Author's note:

Hello reader!

Before you get yourself into this mess of a chapter, I have to warn you this is fairly longer than anything I've posted so far. I've had some issues with this part, so unfortunately, it ended up being what it is. There is an explanation in the end; but I still must apologize for it beforehand.

Thank you for reading and I do hope you don't find the length of this chapter bothersome.

Sincerely,

EmotionalRealist

-Z-

- years ago, second island the sisters moved to -

''Squeak squeak!'' An only sound the tortured animal could release.

''And that's how you do it if you want it to hurt.''

A ten - year old listened to her fifteen - year old sister, as Ana's hand purposely writhed about a feet away from the caged animal.

She was sitting a little closer to the improvised animal trap, with her eyes glued on the little furry creature. In a crouched position, Zaria hugged her knees and placed her chin in the gap between her them.

It only let out a soft sigh and stopped spasming once she heard her sister's hand fall next to her body, signalling her spell was no longer active, making more than enough noise to be dramatic for Zaria to hear as her loud exhale followed it.

''But he's innocent, Ana. I don't want to hurt him.'' Her sister's steps approached her from the right side whilst she spoke of her point of view.

''It, Ria. And I know you don't, I don't want either. But you refused to train on me as well.'' Anastasia's fingers wrapped around the wires of the cage, which Zaria missed until her older sibling removed the cage from the stump it was on, setting in slowly to drift in the air while she opened it to free the mouse.

''I'm not gonna hurt you either!'' Zaria revolted and stood up as soon as Ana took the creature in hands rougher than those of her sister.

''It's 'going to', mind you. And, again, I understand, but you've mastered the black circle, Zaria. You have to move forward with your training and practicing.'' After a deep sigh, she extended her hand towards her little sister, giving her the mouse.

Accepting the small creature between her fingers, it took her only a second to reply to Ana. ''I'll find a way around it.''

Zaria held the mouse gently, making sure not to apply too much pressure on a tiny rodent. Even between her child fingers, it seemed as small as a butterfly and equally as tender. Looking at him, she couldn't help but send a question her sister's way as her eyes smiled along with her lips.

''Can we keep him?''

''No! I'm not having mice in the house! It's already dirty enough!'' Ana yelled as they made their way to their hut, moving through the trees to exit the thick forest. ''You don't even finish your chores as it is! I'm cleaning after you; I don't plan on cleaning after your pets as well! ''

A soft giggle was left as a trail behind two sisters; as the younger one already knew she'll win her sister's approval by the time they reach their home.

Day 6, Thousand Sunny

- present day -

Beneath her skin spread a sensation that burned. It was an acute sort of pain that shrouded every muscle and every bone of her thin body making it feel as if a train ran over it.

Her neck felt inflamed, the board of a bed she was lying on didn't do any favours to it or to her back, which felt beaten to the core.

She could barely feel her legs and feet, as if those parts resolved to stay asleep longer than the rest. A fact she overlooked at the moment was the dose of sedatives and painkillers she must've been under, not that either were fulfilling their purpose upon waking up.

After six days, Zaria finally regained consciousness.

The small light on the side of the wall hurt her eyes when they tried opening, leaving them in a half – closed state until she adjusted. After a first, confused moment, wooden ceiling welcomed her eyes, now almost wide opened.

Turning her head while still in a lying position, a grumble left her lungs, as the pain reminded her of its presence throughout her sore body, telling her she was far away from recovery and the numbness of her limbs left her feeling paralysed.

Working against it, she tried her best to at least rotate her head. Her movement was reduced from all the bandages, so she could feel them tightening when turning towards the light source.

There was a lamp stationed on the wall across her, its warm light bathing the table underneath.

The nervous Nellie in her quickly started deducing details of her situation, once the fear of unknown fully settled in, overtaking the pain and she felt a soft rocking motion of the room she was in.

Panic of her lying disabled kicked her harder than anything before.

She was on a ship, that swaying motion was known to her, the room must've been a medical bay, seeing the table across her was covered with books, numerous bottles, papers, tubes and a microscope.

Once determined to move and get up, she noticed a sharp pain in her right arm, in a spot where a needle rested.

Sending away that thought, she glanced up to the door with a small circular window that was placed, she estimated, somewhere above her height.

Dismissing the pain that spread through her every cell, again, she forced her benumbed legs to obey and move towards the right end of the bed, until they finally fell over its edge. With the transfusion still in, it denied her any further movement, which she obeyed since her vision was still somewhat blurry.

