a sob as they rushed forward to her side. The kids began to hug her one by one as she cried. Law looked on with a small smile hidden under the brim of his hat.
~
“Supper is ready!” Sanji called from outside, and the female Marine led the children out of the room. The group were all still booing at Tashigi and saying that the Marines were ‘pooey’. Katya was incredibly proud of them.
“Help me up?” Katya asked Law, who obliged and helped her to her feet.
“Oi, Straw Hat.” Law said seriously as they went outside, Katya leaning slightly on him for support. “We need to leave this place quickly. If we stay and eat, new enemies will arrive.”
“Really?” Luffy replied in surprise.
“Tell everyone else.”
“Everyone!” Luffy said loudly. “New enemies are on the way! So hurry up....and party!” He raised his fist and the whole mismatched group of Marines, pirates and children roared in appreciation.
“KANPAI!”
“Hahahaha!” Katya laughed from beside Law as she watched Luffy put chopsticks into his nose and dance and dance around. It hurt her stomach, though, so she ended up making a whining noise when she did.
“These idiots.” Law said in exasperation.
“Mocha woke up!” Chopper called to the two Heart Pirates happily and came over with the girl. Chopper handed him a bowl of food. “Here!”
“Thank you for everything, onee-chan!” Mocha said.
“I’m just glad you’re feeling better.” Katya beamed as Mocha gave her a bowl of food herself.
“Sanji’s cooking is the best!” Chopper cried joyously as he tucked into his own food.
“Go and eat, Law. I’ll try to persuade Luffy to hurry up.” Katya squeezed Law’s arm and went to join the group.
“She’s an interesting woman.” Smoker appeared by Law.
“Aye, she is.” The man said back with a nod.
“It would be hard to not love a woman like her.” He said gruffly, inhaling one of his large cigars.
Law took a sip of the bowl of broth. It wasn’t something him and Katya had ever said to each other. The last time someone had loved him, truly loved him, they had been murdered right before him by Doflamingo.
“Katya-ya is a member of my crew. Nothing more.”
“Bullshit. Do you know what I saw when we were in that blasted lab?”
Law did not reply.
“Every time you looked at her when she wasn’t paying attention was like a hungry man looking at a meal, but starving himself because he thought it was the better course of action.”
Law lowered his hat over his eyes with an unreadable expression.
“And she looked at you like that too. So do yourselves a favour and just tell her. Life on these seas is too short to not go after what you want.” Smoker stood up and walked away from the pirate.
Law looked across at Katya grinning and grabbing a drink with the Straw Hats. He had kissed her at the lab, and they hadn’t talked about it at all yet.
“Maybe.” He murmured as the Marine Vice-Admiral headed towards his subordinates. “Maybe one day.”
But first, he had to ensure that Joker was taken down.
Chapter 31: Just As They Remembered
Summary:
The group call Doflamingo. Law and Katya have some private time.
Chapter Text
Katya waved tearily with Nami and Chopper as the children left, even though G-5 tried to block their view of them.
“Keep singing!” She beamed at them as the ship sailed away from the island.
“Thank you, KATYA ONEE-CHAN!” They shouted to her happily. Katya kept waving until the ship had disappeared beyond the horizon.
“Law...” she pouted.
“No.”
“You didn’t even know what I was going to say!”
“You’re not adopting a child or a pet for the sub.”
“Tch.” Katya scowled childishly.
“Don’t you dare think of tainting Katya-chwan!” Sanji went to kick Law, but he moved out of the way in time.
“Bit late for that. That ship sailed years ago.” Katya snorted at the blonde man’s weird version of chivalry. Robin chuckled next to Sanji as the man fell to the group and wept, muttering about Law being a ‘filthy bastard’.
The Thousand Sunny was a beautiful ship, Katya had to admit as the crew climbed aboard.
“This grass is great!” Katya exclaimed and took off her shoes to put her bare feet on the Sunny’s deck. “What a cool idea!”
“Katya-chan, try a tangerine!” Nami shouted and threw her one of the ones from a large grove of trees that also were on the deck.
“Thank you!” She called back and began to peel it, placing her bag on the deck by the mast. When the G-5 marines went back into the building to save their gas-affected nakama, Katya had briefly joined them and retrieved hers and Law’s belongings from their rooms. A few things had been unsalvageable, but she had gathered what she could.
She took a bite happily as she went to stand next to Law, who was looking intently at a Den Den Mushi in his hands.
“It’s okay, you don’t have to explain.” A deep voice could be heard coming from the snail. “You two were just following my orders.”
“What a surprise.” Law said into the receiver. “I didn’t expect the boss himself to show up.”
Katya went to gasp but Law gave her a warning look and she remained silent.
“Is that Law?” The snail’s face twisted into Doflamingo’s. “I haven’t seen you in a long time. It’s a shame you’re not here.”
“It you’re looking for Caesar, he’s with me.”
“J-Joker! Help me!” Caesar screamed. Katya kicked the man, his Logia fruit neutralised by the kairoseki chains around him.
“Shut up!”
“Oh, that must be the woman who ate my dear traitor brother’s Devil Fruit. You were very rude to me when I was trying to talk to Vergo. How are you, Takimi Katya?”
“Better now I can beat the shit out of this bastard without Haki.” Katya growled. “How are you?”
“I can see why you like her, Law. Don’t think that the information about your little relationship hasn’t made its way back to me.”
“Why is everyone so obsessed with something that happened years ago? We’re not even together anymore!” Katya threw her hands into the air and continued to kick Caesar in annoyance. Law continued to talk to Doflamingo as Caesar cried out in pain.
“Stop kicking me, you bitch!”
“I’ll kick you as much as I want! You don’t deserve to live after what you did to those children!” She roared at him. “If we didn’t need your dumb ass alive, I’d kill you myself!”
“Katya-ya.” Law said as he hung up on Doflamingo after his demands. “Please stop hurting Caesar. I don’t know a place on this ship where I could show my true level of appreciation of you doing that.” He smirked at her. “Besides, we need to talk.”
Katya bit her lip and smiled cheekily. “Ah, good point. Hey, Nami!” She called to the young woman and the navigator walked over. Katya kicked Caesar once more before turning to the orange haired woman. “Where’s a good place on board for Law and I to talk and not be disturbed?”
“Hm? I mean, the aquarium room is pretty good if you want some peace. Robin has her book collection in there. The door locks to most of the rooms on the ship due to, well, Luffy, so if you need to have a private talk, you can.”
“Actually, I would prefer to use your medical room.” Law said. “I need to sort out Katya’s bandages whilst we talk.”
“You can use it!” Chopper piped up. “It’s that door up there.”
“Thank you.”
~
“So, what did you want to talk about?” Katya sat down on the bed that was in the medical bay. Law reached for her top and gently pulled it off her, examining her bandages.
“These need attending to.” He muttered. “ROOM. Scan.” He used his power and focused on her stomach.
He got to work stitching her stomach back together. It was quick work but Katya had the feeling that it would still scar. Bye bye bikini season, all thanks to that stupid harpy woman.
“You said you wanted to talk, but you’ve hardly said a word.” Katya commented as he tied off the last of her stitches with expert precision.
“It’s about what Vergo said.”
“Law.”
“It made me furious. The idea of someone violating you like that.”
“Hey, I’m okay.” Katya smiled reassuringly. “Well, mostly okay. My stomach has seen better days, but it’ll heal. See?” She ran her hand over it in demonstration. “Soon, it’ll be all muscles, like yours.”
She poked his t-shirt in the centre of his chest. “Although maybe not that muscley.” She blushed, realising what she was doing.
“Law, can I ask you a question?”
He nodded silently.
“Why did you kiss me?”
Katya stood up to face him and he looked away with a slight flush to his cheeks. She gently lifted her hand and lifted his chin so he was facing her.
“Katya...you need to stop.”
“Why?” She murmured.
“Because if you don’t stop looking at me like that, I’m likely to lock this door and take you right here right now against this wall.”
Katya arched an eyebrow at Law. “We both know you’ve wanted into my pants since before we left Amazon Lily.”
“Katya-ya,” Law flipped the young woman against the wall and pinned her to it, not forcefully due to her injuries but enough to keep Katya still. “We are in the medical room of a ship that isn’t ours.”
“There are worse places to be.”
“We could die on this mission.”
“So I guess it’s not a great time to figure out what’s happening here.”
“Absolutely not.” Law growled.
The two stared at each other for a moment before both went in for a desperate kiss. Law’s hands released Katya’s wrists and she pulled him closer to her, deepening the kiss.
“Fuck, Katya-ya, you really will ruin me one day.” Law drew away for a moment.
“I’d rather you ruin me.” Katya whispered. “Do you really think I haven’t forgiven you by now?”
Law’s gaze snapped up to Katya’s eyes, which were dilated and hooded.
“This is such a bad idea.” His voice was low.
“Do you really want to talk right now about all the reasons that we shouldn’t? Or do you want to touch me?”
Law paused for a moment, then put a hand behind him to click the lock of door to the medical room. A few silent achingly long seconds passed, and then they dived for each other.
The two grabbed at each other desperately. Katya shoved away Law’s coat and immediately tried to yank his shirt off him. Law pulled the garment off and helped Katya remove the gown. She gasped and dove back down to kiss him, feeling his bare chest against hers.
“Fuck.”
“Wait.” Katya suddenly said, and clicked her fingers. “Silent.”
Law smirked. “Good idea. We don’t exactly want that poor Straw Hat doctor to be traumatised by hearing us.” He traced his fingers down to Katya’s clit and she moaned softly. The noise was beyond satisfying and Law hummed appreciatively.
“Who was the last person that touched you like this?” He growled.
“You know who.” Katya said back, panting.
“I’m going to make you forget he ever touched you.” Law began to kneel down towards the ground and Katya’s eyes widened. He wasn’t going to- oh, he was.
Law’s tongue was soft and skilled against Katya’s most sensitive area. There was so much enthusiasm in every stroke that it was driving her mad. Her fingers found his hair and she let moans escape her mouth as he continued.
“S-Shit, Law...” she gasped and began to feel her legs turn to jelly. A few moments more, waves of pleasure flooded over her and she cried out loudly. Her fruit was working still, thankfully, or someone would have come running.
Law brought his head back up and Katya fumbled with his belt, feeling his arousal against her.
“You see what you do to me, woman?” Law tugged at her lip with his teeth.
“Please, Law..”
“What do you want, Katya-ya...?” He caught her wrists attempting to pull down his trousers.
“Please, Law...you know what I want.”
“Say it.”
“I want you to make me come so hard I see stars. Like you used to.”
Law smirked and relented his hold on her and she pulled down his trousers, releasing his cock.
“As you remember it, Katya-ya?”
“Mm.” she licked her lips. “Remind me.”
Law lifted her up and Katya’s back hit the wall with a gentle thump. His arms were strong and she could feel the muscles moving against her. Law kissed her deeply and then went for her neck, kissing and biting and grazing his teeth over every spot that made her beg for more.
Those moans, Law thought, were the best music she could make. A symphony of pleasure. He used his power to quickly get a small square foil packet from the cabinet. Thank goodness the Straw Hats had thought of such things to have on the ship. Though he made a mental note to find out if any of the Straw Hats were together in case the alliance went sour.
Katya kissed up his neck and by his ears as he tore off the wrapper and slid the condom onto himself.
“Are you sure?” Law whispered.
“Yes.” Katya breathed out and moaned loudly as Law slid into her.
“God.”
“I don’t think he has much to do with this.”
“Shut up, Law.”
Law growled and thrust up into her. The woman gasped and bucked her hips into him.
“I-I get it, I’ll be quiet.” She said, her voice shaky.
“On the contrary.” Law said as he held her up in his arms and then sank her back down onto him. “Scream for me, Katya-ya.”
He set a rough and intense pace. Katya groaned loudly and ground down against him as much as she could. Law’s fingers dug deeper into where he was holding her ass up, and Katya’s nails were beginning to rake down Law’s back. The two looked at each other panting hard as Law kept thrusting into her.
“L-Law.” Katya’s head threw back in pure ecstasy.
“You’re mine, Katya-ya.”
“I always was.” Those three words were enough to send Law over the edge as he came hard. A few more frantic thrusts and Katya also came undone, half-screaming as she tensed and felt a shudder through her body. The two breathed hard, Law’s forehead resting against Katya’s neck.
“Why didn’t we do this sooner?” Katya murmured, her breathing ragged.
“You were still mad at me.”
“Feels like a dumb reason now.” She gasped as Law slid out of her and lowered her back to the ground. He took off the condom and put it in a bin near the medical bed. Katya took a step towards him but her legs felt weak and she began to slide downwards. Law caught her and scooped her up into his arms.
“I really hope that you used your Devil Fruit throughout that, or the whole ship is going to have heard you screaming my name.”
Chapter 32: Sandwiches
Summary:
Law and Katya spend time together. Dressrosa plans are made.
Chapter Text
The night passed calmly. It was warm outside and there was a gentle breeze. It was as if Katya had used her powers. There was little sound at all over the deck. After the two Heart Pirates had dressed themselves and gone back to the crew, they had slid themselves back into the schedule of discussing strategy and then having dinner. Robin had given Katya a calculating look from across the table, but that had been all.
Law, unable to stand being asleep anywhere where he couldn’t immediately be alert for the arrival of the News Coo, had sat on the deck under the stars. Katya had joined him and retrieved some blankets and pillows from the girls’ room.
After a while of dozing with his chin resting on his chest, Law realised it was too impractical to sleep upright against the mast. Katya had fallen asleep almost immediately. Her knives were lying on their belt next to her and she was sleeping soundly.
‘It would be hard not to love a woman like her...I suggest you tell her that.’ Smoker’s voice echoed in Law’s head as he looked down at Katya. The freckles over her nose moved slightly as she twitched her nose in her sleep.
Law laid down next to her, Kikoku by his side. He put an arm around her and she snuggled into his chest. She was so...good, Law thought. Katya was good in the way that she always wanted to help everyone. She was passionate in everything she did, whether it was being with the crew, fighting, making love or singing. The brunette put her heart and soul into everything she did. How could he possibly be worthy of a woman like that? Especially after he’d already royally screwed her up once.
Thoughts swirled around his head until he finally succumbed to sleep. By the time the morning came, Law and Katya were curled up next to each other under the blanket. Sanji wasn’t impressed when he found them like that in the morning, but had relented when he saw how Katya looked as she slept, which he declared to be goddess-like.
The News Coo arrived shortly after dawn. Law had immediately woken Katya up and within a few minutes, the Straw Hats had also gathered around. Brook retrieved the paper and spread it out for them to read. Doflamingo had resigned from the Shichibukai just as Law had demanded.
The news of their alliance had spread to the papers. Katya folded open the paper to read it.
“Wait...that’s Kid!” She pointed at the article. “Basil Hawkins, Eustass Kid and Scratchman Apoo form an alliance.”
“Hm.” Law mused.
“Kid’s scars...” she grimaced. “Shanks-san must have really done a number on him.”
“He fought Shanks?” Luffy said with surprise.
“Yes. I left just before they went at each other. Shanks-san wasn’t very happy with him because he’d called me a bitch a few minutes prior. I’m surprised he’s still alive.” Katya mused.
“HOW MANY SCARY PEOPLE DO YOU KNOW?!” Usopp screamed, which Katya ignored.
“Forget about them.” Law said, standing up from where the group. “It’s time to call Doflamingo.”
~
The phone call went terribly. Luffy screamed down the phone for half of it and then fantasised about meat when Joker claimed there was something the young man wanted. Law had negotiated with Doflamingo and then put the receiver down. Katya elected to say nothing. The moment Luffy grabbed the receiver, she knew that it would go wrong.
“Tra-guy, have you been to that island? Dressroba?”
“It’s ‘rosa’!” Law snapped back. “I’ve never been there. It’s that bastard’s kingdom.”
“Well then, let’s just figure everything out when we get there!” Luffy grinned. “It’s gonna be an adventure!”
“Ah, Luffy...” Katya said cautiously.
“I wanna go to the Wano Kingdom soon, too!” The boy continued.
“Don’t be ridiculous! We can’t just show up without a plan!” Law shouted. Luffy ignored him and ran past.
“Oi, Sanji, I’m hungry! What do we have for breakfast?” Luffy ran up the stairs happily and Katya winced at the look on Law’s face.
“Sandwiches.” Sanji replied.
Five.
“Oh no.” Katya’s eyes widened. “L-Law, calm down!” She said frantically as the man had a thousand yard stare at the kitchen.
“Hm? Katya-chan?” Sanji turned around.
Four.
“I could have prevented this.” She looked at Sanji apologetically. “I’m sorry.”
“I want a cotton candy sandwich!”
Three.
“I’ll just have a cup of tea.”
“I’m gonna have cola!”
Two.
“Yohohoho, a glass of milk for me!”
“I think the best breakfast in the world is Sanji-kun’s sandwiches.”
One.
Law snapped completely, and Katya winced at the knowledge of what was to come.
“I DON’T LIKE BREAD!”
~
“I can’t tell you why we’re being chased. But we set sail for a place called Zou originally.” Kin’emon said with a mouthful of sandwich to the room. Law was tucking into his onigiri which Katya had begged Sanji to make in order to calm Law down.
“Zou?” Katya’s eyes widened and she looked to Law.
“Do you know it?” Kin’emon inquired.
“After handing over Caesar and destroying the SMILE factory, we were going to head for Zou.” Law said.
“Really?!”
“Our crew is there.” Katya said with a fond smile, thinking of Ikkaku’s laughter, Bepo’s fuzzy coat and Shachi and Penguin’s smiles. “I miss them.”
“What are they like?” Nami asked in curiosity. “You said there were about twenty of you.”
“They’re a great crew. They can all fight so well you could barely tell that they’re actually a bunch of goofy guys making their way in the world.” Katya grinned. “Bepo, the bear, he’s our navigator. Law’s known him a long time. Even longer than I have. Shachi and Penguin, too.”
“Why aren’t they here, then?” Brook asked curiously.
“Law went to Punk Hazard alone. I was training, and since Doflamingo is after me, I figured that it was a task best done by two.”
Law rolled his eyes as Katya continued.
“Besides, I could make sure no-one heard us sneaking around the facility.”
“Oh? Is that your Devil Fruit power, Katya-chan?” Robin said.
“Yes. It’s the Calm Calm Fruit. I can make things soundproof or silent if I want to. It’s good for stealth.”
“It sounds like a cool power!” Luffy grinned. “Can I see?”
“It’s not very exciting.” She admitted. “Here.” She got up from the table and went to stand next to Luffy.
“Okay, so right now you can hear everyone, yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“Silent.” Katya made a bubble around the two of them. “How about now?”
“Woah! I can’t hear them! Oiiiii, Zoro!” Luffy said loudly and waved enthusiastically at the confused man.
“When people are in my bubble or touched by my power, they can’t hear anything outside the bubble. You can’t hear them, and at the same time, they can’t hear us. You could say anything to them and they wouldn’t hear.”
“Usopp is stupid!” Luffy said with a grin. Katya laughed at the bemused expressions of the people sat around the table and lowered the bubble.
“What were you saying? We couldn’t hear a thing!” Chopper said, looking at the two with sparkling eyes.
“I was explaining to Luffy that within the bubble, we cannot hear the outside world and they cannot hear us. I can also make myself completely silent when I wish. You can’t even hear my feet when I walk.”
“A useful power indeed.” Robin smiled.
“It’ll come in handy when we get to Dressrosa, hopefully.” Katya said. “We’re going to take Doflamingo down!”
“Yeah!” The table cheered, aside from Law, who was silently eating his onigiri, and Robin, whose eyes were focused on the Heart Pirate captain with a knowing look as she sipped her cup of tea.
Chapter 33: Dressrosa
Summary:
Katya and Law clash over plans for Dressrosa. Luffy makes decisions for them.
Chapter Text
After Kin’emon told them about his mission and Luffy declared that they would help him, Katya went back out to the deck and sat with Nami, who showed her the tangerine trees.
“I see an island!” Robin called from the lookout post after an hour or so.
“We made it! It’s Dressrosa!” Luffy exclaimed triumphantly.
“You idiot! Don’t shout! Doflamingo will hear us!” Usopp hissed at him.
“No, he won’t.” Katya and Zoro said at the same time.
“Use your powers, I don’t want to risk it!” Usopp cried and shook Katya by the arm as she giggled.
As the ship pulled into an alcove to drop anchor, the group gathered together to discuss strategy.
“When we get into the city, I’ll be sneaking into the factory and aiming to destroy it. I’m not a strong fighter. I can hold my own, and I have good Observation, but my armament Haki is not up to handling Doflamingo or his executives yet.” Katya told the crew. “I don’t plan to die here, so I’ll need help.”
“I’ll protect you, Katya-chwaaaaan!” Sanji ran up to her wiggling.
Nami hit the blonde man in the stomach with a large blue stick and he doubled over. Law looked approving of the woman’s actions. “Focus, Sanji-kun. So the plan is we go to the city after the exchange?”
“Yes. I want as few people on the exchange team as possible.” Law said. “Katya-ya, I want you to stay with the ship team when we go to Green Bit.”
“Law-“ Katya said in surprise.
“I am not risking you being so close to Doflamingo.” He snapped.
“I’ll heed your decision, CAPTAIN.” She said stiffly.
Law ignored her outburst and continued to talk with the others. Katya walked off in the direction of Luffy, who was attacking Momonosuke for some unknown reason.
“Hey, Katya, let’s go explore!” Luffy said and grabbed her round the waist, whilst Law discussed the Vivre Card with Nami.
“Luffy, we can’t just g-“
“Hurry up, Zoro!” Luffy lifted Katya up off the ground. The young woman squeaked as he started to run with Katya under his arm towards the town, with Franky, Sanji, Zoro and Kin’emon in tow.
“W-Wait!” Katya looked back at the direction they came in but her view was blocked as they went around a corner.
~
“Luffy, I told you, it’s not safe for me here!” Katya hissed angrily when the young pirate captain eventually put her down as they entered Acacia, the port town. The toys running around were something to behold, but she was still incredibly nervous.
“But you’ve got us with you! So let’s go look round! We’ll even have disguises!”
“Katya-san, I can make you an outfit.” Kin’emon said. “Maybe a very revealing one?”
“No way!” Katya scowled, before thinking for a moment. “Actually...” she fumbled through her bag and pulled out a picture of her purse of a picture she had taken of her, Shachi and Penguin on Amazon Lily. She had had a superhero style mask on as well as feathers on her eyelashes, with a black fitted suit, as she’d done an impromptu concert for the warriors and the crew. “Can you make me look like this?”
“Of course.”
Katya grabbed a leaf from the ground and put it on her head.
POOF!
“SO BEAUTIFUL!!” Sanji swooned.
“Wow!” Katya was impressed. “It even feels like the outfit. Thanks!”
The group wandered around and Katya had to begrudgingly admit that Dressrosa was a beautiful place. Despite the oddities of the toys and the women of the country apparently STABBING men that were unfaithful to them, by the time Katya got to the restaurant Luffy dragged them too, she was feeling a little less anxious.
“Thanks for ordering for me, Sanji-san.” Katya smiled gratefully at the man, who had sensed her anxiety about being in a crowded place.
“You’re quite welcome. I understand your worry, but none of us will let anything happen to you. Even the marimo has some uses.”
“Marimo?” Katya tilted her head in confusion. Sanji grinned and pointed at Zoro, who was giving the chef an annoyed look. Katya burst out into a fit of giggles.
“Hey, Katya, you’re feeling better!” Luffy said happily.
“A little.” She admitted.
“Katya-chan, try this!” Sanji passed her a bowl of soup and she tucked in. It was delicious and she sighed with happiness. The blonde man practically radiated joy as she took a bite of the bread and giggled to herself.
“Sorry I forgot to tell you about Law’s bread issues, Sanji-san.”
Sanji waved a hand in dismissal. “It’s no problem. Say, Katya-chan, where are you from originally? We’ve not really had much of a chance to get to know you.”
“I’m from the North Blue. Forhargo.”
“Really?” The man beamed. “I’m also from the North Blue, but I moved to the East Blue when I was young. That’s where I met this crazy lot.”
“You must have had some interesting adventures,” Katya looked across at Luffy “especially with him as Captain.”
“Luffy is a SUPER Captain!” Franky chipped in. “We’re never bored!”
“I can imagine. Sanji-san, can you pass me the salad please?”
“Of course, Katya-chwaaan!”
Katya took the bowl from him gratefully, but found herself staring at his curly eyebrows.
“Hm? Katya-chan, is everything okay?”
“Yeah, just...you remind me of someone I saw once. He wasn’t as nice as you. Green hair, but had similar eyebrows. Dressed like some guy out of the Germa comics.” She laughed. “Passed by him in a port in North Blue shouting at some guy. Must have been a costume contest.”
Sanji had paled significantly. “Yeah, must have been.”
“Katya, are you worried about Tra-guy?” Luffy interrupted as he seemed to inhale the food he was eating. Katya turned to the Straw Hat captain and nodded.
“Law is determined to take down Doflamingo. I fear what could happen if he goes too far.” She gripped her napkin.
“It’ll be okay! We’re all friends, now, after all!” Luffy said with an encouraging grin.
“I’m going to the restroom. I’ll be back in a moment.” Katya got to her feet and headed over to the bathrooms. It would give her a minute to calm down.
There were loud crashes whilst Katya washed her hands, and she rolled her eyes. She assumed Luffy was causing a ruckus with his horrendous eating habits. She exited the bathroom and to her shock and horror, everything was covered in dust and Zoro and Kin’emon were arguing.
“What the hell happened in the TWO MINUTES I left you alone?” Katya wailed.
“An old blind man beat up some guys and fairies stole Zoro’s swords.” Luffy said.
“Seriously?” Katya looked at Franky for confirmation.
“He’s not lying. They took your purse, too.”
Katya growled in annoyance. “I’m beginning to see why Law has such high blood pressure with you around. You attract trouble more than we do!”
Chapter 34: Katland
Summary:
Things go awry in Dressrosa as the tournament begins. Katya meets some interesting new allies.
Chapter Text
Katya had stayed with Franky and Luffy as they left the restaurant. Zoro, Sanji and Kin’emon had run off, which presented a problem, but now there was an even bigger issue. They had found out that the Mera Mera no Mi was the prize for the tournament that Doflamingo was holding. Portgas D. Ace’s Devil Fruit.
“It’s obviously a trap, Luffy.” Katya said as they stood outside the huge colosseum. A toy soldier had just been chased away by a bunch of mean looking goons. “But I know how much Ace means to you, so we’ll do what I can to buy you time. Enter and win. I’ll stay with Franky-san and we’ll look to get information on the location of the factory.”
“Thanks, Katya!”
“Go kick their asses, Luffy.”
“Count on me!” Luffy grinned at the two of them and left to enter the colosseum.
“Franky-san.” Katya said thoughtfully.
“Just Franky, please.”
“Then call me Katya, too.” She smiled, then said more seriously “Franky, that toy soldier from back there, he seemed to know a lot about the state of the town. He’s probably a local. He might know where the factory is!”
“Super good thinking, Katya!” Franky nodded and they walked over to the toy soldier, who had moved away from the guards and was now stood by the noticeboard.
“Excuse me?” Katya said politely.
“Ah! Young lady! What do you want?”
“We’re sorry to bother you, but were you born...or should I say made...in this country?”
“Of course! I was born and raised here. I’m a pure Dressrosan!”
Katya grinned up at Franky and the cyborg walked forward.
“Can we ask you something? Do you know if any of the big guns of the Donquixote Family are here today?” Franky inquired.
“W-Why do you want to know such a thing?!” The toy exclaimed. It didn’t have much facial expression, but the voice said volumes about its state of shock.
“We can’t tell you why.” Franky said and leaned down to look at the soldier menacingly. “Alright, then do you know something about the factory?”
“The factory?!” The toy half screamed. “B-But why would you want to go there?”
“We have business there. Now I suggest you tell us what you know.”
~
Katya was beside herself with panic as her and Franky with the Soldier went down toward an area named the Flower Field. If Doflamingo wasn’t resigning from the Shichibukai, then the handover of Caesar would fail.
Toys were once human? Not an issue. Luffy, Zoro, Kin’emon and Sanji had left or were missing? Not an issue. Her Captain potentially being murdered right now? Shockingly, that took priority in Katya’s brain.
“We’ve been waiting for you, Commander!” A large amount of very small creatures cheered upon Franky, herself and the Soldier entering the room.
“Well that’s new.” The freckled woman observed the small creatures. Zoro was with them. Perhaps these were the mysterious fairies that they had been warned about, as Zoro had his swords back.
“Thank you, everyone!” The tin soldier said. Katya walked over to Zoro. The swordsman was watching the broadcast of Luffy fighting.
“Zoro, the trade..”
“I know. Don’t worry, Katya.” The man put a hand on her shoulder. “Leave it to fate.”
“THAT’S NOT THE PLAN HERE!” She screamed at him.
The small creatures, known as Tontatta, introduced themselves to Franky and Katya. They declared that they would all fight with her, calling her ‘Katland’. An odd nickname, but given the number of things that were making Katya confused and stressed at the present time, it was very low on the list of what was surprising. They told her that their princess was trapped in the factory and would do whatever it took to get her back.
“Your Princess?”
“Yes, Princess Mansherry! She was taken there and held captive!”
“I was planning to blow it up.” Katya replied to them sheepishly.
“Ehh?!”
“Don’t worry. If that’s the case, we’ll get Princess Mansherry out beforehand.”
“We’ll all come with you!” One of the Tontatta said determinedly, and the rest nodded in agreement.
“Listen, I’m grateful for your help,” Katya said with concern. “but this needs to be a stealth mission! There’s so many of you! You’ll be seen!”
“Not if we can help it!” One of them leapt up to sit on her shoulder, a female Tontatta with wavy blonde hair and a fierce expression. “We’re fast, Katland!” A sudden whoosh and the tiny creature appeared not far from her. She hadn’t even seen her move!
“That was so fast!”
“That was Freya. She’s so quick!” Another said.
“Wow. Maybe this will work.” Katya smiled, impressed with the tiny creatures. Freya jumped back onto Katya’s arm. They were kind of cute, and definitely speedy.
“Hey!” A small voice could be heard from the tunnel and Katya could sense hundreds of the small creatures moving towards them, along with...
“Usopp! Robin! Where’s Law?” She demanded.
“He was fighting Doflamingo.” Robin answered gravely.
“I should have been there with him! I shouldn’t have let Luffy drag me off and into the city!” Katya began panicking.
“Katya-chan, do you not have faith in your Captain?” Robin said calmly. Katya’s head snapped up.
“Yes.” She replied immediately. “I trust him with my life.”
“Then have faith in him.” Robin smiled gently and placed her hand on Katya’s shoulder.
“I just don’t trust him with his.” She muttered.
“Don’t worry, Katland! Lawland sounds strong!” Freya said, her small tail wiggling.
Purupurupurupru!
“Sanji!” Usopp answered the Den Den Mushi that was placed on the ground by them. “What’s going on?”
“We barely outran the Navy and Doflamingo. We’re gonna head for Zou. We have the Vivre Card.”
“Huh? No, wait, Sanji! Are you leaving us?!” Usopp said frantically.
“Sorry. You’ll need to meet us there.” Sanji replied.
“Where’s Law, Sanji-san?” Katya demanded, snatching the receiver from Usopp.
“Law...he left the ship and Caesar to us.” Sanji said with a grimace. “He’s going after Doflamingo alone.”
~
Katya sat quietly as the others discussed strategy on the Den Den Mushi. Lost in her thoughts, she focused on the layout of the factory that was pinned to the wall. She made sure to memorise every corner, every hiding place she would be able to use in order to infiltrate the factory. Have faith in Law, she repeated to herself in her head. Have faith in him.
BOOM!
The earth began to shake suddenly and Katya fell over hard and landed on her back. Her necklace flew from her neck and the charm flew into the wall.
“Ow!” She cried, before looking around. “Is everyone alright?”
“Yes,” Freya said, and then hopped over to Katya. “But this came off you when you fell.” The dwarf held up the remains of Katya’s necklace out to her.
“No...” She took it from Freya’s tiny hands looking down at the chain, which was three pieces. The stethoscope was warped and broken.
“Katya-chan, are you okay?” Robin said and walked over to her.
“My necklace...” she held up the broken pieces, swallowing thickly to keep back tears.
“Oh, is it a favourite of yours?”
“Law gave it to me a long time ago....” She murmured.
“I’m sure it can be fixed.”
“I....It doesn’t matter.” Katya choked back a sob and clenched her fists in frustration.
“Oi, Zoro, I can’t hear you properly.” Franky said loudly, and she strode over to where the others were sat, determined to distract herself from the emotional blow.
“What’s going on?” She asked.
“The town! It’s like it’s coming this way!” Zoro said on the other end of the line.
CRASH!
“Tra-guy!” Luffy’s voice could be heard in the background.
“Stupid brat.” Doflamingo could be heard as well and Katya tensed.
“Oi, Tra-guy, why are you with Doflamin-“ Luffy began but then the next sound chilled Katya to the core.
A gunshot.
“You’ve pushed it too far.” Doflamingo said coldly and fired again.
“TRA-GUY!” Luffy screamed in horror down the phone.
“NO!” Katya screamed. “LAW!”
The broken pieces of her necklace slipped out of her grip and fell to the floor.
Chapter 35: Negotiations
Summary:
Katya and the others set off for the factory. Doflamingo receives an unexpected call.
Chapter Text
Every bone in Katya’s body had known that it was a bad decision and that she should stay put and help with the factory operation like Law wanted. But her heart and soul had burned with rage like she’d never felt before.
She had grabbed a Den Den Mushi and ran, but Robin had caught her and pinned her down. The group had left for the factory with Robin holding Katya in place as they raced down the narrow passageway.
“I’m sorry, Robin-san...” Katya sobbed. “I just-“
“I understand, Katya-san. But we need you for this mission. The others are retrieving Tra-guy, and he’s not dead yet.”
Katya nodded. “Robin-san, I need you to slap me.”
“Okay.” A sharp blow hit Katya’s face and she cursed loudly. She hadn’t expected Robin to not ask why, or to do it without warning. But she felt like she had snapped back to reality instead of drowning in her panic and grief.
“Thanks. Let’s go.”
Robin, Usopp and Katya, with the hoard of Tontattas, made their way to the underground section of the factory. There were multiple cargo crates surrounding them as the group rendezvoused. Leo and the others were being noisy, much to Katya’s chagrin.
“Everyone, come here.” Katya said. “I have a plan.”
“Oh?” The tin soldier said.
“I’ve not done this very much, so it may not last, but I’ve been working on a new technique that can extend my ‘Calm’ ability. Usopp, can you come here a moment?”
Usopp warily stepped towards Katya and she focused before putting her hand on his chest.
“Calm!” The pulse flew out of her and Usopp flailed around screaming. But no sound came out as he did.
“You made his noise disappear!” Robin observed.
“Yes. I can’t regulate how much of him is silenced, though. It’s a very all or nothing technique. But if anyone thinks that they would be more stealthy with it, then I can use it on you! It lasts ten minutes each time.”
Most of the Tontatta looked up at Katya in sheer awe.
“Katland is so cool!”
“It’s like being invisible, but with sound!”
“Everyone! Tell me when you need it most, and I can make you the quietest being so alive! Now, let’s go destroy this factory!” She said determinedly.
Law, Katya thought as the group followed her and Usopp further inside. I’ll complete this mission for us, so don’t you dare die until it’s done!
The underground port was enormous. There were multiple ships, huge cargo lines and a large number of people working there. Blowing it all up might no longer be an option, Katya thought as Leo pointed out the Executive Tower where Sugar was located. Not with so many lives at stake.
Two men came along after Usopp made a noise, his short amount of noiselessness up.
“Oi, you three! Which ship do you belong to?”
“Um...” Katya replied, balking.
“Intruders!” The man stepped forward to attack, but the Tontattas stole all of their clothing before Katya could reach for a knife or Robin could sprout arms on them. They wedged the two men halfway into the ground whilst Katya watched with wide eyes.
“I’ve never met a group of people quite like you all.” She commented.
“Here is your change of clothes, Usoland, Robiland!” One of them said cheerily, mistaking Usopp being frightened for a plan to get disguises.
“Katland, we’ll try to steal some for you in a moment.” Leo said with determination.
“Ah, no need, Leo-kun.” Katya said with a smile. “I’ll be fine like this. This is already a disguise.” The woman turned to Robin. “Can I borrow your Den Den Mushi? I have an important call to make. I’ll catch up with you in a few moments, I promise. Take out Sugar if you can. I’m going to try to find the manufacturing section and see if there’s a way to destroy it from above.”
“Here. Good luck.”
Whilst Robin and Usopp changed into their underling outfits, Katya made a plan.
“Everyone, come here. I will make you all silent for ten minutes, but that’s all you’ll have! Use it to get into the Executive Tower.” She said determinedly.
“Katland!”
“Everyone touch part of my body!”
She focused as the Tontattas swarmed over her. Robin and Usopp touched a finger to her.
“CALM CALM: GROUP!” She let out a pulse. The group were silent, but could still hear each other. Leo tested it by screaming loudly and no-one came running.
“Good luck everyone!”
She ran in the direction that the toy soldier had gone. She climbed into the elevator shaft carefully and clambered her way onto the top of the elevator.
“Phew.” She said in relief.
“Does this go high up?” A voice suddenly said.
“Eep!” Katya squeaked, before looking to her left. The blonde Tontatta, Freya, had followed her.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m coming with you to get inside the factory.”
“Freya-“
“Please, Katland. Princess Mansherry is one of my oldest friends. I want to help her.”
“You know the Princess?”
Freya nodded. “I knew her as a child. She was the same age as me, and I often played with her at the palace. I can identify her!”
Katya sighed. “Okay, but you must be careful.”
“I will!” The Tontatta nodded, her tiny lanced spear under her arm.
The two waited quietly on the top of the elevator, until eventually they could hear the sounds of the Soldier fighting inside.
Katya considered helping but she had to keep herself concealed. The use of the Calm Calm: Group technique was unbelievably draining on her and it felt as if she had been hit with a large hammer. She pulled out the Den Den Mushi and signalled to Freya to keep silent as she dialled a number.
Purupurupurupuru....
“Pick up, pick up..” she prayed.
~
Purupurupurupuru!
Above the surface and in a large stone walled room of the palace, Doflamingo glanced at Law, who was tied up. The sound was coming from his coat.
“Oh?” The Shichibukai leaned forward and took out a baby Den Den Mushi from Law’s inside pocket. The man was barely conscious and tied with chains to the Heart seat. “It seems you have a call, Law.”
KACHA.
“You’ve reached Law.” Doflamingo said with a sadistic smile.
“Doflamingo.” The snail’s face in front of him warped into that of a young woman with freckles.
“Ah, that must be young Katya. I thought you would be around here somewhere.” He looked down at Law, who was staring with mild panic at the Den Den Mushi. “What can I do for you?”
“Is Law there? What have you done with him?”
“Oh, yes.” Doflamingo smirked. “He’s barely alive, but he’s here. I’ve put him on the Heart seat where he should have been before he betrayed me.”
“Prove it. Let me hear him.”
“Katya-ya.” Law said gravely. “What are you playing at?”
“Good. He’s alive. Well, then. I’d like to offer you a deal.” Katya said coldly.
“Oh?”
“You want the Calm Calm Fruit which I possess. Let Law go, and I will give it to you.”
“Katya, NO.”
“Fufufufu. Sacrificing yourself for your Captain, how noble.” Doflamingo grinned at Law’s protests. “Although from what I’ve been told, he’s more than just your Captain.”
“Vergo chatted a lot of shit when he was alive.” Katya’s voice came down the other end of the line without wavering.
“She’s feisty, Law.” Doflamingo lifted up the man’s chin to look at Law’s face. “A woman like that...what a fun plaything she would be for me.”
Law’s expression was practically murderous.
“Doflamingo....have you ever cared for someone in your life? Even once?” Katya’s voice came from the Den Den Mushi.
“Not really. My terrible father, my traitor brother...they were all disappointing.”
“Then you don’t know how far someone would go to protect someone else like that.”
“It’s a tempting offer, Takimi Katya. But I’ll decline. It’ll be ever so fun to torture you two in front of one another, eh, Law?”
Law grit his teeth furiously.
“So that’s how it is.” Katya’s voice said calmly. “Okay, well, thanks for the chat. By the way, do you have the code to the doors in the SMILE factory? It’s easier to blow things up once you can travel around, you know?”
“AS IF HE’D TELL YOU!” Baby 5 screeched.
“Some nerve. She’s an interesting one, Law.” Doflamingo arched an eyebrow. “These Straw Hats and your little girlfriend have been causing me all kinds of grief today.”
“I told you I had nothing to do with them anymore. Our alliance ended. Katya is just a member of my crew.” Law spat.
“Don’t try to fool me, Law. It’s written all over your face. If I had Violet look into your mind, it would reveal the truth.”
“By the way, you Flamingo dickhead.” Katya’s voice came from the Den Den Mushi and her face became a smirk on the snail. “This palace is really quite ugly.”
KACHA.
“She’s in the palace?!” Buffalo shouted with shock. Doflamingo scowled.
“That sneaky brat.”
Chapter 36: Kuween
Summary:
Katya and Freya infiltrate the SMILE factory. The manager of the factory is not pleased.
Chapter Text
Katya looked up at the building. It would be tough. Lying to Doflamingo that they’d already reached the palace would hopefully buy them some time as they would send his underlings to the wrong place. She could sense the kairoseki surrounding the factory. There were around ten guards outside, all looking incredibly tired and tense. Time to put her singing background to use. Her and Freya had formulated a plan as they had gone up the elevator shaft.
“Hello, boys.” Katya walked, swaying her hips, towards the group of men, her noiselessness gone.
“Oi! It’s a woman!” The men said in shock, raising their guns. Katya took off the blazer that came with her suit. There was a reason she liked this costume. It was figuring hugging in all the right places.
“W-What?” The men balked as Katya dropped the garment to the floor.
“A hot summer night~” she sang gently and swished her brown hair. “Fell like a net...I’ve gotta find my baby yet....”
“Woah...” the men began to swoon as Katya sang to them, beginning to lower their guns a little. “I feel like I know that voice.”
“I need you...” Katya fluttered her eyelashes, which had purple feathers on them as part of her costume. “To soothe my head...” The men were gathered around her with hearts in their eyes.
“It’s Silena Siren!” One of the men exclaimed happily. “I love her music!”
“Turn my bluuuuue heart to red...” Katya used the tip of her finger to pull the man’s chin towards her. He was shaking and puckered his lips in order to try to kiss her.
“I changed my mind.” Katya said with a smirk. “Now!”
She pulled her special knives from Amazon Lily from her belt and the men raised their guns again. They clicked the triggers but nothing happened.
“What?!” The men said and frantically began to try to figure out what had happened to their guns. That was the least of their worries, however, as a whooshing sound went past and most of their belts had disappeared, their trousers falling to the ground.
Katya kicked the man in front of her to the ground and slashed at the other men that then rushed forward to attack her, but most found themselves tripping over their trousers.
In a few short moments, the ten men were groaning on the floor in pain. Six of them had been completely taken out by Freya, and Katya was impressed to say the least. One of the guards had a key and she took it from him. From what the beaten up man had told her, there were very few keys in existence, and he had only been given it that day as someone was ill. Freya gave Katya’s thumb a tiny high-five as the two strolled past them and straight inside the factory.
“Men. So gullible.”
~
The inside of the SMILE factory was not what Katya had imagined. There were hundreds of Tontatta inside working and the poor beings looked tired and thin. There were trees, too, with fruit growing on them. The artificial Devil Fruits apparently. Katya snuck in quietly with Freya on her shoulder and observed them at work. The small creatures seemed to be suffering immensely. There were many guards around, but thanks to her observation Haki, Katya had taken routes to avoid them as best she could. As the ten minutes had passed, the group effect was over, making it much easier for Katya to make herself and Freya silent as they snuck around.
Katya observed an area by the trees with a huge tank. The dome at the top of the factory seemed to be made mostly of glass and had artificial light. The SAD tanks, if they were anything like the last ones, would be able to be disabled.
“Freya, warn the workers to get away from the tanks.” She whispered. The dwarf nodded and sped off out of sight.
Katya made her way through the trees as quickly as she could, using her Haki to sense when there were people around her. The Heart Pirate knew her strengths. She may not be able to fight well like Law or Luffy, but she could be sneaky, and her speed had improved greatly during her training. What she lacked in strength, she made up for in nimbleness.
Katya slashed lines, set things on fire and used guns she stole from the guards to shoot up the tanks. The bullets made no sound until the fluid began to flow out of the tanks, alerting Doflamingo’s underlings, but it was too late for them to stop it. By the time she was finished, nearly all of the tanks were heavily damaged in some way or another. Several guards soon found her, though, and began shooting at her. She ran for cover by where Freya was desperately talking to the other dwarves.
“What are you doing?!” The Tontatta workers freaked out as Katya approached.
“We’re getting out of here!” She dropped her Devil Fruit and said to them.
“But Boss Kuween, she’ll vacuum us up!”
“Vacuum you?” Katya balked.
“Takimi Katya.” An angry female voice came from behind her. “How did you get into my factory?!”
Katya looked up to see a tall, large woman with blonde bunches and freckles. She had a mask over the front of her face and Katya winced at the general similarities between them, aside from the fact that she wasn’t a giant or holding a vacuum cleaner. The Heart Pirate took off her own mask and let it fall to the floor, readying her stance.
“Ah! Manager!” One of the men cried. “The SAD machines have been badly damaged!”
Katya grinned. “Yeah, that was me. And to answer your question, I stole a key.”
“How dare you! I sentence you to death!” The woman cried and swung her vacuum cleaner at Katya.
The Heart Pirate dodged and aimed a knife at the vacuum cleaner holder on the woman’s back. It ripped through the holder and air shot out of it. The large woman became infuriated and kept up her barrage of swiping against Katya, who was dipping, ducking and diving out of the way. She managed to catch Katya off guard and hit her around the temple, sending the Heart Pirate skidding across the floor.
“Stop moving!” Kuween shouted angrily and raised the cleaner above her head.
“CALM CALM: DEAFEN!” Katya jumped. The brunette placed her hands on the woman’s ears and a pulse flew out.
“Kuween-sama!” The men screamed as Katya jumped down and landed on the ground, a purple feather falling from one of her eyelashes.
“I-I can’t hear anything!” The woman’s hands came up to her ears.
“Welcome to eternal silence.” Katya said coldly, and threw one of her knives straight into the woman’s stomach. She cried out in pain and collapsed to the floor.
“MANAGER!!”
Katya held up two of her knives and smirked confidently at the men around her, who were shouting and drawing their weapons. Freya jumped onto her shoulder, her lance at the ready. The Tontatta workers looked on in awe.
“Who’s next?”
Chapter 37: What’s The Name Of The Game?
Summary:
The Tontattas and Katya plot to retrieve the Princess. Doflamingo launches a game.