Instead, she rested her eyes at the table in front of her, trying to replay the events that led to here. Last she could remember was hearing a familiar voice, but it seemed that voice was furthering away with every moment she was awake.

Her thoughts, clearing as she forced herself, nevertheless, came to conclusion she must be aboard of a Straw Hats ship, since it was unlikely for this room to be one on a Marine ship and her last memories included them.

She had her fair share of occasions that allowed witnessing a medical bay on a Navy ship, and they gave off a much colder aura that the one she was in, so it could've easily belonged to the pirates.

Whoever stitched her up had a hard time doing so, she concluded as well, seeing she was wrapped up like a mummy and she couldn't locate one spot on her body that wasn't hurt. Even her fingertips were enwrapped, to her surprise.

This sight stirred a tsunami inside of her, making her fight off a sudden outburst of emotions on the surface. Someone saved her.

Still focused on her surroundings and her state, a voice, known and friendly, silenced all of her turmoil and fear that kept building up instantly upon vocalizing.

''Didn't expect to see you up yet, spy.''

Slowly averting her glance, she met a tall, slim male figure by the door, dressed in his coat for some reason.

The surprise would dance all over her face, but Zaria quickly pulled another mask over it, a skill she perfected up to this point, appearing calm and staid, being too proud to let the man see the signs of her previous state or excitement, so upon meeting his shape, she only allowed herself to let some air leave through her nose while shaking her head slightly and fighting off a smile.

Along with the surprise, what she'd hate to let the man know the most was the fact she was glad to see him again.

''Didn't expect to see you here, Mr. Sunshine.'' She replied back, knowing well who she was talking to. If she was to be honest, she would've told him she didn't expect to find herself here either; but it didn't matter as he was already approaching her.

Trafalgar Law elegantly and slowly paced to the chair that belonged to the table, stepping away from the darkness, before taking a seat and resting his sword against the wooden structure. His legs crossed and he placed his arms on the structure behind as well, letting his hands fall downwards.

''I heard you ran into Luffy – ya. Figured it might be the right time to pay you back.'' Realizing the detective in her already deduced where she was, he offered her more details.

''Noble of you. So you're the one I should be thanking?'' she tried questioning, to figure out just who it is she owed so much to.

''Not yet.'' His smirk was immediate as soon as she reached the words of expressing gratitude. ''Chopper – ya did all of the work. I'll oversee your recovery.''

''I owe him then.'' She came to the conclusion, flat toned, placing that information in her mental folder alongside with all of the other details of the situation.

''You drove the poor guy insane. Must be you new signature move.'' Law hurriedly tried to change the topic, pushing their conversation in a different direction.

Her face showed clear signs of confusion once he brought it up, but that was just what he aimed for.

''What do you mean?''

''Nami probably still has the paper. You can read it yourself. Apparently, your last victim is the newest patient in Navy asylum.'' His eyebrow followed his questioning tone of voice by rising.

''At least now I know the spell works.'' Realizing his intentions, Zaria finally added, without further explanation and rolled her eyes, as a dark silhouette of the man they spoke about appeared in her head and sent her spine into shivers.

He might've wanted to know how she pulled it off, but it wasn't a topic he'd visit right now.

In any other situation, their reunion and conversation would cause another smirk to dance on Law's lips, but in this one, he couldn't bring himself to be cruel, reminding himself of everything the Straw Hats have told him and the help he received from the older sister.

Zaria and he did have some sort of a game going, speaking as emotionless as possible, clashing their dominance, but even it had its limits. And a line would certainly be crossed hadn't he knew the feeling of losing a sister as well.

''I heard about Ana. I'm sorry.''

To his surprise, the only response from her was silence with a signature of sadness running underneath the bandages and her skin.

Her heart ached even on a simple sound of her sister's name and making her nod, she looked away from the man, forbidding him to witness her vulnerability before speaking out, trying to drag the subject away from her, while still not changing it.

''Have you told Penguin?''

"Not yet. I...'' he stopped himself, looking up at the ceiling.

Conversations like this were not a forte for either one of them, so the air had to bare the consequence of silence more often than usually.

"Could you tell him?'' he finally requested, after being reminded he couldn't see his crew mate hurt without being able to help. And he couldn't cure the ache of losing someone. If he could, he would've gladly done that surgery on himself long time ago.

Knowing his crew mate and her older sister, both were a lot different from Zaria and himself. Their connection was warmer and more outspoken, so he was confident this information was about to be hurtful.