Chapter Text
The smell of smoke permeated the SMILE factory as Katya fought the guards there. She was beginning to tire, but thankfully her observation Haki was still reasonably reliable, as most of her opponents had been using guns. She kicked one of the men in the face before panting. A slight tricks of blood went down her forehead from where Kuween had hit her.
“I’m Katya. Freya you know. Your friends, Leo and the others, they know me as Katland. They’re coming to rescue you.” She said to the Tontattas of the factory, who were looking at her with shock.
“We can’t leave!” One stepped forward with tears in his eyes. “They have our Princess!”
“We’re going to save Mansherry too!” Freya said confidently.
“We can help find-“
Out of the corner of her eye, Katya noticed a huge plume of flame that had risen higher than the glass. Her and the other Tontatta rushed to the glass by the dome to see Usopp and Sugar falling away from each other in fright.
“Usopp-san!” She burst into a smile. “He did it!”
“The toys!” One of the Tontatta leaped up onto her arm to point at what was going on below. Light beams were appearing all over the factory as the toys began turning into humans.
“What the-“ Katya gasped. “Come on! We can let the others in through the front door! They can help us find your Princess!”
The dwarves nodded and ran down the stairs with Katya until they got to the front gate of the factory. There were several guards, so they hid behind a corner.
“TREBOL-SAMA!” One of the men was at the gate and screaming loudly “WE HAVE AN EMERGENCY!”
“I’m having an emergency!” The man answered back as he held up his fellow Executive.
“It’s Takimi Katya! She destroyed most of the factory! Kuween-sama is badly hurt too!”
“EH?!”
Purupurupurupuru KACHA.
“Doffy!” Trebol wailed into his Den Den Mushi. “Sugar....I’m so sorry, Doffy!”
“You’re too loud Trebol!” A voice that Katya recognised as Buffalo said.
“What happened to Sugar?” Doflamingo’s cold voice came down the line.
“PASSED OUT! SHE HAS PASSED OUT!” The man wailed.
“Is this some kind of joke?!” Doflamingo shouted furiously.
“It’s not just that!” Trebol sobbed. “Takimi Katya has destroyed a large portion of the factory! Kuween is down!”
“Kill her! Kill all of them!” Doflamingo roared.
“Katya...” Law’s voice came from the background and Katya’s heart surged. He was still alive!
~
The noise from outside was getting increasingly chaotic. Parts of the Colosseum fell down all over the place. Katya and the dwarves had decided to intervene and try to prevent Trebol and Diamante hurting the others before going where the Princess was supposed to be. But everything changed when the entire ground began to warp and shift.
“W-What is this?” The entire island seemed to be quaking. Freya clung to Katya’s hand as the woman steadied herself.
“Katland!” The dwarves screamed and she opened the door to the factory. It was going upwards, as if a mountain had grown from underneath it. She spotted shapes down below.
“USOPP! ROBIN!” She shouted down to them.
“KATLAND!!” Leo’s group screamed as they looked up and saw Katya at the door to the factory with their fellow dwarves. Katya clung to the doors, which were made of metal. The walls were kairoseki and therefore would have been awful.
“Citizens and guests of Dressrosa.” Doflamingo’s voices echoed across the city. Katya stumbled away from the doors.
“We’re going to find Mansherry. She’s still inside!” Freya said urgently.
“Go and find her. And Freya?”
“Yes?”
“If you ever want to become a pirate, I would be honoured to have you aboard our ship anytime.” Katya smiled.
The girl nodded and dwarves rushed back in to find the Princess. The trip upwards, combined with hitting the kairoseki walls repeatedly and her slight head wound, had made Katya feel horribly nauseous. She held her belly and groaned slightly.
“Please stay where you are, lunch.”
Doflamingo’s face appeared on the wall of what looked like a dome of strings. Katya watched in disgust as Doflamingo explained the ‘game’ he wanted Dressrosa to play.
“You kill all the people that I’m going to name now. I will award a large prize for killing each one of them. Kill or get killed. Everyone in this country will become hunters!”
Katya grit her teeth. “Fucking flamingo bastard.”
“I’ll pay 100 million Beri for each star rating!”
100 million?! Katya gasped. That was an insane amount of money.
“These are the criminals in Dressrosa!” Doflamingo smiled sadistically as he showed pictures of the crew.
“First, the one-stars!” Pictures of a woman called Rebecca, Robin, Kin’emon, another woman called Viola and Franky appeared.
“Next, the two stars!” An army commander named Kyros and Zoro were shown.
“As for key figures of each group, I give them three stars!” A man in a top hat named Sabo appeared. The Revolutionary Army?! Katya gasped. Why were they here?
Sabo’s face was followed by Luffy and Law, as well as a King Riku.
If Doflamingo was hunting for Law, then he must have gotten away, she realised. A relieved smile spread over her face. Luffy would have gone to get him, she was sure of it.
“The next one is four stars!” Doflamingo said. Katya nearly stumbled backwards in shock as her own face appeared on the screen. “I want her brought to the palace. Preferably alive. The price will half if she is dead. She is the only one this applies to.”
Katya’s face fell in horror as the people around her began to stare at her hungrily.
“Oh, shit.”
~
“Fucking flamingo!” Katya cursed angrily as she raced with a crowd of people holding swords and chasing her. “I’m going to set him on fire!”
Purupurupurupuru! Katya’s Den Den Mushi began to ring and she pulled it out.
“I’M A BIT BUSY!” She shouted into it.
“Katya!” Zoro’s voice came out of the call. “Robin!”
“Zoro?” Robin said in surprise.
“I’m with Luffy and the others. We’re on what they call the King’s Plateau. Things are getting messy.”
“Is that Katya and Robin?” Luffy’s voice said. “Did you see it? Mingo’s a jerk, isn’t he? But Usopp’s bit was hilarious.”
“NONE OF THIS IS HILARIOUS RIGHT NOW, LUFFY!” Katya roared angrily into the phone. “I’M BEING CHASED BY TONS OF FUCKING BERI GRABBERS!”
Luffy just laughed. “You sound like Nami!”
She was about to retort but more shots fired at her. Katya lost track of what Luffy was saying for a few moments as she dived out of their way.
“LUFFY, WHERE IS THIS PLATEAU?!” Katya shouted. “AND WHERE IS LAW?!”
“Oh, Tra-guy’s here.” Luffy said casually. “He’s tied to a chair.”
“Law!” She called out happily. “I did it! The factory looks undamaged, but the SAD tanks are burning. I destroyed the SMILE fruits too and took down the manager.”
“Katya!” Law’s voice came out. “Are you alright?”
“Yeah, I’m a bit beaten up, but I’m okay. WAIT! I’m more worried about y- oh fuck.”
She hung up the line as more people fired at her and she had to dodge. Even the factory was better than this. She turned a corner and headed back towards the domed building.
“I HATE THIS GAME!”
Chapter 38: Don’t Break Her, Zoro!
Summary:
Luffy and Law reunite with the injured Katya. Zoro has an interesting concept of first aid.
Chapter Text
“What is that?!”
“A balloon is falling from the sky!”
Katya looked up to see Luffy with Zoro and Law crash land onto the cobbles by the factory.
“LAW! LUFFY!” She shouted and raced towards them, before realising that they were being chased too.
“Oh, shit.”
“Oi! Katya!” Luffy waved with Law over his shoulder.
“Law!” Katya sprinted to the pair and ran alongside them.
“Katya...” Law breathed.
“I wish I could beat both of you up right now for scaring me! But I’m glad you’re here.”
“Come back here!” People shouted behind them.
Katya tripped on a cobblestone and fell forward slightly. She put a hand on Law to steady herself, and threw her knife at the closest one. It hit and Katya watched as the man went down clutching his shoulder.
However, that that was when a Marine Admiral appeared in front of them.
~
Katya was running low on energy. Her energy to accurately perform Haki was beginning to run out and she was exhausted. The admiral and the huge form of a stone man appearing was just the last straw.
“Pica!” Law gaped as Luffy dropped him to the floor. Katya rushed to his side as some of the Marines and citizens fled in the opposite direction of the towering stone man.
“Don’t touch the chains.” Law said as she knelt down next to him.
“Kairoseki?”
“Yes.” He looked away for a moment. “Katya-ya....I’m sorry.”
“Sorry?”
“I never should have brought you to this terrible place.”
“I made a promise to our nakama, Law. You don’t get to do stupid things alone.” Katya replied, and the two looked up together at Pica’s looming figure. If this was to be the end of the two Heart Pirates, they’d go out fighting for sure. Even if it was becoming an increasing possibility that they would be crushed to death by the foundations of Dressrosa itself.
“Now, those who rebel against our family, I’m gonna fight you!” Pica shouted. But it was so high pitched that Katya burst out in a cackle.
“You’re kidding!”
“Don’t laugh at him!” People nearby were shouting frantically. “Pica-sama is very sensitive about his voice!”
Luffy was laughing so hard tears were coming out of his eyes as he and Katya couldn’t help but laugh. Pica raised his fist in the air and Katya paused her giggling immediately.
“Oops.”
Luffy grabbed her hand and put Law over his shoulder as they began to run away. It wasn’t going to be enough, Katya thought with panic. They were beginning to make some headway when Law’s chains got caught and the trio were sent hurtling back.
Zoro watched in horror as Pica’s fist slammed into the ground and Law, Luffy and Katya were lost in a cloud of dust.
~
Katya had a pounding headache. When Pica hit, Luffy had jumped up and hanged them from a random spike by his shirt. It was messy and a piece of debris had hit Katya’s arm pretty hard. She’d heard a disgusting ‘pop’ sound. That, combined with the possible concussion she’d received earlier from Kuween, was making her feel quite bad indeed.
Luffy jumped down to greet Zoro after the man turned up. Katya panted and clutched her left shoulder. Thankfully, it wasn’t her dominant arm, but it was still a problem.
“Katya-ya, you’re hurt.” Law said urgently.
“My head is killing me. I’ve definitely got a concussion of some kind and think I popped my shoulder.” The freckled woman had tears in her eyes.
“Ah, I can help with that.” Zoro said and walked over to Katya.
“Zoro-ya, don’t you dare try-“
“AHH!” Katya screamed as Zoro shoved her shoulder back into its socket without warning.
“Oi! Zoro! Don’t break Katya!” Luffy exclaimed.
The Heart Pirate’s face was now streaming with tears of pain, but mercifully, her shoulder was back in place. She gave it a gentle roll. It was still agony, but it was in the socket.
“N-Never....do that....again.” Katya said between sobs.
“Tch. You’re welcome.” Zoro replied grumpily as both Katya and Law glared at him angrily.
“Luffy, we need to get him out of those cuffs.” Katya changed the subject to avoid infighting, although she privately filed away the brief daydream of her and Law kicking the swordsman in the balls until he apologised. “I’d prefer to have a REAL doctor next time!” She proclaimed loudly to the green-haired man.
“Straw Hat.” A musical sounding voice came from a blonde man walking towards them. He had a bright blue feather plume in his hair, and Katya was immediately on her guard.
“Who are you?”
“Cabbage!” Luffy said cheerfully.
“Pirate Hunter Zoro and Takimi Katya.” The man said, looking at the two. “I recognise you from the announcement.”
The man looked down at Law on the ground and scowled angrily. “And Trafalgar...” he raised his sword. “Law!”
The blonde man brought his blade down but it was stopped just above Law’s head.
“Huh?” The angry blonde looked down. Katya was crouched over Law, her knives holding back the sword. The look in her eyes was wrathful.
“Back the fuck away from my Captain.” She gritted her teeth.
“Stop, Cabbage!” Luffy shouted. “They’re with us!”
The blonde man lifted his sword and relaxed it to the side. Katya stood up between him and Law, her knives in hand. She was lucky the man hadn’t used armament Haki when he swung.
Luffy talked the man down from attacking them and the man, apparently actually called Cavendish, offered them Law’s hat that he had found outside of the Colosseum. Katya snatched it from the man and kicked him in the shins.
“Arrogant prick.”
Chapter 39: Saved By Him But Also Her
Summary:
Law decides to tell Luffy the truth. Katya finally comes face to face with Doflamingo, with deadly consequences.
Chapter Text
Katya carried Law’s nodachi as the group of ex-Colosseum competitors followed them on a bull that Luffy had apparently tamed. They had all declared that they would kill Doflamingo, but had turned their attention to Katya with annoyance as halfway through she yelled at them to stop having a dick measuring contest.
Katya, exasperated, turned her attention to Law, and pulled a few bandages from her pockets that she had managed to find when one of the factory workers she’d fought had dropped a first aid kit in shock. She was glad she’d pocketed them.
“Talk me through what to do.” She said to Law.
Law nodded and they managed to bandage up a few of his wounds, even as Luffy forced the bull to run up Pica’s stone arms. Zoro leapt off to fight Pica and Katya ended up mostly hanging on to both Law and the bull for dear life.
“This way of travelling sucks.” She muttered nauseously.
“Oi, Straw Hat-ya,” Law said as Katya slumped onto his chest. “I know the only way for us to survive now is to kill Doflamingo. I’ve made up my mind too. The plan that I suggested to you guys was to take down Doflamingo indirectly. But to be honest, I want to hurt him directly too!” Law glanced at Katya, who took his hand in hers.
“It’s time, Law. He needs to know.”
“Thirteen years ago, there was a person I adored and Doflamingo killed him. His name was Cora-san. The former top executive of the Donquixote family.”
“What? He was a member of this clan?” Luffy said in surprise.
“Yes, he was. He also saved my life and was Doflamingo’s biological younger brother.”
Katya bit her lip. “He’s the reason we’re here, Luffy. I’m sorry that we lied to you. It’s also the reason Doflamingo wants me alive.” She looked down at her hands. “I possess Cora-san’s power. He wants to kill me himself so the fruit will reform near him.”
“What a mean guy!”
“They say that those who eat a Devil Fruit sometimes inherit the will of those before them. I’d like to hope I am even slightly like the person who saved Law’s life.”
“Ah.” Luffy replied as Law looked up at Katya with an unreadable expression. “Well then. I’ll definitely kick Mingo’s ass!
~
The phone call that the group received saying that Viola had the key to Law’s handcuffs was a much needed relief to Katya and Law. Franky had also called saying that he was heading to the factory to destroy it. Katya had told him what she had destroyed inside and that the Tontatta people in there needed to save their princess. As she was doing so, Luffy directed the bull into a tunnel.
“Thanks, Franky. I’ll leave the rest to you.” Katya hung up as the bull began to go into a large pool of water.
“What? It’s a dead end!” She said in confusion.
“Go back!” Law shouted.
Katya’s head snapped around suddenly. There was a presence coming up the waterway. It was a strong and evil feeling, but it also felt muted, like it wasn’t truly there.
“This is just a slanted water well.” Doflamingo said. “There is no shortcut in here.
Katya pulled a knife from her belt as the man came into view. He was taller in person than Katya had anticipated.
“Doflamingo!” Luffy growled.
“Ah, Takimi Katya.” Doflamingo grinned sadistically at her. “We finally meet. You’re pretty in person.”
“Oh, suck a dick.” Katya snapped at him. “I hear Vergo is still waiting for your orgy on Punk Hazard.”
“Fufufufu. How rude. Bullet String!”
Doflamingo fired at Katya and it hit her square in the chest.
“Oh.” She uttered before she collapsed into the water, Luffy’s and Law’s screams echoing in the background, and knew no more.
~
Law had his hands still shackles behind his back, and he wriggled desperately to get himself to sit upright.
“You bastard!” Luffy roared at Doflamingo.
“Luffy, get her out of the water!” Law ordered angrily.
“It’s a shame she has to die. It would have been nice to have her to myself to spite you.”
“You bastard!” Law managed to sit up as Luffy pulled Katya from the water. The freckled woman’s breathing was shallow and blood seeped from her wound.
“She’s hurt bad! Tra-guy, fix her!”
“I can’t do anything with these shackles!”
“So weak.” Doflamingo said. “For all that talk of hers, she was taken down so easily. Why did you choose them, Law? Straw Hat is dumb and this woman of yours can’t fight. You used to be a more promising man. Even when you were a kid, you were more ruthless and more cunning. Who made you into such a coward?”
Law clenched his fists. “Shut up! I’m not willing to become like you! I’ve been saved!”
“By her?”
“I have someone to live for now. But I was saved long before I met Katya.”
“By my brother Corazon, you mean?” Doflamingo taunted.
Law thought of Cora. He was sure the man would have liked Katya. She was full of spirit and had a sharp tongue, both things Cora had said that Law himself had. Katya would have found him fun to be around, and she would have laughed at him setting himself on fire. Law’s expression darkened even more as Katya lay in his lap bleeding. He would not lose her like he lost Cora.
Two men burst in and destroyed Doflamingo’s string clone before he could properly retaliate, however. Law held Katya in his lap as Luffy declared he would make a shortcut to the Flower Field.
“The sooner we get there, the sooner we can get the keys to your handcuffs though, right? You know how to save her with your weird powers, don’t you?” Luffy said with conviction.
Law grimaced. He was technically right, but bursting up through the tunnel was insanity.
“Do it.” He sighed. “For her. But be careful.”
Luffy picked up Law and put them one under each arm. Law kept his eyes on the unconscious woman. They needed to be quick. The two Heart Pirates needed to put their faith in the Straw Hats, or Katya was going to die.
“GOMU GOMU NO ELEPHANT GUN!!”
Chapter 40: Feathers
Summary:
Katya dreams of a certain person. Law goes against Doflamingo.
Chapter Text
Katya dreamed once more of black fuzzy shapes. But this time, she was able to move. One fell in front of her and she held out a hand to catch it. Her vision swam into focus.
“A black...feather?” She said in confusion.
“You’re not supposed to be here.” A deep voice said. Katya tilted her head back up and saw a blonde man with a shirt on that was covered in hearts sat on a bench. He had a black feather coat on his back and lipstick on.
“W-What is this place?” She looked around. It looked like the cliff by her aunt Lila’s on Forhargo, but everything was...faded, like it had been washed over with grey.
“It’s your mind, child. But think of it more as an in between place of existence.”
“Between what?”
“Well, living and dying.” The man said, putting a cigarette in his mouth.
“W-Who are you?” Katya said curiously.
“I think you already know my name.”
Katya looked into the man’s eyes and her heart leapt into her throat. The clothing, the makeup, it was just as Law had described him. “Corazon.”
“My name is actually Rosinante, but yes.”
“If I’m here, then...am I dead?!” Katya said in horror.
“Not yet, but you are dying. Like I said, this is an inbetween place. I am here as we are connected in two very distinct ways.”
“Our Devil Fruit.” Katya breathed.
“Indeed.” The man replied. He lit up his cigarette but then screamed as he set his coat on fire.
“WHY ARE YOU ON FIRE?!”
The man rolled around to put out the flames and then said casually. “There was no fire.”
“Stop lying!”
Corazon took a drag of his cigarette. “The second reason, of course, is that you are suffering the same fate as me.”
Katya thought to what happened just before she had fallen to the group.
“Doflamingo shot me.”
“Yes. It’s why I’m here.”
“It’s not because I’m hallucinating and dying then?!”
Cora grinned. “I like you.”
“Be straight with me!”
“I wanted to say thank you.” The man pulled Katya into a hug. His embrace was there; but it felt disconnected, like it was fading in and out of existence. Katya blinked in shock and let go of the blonde.
“W-Wha-?”
“You have continued to give Law something to live for. You and your crew. You have cared for him more than anyone, though, Katya-chan.” Corazon sighed. “He was so full of hatred when I met him. He told you his story?”
Katya nodded quietly.
“We travelled for months to get him treated before I stole the Op Op Fruit. I died before I could ever see him use it. I may not have had a child, but I’d like to think Law is as close as I ever got.”
“He adored you. I could tell every time he spoke about you.”
“Awww! Law!” The man grinned happily and clapped his hands together goofily. “He talks about me!”
“You’re just like he described.” Katya broke into a small smile. “Thank you for saving him all those years ago.”
Corazon took her hand, folding the black feather into it. “I want you both to live, Katya-chan. Law was full of vengeance once. I don’t want him to be consumed by avenging my death. I made my choice. And my choice was to love him and save his life - I don’t regret a second. I want you to promise me this. Don’t let him throw his life away. Not for me.”
“I won’t.”
“Furthermore, I don’t want to see Law lose another person he loves at the hands of my evil brother.”
“Law doesn’t love me.” Katya scoffed.
“Doesn’t he?” Corazon blew out a trail of smoke from his cigarette.
“I thought he did once, a long time ago, but...”
“Oh, child. You cannot live in your bubble of silence forever and ignore what is happening around you.”
“I....you really think he does?”
Corazon nodded and grinned at her. “Oh, Law pretends to be above all those things, but take it from someone that knows a little about loving Law. There is nothing that he wouldn’t do to protect those he cares for. Now,” he stood to his feet. “I think it’s time you got out of your head and go and tell my foolish son not to die for either of us. But...can you do me a favour when you wake up?”
“Huh?” The man’s image began to grow fuzzy and he flipped her a peace sign.
“Tell Law he needs to tell you his name. And that I said hi!”
Black feathers clouded Katya’s vision once more and she fell into the darkness.
~
“She’s still not awake!” Leo’s voice sounded far away as Katya began to regain consciousness. “Are you sure you did it right?”
“Of course!” Another voice, a female, said. She sounded like she was in pain.
“Stop questioning the Princess, Leo!” A third voice said, Freya’s.
Law, Katya tried to reach for the voice but the darkness around her was dragging her backwards.
“Maybe she can hear us when she’s asleep! Katland! Fraland finished destroying the factory with us and Luffyland brought you to the Flower Field!” Leo poked her nose.
Katya opened her eyes and groaned. “Stop shouting..”
“Katland!” Freya beamed and rushed forward to snuggle her face into Katya’s neck.
“I feel....” she scrunched up her face in confusion. “....okay.” She looked down at her hand and unfurled it. The black feather was still there. Her dream...had it been real?
“That was Princess Mansherry!” Leo gestured to the other dwarf next to him. It was a blonde girl with tears in her eyes. “Her tears have healing powers! It won’t last forever, but it will help for now!”
“Thanks...” Katya said with a grateful smile before she shot up, sending Leo and Freya flying. “Where is everyone? Law? Luffy? They were with me!”
“They’re fine!”
A plume of fire suddenly lit up Katya’s eye line.
“Or not.”
“Cien Fleur! Spider Net!” She heard Robin cry and saw Law fall from the sky, thrown by Luffy.
“LAW!” Katya struggled to her feet and ran to him and Robin. Robin had the Heart Pirate Captain in the net and Katya surged forward.
“WHY DO YOU HAVE ONE ARM?!” She screamed in horror.
“Stay with us, Tra-guy-kun!” Robin said, and her and Katya held him just up from the ground.
“Don’t you die on me, Law! I promised Corazon I wouldn’t let you die yet!” Katya took his face in her hands.
“NICO ROBIN! TAKIMI KATYA!” Doflamingo shouted and Katya looked up.
“Why won’t you die already?!” Katya screamed at their enemy angrily.
“He’s not been dismissed! Bullet String!”
A rain of string shots rained down aimed for the three. Katya stood up and faced the sky.
“I told you already. LAW ISN’T DYING HERE!”
She pulled out her last knife and put all her willpower into it. The knife and Katya’s arm went black.
“Armament Haki!” Robin cried out.
“SO LEAVE US THE FUCK ALONE!”
Katya held up her arm in front of the string shots aiming for them and roared angrily.
Chapter 41: Your Name
Summary:
Law tells Katya something important. Dressrosa awaits the outcome of Luffy’s fight with Doflamingo with bated breath.
Chapter Text
Katya gritted her teeth as her arm deflected the bullet string attack. It felt like an age, but a whooshing sound went past her ear and the white coat of Cavendish began deflecting them himself. Katya collapsed to her knees.
“Freckles-san!” Robin pulled her out of the way and next to Law. Cavendish launched another attack at Doflamingo, but the Shichibukai’s attention was quickly taken away by a screaming Luffy.
Cavendish picked up Law, whilst Robin helped Katya to her feet and they went back to where the Tontattas were.
“We need to get out of here.” Cavendish said in a serious tone.
“Leave me here!” Law demanded. “For the past thirteen years I’ve only lived to kill Doflamingo!”
“Law, you are NOT-“ Katya began but Cavendish cut her off and began lecturing the man himself.
“If Straw Hat-ya is going to win, I want to see it with my own eyes!” Law eventually admitted.
“Then I’m staying with you!” Katya said stubbornly.
“There’s no point in arguing with you, is there?”
“Nope.” Katya replied gently with a tired smile.
“Cabbage-san, can you put him down?”
“My name isn’t Cabbage!” The blonde screeched.
“Does it even matter right now?” Katya rolled her eyes as Cavendish put Law down. Katya knelt down by Law’s side. “Can we have a moment, please?”
“Tch.” The blonde man walked away from them and sat a few metres away.
“Law, I saw Cora.” Katya said, taking his good hand in hers and placed the black feather into it.
“What do you mean?”
“I dreamed of him when I was dying.” She murmured. “I know it sounds crazy, but I did. It was like we were connected through the Calm Calm Fruit. He told me a few things I needed to hear, to be honest. He also to tell you something.”
Law didn’t reply, just waited and stared forward.
“He said to say hi, and that I should tell you this: it’s time for you to tell me your real name?”
Law flinched.
“What does that mean? Is your name not Law?”
“It is, but....there’s more to it.” He turned his head to look at Katya. “You really saw him, didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
“My name...is Trafalgar D. Water Law.”
“D?” Katya gasped.
“.....yes.”
Katya put her hand on his cheek. “I’m glad you told me.” She smiled fondly. “By the way...there was something else he said that stuck with me.”
“Hm?”
“He said that his choice was to love you and saving your life was something he did because of that, and he didn’t regret a single action he took.”
Law fought back tears and he hung his head.
“That love for you....it’s something Cora-san and I have in common.” Katya said gently. Law’s gaze met hers in surprise.
“You may be the one that takes hearts, Law, but you’ve had mine for a very long time.” She admitted and leaned down.
The two brought their lips together and Katya felt tears run down Law’s cheeks as they did.
“So you’d better not die.” She whispered as she rested their foreheads together. Law held her close and, despite everything happening, there was a small moment of happiness and peace in the Flower Field. The sunflowers glowed yellow and swayed gently in the breeze as the two Heart Pirates held each other tight.
“Do you have to do that in front of me?”
“SHUT UP, CABBAGE!”
~
Watching Luffy smash Doflamingo into the ground was one of the most satisfying moments of Law’s entire life. The Birdcage disappeared and Doflamingo lay spread eagled on the ground. Law had grabbed Luffy out of the air from the rooftop they had moved to. Katya had scolded Law for using his powers in his injured state, but he didn’t reply.
“He did it...” Katya breathed.
“T-The winner is...LUCY!!”
Law bowed his head down into Katya’s chest and she held him tightly. “It’s over...”
‘They fight for what they love.’ Katya had said about the Straw Hats. ‘They fight for their friends and they fight to be free. They just happen to save people on the way.’
Maybe Law was starting to believe that.
The entire country cheered loudly and cries of joy could be heard everywhere. The effect of the healing that Princess Mansherry had given Katya was clearly beginning to wear off, but she too smiled happily.
Law looked at his tired companion with a small smile.
“I don’t mean to bother you, Law, but I got shot earlier...” she said after a moment.
“Ah.” Law’s head lifted and he used his Room to remove the remnants of the bullet that Doflamingo had shot Katya with before the two laid down side by side, exhausted.
“You know,” she said with a weak smile. “I sang to distract some idiots in the factory.”
Law snorted, his first laugh for a while. “Which one?”
“Bad Case Of Loving You.” She grinned.
“Katya-ya, singing as a distraction isn’t a good strategy.”
“It works on you.”
“That’s different.”
“Tch.” Katya pouted.
“Katya-ya, thank you helping bring down the SMILE factory, and for all you have done whilst we’ve been here.” Law said quietly.
“Just part of being a Heart Pirate.” Katya grinned tiredly and she scooted closer to Law, laying her head on his chest. “Speaking of, I met a young woman here who would make a very good pirate....”
Chapter 42: Sengoku
Summary:
Everyone recovers from the battle. The Heart Pirates encounter someone unexpected.
Chapter Text
Law passed out very easily once they made their way back to Kyros’ house. He had reattached his arm with Katya’s help but she too succumbed to sleep shortly afterwards. The two had curled up together in their sleep as if they were afraid to let each other go.
When the two finally awoke, Kin’emon and Kanjuro had brought back a wide variety of food and drink.
“Hey,” Katya grinned. “Law, they brought food! Even bread!”
“KATYA-YA.”
The freckled woman laughed and taunted him with a baguette as the others all tucked into their food. Katya chopped up some meat and put it on a plate for Law, who begrudgingly ate it. The group were beginning to enjoy herself until they got the call that the Navy were on the way.
“They really do suck the joy out of everything.” Katya grumbled as she cleaned one of her knives. Zoro had spotted a few on the way there and had brought them to her. He understood better than most that a fighter’s blades were important. They were a special type of throwing knife from Amazon Lily that was hard to duplicate, and now she only had a handful left.
After the group had gotten their things together, a very strange man named Bartolomeo had told them to run to the port town in the east. Luffy kept eating as they ran, which made Katya giggle.
“Why is he like this?” She shook her head as Luffy eventually ran off to ‘do something important’.
“Why is HE like THAT?” Law gestured to Zoro, who was going south.
“Hey, Zoro-san, you’re going the wrong way!”
“Eh?!”
Katya grabbed the swordsman’s arm and dragged him in the right direction.
“I’m not going to let you go until we get to the port! We can’t have you wandering off.”
“I don’t need your help!”
“You clearly do!” The rest of the group yelled back at Zoro.
“Law, now is not the time to get protective!” Katya snorted as she noticed her Captain’s expression, which was positively seething.
“As if I’d go for this crazy woman!” Zoro snapped.
“As if you had enough tact to GET a woman!” Katya jabbed him in the gut as they ran. Zoro growled at her and Law smirked to himself.
“Ahhh! She hit Zoro-senpai!” Bartolomeo shouted angrily. “You bitch, I’ll-“
“Fuck off you shark toothed fanboy!”
~
“Katya-ya.” Law muttered at one point, and took her hand. “This way.”
“Huh?” She let go of Zoro and let him run with the others. “Where are we going?”
“I saw Sengoku.”
“And you want him to what, arrest us?”
“No, he looked at me like he wanted me to come over.”
Katya nodded understandingly and followed him into an alcove where Sengoku was sat on the remains of a wall along with a rather large gorilla. She remembered his face from the Marineford war. He looked more tired and worn now. His hair had turned completely white.
The former Marine Fleet Admiral said, taking a bite of food. “Want some rice crackers?”
“Sure.” Katya walked up and took a handful from the packet, seemingly unfazed by the man before her.
“Hm.” Sengoku mused. “You don’t have much fear, do you? I presume you’re with him?”
“Fear isn’t helpful for those who perform. Plus, you’re an old man.” Katya replied with a shrug. “And yes, he’s my Captain.”
“Cheeky brat.”
Law leaned against a wall across from Sengoku as Katya went back to stand next to him. “You want some?” Sengoku held out the bag to Law.
“No thanks. Just start talking.” Law said coolly.
Sengoku sighed. “One day, A Navy soldier died. He was someone special to me.... I met him when he was a kid, and I thought of him as my son. He was honest and had a stronger sense of justice than anyone. So he was a subordinate I could trust as well.”
Katya remained quiet as Law looked down at the floor.
“But he lied to me just once in his lifetime... he betrayed me. But he must’ve had a reason. Four things were lost during that incident: The Barrels Pirates, my subordinate, the Op Op Fruit, and the boy who was with the Donquixote Family at the time who was suffering from White Lead Disease.”
“Yeah, that’s me.” Law replied.
“I thought so...” Sengoku bit into another rice cracker. “Rosinante took a half year break from his mission because of you?”
“Yes. He took me to lots of hospitals.”
“Then he went for the Op Op Fruit and he sacrificed himself to save your life?....I wanna know exactly what he died for.” Sengoku finished.
Law lifted his head. “Yeah, he did. We were going to escape together, actually. He gave me back my life and spirit. I’m forever in his debt.” The Surgeon of Death grit his teeth. “That’s why I’ve single-mindedly lived to kill Doflamingo on his behalf!”
“Law...” Katya put her hand on his arm.
“But...I don’t know if this is how he wanted me, bearing the name of ‘D.’ to live...”
“‘D.’?”
“Like Straw Hat, I have that secret name too. Since you used to be Fleet Admiral, don’t you know something about the meaning of that ‘D.’?”
“Law. Wait.” Katya looked at him for a moment with worry.
“No idea.” Sengoku replied bluntly.
“Hey! Don’t play dumb!” Law said in annoyance.
“At least, I knew Rosinante had no idea. So that wasn’t the reason he saved you.” Sengoku turned back to them. “Don’t try to find a reason for somebody’s love!” Sengoku snapped.
Law’s eyes widened in shock, before daring to glance across at Katya. The woman was staring forward at Sengoku, determination in her eyes. A reason for somebody’s love...
“If I were still on active duty, I would’ve imprisoned you to have more time to talk, but...ironically, you’re the only person who I can share the memory of Rosinante with, even though you’re a pirate. If you really wanna do something in his memory, both you and I should always remember him.”
Law fought back a sob and pulled his hat further down.
“That’s good enough. And you live your life as you like. That’s what he would say.”
“He’s protecting Law still.” The female Heart Pirate said quietly.
“Hm?” Sengoku looked across to the freckled woman, who raised her hand to click her fingers.
“Silent.” Katya snapped her fingers and the sounds of everything around them faded.
“You....” Sengoku breathed out.
“My name is Takimi Katya.” The woman said with a soft smile. “I ate the Calm Calm Fruit, and I am honoured to inherit the will of such a man as him.” She took Law’s hand in hers. “I will continue to do what he started.”
Sengoku looked down at the two’s interlaced fingers. “I see.”
“Thank you.” Law said to the Fleet Admiral, his hat still hiding his eyes.
“Go before I change my mind.” Sengoku said with a small smile and watched quietly as the two Heart Pirates walked away from him hand in hand.
Chapter 43: Wrong Time For A Party
Summary:
Freya asks a question. Robin and Law discuss a particular item in Robin's possession.
Chapter Text
Katya giggled as Luffy refused to have underlings at the port. The group of Colosseum fighters and friends that Luffy had made in Dressrosa wanted him to be their boss by exchanging sake.
“Let’s make him drink it!” One declared. Katya snickered and Law looked at her strangely.
“Listen! I just wanna become the King of the Pirates!” Luffy shouted at them. “I don’t wanna become somebody important.”
Belly-aching laughs came from Katya as everyone else looked at Luffy in utter shock.
“Hey, what is he talking about?” Law said bluntly.
Zoro stepped up to the large bowl that the group had put the sake in for Luffy and scooped up some in his hand to taste it. “Mm, this is some pretty good stuff.”
“Ooh, I wanna try!” Katya craned her neck to look over at it.
“You’re not even a member of his crew...” Cavendish said weakly.
“Eh, details.”
“Hey, listen up!” Luffy jumped up onto the railing. “When we think we’re in danger, we’ll shout for you so come save us! I don’t have to be the boss or a great pirate, do I? When you guys are in trouble, call us! We’ll come help you no matter what! I’ll never forget that we fought together against Mingo!”
“The logic is similar.” Katya grinned. “I think he just doesn’t like being called ‘boss’.”
BOOM! A cannonball caught everyone off guard as several were fired at then. Katya began to ready herself to fight but all of the debris that had been thrown up by Admiral Fujitora, including parts of Pica’s body, crashed down upon the pirates firing at the group.
“Huh, not bad.”
Zoro caught Katya’s eye and she hissed “don’t you dare drink that all yourself!” Sadly, it was too late and Zoro had already brought the large cup to his lips.
“It’s wasted on such a clueless guy like him.”
“We’re sailing out!” Several voices shouted and the group boarded the lead boat.
~
The alcohol flowed well and the party began. Katya tried to have a drinking contest with Zoro before Law dragged her away, but then she was distracted by talking to some of the Tontatta that had been in the factory. Several bowed to her gratefully for defeating Kuween at which point she gathered them all up and hugged them, nearly squeezing the life out of the small creatures.
“Law, I got you some more onigiri!” Katya said cheerfully as she ran over to where he was sat. The man nodded gratefully and she kissed his cheek with a grin. “Come on, you can let loose a bit.”
“Agreed.” Zoro stood over them and dragged Law to his feet, pulling him over and engaging in a drinking contest whilst Law angrily tried to escape.
“K-Katya-ya, save me.”
“Hey Luffy!” Katya raced off to the young Captain and they danced together happily, Luffy still eating a large chunk of meat as they did. Katya’s face was flushed from the alcohol and Law was reminded of when they had the banquet at Punk Hazard and what Smoker had said to him.
“And then I explained the concept of big dick energy to them all. Hancock got really mad when they talked about it later!” Katya was not far away from Law and was talking to Usopp, who looked horrified by the woman’s story. Luffy, on the other hand, was losing it laughing next to Usopp.
“Excuse me.” A small voice came from by Law’s knee. He looked down to see a small blonde member of the Tontatta tribe. “Are you Katland’s Captain?”
“Yes.” Law said, looking down at her in confusion.
“I was wondering...” She said nervously. “Um....”
“Hey, Freya!” Katya ran over and sat down next to the two. “I see you’ve met Law.”
“I have, Katland! And I’ve thought about what you said in the factory!” The blonde Tontatta said with a determined smile.
“Hm?” Katya furrowed her brow. “What did I say?”
“You said if I ever wanted to become a pirate...well, I thought I’d ask.”
Katya’s eyes widened owlishly. “Wait, you’re serious?” She looked across at Law.
“Are you not planning to stay in Dressrosa?” Law asked calmly.
“Well, I thought about it,” Freya said. “But fighting with Katland and everyone was the best I’ve ever felt! I’m a scout, and I’m fast!”
Law looked at Katya for confirmation.
“It’s true.” The freckled woman smiled. “Took down six guards by herself.”
Law arched an eyebrow. For such a small creature, that was impressive.
“Please, Lawland, I’d like to join you and Katland!” Freya said earnestly. “I want to see the sea!”
“You’ll pull your weight with the rest of the crew, and allow me to study your species more closely if you join us.” Law stated. “We are going to some dangerous places, and it won’t be easy. I need to know that the crew can count on you. If those terms are acceptable, then you are welcome to sail with us.”
“Yes!” The young Tontatta cheered and wiggled her tail excitedly. She jumped up onto Katya’s shoulder and hugged the cheek of the woman.
“Hey, Leo-kun, I’m leaving with Katland!”
“WHAT?!”
~
Katya and Freya had gone off to celebrate so Law took some time at the back of the ship to himself, but glanced over at the two occasionally.
“We can’t see Dressrosa anymore.” Nico Robin commented beside the Heart Pirate Captain. “You achieved your goal by taking down Doflamingo, didn’t you? What are you going to do now?”
“Leave me alone.” Law grumbled.
“Wait.” Robin stepped forward and held out her hand to him. Law turned and looked at the woman with a quizzical expression. Robin opened her hand and resting in her palm was Katya’s stethoscope necklace, the one he had given to her all those years ago.
“It broke when we were fighting. Katya-chan was quite devastated. I had Franky fix it.”
“Does she know you had it?”
“No. She was too concerned with getting to you after Doflamingo shot you. I picked up the pieces and put them away for safekeeping. Maybe you should give it back to her.” Robin said with a knowing smile.
“.....thank you.” Law said and took it from the woman’s hands. He looked back over to Katya, who was trying to eat, but to no avail, as Luffy kept stealing what was on her plate.
‘Don’t try to find a reason for somebody’s love!’
Maybe now was the time to tell her.
Chapter 44: Law and Katya
Summary:
The bounties from Dressrosa are released. Law’s revelation comes to light.
Chapter Text
“You are possibly the creepiest guy I’ve ever met.” Katya said bluntly as she sat on a chair on the deck of Bartolomeo’s ship. “This is beyond obsession.”
“Bartolomeo, just hurry up and go to Zou.” Law grumbled.
“Huh? Who do you think you’re talking to?” Bartolomeo snapped.
“Hurry up.” Katya had a horrific hangover from the banquet and glared at Bartolomeo in such a manner that half the people on the ship felt a shiver go down their spines.
“I’m counting on you.” Zoro said lazily as he flicked through the paper.
“Guys! Let’s head for Zou at full speed!” Bartolomeo said cheerily.
“Ugh, this guy.” Katya laid her head on Law’s lap. “So loud...”
“Katya-ya, you know I don’t have sympathy for self-induced illness.” Law smiled wryly.
“But my head huuuuurts.”
“I wonder if Sanji and the others got to the island okay.” Usopp thought aloud. Freya was sat on his shoulder and eating a cracker. The Straw Hats had been surprised at the Tontatta joining the Heart Pirates, but welcomed her excitedly.
“Nami was with them so I’m sure navigation was fine.” Franky said. “But they were chased by Big Mom’s ship.”
“Bloody Yonkou. They’re all assholes. Well, except Shanks-san.” Katya muttered.
“I’m worried.” Robin agreed. “You know Shanks, Freckles-san?”
“Yeah, and if I’d stayed with his crew like he asked, I’d probably have hangovers this bad every day.” She groaned.
“A Yonkou invited you to join their crew?!” Usopp gaped.
“Yeah, but I’d already chosen my path.” Katya looked over at Law with a soft smile.
“Oi, Luffy!” Zoro interrupted the conversation. “Seems like our bounties have gone up.”
“Really?!” Luffy said with excitement.
“Well, I have the wanted posters of you all in my room so come on!” Bartolomeo cried happily. “Also, Trafalgar, I threw yours away but your bounty had gone up to 500 million.”
“Thanks. But I don’t care about the price.”
“I do~” Katya grinned up at Law. “500 million, Law!”
“You’re excited by this?” Law arched an eyebrow.
“Of course. 500 million for one wanted man. It’s very sexy.”
“It’s not.” Law said with a fierce blush on his cheeks.
“Katya, you have one too.” Zoro said and passed her the paper.
“I do?!”
Katya sat up and looked at the poster of her. It had been taken when she had been running from the Marines with Luffy and Law, it seemed. Her long brown hair was down and her freckles were showing. She had a determined grin on her face and her knife was held up ready to throw.
“Dead or Alive, ‘Siren’, Takimi Katya.” She read aloud, her voice shaking. “Fif-fif...” The woman sank to the ground.
“Fifty-five million Beri!” Luffy said cheerily. “That’s great, Katya!”
“I’ll never book another show.” The woman cried mournfully from the floor. “My singing career...”
“How did you not think of that before you joined a pirate crew?!” Zoro shouted at her.
“This is the worst day of my life...” Katya moaned.
A laugh that few had ever heard began to echo across the deck. The Straw Hats and the entire Barto Club looked across as Trafalgar Law began to straight up chuckle with Katya’s poster in his hand.
“WAAA! TRA-GUY IS LAUGHING!” Luffy shouted.
“It’s creepy.” Usopp said.
“Law! Don’t laugh at me!” Katya stood up and shook his shoulders, wailing.
“Katya-ya,” the man smirked. “Your hand in the picture.”
He turned it round and Katya looked at the picture in confusion.
Oh no. Katya recognised the moment. She had tripped on the cobblestones when they were running away. She had put her hand on Law, who was being carried by Luffy, to steady herself and throw her knife.
Except her hand was quite obviously resting on Law’s ass.
“AHHHH!”
~
“Katya-ya, you can’t do anything about it.”
“I could call the Marines and send them a picture of me not touching your ass!”
“No way! It’s funny!” Luffy grinned.
“I like it.” Law smirked, and Katya glowered at him.
“Of course YOU like it.”
“I also like the idea that Eustass-ya will see that.” He added, which Katya rolled her eyes at and muttered something under her breath about men.
“.....Katya-ya, can we talk?” Law stood up, holding out his hand to her. She took it and stood up too, before he led her to a cabin with none of the Barto Club or Straw Hats in.
“What’s up?” She said as Law shut the door behind them. “Because right now, I’m really not in the mood for-“
“I love you.” Law interrupted.
“.....come again?” Katya blinked.
Law flushed. “I know I’ve never said it back to you, even though you’ve already said it to me. But I do.”
“Law...”
“I know I’m not good at affection when we’re not alone. But Dressrosa gave me a lot to think about. We both nearly died. When I thought that I had lost you....I nearly went insane. I told myself that after Cora-san, I wouldn’t love anyone and go through the pain of losing them again. I thought there needed to be a reason to love someone. But I think I’ve found an exception.”
Law held his hand out to her, and in it was Katya’s stethoscope necklace. She gasped and took it from him, looking at it intently.
“How did you...?”
“I think Nico Robin finds our relationship interesting. She gave it to me after she found it broken.”
“Thank you, Law.” Katya smiled warmly. “I love you too.”
Silence passed between them for a moment as they smiled at each other.
“Do you think the walls could be soundproofed on this ship?”
“You know, I was just thinking that myself.”
The two grinned and left the room. Katya wandered over to one of Bartolomeo’s crew alone and pulled him aside from the others.
“Hey, where are the baths on this ship? I was hoping Robin and I could use them.”
“Up the stairs to the left. There are bath products that I found out Robin-senpai uses!” The man said proudly.
“The baths, huh...does the door lock?”
“Yes, so-“
“Great.” Katya grinned and grabbed Law by the wrist, pulling him in the same direction as her. “See you in a bit, everyone!”
“You don’t mean- OI! DON’T YOU DARE!” The man screeched as Katya ran off laughing with Law in tow towards the baths. The Surgeon of Death just threw the man a smirk.
“We’ll try not to make a mess.”
~
“This bathhouse is gorgeous.” Katya sighed happily as she activated her Devil Fruit. “Silent.”
“Katya-ya, we’re in the middle of-“ Law was cut off as Katya brushed her lips against his neck.
“Stop talking, Law.”
She kissed him gently at first, but it soon got more heated and the two of them scrambled to remove their clothes.
“It feels like way too long since we did this.” Katya murmured.
“Agreed.”
Katya took Law’s hand and led him to the water. Steam was rising out of it as Law sat on the edge of the bath. Katya submerged herself for a moment and sighed with pleasure. It was nice to have a bath. It was rare to find ones that were Devil Fruit user friendly. The water had to be specially filtered and it still had an effect on the body, but it was much much less than seawater and manageable.
Katya made her way to the side of the bath and Law pulled her in for another kiss. They continued for a few moments before Katya began to kiss his jaw and then down his chest. She traced the tattoos on them with her fingers.
“Enjoying yourself, Katya?”
“Mm. Plus, I owe you for the time in the medical room. It’s time for you to enjoy yourself.” She said, kissing further down Law’s body.
“You don’t have to-ah!” Law gasped as Katya’s mouth made contact with the exact area that she had implied to him that she would.
“Just let me make you feel good, Law.” She murmured and Law closed his eyes.
~
“Hey, has anyone seen Katya? I have her drink here.” Franky inquired.
“She was headed up towards the baths last time I saw her. About half an hour ago.” Robin sipped her tea. “She was with Tra-guy.”
“EHHHH?!” Bartolomeo screamed angrily and ran up into the ship with Franky, who had become quite protective of the young woman, only to be greeted near the stairs leading up to the baths by Luffy.
“Hey, guys!” He grinned.
“WHERE’S KATYA-CHAN?!” Franky shouted at him.
“What’s going on?” Usopp came out of the room next to the bathroom, where he had been fixing his goggles.
“Oh, Katya’s in a bad mood.” Luffy said casually, crossing his arms behind his head. “I went to see if she could sing for me, but her and Tra-guy were hanging out in the baths together.”
“WHAT?!” Bartolomeo screeched. “They are for the privilege of Luffy-senpai and his crew only! Not even my crew get to use them!”
“That’s a bit gross.” Usopp muttered, now realising why the men smelt badly.
“Yeah, when I knocked on the door Katya yelled at me to leave.” Luffy pouted. “I looked in the window and they were hugging each other in a weird way. So I left them alone. I guess they wanted some private time.” The boy said.
“Okay, we’re all agreeing to never explain to Luffy what he witnessed, yes?” Usopp said as the two men went back onto the deck with the cheerful Captain in tow as Bartolomeo ranted about how the baths were now tainted for Robin.
“Agreed.” Franky said.
Chapter 45: Monster Or Mountain
Summary:
The group reach the island of Zou. Katya and Law both have a bad feeling.
Chapter Text
Katya wished for Bepo more times that she ever thought possible during the voyage to Zou. How on earth had the Barto Club survived until now without a navigator? Especially in the New World. Katya had gotten to know Kanjuro, Kin’emon’s fellow samurai from the Wano Country, reasonably well, as well as talking to Robin a lot more and telling Freya about their nakama but most of the time on the ship had been spent with Law.
The two Heart Pirates were anxious to see their nakama at Zou once again and having time to themselves had been more or less non-existent the last few weeks, so it was relieving to have some down time.
The terrible navigation did not help Katya’s motion sickness at all. The submarine wasn’t an issue for her as 95% of the time it was operated smoothly. This ship on the other hand, had been awful.
“Ugh, how much further?” Katya moaned, her head resting on Law’s shoulder. Freya was lying on Katya’s stomach drawing on a small notepad. The Tontatta had changed her outfit from when she was on Dressrosa and now sported a purple outfit with diamond shapes stitched into it.
“Ugh, I can barely draw when the ship sways like this.” Freya sighed, holding up the page she had been drawing. It was a cartoonish drawing of Bartolomeo puking on the floor. Law smiled wryly at it. He was beginning to like the Tontatta.
“Boss, I see something at 2 o’clock!”
“What is it?” Bartolomeo replied, but like the rest of his crew and Katya, he was feeling terribly seasick.
“In the fog, there’s a mountain. Or a monster.” The man from the lookout said.
“I hope there’s no monster than can be mistaken for a mountain.” Bartolomeo replied.
“But it looks like it’s moving slowly!”
“Law, do you think-?” Katya put her head up.
“I think so.” The captain replied, and the couple got up, Freya jumping to stand on top of Katya’s shoulder.
“If it’s a mountain that moves, let’s go!” Luffy said excitedly.
“No, idiot! All we should do is get out of this foggy maze as soon as we can! Or we’ll hit a reef and capsize!” Usopp shouted at Luffy, pulling on the man’s stretchy face as he did so.
“Wait, God.” Law said.
“Did you just call me ‘God’? I’m flattered!” Usopp’s face was flushed and clearly happy about his title. “I’m a man of 200 million and I’m flattered!”
“I’m sure even the Navy admirals are aware of you now.” Law said bluntly to the man, who began to panic. Katya let out a giggle.
“Stop teasing him, Law.”
“Anyway. The Vivre Card is pointing towards it. I heard that Zou blocks out invaders with dense fog and an adverse current.” Law looked upwards.
The crew rowed forward to get to the island until a large shadow could be seen.
“It’s huge!” Katya gasped. “Law, I know you said it was on the back of a large elephant, but...” She looked up at it in awe.
“Yeah.”
“So this is where Bepo is from. I’m excited to see it!” She grinned. “But, ah...” the freckled woman’s face fell. “How are we supposed to get up there?”
~
“Law! I found my spare knives!” Katya grinned happily as everyone stood on the deck of the Thousand Sunny, which had been anchored to one of the legs of Zou. The woman had come running out of the girls’ room with her bag. She had barely taken anything on board with her to Dressrosa as it had been a rather sudden departure from the Sunny thanks to Luffy.
Katya had also changed clothes into a white t-shirt with some jeans. Law blushed when he saw her walk over.
“Hm? What is it?”
“You got a shirt with the Heart Pirate logo on.”
Katya looked down at the shirt with a grin. “Yeah, I mean it was about time I got something with our Jolly Roger on, so I made it. Although it’s a bit weird, isn’t it?”
“How?”
“It’s like a statement, isn’t it? I might as well have ‘Property of Trafalgar Law’ tattooed on my forehead.”
Law smirked. “I’d rather it was tattooed somewhere else.” His hand slid down to grab her ass and Katya squealed, before elbowing him.
“Don’t be so crude!”
“You like it when I do that, though.” The man whispered in her ear.
“Lawww, we need to go up the elephant. How am I supposed to focus when you’re saying things like that?” Katya smiled and wrapped her arms around his waist.
“There is a time and a place for whatever it is you’re doing!” Zoro shouted at them and the two jumped apart.
“Zoro, you need to get laid. Then you’d be more cheerful.” Katya yawned.
“Shut up!”
“I think you look nice, Katland!” Freya said from by their feet.
“Thanks, Freya. Now you’re one of the crew, we’ll have to get you one, or a boiler suit like the others.”
“Harris is good at sewing, so I think he could make you one.” Law remarked.
“That would be awesome!” The girl cheered and jumped up to sit on Law’s hat. “Thank you, Captain!”
“Okay, it’s finished!” Kanjuro declared proudly, putting down the paintbrush that he had been painting the deck of the Sunny with.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Katya raised her eyebrows. “That is one of the worst drawings I’ve ever seen.”
“What is it even supposed to be?” Luffy said.
“A snake?” Kin’emon suggested.
“Appear, rising dragon!” Kanjuro used his Devil Fruit to make it appear up from the deck and become a real creature.
“So cool!” Luffy cheered as the creature pathetically whined.
“We’re going to die climbing up the elephant.” Katya muttered. Next to her, Robin was looking at the odd dragon with a blush.
“Robin, you can’t seriously think it’s cute...”
Freya was looking at it with the same expression on top of Law’s hat. “It’s so cute...”
“All right, everyone! Cling to its back, it’s gonna climb up!” Kanjuro said proudly.
“This is a bad idea.” Katya sighed as Luffy excitedly jumped onto the panting dragon drawing.
Chapter 46: Kanjuro Is The Worst
Summary:
The group make their way up the elephant. Katya regrets many of her life choices because of it.
Chapter Text
Katya wasn’t a great fan of heights. With safety equipment, she would be okay, but riding on the back of a panting dragon drawing several thousand feet in the air with nothing to keep them from falling, not so much.
They were about halfway up the back of the leg when the drawing’s foot suddenly slipped and the entire group began sliding down the leg and plummeting towards the sea.
“AHHHHH!!” Katya clung to Law as tight as she could. “I HATE YOU ALL! I HATE THIS IDEA!”
The dragon mercifully found its footing just before they hit the ocean. Katya rested her forehead against Law’s back, her entire body shaking.
“Are you okay, Katya-ya?”
“No.” The brunette replied weakly as Usopp declared the dragon to be called ‘Ryunosuke’.
“Great, now I know whose name to curse in heaven.”
“You think you’ll be going to heaven?” Kanjuro muttered.
“DROP DEAD, KANJURO!” Katya roared back at the man.
“He scared the crap outta me.” Law scowled.
The group continued to hold on to the animated drawing as they headed up the elephant.
“We wanted to see if Momonosuke is okay,” Kanjuro was saying. “And is another friend we were separated from at sea, Raizo, a ninja, had arrived here safely.”
“A NINJA?!” The Straw Hats, plus Law, cried out in surprise.
“A ninja! I wanna meet him!” Luffy said with sparkles in his eyes.
“I wanna see a shuriken.” Zoro commented.
“Me too!” Katya exclaimed.
“Will he sit under a waterfall?” Usopp asked.
“Is he super fast?” Freya’s eyes sparkled almost as much as Luffy’s. She was safely nestled inside Katya’s jacket pocket.
“Can he really use supernatural ninja powers?” Law said, which surprised Katya. Law was just as intrigued as the rest of them.
“Can he disappear in an instant like they say?” Franky asked.
“Yes, indeed!”
“What kind of powers does he use?”
“Well, for example, he can see far away. Ninpo - Telescopic Technique!”
“SO COOL!” All the men replied.
Katya snorted. “Dorks.”
A loud sound came from above and a figure flew down at the group. Everyone ducked, except for Katya, whom Law had to pull out of the way, and Kin’emon with Kanjuro, who fell off the back of Ryunosuke and began to fall towards the ocean.
“HOLY SHIT!” Katya screamed. “What was that?!”
“I don’t know. I think it was a bloody person with knives stuck all over his body.” Robin said darkly. “Or just a small monkey.”
“What is your damage?” Katya shouted as Usopp berated Robin for scaring them.
“They’re both Devil Fruit users, though.” Law commented. “If they fall into the sea, they’re dead.”
“Luffy-dono! We’re both okay!” Kin’emon’s voice came up from below. “Go ahead, we’ll catch up soon!”
“Those two have the luck of the devil.”
~
By the time the group eventually got to the top, Katya had been put off heights for life. Nearly falling to her death multiple times would do that to a person.
“Law, I’m going to murder Kanjuro....” Katya said as she fell off the dragon and onto the ground at the top. Freya jumped from her pocket and began to survey the area.
“Ryunosuke!” The group cried as the dragon faded back to a drawing. Law and Zoro, on the other hand, declared it to be absurd that they were crying over a drawing, whilst Katya was cursing Kanjuro’s entire bloodline on the floor.
“Come on, Katya-ya.” Law helped her up and they faced the gate into the country.
“Something’s wrong...” Katya murmured. “Freya, can you get a better look?”
Freya sped off and a few moments later she returned and stood at their feet. “There’s no-one at the gate!”
“There’s a watchtower but no guards.” Law confirmed.
The group headed forward, noting the broken gates. There was a lot of destruction, and most of it looked new. There was also a huge footprint.
“I hope the crew are all okay.” Katya said worriedly as they walked. “This ground is weird to walk on.”
“Yeah, it’s elephant skin.”
Katya tested it with her foot. It was oddly bouncy and she jumped up and down on it experimentally. “It’s kinda fun.”
They continued on into the forest, but were soon confronted by two members of the Mink Tribe. They were fast, like Bepo, but they appeared to be a dog and a rabbit, the former wearing one of Nami’s outfits and riding a huge beast. The dog Mink ordered them to go to the Rightflank Forest.
“Tra-guy-kun,” Robin said after a moment. “Your nakama must be here, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Is there any way to make contact?”
“No.”
“You left your Den Den Mushi behind, didn’t you?” Katya sighed.
“I didn’t even expect to see them again.” Law clarified. “But I have a Vivre Card. It belongs to our navigator, Bepo.”
“Oh yeah, you had a talking polar bear in your crew!” Usopp remembered. “Is he a Mink too?”
“Of course.” Katya replied.
“This is where he came from,” Law continued. “But he didn’t remember much about this place as he left the island when he was little.”
“Can we trust him?!” Usopp said with a frightened place. “For instance, just for instance, you know, he might become aware of his nature as a member of the cannibal tribe!”
“A cannibal tribe?!” Freya gasped. “Katland, I thought you Bepo was soft and friendly!”
Katya shot Usopp a furious look. “Of course we can trust Bepo! And he is friendly, Freya, don’t listen to him.”
“I’ve known him for a decade. We can trust him.” Law affirmed. “If you wanna get reliable information, let’s head straight.”
~
“Straw Hat! It’s been a while!” Bepo shouted to Luffy after the chaos in the Whale Forest had been cleared up. Shachi, Penguin and Jean Bart were with him, with various bandages all over them.
“Hey, Straw Hat, don’t you remember us? We took care of you after the Paramount War! I’m shocked!”
“Oh!” Luffy grinned. “You’re the talking bear from Tra-guy’s crew!”
“Tra-guy? No, we work under Trafalgar Law! The Heart Pirates!”
“That’s what I said.” Luffy replied.
“No, you didn’t!”
“We’ve been reading newspapers! There was a whole bunch of surprising news!” Penguin said. “We’re allied, aren’t we?”
“Is our Captain here too?” Shachi asked.
“Yeah, Tra-guy’s here! And Katya too!”
“Katya-chan!” Shachi burst into a smile. “She’s here too!”
“Yeah, she was with us at Dressrosa! And they brought a new nakama with them!”
“Captain, Katya-chan, we can’t wait to see you! And someone new, too!” Penguin cheered. “Are they doing well?”
“Yeah! Though Katya didn’t like travelling up here. She kept clinging to Tra-guy and crying!”
Shachi and Penguin grinned. “She hates heights.”
“Although, she’s always hugging Tra-guy now since Dressrosa. She was really cool when we were there! She helped destroy a factory! I mean, her and Tra-guy both nearly died, but...”
The Heart Pirates let out a collective scream. “THEY WHAT?!”
Chapter 47: Reunited And It Feels So Good
Summary:
The group face a Rain-ruption. Law makes a pun.
Chapter Text
Law’s group were surveying the town when the ground began to rumble.
“W-What is this?” Katya’s eyes widened.
“It feels like an earthquake, but we’re on the back of an elephant!” Usopp observed.
“It’s quite strong!” Robin said.
A large grey trunk the size of a volcano appeared in the sky and then a humongous wave of water towered over the group.
“It’ll cause floods! Get to high ground!” Robin warned.
The flood of water raced towards them and the group began to run. A few drops of water hit Katya.
“Law, it’s seawater!”
“ROOM!” Law shouted and warped the group to the top of a roof just before the water hit them.
Katya had quite a bit of water sprayed on her and she sank to the floor. “That was really horrible.”
Freya took off her hat and shook herself from top to tail to rid herself of water. “What an odd place.”
“The town all seems to be adjusted to this height so it must happen fairly often.” Law observed.
“I’m guessing not many Devil Fruit users live here.” Katya wiped her face free of water. The group stayed on the top of the roof until the water drained away and Robin deemed it safe to venture down. They continued on towards the supposed fortress that the dog woman had said about until they ran into Luffy. Usopp was terrified and accused them of being a cannibal tribe.
“The Straw Hats are inside.” Wanda, the dog, explained as the gates to the fortress opened.
“GARCHU!” They all cheered happily.
“What does ‘garchu’ mean?” Freya asked Law.
“I have no idea. I’ve never heard Bepo say it.”
“Hm. Well, the crew don’t seem to be here. Where is Bepo’s Vivre Card pointing?” Katya said.
“I see you dropped the -sama.”
“It’s not fair if I use it for him and not anyone else.” Katya shrugged.
“Let’s go.” Law said, and the three Heart Pirates slipped away as the Minks invited the Straw Hats in for a banquet. “I want to see the crew.”
“I want to meet them all!” Freya said excitedly.
Katya smiled warmly and took his hand. “Lead the way, Captain.”
~
Law and Katya wandered through the forest following Bepo’s Vivre Card, Freya jumping her way through the trees to keep a look out ahead. The trees were covered in dew and the sunset’s glow came through the trees. Katya smiled and held onto her necklace.
“This island is beautiful.” She observed. “If it wasn’t for the constant threat of death from those seawater floods, I’d love this place.”
Law snorted. “I thought you loved the constant threat of death?” He held up his hand to her, displaying the tattoos on them.
“Did.....did you just make a pun?”
Suddenly, there was a large amount of rustling in the trees in front of them. Heads popped up from the bushes and the Heart Pirates appeared. Katya burst into a grin and Law began to smile too. They were all there, albeit with lots of bandages. Bepo, Shachi, Penguin, Ikkaku, Jean Bart and the rest.
“CAPTAIN!” Bepo sobbed and raced forward, throwing his whole body at Law. “You came for us!”
“Katya-chan too!”
“Everyone!” She said happily as the group flooded round. Ikkaku reached Katya first and pulled her into a tight hug. Bepo was rubbing his cheek against Law’s head.
“I missed you!” The bear cried. “All the members of the Heart Pirates are here now!”
“It’s so good to see you!” Ikkaku beamed at Katya, before the woman was tackle-hugged by Shachi and Penguin.
“Katya-chan! Straw Hat said you both nearly died.”
“Yeah, it was a bit wild.”
“C-Captain!” Bepo continued to sob and Katya could see Law smirk slightly at the affection of his navigator.
“Bepo, do you wanna squash him?” Shachi scolded.
“Like you can talk!” Katya laughed as the trio hugged.
“Sorry, sorry!” Bepo jumped off Law and the rest of the Heart Pirates rushed over to Law, including Katya. “I’m so amazed to know that you beat Doflamingo!”
“No, that was more Straw Hat-ya.”
“Stop being humble, Law, we all beat the shit out of that flamingo.” Katya poked him in the ribs teasingly.
“You’re all just as Katland described.” Freya giggled from the branch she was stood on not far above their heads.
“WHAT IS THAT?!” Most of the men screamed, looking at Freya in shock.
“A goblin!”
“A fairy!”
“SHE,” Katya spoke loudly “is our new nakama.”
“She?” Ikkaku rushed forward with a wide smile. “We have another woman?”
“We do. Meet Freya-ya,” Law said, walking over with Bepo. “She’s a member of the Tontatta tribe from Dressrosa, and she helped us take down Doflamingo’s factory.”
“Nice to meet you all!” Freya blushed slightly.
“She....” The men gathered around Freya, still stood on the branch. “She’s SO CUTE!”
“Ah...I...” Freya was surprised by their sudden attention and looked desperately at Katya for guidance. Katya tapped her shoulder and Freya jumped to it.
“It seems like we have a lot to catch up on.” The freckled woman laughed.
“We have so much to catch up on!” Penguin said. “Let’s go deeper into the forest!”
“What’s happened whilst we’ve been away?” Katya asked.
“Ah, it’s a long story.”
~
“That’s crazy! I’m glad you’re all still alive after that!” Katya gaped as the crew finished their story of the battle on Zou.
“But tell us what happened with you two! Straw Hat said you both nearly died!” Bepo said. Law was sat down and resting his back against Bepo.
“How come he gets to use Bepo as a pillow?” Penguin pouted grumpily to Katya.
“He hasn’t seen him in a while, Pen, lay off.”
“It was eventful, I guess.” Law shrugged.
“That’s not enough detail!” The crew shouted.
“Well what part do you want clarification on?”
“How did you meet Freya-chan?” Connor said eagerly.
“She helped me infiltrate the factory! Even took out six guards!”
“Six?!”
“Wow, Freya-chan!”
The dwarf was blushing, so Katya smiled encouragingly at her. “Show them what you can do.”
Freya nodded and whooshed off. The Heart Pirates began looking around attempting to catch a glimpse of her, but failed. She eventually reappeared by Katya’s feet holding several wallets and Penguin’s hat. The man in question gasped, not having even noticed it had gone, feeling the top of his head.
“She’s so fast!”
The men gathered around and Freya gave them their things back one by one.
“So tell us about your adventures! Let’s start with that wanted poster of yours, Katya.” Ikkaku laughed.
“Please don’t speak of it.” Katya hung her head and groaned.
“Fifty-five million is great!” Ikkaku said with an encouraging smile. “Plus, it’s a really funny picture.”
“Ikkakuuuuu, stop.” Katya whined.
“You’re officially a wanted pirate!” Shachi grinned at her.
“I suppose so.”
“So you’re staying with us permanently?”
“Yes.” Law cut in.
“Don’t go answering for me!” Katya snapped at him. “But yes.” She gave Law a soft smile. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Chapter 48: Isn’t It Obvious?
Summary:
The Straw Hats and the Heart Pirates meet. The ensuing banquet causes drinking contests.
Chapter Text
“This guy was like HUGE, right?” Ikkaku was chatting to Katya as they walked to the house of Master Cat Viper as they had been instructed by the Straw Hats. “I thought he would split me in two, and not in the good way.”
“It sounds like you all had some interesting adventures whilst we were gone.” Katya smiled at the other woman. She got along well with Robin and now Freya, but Ikkaku was much more the kind of person that Katya got along with. Blunt, crude, and willing to tell Katya juicy details. Freya meanwhile, had been getting to know the others. Bepo had complimented the grooming of her tail and asked whether she knew any female bears, whilst the others were asking about the Tontatta kingdom.
“Ah, we’re here!” Ikkaku pointed to the lights.
“He’s really big! And so fluffy, too! The cat monster!” Luffy was jumping and dancing on top of a severely injured cat Mink.
“What’s going on?” Law inquired in confusion as Luffy continued to mess around.
“The usual, it seems.” Katya laughed. “Hey! Luffy!”
“Oh! Tra-guy! Katya! Are they your nakama?”
Katya put her arm around Ikkaku and grinned. “They sure are!”
“Yeah, I came to introduce them to you. They’re my crew - 20 in total.”
Katya joined Ikkaku and the rest of the crew in a dramatic pose. Shachi and Penguin were attempting a back to back cool spy pose with Bepo in the middle and Freya on Bepo’s head looking a little confused but attempting to pose herself.
“Nice to make your acquaintance, Straw Hat!” They cheered.
“Yeah!” Luffy waved in his usual childish manner.
“We need to talk.” Law said bluntly and Luffy turned to him in confusion.
“What?! Is that it?!” Bepo cried out.
“Slighted! Slighted!” The crew put their thumbs in a downward motion and booed at Law. They kept chanting the word in annoyance.
“We feel slighted, Captain!” Bepo wailed.
“We’re pirate allies, aren’t we? Introduce us to the Straw Hats properly!” Chris protested.
“We’re just allies. We don’t necessarily have to get friendly.” Law snapped.
“Law!” Katya scowled.
“It’s not necessary.”
“Law, introduce the crew properly or I’ll.... I’ll withhold it for a month!” Katya crossed her arms. Shachi and Penguin looked at each other in confusion.
“Withhold what?”
Law growled. “Katya-ya...” The man’s face darkened in threat.
“I’m not backing down, Law. You’re being so rude!”
“Tch.”
“Oh my god.” Ikkaku burst out laughing at Shachi and Penguin’s confused expressions. A few of the crew had caught on, but the two engineers clearly hadn’t. “You guys are so clueless.”
“Huh?!” Shachi and Penguin looked at Ikkaku.
“It’s obvious!” Ikkaku grinned. “They’re sleeping together. Right, Captain?”
“EHHHH?!” Shachi and Penguin screeched.
“What about it?” Law said bluntly.
“HE CONFIRMED IT?!”
“Shut up!” Katya roared, thoroughly embarrassed, before glowering at the group. “It’s our business. Drop it!”
“Scary!”
“Anyway,” she sighed. “I’ll introduce you, since SOMEONE decided to be an asshole.”
~
“What?! Black Foot-ya went to see Big Mom?!” Law said in shock. “How in the world could that happen?”
“Don’t worry! I’m gonna go take him back!” Luffy replied determinedly.
“I hope Sanji-san is okay.” Katya said worriedly.
“So could you all wait to fight Kaido a little bit?” Luffy continued.
“That’s not my call. It’s only a matter of time before Kaido comes after us!” Law replied. “I thought we could hide ourselves here in Zou for a while but they know where it is.”
Katya sat next to Nami, her hand lightly stroking the fur on Bepo’s head as she did. Freya was sat with them and talking with Nami. The orange-haired woman hadn’t gotten to see the Tontatta so she was curious to meet Freya.
“Even if their target is us next, what do you think will happen to this country if it’s attacked again?” Law said seriously.
“How kind of you!” The minks began crying at Law’s words. Katya sweat dropped.
“GARCHU!!” The minks rushed over to the pirate group and began rubbing their faces against the Heart Pirates as well as the Straw Hats.
Katya giggled. “So soft!”
Law on the other hand looked incredibly put out. He was not one for physical affection much (well, outside the bedroom, Katya mentally added) and he barely tolerated being hugged by Bepo, let alone a bunch of strange creatures.
Master Cat Viper then awoke and demanded that they all had a banquet, something Katya was very happy about. She missed partying with her crewmates.
“KANPAI!”
“Oi, Penguin, we didn’t finish our drinking contest!”
“Ohhh, think you can beat me now, Katya-chan?”
“I want in!” The blonde Tontatta piped up.
“But Freya-chan, you’re...”
“I’m what?”
“Tiny!”
“I could outdrink all of you big humans.” Freya said confidently.
“Even me?” Nami said skeptically.
“I’d put money on it.”
“Count me in.” The orange haired navigator’s eyes sparkled at the prospect of winning money.
“Let’s do this!”
The Heart Pirates had a great time dancing around and drinking. Katya and Penguin called it a tie in order to pause to eat the lasagna that was brought as the main dish. Most of the crew were grateful for the pause, as Freya had tried to claim she could out drink Jean Bart too and they weren’t sure where the alcohol could even go in the tiny girl.
Drums began to play and the Minks began to dance around the campfires that had been constructed.
“Broooooook-saaaan! Where are you?” Katya whined, looking for the Straw Hat.
“Katya-ya, how much did you drink?” Law snickered and pulled her into his lap.
“A bit.” She admitted. “I wanted to sing with him though!”
“Katya-ya, you couldn’t sing right now if you wanted to.”
“I could!” She giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Doctor, I want you, ooh my doctor wanna do, I can’t get over you, Doctor do anything that you wanna do...” she sang, whispering the last line close to his lips.
“That’s a new one.”
“Mm, I recorded it on a Tone Dial before I came to Punk Hazard.” She smiled. “Doctor~” she smirked with hooded eyelids. “Will you do anything that you wanna do with me?”
“Tomorrow. You’re incredibly drunk.”
“Lawwwww, you meanie!” She wailed and adjusted herself so she was sat in his lap, facing him.
“Besides, you threatened to withhold sex earlier.”
“That sounds mean of me.” She said, trailing a finger down his open chest.
“You’re killing me here.”
“Mm...”
“Get a room, you two.” Zoro grunted as he walked by. Katya nearly hit Law in the face as she scrambled to get up.
“Fight me, you shitty grass hair....man! Grass sword man!”
“That didn’t even make sense!”
Law shook his head and warped the woman back to him. Katya yelped as he pulled her back into his and got her to lay her head down against him.
“I coulda taken him.”
“Sure, Katya-ya.”
“Shitty moss man.” Katya stuck her tongue out at him, before curling up happily into Law’s chest. “So waaaarm. Fever sure has got me good~” she sang sleepily.
Law rolled his eyes and put his arm around her as she slowly drifted off to sleep. Shachi and Penguin were sent running with a death glare the moment they commented on how sweet the image was of the two lying together by the fire.
Chapter 49: Rainbows, Ninjas and Mating Questions
Summary:
The group investigate a Poneglyph. Master Cat Viper manages to be quite inappropriate.
Chapter Text
“I’m never drinking again.” Katya whined.
“You say that every time.” Law smiled wryly. “Hey, Katya-ya, look up at the sky.”
“Hm?”
There was a large rainbow forming over the island, sparkling from water thrown in the air by the elephant.
“Woah...” she looked up at it in awe. “This almost makes me feel better.”
“Tra-guy! We’re going to go see the ninja!” Luffy bounced in excitedly to see them. “Oh, hi Katya! You look terrible.”
“Luffy, you nightmare child! Don’t be so mean!” Katya whined.
“I do want to go see the ninja.” Law admitted.
“Dork.”
Law scowled but it ended up looking more like a childish pout. “Why do I like you again?”
“You like my butt.”
“Good point.” He smirked and gave the said body part an appreciative squeeze. “Why else?”
“Your ego gets a boost when I sing about you.”
“True.”
Katya shook her head, smiling still. “You claim to despise being around the Straw Hats because they’re all giant dorks. Yet you, Mr I Collect Commemorative Coins and Read Comic Books, surround yourself with this lot.” She indicated left, where Luffy was laughing at Shachi and Penguin, who were lying half on top of each other asleep, their drool from their open mouths forming a disgusting collective puddle of spit. Freya was sleeping on top of Penguin’s head and hiccuping in her sleep.
“Your point?”
“My point,” Katya pulled herself into a kneeling position facing Law. “Is that you act all tough for your reputation, which is somehow still of a ruthless pirate who gets off on chopping up Marines-“
“I do.”
“Well, yeah, but you’re also a giant softie who wouldn’t have the heart to punish Bepo if he threw you overboard.”
“I would.”
“Liar. You think he’s cute.”
“.......”
Katya smirked triumphantly. “Admit it, you love our chaos.”
“I’m not admitting shit.” Law snapped. Katya giggled and kissed his cheek.
“Okay, Captain~. Do we think we should ask the others if they want to come?”
The two glanced over to the Heart Pirates, most of whom were fast asleep.
“Never mind. Let’s go see a ninja.” Katya corrected.
~
The ninja was absolutely nothing like the group expected. The men were complaining as their illusion of what a ninja should be was shattered into pieces. Katya on the other hand was more concerned by what he was tied to.
“Is that...?” She looked to Robin.
“Yes. It’s a Poneglyph.”
“It doesn’t look much like how you described it to me.” Katya mused.
“I’ve never seen one in such a colour. Deep red...” Robin said quietly. Katya turned to the older woman to see what was basically the historian’s version of sparkling eyes.
“We know you-gara,” Duke Dogstorm, one of the head Minks, said. “Nico Robin. I heard the Ohara people can read those letters.”
“So you two know about Ohara.” Robin said in surprise. Katya only knew because she had asked Robin on their way to Zou about where she was from. It had been a tough story to hear. “Why is that Poneglyph red?”
“It has a different purpose.” Duke Dogstorm said gruffly. “Can you read it?”
“Yes, may I?” Robin said eagerly.
The woman rushed forward to the stone happily as the men continued to question Raizo about his ninja powers.
“Why do you pirates want to see them so badly?” The man protested.
“It’s not because we’re pirates.” Franky replied. “All boys like ninjas!”
Katya looked at Law’s slight smile along with the rest of them, as they started requesting things for him to do.
“Show me the Shadow Clone technique.” Law demanded along with the rest of them. Katya rolled her eyes and went back to join Robin.
“Boys.” Katya tutted and hummed softly as Robin translated. She ignored the sounds in the background of the men screaming about the ninjas. When Robin was eventually finished, Duke Dogstorm explained the significance of the Road Poneglyph and how the four stones could be used to locate the island of Laugh Tale, where the One Piece was.
“The One Piece...is dependent on locating these stones.” Katya concluded. “Not to mention reading them.”
She looked at Law, who since the revelation, hadn’t said much. It presented a problem for definite. One needed to read the Poneglyphs in order to find the One Piece, which Law and Luffy both wanted to find, and since Robin was the only one that could read them...
“Robin...” Katya said in worry. “Are you the only one that can read them?”
“As far as I know, yes.”
“That’s going to paint one hell of a target on your back.”
Law stood by the Poneglyph as Master Cat Viper explained that Big Mom and Kaido also had one of the Poneglyphs each, and that most people got a copy by obtaining a rubbing of each one.
“In that case, we’ll sneak into their headquarters and steal a copy!” Usopp said. Katya looked across at Law and glanced down at her hands.
“Sneaking, huh...”
Master Cat Viper also expressed his concern for Robin.
“She couldn’t have a bigger target on her than being able to read the way to the One Piece.” Katya glanced at the archaeologist.
“Agreed.” Master Cat Viper said.
“It’s no problem.” Robin said calmly. “I have strong friends that will protect me.”
“Awww~” Katya smiled and hugged the woman. “That’s so cute.”
“You’re not part of their crew...” Kin’emon mumbled to himself at Katya hugging the Straw Hat’s historian. Law watched on quietly. It would indeed present an issue if she was the only one that could read them.
“We’ll keep you safe, Robin!” Katya smiled along with the rest of the Straw Hats. Law looked on, the cogs in his mind beginning to turn.
~
After more chaos ensued due to Luffy, the group redeclared their promise to work together to take down Kaido. Katya slipped her hand into Law’s back pocket and took some paracetamol from it. Her hangover hadn’t gotten any better with all the shouting that had been going on. She took a swig from Robin’s water bottle and took the pills as Law smirked at her suffering. She stuck her tongue out at him as Luffy began to talk.
“Guys! Don’t ever bow your heads! Nor get down on your knees! An alliance means...friendship!” Luffy beamed.
“Not necessarily!” Law snapped at Luffy. Katya and Robin laughed quietly together.
“We’re already allies, but there’s one condition.” Luffy continued. “One of my nakama isn’t here with us.”
“Sanji.” Katya nodded.
“Well, a lot has happened...” Nami said.
“I’ll go and get him back so don’t go off to fight until then!” Luffy said. “Sanji will be a big help! It’s like getting help from a thousand people!”
“I’m worth two thousand people!” Zoro commented gruffly, which Katya snorted at.
Luffy told them his plan to go and retrieve Sanji from Big Mom, and the group agreed to wait until he was back.
“Say, where did you get that hat?” Master Cat Viper asked Luffy as they walked through the Whale Forest.
“It’s Shanks’s!” Luffy replied cheerily. “Don’t tell me you know him, Cat Viper.”
“Ah, yes, I know him. ‘Red-Hair’ Shanks, right? No wonder that straw hat looks familiar.”
“You two know him?” Katya interrupted.
“Yes, though I’ve not seen him in a long time.”
“He’s like a weird dad to me.” Katya sighed.
“Explain this to me.” Duke Dogstorm inquired, stepping forward to Katya.
“Ah, well, I met him by accident when I sang for his crew. But then he got really protective of me. He tried to kill Eustass Kid when he found out we slept together once.” Katya said with a grin. “Imagine what he’d do to Law!”
“Oi, oi...” Law blushed slightly.
“Ah, he intends to mate with you, then?” Master Cat Viper said with a toothy smile.
“Eh?!”
“Woah, woah...” Katya waved her arms as Law looked like he was going to spontaneously combust. “Didn’t say that!”
“Ah. I see.” The large Mink replied.
“You clearly don’t!”
“Well, either way, you two make an interesting pair.” Master Cat Viper put his pipe in his mouth.
Katya looked across at Law, whose gaze was that of someone who had been through too much in life but it was all hitting him at once. Which, to be fair, was reasonably accurate.
“Thank you, Master Cat Viper, but ah, I think we’ll hold off on the ‘mating’ thing for a while.”
“What does she mean by mating?” Luffy asked Nami.
“Dammit, Katya, he’s asking questions! Next thing you know he’ll be asking about what he saw on the ship here!” Usopp waved his hands.
“What did he see on the ship?” Law blanched.
“Oh, when we were...” Katya cleared her throat. “Ah...in the baths when we first got on the ship here. Luffy was by the door and I yelled at him.”
“You yelled at Straw Hat-ya?”
“You were there!”
“I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary.” Law smirked. “After all, you’re always screaming when-“
“TOO MUCH INFORMATION!” Nami screeched.
“Screaming when what?” Luffy looked even more confused. “Nami, tell me!”
Katya wanted to sink into the floor and she covered her face with her hands.
“My my, Katya-chan,” Robin smiled wryly next to the Heart Pirate. “We must have some girl talk some time.”
Chapter 50: Rules Of The Submarine
Summary:
Luffy’s group set off to retrieve Sanji from Big Mom. Law reveals a change of living arrangements.
Chapter Text
“I’m going to make contact with someone I know.” Master Cat Viper said happily. “It’s always good to have more reinforcements!”
The group continued their way down into the whale forest. Law and Katya were walking side by side, both still rather embarrassed at what had been discussed.
“Who is it?” Luffy asked.
“He is the former 1st division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates....Marco the Phoenix!”
“Marco?” Nami said in surprise.
“Yeah.”
Luffy struggled to remember who the man was until Robin remarked “he looks like a pineapple”.
“HIM?!” Both Luffy and Katya said in shock.
“Wait, how do you know of him, Katya?”
“I remember Shanks talking about him.” Katya thought aloud. “He said that he had seen him...oh, about a year ago now. Shanks said he went to see some guy that looked like a pineapple. He didn’t mention a name. And....” Katya went a little pale. “Ah, what did Marco do on Whitebeard’s ship apart from command it?” She asked Duke Dogstorm sheepishly.
“Ah, he was their doctor!”
“Oh, shit.”
“What is it?”
“Shanks mentioned a guy that looked like a pineapple that liked my music...especially the ones about doctors?” She said with an apologetic smile towards Law. “And he was jealous that Shanks knew me?”
“Hm.” Law said dismissively.
“Again, you know too many powerful people!” Usopp snapped at Katya.
The conversation continued as everyone filled in Luffy regarding the events of the Grudge War against Blackbeard led by Marco and the rest of the Whitebeard Pirates.
“The Land of Wano is occupied by Kaido, yes?” Brook was saying as everyone took a break from walking. “The chances of encountering the Beast Pirates is high, and isn’t it hard to even enter the country?”
“Can’t you do something with your ninjutsu?” Usopp asked Raizo.
“It’d be hard to use it against everyone.”
“If you come on our submarine, you’ll be safe while travelling.” Law cut in.
“Oh, are you sure, Law-dono?”
“Plus if you know a place to hide on the island, you’ll be alright.” He added.
“We’re going to have all of this lot aboard the Polar Tang?” Katya said with a sinking feeling in her stomach.
~
The elephant shook fiercely and the whole of Zou shook. The houses and buildings began to collapse and Luffy and Momonosuke both clutched their heads, shouting about a voice they could hear.
There was a huge roar from the elephant and Katya focused on getting the Minks to safety as parts of the elephant tilted violently to one side.
“What is this?” Katya tried to keep herself upright but ended up flailing slightly.
“Hold on, Katya!” Bepo caught Katya’s arm and held onto her.
“Thanks, Bepo!”
The Heart Pirates held onto one another as there was a huge crash from the ocean and the shaking stopped.
“I hated that.” Katya clung to Bepo’s entire being as everyone began to adjust back to normal. “Bepo, your home island...is scary.”
Everyone began to go about what they had been doing, and Law and Chopper started planning how to treat the elephant, Zunesha. Katya and the other Heart Pirates helped gather herbs and prepare the giant bandage with Robin’s help. Freya had been a massive benefit to the group, as years of hanging out with Leo had taught the blonde dwarf to sew. She zipped across the bandage, sewing quickly and efficiently. With her and Robin working together, it took mere minutes.
Law and Zoro both helped to cut up timber, and Katya helped to apply first aid to some people that had been hurt by the falling buildings. Shachi and Penguin helped her and the three chatted happily whilst they were working.
“Okay, so it’s the crew, Robin, Franky, Usopp, lost swordsman and the group from Wano, all on our ship, then this lot are off to see Big Mom.” Katya observed as the group got together to say goodbye to Luffy’s group.
“Look after yourself, Luffy.” The Heart Pirate hugged him tightly. “Try to be stealthy. You won’t have my fruit to let you sneak around.”
“We’ll be okay!”
Luffy grabbed the group by wrapping his arms around them and literally leapt off the elephant.
“Yikes.” Katya commented as she saw Nami’s face crying as they jumped. “I think I’m with you, Law.” She winced. “Luffy is toeing the line between brave and completely insane.”
~
“Right, everyone!” Katya stood on the deck of the Polar Tang with a clipboard. “We’re all here, so we need to go over some rules of being on the submarine! Law?” She gestured to the grumpy looking man.
“Don’t attempt to open windows or doors to the outside when we are submerged. This should be obvious, but experience has shown it is still something I have to say.” Law shot a glare to some of the Heart Pirates, who grinned sheepishly.
“Furthermore, there will be no access to the rooms where the women sleep. I would advise adhering to this.” Law smirked as Shachi and Penguin nodded vigorously.
“Ikkaku tried to kill us so many times!”
“Same principles goes for the showers.”
Shachi and Penguin exchange a look at this as their imaginations began to go wild. Katya hissed at them and the two hung their heads in shame.
“Shachi-ya, show them to the men’s quarters. Ikkaku-ya, please show Robin-ya to the women’s quarters. Harris, can you please make Freya-ya a hammock her size and possibly a boiler suit. Katya-ya....with me, please.”
Law indicated that the rest should go indoors and they went in chatting happily. Law put his hand on the small of Katya’s back and led her in a different direction.
“Where are we going?”
“My quarters.”
Law led the way to his room on the Polar Tang. “Law, you know I’ve already been in here, right?”
“Yes, but it’s something different now.”
He opened the door and the two walked into the room. Katya looked around for the sign of something that was odd or looked off but nothing did. It looked exactly the same.
“Law, it literally looks exactly the same.”
“No, because you’re in it.” He replied. “This is your quarters too, now.”
“Y-You want us to share?”
“It’s easier than you sneaking around.” Law smirked at her. “Besides, the crew know we’re together now.”
“Fair enough.” Katya yawned and rested her head on his shoulder. “How long is it going to take us to get to Wano?”
“Not sure. It could be a week, or a few days. Kin’emon is unsure.”
Katya nodded and strolled over to Law’s bed and collapsed on it in a heap. “Ahhh, I can’t remember the last time I slept in an actual bed.”
Law observed her lying on the bed. Her eyes were half-closed and she had a satisfied smile on her face. It pleased him to see her so content. She’d been so stressed and worried the last few months, mostly on his behalf.
“Do you want to take a nap?”
“I do, actually. Join me?”
Law shook his head. “I need to sort out a few things with Bepo and the others before we dive. Have a rest, and I’ll be back.”
“Okay.” Law leaned down and kissed her gently before letting the woman succumb to sleep.
Chapter 51: Why No-One Hits On Katya
Summary:
The crew spend some downtime on the way to Wano. Momonosuke crosses a line.
Chapter Text
“Where’s Katya-chan?” Penguin said, popping his head out of the engine room with Franky. Law had found out the cyborg had been tinkering and had gone down there to politely ask him NOT to mess with his ship. “I haven’t seen her since we came aboard.”
“She’s sleeping.”
“Aww.” Penguin said with a grin. “Katya-chan is so funny when she’s asleep.”
“Eh?” Franky asked, pulling his arm back from what he had been tinkering with.
“She sleep talks.” Penguin clarified.
“Yeah, it’s real hilarious.” Ikkaku grinned from further into the engine room. The woman had been fixing one of the water filtration valves that they used for showers. “It’s not like she’s shouting, more lots of little mumbles, but they can be about anything.”
“Haha, that’s a super funny quirk!” Franky laughed.
“The last time she was onboard asleep she kept muttering about wanting a tuna sandwich.”
The men laughed, except Law, whose nose wrinkled at the thought of bread.
“Speaking of which, what’s for dinner?” Ikkaku said, wiping her wrench with a cloth.
“Jake said he was going to do a kind of donburi, I think.” Penguin mused. “I should tell the Straw Hats and the ninja guys.”
“I’m going to the navigation room. Franky-ya, I would ask you do not mess with my ship unless Penguin approves of it.”
“Gotcha, Tra-guy!”
Law rolled his eyes before making his way to the navigation room, where Bepo was in conversation with Kanjuro and Kin’emon. He left them to it shortly after and made his way back to his quarters.
“Katya-ya, are you awake?” Law said as he entered the room. There was no answer so he strode over to the bed. Katya was curled up in a ball on the far side of the wall, sleeping soundly. Law couldn’t help but smile fondly.
“Law....” she muttered.
“Yes?”
“...Law, don’t hit the snow leopard...” Katya mumbled and Law realised she was sleep talking. He shook his head and got onto the bed to lie next to her. Five minutes couldn’t hurt....
~
When Law awoke, he was alone in the bed. It was quiet, and he glanced at the clock. It was nearly six in the evening. Surely it would be noisier...Oh. He recognised the effect. Katya had used her Devil Fruit to make the room quiet. But there was no sign of the woman. He rubbed his eyes and sat up, putting his hat on his head.
“Katya-ya?”
Law swung his legs over to the floor and stood up, before making his way across the room towards the bathroom. The moment he stepped into the open bathroom door the bubble of quiet seemed to vanish.
“I see you’re practicing your powers.” Law arched an eyebrow at Katya, who was fresh out of the shower. Her brown hair was slightly fluffed in the steam and she had one of Law’s white towels wrapped around her. The freckled woman’s face was slightly flushed from the heat and Law swallowed thickly, feeling his pants tighten.
“Yeah, you needed the sleep, so I thought I’d give you a bit of peace.” She tucked a bit of wet hair behind her ear shyly.
Law stepped into the bathroom and took in the sight of her.
“Law, are you okay?”
“Katya-ya...I...” the man’s face had become flushed in the heat, too. Katya glanced down at her lack of attire.
“Ohhhh~” She smirked, and put her hands on his chest. “Is it too much for you, Cap-“
Law cut her off with a searing kiss and lifted her up into his arms. She gave out a mild squeak as he carried her into the quiet bubble.
“You need to be more careful, you know.” Law lay Katya on the bed, her hair spread out underneath her. “When you look like this...it’s dangerous.”
“H-How?”
“You distract me,” Law smirked and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Because all I can think of is all the filthy things I want to do to you.”
Katya smiled wryly. “I think I can keep the bubble going a bit longer.”
“Good.” Law trailed his lips down her neck hungrily. “I love that no-one else gets to hear the noises you make when you’re begging for me.”
“L-Law, please...” Katya sighed happily.
“Tell me what you want, Katya-ya, and if you’re a good girl, then your Captain may grant you your requests....”
They were an hour late for dinner.
~
“So Momonosuke is royalty?” Katya asked in surprise later that evening. “No wonder you looked so annoyed when I asked you to clear up your mess in the Biscuits Room.”
“Of course. It’s not something a samurai would do!”
Katya frowned disapprovingly and leaned back into the cushions. Nearly everyone was gathered in the games room. Law was reading, leaning against a sleeping Bepo, Freya perusing the text over his shoulder with interest. Shachi and Penguin were playing cards with Simon, Ollie and Daniel. The Straw Hats and the samurai were chatting nearby. It was peaceful.
“It wouldn’t kill you to do things for yourself, Momo.”
“You can’t speak to me like that!”
“Sure I can.”
“Momonosuke-sama, is everything okay?” Kin’emon said.
“No! Katya is being disrespectful to me! Like Luffy!”
“I’m a pirate, Momo. I barely use honorifics for anyone, let along a little kid with ideas of grandeur.” Katya said cheekily.
The boy looked annoyed and opened his mouth to protest.
“I’m messing with you. You’re a good kid.” Katya said at the same moment Robin walked over.
“Momo-kun, would you like to have a bath?”
The boy lightened up and flew at Robin and buried his face between her breasts as he hugged her.
“You dirty brat!” Kin’emon shouted, which caught the attention of the others.
“He’s just hugging her.” Katya rolled her eyes. “Don’t be mean.”
Momonosuke turned back to Katya and jumped into her arms. “They’re always so cruel to me!” He hugged her tightly and nuzzled himself into her chest.
“YOU BRAT!” Kin’emon roared.
Everyone’s attention was now on the group sat in the corner. The men’s jaws quickly dropped at the expression on Momonosuke’s face as the boy nestled in between Katya’s boobs.