''Sure.'' Zaria's eyes eventually went back to him, as she tried her best to push back everything this conversation was doing to her, finally settling on changing the subject.

''Where is everyone else?'' Despite meeting a friendly figure on the ship, she couldn't block out she was mostly surrounded with unknown people, sailing into the unknown. Law's presence was the only thing keeping her calm while the pain kept reminding her just how useless and exposed she is right now.

''Sleeping. Except the swordsman. It's past 1 am. But Luffy - ya will want to meet you as soon as he wakes up.''

"What do they plan doing with me?'' she looked back at Law, expecting at least a sincere answer, whatever it might be, but her attempt in figuring out how much time she had to run, only made him smirk louder than before, breaking the tension in the air that built up to that point.

"They're not going to sell you or hand you to Navy, idiot.'' He replied, already seeing where the cautious thoughts of his friend were running to. "Actually, quite the opposite. Straw Hat – ya wants you to stay.''

"Wants me...'' she paused before repeating his words ''...to stay?'' her eyebrows furrowed inwards, trying to frown as much as her aching face allowed her before it finally hit her. This was the first time anyone welcomed her, but again, these were pirates.

"I don't intend staying after repaying my debt.''

Next to this revelation and Law's grinning as a response to her last statement, her emotions escalated from sorrowful to angry in a rapid speed, something he found amusing at the moment, pouring more oil onto her fire.

"You should thank Adrion – ya for that.''

"Adrion!?'' her voice tried its hardest not to rise, since it would stress her fragile body even more, and she had to take a deep breath to keep herself in check, preventing another outburst. "Did he ask them to let me stay?''

"As much as I've collected, he thanked them and asked them to take you with them. The staying part was more of Luffy – ya's decision.''

Partly ignoring his response, her mind wandered to the figure she refused calling a friend.

"Next spell I make will be the one to end his existence, so help me.'' She spat into the air, for herself, feeling more like a charity case than before, next to her feeling she owed them; it was something she didn't want to be, despite someone helping her.

"Well, like it or not, you will be staying until your full recovery.'' His arms moved and rested on his legs, as he uncrossed them. An attempt to make his statement more determined when talking to her.

"Huh? Why? Can't we do the whole recovery on the Tang and then I'll just come back and find a way to help them?'' untouched by the change in his posture, she argued.

"There's more space here. Besides, you wouldn't want to hurt Chopper – ya's feelings, would you?''

With her jaw pressed tightly, she glanced down onto her hands and legs, reminding herself that even if Adrion were to ask them for help, whoever's treated her so far, did a deed she should be more grateful of.

The situation was weighing more on the cons part that on the pros, the cons being in favour of her staying, at least until she can repay her debt.

Only then did she notice the other doctor took care of her feet as well, for which she could guarantee were in terrible state on their own and would need a lot of time to treat. Seeing the sight of it only confirmed her fears; so instead of feeling feisty, a feeling of regret and guiltiness washed over her.

Her temperament once again ensured she behaved unreasonably ungrateful towards someone who gave its best into treating her; especially when they didn't need to. Feeling a need to curse herself, she cursed at her friend.

"Screw you.''

He knew he broke her fight and riot with this, at least for now, making him smirk again in victory and leaning back, giving his win a motion.

"It's been a while. Maybe you could.'' He teased, knowing she would fire back.

"You kept dreaming, I see.'' To his amusement, she met his teasing, changing the atmosphere of tension into a more playful one for a moment.

"That's okay. There'll be plenty of time for everything in the next couple of weeks.'' Law followed her lead, deciding to give her another hit of unexpected information.

"Weeks? As in plural? I don't need that much time, Law.'' Her tone was dry when responding, something she taught herself to fake when in complete surprise.

"Doctor's orders.'' He met it, and continued; resulting in her deep sigh from her side when she felt defeated again.

"We're trying to help, idiot.''

"I know. I'm sorry.'' Ashamed for pushing him away once more, she whispered.

Her words didn't escape his ears though, furthermore, they took him by surprise since he knew how hard it was to milk them out from her.

Shockingly, he had the privilege to hear them for the second time since the two met, making all of the words his tongue wanted to send her way stay silent.

For years, she ached for compassion and friendship, and now when faced with it, offered and welcomed, she fought against it.

Her head slightly tilted to the side and they shared another moment of silence, which, had they shared it with someone else right now, might've grown uncomfortable after the last exchange.