“WHAAAT?!?!” They simultaneously screamed.
“ROOM.”
SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!
“Wahhhhh!” Momonosuke shrieked in panic as his body was suddenly falling in four parts away from Katya. The group looked up to see Law sheathing Kikoku with a cold expression towards the boy.
“Do that again, and you’ll be like this permanently. I don’t care that you’re a child.”
“.....yes, sir.” Momonosuke’s head covered with sweat as Law went back to sitting by Bepo. The young boy’s body was flung back together and he looked to be on the verge of crying.
“And that,” Shachi picked his cards back up from the game table and said at a horrified Simon “is why you never try to hit on Katya in front of Captain.”
Chapter 52: It’s A Touchy Subject
Summary:
The pirates bond. Katya reveals some of her past.
Chapter Text
Katya had come to the conclusion that Armament Haki was one of the most frustrating processes she had ever had to go through. Katya was managing to coat her blades or hands now, but she could only hold it for twenty seconds so far. Her Observation Haki was as poignant as ever, but that could only give you so much of an advantage in a fight. The Beast Pirates would likely have plenty of proficient Haki users, so Law determined that Katya being able to hold her Haki for longer was of vital importance.
When they weren’t training in Haki, they spent a lot of time with the crew. Being away from the crew for so many months had been tough on the two that were in Dressrosa, so they had much catching up to do. The crew had enjoyed their time in Zou, even if they had mostly been confined to one area under the watchful eyes of Pedro and the other guardian Minks.
The Straw Hats had been joining in on the conversations too. Franky had been enthusiastically spending time with Shachi, Penguin, Ikkaku and the engineering crew and Katya was sure that they had been tinkering with the sub without Law noticing. Robin and Freya had been fawned over by nearly everyone on board and Usopp was popular with his tales of their mad adventures, although Katya still was sceptical that the crew had “killed God”. Zoro spent his time training and Law had even joined him for a sparring session. The two had a begrudging respect for each other’s skill. They did not, however, have much respect for Katya and the crew comparing their brooding over dinner times.
Kin’emon and Kanjuro talked to everyone about what to expect in Wano, but it was base things like the culture and their objectives on how to recruit the citizens and former samurai to oppose Kaido. The thing that frightened nearly everyone though was how he described getting into the country.
“There’s a huge waterfall you have to go up?!” Penguin said in disbelief.
“Yes, and a whirlpool. I have been instructing your navigator on how to best handle it.” Kanjuro said with a slight shrug, as if it wasn’t a truly terrifying prospect.
“I hate whirlpools.” Shachi said with a whimper. “There was that one during the first week of the Grand Line...” he shuddered.
“Bepo was so sick.” Penguin replied with a grim expression. “The smell alone was terrible. But weather wise, we’ve not had too many bad experiences because of the sub. The last time we had a huge disaster was just before we decided to get a submarine.”
“Yeah, ‘we’ decided. I recall it was my suggestion?” Katya grinned, looking up from the piece of paper in front of her.
“What are you writing about, Katya-chan?” Robin asked politely.
“I’m just writing to my aunt. I figured she would have seen my bounty by now and panicked. I guess I wanted to set the record straight with her.”
“You have an aunt far away, Katland?” Freya hopped onto the table next to her letter.
“I do!”
“I miss your aunt Lila.” Penguin sighed dreamily. “She made the most amazing food.”
“Did you live with her before you went to the archipelago?” Robin inquired.
“Yeah, she lives back on Forhargo, my hometown in North Blue.”
“How did you meet Freckles-san? In North Blue?” Robin turned to Penguin.
“Yeah!” Penguin said. “But it’s a bit of a touchy subject. What with the whole thing with Captain.”
“That part is in our past.” Katya put down her pen. “But I’ll tell you, Robin. Ah, though tomorrow, if that’s okay. I need to finish my letter.” Katya said with a stifled yawn. “Plus, it’s quite a long story.”
“We still have a few days to go before we reach Wano.” Usopp reminded her. “I’d like to hear it!”
“Well....I guess I could tell you a bit....”
~
Flashback: 8 years ago, Forhargo, North Blue
“Katya-chan! We can’t wait to see you perform tonight!”
“Thank you, Dale-san!”
Katya waved as she made her way back from the shops. Her long brown hair swished behind her as she walked and hummed under her breath. Tonight’s performance was going to be her best yet. She’d debut her newest song and finally be able to convince her Aunt Lila that she would be able to make it as a singer.
‘You’re only sixteen, Katya!’ She’d argue. ‘You need to think more about school and learning a trade!’
Katya rolled her eyes at the thought. She loved her aunt dearly, but she was overprotective. Her father’s only sister, Katya had been left in her aunt’s care after an accident killed both of her parents when she was very young. She didn’t remember them, and her aunt had been looking after her for as long as she could remember. Forhargo was a reasonably large island, but the village of Descala was a tight-knit community, so she had never felt lonely.
“Aunt Lila, I’m home!” She called as she stepped in through the doors. “How was work?”
“Oh, Katya, you’re back. Did you get the flour?” Lila smiled and embraced the girl. Takimi Lila looked quite like Katya, with the same shade of brown hair that Katya had inherited from her father, and the striking blue eyes. Katya’s freckles on the other hand, had come from her mother, so were not present on the older woman’s face.
“Yep,” Katya passed her the bag of shopping.
“You’re a life saver, my little songbird.” Lila grinned and took the flour out of the bag. “I need to bake these lemon cakes for tomorrow.”
“Oh, yeah, the hospital fundraiser. I’ll pass a jar around tonight during the show,” Katya flopped down onto the sofa. “See if I can get some extra.”
“I still don’t like the idea of you playing at the bar. You’re underage.”
“I’ll be fine! Blake behind the bar said he’ll make sure there’s no trouble! Besides, if anyone tries to be a creep, I’ll tell them to fuck off.”
Lila scowled. “Language!”
“Sorry.”
“That tongue of yours is going to get you in trouble on day.” Lila shook her head and went into the kitchen to begin baking.
“I hope so.” Katya grinned to herself. “By the way, you never answered my question about work.”
“Hm? Oh, it was good.” Lila said casually. “A good amount of business.”
Lila worked at the local dressmakers. It wasn’t a well-paying job, but the two got by on her wages. Lila’s four loves in life were sewing, baking, Katya and gossip. She always heard the best things from the ladies in the shop. Rumours spread quickly on an island like Forhargo, and Lila and the dressmakers always seemed to get the news first.
“Any scandals today?” Katya asked. The last one had been great. A lady set to inherit had run off with a poor baker’s boy and headed for West Blue.
“Nothing scandalous, but I did hear some interesting things. Yesterday, some seventeen year old turned up at the hospital with a BEAR.”
“A bear?!”
“It stood on two feet!”
“Really?!”
“Yep, and the kid claimed to be a doctor. He was asking for medical equipment as his friend had injured himself. Dr Gilani went with him with the medical kit and the kid did it all himself like a professional! At seventeen, no less! Dr Gilani has offered him an internship at the hospital over the winter. They’re predicting more flu this year.”
“Ugh.”
“Imagine being a doctor at seventeen though, songbird! Only a year older than you!”
“You don’t have to rub it in how unsuccessful I am, Lila.” Katya pouted. “But I don’t know if I believe that. A doctor and a bear.”
“It’s true, Jean at the hospital told us when she came in earlier for her fitting. Apparently the kid has been assisting in surgeries today. Lot of talent, she said.”
“Huh. Well, I’ll see if anyone at the bar has seen this bear.”
“Good luck, tonight, Katya.” Lila smiled at her warmly. “I know you’ll crush it.”
Chapter 53: First Meetings And Fireworks
Summary:
Katya tells the crew about her first encounter with the Heart Pirates.
Notes:
Holy double update, Batman!
Chapter Text
Cont. flashback, 8 years ago, Forhargo, North Blue
“Silena Siren.” Blake laughed as Katya made her way to the bar, her set finished. It had been a great success. “Another great show.”
“Pour me a beer, would you, Blake-san?” Katya fluttered her eyelids at the man.
“Not a chance in hell,” the man laughed, his large belly jiggling as he did. “Your aunt would have my head on a stick.”
“Not even for a very generous tip?”
“No.”
“Tch.” Katya pouted. “Worth a shot.”
“You need to stop trying to bribe me, Katya-chan.” Blake shook his head. “Besides, I’ve had enough on my plate this evening.” He gestured to a group of people by the other end of the bar. “Bloody bear.”
“Bear?!” Katya’s eyes widened and she went over to the group as fast as her legs could carry her.
“So they weren’t lying. There is a bear.” She said with interest as she stood in front of the small group, three young looking men and a white bear.
“I’m sorry.” The bear said.
“You TALK?!” Katya gasped as two of the group went “stop apologising!”
“I-I meant no offence.” Katya backtracked.
“Don’t mind Bepo, he’s shy.” One of them stepped forward.
“Hi.” Katya said with a smile. “Sorry, I just heard that there was some kid doctor and a bear around, but I wasn’t exactly inclined to believe it.”
“Kid doctor!” One of the other men grinned at the one man who was still facing the bar with a white hat. “We’re calling you that from now on, Captain.”
“Captain?” Katya said in confusion.
“Yeah, Law’s our Captain.” One of them grinned. “I’m Shachi.” He held out a hand and Katya shook it gingerly.
“Oi, Shach, that bar guy looks like he’s going to kill you.”
“Shut up, Penguin!” The man shaking Katya’s hand hissed back.
“Blake gets protective.” She said dismissively. “I’m Katya, though my stage name is Silena Siren.”
“You’re a very good singer.” A new voice said. The man facing the bar turned around. He had a white hat with spots on, black hair and intense eyes. Katya felt like she was under scrutiny but she had to admit the guy before her was very handsome indeed.
“Oh,” Katya blushed slightly. “Thank you....ah, Law-kun, was it?”
The guy seemed to flush under her gaze. “Trafalgar Law.”
“You’re the doctor?”
“I am.”
“And you’re actually seventeen?”
“Yes.”
Katya whistled. “That’s impressive.”
The young man seemed to flush even more red. Katya took the seat next to him and grinned. “Tell me something would you?”
“Hm?”
“How did you manage to get Blake to serve you when you’re not 18?! I’ve been trying for a year!”
Law cracked a small smile.
“I just asked nicely. Maybe you should try that?”
Katya scowled. “You know, I have this knack of knowing things about people at first glance.”
“Oh really? What would you say about me?” Law said in amusement.
“Prejudiced against carbs and probably into BDSM.” She said bluntly, before turning to the others as Law’s eyes widened in shock. “Soft-hearted, fluffy.” She pointed at Bepo. “And those two...goofy. Just goofy. Also you’re all virgins.”
Shachi and Penguin spat out their drinks all over the bar.
~
“So you met Tra-guy-kun at the bar you performed at?” Robin sipped her tea.
“Yeah.” Katya nodded. “I was in awe that someone managed to trick Blake. Then, of course, I found out that they were pirates...”
~
“Absolutely not!” Lila snapped at Katya. “I don’t care if they’re overlooking it at the hospital because of this flu, but you are not associating with pirates!”
“Lila, please, they’re not bad people!” Katya protested.
“You’re not going, and that’s final.”
Katya stormed off to her room. Fine. If her aunt wouldn’t let her go to the fireworks show with the guys, then she’d just sneak out. She had done for the last three months. The three Heart Pirates and Bepo had become good friends with her since they had docked.
‘We’ll be staying for a year or two, until Captain gets a bit more experience. Then we’ll be travelling, probably.’ Shachi had said.
Katya had accepted that Law would be busy at the hospital most of the time, but the evenings had begun to be something they all shared. Law and Katya had been getting along very well, being close in age. Shachi and Penguin had been her biggest cheerleaders at her shows too, and Bepo gave her cuddles as much as she wanted. Aside from an unfortunate incident that had involved peanuts and a very severe allergic reaction that had had Penguin in the hospital, they had seen each other most days.
Law....Katya’s heart did a somersault as she thought of him. He was smart, and cool, if a little emotionally distant and grumpy. She’d known him for three months but it had barely taken her three days to fall head over heels for him. There was something about the young doctor that drew her in like a moth to a flame.
Katya waited patiently until Lila was asleep before sneaking out her bedroom window and heading to the festival.
“Hey, guys! Sorry I’m late!” She grinned mischievously at them.
“Had to sneak out again?” Penguin smirked.
“Always. I still can’t believe she threatened you all with a broom.”
“Hey, Law-kun.” She smiled shyly at him and he smiled back before clearing his throat.
“Shall we?”
Katya giggled and took his arm. The four went into the festival area where various places were selling food whilst the fireworks were being set up. Shachi, Penguin and Bepo went to get food, leaving Law and Katya to find a place to put the picnic blanket on the grass. They chose a spot under a tree with a view of the docks, the moon reflecting on the water in the distance.
“L-Law-kun?” Katya asked hesitantly as the two sat waiting.
“Please, just call me Law.”
“Okay.” She smiled. “You can call me Katya.”
The two just looked at each other for a moment before Katya blushed and turned away. “We should probably tell the others where we are.”
“We should.” Law said quietly.
“It’s beautiful isn’t it?” She pointed to the moon’s shimmering reflection on the tide by the docks.
“Yeah.” Law murmured, still looking at Katya. She caught him looking and turned to face him.
“Law, c-can I try something?”
Law looked surprised. “Sure, what did you have in m-“
Katya’s lips met Law’s briefly before she jumped back blushing furiously.
“What was that?” Law said in surprise.
“Um...affection, I guess?” Katya blurted.
“A disgusting concept....” he murmured. “Um...but it was nice. Can you do it again?”
This time he leaned forward and she melted into his touch. The two stayed like that for a few moments before they heard a yelp.
“AHH! They’re eating each other!”
“BEPO! You moron!” Shachi shouted at the bear, and the two broke apart, blushing furiously.
“Oh, they were just kissing.” Bepo remarked and Law shot a glare at the bear, who immediately apologised for ruining the moment.
Chapter 54: The Story of Us
Summary:
Katya finishes her telling of her and Law’s past. The Heart pirate captain listens in.
Chapter Text
Cont. flashback, Forhargo, North Blue, 8 years ago
“That was amazing!” Bepo clapped happily as Katya finished singing her song, ‘Fever’. She had written it about Law ready for his birthday. The two had been a thing for four months now, and so far had managed to keep it from Katya’s Aunt Lila, a miracle considering the gossip that went around the town. The group had gotten together that evening to discuss Law’s plan to obtain a submarine after Katya had suggested it.
‘You guys are good at sneaking around with me’ she’d laughed. ‘It’d suit you.’
“Thanks Bepo-sama.” Katya smiled happily and the Mink blushed. She had been calling him -sama ever since she had learned to read a map from him.
The three went back to where Law was. He’d gone to get wine for them all and she’d shown them the song whilst he was gone.
Law kissed her cheek as he put down the bottle. Katya grinned, her new stethoscope necklace on her neck. Law had given it to her a week ago. “I take it you like it.”
“Absolutely.”
“I could always use it to check your heartbeat.”
“Law, you idiot.” She giggled, her long hair falling in her face. He pushed it aside and kissed her gently.
“Okay, I think we’ll retire for the night.” Penguin tugged at Shachi. “Let’s give these lovebirds some privacy.”
Law scowled at them, but it was very half-hearted. The two men and the bear headed off, leaving Law and Katya alone. Lila had gone away for the week to get new fabric from the next island over, so the Heart Pirates had been able to spend some time at Katya’s house instead of their old ship where they’d been staying.
The two talked for a while but it quickly turned to kissing. Things tended to with hormonal teenagers. It got steadily more heated, and Law began to remove Katya’s top-
~
“We don’t need to hear that.” Zoro snapped at Katya, and she paused telling the story.
“I want to hear it!” Ikkaku protested.
“Ah,” Katya blushed. “Yeah, probably shouldn’t go into that. Anyway, you can imagine what happened next. Then...”
~
“We’re going to the Grand Line.” Law said quietly as the two basked in the afterglow. It had been a bit of a fumbling mess, but the two had enjoyed the experience immensely and had gone for another round before they gave in to exhaustion and laid together in Katya’s bed.
“When?” Katya asked, her head resting on his chest.
“Soon. And I want you to come with us.”
“Wait, what?” Katya sat up. “I can’t leave!”
“Didn’t you want to sing elsewhere too?” Law pointed out.
“But I’m sixteen, Law. I know my birthday’s not far, but I’m still too young. Plus, my aunt would be heartbroken if I left so suddenly, and I thought you were staying here for a few more years.”
“I’ve learned everything I need to know from the hospital.”
“And what, you need to go to the Grand Line to be a good doctor?” Katya scoffed.
“No, I have something to do there. A revenge I need to take.”
“A revenge?! Law, that’s crazy.” Katya stood up, wrapping the bedsheets around her. “Can’t you just be happy being a doctor here in North Blue, rather than pillage your way down the Grand Line?”
“Of course not! I have to fight the man who took everything from me!” Law shouted back in anger.
“So that’s it? You’re going to go and fight some guy and leave me here?! I can’t be a singer if I’m a pirate!”
“If I have to choose between avenging the person I lost and some girl from a nowhere island, then I’m choosing the former!” Law shouted loudly and Katya felt tears come to her eyes.
“Do I mean nothing to you?” Katya said. Law said nothing for a few moments. Katya let out a sob that turned into a scoff. “Wow.”
“I’m a pirate, did you think I’d stay forever?”
“I thought you’d stay for me.”
Katya felt the tears stream down her cheeks as Law looked away, grabbing his clothes.
“Where are you going?!”
“To the docks. I’m leaving.”
SLAP!
Katya smacked Law around the face as hard as she could.
“Good luck, Law.” She said coldly. “I hope you don’t regret choosing hate over love.”
She turned on her heel and ran back into her house, slamming the door shut.
~
“Ouch.” Usopp said with a grimace. “That’s rough.”
“Yeah. I found out they left in the morning. I didn’t even get to say goodbye to the others. I was a wreck for a month.”
“But you clearly worked it out.” Franky commented.
“I gave him a lot of verbal abuse when I saw him again.”
“Yeah, it was scary.” Penguin said with a grimace. “It was rough for Captain too. He drank himself into a stupor after we left Forhargo. I’ve never seen him like that.”
“I’m surprised you forgave him.” Ikkaku added. “Young Captain sounds like an asshole.”
Katya laughed slightly. “Look, it was a long time ago. And we were teenagers. I had my own revenge. Music about Law being an asshole is all over the Grand Line.”
“You two seem so happy now.” Freya said thoughtfully.
“Things changed.” Katya said. “I finished school, then left to play my music. I hated that ‘Fever’ was my most popular song for a long time because all it did was make me sad. I loved Law, and I was less angry than I was heartbroken. The record labels I recorded with made me exaggeration the dramatisation of it all. Shachi and Pen told me Law destroyed a shop when he first heard the album.”
“Yeah, it was brutal.” Ikkaku nodded.
“But things went the way they did in the end. I went to the Grand Line, I made music. I had a life on Sabaody that all went to shit and I ended up a pirate in the end anyway. Law and I had a long talk and agreed to be friends again. Then, well, you know the rest.”
“I’m glad you’re back with us, Katya-chan!” Bepo put his huge paws around her shoulders and rubbed his face against her cheek.
“I spent too long regretting things. I decided a long time ago that I wouldn’t regret my choices, and I wouldn’t change the way my life has gone to bring me to where I am. I’m happy being a Heart Pirate.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” A voice said from the door. Law leaned against it.
“Law...” Katya swallowed. “How long were you listening?”
“Long enough.”
Katya walked up to him and took his hand, the others pretending to look away and give them privacy. “You know I’m not still mad at you.”
“I know. I’m just not particularly proud of my actions on that day.”
“I know.” She kissed his cheek. “But you’re a different man, now. And you chose right in the end. You chose love over hate.”
“I’m still debating if that was the right choice.” He smirked slightly and Katya poked him in the ribs.
“Always so rude.”
“Pirate.”
Katya laughed and pulled him close into a hug. “There are lots of bits in that story that I like. It was only the end that sucked.”
“Which part was the best?”
“Oh, definitely the bit where you said affection was disgusting.”
“I want to hit seventeen year old me in the face for saying something so idiotic.”
“Changed your mind, hm?” Katya smirked.
“Definitely.”
“You two are supeeeer cute!” Franky grinned at them from across the room. Law looked like he wanted to commit murder at the thought of being cute. All was right with the world again.
Chapter 55: Concerns
Summary:
The group strategise together. Law expresses some doubts about Katya’s role in Wano.
Chapter Text
“How far are we from Wano?” Katya asked as her and Law sat together in his study. The two had had a chat after Katya had finished telling the story of how they met later in the evening and Katya had assured Law that she no longer held any resentment towards him. Law in turn had showed his appreciation for her by tying her up and punishing her. That had been very enjoyable. Currently, Law was sorting through some old medical books.
“A few days still. How are your wrists?”
“Just fine, doctor.”
“If you call me that again, we won’t be leaving this room until we get there.” Law murmured to her with a smirk.
“Is that a promise?” Katya responded mischievously.
By the time the two left Law’s quarters for dinner, most of the crew were already in the galley. Usopp was enthusiastically telling a story about two giants he’d met and the Heart Pirates were listening intently.
Robin sipped her tea nonchalantly as Katya caught her eye. She blushed fiercely under the historian’s gaze and pulled her top slightly more towards her neck to hide the barely visible hickies. Nothing escaped Nico Robin’s notice, it seemed. They each grabbed a bowl of food from Jake the cook and sat down to talk with everyone. Law sat quietly, but occasionally chipped in with the conversation.
“We need to make a plan to gather intel on Kaido and the shogun.” Kin’emon said eventually.
“Well, we’re not exactly all very conspicuous.” Katya said with thought. “Law and Zoro in particular have large bounties, not to mention that you three are wanted by the shogun.” She indicated to the Wano natives.
“We’ll have to blend in with the civilians in order to obtain information.” Law said seriously.
“Agreed.” Robin nodded. “We will need to find ways to go undercover to gain information about the shogun and about Kaido’s movements.”
“The Flower Capital is a busy city, so we can find things to do that will make us less obvious.”
“I have ideas on how we can get information in many of the areas of the capital and lay low.” Kin’emon said. “I will think of suitable ways for each of us to blend in.”
“Kin’emon-san, they have singers in Wano, right?”
“Yes, of course.”
“I presume that they perform for the higher ups, including the shogun, then.” Katya took a bite of her food. “So that’s where I’ll go.”
“Katya-ya, that’s going to be risky.” Law warned.
“That’s incredibly dangerous, Katya-dono!” Kin’emon exclaimed.
“We need information. Who are the best people to get information out of all of us here? The three of us that are most stealthy and have the chance to infiltrate and snoop around without being spotted are obvious!” The freckled woman gestured to herself, Robin and Freya, who was stood next to the two by the table.
“She’s right.” Usopp sighed. “Freya’s tiny and can hide easily, plus Robin and Katya’s Devil Fruits can both be used like that.”
“Huh?” Bepo tilted his head. “What can you do, Robin-san?”
Robin crossed her arms and a pair of eyes appeared on the table in front of Bepo, who screamed and jumped up, almost knocking over the table.
“T-That’s a scary power.” Penguin noted. “Can you use any body part?”
“Yes, I mostly use my hands, like so.” Robin said. “Deux Fleur!” Two hands sprouted from Bepo’s chest and tickled the bear.
“Ahahahaha!” The Mink laughed as he was tickled. Robin giggled to herself.
“See?” Katya said with a sigh. “We’re the least obvious. No offence, Kin’emon, but from what you’ve described of your country so far, most women aren’t exactly seen as any kind of threat. We’d be able to get closer to the people of power.” She crossed her arms.
“Sadly, she is right.” Raizo said. “There are few female ninjas. Women are seen as delicate and charming in our country.” He threw a glance at Katya. “They do not usually speak as freely as you do, certainly.”
“I am not THAT mouthy!” Katya protested.
“You told Doflamingo to his face to go and have an orgy with his subordinates.” Law cut in bluntly.
“Oh.... Yeah, maybe I am a bit mouthy.”
~
Law and Katya lay together in their quarters later that night. Katya had her head on Law’s bare chest and he was reading one of his older medical books to refresh his memory.
“Law,” Katya murmured.
“Hm?”
“Are you okay?”
“I guess.”
Katya traced the tattoos on his chest with her forefinger. “If you’re worried about me in Wano, please try not to. I’ll be okay.”
Law sighed. “Kaido is the most dangerous creature in the world. From the sounds of it, this shogun is also a piece of shit that uses women like objects.” His fingers clenched slightly around his book.
“This is about Vergo, isn’t it...” Katya whispered. “The threats he made.”
“I don’t know what I’d do if that shogun tried to do something like that to you. I’d probably go full Straw Hat-ya and burst in to kill him.”
Katya put her hand on his chest and looked up at him. “Law, you think that Vergo is the first man to threaten me like that? He’s not.”
“There were others?”
“Mm. A few rabid fans that didn’t like me saying no to them over the years. A captain of a ship I hitchhiked on. I defended myself or I got away. I know a lot of women aren’t so lucky.”
Law was silent.
“If anyone tries to touch me, I’ll make sure they never have kids.” Katya smiled reassuringly. “But I wouldn’t kill them myself. They’ll have something much much worse happen to them when you get ahold of them.”
“You think I will torture and murder any man that tries to assault you?”
“Pretty much.”
“You know me too well, Katya-ya.” Law gave her a small smile and she traced her fingers over his tattooed hands. “....I promise I’ll protect you.”
“I know you will.” She kissed him gently. “But trust me, too.”
Law nodded and put his arm around her. Katya cuddled into his side, appreciating the warmth coming from him. They rarely got moments like this where they just got to be around each other in such a manner like this, more domestic than anything.
“Would it make you feel better to work on more Armament Haki with me tomorrow?”
Law smiled and kissed the top of her head. “It’s a date.”
Chapter 56: The Land of Wano
Summary:
Law’s group finally arrive in Wano. Katya and Freya prepare to go undercover.
Chapter Text
The journey into Wano was awful. Even with the help of Franky, who had modified a few things on board to aid in going up the waterfall, it had been a bumpy ride. Katya’s motion sickness had been an issue and she had spent a lot of the trip trying not to throw up into a bucket. The crew had teased her mercilessly afterwards, despite the fact that Shachi had also been queasy.
They had made it to shore safely and the Polar Tang had been hidden. They had all made it to a ruined house and Kin’emon had spoken to them all.
“Listen up, everyone. You’re in the Land of Wano. The Shogun’s name is Kurozumi Orochi. Officials who follow him are all under the control of Kaido.” The man explained. Katya sat next to Robin as he spoke of the rules of infiltrating the country.
“That’s why those officials are so high handed. But if you touch them or hurt them in any way, Kaido will hear about it!”
The Straw Hats looked pointedly at Zoro whilst Shachi and Penguin looked at Katya.
“WHAT?!” The two protested.
“You’re obviously most likely to start a fight!” Usopp said. “Zoro is a hard-headed guy who will fight anyone who pisses him off, and you have a temper, Katya!”
“I do NOT have a temper!”
The Heart Pirates sweat dropped. “You really do.” They said in unison.
“At the very least, you can be quite impulsive.” Bepo pointed out.
“Look, until our allies get here and we’re ready to fight, we can’t let them know who they are.” Kin’emon said gravely.
“I was able to be undercover for months on Punk Hazard,” Katya argued. “I wasn’t caught then!”
“Didn’t Vergo of the Marines say they had caught you multiple times sneaking to Tra-guy-kun’s room?” Robin said innocently.
“........” Katya shut her mouth and accepted the point grumpily.
“Anyway, you must pretend that you’re citizens for now and be quietly and peacefully play your roles.”
“Understood.” Everyone chorused.
The group dispersed to talk to one another and decide how they were going to best blend in. Most of them had decided to play to their strengths, which Franky being a carpenter and Usopp being a salesman. Law and the others had deemed it too risky to blend in with the others, as none of them were particularly good at playing a role. Shachi and Penguin were smart but also clueless, Bepo and Jean Bart stuck out like a sore thumb, Ikkaku had preferred to stay with the sub and Law was too recognisable. Katya and Freya would be going undercover with the Straw Hats, whilst the others helped from the shadows.
“Does this mean I call you Lawjuro now?” Katya teased Law as he changed outfits courtesy of Kin’emon’s power. Freya was admiring the kimono that he had made her, and most of the others were cooing about how cute it was.
“You’re going to be Osiren.” Law replied. “Do you want me to call you that?”
“Not really.” She sighed. “Silena Siren was my stage name for so long, it felt like something I hid behind. But this time I’m supposed to be hiding.”
“Just check in with us when you can.” Law said. “Don’t do anything reckless.”
“I’ll try.”
“Please, Katya-ya....” Law put his hands on her shoulders. “Promise me that you’ll keep your cover and not blow it. Even if you hear one of us is in danger, you must not intervene.”
Katya bit her lip and looked up at him. “Even if I hear you’ve been thrown in jail or are facing down Kaido?”
“We’ll fetch you before all that.”
“Don’t go doing anything stupid, either.” She said, putting a hand on his cheek.
“I won’t.” Law leaned down and kissed her gently. Katya pulled him close and moved her lips against his. The two stayed like that for around a minute, savouring each other’s touch and taste, before they finally came apart as Robin entered the side room.
“Are you ready, Katya-chan?”
Katya sighed and looked into Law’s eyes. The man nodded.
“I’ll see you soon.” He said with a more serious expression, before going slightly red and murmuring “lloveyou” quietly to her.
“I love you too.” Katya replied, before giving him a final lingering kiss and following Robin towards the door.
“AWWWW!”
“SHUT UP OR YOU’RE ON LAUNDRY DUTY FOR A MONTH!” Law snapped at Shachi, Penguin and Bepo who were making kissy sounds from the shadows.
~
“The music in the Land is Wano is very traditional, so I’ll have to adapt most of my songs.” Katya mused as she walked with Robin, both fully kitted in new clothing.
“Maybe you will end up performing with me.” Robin said with a soft smile. “I’ll be training as a geisha.”
“I’m going to have to figure out where to begin performing in order to gain the right attention.”
“Well, where were your first performances before?” Freya asked. The blonde Tontatta was hidden in the fold of Katya’s kimono.
“Bars, mostly. Streets and small gigs until I was scout.....wow.” Katya and Robin looked at the view in front of them as they cleared the hill they were on. The Flower Capital was something on another level of beauty.
Cherry blossom petals seemed to dance in the wind; everywhere there were people talking happily, and the smell of freshly cooked rice wafted through the air.
“It’s so beautiful. I can see why a Yonkou would want to settle here.” Katya gasped.
“It seems that most of the clean food and water comes from here, though. Most of the country has been poisoned by the pollution from the factories.” Robin warned. “We will have to be careful with what we eat.”
The geisha hall was coming up and Robin held her head high. “Good luck, Orobi.” Katya smiled at her new friend.
“Good luck to you too, Osiren, Ofreya. I hope you find a place to perform soon.”
Katya looked across at a drinking establishment with fancier looking clientele. She looked down at Freya with a knowing smile. “I think I know just the place.”
Chapter 57: Interlude: One Piece Stampede
Summary:
Omake - spoilers for Stampede ahead if you haven’t seen it!
Notes:
Obviously, like the movie, this is not part of the canon storyline. Enjoy, though!
Chapter Text
“A Pirate Festival?” Katya said with wonder. “I’ve never heard of such a thing!”
“It’s not known to outsiders, apparently. The one rule is that you never tell the Marines or anyone that isn’t a pirate about it.” Shachi explained.
The Heart Pirates were sitting outdoors on the deck of the Polar Tang. It was a gorgeous day as they were near a summer island so most people were in their swimming outfits. Bepo had pointed out to Katya that she didn’t need to wear a bikini as she couldn’t swim, but Shachi and Penguin shut him down with that suggestion quickly and had put a shallow paddling pool on the deck so she could enjoy the heat as well.
Law had elected to stay indoors for the most part, using the crew’s departure to the deck to get some filing done. But Ikkaku had turned up at his door and told him that the guys were beginning to take bets on what kind of bikini Katya had on under her dress, so he had joined them outside.
Katya swirled her foot around in the cool water of the paddling pool, leaning back and relaxing. Her book on famous espionage operations was on her lap, discarded in favour of paying attention to the leaflet that Shachi was reading from.
“It also says that there will be a Gold Roger themed treasure hunt!” Shachi said excitedly.
“A treasure hunt sounds so cool!” Chris piped up.
“The invite came with an Eternal Pose, Captain. Can we go? Please?” Shachi said.
Law sighed and looked up at the entirety of his crew looking at him with shining eyes. “Fine.”
“Yes! We’re going on a treasure hunt!” Shachi and Penguin cheered and began a strange looking victory dance which mostly involved lots of waving their arms around.
“This will be the closest I’ve had to a vacation for a long time.” Katya smiled at Ikkaku. “I’m interested to see what a pirate festival looks like. We used to have amazing festivals back on Forhargo.”
“Oh! There were so many pretty lights at them!” Bepo came over and sat next to the two women by the paddling pool.
“There were some more memorable festivals than others.” Katya said, glancing across at Law with a knowing smile.
Ikkaku grinned at her fellow female Heart Pirate. “I’m so excited to go shopping without the boys!”
“Oh, definitely. I need to seriously upgrade my wardrobe.”
“What kind of things do you need? I need some new boots real bad. Mine have been through hell trying to fix this sub.”
“New everything.” Katya laughed. “A lot of my stuff was taken away from me by the women on Amazon Lily. Law, I’m going to need cash!” She called over to him.
“Speak to Harris-ya, he’ll give you the crew allowance.” Law didn’t even look up from his book.
“But I want to buy some nice things!” Katya pouted.
“You’ll get the same amount that all the crew gets.”
Katya crossed her arms. Ikkaku laughed loudly. “Oh my god, you look like an angry puppy.”
“I do not!”
Ikkaku winked at the woman. “I got this.” She looked over at their Captain. “Oi, Captain,”
“I’m not giving you extra either, Ikkaku-ya.”
“I was just thinking....what if Katya-chan and I want to go shopping for something very SPECIAL?”
“Special how?” Penguin said in intrigue.
“Special ladies clothing.” Ikkaku said with a wry smile.
Shachi and Penguin immediately had goofy smiles on their faces as they daydreamed. “I always get kicked out of those kind of shops.” Penguin said dreamily.
Law’s eyes narrowed at Ikkaku. “No.”
“But what if-“
“No.”
Katya got out of her chair and walked over to Law and sat carefully on his lap. “Not even...” she whispered in his ear “if I got one of those sexy nurse costumes?”
Law’s face went bright red. “I know how much you love playing doctor with me.” Katya continued with a smirk.
“5000 Beri extra, and you get that costume.” He said under his breath.
“20,000 and I get matching underwear for it too.”
“10,000.”
“15,000. I get both the costume and the underwear, and I’ll use the little extra to buy something you can tear off me.”
“Deal.”
Katya got up off Law’s lap and sauntered off back to her chair next to Ikkaku, picking up her drink and grinning at Law.
“Did it work?” Ikkaku said as Katya took a sip from her cocktail.
“Ikkaku, my friend, we’re going on a spending spree.”
~
The Festival was beyond exciting. Hundreds of ships were docked by the time the Polar Tang arrived and there were thousands of pirates walking around the festival.
“This is so cool!” Bepo and Katya bounced up and down with excitement.
“Remember, keep your Den Den Mushis with you at all times. No deliberate fights with other crews unless there’s lots of us together, and don’t overspend!” Law commanded, but gave them a smile. “Have fun, everyone.”
“Wahoo!” The crew quickly dispersed to various places around the island. Katya and Ikkaku went shopping as they planned, and met Bepo and Jake to go around the food stalls. They tried tons of different foods and even Bepo was beginning to complain of stuffing himself too much.
“TAKOYAKI!” A familiar voice called and Katya’s head spun around.
“That voice...it can’t be!” The female Heart Pirate rushed through the crowd to a large stand with multiple people around it. In the middle, next to an octopus Fishman, was a green haired mermaid that Katya hadn’t seen in two years.
“CAIMIE-CHAN!” Katya waved excitedly and rushed forward. The young mermaid spotted her and screamed with delight. The two rushed towards each other and embraced.
“Oh my gosh, Katya-chin! I never thought I’d see you again!” Caimie said, tears in her eyes.
“Me neither! Oh, it’s so good to see you!”
“Katya! Where did you go?” Bepo called out from not far away. Katya waved the group over and the Heart Pirates made their way to the side of the takoyaki stand.
“Everyone, this is Caimie! She was with me in the Auction House at Sabaody.”
“The mermaid Straw Hat tried to free?” Bepo said with surprise.
“AHHHH! A BEAR!” Caimie shrieked.
“He’s with me!” Katya laughed at the frightened mermaid. “This is Bepo, navigator of the Heart Pirates. That’s Jake, he’s our fantastic cook, and Ikkaku, one of our engineers.”
“The best engineer.” The woman grinned and shook Caimie’s hand. “You’re a cute one.”
“It’s lovely to meet you! I’m Caimie, and Hatchin and Pappagu are both here with me. But Katya-chin, I thought you weren’t a pirate?”
“Times change.” Katya said casually.
“Caimie-chan, we still have customers!” A voice called.
“I’ll give you a hand for a while if you like?” Katya said cheerfully. “I want to have a proper catch up.”
“Will you be okay if we keep exploring?” Ikkaku asked and Katya nodded.
Katya quickly made herself useful and helped Caimie and Hatchin serve takoyaki. They told the Heart Pirate all about Luffy’s eventful trip to Fishman Island and Katya regaled her own stories of her time at Amazon Lily and the more recent adventures of Punk Hazard and Dressrosa. The conversation was light-hearted and Katya loved talking with the young mermaid. The two had known each other during one of the most terrifying moments of both of their lives, and they respected and cared for each other despite that time being so short.
Purupurupurupuru! Katya noticed her portable Den Den Mushi make a noise from her jacket during a quick break in serving, the garment having been put aside in favour of an apron.
KACHA.
“Hello?”
“KATYA-YA! Where are you?!”
“Oh, hey Law!” She smiled happily before turning to Caimie. “This is the one I was telling you about, Caimie!”
“I’ve been trying to call you for two hours! You need to get back to the ship, NOW!” Law’s voice sounded strained.
“What’s happened? Are you running?”
“I did a little digging. There’s something really wrong about this festival. Buena Festa...this whole thing is a cover for something darker! We need to get out of here!”
“Where are you?”
“In an alleyway behind something shops. I was caught trying to sneak into the headquarters.” Law sounded like he was panting.
“I’m by the food stalls. The treasure hunt is due to start soon, so where should I-“
“Get to the sub if you can. Bepo has instructions to leave without us in ten minutes as everyone else is back already.”
“What if I don’t make it by ten minutes?”
“Get to Straw Hat-ya’s ship. He’s here as well. Looks like this situation is worse than-“
“FOUND YOU! TRAFALGAR LAW!” A screeching voice could be heard from the other end of the line and the Den Den Mushi call ended.
“Caimie-chan, I think that maybe you guys should head off early.”
~
Katya ran through the crowd, her jacket back on. She’d said a swift goodbye to Caimie but by the time she reached where they had left the Polar Tang, it had vanished. She sighted the Thousand Sunny not far away and rushed towards it as it sailed.
“LUFFY!” She shouted loudly and waved her hands frantically.
“OHHHH! KATYA!” The Straw Hat Pirate captain grinned widely and waved back. “Hey!”
Katya sprinted to keep up with the ship and held out her hand towards the man. “Permission to come aboard?”
Luffy laughed and stretched out his arm towards her and grabbed her wrist, and before she could even brace herself, Katya found her feet leaving the ground and flew through the air towards the man.
“AHHHH!” She screamed and fell towards the deck, feeling Luffy let go.
“Is that-“ Nami began to say in shock.
“I’ll catch you, Katya-chwaaaan!”
“Mil Fleur!” A large pair of hands came from nowhere and Katya landed softly onto their palms with a light thud.
“Thanks, Robin-san!” Katya said shakily and jumped down onto the grassy deck of the Sunny. “Hi, everyone!”
“Katya!” Luffy’s stretchy arms enveloped her in a hug. “I didn’t know you were gonna be here! Where’s Tra-guy?”
“I don’t know.” She said worriedly. “Something’s not right. I got this call from him and he sa-“ Katya was cut off by a sudden shift in the water. “W-What’s happening?”
“The current’s shifting!” Nami said in shock. “This must be...”
Katya held onto the side of the ship as a huge explosion of water flew up into the air. It was unlike anything she’d ever seen. Numerous ships had been thrown into the air like they weighed nothing and a humungous plume if water stretched hundreds of feet into the air.
“Awesome!” Luffy said, and jumped back to his favourite spot on the head of the...was it a lion?
“It’s a Knock Up Stream!” The announcer called as what appeared to be a whole island shot up into the sky to rest on top of water column.
“WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!” Katya screamed.
“We have a secret weapon for this!” Franky declared and Katya looked desperately at Robin in the hope that she would provide some sanity in this situation. She seemed to have the aura of someone who would be rational.
“How fun.” The woman sipped her drink nonchalantly.
Or maybe not.
~
“Sorry for the wait, everyone! Here we go! It’s the Thousand Sunny flying version: Emperor Penguin Form!”
“SO COOL!” The boys cheered.
“Now, let’s go and catch up!” Nami commanded. Katya quietly noted that despite the fact that Luffy was the Captain, Nami seemed to give most of the orders on the ship.
“Stop right there, you damn rubber man!” A voice called out and Katya gasped. It was the same voice she had heard during the call with Law, just before the line had disconnected. “Long time no see, Straw Hat! Now hand him over!”
“Oh, Buggy.” Luffy said dismissively.
“Buggy the Shichibukai?!” Katya said in surprise. “He looks like he ate a blanket! What did he mean hand-“
“COUP DE BURST!” Franky called powerfully and the entire Thousand Sunny suddenly shot upwards.
“AHHHH!!” Katya screamed and grabbed ahold of Zoro, the closest person, for dear life.
“Get off me!”
Ships were not supposed to do this! Katya sobbed internally. I take back every nice thing I said about the Straw Hats, they’re crazy!
“We’re gonna blast right through!” Nami said happily. Usopp and Chopper were the only ones that seemed as terrified as Katya, who was gripping the side of the railing for dear life.
“Katya-chan, here.” Sanji offered her his hand and she took it gratefully. Sanji seemed to have good balance, so she held onto him tightly.
“T-Thanks, Sanji-san.”
“YOU’RE VERY WELCOME!” The blonde’s face was bright red.
Mercifully, they eventually touched down onto water. Katya shakily took her arms from around Sanji’s waist and sunk to the ground. “I hate your ship.” She muttered weakly.
“We got pretty far ahead, but make sure you prepare for attacks from behind.” Sanji said as soon as he had wiped away his nosebleed from hugging Katya.
“All right, let’s zip through this!” Usopp said more confidently.
“Zip through!” Chopper cheered.
Katya made her way to her feet when she heard a creaking from behind her.
“Ah!” Luffy said in surprise as Law appeared in the doorway leading to the rest of the ship. “Tra-guy!”
“Law!” Katya’s eyes widened seeing his shoulder, which he was clutching and grimacing. She ran forward.
“Ahhh! I need the first aid kit!” Chopper screeched.
“Law, what happened?!” Katya said with worry, putting a hand on his cheek. “Who did this to you?”
“You need to be treated immediately!” Chopper added frantically.
“Don’t need it. I’ll be leaving soon.” Law sank to the ground, his arm still clutching his shoulder.
“Like hell you will!” Katya snapped.
“We all need to leave this island right this second!” Law argued. “Festa...”
Katya kneeled down next to Law, taking his hat off and feeling his forehead. “You’re burning up!”
“Not just Festa...” Law continued, ignoring her. “They’re plotting something bad. I’ve managed to let the rest of my crew escape, apart from Katya because she couldn’t pick up a damn phone!-“
“I was busy!”
“This place is about to become a war zone!” Law growled and got to his feet.
“Tra-guy, you need to rest!” Chopper bounded towards him.
“Sorry for intruding.” He said apologetically to the Straw Hats. “This is the matter I was investigating.” He added, facing Katya. “I should have told you of my suspicions before.”
“Please TELL me these things next time.”
“I tried to, but you wouldn’t pick up the phone!”
BOOM! A cannon fired into the sea not far behind them.
“This is bad!” Usopp said in a panic. “What’ll we do?!”
“We keep going!” Luffy said with a mischievous grin. “But we can’t leave Tra-guy like that, either! Chopper, look after him!”
“Oi, I’m leaving!” Law argued at the same time Chopper said ‘Got it!’.
“Then I’ll go too.” Robin said calmly. “‘Not just Festa’, which means that there are parties engaging in deals and conflicts behind the scenes. If this festival is a trap, this isn’t only Tra-guy-kun’s problem. Let me go investigate.”
“Then I’ll be Robin-chan’s bodyguard.” Sanji piped up.
“If it’s covert work, I shall accompany them!” Brook also chimes in.
“Got it!” Luffy said happily.
“I’m coming too.” Katya put her hand on Law’s non-injured shoulder. “You said this is investigating, right? I can make all of us less easily found with my powers.” She smiled determinedly.
Law looked at them all and sighed. She was just as chaotic as the rest of them.
~
Despite Law continuing to refuse treatment from Chopper, Katya made sure that he, at the very least, had some painkillers as they used the terrifyingly small submarine belonging to the Straw Hats to make it to the underground area.
Law, after being mildly threatened by Katya, had agreed to be carried by Chopper as they investigated down the hallway.
“Calm Calm: Group!” Katya activated her powers after asking each of them to place a finger on her shoulder. The group of six headed into the tunnel system, with Law giving directions.
“Up ahead is the hideout.” Law said from Chopper’s shoulder where he was being carried. “But watch out. I was ambushed here earlier.”
“No wonder!” Katya replied as her eyes darted around to see the multitude of camera Den Den Mushis around the cave area.
“It looks like we can’t go any further, Robin-chan, Katya-chan.”
Katya’s brow furrowed. She could easily not be heard, but not being seen was a different matter.
“I can help.” Brook’s soul appeared beside her and Katya screeched, grateful that her powers allowed for such a thing without immediately revealing their presence.
“WHAT THE HELL!”
Brook’s soul disappeared through the wall and Robin used her powers to sprout an ear further ahead. A few moments passed and Robin seemed to pale dramatically.
“Robin?” Katya said with concern. “What is it?”
“They’re going to launch a Buster Call upon the island.” Robin said shakily.
~
The group ran frantically towards the exit. The one thing that could be agreed upon by all present that it was vital that everyone should be warned.
They had just turned a corner ready to run back up the stairs when a familiar figure appeared in front of them.
“Ah! The smoke guy!” Katya gasped and the barrier of sound fell.
“Why the hell are you bastards here?” The Marine Vice Admiral demanded. Smoker drew his kairoseki baton and Brook rushed forward to counter him with his sword.
“It’s quite rude of you to suddenly attack.” Brook said calmly.
Katya turned to Law. His powers would have been useful right around now. Especially as Smoker had that pesky kairoseki staff.
“I’ll stop him here! You guys get to Luffy!” Sanji ordered, but Smoker was quick on the uptake.
“As if I’d let you!” The smoke seemed to swirl around the group and lifted them up into the air. Law saw his opportunity and jumped down from Chopper’s shoulder, landing roughly.
“Take the ladies and get out of here!” Sanji shouted to Law, who took one look at Robin’s impractical shoes and lifted her up into his arms. Katya ran next to them as fast as she could.
“Nice to see that I’m not getting free lifts!” She scowled at Law as they ran.
“You have sneakers on, she’s a slower runner and she’s wearing heels. We didn’t have time to wait on her!”
“Rude, but point taken.”
They continued to run together until they were out of harm’s way and Law put Robin down as Katya and Law both caught their breath.
“W-We need to keep moving.” Law said shakily, and Katya put his arm over her shoulder.
“Lean on me if you need to. Robin, can you try to call the others?”
Robin nodded and got out her Den Den Mushi. It rang for a while but there was no answer. Something was happening above the island, clearly, as Usopp wasn’t answering, and he was one of the more reliable people for answering a call.
“Ahahahaha...” a sinister voice came through the air and Katya felt something rough on her skin.
The trio stood still to see a swirling tornado of sand begin to form the figure of a man with a large golden hook for a hand.
“Long time no see, Miss All Sunday.” He addressed to Robin.
“You’re...Crocodile!” Law growled.
“The former Shichibukai?” Katya added in surprise.
“Colour me surprised. If you’re going after it too, then that treasure must be something that could shake the very world.” Robin’s face darkened.
“You’re perceptive. Douglas Bullet is secretly involved with this festival.”
“‘The Tragedy of Galzberg’. The pirate who caused that massacre?” Robin said in shock.
“His power is a bit of a pain.” Crocodile continued.
“What do you want?” Katya said bluntly. “You clearly came here to talk to one of us.”
“I have business with him.” Crocodile dissolved and then reappeared next to Law. “I have a plan. Tag along.”
“So what’s with the hook?” Katya asked Crocodile as Katya and Law walked with him. Robin had continued to head to the surface to warn the others.
“Why is this brat here?” Crocodile grumbled.
“She’s with me.” Law replied. “She’s one of my crew mates.”
“Where he goes, I go, Hooker.” Katya scowled. “So tell us this grand plan of yours and stop wasting our time with trivial questions.”
“I need his powers for my plan. Not some insignificant woman.”
“Can I deafen this asshole?” Katya glared at Crocodile.
“Oh, so you have a Devil Fruit too?”
“Yes, Hooker. I do.” The woman spat. “And enough Haki to kick your smug mouth into the ground.”
“Hm.” Crocodile bit down on one of his cigars. “Maybe you won’t be completely useless. Here is my plan, Trafalgar Law.”
~
By the time they made it to the surface of the island, everything was in utter chaos. It looked like most of the island had been reduced to rubble. Law held onto Katya and they warped bit by bit until they were in front of a group that included Smoker, Buggy and Sabo.
Smoker immediately thrust out with his kairoseki staff, but Law deflected it with Kikoku.
“What the hell? What are all of you doing here?” Smoker demanded angrily.
“Don’t get so worked up.” Law said grouchily.
“Hey, Sabo-san!” Katya waved.
“Oh, Katya-chan, long time no see!” Sabo smiled back. “I’ve got business with the mastermind of this festival just like you, it seems!”
“Oi, oi, what’re ya wastin’ time for, ya big morons?!” The same screechy voice that Katya had heard earlier demanded. “We’ll be killed if we don’t escape right away!”
“All of you!” A leg kicked Buggy down and Katya groaned in realisation. “What are you rambling on about? I asked you Luffy’s whereabouts!”
“Hancock.” Katya said.
“Hmph. Katya.”
“You two know each other?” Sabo said in surprise.
“She’s some bitch who I had to spend a year with.” Both women replied simultaneously. They immediately growled at each other realising that they had said the same thing.
“Who are you to talk to me like that, you lowlife?”
“What you gonna do, lovesick witch?!”
“What’s your damage?! Get your foot off me!” Buggy shouted angrily at Hancock and Katya punched him in the face. “OW! WHAT’S YOUR PROBLEM?”
“You tried to kill my boyfriend!” She yelled.
“You got a boyfriend?!” Hancock said in disgust, grounding her foot down harder into Buggy’s back. The two women continued to glare at each other until Smoker shouted loudly “ALL OF YOU, STOP INTERFERING. WE’RE OUT OF TIME.”
“So our available forces are not a unified front.” Law sighed. “All of you, listen to me if you don’t want to die. I’ve got a plan to drag him out of his giant body.”
“YA FLASHY IDIOT!” Buggy’s upper half flew up and grabbed Law by his jacket. “We gotta run away right now! You stupid-“
THWACK.
“AHHHHH!” Buggy wailed as Katya kicked him firmly in the balls.
“SHUT UP!”
“Continue.” Smoker barely glanced at Buggy’s whining form on the floor.
~
“The hell are you doing?!” Smoker shouted at Luffy who had crash landed in the middle of the group after being thrown there by Douglas Bullet.
“Luffy!” Hancock blushed and ran straight for the man. “Are you hurt?”
“Ah, Hancock! Long time no see! How ya been?” Luffy replied, lifting his head up. The Snake Princess went into some weird catatonic state the moment he spoke to her, so Katya and Law ran over.
“Ah, Tra-guy, Katya! Glad you’re okay!”
“Don’t worry about us.” The woman helped Luffy to his feet.
“Straw Hat-ya, I have a plan to drag him out.” Law cut straight to the point.
“Really? Let’s do it!” Luffy agreed immediately.
“Hey, I haven’t explained it yet!” Law protested. “And you could die if we fail!”
“I’m pretty sure he’s immortal somehow.” Katya sighed. “It’s like he’s incapable of dying.”
“Don’t worry. All of us are doing it together, right? Then it’ll definitely work! I’ll leave the details to you, Tra-guy. I just wanna defeat him.” Luffy said determinedly.
“Everyone,” Katya said. “Hold onto my shoulder. It won’t be a lot, but it may help you sneak up on Bullet more effectively.”
“Touch your shoulder?” Smoker said in confusion.
“Do as she says.” Law commanded, and everyone put a hand on Katya.
“CALM CALM: GROUP!”
“Let’s do this.” Katya smiled. “I’ll be on the ground, and I’ll call out what I can from here.”
“BULLET!!!” Luffy suddenly flew into the air away from them.
“Or we could just improvise.”
~
Katya watched with worry as Law, Hancock, Smoker, Sabo and Luffy took on Bullet, with Luffy eventually finishing him off and crash landing not far from herself and Hancock.
The two women rushed forward to the man, worrying he might be seriously injured, but instead he was grinning like mad.
“Luffy, are you okay?”
“I got the treasure! We win!” He said cheerily.
Katya laughed and sat down next to him. “You’re mad.”
“How dare you speak to my beloved that way?!” Hancock snapped at her and Katya continued to giggle.
“You’re mad too. I missed you, Hancock. Even if you are a tyrannical bitch.”
“Why you-“
“It’s the Pirate King’s treasure!” Luffy clapped his hands together and grabbed the box.
“What is it?” Katya asked curiously.
“I don’t know.” Luffy shrugged and opened the box, pulling out an Eternal Pose. “What is it?”
“Luffy! This is-“ Hancock gasped. “An Eternal Pose to Laugh Tale!”
“No way!” Katya’s eyes bulged.
“To Laugh Tale?”
“That’s right!” Hancock continued. “If you have this-“
WHOOSH!
“Hand that over Straw Hat!” Crocodile flew forward in a swirling storm of sand, which began to get into Katya’s eyes.
SMASH.
Luffy’s fist crushed the Eternal Pose and the pieces fell down to the ground. “I don’t need this.” He said bluntly.
“You’re insane, Straw Hat.” Law said and warped them to the coastline next to the Thousand Sunny.
“He really is.” Katya agreed, but couldn’t help but laugh a little. “Should have seen that coming.”
~
“Captaiiin! Katya!” A loud voice called just moments later and the two Heart Pirates looked to the left. The Polar Tang had surfaced and Bepo was waving frantically at them.
“Bepo!” Katya said with delight.
“Let’s get out of here!” The bear called.
“See you later, everyone!” Katya waved and stood by Law, who warped them both to the deck.
“I think that was a pretty shitty vacation.” The woman laughed and hugged the crew happily as Bepo snuggled Law, crying a little. “Next time, let’s just go to a spa, yeah?”
“Agreed.” Shachi and Penguin chorused.
“Law, how’s your arm doing?”
“Better.” The man said, clearly halfway through stitching it up properly.
“Hey, Katya,” Ikkaku said cheerily. “I still have your shopping bags from earlier on board!”
“Really?!” Katya exclaimed. “Ikkaku, you’re the best!”
“Before we got called in by Captain, I got the last item on your list for you.” She handed Katya a plastic tie handled bag.
“Ikkaku, you didn’t!” Katya went scarlet and covered her cheeks with her hands.
“Have fun~” The woman teased as she went to join Jean Bart across the deck.
“What did she get?” Law appeared next to her and she jumped.
Katya opened the bag slightly so he could see the box labelled ‘Sexy Nurse Outfit’.
“.....Ikkaku-ya you’re exempt from all chores for the rest of the week.” Law called out to the woman, and Ikkaku gave him a smirk with a thumbs up.
“It’s good to be home.” Katya smiled and took his hand as the group began to break out the booze and celebrate the safe return of their crew members.
Chapter 58: No Idea What Will Hit Him
Summary:
Katya deals with undercover attention. Zoro gets a drink.
Notes:
It’s been a while, I know! But with the 1000th ep today, I couldn’t help myself!
Chapter Text
“Osiren, please, please, I want you to marry me! Your voice is enchanting and I am offering you my heart! Please accept this kanzashi!”
The man in front of Katya cried as she stood looking at his beady eyes with discomfort. Three weeks she had been singing in Wano. Three weeks without seeing any of her nakama besides Freya. The only person she had seen briefly was Robin and that was at a bathhouse. Three weeks was all it had taken for some ugly rich man to fall for her and beg for her hand.
“I cannot marry you!” Katya said to the man. He was middle aged, with little hair, but was wealthy in the capital and close with the Shogun. She faked some tears. “Someone like me could never be with someone so high-class.”
“I don’t care, you must become mine! I will give you riches and safety! I know the Shogun, I could help you perform for him! That kind of status will make you worthy!”
“R-Really?” Katya pretended to wipe a tear. “If I could perform for the Shogun...maybe I could be worthy of your love!”
“I will speak to Orochi-sama’s officials immediately. There is an event soon, and I will get you to perform in it, Osiren-chan. Then we can finally be together!”
“Oh Kittaro-sama, you’ve made me the happiest woman in the world!” Katya cooed as the man span happily.
“I will be swift, my love.” He kissed her hands with no small amount of slobber mixed with tears and Katya cringed slightly. “Will you be performing later?”
“I shall, in the plaza.”
“Be careful, sweet Osiren, there are talks of a slasher about in the streets.”
Katya nodded with fake concern. “I will be as careful as I can.”
The man slipped away from the cherry tree that Katya was stood under. Katya sighed as soon as he was out of sight.
“What a gross guy.” Freya commented, peeking out from behind Katya’s long hair.
“Tell me about it.”
She had been performing in high class establishments waiting for the right person to enjoy her songs and recommend her to perform for the Shogun. Like Robin, it had been decided that the best way to get information was to get as close to the high-ranking officials as possible. Freya meanwhile had been making her way around the city attempting to find relevant documents that could help them, as well as spy on the Wano officials.
Katya had had no shortage of men attempting to woo her over the years due to her singing. But the official, Kittaro, had been nothing but persistent. He had come to every one of her performances and he had offered her his hand yesterday. Katya had been startled to say the least. She had wanted to kick him to the curb, but the connections to the Shogun were too good to pass up. Weaving the lie that she would only be good enough for him once she was approved by Orochi had been child’s play.
Katya brushed a blossom off the shoulder of her kimono with a slight yawn. It had been a long day so far and it was barely mid-afternoon. She decided to get ready for her show and began to head into one of the main streets of the Flower Capital. She put her purple mask she used for performing on and held her fan high so it covered Freya from view.
She walked through the main street looking at the various stalls. She hadn’t really been around the area much, spending most of her time practicing her songs and the more traditional dancing style that Wano favoured. A few people pointed at her and whispered.
“Is that the singer Osiren-chan?”
“I heard that she was to be engaged to Kittaro-sama!”
“She’s a lowly singer, but she must be good in order for someone so high-ranking to fall for her!”
Katya ignored the talk and kept walking through the street. She had to get ready to perform, and- wait. She knew the person walking towards her. You couldn’t really mistake that kind of hair.
~
“So how have you been, Zorojuro?” Katya smiled as the two shared a drink together.
“This place has good sake.” He said with a grin. “It’s not bad.”
“Thanks for treating us.” Freya smiled gratefully at the green haired man. She had hidden herself between their bar stools and was drinking some sake herself out of a small cup.
“Have you heard from any of our friends recently?” She asked. An innocent question to anyone around them.
“No, but I saw Usohachi not long ago.”
“I got an offer of marriage today.” Katya said and casually drank her sake. Zoro, on the other hand, almost spat his out. Freya shot him a displeased look as she was mildly dribbled on.
“I’m getting a cloth.” The Tontatta muttered and jumped down from the stool.
“Oi, oi, the bastard proposed to you?!”
“No, no, not....our friend.” Katya said carefully. “His name is Kittaro. He loves my music but...” she fake sniffles “he is so high-ranking! We could never be together! But he has promised that we can be! If I perform for the Shogun, maybe I will be worthy of him. He is doing everything in his power to recommend me.”
Zoro smirked. “Sounds like a guy with connections.”
“Oh, yes.” Katya said with a knowing smile. “I have promised to marry him once I am approved by the Shogun.”
“That’s going to go down well.”
Katya and Zoro held up their sake cups.
“To Kittaro.” Katya smiled warmly.
Zoro shook his head with a laugh and clinked their cups. “That poor guy has no idea what will hit him.”
Katya and Zoro drank with mutual smiles. “I have a show this evening if you want to come.”
“Sure, why not.”
“I heard there’s a slasher around, though. Keep a watchful eye.”
“I only have one.”
“Was....” Katya snickered. “Was that a joke? Did you actually just make a joke?”
Zoro rolled his eye. “I’m going. I’ll maybe see you later.”
“See you later, Zorojuro!” She waved as he left the bar. Katya smiled sadly. That was the first conversation she’d had with any of their other friends in a while. She missed Law, and the rest of the Heart Pirates. She missed Luffy and his smiles too.
“Are you alright?” Freya said, hopping back onto her shoulder and into her usual hiding place.
“I just miss our friends.”
“Me too.”
Everyone....please be okay, she thought. The woman rose from her table and made her way out into the moonlight. Another day, another show.
Chapter 59: Engaged?!
Summary:
Kittaro’s liking of Katya becomes a blessing and a curse. Luffy arrives in Wano.
Chapter Text
“Oh my god.” Katya sighed as she saw the wanted poster of Zoro the next day.
‘Zorojuro the slasher’ it read, complete with a picture that was unmistakably her Straw Hat ally. ‘Murdered a magistrate’
“You’ve got to be kidding!” Freya whispered in her ear. “He’s going to blow all our covers!”
“Osiren, do you know this man?!” Kittaro said next to her.
“I-I saw him yesterday!” Katya faked fear. “I went to a quiet place to have a meal before my show, and he was sat near me! Oh, to think I was so close to such an evil man!”
Kittaro put his arm around her. “Do not fear, my love. He will be brought to justice.”
“It’s awful to think he hurt the magistrate.” Katya wiped a forced tear away. Internally, she was cursing Zoro’s entire existence.
“Let’s get you away from here, you’re clearly getting upset.” Kittaro said and led her away from the poster. “Besides, I have good news!”
“You do?”
“Yes! Orochi-sama is holding a banquet in a few days time, and I have managed to persuade the Shogun that you should perform!”
Katya gasped and clasped her hands together, tears pooling in her eyes. “Kittaro-sama, do you really mean it?”
The man puffed up his chest. “Only the best performers are to be there, including Komurasaki, Wano’s most beautiful oiran!”
“Oh, Kittaro, this is a dream come true!” Katya wrapped her arms around the man and kissed both of his cheeks. The man went bright red and smiled at her with a leer that made Katya’s stomach feel queasy.
“So eager. Yes, yes, soon we can be together!” The man said, his smile revealing several missing teeth. “We’re officially engaged now! Everyone, I just got engaged!” He shouted loudly for the crowd to hear and the people all around clapped happily.
It took all of Katya’s willpower to not scream as women crowded round her to congratulate her and say how lucky she was to find a man like Kittaro to protect her.
“Well that was an interesting turn of events.” Freya winced.
She could only pray that Law didn’t hear about this.
~
A day later....
“Captain!” Bepo shouted loudly as he, Shachi and Penguin raced towards the hiding place of the alliance. “We have a problem!”
Law inclined his head to look at his companions. Bepo’s top knot was ridiculous, and he still could not believe that Shachi and Penguin had talked him into it.
“What is it? Why are you so upset?” He said lazily as Bepo panted from running.
“It’s Straw Hat and Roronoa!”
That was interesting. Law sat up and leaned on one of arms, facing Bepo.
“Straw Hat-ya is in the Land of Wano? So...he’s finally here.”
“Straw Hat and Roronoa plunged themselves into Bakura Town!”
“Oi, wait! All we can expect from this is trouble!” Law growled and got to his feet.
“Agreed.” Shachi said.
“Captain?” Bepo said with worry as Law began to anger. The man had clearly had enough. Three weeks of planning, no Katya and now this?
“Let’s go stop those idiots!” Law said angrily.
“Aye, aye, Captain!” The three chorused and Law began to grab his sword and provisions angrily.
“We can’t tell him about the announcement too.” Penguin whispered to the others. “He’s already super mad!”
“Idiot, of course we’re not telling him!” Shachi hissed back. “It would break him!”
“He told Kat-chan to do whatever it took to get the information,” Penguin added. “But this...this is more than we bargained for.”
“You can say that again.”
“Right, let’s go.” Law said.
Bepo had sunk to the floor clutching his stomach.
“Bepo?” Shachi looked at the bear in confusion.
“Aghhh...” Bepo groaned.
“What is it, Bepo?” Law asked as he looked down at his first mate. “Bepo, you...”
Bepo grimaced.
“Room! Scan.” Law used his powers to look over Bepo, spotting the irregularity in his stomach. “I knew it.”
“Sorry...I couldn’t control myself and...a-am I going to die, Captain?” Bepo said pitifully.
“No way! You’re just going to have the runs! That’s why I told you not to eat fish from the river. Damn, the timing couldn’t be any worse.”
“I’m sorry.” Bepo said with tears in his eyes. Law and Bepo exchanged looks with the bear’s eyes shining before Law exclaimed “STOP BEING CUTE!”
The doctor sighed. “Why is everyone causing trouble?”
Penguin pulled out the newspaper clipping from the day’s newspaper around Wano with a grimace.
“What’s that, Penguin-ya?”
“S-Sorry Captain! It’s nothing!” Penguin stuffed the newspaper clipping back into his yukata.
“Penguin-ya,” Law said in an eerily calm voice. “Is there maybe something else you were going to tell me about?”
“N-No, Captain!” Penguin stammered.
“Penguin-ya, show me that paper. That’s an order.”
“Please, Captain!” Bepo said with teary eyes. “You don’t want to read it!”
“NOW.”
Penguin looked at the others and winced, before handing the newspaper clipping to Law. Law snatched it from his hands and read the title of the article.
‘A match made in song! Military official Tatsuo Kittaro to wed up and coming singer Osiren!’
Penguin, Shachi and Bepo watched as Law’s entire body began to shake from rage.
“We should never have come to this country.” Shachi wept.
Chapter 60: The Best Laid Plans
Summary:
Law struggles with Luffy’s chaos. Katya is thrown a curveball.
Chapter Text
Law was beginning to lose the will to live. He had just begun to face down Basil Hawkins when a large crate of food, pulled by some kind of large yellow dog with Straw Hat and Roronoa Zoro on board had swept him up. Worse than all of that, the two had beaten up Holdem and now Jack had been notified.
“RORONOA-YA!” Law said angrily as he saw the green haired man.
“Oh, hey, Tra-guy.” Zoro turned around casually.
“You bastard!” Law grabbed the front of Zoro’s robe.
“What’s your problem, Tra-guy?” Zoro replied.
“On top of becoming a wanted person, you drew Jack’s attention!” Law yelled in annoyance. “You promised that you weren’t gonna cause trouble!”
“Sorry.” Zoro shrugged.
“First of all, why are you in Kuri?! You were supposed to be a ronin in the Flower Capital with Katya and the others!”
“Yeah. Geez, I can’t believe she’s gonna marry that guy...”
“So it’s TRUE?!”
“Are you okay over there?” A blue haired woman that Law didn’t recognise asked.
“No, we’re not!” Law snapped back.
“I had no choice. I ran into Luffy.” Zoro replied.
“So Straw Hat-ya is here.” Law sighed.
“I saw her, by the way.”
Law’s ears perked up. “When?”
“A few days ago. Her and Freya. They seemed well. Katya was pretty pleased with herself, actually. Some guy with high-ranking connections offered to marry her. She’s popular.”
“Hm.” Law turned away and pouted slightly.
“Oi, Tra-guy.” Zoro leaned against the mountain of food. “You trust her, right?”
“...yes.”
“She knows what’s she’s doing. Besides, I’d be more worried about that Kittaro guy.” Zoro grinned. “Imagine what she’d do if he tried to follow through on the engagement.”
“Who’s engaged?” A young girl piped up.
“Someone we know.” Zoro replied. “She’s two-timing this guy.” He pointed at Law, who immediately slapped his hand away.
“Do people have more than one husband in your country?” The girl asked with interest.
“NO!” Law shouted back, which frightened the girl and she ran back to the other side of the crate.
Katya-ya, what are you up to...? Law thought as the dog-pulled crate rattled on.
~
“La la la la la la la la laaaaa~” Katya sang. It was part of her vocal warmups. She would be performing for Orochi in a few short days. She had been innocently inquiring around and Robin would also be there as a geisha. Freya would hide in her robes and sneak away once they arrived. The three allies would be able to coordinate and get information from the within the palace.
“Have you heard, Osiren-chan?” One of the other ladies that she shared a boarding house with said. “There are invaders from outside the country! They caused a disturbance in Bakura Town!”
“Oh, how scary!” She responded. “Don’t worry, Omari, I’m sure the officers will arrest them.”
“There was a huge fight! Lots of food was stolen by a group of dangerous men.”
Luffy. Katya thought. He must have arrived. No one else in their alliance would be crazy enough to steal from the officials.
“Osiren, I heard you had your measurements taken earlier,” the young woman, Omari, said. Her dark hair cascaded down her hair in waves.
“Yes, it’s for my new performance outfit, especially for the Shogun.”
“I thought it was for the wedding?” Omari said in confusion.
“What do you mean?”
“The woman said that Kittaro-sama had asked for it to be a wedding outfit too.”
Katya felt her stomach drop. He was planning to MARRY HER AT OROCHI’S BANQUET?!
“Oh, what a surprise!” She said with a forced smile. “I guess he didn’t want to wait!”
“It’s so romantic,” Omari sighed dreamily “that he loves you so much that he would marry you at the Shogun’s banquet the moment after you’ve performed for Orochi-sama himself.”
“SO romantic.” Katya said as she adjusted her hair into place. “I can hardly wait.”
Omari left the room and Freya jumped down to face Katya.
“Now what are we going to do?” The blonde Tontatta said.
“Try not to panic. Do you think you can get a message to the others then meet me at the banquet instead?”
Freya nodded and fidgeted with her lance, which was strapped to her back with a tiny harness that Harris had made for her.
“Tell Law that I’m sorry,” Katya shook her head in disbelief that this was her situation. “and that I think I may have to break cover sooner than we thought.”
“You can count on me!” Freya gave her thumb a high-five. “Oh, by the way, do you like the flowers I grew in the window?”
Katya looked across at the yellow flowers. “You grew those?”
“All members of the Tontatta kingdom are good at cultivating something. Flowers are my specialty.”
“They’re beautiful.” Katya smiled. “Hey, do you think you could find or grow some that would break anyone out into an allergic reaction whilst you’re gone? In case we need a quick getaway?”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Freya grinned, and sped off into the night.
Chapter 61: A Bold Strategy
Summary:
Freya tells the group about the plan. Kaido makes a move.
Chapter Text
“EHHHH?! Katya’s engaged?!” Luffy exclaimed. “Tra-guy, why didn’t you say you were gonna marry her?!”
The group of Law, Zoro, Luffy and Kiku had reached Oden Castle and met up with Kin’emon and the others. The group that had arrived in Wano with Luffy had joined them moments later. Kin’emon had told them about their travel through time, as well as Oden’s past, and after processing it, Luffy had asked for updates on everyone.
“I’m not engaged to her!” Law snapped at the Straw Hat Captain. “It’s some guy in the Flower Capital.”
“YOU BASTARD! You let Katya-chwan be taken away?!” Sanji roared at Law.
“I haven’t missed this.” Zoro grumbled.
“So who is Katya marrying then?” Brook asked.
“She won’t be marrying him.” Luffy said. “Unless...oi, Tra-guy.” He turned to Law.
“What?”
“Did you piss her off?”
“Of course not!”
“Then obviously, Katya won’t actually marry that guy.” Luffy shrugged as if it was obvious. “Katya clearly likes you, Tra-guy, so she’s probably being forced into it, like Sanji!”
Sanji’s eyes looked filled with flames. “I’ll get her back! Katya-chwaaaan!”
“Yeah! We’ll go stop it!” Luffy said determinedly.
“Didn’t you read the paper?” A voice from behind them said. Freya stood in the doorway, her arms crossed.
“Oi! Freya!” Luffy beamed.
“Luffyland!” Freya sped forward and hugged his cheek. “I’m glad you’re okay!”
“Is this....” Freya turned around to see Sanji looking at her with awe. “A beautiful tiny goddess?”
“Uh...” Freya blushed.
“She’s a member of my crew.” Law cut in.
“Captainland,” Freya looked up at him seriously, although the others found it difficult to take her seriously given what she had just called Law. “I have a message.”
“Tell me.”
“Katland is worried she may have to break cover early due to the circumstances.”
“She’s being forced into being married!” Sanji said angrily.
“Did NONE of you read the rest of the article?” Freya said in confusion, her tail wiggling as she pointed to the paper that Nami had.
“No.” Nearly everyone around her said bluntly, except Nami, who replied ‘yes’.
“Typical.” Nami sighed and picked up the paper. “Listen. ‘their love story will sound incredible to most readers as Kittaro the official has even agreed to generously take singer Osiren to the Shogun’s banquet to perform!’.”
“She’s using him!” Shachi gasped in realisation.
“A pretty bold move. Guess that was why Zorojuro told you that she looked so pleased with herself the other day.” Penguin added.
Law sighed. “That woman...”
“Her mission, along with Orobi-dono and Ofreya-dono, was to investigate the exact moves Orochi’s forces would make. All three are determined to find information whilst performing for the Shogun.” Kin’emon explained to the others. “Orobi-dono is posing as a geisha, whilst Katya-dono, undercover as Osiren, is singing. It seems she just found a different way to get to the Shogun.”
“I’ve been hiding with Katland,” Freya continued. “I’ve been following officials and getting information on Orochi’s men....hey, why does the sky look all dark?”
~
The next day....
“We have so many preparations to do!”
“Omari-chan, it’s not for several hours.” Katya waved off her companion as they walked through the town.
“Special report! Special report!” A voice was shouting.
“Oh?” Omari looked curiously. “There’s something happening.”
The two women headed across to where there was a man handing out flyers. “Everyone!” He announced loudly. “There has been an attack against Kaido-sama!”
“Oh, how terrible!” Omari said, and picked up one of the flyers, handing it to Katya.
Katya turned over the piece of paper with dread.
‘Criminal Luffytaro defeated by Kaido-sama’
Katya’s eyes bulged as she saw the drawing of Luffy. She read on as the flyer detailed how he had been defeated and laid waste to a town.
“Kaido....” she gritted her teeth.
“Osiren-chan, are you okay?”
“Oh, yes, I’m fine.” Katya smiled at the younger woman. “Let’s finish getting our groceries and accessories, shall we?”
Luffy, Katya thought as the two continued shopping. What have you done?
Every instinct in Katya’s body wanted to go back to Oden Castle and check on their allies. She wanted to find Law and make sure he was safe. She wanted to help them strategise what to do to get Luffy out of jail.
“Please, Katya-ya....” Law’s voice echoed in her head. “Promise me that you’ll keep your cover and not blow it. Even if you hear one of us is in danger, you must not intervene.”
She sighed. It was a tough promise to keep, but she’d keep it. Her performance for Orochi wasn’t far away, and only Luffy was mentioned, which implied the others had not been caught or killed at the very least. No, she should continue her mission, and hopefully meet the others at the palace. Only then could she break cover.
“These flowers would look beautiful in your hair, Osiren-chan!” Omari brought over the small set of yellow flowers that the Tontatta had grown. Katya smiled at her warmly. She was a sweet young woman, if naïve.
“Thank you very much, Omari-chan!” Katya said happily, gazing at the flowers in interest. Freya really knew how to make them bloom. The yellow flowers were the exact shade of the Polar Tang. She slipped the flowers into her hair. It was like a little piece of home.
Now, she just had to figure out how she was going to get out of this marriage to avoid meeting the same fate; therefore, she had to time it precisely. After she had performed and after she had gained the intel from Orochi, but before Kittaro declared his intention to marry her before the Shogun. This was going to be near impossible. But she thrived on near impossible.
Chapter 62: Soba
Summary:
Katya enjoys a small break. The time comes for her performance.
Chapter Text
“These are delicious.” Katya sighed happily. She had heard of a stall in the capital with amazing soba noodles from Omari, so she had gone to investigate. She had ended up being able to skip the queue completely when she recognised who was doing the cooking.
“Thank you, Osiren-chwaaaaan!” Sanji cooed, and passed his next bowl to Franky, who was also there with Usopp and Robin.
“It’s lovely to see you Sangoro-san.” Katya smiled at Sanji. “I take it your marriage was cancelled?”
“Yes. I hope yours will be too!” He said cheerily.
“Ack! You heard, then?” Katya said with a forced smile.
“Yes.” Sanji replied.
Katya sighed. That meant Law had heard too.
“It’s an honour to perform for the Shogun for the sake of the one I love. Wouldn’t you agree, Sangoro-san?” Katya smiled more genuinely this time. Sanji caught her meaning and gave her a smile back.
“You really love that bastard, don’t you?”
“Yes. Did Ofreya make it to you all?”
“She did!” Sanji wiggled happily. “I’m so honoured to be in the presence of an angel like her!”
“Osiren-chan!” Another voice called out. Katya turned around to see Omari coming towards her. “Kittaro-sama has arrived for you at the boarding house! The old lady won’t let him come in alone.”
Katya sighed. “I’ll see you all later. Make sure Ofreya knows to meet us there.”
She left with Omari, taking a portion of Sanji’s special soba dish with her. The walk back to the boarding house thankfully didn’t take a long time.
“Osiren-chan!” Their matron called. “Kittaro-sama is here!”
“Kittaro-sama!” Katya waved and put on a happy smile.
“Osiren!~” The man grinned, showing his missing teeth. “It’s time! The Shogun has said that you can perform tonight! We must get ready right now!”
“Now?” Katya said in shock. “But I thought-“
“We have to adjust to the fact that Komurasaki is attending! The procession will be leading through the town soon. We must get you ready!”
“Of course.” Katya nodded. “My outfit, though...”
“Already made. You said you like yellow and black, yes?” Kittaro held up a beautifully made black kimono with yellow highlights. Katya reached out a hand to touch it.
“It’s beautiful!” She beamed.
“Made of the finest material for my bride. Now please, we must make haste to the palace.” Kittaro said eagerly. He was dressed in fine clothes also, but they did nothing to hide the fact that he was still middle-aged, missing several teeth, and visibly balding. Worse, he worked as a military advisor to Orochi. The thought of him kissing her and marrying her made Katya feel sick, but she deemed the ruse to be a necessary evil in order to get the information they needed about Orochi.
“Omari, please help Osiren-chan dress for the occasion! She’s going to be the perfect performer for the Shogun!”
~
Katya’s hair was elegantly decorated and makeup applied to her. She would normally not wear this much makeup, in fact she tended to not bother with it unless she was performing, but she liked the subtle shades that brought out her eyes. The golden yellow flowers in her hair that Freya had grown and the ones that decorated her kimono were some of the most beautiful things she’d ever worn.
“Osiren-chan, you look dazzling!” Omari said happily. “I’m sure you will be amazing. And congratulations again. I wish I was marrying someone as esteemed as Kittaro-sama. Although...”
“Hm? What is it, Omari-chan?”
“Can I ask...what’s it like to be in love?”
Katya was surprised at the question, and smiled warmly at the young woman. “It’s like...a burning sun inside your heart. Like your whole body glows when you’re in their presence....and you trust them. That’s the most important thing.”
“Huh?”
“You trust them with your life, and you trust them with your heart. You know that there is nothing that you wouldn’t do if it means they smile.”
“Wow....” Omari said in awe.
“Omari-chan, you must never settle for less.” Katya put her hand on the woman’s shoulder. “Find someone who treats you like the queen you are.”
Katya smiled and took a deep breath before facing the door. It was time.
Chapter 63: The Banquet
Summary:
Orochi’s banquet begins. Robin and Katya discuss plans.
Chapter Text
“Where are the women?!” A loud voice demanded as Katya waited by the door with Robin. She had encountered the Straw Hat Pirate with the other geishas as she entered the building. They had given each other a nod and had lined up ready for Orochi. There was no sign of their companion Tontatta, but that was also kind of the point of Freya being there.
“Oh, pretty ones!” The large man leered at the group as the sliding doors opened.
“A-Are they good enough?” One of the attendants asked shakily. “We also brought the singer Osiren as you requested, Orochi-sama.”
“Ah, good! Bring them inside. Let’s have a banquet! Drink! Dance! Sing! Don’t hold back!” The man roared.
Katya observed Orochi with interest. His purple hair was spiky but his top knot looked fluffy, and he had a moustache even crazier than the one from Dracule Mihawk’s wanted poster. He looked like a typical rich drunkard, but Katya was cautious. The man wouldn’t be Shogun if he wasn’t powerful.
Robin began dancing with the other geisha. Komurasaki entered and soon the party was in full swing. After a few minutes, Katya was lead over to Orochi by Kittaro, who was also present.
“Ohhh, is this the one you’ve been talking about so much, Kittaro?” The man laughed. “Mm, she’s a pretty one. What’s your name?”
Katya blushed. “Osiren, my Lord. It’s an honour to meet you.”
“I hear you have quite the beautiful voice. Sing for me, will you?”
“I’m not worthy of such an honour,” Katya hid her face behind her sleeve slightly.
“Sing, sing! I want to hear the voice that has this bastard so captivated!” Orochi laughed and settled with Komurasaki. Katya caught Robin’s eye briefly and nodded. Katya would distract the room whilst Robin snuck out.
“As it pleases you so, my Lord. What kind of song would you like?”
“Anything, anything.”
Katya bowed and headed to the small area that would be for performance. She took the sheet music from her robes and passed them over to the musicians, who began to play.
“Oooh, nobody does it better..makes me feel sad for the rest...” Katya sang gently. “Nobody does it half as good as you...baby you’re the best~”
“Ohoho, she’s good!” Orochi exclaimed.
“I wasn’t looking, but somehow you found me...I tried to hide from your love light...” Katya danced gently. “But like heaven above me...the man that loved me..is keeping all my feelings safe tonight...”
Robin shut the sliding doors silently. Katya smiled to herself. The plan was in motion.
~
“What a great song!” Orochi cried out as Katya finished with a bow. “I see why you like her, Kittaro.”
“I want to marry her, Orochi-sama!” Kittaro said loudly.
“Hm? Oh, sure. You’re one of my men. You can do as you please! Marry her right here right now if you want.”
“R-Really? Thank you so much, Orochi-sama! Osiren-chan, did you hear that?”
Katya wanted to scream. “You want to marry me....right now?” It was too soon! They hadn’t finished getting information yet!
“Yes, yes! It’s the perfect time! We’re having a party anyway. It would be another reason to celebrate!”
I want the ground to swallow me up, Katya prayed internally.
“M-May I have a few moments on the balcony, my Lords? To prepare myself. This is all quite overwhelming.”
“Of course, of course. We have Komurasaki about to perform now, so take a few minutes. Then we can be married!” Kittaro said with a perverted smile.
Katya bowed and walked to the balcony. The moment the sliding doors were behind her, she whispered a single word.
“Calm.” The familiar feeling took over and Katya sighed before screaming. “FUCK!” She hyperventilated for a few seconds. I’ll have to blow my cover early. I think Law will forgive me if it’s to stop me being married to someone associated with Kaido, she thought in resignation.
She saw some movement to her right and saw Freya waving at her frantically.
“Freya!” She whispered, dropping the effects of her fruit. “You made it!”
“I’m going with Robin to find the documents, Katland. Stall for us!”
Katya nodded. She snuck along the balcony and heard a noise coming from a room nearby.
“You shouldn’t have done anything suspicious whilst ninja were here.” A man was saying.
“Shit!” Katya cursed and hid as she saw several men standing by the door to a room.
Robin had been discovered. Katya stayed in the shadows and listened carefully.
“Oh, you’re a troublesome geisha.” An older man was saying. “I’ll give you a chance to explain, but you only get one. Who are you and what were you doing in here? If you speak true, I’ll kill you at once, so you won’t suffer. Otherwise, you’ll be subjected to merciless torture.”
“My name is Ushimitsu Kozo. I came here to see how money flows in the Flower Capital.” Robin said calmly.
Katya didn’t hear the response but she heard the noises as Robin tried to escape. Shit! This was bad. She started forward when a hand grabbed her. Freya was perched on Robin’s shoulder and holding up her index finger in a ‘shush’ gesture over her mouth.
“Robin?” She mouthed in shock. Robin nodded and Katya extended her powers to her.
“What’s going on?”
“They found me.” Robin pulled out her miniature transponder snail and prepared to communicate. “There are 11 ninja in the castle. They caught me looking through the files. They didn’t see Freya, but they suspect someone else was there too.”
“We have another problem too.” Katya grimaced. “I’m expected to get married in front of the shogun in five minutes.”
“.....” Robin looked even more shocked.
“Yeah, we need to get out of here.” Katya concluded.
Chapter 64: Just Desserts
Summary:
Orochi loses control. Kittaro’s wedding ends in disaster.
Chapter Text
Robin and Katya ran through the balconies of the castle until Robin tripped over a guy who was incredibly drunk and accidentally left behind a mask. Robin grabbed it and used it as a disguise.
“We’ll go back in with that guy. Blend in.” Katya said.
“Good idea.” Robin agreed and the two went inside, Freya hidden in Katya’s intricate but huge hairpiece.
“Oh, Orobi the new girl! Where have you been?!”
“She’s been with me, Orochi-sama.” Katya bowed. “I was a little nervous about the prospect of marrying in front of you.”
“Come closer, come closer.” Orochi said and pulled the two women closer to him. Kittaro smiled with his gap toothed mouth and Katya felt nauseous.
“I’m so grateful.” Robin was saying when Katya finally began to come back to reality. Robin was seated next to Orochi and whispering to him.
‘Good job, Robin!’ Katya thought to herself with a grin. She sat down next to the two of them as Orochi talked incessantly about the arrangements for the Fire Festival. She was getting information out of the Shogun so quickly.
“Osiren-chan, are you ready?” Kittaro said and caught the sleeve of Katya’s kimono.
“Y-Yes, Kittaro-sama.” No. Absolutely not.
“Let’s celebrate!” The man drank another cup of sake and drunkenly pulled her close to him.
“K-Kittaro-sama!” Katya feigned fear, although with the prospect of marrying the man looming, the fear was becoming more real by the second. “Please don’t pull me so!”
“You’re my woman. Do as I say.” Kittaro’s face was flushed with alcohol and he pulled her into his lap, grabbing a hold of her rear.
“Stop, please, Kittaro-sama!” She cried. Only a few were paying attention as Orochi began ranting angrily about the Nine Scabbards.
“I’ve waited long enough, Osiren-CHAN. You are to marry me tonight!” Kittaro said angrily and moved to hit Katya across the face. His hand moved towards her but she dodged it quickly. The man fell face down onto the floor.
“You-“ Kittaro growled, looking up at Katya. The woman had a dark expression on her face.
“I told you to stop.” Katya said coldly and kicked him in the stomach swiftly. Freya had appeared on her shoulder and pulled out her Lance.
“What the hell is that thing-“ Kittaro’s growl was interrupted as a loud laugh pierced through the air.
“WHO IS IT?! WHO LAUGHED AT ME?!” Orochi roared.
Katya looked on in shock as a young girl with pink hair, whom she presumed had arrived with Komurasaki, laughed loudly. “I can’t stop, I’m sorry!”
“Otoko-chan!” Robin gasped.
The young girl continued to laugh uncontrollably and Orochi raced towards the woman.
“Don’t do it!” A female voice carried across the room. Komurasaki stood and the entire room held its breath. All eyes were focused on the Shogun and the oiran except for one pair.
Tatsuo Kittaro, military official of Wano, glared daggers at the woman who had just kicked him.
~
“Please! Orochi-sama!” Women around the banquet cried as the Shogun transformed into a huge multi-headed snake-like dragon.
“Orobi, let’s get her out of here.” Katya said as Orochi’s heads began sneaking around the room and eating various officials.
“Agreed.” Robin said and the two women began to make their way to the frightened Otoko.
“Freya, get the doors!”
“On it!” The blonde Tontatta sped off and began to pick the locks with her lance.
“Rude bitch, come back here!” Kittaro said through gritted teeth as he went towards the two women in the chaos. He reached forward and grabbed Katya’s hair, yanking her back.
“Osiren!”
“GO!” She shouted and Robin nodded, running towards Otoko.
“You bitch, I was going to give you everything! How dare you humiliate me!” Kittaro shouted angrily at her. His balding head was glistening with sweat.
“Let go of me!” Katya spat and the man pulled back harder on her hair, causing the Heart Pirate to cry out in pain. Her long hair tumbled out of its hairstyle, sculpted flowers and decorative pins clattering to the floor.
“You’re not leaving!” Kittaro said furiously.
“It would never have worked out anyway!” Katya grit her teeth and felt for the item strapped to her thigh. “Do you wanna know why?”
“Why?” The man pulled against her hair violently again.
“Because,” Katya pulled her knife from its holster and swiped upwards. Blood spurted from Kittaro’s hand and he cried out in pain. Chocolate brown locks that had been in his grip also fell down, and Katya could feel that she had lost at least four inches of hair from her left side. She had grown it out during her time in Amazon Lily. Now half of it had been cut to barely even shoulder length.
“I have a boyfriend already.” Katya said sharply to the bleeding man. “He’s the only one I’d even consider marrying. And he’s much hotter than you.”
She kicked her foot towards the man’s chest and he went flying backwards....and straight into the jaws of one of Orochi’s heads, which bit down harshly on the screaming man. Blood flew everywhere. Katya winced. That was not a fun way to go.
“Osiren!” Robin called from behind her, holding Otoko in her arms. Katya wiped her knife on a piece of fabric that had come off the now decapitated Kittaro’s sleeve and followed her.
“That’s a lot of blood.” Freya said queasily as she jumped into Robin’s arms in an attempt to sooth Otoko.
“Let’s get out of here!” Katya affirmed to the woman and the two fled, Otoko and Freya in the arms of Robin, into the night.
Chapter 65: Girl Talk
Summary:
The girls have a well-deserved rest. Robin cashes in on Katya’s promise of girl talk.
Chapter Text
If it hadn’t been for Brook and his quick thinking, the three women and Otoko would never have made it out of the palace alive. Brook’s soul leaving his body was something that Katya had only seen once, but she had nearly peed herself in fear when Brook had come out into the open. Nami and a lady that Katya didn’t recognise came out of hiding and the group all watched as the yakuza boss Kyoshiro cut down Komurasaki.
It was odd. Katya noticed as she ran past the woman. The blood....it didn’t look right. She had spent a lot of time learning medical know-how from Law, and something didn’t sit right about the blood, nor the distribution of it.
She didn’t have much time to dwell on it before the women were running for their lives from Orochi. Thanks to Nami electrocuting what appeared to be the entirety of the palace, the women and Otoko managed to escape on an odd looking kite that the older woman, whom Nami introduced as Shinobu, produced.
The group managed to get away safely and Katya let out a sigh of relief.
“Oh thank god.” She practically collapsed with exhaustion as they touched down in a safe area to meet up with Kanjuro. She had used her Devil Fruit to make them silent the whole way from the palace and it didn’t take long for her to fall asleep next to the fire.
When she awoke, Shinobu, Robin and Nami were discussing going to a bathhouse to lay low and relax for a while.
“A bathhouse?” Katya said tiredly. “Why?”
“It’s cold here, and we’ve all spent the last few weeks doing a lot of things that were stressful!” Nami said wearily.
“Onami has a point.” Shinobu agreed. “Besides, Osiren, your hair.”
Katya lifted up a hand and felt both sides of her hair. Most of her brown hair fell down to her mid back, but there was a section cut to just above her shoulder to her left. It made for a very lopsided look.
“I spent so long growing it.” The Heart Pirate sighed. “But I guess I don’t have a choice. Shinobu-chan, are there women who can do hairdressing in the bathhouses?”
“Yes, but I can do it.” The older woman said with a shrug. “I’ve cut my own for years, as well as many of my fellow kunoichi.”
Katya handed her her knife. “Just...make it even, please.”
“This is a quality type of knife!” Shinobu said with surprise.
“Thank you. I got it from the warriors of Amazon Lily. It is also known as the isle of women.”
“I didn’t know there was such a place!” Shinobu said with interest, before smiling at Katya “I’ll cut your hair when we reach the bathhouse. It’ll be easier there.”
“Nami, have you seen Law and the others?” She finally asked the orange haired woman next to her.
“Yes.” Nami nodded. “He was in a bit of a rage, though.”
Katya winced. “He heard about the wedding?”
“Yeah. Although I had to explain to everyone that you were clearly doing it to get an invite to the Shogun’s banquet.”
“I expect Law will be mad anyway. He didn’t get to kill the sleazebag himself.” Katya grimaced at the thought of how Orochi had essentially eaten the man’s head.
“You two have a weird relationship!” Nami snapped at her.
~
Katya and Robin soaked their feet in the water of the bathhouse as Nami and Shinobu enjoyed the heat. Freya had gone back with the others to update Law and the rest of the group on what had happened.
Shinobu worked rapidly as she began to cut the locks off of Katya’s hair. Katya clenched her fists as she saw the hair tumble down to the ground next to the water.
“Losing so much of one’s hair is difficult when it is unexpected.” Shinobu said reassuringly as she eventually handed back Katya’s knife to her.
“Thank you.” She smiled, before feeling the strands of her hair. It was around the same length that it had been when she first met Law again on Sabaody.
“Sometimes I really wish I hadn’t eaten a Devil Fruit.” Katya sighed, looking at Shinobu, who had gone back into the water and was sitting with it nearly to her neck.
“Magic users like us often don’t soak in the water.” Shinobu explained to Nami. “But we’re safe here.”
“Nowhere is safe in this country.” Katya muttered, looking up at the leering men. A communal bathhouse was not how she pictured relaxing.
“I should charge them.” Nami said, glaring at the group of men staring.
“Aren’t you familiar with a mixed bath like this?” Shinobu asked.
“Nope.” Katya said bluntly. “There is only one other person I’ll share a bath with that isn’t female.”
“Yes, yes, we get it, you get to bang Tra-guy.” Nami rolled her eyes. Robin laughed lightly.
“That reminds me, Osiren-chan, you promised me some girl talk.” Robin smirked.
“Nooooo way!” Katya blushed.
“Your man?” Shinobu said with interest. “Does he please you?”
“Well, yes.” Katya said with a shrug.
“Does he respect you?”
“Of course!”
“Then he’s a man to keep around. They are a rare kind.” Shinobu smiled at her.
“They are a cute couple.” Robin smiled knowingly. “And what you said at the banquet about him being the only one you’d consider marrying...”
“Promise me you’ll never tell Law I said that.”
Robin giggled a little.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have been so worried about this girl talk, after all.” Katya joked, laughing a little along with Robin.
“I have another question.” Shinobu said and sat next to Katya on the side of the baths. “An important one.”
“Sure, go ahead.”
“Is he well-endowed?”
“I AM NOT ANSWERING THAT!”
“You haven’t measured it?”
The sounds of protest and laughing could be heard from even outside the bathhouse as Katya attempted to tackle the kunoichi into the water.
Chapter 66: The Raid
Summary:
A commotion at the bathhouse occurs. A request is made.
Chapter Text
“It’s a raid!” Someone shouted as the women finished up. Katya felt refreshed. Her hair had been washed and she was beginning to get used to the shorter length. The women turned to see who walked in and Katya’s eyes widened.
“Basil Hawkins! He’s one of the Supernovas!” Katya said in surprise.
“He’s a Headliner of the Animal Kingdom Pirates!” Shinobu warned.
“Nobody move!” A man with Hawkins drew his sword.
“W-What do you want with a bathhouse?” An elderly lady said.
“Oh, a bathhouse is perfect for this.” The man replied. “Everyone is naked. We can see everything.”
“What a creep!” Katya growled as the three women hid behind Shinobu.
“Fighting is the last resort.” Shinobu said to them.
“Everyone!” Basil Hawkins announced. “Line up and show us your ankles!”
“Does he have some kind of fetish?!” Katya hissed.
“If you have a Reversed Crescent Moon tattooed on your ankle, we need you to come with us! All of the people that are bathing need to come out too!”
“Shit.” Katya cursed. “They know?!”
“I can’t believe it!” Nami replied.
“Someone’s hiding there!” Hawkins pointed at Shinobu. Robin hid behind whilst Nami and Katya stepped out.
“We didn’t mean to hide!” Nami stammered unconvincingly.
“We were just playing around and didn’t want to be caught!” Katya said with a smirk.
“Playing?” Hawkins narrowed his eyes.
“Of course!” Katya said confidently. “It’s a towel stealing game!”
She ripped the towels off Nami’s body to demonstrate.
“Hey!” Nami cried as multiple people fell back with nosebleeds.
“Nami-swaaan!” Sanji seemed to materialise wearing a black suit that seemed familiar to Katya somehow.
“Soba Mask!” Hawkins shouted. “Drake, get in here!”
“What is Sanji doing here?” Robin said with a gasp.
“WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!” Nami shouted at Katya. “YOU OWE ME 100,000 BERI!” She grabbed Katya’s towel and pulled it away from the woman just as X Drake walked in.
The man screamed and fell back with a blushing face and a nosebleed.
“Dammit, Nami!” Katya picked up her towel and rapidly wrapped it back around her. “I am not going to be known as the woman that every Supernova has seen naked!”
“Wait, how many-?” Shinobu questioned.
“Five now thanks to Nami!” Katya snapped.
“FIVE?!”
“You’ll have to tell me about that.” Robin said with a tone that indicated she was almost impressed.
“You,” Basil Hawkins turned to Katya. “I recognise you.”
“Me?” Katya played innocent. “I don’t think I’ve ever met you before, sir.”
“You may have had your hair cut, but anyone at that banquet could recognise you. Osiren, the new singer. However, you are also known as Takimi Katya of the Heart Pirates.”
Robin, Nami and Shinobu looked at her nervously. Sanji stepped in front of Katya protectively.
“She will not be going anywhere with you.”
“Oh, I think she will be.” Hawkins replied, as one of his subordinates handed him a familiar lock of brown hair. Katya’s hand rose to her hair and saw it was one of the strands that Shinobu had chopped off in the baths.
Hawkins threaded it through a small straw figure and held it to show the group. “Takimi’s life belongs to me now.”
“Like hell I do.” Katya snapped. “I don’t believe in your voodoo bullshit anyway.”
Hawkins smiled slightly and brought out a knife from his belt. Sanji readied his stance but Hawkins brought the knife to his own arm and cut it slightly.
SLASH!
“Agh!” Katya cried out as her arm began bleeding from a cut identical to the place where Hawkins had sliced. Nami gasped at the blood flowing, as Hawkins had no such cut.
“If you want to kill me, you will have to kill her. Her life is mine.”
Sanji’s teeth clenched. He would not be able to hurt Hawkins now, as it would harm Katya. His code prevented it. Katya looked across at the three women and Sanji.
“What do you want from me?” Katya asked the two Supernovas carefully.
“You are charged with murdering an official of the country of Wano, as well as conspiring against the Animal Kingdom Pirates.”
“Sanji.” Katya said quietly. “Take the others.”
“But-“
“I’m stuck. I can’t get out of this. But the others can. Please, take them to safety.”
“I can’t leave you alone with them!” Sanji protested.
“I’m asking you to. Protect the women in your charge.” She said, remembering what Nami had told her about Sanji’s chivalrous attitudes. “Heed my request as a woman, please.”
“....I don’t like it, but I can’t say no to you.” Sanji sighed. “Your nakama have also been captured. I’m on my way to tell Tra-guy now.”
“I’ll be with them, then, so don’t worry about me. GO!”
Katya stood by Drake and waited patiently as Sanji fought the two Supernovas and escaped with the others. When Sanji flew into the air, the two men went out, Katya following.
“Only Stealth Black could have done that.” Drake said in shock.
“I’ll take him down next time.” Hawkins muttered.
“Stealth Black? THAT’s why it looked familiar!” Katya exclaimed. “Why is he dressed as a comic book character?”
“I take it you’re from the North Blue too, then.” Drake turned to Katya and motioned for one of his subordinates to bring handcuffs.
“I won’t resist, you don’t need those.”
“Call it a precaution for those with Devil Fruits, Miss Takimi.”
Katya just sighed as they clamped the seastone over her wrists. “You know that this isn’t going to last, right? Law will just break us all out of prison eventually.”
“You’re not going to the cells.” Hawkins said calmly as he took her arm and led her towards the direction of a cart. Katya’s heart plummeted.
“I’m not?”
“You murdered an official. The sentence is usually death. However, Kaido-sama likes keeping those with Devil Fruit powers alive, and break them so they serve him. We’re taking you to the place that will break you.”
“Where is that?” Katya tried to hold back the fear in her voice, but it failed miserably.
“To Queen’s dominion. You’re being sent to Udon labour camp.”
Chapter 67: The Less Pleasing Kind of Udon
Summary:
Law finds out about Katya’s sacrifice. Katya arrives at the prison.
Chapter Text
The house in Ebisu Town practically shook with rage as Law found out about Katya’s capture.
“Oi, Black-Foot-ya, you’d better start talking FAST.” Law thundered as he pinned the already injured Sanji against the wall.
“Katland...” Freya said with worry.
“First Bepo and the others, now Katya?!” Law roared. “How could you let that happen?!”
“She told us to go, Tra-guy! That pirate, Hawkins. He did something to her!” Nami defended the decision.
“Indeed.” Robin continued. “She was holding her own until that point.”
“Katland helped us all escape the banquet!” Freya concurred.
“It was quite dramatic.” Robin mused. “She kicked the official quite badly in front of everyone at the banquet and told him she wouldn’t marry him as she already had a boyfriend. I believe he was eaten by a monster.”
“Stop saying such morbid things, Robin!” Usopp said from behind them.
“Actually, that’s accurate.” Freya muttered.
“Yet she isn’t here!” Law growled.
“Captainland won’t leave them at the mercy of the Animal Kingdom Pirates!” Freya said, hopping onto the top of Law’s nodachi. “We’ll get them back!”
“I won’t.” Law let go of Sanji and headed for the door. “Let’s go, Freya-ya.”
“Oi, oi, wait! You can’t just run off to break them out!” Franky said with annoyance.
“I’m not giving up on my crew! I’m going to go save them!” Law snapped.
“Are you out of your mind?” Usopp protested. “It’ll be like turning yourself in!”
“Our allies who want to take down Orochi are getting caught one after another!” Shinobu suddenly cut in. “Ever since your crew messed up!”
Freya’s eyes took on a murderous gaze, which looked strange on the small Tontatta. “What did you say?!”
“That little bear and the other two definitely told them about our plan!”
“YOU-“ Freya lunged for Shinobu but Usopp held her back by her lance.
“Bepo and the others would rather die than talk! Don’t underestimate them!” Law shouted at the kunoichi.
“How dare you assume that they would talk?!” Freya said furiously. “We trust them with our lives!” She struggled out of Usopp’s grip and went back to perching on Kikoku.
Law stood by the door and nodded to the Tontatta with determination. They’d get back their nakama no matter what.
“Wait, Tra-guy, Freya-chan! That’s exactly what the enemy wants!” Sanji protested.
“You can’t tell us what to do, Blackleg-ya!”
“You were taken by the enemy, and we waited over a month for Luffy to go and fetch YOU.” Freya snapped at the now very beaten up Sanji.
“Are you trying to run?” Shinobu said to the two Heart Pirates. “You must eliminate those who were caught! To silence them!”
Freya felt herself and Law shaking with anger.
“What did you say?!” The two Heart Pirates said with a cold and terrifying glare at the kunoichi.
~
The men escorting her to Udon were two of the most boring people that Katya had ever met. They didn’t seem to ever smile, nor did they laugh at Katya’s seemingly endless stream of puns about where she was going. It was to distract herself from her own panic, of course, but she still found it annoying that she had no-one to talk to that would actually respond. The only time they spoke to her was to give her orders.
“Hey, what happens when a cement mixer and a pirate crew crash together? A group of HARDENED criminals!” Katya said to the guy next to her, who just glared at her.
“Stop talking. We’re here.” A man grunted.
Katya was pulled from her seated spot on the large animal that they were using to transport them and shoved roughly to the ground below. She stood up, rubbing her arms which had been grazed by the gravel when she landed. The mark from Hawkins was still there. The group had hung up the phone as soon as Katya had finished cursing in pain. The men had then taunted Katya about the Headliner’s powers, which Katya filed away for later reference in her head.
She had been dressed in some plain black trousers and a white t-shirt by them; a bath house wasn’t exactly the best place to be captured, after all. Mercifully, Drake had allowed her to at least gather her undergarments before she had been taken away. Although Katya figured that was more for his sake than hers.
“Welcome to Udon Prison.” One of the men, a large-set man with sticking out teeth, said with a sarcastic tone.
The fumes and general look of the place made Katya feel nauseated. She wrinkled her nose as they brought her over to another group of men by the main gate. A banner saying “serious criminal” was mounted on a stick by them.
“Put her in shackles. She’ll go in after that lot.” The man with the buck teeth said to the group. “You’ll like the Excavation Labour Camp, bitch.”
Katya was shoved towards the other guards and the men clamped her in. Ahead of her, but obscured by a man on a horse, were two other men. One seemed to be laughing uncontrollably.
“What a weird guy...laughing when you’re off to prison.” She mused to herself.
The men paused to talk to one another about opening the gate to Udon Prison. Katya hesitated, but eventually looked around to see one of the prisoners ahead of her. Her eyes widened.
“Wait, is that...”
The man turned around, and upon seeing her widened his eyes. Katya had never seen his face, but she knew his hair and build.
“Killer...” she whispered in shock. He looked so different. She caught only a glimpse of him before he was dragged off. The man turned away and Katya’s arm was pulled, forcing her to face the front again as the gate opened.
“Walk!” One of the men pushed her forward and Katya obeyed, although with an annoyed glare at the guard.
There was an odd cheering as the group were led inside. Crowds of men with swords, whom Katya presumed to be guards, were leering at the pirates.
“That’s the piece of shit who failed Orochi-sama’s task!”
“That guy looks weird.” One called out.
“THE JAILBREAKER! He’ll be executed for sure!” Another shouted.
“Woah, a woman! They never send us the women!”
“I bet she’ll be fun to play with.” One grinned lecherously at Katya. She spat at his feet in return, and the man slapped her.
“We have a message from Orochi-sama!” A man with blue hair that was walking alongside them said. “You can punish him as you like! As for the girl, she’s murdered an official - work her until she breaks, on Kaido-sama’s orders!”
Killer let out a horrible gut-wrenching laugh again. Katya turned around to look at him with confusion, her cheek stinging from the blow the guard had given her. Why was he laughing?
“So you’re Kamazo.” An incredibly fat man with a yellow moustache was smoking a cigar in front of them. He was dressed in a sumo outfit. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
“We also bring Takimi Katya of the Heart Pirates. She assassinated Kittaro-sama in the Flower Capital!”
“Whaaaaa?!” A voice broke through Katya’s shocked silence. She looked to her right and saw a very familiar face.
A smile broke across Katya’s mouth. LUFFY! She wanted to cry out to him, but she didn’t want to give away the fact that they knew each other.
“And one other!”
Another criminal? Katya thought to herself, and looked further ahead, finally seeing the man who until now, had been obscured by a guard on a horse.
A man whose head was covered with red hair.
“KID?!”
Chapter 68: The Tank
Summary:
Luffy’s match against Queen affects Katya. Law faces Basil Hawkins.
Chapter Text
Katya was tiring rapidly. She hadn’t slept in over 35 hours, she was tired, hungry and the seastone handcuffs around her wrists were draining her even more now that she was moving around. She could hear Kid talking in the background about Killer, but it seemed faded and far away.
She swayed on her feet slightly and her vision blurred for a moment. Katya fought to stay conscious, although it was tough to tell how much time was passing.
“Girl.”
Katya looked up at the man towering over her. His bicep tattoo said Queen.
“You look weak.” The man scoffed. “Yet you murdered Kittaro and lived this long. You’ll be a fun one, won’t you?”
“Oi, balloon.” A voice cut in. Luffy stood next to Queen, a large seastone collar around his neck.
“Come on, let’s just start the sumo matches.” Luffy glared at the giant Animal Pirate between the two, before turning to Katya. “Did they harm ev-uh, you?” ‘Is everyone okay?’ was clearly the underlying question.
Katya caught his slip. “I’ve been captured, but otherwise no.” ‘I’m here but the others are safe.’
“Enough talking.” A guard said. “Shall I put her with the others for the sumo match, Queen-sama?”
“You seem to know her, Straw Hat. In fact, you seem to know all three of these prisoners.” The huge man smiled sadistically. “Take her to the tank.”
“Tank? What tank?” Katya glanced at Luffy, a flash of fear in her eyes.
Katya screamed and kicked and bit as hard as she could as the men tied her to a large mechanism along with Kid and Killer. The trio were to be suspended upside down above a large pool of water. Katya could smell the saltiness already and she felt sick.
“Oi.” Kid’s voice came from next to her.
Katya spun her head towards him.
“Why are you here?”
“Oh, you know. The usual. Fighting Yonkous, singing, getting in trouble.”
“You should have stayed with Red-Hair.” The man said with a flat tone.
“Nah.” She replied. “Wouldn’t want to miss out on this fun, would I?”
Her face stung from where guards had punched her. A blossoming black eye was appearing and her cheekbone was swollen. The Heart Pirate knew she looked a mess, hence the irony of the statement.
“I take it Trafalgar’s here, then.”
“Yeah. I haven’t seen him in a month.”
“A month? What have you been doing?”
“Trying to gather information to take down Kaido. I got with an official to allow myself access to a banquet where the Shogun was. The guy tried to marry me so I kicked him and the Shogun ate him.”
“Ate him.”
“Yeah, his Devil Fruit’s wild.”
“You killed some official because he tried to marry you?” Kid arched an eyebrow.
“Yeah.”
“Damn, kitten. Not bad. You gonna do that to Trafalgar?”
“Of course not!”
“Just making sure.”
Katya looked across sadly to Killer. “For what it’s worth, despite the fact we’re probably going to be executed by drowning in a few minutes, it’s good to see some familiar faces at the end. Even if one is messed up and the other is missing an arm.”
“That was Red-Hair.”
“I told you that you’d lose. Be glad you’re alive still. Well, for now. None of us will be in a few minutes.”
Killer laughed hysterically again, but his eyes communicated a much different emotion.
“You ain’t gonna die here, Kat.” The red haired man muttered.
“It sure looks that way from my perspective.” Katya responded sarcastically.
“If there’s one thing I know about Trafalgar, it’s that that bastard would take down this entire island to see you safe. And I’m starting to think Straw Hat would too.”
The trio glanced across at Luffy, who was looking at Queen with determination, a small man with blue and pink tattoos by his side.
“Seems that kid would face god to save his friends.”
“I was told he killed God already.” Katya laughed despite the situation. “Though I don’t know if Usopp was bullshitting me about that sky island.”
“Lift them up!”
Katya found her body leaving the ground along with the other two, before being twisted so she was hanging upside down.
“What a great view.” Queen mused as the trio hung by their chains. “Now, go to hell!”
Katya wriggled desperately as her head hit the water. Every part of her body felt like it was screaming, but also weak at the same time. Her breath left her lungs as the seawater caused her to stop holding her breath. The salt stung her eyes and her nose burned.
For the first time in a very long time, Katya knew she could possibly truly die. There was no Law around to save her, no friends that weren’t already bound in chains themselves...it could be the end.
She closed her eyes and began to succumb to the water but as she did, the chains pulled her back up. She gagged as she rose out of the tank expelling the water from her lungs and practically vomiting water as she attempted to gasp for air.
“Thank you all for waiting, you damn fools!” Queen shouted from across the arena. Katya opened her eyes long enough to see Luffy staring at her, his teeth clenched and sweat dripping down his temples.
“The Sumo Inferno is back on!” The Animal Kingdom Pirate shouted.
~
“We’d never betray the others like that...” Freya said as her Law walked through the street, Freya sitting in the brim of Law’s hat under his disguise. The two Heart Pirates had left the house where the others were. They all wanted the plan to work, but they were never going to leave their nakama at the mercy of the enemy.
“Keep your voice down. I think that so far the Animal Kingdom Pirates don’t know that you’re associated with us, and surely word will have gotten out about the incident at the palace so we need to keep ourselves inconspicuous.” Law murmured to her.
“You’re not exactly blending in holding your lance over your shoulder, Captainland.” Freya remarked as she glanced at the nodachi. Freya had changed outfits, even though she was barely large enough to be noticed. Her new one had a cloak with a hood which would hopefully help her blend in with clothing if she should be seen.
“By the way, Freya-ya…” Law seemed to hesitate as he asked “Is what Nico-ya said true?”
“About what happened?” Freya chewed on her lip. “It was pretty disgusting. I’ve never seen someone’s head bitten off. Katland kicked him straight into the Shogun’s mouth.”
“No, what Katya-ya said about marriage.” Law clarified.
“Oh! Well…I don’t think I should say.” Freya blushed.
“Tell me.”
“She said that the only person she’d want to marry was you.” Freya said. “But you can’t tell her I told you! Please, Captainland! Besides-“
“Wait. There they are.” Law murmured, breaking off the conversation. He picked up on the familiar feeling of Penguin and Shachi in a nearby building. There was a diamond shaped lattice of metal separating them from the crew. They seemed physically as well as could be expected. The two sighed with relief but then felt another presence. Law stopped his tracks to face Basil Hawkins, standing directly in his path.
“I knew you were coming.” The man said. “Trafalgar Law.”
“Captain!” Shachi and Penguin said loudly from the cell.
“Captain, we’re so sorry!” Shachi shouted. “Us being caught has put you in a bind.”
Law looked across at them, lifting the wooden cover from his face. He had sensed only two presences. “What did you do with our polar bear and my female nakama?”
“With your ability, you can get them out in an instant.” Hawkins said. “What kind of fool would keep all the hostages in one conspicuous place?”
There was a silence as the two Supernovas stared at each other.
“Especially that woman of yours.”
Law’s glare at the man considerably darkened once. Hawkins tilted his head ever so slightly with a knowing smirk.
“So...Kid was correct.”
“Correct about what?” Law replied bluntly.
“That you two have a past.” He pulled a card from his belt and examined it. “A present, too, it seems.” The Supernova turned the card to face them. ‘The Lovers’ was written on it.
“I wonder who you would choose if it came down to her or your crew. No matter,” he put the card away. “I’ll put you in that jail too.”
“Don’t push your luck.” Law growled. “Didn’t you learn anything?”
Hawkins began to smile sadistically. “Did you? You can’t take me down.”
Law unsheathed Kikoku. As he did, Freya slipped down and headed to the bars of the cell. She put a finger to her lips indicating to Shachi and Penguin to be silent whilst she worked on picking their handcuffs with her lance.
Hawkins raised a hand to signal Law to pause and he pulled out a Den-Den Mushi from his pocket. Law and the crew watched as he began to dial a number.
Periperiperi....KACHA!
“This is Hawkins. Is she there?.”
“She’s receiving special treatment from Queen-sama. Water torture is always fun to watch!”
There was a splashing sound and a familiar voice suddenly came out of the Den-Den Mushi.
“Agh!”
“Katya-chan!” Penguin and Shachi shouted.
“I doubt she’ll be alive much longer.”
Hawkins smiled and lifted his sword up, but did not attempt to strike Law. He lowered it to his arm and sliced, and Law’s horror, Shachi screamed in pain.
“What did you do to him?!” Penguin said angrily.
“Allow me to demonstrate.” Hawkins said and sliced his arm again. Penguin let out a cry of pain as his arm bled exactly where the man had cut.
“I have five lives now.” Hawkins stated. “You cannot kill me without killing them.”
Law clenched his teeth angrily and a bead of sweat ran down his temple.
“You can only cut me up after you’ve killed the four from your own crew. Including that woman of yours. Although from the sounds of it, Queen might be having his fun with her already.”
Law’s fist tightened and his eyes were murderous as he looked back at the Animal Pirates member.
“Yes, that’s good.” Hawkins intoned darkly as Law looked at Shachi and Penguin inside the jail. “Although,” he said casually “I wouldn’t look for Takimi Katya there. She is in Udon Prison.”
Freya looked worriedly up at Penguin and Shachi as Law took a step forward.
“Hawkins...” Law said darkly. “We need to talk.”
Chapter 69: Don’t Make This A Habit
Summary:
Katya, Kid and Killer are subject to the tanks of Udon Prison. Big Mom makes her entrance.
Notes:
It’s been a while since I updated! But I wrote a whole fic in the meantime! If you’re a fan of Attack On Titan, click on my profile to check it out!
Chapter Text
“We have a new rule.” Queen chewed on his cigar as he addressed Luffy. The sumo ring surroundings were packed full. Katya, Kid and Killer were still suspended by the chains over the tank as the balloon shaped man explained the new rules of the sumo match.
“The moment you step out of that ring, the spikes in your collars will kill you. That hasn’t changed. But the new rule is as long as you guys are alive, those three will be submerged in the water. Which means that only when you and that old geezer die, will we pull them out of the water.”
“They have nothing to do with me! Leave them out of it!” Luffy shouted back.
“But then, why do you seem so upset?” Queen taunted. “Is it because you’re all rivals from the same generation? Or is that woman special to you? Well...you could always sacrifice your lives for them immediately. No matter how notorious or how many hundreds of millions of berries a bounty is, all humans will drown in a mere five centimetres of water.” The man cackled. “Now, the game begins.”
“You....got......this....Luf-“ Katya managed out before she was thrown back into the water. She had no idea if the man had heard her.
Katya held her breath for as long as she could, but soon the tank’s water began to shake, as if an entire earthquake was occurring outside, but it came in thumping sounds. Eventually, she felt the oxygen leave her lungs and begin to fill with water. She wouldn’t last much longer. Her eyes closed and she began to drift away.
I’m sorry, Law, she thought. Please don’t fall into another vendetta if I die. You’re supposed to live freely, like Corazon and I wanted.
“You’re not going to make this a habit, are you?” A voice said in the back of her mind and the darkness in front of her seemed to morph until an image of Corazon sat in front of her with a frown on his face.
‘Believe me, I’m not trying to!’ Katya thought.
Corazon seemed to know that she’d said that in her mind, as he took a drag of his cigarette. “That fruit of ours isn’t just for blocking out noise, you know. I thought it would have already taught you one of its most valuable tricks.”
‘In case you haven’t noticed, seawater isn’t great for using Devil Fruits! It’s not the best time to start learning new things with it!’ Katya thought screamed back.
“In order to release its true power, and yours, you must be as calm as a flowing river. But the fruit can only do so much. Feel the calmness flowing through you, Katya-chan. Take control back of your body. Focus. You must will yourself to keep fighting.”
Cora’s image faded as Katya focused on her mind. Calm. It was rather difficult to be calm when she was pretty sure she just hallucinated Corazon due to her current state of being on the verge of death.
What made her calm?
Katya began to picture things in her head that felt like calm. Summer breezes, her aunt’s smile, piano music, Law’s heartbeat that she could hear through his chest when she awoke in the early hours of the morning.
Those were beautiful things. Things she wanted to fight to get back to. Katya let the feeling spread across her and she slowly felt her limbs again. Strength was coming back to her. The darkness was beginning to become brighter, and she reached for reality.
Her whole body suddenly slammed into dry ground and her lungs expelled the water from them. Her vision swam but she soon opened her eyes again. A red blur was in front of her but she barely noticed as she vomited onto the ground next to her.
She gasped for air and looked up. The large metal girder that the trio had been tied to had bent so far out of shape that they had been flung from the water. She’d landed hard on her side and pain was shooting around her body.
“OI! Are you alright?!” Luffy shouted from not far away.
“Shut up! We don’t need your pity! We’re not that helpless!” Kid roared back to him next to her.
Katya gave a very weak thumbs up to Luffy from behind where her hands were cuffed in the hope that he could see it.
“I can smell the red bean soup more strongly now!” A loud female voice rang out. Katya looked up at the sound. A huge woman in a pink spotted dress was sniffing the air.
“She-“ Katya managed out. “It can’t be...”
There was no mistaking who the woman was. Anyone with sense in the New World, or on any sea really, knew the face of Big Mom. The Yonkou herself was here.
~
“Kat, wake up!”
Katya’s eyes flew open. After Big Mom had arrived and Queen as well as Luffy had gone toe to toe, her exhaustion well and truly caught up with her and she passed out despite the circumstances.
Kid was sitting next to her, struggling to get out of his chains. Katya sat up gingerly, everything hurting massively.
“You there!” A voice shouted, and a large man with lightning shaped eyebrows flew over to them.
“Raizo!” Katya gasped. “Why are you here?”
“Quickly,” the ninja threw a set of keys to her “use these to free yourself, Luffytaro’s friends! One of them will be the right key!”
Katya worked them around to her back and struggled to try the keys in her cuffs.
“Dammit, you’re taking too long. Let me do it.” Kid said gruffly and gestured to her to pass him the keys. He used his own hands to get the right key and the chains and kairoseki cuffs dropped from Katya. She sighed with relief as she felt a marginal amount of her strength come back. The Heart Pirate quickly unlocked both Kid and Killer’s cuffs and they helped each other to the ground.
“Luffy!” Katya cried as she saw the man on the floor, covered in green and yellow sores from the Plague Rounds, and rushed over to him.
“Chopper-san, will he be okay?”
“Not if I don’t come up with something soon...” the reindeer replied, before looking up at Katya. “WAAAA! KATYA! YOU’RE SO INJURED!”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Oi.” Kid said, coming up behind her, his red coat back on his shoulders. “Are you gonna fight Kaido again?” He addressed Luffy with a skeptical expression.
Luffy smiled weakly. “Do you wanna join us?”
Kid turned tail and began to walk towards the exit. “No way. Look what happened to my best friend...” he looked towards Killer, who followed him. “Thank me for not killing you right here and now.”
“Kid, Killer, wait!” Katya quickly ran to him and caught his arm. Kid spun around to her.
“You changed your mind, kitten? Time to join us after all?”
“No, but...I wanted to wish you well. I know you and Law don’t get along but...”
“That caring heart of yours is too good for the New World, Kat.” Kid placed a hand on top of her head. “Get out of here if you know what’s good for you.”
Killer gave Katya a nod and followed Kid out of the arena. Katya watched the two go and then sat next to Luffy and Chopper.
“Now what?”
Chapter 70: Protect Each Other
Summary:
Katya makes it back to the group, but receives troubling news about Law.
Chapter Text
After Luffy was healed, Katya left with the samurai Kiku, Otama and the others to meet back at the rendezvous point. Chopper had given her several balms and creams for her bruised face, as well as bandaging some of her worse wounds, and Katya slept for most of the way back to the others.
Robin and Nami had greeted her first, hugging her gently and saying how glad they were that she was safe, before introducing Katya to the other samurai that had joined them. She had even hugged Momo, which had caused Sanji and Brook to go into a rage for some reason.
“Where’s Law? And Bepo and the others?” She’d asked, but was told that they had no idea, but they were sure that they would meet them on the day of the Fire Festival if all else failed. She trained with the others, but acknowledged to Robin that she wasn’t a monster like Luffy or Law; thus her bruising around her eye would take a normal amount of time to heal. Sanji in particular kept expressing sadness about the purple bruising around her face, but she smiled through it all the same.
She was worried for Law. Sanji told her that shortly before she was captured, Bepo and the others were put in jail and captured. Law and Freya had gone after them despite everyone else’s protests, and hadn’t seen them since, aside from Nami, who had met Bepo, who claimed that they had escaped. Law was still nowhere to be found, though.
Two days before the Fire Festival, Katya was getting some well earned rest from practicing her Haki when Robin called her.
“Freckles-san! Your crew have returned!”
Katya leapt out of her bunk and ran outside. Bepo, Shachi and Penguin spotted her from the group and their eyes widened.
“KATYAAAAAAAA!!!” The crew rushed forward and hugged her. Katya squeaked as Bepo rubbed his face against her and Shachi and Penguin burst into tears.
“We thought you were dead!” Shachi half-shouted into her ear in between his sobs.
“Hawkins said you were executed by Queen!”
“Katland!” Freya snuggled herself into Katya’s shoulder. “I’m so glad you’re alive!”
“Guys...” Katya managed to smile and extracted their arms from being wrapped around her. “Sanji said you’d all been captured!”
“We were, but...” Bepo’s eyes became watery. “Captain....”
~
Bepo fidgeted nervously as the guards led him to an exit. The Mink was wary of what was happening. It was probably a trick. Either that or his Captain had pulled off something incredible. Freya was tucked inside Bepo’s robe, cautiously looking out for what was ahead, having found him after the others’ encouragement.
Shachi and Penguin came around a corner, also in chains. “Guys!” Freya rushed forward to look at Shachi’s arm - the cut had opened up again. It wasn’t a deep wound, but it was a large one.
“Captain!” Bepo suddenly cried as Law and Hawkins appeared in front of the group.
“The bargaining chip is your lives.” Hawkins stated.
“Bargain? What bargain?” Freya said, looking across at Law. The man’s eyes were hidden by his hat.
“If I refuse,” Hawkins continued. “Trafalgar Law will take my life along with yours. A threat from a man unwilling to bet on tomorrow is something that raises concern for my own life.”
“Captain! I’m sorry we screwed up!” Bepo tried to plead, but was distracted by Hawkins raising his arm. Some ghostly looking green voodoo dolls spawned from the man’s arms and fell to the floor.
“These are the lives of you all,” Hawkins said. “It’s a complete liberation. You have no problem, do you Trafalgar?”
Law turned his back and began to walk away.
“You’re giving yourself up?!” Freya realised. “Captainland!”
“No, no!” Bepo cried desperately “Don’t go, Captain!”
“Listen.” Law murmured. “Don’t tell Straw Hat and the others that I got caught...and get Katya to safety. She’s not to share this fate.”
“What?!” The three gasped.
“I tried to send the message to free her.” Hawkins said “but it turns out I can’t get through. She’ll have been executed by now.”
Law’s face fell further. Hawkins pulled on his new chains and led him away.
“Captain!”
~
“Law....thinks I’m dead?”
“We all did, Katya.” Ikkaku said with a solemn expression.
“Well I have to tell him I’m not! Which way to the prison?”
“Katland, we-“
“NO!” Katya shook her head fiercely. “There’s no way I’m going to leave Law to be tortured, let alone think that I’m dead! We’re all leaving this place together after Kaido is taken down! Plus, we need him - there’s only two days left until the Fire Festival!”
“We’re Heart Pirates!” Bepo said, raising a fuzzy paw. “We protect each other!”
“Let’s go get him.”
“So, Katya,” Ikkaku suddenly cut in. “Is it true that you told that guy who tried to marry you that you were already engaged to the Captain, then fed him to the Shogun’s pet dragon and laughed as his blood rained down on you?”
“HOW DO THESE RUMOURS BECOME SO TWISTED?!”
Chapter 71: Kill Each Other Or F**k Each Other
Summary:
Law returns to the crew. A discussion is had between the two Heart Pirate lovers.
Chapter Text
It turned out that going to fetch Law was not necessary in the end. The group was readying supplies to go to the prison that Shachi and Bepo had described when Law walked into the camp, shrugging off his jacket like it was nothing and sitting down on the grass next to Bepo.
“CAPTAIN!!!” The Mink cried and dived for Law, practically squashing him.
Clione, Uni and Katya meanwhile heard the commotion from inside the derelict house where they had been gathering supplies. Enough weaponry and ammunition to raid a prison.
“What’s going on outside?” Uni thought aloud.
“Not sure. Sounds like Bepo is being tickled by Robin again.” Katya replied, sheathing her knife into its new holster on her leg.
“I’ll have a look.” Clione put down his hat, which he had been stitching up a hole in. The Heart pirate went outside and suddenly shouted.
“COME QUICK!”
The two other Heart Pirates looked at each other and dashed for the door, weapons at the ready. Katya held up her knife ready to throw when a hand caught her arm.
“Woah!” Ikkaku cried out. “It’s not an attack!” The woman had run over, Nami hot on her heels.
She lowered Katya’s hand that was holding the blade. “Though I may want to take that just in case.”
“Huh?”
Katya looked past Ikkaku’s shoulder and immediately glowered. The freckled woman moved past Ikkaku and began marching towards Law. The man’s eyes widened and he moved past Bepo and started towards his lover.
“Oh no.” Ikkaku winced. “I know those looks. We’d better give them some privacy.”
“Hm?” Nami looked at Ikkaku with confusion.
“They’re either going to try to kill each other or fuck each other. Or both. Either way, it’ll be messy and I’m not sticking around for it. Later.”
“Ew.”
“WHAT WERE YOU THINKING LETTING YOURSELF BE CAPTURED?!” Law roared.
“SAYS YOU!” Katya fired back.
“Told you.” Ikkaku muttered as Nami and her walked off together. The rest of the crew also scattered. They knew how this would go.
“I can’t believe you!”
“You nearly died!”
“I thought you WERE dead!”
“DON’T YOU DARE DO THAT AGAIN!” The two shouted at the same time.
Katya sighed and ran a hand through her hair in frustration, exposing her bruised eye.
“Katya-ya...” Law’s eyes widened as he went into doctor mode, moving forward and holding his hand up to her face to look at it.
“I’m fine.” She pushed his hand away gently.
“Who did that to you? And your hair...” Law said in surprise as he ran his hand through a few of the strands by her shoulder.
“I had to cut it before that Kittaro bastard pulled it from my scalp.” Katya scowled. “Don’t worry, I fed him to a giant snake.”
“A giant snake?”
“Yeah, Orochi can transform, and seems to be a cannibal.” Katya shrugged. “Kittaro was decapitated.”
“Please...” Law spoke more seriously.“Don’t do that again. They kept telling me you were executed...I thought...”
“I know,” Katya murmured back gently. “I’m only alive by sheer chance. Big Mom broke into Udon and disrupted everything before Kid, Killer and I could drown.”
“Drown?!” Law’s eyes widened. “I need to look you over-“
“It’s okay,” Katya kissed his cheek reassuringly. “Chopper’s sorted me out. But he doesn’t quite have your bedside manner.”
“You reckless woman...” Law shook his head but then arched an eyebrow with a small smile. “You killed a man who tried to marry you?”
“Of course. He was trying to take me away from you.”
Law crushed his lips against hers. Katya wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him back.
“Law, you look awful as well,” the freckled woman reminded him “there’s burst blood vessels all over your face. What did they do to you?”
“Tried to get me to talk.”
Katya winced.
“I presume you didn’t,” she replied.
“Of course not.”
“That’s my 500 million Beri man.” Katya ran her thumb over his cheek, and Law sighed.
“It’s going to be one hell of a day tomorrow,” she said gently. “I’m glad we’ll be facing it together.”
“You’re still going to be punished for taking such a risk,” Law said with a knowing look in his eye. “And I’ve thought of just what I’m going to do.”
~
“I missed that.” Katya panted as she and Law laid side by side, their bodies glistening with sweat.
“You missed training with me?” Law smirked, wiping his brow. The two had used an old abandoned dojo to do some last minute sparring before the battle the next day.
“You give me a challenge. Other people go easy on me.”
Law turned to face her as they laid on the floor of the dojo. “You fighting better means hopefully I’ll have to worry about you less.”
Katya smiled. Law had used his powers to make her bruises and cuts heal faster, and she was nearly back to feeling fully better. “You worry anyway.”
“Yes, but I’ll worry less.”
There was silence for a moment, then Law asked “Did I miss anything important?”
“Not really. Found out that goat milk doesn’t like my stomach this morning, but other than that, no.”
“I meant about battle plans.”
“Oh.” Katya went a little pink. “Nothing much.”
“So we’re all set?”
“You know,” Katya reached a hand out to his face after nodding in agreement. “When you said you wanted the two of us to go to an abandoned dojo in the middle of the afternoon with no warning, I thought you had something else in mind.”
“Oh?” Law’s own hand came up to rest on Katya’s, his fingertips caressing her knuckles. “Like what?”
“Well I was hoping you’d fuck me against a wall really, given that we’ll could die tomorrow.”
“We’re always nearly dying.”
“Exactly.” Katya grinned cheekily.
“You’re a minx.” Law shook his head with a slight smirk.
“Please, Captain?” Katya trailed a finger down the area of tattooed chest not covered by Law’s kimono.
Law arched an eyebrow. “Are you appealing to the fact I like it when you call me Captain to get me to have sex with you even though we should be conserving our energy for tomorrow?”
“Is it working?”
“Absolutely.”
Law smirked and pulled Katya to him, capturing her lips. It wasn’t like their usual kisses, full of passion and need. It was soft, slow and loving. He rested his forehead against his lover’s.
“Are you worried about tomorrow?” He asked gently.
“It’s Kaido. The man who jumps off sky islands for fun. He nearly killed Luffy.” Katya sighed. “I’m worried he’ll be too much for even us.”
“I won’t let them hurt you.”
“I know…” Katya smiled softly. “Nothing is gonna separate us. Never ever.”
“I love you.”
“Show me how much?”
“If you ask your Captain nicely.”
“Please, Captain?”
It was a good job that the abandoned dojo still had some small form of heating as Law and Katya’s clothes were quickly discarded upon its floor as the two Heart Pirates made love until the early hours of the morning.
Chapter 72: Secret Deductions
Summary:
The crew head to war. Bepo notices something odd about Katya.
Chapter Text
As dawn approached, there was a knocking at the door of the dojo. Katya and Law were both lying under his coat, the latter awake already and watching the sleeping Katya with a hard to read expression.
“Captain?” Bepo’s voice came from the door.
“We’re in here.” Law replied quietly.
Bepo opened the door and tilted his head in confusion at Law’s expression. The man hadn’t taken his eyes off Katya. “The submarine is ready, Captain. Ah. Are you both okay?”
“Mm. I’m just…” Law trailed off. How could he explain in words to Bepo that he was just taking in as much of the brunette lying on his chest as possible? Memorising the details of her face, her hair, thinking of her laugh, her fierce eyes and the oh so sweet sounds she made just for him. If he lost her now, he’d never recover.
“If we survive this, I’m going to ask her to marry me, Bepo.” Law murmured.
“Oh my gosh, Captain!” Bepo clapped his paws together loudly. Katya’s nose twitched slightly and her eyelids fluttered open.
“Mm-huh? Oh, Bepo.” She said with a slight yawn.
“Say nothing, Bepo, and that’s an order.” Law quickly shot his first mate an urgent ‘keep-your-trap-shut’ kind of expression (as Shachi would have called it).
“Hm?” Katya looked at Bepo, whose eyes were watering and was smiling. “Bepo, are you okay?”
“Yes!” The bear said and practically skipped out of the room.
“What’s with Bepo?” Katya stretched and sat up a little, still leaning against Law.
“He just had some good fish for breakfast,” Law lied smoothly. “It’s time. We need to get up. Bepo said the submarine is ready.”
“Gotcha.”
“You’re staying on the submarine with the others for this.”
“I’m sorry, what?” Katya scowled.
“They know who you are to me. They’ll target you again.”
“We’ve been through this! I thought you trusted me to look after myself! My Haki is getting better every day and-“
“I can’t lose you!” Law snapped and grabbed her arms with his hands. Katya flinched, but quickly found her resolve and stared him down.
“Law…please. I know you don’t like asking for help. But rely on me too.”
Law was silent for a few moments, then gently pulled her close into an embrace. “Okay. Stubborn woman.”
The two Heart Pirates broke apart a few moments later and nodded in silent agreement. Clothes and gear were grabbed and assembled in an organised fashion. Finally, Law lifted his nodachi and put it on his shoulder. Katya finished sharpening her knives and put them in their sheaths.
The two gave each other a quick peck and headed out the door, and to war.
~
“Be careful, Katya.” Ikkaku warned, putting her hand on the other woman’s shoulder.
“I’ll be fine.” Katya gave her an encouraging smile. “But I will be careful. I promise.” The freckled brunette nodded at her friend. “Everyone ready?”
Katya stood at the deck door of the Polar Tang as the submarine emerged from the stormy ocean. Law had left the room shortly beforehand and had headed up to the deck. Bepo had expertly managed to manoeuvre the sub so that part of the deck had come up over the tiny boat that the samurai had been using.
“You all know your positions. Let’s do this!” Penguin called into the ship-wide voice announcer. Bepo would be navigating until they got closer to shore, then he would hand over to Harris and join Jean Bart, Katya, Shachi and Penguin on deck ready to fight at Law’s command. Ikkaku was below in the engine room with Daniel, ensuring that the sub would get them there whilst Clione, Uni and the most of the other members of the crew were readying weapons and manning the guns. Freya was with Jean Bart, the smallest and largest of the crew ready to move.
Katya and the others raced up to the top of the submarine just as a large number of cannon balls were thrown at the samurai.
Shachi, Penguin, Bepo and Katya leapt into action immediately as the cannon balls began to rain down on the Polar Tang.
Penguin and Shachi used swords to cut the cannon balls away, whilst Bepo used a strong kick. Katya whisked Kin’emon out of the way at the same time. Katya looked back briefly as the cannon balls shattered into pieces from the strength of their cuts. A small proud smile came over her features. They’d certainly not spent the nearly two years she had spent apart from them lazing around.
“Thank you! Law-dono’s crew!” Kin’emon shouted in shock.
“We have names, you know.” Katya elbowed the man as they steadied themselves back up on the deck.
“We’re not gonna slow anyone down anymore!” Penguin said assertively.
“Yeah, we don’t want to go through that ever again!” Shachi added.
“That’s right!” Bepo cried with determination. “This time, we’ll protect our captain!”
“You guys…” Law looked down at the trio of men, who glanced back at him.
“We’re gonna defeat Kaido, Captain!” Bepo nodded. “And protect you, and…”
The polar bear Mink’s voice trailed off as he looked over at Katya. The conversation that he had had with her shortly before Law had returned flashed through his brain.
~
*Yesterday morning - approximately 26 hours ago*
“Ugh…” Katya’s voice came from behind a door that Bepo was about to walk through. He’d been wandering around looking for Penguin when he had heard the familiar voice. But he had paused when he heard the familiar sound of the brunette, and she didn’t sound good.
“Oh, hey Bepo…” Katya had beads of sweat on her forehead, and lifted her head up slightly from where she had been vomiting into a nearby bucket.
“Katya! Are you okay?” Bepo hurried over with worry.
“Yeah, yeah. Just had a sudden wave of nausea.”
The woman smiled weakly, the bruise on her face standing out barely as being more green than the rest of her.
“Do you need me to get the Straw Hat doctor?”
“No, no, I’m fine. It’s fun to add to the list of times I’ve thrown up in the last week.” Katya joked as she stood up, wiping her mouth clear of any remaining spit.
“You’ve been throwing up a lot?” Bepo said with worry.
“Yeah.” Katya sighed. “Rounds off a great month, really. No Law, no medications so my hormones have been wild, no nice home comforts other than Freya’s company, some creepy guy trying to marry me and now throwing up.” When she noticed the Mink’s bottom lip tremble with worry, she gave him a gentle smile. “Don’t worry, Bepo. I’ll be okay. By the way, I think Penguin was looking for you.”
Bepo had moved away after giving her a hug, and had gone back to finding Penguin. Shortly afterwards, his brain went into overdrive.
A month ago was when they had arrived in Wano, the last time she had spent time with Law.
No medications.
The throwing up.
The bear Mink nearly keeled over as the implications hit him all at once. If Katya really was….the bear gulped.
~
Bepo looked back at Katya, stood on the deck of the sub, and looked down at the woman’s belly…a belly that could be holding something even more precious to the Heart Pirate crew than the One Piece itself.
“BEPO!” Law snapped. “Focus!”
“Aye aye!”
Chapter 73: Unexpected News
Summary:
A mysterious figure arrives to aid the Straw Hats. A plan to raid Onigashima is proposed.
Chapter Text
The news that the Animal Kingdom ‘Beast’ Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates would be teaming up had Katya’s stomach sinking.
“A team up…” Penguin gaped. “You must be kidding.”
“We’re so screwed.” Katya heard Clione murmur under his breath.
“Have some faith in Captainland!” Freya scolded Clione, and others that looked equally panicked.
“You guys had better get back!” Luffy’s confident voice cut through the sound of rain lashing against the submarine. On second thoughts, Katya mused, this was going to be a more pressing issue.
“Idiot. You get back.” Law growled.
“What are you doing, Tra-guy?! I said I’ll do it!”
“I can’t count on you!” Law snapped back.
“Both of you guys get back! I’ll do it!” Kid interjected.
“Jaggy, damn you!”
“Shut your mouth!”
“Listen to me, you morons!”
Across the three decks, Nami, Katya and Killer shared a look and sighed at all their respective captains and their stubbornness.
The three pirate captains jumped, stretched and teleported their way over to the enemy ship, where they all began arguing again, much to the shock of the opposing pirates. Katya watched on as the three captains destroyed the warship in their ‘pissing contest’ as it had been dubbed by Katya, Killer and Nami. The three were beginning to get used to the headaches that came with whenever the three pirate captains were in the same vicinity. Ikkaku had jokingly suggested that they exchange Den Den Mushi numbers to have group therapy sessions, which wasn’t seemingly like a bad idea the more the men bickered.
“I’m going to kick all their asses in a minute.” Katya scowled.
“I forgot how childish Captain can get when they all start like this.” Shachi was suppressing a smirk as the three captains began destroying warships as part of their own battle to prove who was best.
As the group waited, Freya jumped up onto Katya’s shoulder. The two watched on as a man that Katya had seen at the banquet revealed himself to be one of Oden’s sworn swords. The brunette thought back to the banquet where she had been puzzled at the blood that had come out of the oiran Komurasaki, which had now been revealed as Princess Hiyori to the alliance. It hadn’t looked right, and Katya preened a little internally that her suspicions had been validated.
When Kanjuro revealed his deception, it was one thing. When he revealed that he could actually draw well and had just not done so when they had had to climb up the elephant to Zou, Katya was ready to tie the man to a seastone block and toss him into the ocean to drown. That had been a horrid experience, and that bastard had DELIBERATELY made it worse?! She definitely didn’t regret yelling at the samurai to drop dead anymore.
Katya swiped away the sharp rain shards that had been conjured by Kanjuro. Bepo, Shachi and Penguin joined her in dodging the odd looking rain. One flew into the sole of Katya’s shoe and she lost her balance briefly.
“Katya-chan!” Bepo caught her immediately and shielded her from the other shards of rain.
“I’m fine.” Katya ascertained. Bepo was being weirdly protective of her since they’d set off this morning, she thought with confusion.
“Protect us too, Bepo!” Shachi and Penguin shouted at him in annoyance as they continued to swipe away the rain with their swords.
“You’re less important!”
“Ehhhhh?!” The two cried back and protested loudly as the Heart Pirates retreated to the slight overhang of the entrance to the submarine. Jean Bart could not fit underneath it, but was coping well with the rain shards more than the smaller members of the crew.
Bepo scowled and pulled the two men aside. He whispered something into their ears that Katya couldn’t make out.
Whatever he’d said made Shachi and Penguin have an incredibly strong reaction as they both screamed in shock and began crying.
“Really?!” Shachi said in excitement.
“I think so.” Bepo said.
Penguin sniffled. “I can’t believe it.”
“What are you talking about?!” Katya snapped at them.
“Nothing!” The three cried in unison, then went back to whispering between themselves.
Freya took the opportunity to jump into Katya’s waiting palm and then up to her shoulder. The blonde Tontatta was wearing her new Heart Pirate boiler suit and had a new lance strapped to her back.
“Katland, what do we do? Momoland has been taken!” Freya said nervously from Katya’s shoulder.
“He’ll be taking him to Onigashima, where we’re headed.” Katya replied. “We’ll rescue him for sure! Just like Luffy said!”
She ignored the intense gaze of Bepo, Shachi and Penguin, but the Heart Pirate woman was wary of their secretiveness. What could possibly be so important that they wouldn’t tell her?
~
Law teleported back to the submarine and immediately found himself annoyed at the samurai chatting away.
“Oi! This is not a camp for samurai!” His cut through the loud sound of rain and waves. “Remove your boat, too!”
“Thank you for taking us in!” The samurai all immediately bowed at Law earnestly.
“I’m not taking you in! Get off!” Law snapped. Katya and Freya sniggered quietly next to Bepo.
Long range cannons began to fire at the ships and any immediate plans for Law to evict the samurai from his deck were abandoned in favour of avoiding cannon fire.
“Harris, evasive manoeuvres!” Penguin called into the mini Den Den Mushi that he had connected to the control room.
“Already on it!” Harris called back, and the submarine moved quickly.
“Shit.” Law muttered. “I thought that ship escaped too easily.”
The sound of screams from other ships and the feeling of pain had Katya grasping her head from her Observation Haki going into overdrive.
Shachi turned to face her with a worried expression.
“I’m fine,” she said. “Just it’s so LOUD.”
“I feel it too.” He replied gravely. “Try to focus on one thing, like we all practiced.”
Katya steeled her breath and focused on the submarine. She could feel the engine whirring. The familiar aura of Ikkaku in the engine room and the other crew calmed her. But her observation Haki suddenly felt something else.
“There’s something in the water!” Katya warned. A split second later a blast seemed to fly out of the ocean and destroy the cannons and indeed most of the enemy ship.
“Who is that?!” Penguin gaped.
“It looks like…a fish man.” Jean Bart said, looking through binoculars.
“Everyone!” A voice came through the smoke of the ruined ship. “Please listen! I was born in the Fishman District, the Kingdom of Ryugu, the country in the deep sea.”
Katya was confused as to why someone was giving their whole backstory until she heard gasps of recognition come from the Straw Hats.
“I gave my seniors around the world so much trouble, but now, I am going to exchange a cup of sake with Boss Straw Hat-san. I am merely a fledgling! People call me ‘First Son of the Sea’ Jinbei!”
“Whaaaa?!” Katya said in shock.
“You’ve got to be kidding me…” Law’s voice came from beside her.
“He’s joining the Straw Hats?!” Kid shouted from his ship.
“Please remember my face, and I request your continued support!” The blue fish man said with a determined tone.
“He was a warlord once!”
“He’s got a bounty of over 400 million Beri!” Voices came from around the submarine in surprise as all the Straw Hats shouted in joy, calling out Jinbei’s name.
“Luffy really has got some crazy strong allies.” Katya’s gaping mouth quickly turned into a smile as the fishman laughed with his crew mates.
~
“Luffy-dono!” Kin’emon called to the Sunny. “I want to discuss what we will do after we reach Onigashima! Come over here!”
“Do you really think he’s going to make a plan?” Katya sweat dropped at Kin’emon’s faith in Luffy. She loved Luffy and his wild antics, but getting Luffy to follow a plan was nigh on impossible; Law had tried multiple times and everything had gone to hell.
“Stop, Kin.” Law sighed. “There’s no point in giving them a plan. Besides, this is my ship. If you’re having a strategy meeting, take it to someone else’s ship.”
Unfortunately, no sooner had Law said that, a Mink with a feather hat on flew onto the railing of the Polar Tang. “I need to be briefed on the strategy!”
Katya snorted. “We might as well have the plan here. There’s no way anyone else will make a plan.”
Law crossed his arms sulkily as the samurai gathered to make a plan. Katya sat on a crate next to him on the deck, with Shachi, Penguin, Bepo and Jean Bart flanking them. Freya jumped from Katya’s shoulder back to Jean Bart as Katya put a hand on Law’s own.
“You okay?“ The freckled woman murmured softly as she saw Law get increasingly frustrated at the samurai.
“I told him that this ship isn’t to be used as their camp.” He growled.
“Needs must.” Katya said, pulling the piece of sharded rain from her shoe. The leather had stopped it thankfully, but it was sharp all the same. She flicked it to the side where it clattered off the side of the submarine deck.
Kin’emon began explaining the layout of Onigashima to the group, and what sounded like an incredibly flimsy plan. As the samurai asked him what his real plan was (assuming that the plan he had spoken of was to fool Kanjuro, but Katya had quickly deduced that he genuinely thought that the plan would work as he was just that dense), Law held Katya’s hand in his. She squeezed it gently before bringing it to her lips and kissing the back of it.
“Go on.” She grinned and let go of his hand as Law got to his feet.
As Law began to outline an actual strategy for the raid, Katya and the other Heart Pirates looked on with pride. Law was not the most headstrong, or possibly even strongest of the three pirate captains getting ready to raid Onigashima, but he was definitely the smartest; they all knew that could make all the difference, and silently prayed that it would.
Chapter 74: Accusations and Instructions
Summary:
Freya confronts the trio of Heart Pirates in the know about Katya. Luffy does reckless things.
Chapter Text
As soon as the submarine was back on the move, Freya jumped up onto Shachi’s shoulder. She gave him, Penguin and Bepo a stern look.
“I feel like you’re not telling me and Katland something important. Why do you keep looking at us weirdly?”
“Ah, Freya-chan…” Shachi said nervously, glancing at the others. “Well, the thing is…”
“We weren’t staring at you!” Penguin burst out.
“Yes, you were.” The blonde Tontatta folded her arms and pouted.
The three exchanged nervous glances before Shachi whispered to Freya quietly.
“Bepo thinks that Katya-chan is pregnant.”
“Eh?!” The Tontatta went to open her mouth to ask more but Penguin put a finger over her tiny mouth.
“Sshhh! Look, there’s only two things we know for sure. Firstly, it’s that the signs are there. Bepo said she’s been throwing up a lot and hasn’t been on her hormone medication for a while.”
Penguin gently released Freya’s mouth with the other hand lifting up to his own mouth motioning for her to be quiet as she spoke.
“But I‘ve been with Katland for a while, Shachiland, Penguinland. She’s not even started nesting, and I’d known if she’d laid her eggs yet.”
The three pirates immediately sweat dropped as they realised that Freya had a very different idea of baby making.
“Okay…things are definitely different for your people.” Penguin said quietly. “But for humans, those are not signs of being pregnant.”
“Oh.”
“The second thing,” Shachi continued. “Is that we know for sure that Captain doesn’t know yet. There’s no way he’d let Katya-chan be fighting if he knew! So!” He whispered urgently. “We’re going to protect her with all we’ve got!”
“Yeah!” Freya agreed heartily.
“We’re not going to tell Captain. He’s about to fight a Yonkou. It’s too dangerous for his mind to be elsewhere right now.”
The four Heart Pirates nodded to each other and went back to work.
~
A loud explosion coming from the gates of Onigashima had Katya look up from the map that Kin’emon and the other samurai had been showing her.
“Oi….the Straw Hat ship is missing.” Law turned around from his position at the front of the deck.
“Luffy was never going to follow instructions.” Katya sighed, and got to her feet.
“No way! Luffy-dono!” Kin’emon screamed and ran towards where Law was standing. “Is Luffy-dono in there?!”
“Law-dono!” Raizo cried in an equally panicked voice. “Head the ship that way! We must save them now!”
“No! I can get there sooner if I swim!” Kawamatsu began to jump over the side, but Kiku pulled him back.
“LAW-DONO!” Kin’emon and Raizo shouted loudly. “HURRY THE SHIP!”
A loud laugh cut off Law’s shouts of protest as Katya clutched her ribs, giggling to herself.
“Idiots.” She said finally. “Like we need to save them. Those poor guards won’t even know what hit them.”
As Luffy flew through the air confirming Katya’s statement, Law clenched his fists. “Those fools. They always do whatever suits them.”
“We can’t control them or expect them to stick to a plan.” Katya put a hand on his shoulder. “Let’s just focus on what we can do. Your plan is good, Law. Besides, Luffy is the perfect distraction. He’s loud, and impossible to ignore. When we need stealth and the element of surprise, we shouldn’t disregard the fact that we tend to get more of it whenever Luffy is already tearing other places to pieces.”
Law sighed deeply. “I know you’re right, but I don’t have to be happy about it.”
“Let’s use this advantage!”
~
“Prepare to submerge!” Law ordered. The samurai had split up. Katya had spoken to Kin’emon and Raizo quickly before Kin’emon left, and now Raizo was back inside, they were ready to go.
“Prepare to submerge! Aye aye Captain!” Bepo’s voice came through the loudspeaker as all the Heart Pirates took their positions.
“The Polar Tang all systems are clear!” Uni said through the channels of communication.
“Airtight seal confirmed!” Katya was stood next to Bepo, bent over a control screen that Bepo had been teaching her to use on the way to Wano.
“Open the vents!” Bepo called.
“Roger! Open the vents!” Jean Bart called.
“Water intake is good!” Shachi replied.
“Maintain focus from here on out. Submerge!” Law ordered.
“Aye aye, sir!” The crew called in unison.
“Adjust trim 30 degrees!” Bepo called to Penguin. “Sustain a depth of 100 metres! Captain, what’s our course?”
“Full speed ahead to the back entrance of Onigashima!” Law called, and the crew smiled determinedly back at him.
The submarine spurred on, and the crew of the Polar Tang worked non stop. Normally, the crew took a more leisurely approach underwater, with only a few crew at a time helping ensure the submarine ran smoothly, but no one wanted to take chances today.
“Pressure stable, Captain!” Ikkaku called up from the engine room.
“How long until we get there, Bepo?” Katya asked.
“Around twenty minutes.”
“That’s twenty minutes of Luffy causing untold havoc.” Katya winced. “Remind me to get Connor or Chris to give Law a blood pressure check before we leave this country.”
Chapter 75: Unwilling Organ Donation
Summary:
Law tasks Katya with a mission. The team reach Onigashima.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
“Katya, a word.” Law came up to her at her station. Bepo nodded in her direction indicating that he could do her duties for a few minutes, and the woman got to her feet and followed Law. He pulled her aside to the corner of the control room.
“I need you to do something for me when we get to Onigashima.” He said quietly.
“What do you need?”
“I want you to see if you can find any information in Kaido’s castle on Road Poneglyphs and the Will of D.”
“Why?”
“The Road Poneglyphs leads to the One Piece. It’s important that if Kaido has any information, that we know. The likelihood is that this place will be burned to the ground. We need to make sure that we get that information before it’s destroyed.”
“I understand the Poneglyphs, but why the Will of D?”
“Cora-san told me that those with the D name are enemies of the gods…with Doflamingo gone, I am free to live my life how I choose. But if this is to be my life, I want to know why. I told Nico-ya my name as she seemed likely to have information, but she didn’t. You’re the only one on the crew that knows my true name other than Bepo, and you’re more suited to stealth. I know it’s a lot to ask-“
“I’m guessing it will also keep me away from some of the fighting?”
Law went a little pink and avoided meeting her eyes. “Maybe.”
Katya smiled gently. “I’ll do it. I’m curious too, so if I can find anything to expand our knowledge on it, it’ll be useful.”
She leaned up towards him and kissed him softly, putting all her love and feelings into it. Law cupped her cheek as he kissed her back. “Promise me you won’t do anything reckless trying to take down the Yonkou?” She whispered.
“You know I can’t promise that.”
Benn Beckman’s words from what felt like years ago now came to her mind. ‘Love is a gift. Not a lot of people remember that.’ he’d told her ‘Take a bit of advice from a man who’s been on this earth a little too long. Hold onto it whilst you can.’
The freckled woman wanted to hold onto Law and not let him go at all, but she knew that that wasn’t an option.
“Just come back to me.” Katya leaned her forehead against his.
“I’ll try my best.”
“You’d better. Because I’ll kick your ass if you don’t.”
“It’s an ass worth kicking, as you’ve said before.”
Katya rolled her eyes and kissed him once more.
“The same goes for you.” Law murmured. “If you don’t come back, I’m scared of what I could become.”
“You’ll be what you are, Law. A good man, and a badass pirate who gets a kick out of unwilling organ donation.”
Law cracked a small smile, the first she’d seen since they’d left the dojo that morning. It seemed like a million hours ago.
“I’ll be okay. We’ll work together, and Kaido’s not going to know what hit him. Besides,” Katya added with a smirk. “The Polar Tang would look fun with two severed horns on it.”
“That’s not happening to my ship.”
“Worth a shot.”
~
“There’s a strong current ahead!” Bepo called out to Law. The submarine had been moving for a while underwater without a hitch, and the samurai had been waiting patiently in the control room. Katya had suggested that they sit in the lounge area by the dining hall as it was comfier but they told her that they wanted to be as close to the door as possible ready to fight.
“It’s a bit risky, but should we go into it?” Penguin asked Law.
“Yeah. Be careful.”
“Aye aye. We’ll go at full speed.”
The sub began to rock violently the moment they hit the current and most of the crew were thrown to the side. Katya gripped her station tightly.
“Shit.” Clione cursed. “That’s rough.”
“Don’t panic! Keep it horizontal!” Law commanded.
“Adjusting trim!” Penguin called back and soon the submarine levelled back.
“Good job. Keep going!”
Purupurupurupuru.
A Den Den Mushi began to ring from Duke Dogstorm’s pocket and he pulled it out.
Kacha.
“Nyon nyon nyon~” a happy voice floated out of it. “Can you hear me?”
“Cat Viper?! You’re late!” Duke Dogstorm scolded. “You only just arrived?”
“We just climbed up the falls!”
“Do you even know what day and what time it is?”
“It’s the night of the great Fire Festival, where we’re going to fight. We’re on time!”
“You really can’t say that yet.” Dogstorm grunted. “We’re already on our way to the northwestern end of Onigashima.”
“Okay, see you later.” KACHA.
“Geez, that cat…” Katya sighed. “He really doesn’t listen does he?”
“It would seem not.” Kawamatsu said. “I hope they can make it in time for our raid.”
“I haven’t seen Cat-chan since we got separated,” Kiku added. “But just like Dog-chan, I guess he’s quite big now too.”
“Big mouthed, more like.” Katya grumbled. “The only person I’ve ever seen to make Law look like he was going to have a coronary MORE than that cat? Luffy.”
“Huh? What did he say?” Bepo asked curiously.
“Not relevant.” Law snapped at the same time Katya answered “Asked Law if he intended to mate with me.”
Ikkaku, who had come up from the engine room, barely stifled a laugh. “I wanna meet this cat.”
“Either way, I don’t think he’s gonna make it in time.” Katya said to Duke Dogstorm.
“Ah.” Law agreed, happy the topic had moved on. “Due to the sea current, normal shops can only approach from the front.”
“I hope Kin’emon and Denjiro have reached the back entrance without any problems. Your idea was very good, Katya-dono. I hope it has worked.”
“Idea?” Law arched an eyebrow.
“Yes. Katya-dono suggested to Kin’emon that he use his power of changing clothing to get our forces to blend in with the enemy.”
Law glanced across at Katya, who had the decency to blush a little at his expression.
“Good. Maybe some of our forces will be able to be stealthier than the decoy idiots.”
“From what I can imagine, the only one that will be stealthy is Robin. I imagine Zoro has already gotten lost, or is arguing with Sanji, Nami gets too much attention wherever she is due to her scandalous dress code, Chopper and Usopp will be trying to hide but failing, Brook will be singing somewhere and Franky will stick out like a sore thumb with his weird underwear habits.” Katya stated.
“As for Luffy, he’ll be causing a ruckus as usual. Kid will be trying to compete with him, which means Killer is less likely to calm him….” She sighed, and looked at Ikkaku. “Maybe that group headache therapy was a good idea.”
“What therapy?” Shachi tilted his head in confusion.
“Nothing.” Katya and Ikkaku chorused.
“If Master Cat Viper is here, does that mean he brought the reinforcements from the Whitebeard Pirates?” Katya mused aloud.
“Hopefully so.” Duke Dogstorm answered. “He was aiming to collect Marco the Phoenix, if I remember correctly.”
“I saw him fight at the War of the Best.” Penguin mused. “He’ll be a big help! He’s a tough guy!”
“Isn’t he the one that liked Katya-chan’s music about doctors?” Ikkaku’s smirk could practically be heard across the submarine.
“You didn’t need to bring it up!”
~
“Is everyone ready?” Law commanded.
“Aye!”
“Okay, surface!”
As soon as the submarine broke the surface of the water, the group infiltrating Onigashima rushed out onto the deck.
“It’s snowing…” Katya gasped in surprise.
“Room!” Law shouted, and cut the top off a nearby piece of rock. “Shambles!”
The group were instantly teleported to where some stray rocks had flown up from the rock. Katya’s feet touched down on snow. She hadn’t worn a boiler suit like Bepo, Shachi and Penguin as she got very hot and uncomfortable in them quickly. However, she was regretting that. She unknotted the navy blue hoodie that was around her waist and slipped it over her head. It was one of Law’s that he had had made when he was still in the North Blue and it was warm, so it would have to do.
“Your skill is really something!” Kawamatsu said in surprise.
“We’re finally here on Onigashima…” Duke Dogstorm mused aloud.
The group looked up at the snow covered pathway leading up towards the castle. A few lamps lit up the snow, giving it a slight pink glow, but otherwise, it was rather dark.
“There are two entrances.” Law noted. “Kaido will definitely be up there.”
“We’re this close to Kaido now!” Kiku said with determination.
Katya smiled. The samurai were certainly ready for battle. She went to stand with Law and her fellow Heart Pirates when a commotion came from up above.
“Hey! Why can’t you treat me a little more nicely?”
“You’re asking too much! Is this your fine idea-yoi?!”
“Huh?“ Law looked up just in time for Master Cat Viper to fall out of the air and crash unceremoniously in front of the samurai with a loud thud and roll through the snow.
So much for stealth and secrecy.
Notes:
I’ve reached 100k words which is crazy lol! Thanks for all your support, everyone!
Also. I haven’t actually decided whether Katya is for real pregnant yet. What do you all think? Is it in the crew’s head or is she really knocked up? Opinions pls
Chapter 76: Marco the Phoenix
Summary:
Katya meets a fan of her work. The Heart Pirates enter the castle.
Chapter Text
Katya watched in awe as Marco the Phoenix landed on a branch, arms flaming blue. His feet were like a bird’s and clutched onto the tree in the same way that most birds of prey did. The man’s head really did resemble a pineapple, Katya mused silently. His red glasses gave him a distinguished look. All in all, she could see why he was a memorable figure to Shanks. His aura radiated power. It wasn’t quite on the level of Shanks, but one couldn’t mistake that the mild mannered looking man would be a powerful opponent.
“Something on the sea caught my eye,” Marco addressed Duke Dogstorm as the group watched on. “I’m going to go and- wait.” Marco’s eyes stopped on Katya. “Is that Silena Siren?”
Katya waved sheepishly. “Hi.”
“Wow!” Marco grinned happily. “I’m a big fan! All the Whitebeard Pirates are!”
She blushed a little under his gaze. “Ah, thank you.”
“I’ve got to check out this thing I saw, but when this is over, I’d love to meet you properly!” Marco winked and leapt into the air, his blue flamed wings taking him high above them.
“Did…did he just hit on Katya-chan?” Shachi said, trembling with fear and remembering what happened the last time that someone had tried to flirt with Katya in front of Law.
“He was just being friendly!” Katya snapped at him. “We have bigger concerns right now!”
“Tch.” Law scowled.
“Don’t be getting all jealous, now. You’re still my favourite doctor.”
“Nice to meet you, Silena Siren.” Another voice said. Kiku’s brother, Izou, walked up to Katya and offered a hand to her. She shook it with a smile.
“My real name is Takimi Katya.” She introduced herself. “This is Trafalgar Law, my Captain, and these are Bepo, Shachi and Penguin. Nice to meet you.”
“We all like your music. Pops was a fan as well.”
“W-Whitebeard listened to my music?!”
“He did. Marco has all your Tone Dials, so Pops listened to it too on occasion.”
“Maybe Usopp was right about too many powerful people knowing me.” Katya muttered.
“Haha,” Izou patted her back good naturedly. “Don’t stress. It made for good listening, plus we all love teasing Marco about his overplaying of ‘Fever’.”
“T-Thank you.” Katya said, before Bepo came up to her.
“Katya-chan.” The bear Mink gestured over to Law, who was staring at the steps up to the castle.
“Ah. Thanks, Izou-san. If you’ll excuse me…”
Bepo led Katya over to the other Heart Pirates, leaving the samurai grouped together. Katya did another check through of her knives, which were all across her person. Her belt, her purple coat inner pockets, strapped to her thigh: all had her throwing knives at the ready. Law began to head up the steps, much to the surprise of his companions.
“Captain? Are we not fighting alongside them?” Bepo queried.
“I have my own purpose here. Come with me.” Law ordered, before turning to Katya. “When we’re inside, you know what to do.”
Katya nodded in understanding.
“Law-dono! Thank you for everything. I wish you the best of luck!” Raizo called out to the Heart Pirates.
“Good luck!” Bepo waved to them. Katya gave them an encouraging smile and together with her fellow Heart Pirates, she followed her Captain through the snow.
~
Katya retrieved one of her blades from a Beast Pirate that she had sliced and wiped it clean with a handkerchief. The Heart Pirates had been making their way down the corridors of the castle, taking out anyone who stood in their way.
“Ugh, these guys stink of booze.” She wrinkled her nose.
“It’s that Osiren woman that tried to hurt Orochi-sama!” A tall man cried out and threw a bomb in her direction.
“Amputation!” Law shouted. “Shambles!”
The bomb and the hairy arm of Beast Pirate switched placed and the limb landed in Law’s palm. He passed it to Katya, who dropped it with disgust.
“What am I supposed to do with this?!”
“Slap someone if you like.”
“Law, when we leave this place, we need to talk about your idea of romantic gift-giving.”
“You drunk bastards across Onigashima!” A voice called out across the castle loudspeakers and Katya’s heart dropped to her stomach.
“Queen.” She murmured.
“The guy that tried to drown you?” Shachi growled.
“Tonight’s banquet has been called off! Pick up your weapons! It’s an enemy raid!”
“He’s one of the most powerful people in this place.” Law warned. “I know we all want to fight him for what he did to Katya-ya, but don’t underestimate him.”
“Aye!” The Heart Pirates chorused. Katya met Law’s eyes and glanced at nearby staircase.
“Law.” She called. “I’ll see you later.”
“Ah.” Law said calmly. “Be safe. Shachi, Bepo, Penguin, try to find the others. Katya, you go as soon as you find what I tasked you to find.”
Law continued walking forward, but was quickly confronted by more enemies coming down the corridor.
“Katya-chan! Where are you going?!” Penguin said in a panicked voice.
“I have something to do.” The freckled woman replied.
“You can’t go alone!” Bepo cried.
“Oi, what’s with you all?”
“We’ll go with you, Katya-chan!” Shachi cried.
“Have some faith in me, morons!” Katya growled at them angrily. Those around them began looking between the Heart Pirates, but were quickly caught up in fighting as well.
“We do, Katya-chan!” Bepo pleaded with teary eyes as he pulled her aside. “But we can’t risk…” he trailed off.
“Can’t risk what?!”
“We can’t risk you being hurt!” Bepo cried. “Not now!” He glanced down at Katya’s belly, as did Shachi and Penguin.
Katya’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion and annoyance as she followed their gaze down to look at her belly.
“We can’t keep it a secret from Captain anymore, Katya-chan!” Penguin blubbered. “We know!”
Katya blinked. “Know what?”
“SHE DOESN’T KNOW?!” The three Heart Pirates jumped a foot in the air in shock.
“What the hell are you implying?!” Katya snapped.
“The throwing up, Katya-chan! You not having your hormone medication!”
Katya’s face went pale. “You think I’m…”
“Yes!” The three nodded in unison. Katya looked at Law, who was currently slicing up several large members of the Beast Pirates. Her heart seemed to strain against her rib cage as it beat faster in anxiety.
“…I’ll be extra careful, then. Just in case.” She swallowed thickly. “I….shit. Don’t tell Law. I want to be sure, and he’s about to go up against a Yonkou, for Goda’s sake.”
“Let one of us come with you, Katya-chan!” Penguin pleaded.
“No,” the woman shook her head. “I’m stealthier alone. Besides, I have my mini Den Den Mushi. Find the others like Law said. I’ll join you soon. Trust in my abilities.”
“….okay.” Bepo sniffled and the three hugged Katya quickly, before running back towards Law.
The freckled woman took one last look at Law fighting in the distance and snapped her fingers, negating all the sound around her.
Chapter 77: The Bubble
Summary:
Katya has a minor meltdown. Law examines a Poneglyph.
Chapter Text
Katya was pretty sure she was having a panic attack. She had ventured down onto an lower floor of the castle and found a shadowy corner. Eternally grateful for her fruit’s silent abilities, she managed to calm her breathing, fiddling with her stethoscope necklace as she did so. A hand went over her belly. She couldn’t feel anything with her Observation Haki, but then again she didn’t know the laws for how it was supposed to work with pregnancy. She remembered reading in Law’s medical textbooks that there was usually only a detectable heartbeat after 6 to 8 weeks.
Pregnant…the prospect was exciting, but frightening. It wasn’t something that her and Law had discussed. Plus, it wasn’t exactly convenient to have a baby aboard a pirate ship…but the idea of her and Law having a child together made her heart sing a little. She’d spent so long with the children on Punk Hazard, and she missed their smiles and laughter every day. Katya mused briefly on if they had gotten better yet. She thought of Mocha, Jess, Sind the others. Having a child as brave as them would be no burden at all. However, if she was indeed pregnant, then it was even more imperative that she find out the information about the Will of D. If it could be passed on, especially.
Furthermore, the times she had thrown up in the last few days could be attributed to other things. It was only because she’d been off her medication that she was even considering that Bepo, Shachi and Penguin could be correct. Law was meticulous about that kind of thing, as her doctor and her boyfriend. The only reason she hadn’t been taking it was because she lost her supply of pills when she and Freya had gone undercover, and couldn’t find any suitable replacements in the pharmacies in Wano. Quite frankly, she was amazed that the oirans and other ladies of the night in Wano didn’t get pregnant constantly, with the lack of medication for preventing pregnancy in the city.
Katya closed her eyes and thought of things that made her calm, like Cora had told her. She re-centred herself and began walking down the corridor until she found another set of stairs. A Beast Pirate spotted her and ran towards her, sword brandished.
“Calm Calm: Ear Boom!” She shouted as she dodged and pressed her palm against the man’s chest. The man fell to the ground, clutching his ears in pain. She had developed the technique after her fight against Kuween in Dressrosa. She didn’t want to permanently deafen anyone really, but she could use her technique to burst an eardrum rather than temporarily or permanently deafen them. It wouldn’t kill them; but it would be incredibly painful.
There was another technique that she’d only practiced in the last week after her impromptu talk with Corazon. It was difficult, and it required her to use a great deal of her Observation Haki. The freckled brunette would only use that as a last resort due to the effort it took.
The woman turned a corner and gasped. Katya grabbed her Den Den Mushi and dialled Law’s number as quickly as she could.
Purupurupurupuru KACHA.
“Katya-ya?”
“I found a Poneglyph. Sending coordinates.”
~
*Four days ago*
“Cora-san,” Katya asked the floating visage in front of her. She’d begun to dream of him since leaving Udon Prison camp, but she had only managed to focus it enough once. “I know this is only a dream and very probably a symptom of my ongoing concussion, but you spoke of the potential of our fruit. What did you mean?”
“Ah,” the man took a drag of his cigarette. “The Bubble.”
“Bubble?”
“You know how to take noise from something, yes?”
Katya nodded as the man’s coat burst into flames. She pointed at it lazily and he put it out, continuing like nothing had happened.
“Have you ever thought about taking noise and putting it somewhere else?”
When she’d woken up, Katya had thought about it. If she could capture sound, and redistribute it, it could mean seamless communication between her allies. Distractions when she needed them. Store noise in her ability to redistribute it just as one did with a Tone Dial. But it would take a lot of concentration. Plus, if used as a distraction, she’d have to make sure she couldn’t be detected with Observation Haki.
She’d tried when she had been recovering from Udon Prison. Nami had shown her how she managed to use figures or pictures using her Mirage Tempo to distract or divert foes. It was impressive to say the least, but Katya had still been able to sense her with her Observation Haki. Katya’s Observation had always been one of the best on the crew, so it was hard to hide from her. But hiding from others, that was supposed to be her advantage.
After a few unsuccessful attempts, Katy’s had finally been able to capture the sound of Nami saying a word or two and then releasing it to Robin. It had been difficult, though. It took a lot of energy, and Katya wasn’t confident in doing it multiple times. So if she was going to use it, it would only be if it was desperately needed.
~
Law came to meet her at the Poneglyph shortly after she called him. Her heart beat faster at the sight of him and she felt her palms go clammy. She couldn’t tell Law, not yet. But when she was scared like this, she also wanted his comfort. The two quickly took care of the guards that were in front of the Poneglyph and, still protected by Katya’s sphere of silence, they ventured towards it.
“Are you alright?” Law furrowed his brows. “You look stressed. More so than normal.”
“We’re in the castle of a Yonkou, surrounded by enemies AND another Yonkou. Hard not to be stressed.” Katya joked.
Law observed the Poneglyph and placed his hand upon it, closing his eyes. He was clearly deep in thought.
“It’s been plaguing my mind, this.” He eventually sighed. “What Cora-san told me that those with the D name have been called ‘Enemies of the Gods’….” His shoulders shook slightly as he relived some horrible memories. Katya knew of the kind of things that haunted him. They woke Law up in the night on occasion. He’d be sweating, hyperventilating and would sometimes summon Kikoku in his sleep, as if he was going to be attacked.
“I want to know the reason I have to lead this checkered life…” he murmured.
“Your past and that name does not define your future, Law.”
Law turned to her and cracked a small smile. “You’re too forgiving sometimes.”
A wave of strong Haki came from a few floors above them, and the ground shook.
“Kaido.” Katya said immediately, the bubble of quiet that surrounded them snapping. “And the samurai.”
“You can feel them from that far away?” Law arched an eyebrow.
“I can pick out a lot of signatures if I concentrate, especially if all outside noise is blocked by my Devil Fruit. Most of the Straw Hats are by Big Mom. And Queen. Kid isn’t far from her either. And….” She gasped. “Kiku…I can barely feel her. And there’s something…wrong…about lots of the signatures from the castle. It’s like they’re all sick!”
“The sooner I take down Kaido, the better. Get back to the ship with the others.”
“Law…” Katya’s tone was deathly. “What did we agree?”
“Fine. Stay out of sight and be careful, though. Do not try to take on anyone above your skill level, especially one of the Yonkou. That’s an order.”
“Yes, Captain.” Katya pouted in annoyance, but he was right. “Let’s go, then.”
Chapter 78: The Roof
Summary:
The Supernovas face Big Mom and Kaido. A promise is broken.
Chapter Text
More odd earthquakes continued as Katya and Law stepped away from the Poneglyph. A loud boom sounded from above and the two struggled to keep their footing.
“Law…”
“Ah. I feel it too. We’re moving. We need to get up to the roof. Room.”
A blue film enveloped the two and in an instant, they were stood on a rock. A loud scream was coming from the air above Katya and she dove out of the way just in time for Zoro to faceplant head first onto the side of the rock.
“One after another.” Kid growled from Katya’s left, a ridiculous amount of metal attached to him.
“Such loose cannons.” Killer said, looking down at Zoro on the ground. “Are all the Straw Hats like that?”
“Pretty much.” Katya wiped some of the dust off her shoulder and glanced upwards. Big Mom and Kaido were staring at the group and Katya felt her stomach drop to the metaphorical ocean below them.
“This isn’t my fault!” Zoro growled, but he was blushing fiercely as he got up.
“I don’t see the loosest one.” Law observed gravely. “Where’s Straw Hat-ya?”
“Probably beating up everyone in sight.” Katya replied, before looking across at Killer and Kid. “See you decided to join the fun.”
“It would seem so.” Killer replied, which made Katya burst into a smile despite the fact she was shaking from the Yonkou’s presence.
“Glad to see you more like yourself. We definitely need to form that club.”
“If we survive this, we’ll have weekly meetings.” Killer muttered.
“Now more of them are here. They’re the Worst Generation, aren’t they?” Big Mom apple, her imposing figure somehow as intimidating as Kaido’s. Katya remembered her bursting through the walls of Udon Prison like it was nothing. The brunette knew already she was on another level of power, like Kaido.
“They’ll scatter like dust in the wind.” Kaido grunted. “You guys aren’t strong enough to reopen this old scar.”
“Not just guys here, thank you.” Katya scowled, gesturing to herself, to then realised what she’d blurted out.
“You really talk back to everyone, don’t you?” Kid smirked. “The Dark King, these two…you’ve either got balls of steel, kitten, or you’re a moron.”
“We literally just established that I don’t have man parts!”
Purupurupurupuru KACHA.
“Jean Bart!” Katya said into her Den Den Mushi, which had the concerned face of the giant on it.
“Katya-chan, it’s too volatile! We can’t get back to Onigashima!”
“Shit.” The freckled woman swore. “So much for a backup plan.”
“Follow the island, but don’t put yourselves in danger to get to us.” Law ordered.
“Aye aye!”
“Be careful, Captainland! You too, Katland!” Freya said.
“Katya!” Ikkaku’s voice came down the Den Den Mushi in a hissing, angry tone that immediately sent a prickling fear down Katya’s spine. “You need to get the hell out of there. If what those idiots said is true, there’s no way in your condi-“
KACHA. Katya cut off the connection immediately.
The brunette grit her teeth, realising what had happened. Those blabbermouths! But she couldn’t linger on that thought too long. Not in front of two Yonkous. Kid’s eyebrows raised slightly next to her but she shot him a deathly glare and he stopped.
“Withdraw gracefully, damn rookies.” Kaido growled. “Like the Akazaya members did.”
Katya felt a familiar presence from below them. The feeling of beating drums and sunshine came to mind when she felt it.
BOOM!
Luffy burst from the doors below and flew through the air until he landed next to Zoro.
‘As if we would.’ Katya smirked to herself.
~
“Another one came.” Kid said with a wide grin. “Why don’t you guys watch how it’s done?”
“I refuse.”
“Me too.”
Law and Luffy’s voices immediately cut in and Katya and Killer shared a look of exasperation.
“I wanna take all of their heads!” Big Mom’s tongue left her mouth and large globs of saliva seemed to pool on the edge of it as she licked her lips.
“Straw Hat…” Kaido growled.
“Oh.” Luffy said with an innocent tone, as if he’d just remembered something, and started forward. Zoro’s hands went to his swords and Katya’s hands were itching for her own knives.
“Oi, Linlin. What do you think that brat would have to say right in front of me?”
“He’s impertinent.” Big Mom replied. “You gave me some mouth, too. And how could you destroy my castle?! Apologise to me first, Straw Hat!”
Katya gaped. She had gotten a very brief rundown of the events that had happened on Whole Cake Island from Chopper and Nami, but Luffy destroying her castle was something she’d clearly lost to her brain being temporarily woozy and concussed when she heard the story.
“Hey, you punk. Say again what you’re gonna be, right in front of our faces.” Kaido challenged Luffy.
Luffy instead walked straight past the two and knelt by Kin’emon, who, like the rest of the samurai, seemed to be severely injured.
Law raised his hand and looked directly at Katya. “The samurai are going to need someone to look at them. And I can’t.”
“Tra-guy!” Luffy shouted as the freckled woman suddenly understood Law’s meaning. “Move all of them downstairs!”
“Katya-ya…forgive me.” Law murmured.
Katya suddenly felt herself drop downwards and she landed softly on a rolled up bed in a dark room. All around her were the injured samurai. Law had teleported her along with them. She could hear fighting outside and she quickly surrounded the room in a Silent bubble.
“Law!” She screamed angrily. He had broken their agreement and gotten her away from the battle. Damned fool was still trying to protect her, but…
“Hurrkkk…” A gurgle of blood came from her side. Kawamatsu was coughing up blood. Kin’emon looked like he was dead.
She was definitely going to punch Law after this was over, she thought, but her hands dived for her Den Den Mushi instead.
Purupurupurupuru KACHA.
“Hello?” Uni’s voice said urgently.
This was something she could do right now to help her friends, and Law knew it.
“Uni, please connect me to Connor, Chris or Harris! I need to know how to stop the samurai from bleeding out, now!”
Chapter 79: An Unexpected Concert
Summary:
Law is increasingly frustrated with the other two captains fighting beside him. Katya hatches a plan with Penguin and the others.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
“Next you need to tighten the bandage as much as you can.” Connor’s voice came out of the Den Den Mushi as Katya’s bloodied hands moved over Kiku’s amputated arm.
“She’s lost a lot of blood.” Katya said with worry. “I don’t know if she’s going to make it.”
She hadn’t known Kiku for long, but Katya respected the woman. She had great skills with a sword, and was brave. She looked across at Kin’emon, who had insisted she look at Kiku first. He was quite pale.
The door to the room suddenly slid open and Katya reached for her knives. She saw the person in the door and relaxed immediately, gesturing them inside her bubble.
“Penguin!” She hugged him immediately. “Where are the others?”
“Still fighting.” The man replied grimly. “They led the enemy away from here long enough for me to come inside. I brought what I could.”
“Pen, you’re amazing.” Katya gave him a warm, but tired smile.
“Is that Peng?” Harris said from the Den Den Mushi.
“Yeah, he found me! Thank Jean Bart from calling them for me!”
Calling the remaining Heart Pirates’ Den Den Mushis had been one of her first instincts when she realised how much work she had to do to help the samurai. Connor and Harris had been directing her down the line, but Jean Bart had also insisted on calling Shachi’s Den Den Mushi to inform them of where Katya was so that they could help. It made sense that, if only one of them had been sent to her, it was Penguin. The man had the best first aid skills out of the three.
“How’s Captain?” Penguin asked after a while. The two were working in sync to roll bandages and treat the worst of the blood with gauze and other such items that they had been able to scavenge.
“Fighting Kaido and Big Mom. Luffy, Kid, Zoro and Killer are with him. I was up there too, but he sent me down here with the samurai.”
“He knows?!”
“No,” she shook her head. “He needed to keep his head clear when facing those two. I think…I think he just wanted me to be safe.”
“Of course he does, Katya-chan.” Penguin said, applying gauze to Denjiro’s wounds. “He loves you.”
“I just wish he trusted me to fight!”
“He does.” Penguin said casually. “It’s himself he doesn’t trust.”
‘If you don’t come back, I’m scared of what I could become.’ Law’s confession from when they had been on the submarine came back to her.
Of course.
“I don’t even think you guys are right about me being pregnant.” She scoffed. “You think Law wouldn’t have noticed if I was?”
Penguin opened his mouth to say something, but then blinked several times and closed it.
“You didn’t think of that?!”
~
“Peng, I sense something.” Katya suddenly said after a few moments. They had treated the worst of the wounds for the samurai between the two of them and were waiting for the group to wake up. Katya was sat by Kiku, the freckled woman stroking the bluenette’s hair gently to comfort her as she twitched in pain in her sleep.
The freckled woman’s eyes looked around the room and she saw a mouse on a ledge, with what appeared to be a piece of paper attached to its face with a yellow eye on it.
“A spy!” Penguin said, pulling his sword.
Before he could do so, the two were picked up and thrown out of the room at an alarming speed by a mysterious figure. Katya flew through the air, her hands still clutching the bandages.
“PEN!” She screamed as she descended towards the floor.
“I’ve got you!” A deep voice cried out, and Katya felt herself be caught by a large fluffy mass.
Her eyes adjusted, expecting to see the familiar white fur of Bepo, but instead she was met with a brown colour.
“C-Chopper?”
~
“Bepo, we need to stop them from reporting where our allies are!” Katya said urgently as she fought off the Beast Pirates with her knives. “It’s turning them into sitting ducks!”
She looked upwards at the Animal Kingdom Pirates member talking about Momonosuke and someone called ‘Young Master Yamato’. There was a microphone clutched in her hand, and Katya had an idea.
“Chopper-san, I need a favour!”
“Hm?”
“I…” the brunette paused for a moment. Chopper was also a doctor, he could tell her for sure if she was indeed pregnant. But it was more imperative that she raise a little hell.
“Can you put me near that ledge?” She said, pointing to the place where Queen had once stood. His microphone was connected to the comms system throughout Onigashima. She could provide some chaos from there, for definite. They couldn’t be allowed to keep these communications up if any teams were going to be successful in their missions.
“Take me with her, please.” Bepo called over and Chopper nodded. The polar bear Mink nodded determinedly to her and she met his gaze with a nod of her own.
Chopper picked up the two and put them quickly on the the same level that Queen had been on. Katya immediately pulled out a set of Tone Dials from her belt and made herself an Bepo silent. She put a finger over her lips as the two snuck towards a room nearby to the announcers. The cables all led in there that connected to the comms systems, and it was just what Katya needed.
As the human and Mink entered the room, there was a large array of communications equipment. Katya quickly found a microphone that could be used remotely and checked the battery. Full. A few extra touches to the sound deck and she was ready. The woman grinned at Bepo before flicking the switches on the control board that would disconnect the microphone being used by the Animal Kingdom Pirates and use hers instead. She then cranked up the volume and then her and Bepo ran out of the room.
Still encompassed in Katya’s power, the two moved silently to an abandoned room the floor below. There were only a few pirates nearby and Bepo took care of them quickly by kicking them with his electric shock powers.
“Bepo,” Katya said as soon as they were inside. “I’m going to isolate the sound in here to just myself. If anyone walks by, they won’t hear me speaking in here. Only on the mics.”
“Aye aye!” The Mink gave a smile. “I’ll go back to the comms room! If anyone tries to shut you down, I’ll stop them!”
“Good luck!” Katya nodded as Bepo left the room, then steeled herself. “Let’s get this show on the road, then.”
Katya adjusted her powers and then used a single click of her thumb to turn on the microphone.
~
Law, meanwhile, was beginning to lose his mind.
He had taken the full force of a hit from Big Mom due to Luffy’s ridiculous insistence that the first one to dodge was a loser, Eustass was calling him chickenshit, and both him and Straw Hat were claiming that their attacks did more damage than him. Worst of all, Kid kept giving him a look, like he knew something that Law didn’t, and it was infuriating him.
“Ladies, gentlemen, idiots of all kinds, we interrupt your regularly scheduled Animal Kingdom rubbish to bring you a new kind of broadcast!”
Law’s ears perked up as he heard the familiar sound of Katya’s voice coming from the loudspeakers around the island.
Kaido growled. “What the hell is that?”
“Katya!” Luffy grinned. “She’s the best singer in the world!”
“You always said that was Brook.” Zoro said bluntly.
“Eh? Brook’s a musician, Katya’s a singer and Uta’s a performer! They’re all different!”
“They’re really not! And who is Uta?!”
“Eh. I’ll tell you later.”
“What is she doing?” Kid hissed at Law.
“I don’t know!” He spat back. “I told her to stay out of danger!”
“You didn’t hear it did you?” Kid growled at him. “On the Den Den Mushi earlier. Something’s wrong with the kitten. Your crew sounded worried. Yet you brought her up here in front of these bastards, then sent her away unprotected, and now she’s getting everyone’s attention like some kind of suicide mission!”
“What?!”
“This first song goes out to Kaido the Beast!” Katya’s voice said cheerfully through the speakers. “It’s entitled ‘Fuck You!’
A lively tune came from the speakers and Law’s jaw clenched in anger. What was she thinking?!
“Look inside, look inside your tiny mind and look a bit harder…” Katya sang mockingly. “‘cause we’re so uninspired, so sick and tired, of all the bullshit you harbour! So you say, it’s not okay to be young, well I think you’re just stupid, you’re just some reptile who can’t get a woman, except the fattest bitch in the worldddd~”
“Hahahahahaha!” Luffy was losing it and even Zoro was suppressing a sly grin.
“Fuck you! Fuck you very very muuuuuch!~ Cause we hate what you do, and we hate your whole crew, so please find a dick to suckkkkk!”
“She’s so dead.” Killer sweat dropped as Kaido began to practically set himself on fire from rage.
Notes:
Shoutout to Lily Allen for giving the world that tune xx
Chapter 80: Whale Song
Summary:
Kid has a big mouth. Katya continues her taunting of Big Mom and Kaido.
Chapter Text
“Hi-yah!” Bepo kicked away another furious member of the Animal Kingdom pirates that was attempting to get into the room where Katya was still singing and taunting Kaido. They had found the communications equipment but were puzzled by the controls due to the lack of labels, which Katya had helpfully ripped off.
“I can’t hold them off much longer, Katya!” Bepo warned.
Katya finished the last note of her song and the two bolted from the room, Katya using her knives to cut down people in their path.
“That song went out to Kaido the Beast!” She grinned into the microphone as she ran. Law had always told her that singing as a distraction wasn’t a good idea, but she was smugly proving him wrong. “Now, one of my most requested pieces whilst I have been in Wanokuni, a tribute to the one and only Queen: a ten minute track consisting of whale song, as it’s what he truly resembles.”
A roar of protest from those around her had Katya sniggering as she pulled her Tone Dial out and began tying it to the microphone. “Calm Calm: Silent” she muttered and touched the microphone. Katya turned a corner and put the microphone swiftly in a doorway, out of sight of her pursuers.
It would stay silent to the outside world to those passing by for around ten minutes, which is as long as she knew she could hold it. Her and Bepo ran and fought off attackers as they escaped from the furious Animal Kingdom Pirates. Katya, however, couldn’t help the grin on her face.
~
“You said that Straw Hat was the loose cannon, but I’m starting to think that it’s Kat.” Eustass Kid said as the sound of whales moaning echoed around the island. Kaido and Big Mom were arguing about what to do about it.
“What did you mean when you said that my crew were worried about her?” Law growled at the red headed man, who was amassing metal.
“What’s wrong with Katya?” Luffy piped up, bouncing up and down in his Gear Fourth form. “Is she sick? Is that why she kept puking the other day?”
“Eh?!” The two turned to look at the boy, whose hand was resting casually on his hat.
“Oh, yeah, it was super gross! Chopper said she was puking a lot the last couple of days, which was weird because she got over her conch shell thing where she hit her head, I think.” Luffy thought aloud. “I guess she felt better today, though.”
“The last…couple of days….” Kid’s eyes widened as the gears in his head clicked together. “Wait…”
Law could barely hear a single word as he felt like the floor was going to swallow him up as he also was hit by the implication.
“Holy shit, Trafalgar. You knocked up Kat.”
“Knocked what?” Luffy said with a puzzled tone.
“Well, if you’re going to be a baby daddy, you should definitely get out of my way. Can’t have you getting all hurt.” Kid smirked.
“Shut it!” Law snapped. “There are lots of reasons she could have been sick. Half of everyone we’ve been with the last few weeks has gotten ill from eating or drinking the wrong things!”
Despite his assertion, Law’s heart was hammering away with panic. What if she was? Shit shit shit.
“Eh, Katya’s strong, she’ll be okay!” Luffy grinned. “Although I guess a lot of people will be after her now. That must have really pissed them all off!”
Law steeled himself as the next attacks were prepared by Big Mom and Kaido, who had obviously stopped their bickering.
“Stop your chatting, damn rookies!” Big Mom shouted. “That little girl will be dead soon enough. She’s probably already running for her life, scared.”
All five of the men, including Zoro and Killer, replied immediately, much to the surprise of Big Mom. “Nope.”
Law in particular knew that there were only three things that Katya was afraid of: drowning, losing her loved ones and heights. Ergo, none of them were anything to do with someone being intimidating.
“She wasn’t scared of the Dark King.” Zoro said.
“Or Red-Hair.” Killer mused.
“Or Mingo.” Luffy added.
“Or former Fleet Admiral Sengoku.” Law replied.
“If she wasn’t shitting her pants in front of them, she sure as hell isn’t going to be doing so for your minions.” Kid concluded.
“Eustass-ya, that’s the only time I’ve ever heard you say something even close to being right.”
“DROP DEAD, TRAFALGAR!”
~
“It worked!” Shachi and Penguin met up with Bepo and Katya shortly after they made their way back to the ground floor. The Animal Kingdom pirates were in disarray after the chaos of the communications blockout. They had managed to broadcast a full four minutes of whale song before someone eventually shut off the microphone and began screaming orders back into the communications system telling people to hunt down the mysterious broadcaster.
But it had given lots of their allies a few minutes to get rid of those hunting them and the enemy pirates no longer had an updated whereabouts for them.
“We need to get to the roof!” Katya said to her three companions.
“You’re not going anywhere!” Shachi scolded. “You’ve already risked too much!”
“We don’t even know for sure that I’m pregnant!” Katya snapped back. “Right now, Law is up against two Yonkous! If anyone needs protecting, it’s him!”
“You’re pregnant?“ a voice cut in. A tired looking Marco the Phoenix landed next to them, his flames extinguishing as he did, taking in the freckled woman wearing a blue hoodie with the Heart Pirate logo emblazoned upon the front. “Nice going with taking out their comms, by the way-yoi.”
“I’m not sure. I don’t think I AM.” Katya said pointedly to Bepo and the others, before turning back to Marco. “Besides, we have bigger problems than-“
“Katya.” Penguin put a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t you want to know?”
“Yes, because I still think you’re wrong and I want to prove it. But it’s also clearly not the time to be worrying about this. Whether he’ll admit it or not, Law needs backup. We need to get up there.”
Penguin sighed. “That’s probably the best we’re going to get.”
The three Heart Pirates knew already that Katya wasn’t going to leave Law up there alone. Technically, he wasn’t alone, but the other two captains at least had backup from their own crew. Law did not.
“I can help you get up there.” Marco offered. “But I can only carry one person at a time if I’m going to be fast, and preferably someone light.”
“Okay, so Bepo’s out.” The two men chorused.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologise-yoi.”
“We may have another issue….” Penguin winced as he looked at Katya, who had gone rather pale the moment Marco had said the word ‘carry’.
“You’re gonna…fly us up?”
Chapter 81: Everyone’s Falling Out Of The Sky
Summary:
Katya’s group is concerned when Sanji calls for Robin’s help. Law has an existential crisis.
Chapter Text
Katya hated heights. She’d hated them for as long as she could remember. The incident trying to get to Zou and falling a few hundred feet on the back of a badly drawn dragon had definitely intensified her fear; thus, flying was not exactly something she wanted to do.
Clinging to Marco’s feet, she tried to resist shutting her eyes, that were brimming with tears from the pure primal fear going through her body as he readied himself to take off. Several objects flew in their direction and Marco had to dodge swiftly.
“PHOENIX!”
Katya’s eyes flew widened as she saw a rather furious King heading straight for them. “Shit shit shit shit shit!”
“I’m sorry-yoi! I won’t be able to get you up there right now!” Marco shouted.
“We’ve got her!” Penguin yelled back, and Katya let go of the former Whitebeard commander’s feet just in time for Penguin to catch her in his arms.
“Go!”
Penguin ran with Katya and waved frantically to Shachi and Bepo. “Let’s go!”
“HELP ME, ROBIN-CHAAAAN!” A loud call echoed around the island.
“I thought we knocked out communications!” Shachi said with concern. “Was that one of the Straw Hats?”
“They must have restored them!” Katya grimaced. “That’s Sanji’s voice!”
“I’m on the third floor! The Banquet Hall! I’ve been taken hostage! I’m sorry! If Robin-chan doesn’t come, they’ll kill me! Help!”
“Why would Sanji be calling for help?” Katya thought aloud. “I’ve not exactly known the guy long, but from everything the others said about him, he’d die before putting a woman in….danger….” her voice trailed off as the gears in her head began to turn.
“What?” Shachi said, as he used a sword to slash at an Animal Kingdom Pirate that had gotten too close to them.
“He’s up against a woman!”
“How do you know?”
“Robin and Nami told me about Sanji’s weird code of chivalry. He’d die before he hurt a woman, even an enemy. Which means the only reason he’d ask for Robin is because he can’t defeat the enemy himself.”
“That sounds kinda….stupid.”
“It is! But he’s clearly not breaking the rule. It also means another thing, something even more worrying.”
“What?”
“They want Robin.” Katya said grimly. “She‘s the only one that can read the Poneglyphs. Of course they want Robin. And Robin’s not going to leave Sanji to die, so someone needs to get there before she does! It’s a trap!”
“You need to come quickly! Please, Robin-chan!” Sanji’s voice seemed to come from a rat on a nearby ledge with a piece of paper attached to it with an eye.
“Penguin, look! It’s the same eye we saw earlier! It must be how they’re communicating!”
Katya flicked her wrist and the rat fell from the ledge with a small thump, one of the freckled woman’s knives sticking out of it. She winced as she grabbed the knife out of it and was surprised to see machinery and wires inside. A cyborg. Onigashima was getting weirder and weirder.
“Guys, if you see any of those, take them out!”
“Got it!” The three Heart Pirates replied in unison. Another wave of Animal Kingdom pirates came towards them and they readied themselves.
“Now let’s get going!”
~
By the time the group got to the third floor, there had been so many explosions, tornados and earthquake-like shaking coming from the roof that the four Heart Pirates were beyond terrified for the life of their captain. But there had been no cry of victory from either Big Mom or Kaido, so they could only assume that Law, Luffy and the others were still alive.
The moonlight’s glow had faded with the amount of clouds, so Bepo hadn’t been able to turn into his Sulong form.
Purupurupurupuru!
Katya pulled out her Den Den Mushi from her pocket and the four pirates tucked around a corner away from the fighting. She took a few deep breaths before answering.
KACHA.
“Katya-chan!” It was Uni’s voice. “We just saw something from the Tang!”
“What is it?!” She replied with panic.
“Big Mom! She just fell out of the sky into the sea!”
The Heart Pirates all collectively gasped and looked at each other. A smile spread across the brunette’s features.
“Seriously?!”
“Freya and Jean Bart saw her fall through the binoculars! She’s down!”
“Holy shit.” Penguin grinned happily. “Captain’s winning!”
“Wait!” Uni said suddenly.
“What is it?”
“Something has flown down after her. It looks like a…flaming cloud, are you sure, Freya?” Uni’s voice was quieter as he leaned away from his Den Den Mushi microphone. “Ack! She’s out!”
“Shit.” Shachi sighed.
“That’s just how tough the Yonkou are….” Jean Bart’s voice said gravely.
“It’ll have bought Captain time, though!” Bepo said with a higher degree of optimism than the rest of the crew’s voices currently held. “The sea water will have weakened her. She’ll need time to recover.”
“And it means Law is getting some decent hits in! If she’s been down once, she can be down again!” Katya said with determination, and Bepo smiled at her.
“It’s no longer possible to land on Onigashima, either.” Jean Bart continued.
“Even so, we’re going to try and join you anyway!” Ikkaku said. “How are you holding up?”
“We’re all okay! A few bumps and bruises, but no major injuries, at least for us four.” Penguin replied. “Katya still won’t find somewhere safe to be, but…”
“Nowhere is safe, idiot!” Katya whacked Penguin up side the head.
“Fair point.” The man conceded. “We’re on our way to Captain now! Be careful!”
“You too!”
KACHA.
~
Law was in the most amount of pain he’d been in for at least the last month. He couldn’t reasonably say for ever, as having his arm sliced off by Doflamingo in Dressrosa had been horrendously painful. The Yonkou were tough.
Telling the swordsman from Straw Hat’s crew that he’d rather the mission failed than any of them die at the hands of a Yonkou had completely slipped out of his mouth, as well. He’d pictured Katya crying at her friends being killed and yelling at him to save them desperately as their bodies lay in front of her. No, he wouldn’t have any of them die here, for her sake. But truthfully, whether he wanted to admit it or not, he didn’t have any true ill will towards the Straw Hats, other than the high blood pressure and annoyance their captain caused him. He did not like Kid at all, especially given how he talked about Katya. But he did not wish him or his crew dead either.
Katya….could she be pregnant? What Kid had said was worrying him almost as much as the imminent attacks from the Yonkou. It had definitely not been something they’d discussed, aside from a rather flippant comment he’d made on Punk Hazard that she was not allowed to get a child or a pet for the submarine. He had no doubt that she’d be a fantastic mother. The ride or die attitude the freckled woman had shown towards every child she’d cared for on that wretched island had proven that.
However, he himself hadn’t ever considered becoming a father. Law hadn’t expected to live past the age of 10, and then he’d further expected to die taking down Doflamingo. One didn’t typically think of things like parenthood when they expected their own demise. He’d lost his own father to the attack on Flevance, then he’d lost Cora. Law had good memories of both of them, but their deaths haunted him.
Plus, Law’s goal of finding the One Piece didn’t exactly fit having a child. A child on a pirate ship was a truly horrendous idea. His crew would love it, but the practicalities of having a baby or even a young child when they were constantly in conflict with other pirates and the marines? Also horrendous. He’d confessed to Bepo that he was going to ask Katya to marry him; he never wanted her to leave his side again, but children hadn’t exactly factored into his plan, there.
Law had never pictured a ‘happily ever after’ with settling down and having a family. That kind of thinking was for children and story books. But if it existed, it would come AFTER. After finding the One Piece, and even then he’d never be truly safe. The Marines would always be after him and his crew. Katya, too. This was reality, and in reality there is no ‘happily ever after’ for pirates.
He groaned as he began to get up from being thrown to the ground by the force of one of Kaido’s attacks. It wasn’t the time to have an emotional crisis. Kaido would kill all of them if they didn’t succeed. If HE didn’t succeed. Including Katya.
Law shoved down his feelings, and got to his feet.
Chapter 82: Guilt…and also Sanji
Summary:
Katya’s group runs into Sanji and Law. A question is finally answered.
Notes:
Shoutout to HO3_4ANIMEDILFS who has the best name and whose comments have made my day the last few days
Chapter Text
Katya threw another knife at an Animal Kingdom pirate attempting to attack her. She was exhausted. Stamina had never exactly been her forte, and the raid had been going on for several hours. Bepo noticed her breathing heavily and hurried to her side.
“Katya-chan, are you okay?” The Mink had a worried look in his chocolate brown eyes.
“Yeah, just tired, Bepo. It feels like we’ve been running and fighting forever, and I’m worried about Law.”
“I’m worried too,” Bepo replied. “The Yonkou are some of the toughest people in the world, and I want to support Captain with everything I’ve got! So…I’m going to stay down here.”
“Why?”
“Eek! I’m sorry!”
Bepo looked incredibly guilty. Katya narrowed her eyes.
“Bepo…what did he say to you?”
Katya stared directly into the Mink’s eyes and Bepo crumbled. He put his paws over his eyes. “Waaah! Don’t make me tell!”
“Bepo!” Penguin and Shachi scolded as the two took out a pirate that would have hit the polar bear Mink. “Keep your eyes open!”
“I can’t tell you, Katya! But I’m the first mate, and…I need to protect what’s most important to our Captain!”
“Bepo, again, I don’t fucking think I’m pregnant!”
“Even without that, you’re so important to Captain! I won’t let anything happen to you! I’d never forgive myself! I’d rather die!”
The Mink sniffled and Katya’s glare melted. She couldn’t be mad at him. The freckled woman rested a hand on his fur.
“I’m sorry, Bepo. You don’t have to break your word. But you’re important to Law, too. So we’re all going to leave this place togeth-“ Katya suddenly stopped talking as the familiar feeling of Law’s Haki felt nearer. She had been trying to block out some of her Observation Haki in order to focus on what was happening around her, but she had continuously extended her Haki for brief periods to feel for Law.
“What is it?”
“Law’s on the move.” Katya’s eyes were wild with worry. “And I don’t think Kid is on the roof anymore!”
“Oi! Momo-chan! Shinobu-chan!”
The four pirates turned around, Penguin kicking the last of the Animal Kingdom Pirates around them to the floor.
“Was that Sanji-san?” Katya said in a puzzled tone. The man in question was running towards them and the freckled woman’s jaw dropped. “Sanji-san!” She called loudly to him.
“Ohhh! Katya-chwaaaaan!” The man’s face lit up.
“Where’s Robin?” The woman said urgently. “We heard your voice!”
“She’s okay. She’s with Brook.”
Katya let out a sigh of relief. “That’s good. What’s going on?”
“I’m trying to find Momonosuke and- Kid?” The man looked past her at a group of men attacking Eustass Kid.
“Kid!” Katya yelped. “What the hell is he doing down here?!”
“Where are you, Big Mom?!” The red haired man threw a large number of men in their direction, taking their metal from them as he did so. He obviously wasn’t paying attention to the Heart Pirates or Sanji.
“Take this!” One of the enemy pirates threw a bomb in the direction of Kid, but the pirate captain dodged it and it headed straight for the pile of enemies he had just left behind. Unfortunately, said pile of enemies was directly in front of Katya, Bepo, Penguin, Shachi and Sanji.
“Ah!” The group yelped and Katya felt strong arms lift her up into a bridal carry without warning as the heat of the explosion came towards her face.
~
“Oi! I’m gonna take everyone else except you!” Law quickly shouted to Luffy. Roronoa Zoro was under the doctor’s arm, unconscious and in bad shape.
Without another moment of hesitation, Law warped himself, Zoro and the thundercloud that had belonged to Big Mom away from the roof. He’d have to leave things to Luffy for the moment with Kaido. Big Mom had managed to return to the inside of the castle, and he sensed that Kid had gone that way as well.
He aimed for Kid’s location and warped there quickly. Unfortunately, he had misjudged the distance and warped into the air above a group of people and a fire.
“Shit!” He cursed. “I switched us with some flying object!”
Law’s gaze turned downwards and saw Sanji from the Straw Hat pirates, who was bridal carrying a rather startled looking Katya.
“Oi! Catch us!”
Katya leapt out of Sanji’s arms so the man could catch the falling Law and Zoro.
“What’s all this about?” Sanji said in confusion as Law jumped off his shoulder. The brunette woman on the other hand had barely taken a few steps towards him when he just bit the bullet and uttered a short command.
“ROOM. SCAN.” A beam of blue light came towards the woman, who paused in her tracks. Katya blinked as Law’s sword passed over her, pausing at her abdomen. Law let out a breath in a way that was somewhere between a sigh of relief and a sigh of despair.
Her eyes met Law’s, her face asking the question she clearly couldn’t get out with words. So she already suspected.
“You’re not pregnant.”
“I was going to tell you that Bepo thought I was, I swear. But you had this to deal with!” She frantically babbled and gestured wildly to the chaos around them. “Wait, how did you find out?!” Her head whipped around to look at her fellow Heart Pirates, but they were gone. There was a hole in the floor where they’d been, and Law quickly looked down it to see the three unharmed but surrounded by enemies.
“Guys!” Katya called down.
“We’re okay! We’ll be up soon!” Penguin shouted.
Katya looked back at Law with worry. “Did they tell you?”
“It was Eustass-ya.” Law muttered. “He overheard the crew.”
Katya began to frantically babble again. “I’m so sorry, Law, I didn’t know it was even something they suspected until I got to the island and- oof!”
Law’s arms pulled her straight into a strong embrace and he rested his forehead on the crown of her brown hair. He didn’t say anything at all for a few moments. Katya seemed to be also at a loss of what to do. When he eventually pulled back, Katya was shaking, tears threatening to spill over.
Katya reached up a hand to gently rest her shaking palm on his cheek. “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”
“I’m not mad…” he murmured. “I….” He trailed off. “Fuck….”
He wasn’t good with emotions. How could he explain that he had questioned everything in his life since Eustass Kid had opened his big mouth and said those words? How could he explain that he was so frightened of losing her? How could he say anything that could even encapsulate all of the things he was feeling?
Law merely reached one of his tattooed hands to Katya’s face and wiped away the tears there. “You know I hate it when you cry.”
Katya let out a small laugh-sob and smiled at him. They could figured all this out later. All Law cared about was that she was alive.
“We always did have timing issues.” The freckled woman said sheepishly.
“You, as always, know how to keep me on my toes. Between you and Straw Hat, I’m sure I’ll die young of a stress related illness.” Law shook his head, a small smile threatening to creep onto his own lips. “Are you okay?”
“I am now.” Katya stood on her tiptoes and kissed him gently, the tears still wet on her cheeks. It really wasn’t the time, but again, when was it with them?
“YOU look like shit, though.” She grinned when she pulled away.
Law pouted slightly. “Oi.”
~
“Aaaah! Where am I?! Where’s Mama?!” The thundercloud belonging to Big Mom began shouting as Katya picked up Law’s hat that had fallen to the floor when they had warped and passed it back to her Captain. “I’ll be on my way to help!”
“Zeus?” Sanji questioned. “Wait, where’s Nami-san? I thought you were working for her!”
The thundercloud looked panicked and sped off.
“Oi!” Sanji shouted after it.
“Let it go.” Law saw, adjusting Kikoku on his shoulder.
“Why are you so relaxed?!” Sanji yelled at Law. “And what the hell is going on?”
“I need to go.” Law said bluntly, facing towards the fires that Kid had left behind. “Look after Zoro-ya. Eustass-ya went that way, yes?”
“Yes, but wait!” The blonde man protested. “At least tell me what happened!”
“Zoro-ya probably had 20 to 30 bones in his body broken.”
“EH?!”
“How is he still alive?!” Katya gaped at the green-haired swordsman as Law began to run.
“Katya!” Law called. “Splint up his body, put him on his back, make sure he’s conscious and breathing! Do you remember how to splint?”
“Yes, but-“
“Oi! Why don’t you look after him?” Sanji shouted in annoyance. “Why should Katya-chwan do it?! You’re a doctor, aren’t you?”
“I have to stop Big Mom!” Law replied. “Katya has decent knowledge of emergency first aid and can tend to his wounds. Katya, can you do that for me?”
“I can do it!” The woman nodded. “But what about you?”
“I’ll be fine.” Law warped her her one of her knives that had fallen when they had dodged the explosion earlier. “I have to stop Big Mom, or none of us are leaving this place. Katya, I’ll leave him to you! Black Leg-ya, protect her whilst she tends to Zoro-ya!”
“Got it!” Katya gave him a smile. “I’ll see you soon…Captain.”
“Katya, not the time or place!” Law span around and gave her a pointed look, a tiny blush on his cheeks. It was typically something she only called him when they were busy with…certain activities.
“I’ll call you it again when you win.” She winked as Law ran off.
“What was that about?” Sanji said with a confused expression.
“You don’t want to know.”
Chapter 83: Everyone Has Hang Ups
Summary:
Katya and Sanji tend to Zoro’s wounds. Luffy’s defeat is announced.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Katya and Sanji quickly found a spare room in the castle and raided all the drawers for fabric. There wasn’t much in the way of first aid supplies, so they made do with what they had. Katya splinted Zoro’s back as best she could, and the two worked on wrapping Zoro up tightly. Unfortunately, despite the fact that Katya had decent first aid skills, neither of them were doctors, and the green haired swordsman ended up looking like a giant bandaged cross. Sanji had opted for extra layers for cushioning and compared it to trussing up a ham.
“Hey, Katya-chan,” Sanji said as they continued to wrap up Zoro. “What did Tra-guy mean about you being pregnant?”
“I was throwing up the last few days. Had a concussion, then a bad reaction to some food, then nerves I think. But I hadn’t had my usual medication, for…well, you know. Not getting pregnant. So my crew jumped the gun and started panicking.”
“Tch. I still don’t like the idea of that bastard defiling you.” Sanji said grumpily.
“It’s not defiling, Sanji-san.” The freckled woman rolled her eyes with a smile. “I love Law, and he loves me. Haven’t you ever met someone you’d want to make love to?”
“Ah…” Sanji went rather red and reached for his cigarettes.
“Well, I say making love. It gets a bit…interesting.”
Sanji’s nose began to bleed a little and Katya waved her hands frantically with a laugh. “Sorry! Too much information!”
“You’re fine, Katya-chan. And to answer your question, I guess I have.”
“Nami, right?”
“ACK!”
“Ugh, please stop.” Zoro muttered suddenly.
“Zoro-san!”
“Marimo!”
The two leaned over him frantically. “Are you okay?” Katya asked immediately.
“Not really, but I’ll live.” Zoro looked down at his body. “…do you even know how to apply a bandage?”
“It’s the same as trussing a ham.” Sanji replied bluntly.
“Am I a ham to you?!”
“You’re not that appetising.”
“Sorry, Zoro,” Katya said sheepishly, interrupting the two. “I splinted you up and treated the surfaces of your wounds, but I can’t do anything about the broken bones. Um, and I guess we went overboard with the bandages.”
“Who managed to hurt you like this, anyway?” Sanji lit up a cigarette and took a long drag.
“Kaido and Big Mom.”
“No wonder. I can’t believe you made it to the rooftop, though, with your sense of direction.” The blonde man quipped, and Katya giggled slightly. “Is Luffy okay?”
“I think he figured something out…” Zoro replied. “He’ll win!”
Katya smiled softly at the two. “Of course he will. Luffy’s strong. I don’t like to admit it, but I think he might be stronger than Law. Though mostly through sheer willpower. His Haki feels…different.”
“Different?” Sanji arched an eyebrow.
“My Observation Haki can always pinpoint Luffy so easily. Can’t you? He feels like…sunshine, and I can always hear a faint happy drumming sound.”
“That’s a weird way to describe his Haki.” Zoro snorted, then winced from how his body had moved. “But you have a point.”
“Sanji.” Katya looked across to the blonde man, who was taking another drag of his cigarette as she finished tying off Zoro’s bandages. “We should get Zoro to the Performance Hall. Chopper and Marco-san are there. Maybe one of them will be able to do more for him.”
“That’s a good idea.” Sanji nodded. “It’s going to be tough to get there though. Will you be okay?”
Katya nodded. “Even the few minutes we spent here has been a break from fighting. I’m raring to go!”
“Ahhh~ Katya-chwan is so cool when she’s confident!”
“I’m definitely going to die with you two carrying me.” Zoro muttered.
~
Sanji refused to let Katya carry Zoro at all, but in turn she took out more enemies so that the blonde cook could focus on ensuring that Zoro was kept on his back and was stable. Sanji kept threatening the sleep talking Zoro as he asked for sake as they fought off the Animal Kingdom Pirates, but otherwise they were making good progress towards the performance hall. They quickly found Kawamatsu and Izou from the Whitebeard Pirates, and Katya told them of their plan to get Zoro to Chopper or Marco.
“How can Zorojuro-dono sleep under these circumstances?” Kawamatsu mused aloud as they ran together with the samurai.
“He does seem seriously injured.” Izou added.
“Don’t worry,” Sanji replied. “This idiot won’t die that easily.”
“You’re the idiot.” Zoro muttered.
“Are you actually awake?!” The blonde man growled.
“Where are you all headed?” Kawamatsu asked Katya.
“Well Sanji was heading to Momo originally, but Zoro needs a doctor so we’re heading to the performance floor where Chopper and Marco are.”
“Kin’emon is going after Momonosuke-sama. He’ll be okay with them.”
“That’s good.”
A loud voice was suddenly projected around the castle. Katya looked up at where the voice was coming from to see what looked like a monitor lizard with one of the paper eyes attached to it.
“Announcement to all of Onigashima! The duel is over! The man with the highest bounty amongst the enemies, Straw Hat…has been defeated!”
Katya, Sanji and the two samurai looked at each other with panic.
“Kaido-sama choked the life out of him and Straw Hat Luffy sank to the bottom of the dark nighttime sea! Both the Kozuki samurai and the captain lost! Who’s next? Can anyone else win?! Kaido-sama will go downstairs and start ‘cleaning’ up the rest of you!”
Katya looked at Zoro, who had been mercilessly beaten by Kaido. The fact he was still alive was miraculous.
“Kaido-sama will accept your surrender!” The announcement continued. “Those who put their hands in the air to surrender and obey will be spared and welcomed as subordinates!”
“Fuck that!” Katya, Zoro and Sanji said in unison and Katya threw her knife at the cyborg in anger.
The group paused to catch their breath, Katya grabbing her knife from the fallen lizard spy.
“Luffy lost…?” The freckled woman’s face was scrunched up with concern. “I don’t believe it! Even if he was thrown into the….sea….”
Katya gasped in realisation and pulled her mini Den Den Mushi from her pocket.
PURUPURUPURUPURU. KACHA.
“Jean Bart!” Katya half screamed into the receiver. “Can you hear me?”
“Katya-chan! Yes, we read you!”
“Are you still underwater?”
Sanji and Zoro’s ears perked up and they looked across in surprise at the brunette.
“Yes!”
“Luffy was thrown into the sea! Jean Bart, find him, please!”
“Everyone! Triple our sonar range, whatever you have to do!” Jean Bart shouted to the rest of the crew. “Find Straw Hat!”
“Aye!”
“Is Captain okay?” Ikkaku’s voice came down the line.
“Yeah, he’s going after Big Mom! Also, not pregnant, but not the time to discuss it! Find Luffy!”
“Adjust by 10 degrees!” Ikkaku called. “Katya, we’ll call back when we can! We’ll find him!”
KACHA.
Katya sniffled slightly as she lowered the Den Den Mushi. The announcement had said that Kaido had ‘choked the life’ out of Luffy. Could it only be a corpse that fell into the ocean?
Sanji put his free hand that wasn’t holding Zoro on her shoulder. “Katya-chan, we still have Tra-guy and Kid and all our other allies that aren’t going to give up. And I don’t believe that Luffy is down! We’ll keep fighting! There’s no way we’ll lose to Kaido!”
Katya nodded, steeled her nerves and readied her knives.
~
“The Performance Floor is right ahead!” Kawamatsu called. Izou was shooting enemies left and right, Sanji was kicking, and Kawamatsu and Katya were slicing people with their blades as they went.
“W-Wait! That will be a several story drop!” Katya stammered as she realised their location. The ceiling of the Performance Floor was multiple metres tall and if they crashed through the wall where she thought they were, they’d be at least five metres above the main floor.
“Izou! Kappa! Look after her!” Sanji shouted, and kicked through the wall first. “Diable Jambe…Rotisserie Strike!”
Sanji seemed to catch fire and spin through the air to kick a large dinosaur whilst still holding onto a fast asleep Zoro. It was a rather bizarre sight as the dinosaur seemed to spin so rapidly from the kick it became an orange blur.
“W-Wait!” Katya paused at the wall and made the mistake of looking down. “Ack…”
“What’s wrong?” Kawamatsu said. “Are you hurt?”
“N-No, it’s just quite high up.”
“Hold onto me, I’ll get us down!”
Katya grabbed onto the kappa and closed her eyes as they whooshed through the air. When she finally opened them, she was down on the floor safely, though she was shaking and regretting many of her life choices.
“Thank you.”
“Damn!” The dinosaur could be seen as the smoke cleared and the freckled woman’s stomach dropped as she saw the familiar goggles and eponymous tattoo.
“Queen!”
“Oi, Katya-chan! I’m giving the marimo to Chopper!” Sanji called and she rushed over to him. Katya looked around for Chopper for a moment but then looked upwards to see Zoro in the hands of an enormous reindeer.
“Is that…Chopper?!”
“Once he recovers, he’ll have the strength of 10 men.” Sanji said to Chopper, taking a drag of his cigarette.
“2000 MEN!” Zoro woke up just to shout back at the blonde cook.
“Sanji, be careful! He’s the one that nearly killed Luffy, Kid, Killer and I in Udon Prison!” Katya warned.
“Huh? He was the one that gave you that?!” Sanji looked furiously at the fading green bruise around Katya’s eye. “And tried to drown you?!”
The brunette nodded. “He’s tough. Be careful!”
“I’ll make him pay for touching you, Katya-chan!” Sanji seemed to set on fire and leapt straight for the dinosaur.
“Geez, he has clearly got some hang ups about women.”
“Tell me about it.” Zoro snorted. “But weirdly, he fights better with a woman on the line. But he doesn’t fight with the strength of 2000 men like me!”
“Maybe you just all have hang ups.” Katya muttered.
Notes:
It’s been a while! The anime has had to catch up a lot. But we’re getting IT soon 👀 if u know I know
Chapter 84: Kibi Dango and the Laws of Biology
Summary:
The Heart Pirates find Luffy in the ocean. Katya and Law struggle with their allies.
Chapter Text
Momonosuke’s voice had echoed around the castle for all to hear. Luffy was alive, and had vowed to defeat Kaido. Law had to smile a little at that. Straw Hat was a tough one. Plus, he had finally found Big Mom. Unfortunately, he had also found Eustass Kid, who was mouthing off to the Yonkou.
“Do you care about that rubber fool so much?” Kid was taunting the giant woman.
“Heh! I just wanted to take him out myself!” The pink haired woman replied with a scoff. “But if he fell into the sea, I’m sure he’s dead by now!”
“After working together for a long time, I have an odd feeling he’ll manage to survive.” Law interjected, walking over to the two angry pirates.
“Trafalgar!” Kid growled.
Big Mom merely laughed in her strange style. “Another one on my kill list shows up!”
“Shut up!” Kid snapped at her. “You guys are such nuisances! You have no place in the new era I’m going to create! You old time pirate!”
Big Mom did not take kindly to being called old and an aura of anger began swirling around her that reminded Law oddly of Katya when she confronted Caesar about the children.
“I’ve had enough, too.” Law’s voice had a dangerous purr to it. “How you always disturb me when I try to learn something or do something. I need you guys to go away! We’re already in the new era!”
“Trafalgar, are you here to interfere?! Shouldn’t you be protecting the dumb kitten, eh, baby daddy?”
“She’s not pregnant. And I should kill you for calling her that. But our enemy is Big Mom. Grow up and stop name-calling, Eustass-ya.” Law gave the two an icy stare.
“No more distractions. Let’s form a temporary alliance!”
~
PURUPURUPURUPURU. KACHA.
“Katya!” Ikkaku’s voice came down the line. “We got Straw Hat!”
“You have him?!” Katya gasped. The brunette was with Chopper, Dr Miyagi from Zou and a pretty Mink nurse examining Zoro. The reindeer had shaken his head at the level of bandages, but had complimented Katya’s splint work, saying it had probably helped save his life. The Minks were beginning to treat Zoro as best they could, but it was definitely field medic level work.
“Yeah. His lungs are full of- Jean Bart, hang on!”
A loud crash could be heard from the line.
“What’s happening? Ikkaku!”
The Den Den Mushi seemed to sweat drop. “Jean Bart jumped on Straw Hat to get the water out of his lungs. It was kinda violent. But…huh. It’s kinda working.”
Katya had to suppress a laugh. It was good to hear the crew.
“Uni, Harris! Let’s get him inside!” Ikkaku ordered. “Katya, we’ll treat him as best we can without Captain here. But he’s in bad shape!”
“Dammit. We’re needing all the doctors we can get at the moment. Zoro’s down as well. Law thinks he broke nearly 30 bones. The samurai are severely wounded too!”
“We’ve got Captain’s medical records of Straw Hat from when he was last on the Tang, but I don’t know if it will be enough.”
“I’ll update the Straw Hats. Speak soon!”
KACHA.
Katya sighed with relief. At least Luffy was no longer in the ocean. Uni and Harris were the best medics down there, but neither of them were doctors. They had Law for that normally.
“Chopper, I have an up-“
“Ulti-sama has been taken down!” A sudden broadcast came through the cyborg spies loudspeakers. “Following Page One-sama! Two members of the Tobi Roppo have been defeated! Oh no, I announced it by accident! Ah! That wasn’t true! I take it back!”
Kaido’s top officers were falling then! Katya smiled happily to herself, thoughts of telling Chopper about the Polar Tang crew having Luffy shoved momentarily to the side. Nice! It meant no one was giving up the fight just yet.
“Ehhh!!!” The broadcasting voice began screaming. “What is this monster?”
It fell silent for a moment then a child’s voice began shouting and transmitting across the island.
“I’m Otama!”
“Otama?!” Katya gasped and turned to Chopper. “That little girl? What’s she doing on Onigashima?”
“I don’t know.” Chopper said with confusion. “But new troops have just come through the door!”
“What is a child doing on the battlefield?!” Queen growled angrily. “What happened; Bao Huang?! Who are you?”
The Animal Pirate roared towards the stage where the main announcer was. “Why is everyone letting the enemy take over the comms?!”
“M-My friends who all ate Kibi Dango!” Otama shouted. “I need to ask you all a favour. Please side with Big Bro Luffy’s group and Momonosuke-kun’s group, and take down Kaido’s group with us!”
All the SMILE fruit users stopped in their tracks. Katya looked around in bewilderment.
“What the hell was that?” Queen laughed cruelly. “There’s no way that the Animal Kingdom Pirates will act on some brat’s order!”
“MY PLEASURE, MASTER-SAMA!” A chorus of voices cried out, and most of the Animal Kingdom pirates in the room seemed to immediately turn on their comrades and began attacking them.
“What the…?” Katya’s eyes widened and she began to laugh. “Is that a Devil Fruit power? Haha, and I thought that I’d caused some chaos when I took over the comms. What a smart kid!”
~
Zoro had been injected with a needle so large it made Katya nervous, and Sanji was fighting Queen. Penguin, Shachi and Bepo had called her, and the moment that she had said that Queen was there, the three practically roared in fury and said that they were on their way to help take down the man. It was almost sweet how much they were determined to kill the man because he had hurt their nakama. But Queen was on another level than nearly all of their allies. Katya was concerned for Sanji as he fought Queen, who had turned into some kind of hybrid zoan and cyborg mix. Sanji was monstrously strong, but Queen was a monster, full stop.
“Watch out!” Someone shouted, and Sanji flew through the air and roughly crashed next to Katya.
“Sanji!”
“Ugh…”
The freckled woman helped him up and the cook grimaced, winded by the blow to his chest.
“Damn. It’s hard to deal with two at once.”
“Zoro’s been injected with that substance. We’re just waiting for it to work.”
“What is that Mosshead doing?”
“He did have 30 broken bones.” Katya reminded him. “It’s a miracle he’s alive.”
“Chopper! Miyagi!” Sanji called over to the two doctors still crouched over Zoro. “If the drug’s not working, take that green wrapped up mummy and get away!”
“If nothing is done, everyone on this floor will die!” One of the men that was near Sanji and Katya cried in concern.
“Shit…there’s no choice. I’ll have to do it alone.”
“You’re not alone. Tell me what I can do.” Katya turned to Sanji.
“Katya-chan, there’s not much-“
“I can help, dammit! Even if it’s making you silent, or causing a distraction, let me do something!”
“Katya-chan, the bastard would never forgive me if you were hurt at the hands of this guy again. Get Zoro and Chopper out of here. And let me handle Queen. Protect them as best as you can.”
“Sanji.” Katya put a supportive hand on his shoulder. “You’re a good man. So don’t go dying, you hear me?”
Sanji nodded. “Wouldn’t want to disappoint a lady.”
The Animal Kingdom Pirates kept coming in never ending waves. Katya fought off as many as she could as the group ran with Zoro but soon they were faced with King. Katya drew her knives but she knew she couldn’t face the colossal man. King’s fist burst into flame, but just as Katya readied her Haki, all the bandages seemed to fall off their green haired companion, and Roronoa Zoro stood tall once again.
“….this guy defies the laws of biology.” Katya concluded aloud.
Chapter 85: The Bubble Unleashed
Summary:
Luffy and Momo cause havoc. Katya risks using her trump card technique against Big Mom.
Chapter Text
“Ikkaku, repeat that!” Katya said as an explosion cut off what the bear Mink was saying through the Den Den Mushi.
“Uni said that Straw Hat ate about a month’s worth of food and is ready to fight again!”
“I’d love to know how his body works, geez.” Katya muttered. “Is he making his way back?”
“He’s trying to leave now! On a dragon!”
“A wha- you know what, sure. Add it to the list of things that don’t make sense today. Are you all okay?”
“We’re fine! We’re in Tokage Port. We can see Onigashima in the air, but we have no way of getting to you. Katya. The kid that was here…Momo, he’s….”
”What’s wrong?” Katya asked urgently.
“He’s turned into a dragon! He’s the dragon!”
“Oh, yeah, he can do that. Did I not mention that?”
“NO!” At least three members of the Heart Pirates shouted down the Den Den Mushi.
“Sorry.”
“Luffy’s currently, well, arguing with the dragon.”
“Oi! Luffy!” Katya shouted down the Den Den Mushi.
“Eh? Katya?” Luffy’s voice sounded far away but she could hear it.
“You and Momo need to stop screwing around! Luffy, get your ass back up here! Or I’ll tell Sanji not to cook for you ever again! Momo, get up here now or I’ll let Law make good on his threat to dissect you!” Katya said sharply.
A moment paused and two very hasty ‘we’re very sorry’ came down the Den Den Mushi.
“Katya, you’re scary.” Ikkaku said bluntly.
“This isn’t the time to argue and mess about. They should know that. I’ll let the others know Luffy’s on his way if I can. Law’s fighting Big Mom still. I’m going to try to find him and the others. There’s lots on fire up here, I don’t know how much longer the palace can last. If you can, head towards the Flower Capital. We’re going to need as many people as we can get if Onigashima makes landfall.”
“On it. Be safe!” Ikkaku said. “Everyone, get back to the sub!”
KACHA.
It had barely been a minute or two before a giant pink dragon crashed into the Performance Floor with Luffy screaming loudly for Momo to slow down.
“Luffy!” Katya grinned. “That was fast!”
The brown haired woman’s eyes widened as the dragon came towards her at speed, and then just…didn’t stop.
“Ahhhhh!” Luffy was screaming.
“Woah! Watch-ahhhhh!!!” Katya screamed as she was accidentally swept up in one of the Momonosuke dragon’s huge pink hands. The dragon was seemingly out of control and began flying into walls.
“AGHHHHH!” The Heart Pirate screamed as she was flung about like a rag doll.
The pink dragon kept crashing into walls in its havoc and suddenly Katya felt herself rising upwards and a loud smashing sound rang in her ears as it burst upwards through wooden panels to the second floor. Katya was flung unceremoniously from the claws and straight into a person.
“A dragon?! Is that Kaido?!” A loud female voice cried out.
Katya coughed, winded from the crash and looked upwards at who she had fallen into. The confused but furious face of Big Mom stared back at her.
“Hi again?”
~
“Where has he been?!” Law growled as Luffy’s return was loudly announced. “AND WHAT WERE YOU DOING?” He scolded Katya after he had used his Room to get her away from Big Mom.
“I was doing as you ordered! I treated Zoro! I didn’t mean to get manhandled by a dragon!”
“What was that anyway?!” Kid growled.
“Momonosuke. I’m presuming it’s a long story. But he’s big now.”
“It’s getting exciting isn’t it, Kaido?” Big Mom murmured, throwing her hat into the air and readying her weapon.
Kid coughed up blood suddenly as if he’d been stabbed, but no one had moved.
“What the-?” Katya gasped as another cut on him appeared.
“What’s happening to him?” Law called.
“It’s like he’s being attacked but no-one is there, like it’s being done…remotely.” Katya trailed off in realisation. “I think it’s Hawkins!”
“Eustass-ya, get back already!”
“No way!” The red headed pirate shot back and gathered metal. Katya had to hold onto her knives with all her might to avoid them being added to the pile around the man’s arm.
“I’ll give you a cure that works really well against stubborn brats!” Big Mom laughed sadistically and swung for Kid, who met his giant metal first with her sword.
“An old bag worrying about me doesn’t make me happy!” Kid spat at her with a grin.
“Law, I’m running out of energy but I have an idea. Those spirits of hers, she needs to speak to them for them to act, right?”
“It seems so.”
“If I can make her silent, then she might not be able to order them.”
“You’d have to touch her for that!”
“You got any brighter ideas?!”
“I’ll take whatever advantage you can bring. But stay out of the way of her attacks. Use your Observation to dodge. Your Armament isn’t strong enough to meet her head on. You’ll probably only get one shot at it!”
Katya nodded. As much as she wanted to help, one hit from Big Mom could finish her. She wasn’t physically strong enough to fend off such an attack.
Kid suddenly collapsed to his knees again.
“What’s going on?” Law demanded as Big Mom laughed.
“What’s the matter? Having a migraine?” The Yonkou mocked mercilessly as Kid clutched his head in pain. “If it hurts so bad, I’ll chop your head off for you!”
It was time.
Katya focused with all her might and gathered the sound from all around them. She concentrated it all into one small ball of sound. She grimaced as her head pounded in protest at using too much of her power. The Bubble was the technique she’d been saving. She hoped that Corazon’s advice and her practice with Robin would be enough.
“Shambles!” Law switched places with a rock and launched an attack on Big Mom. Katya saw Big Mom’s attention divert to Law and she seized the opportunity. She forced the intense bubble of sound up to the Yonkou’s right ear, the opposite side of Law.
“CALM CALM: EXPLODING BUBBLE!”
Big Mom screamed as the overwhelming sound of explosions, screams and fire was amplified into her ear in one large pulse. The woman’s ear drum burst from the sheer force and she clutched the side of her face in pain.
It was all the two Heart Pirates needed.
“COUNTER SHOCK!”
“Calm Calm: Silent!”
The two’s attacks connected at the same time. Law with Big Mom’s left side and Katya just briefly touching the Yonkou’s foot. Unfortunately for Katya, the counter shock was so powerful it went through Big Mom’s whole body and the brown haired woman screamed in agony as she was caught in the shockwave.
Law was sent plummeting to the ground by Prometheus, one of Big Mom’s soul weapons, and all three of the Yonkou’s opponents were laid on the floor, wrecked.
~
Law lifted his head, pain coursing through his body. Kid was behind him still grimacing in pain. His eyes widened as he saw a figure by Big Mom’s feet. Katya seemed to be smoking and her hair was mildly singed. She wasn’t moving.
“KATYA!”
Law’s head snapped up to reach the eyes of Big Mom as she moved to kick Katya out of the way. But as the Yonkou opened her mouth to speak, no sound came out. The puzzled Yonkou looked around at the fires, her soul weapons and the groaning people on the floor, obviously unable to hear anything.
“She did it.” Kid breathed.
Big Mom began shouting and Hera and Prometheus looked at her with confusion.
“MAMA!”
“Mama, what are you saying?!” The flaming cloud shouted desperately.
Big Mom stomped her foot furiously and shouted angrily. No noise was coming from her but the Yonkou was clearly furious. The pink haired giant looked down at Katya’s unmoving body.
‘YOU’ her lips seemed to mouth.
“SHAMBLES!”
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natalie_cham8 on Chapter 1 Mon 15 Mar 2021 03:23AM UTC
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