Their silence usually never seemed to bother them; this was a recurring situation between the two. They would fight until one would be cornered with undeniable information or evidence, making them stop.

Exchange between two dominant figures such as themselves was better to end in that kind of manner, than a fight. And they were both acquainted with it.

Noticing a familiar atmosphere they've shared many times before, he saw an opportunity to stand up and place himself next to her on the bed, making her eyes follow his figure, slowly pushing his hand into the side of his coat. After a second, he pulled out a book of blue covers and worn-out edges, offering it to her.

''Here. Someone left this at my desk long time ago.''

''Must've been Ana.'' She welcomed the book by moving her left hand and lied while wrapping fingers, which hid slender attributes behind the bandages, around the mass of paper.

''Thank you.'' His head moved closer to her ear before whispering those words, and as soon as he finished, he found himself on his feet.

This caused a smile to break upon her lips, one that failed to be suppressed. As he was about to leave, he stretched his arm forward to take back the sword, which remained positioned throughout the whole conversation, before speaking towards the woman again.

''You should rest. Don't worry your doctor so much.''

His feet haven't even made a step and she reached out for his hand, stopping him instantly.

"Don't.''

Stunned by her sudden touch and statement, for which he suspected meant more than they sounded and looked, it took him a few seconds to clear his mind before he could eventually turn back around.

"Promise to go back to sleep.'' He flatly said, barely keeping his composure, as he turned back around and returned the sword where it previously was.

''I promise.'' She reached out, holding the book, insisting despite his previous observation. "And whoever left this, must've meant it as a gift.''

He took the book back, nodding his head as he took a seat next to her again, not anticipating a sudden movement from the woman once he stationed himself, whose forehead found itself placed against the coat covering his right biceps, as an attempt to unable him the sight of her face.

"I'm glad you're okay.'' Zaria finally admitted, whispering, as a code she knew he'd understand as 'I'm glad you're alive and here.'

''Likewise.'' He met her whisper, speaking against her scalp.

-Z-

Day 7, Thousand Sunny

After hours of sleep, her opening eyes were greeted by sunlight this time. The feeling of disorientation hadn't died down and the pain woke up just as she did.

In her blurry vision, she could recognize a silhouette, dark and thin, sitting across of her. Her mind quickly resulted it must've been her friend from last night, but the clearing of her eyesight proved it wrong.

The features of the figure were familiar, but they did not belong to a man. Just as she aimed her look at the top of the sitting figure, it moved the book it was holding and met it with orbs of blue colour.

''Robin?''

Her voice signalled another movement, seeing the raven haired woman smiled at her and put her book away.

''Good morning. Law - kun said you woke up last night.'' Her voice was warm, almost sounding melodic to Zaria's ears.

''Mhm.'' Zaria let out another groan, while trying her best to move again and sit up. ''Where is he?'' She questioned again, moving into the same position as last night.

''Luffy dragged him to eat. He hasn't left your side so far. So I took his place.'' Zaria felt Robin's eyes scanning her injured body, making her respond quickly.

''You didn't have to do that.'' Despite seeming distant from the woman, her company hadn't bothered her. In fact, hearing her voice left an unusual imprint on Zaria's discomfort. Almost as if it soothed her as well.

Hearing the patient's response only made another smile bloom on Robin's lips and send her up to stand.

''I should tell them you're awake.''

''Wait!'' Zaria's voice reached a high pitch; something uncharacteristic for it, in a flash.

Started by the sudden risen tone of her interlocutor, stunned Robin turned towards the girl, whose hands gripped on the fabric of her sheets.

''What did you mean by what you said back there?''

Her eyes didn't meet Robin's, almost as if she was ashamed.

She felt even greater exposure; this one caused by her disability to understand the meaning behind the words Robin directed at her.

''Hm?'' due to lack of information, Robin hummed her question out.

''When you said…'' Zaria paused, recalling. ''...this is not a way to achieve freedom. What did you mean?''

Finally explaining the true meaning behind her interrogation, Zaria clarified.

''Freedom is the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved. Am I wrong?'' Robins arms wrapped around the book she was reading and rested on her chest.

''No.'' With her response, Zaria found enough courage to meet her eyes, which were glued anywhere else up to this point.

''It doesn't apply only to your body, Zaria. It applies to your mind as well.''

''Doesn't it anger you? What they do? And how they get away with it?''

''Of course it does. I am not against revenge. And we should respect out history. Learn from it, but not become a slave to it.''

Just as she dreaded, Robin was feeding her mind with thoughts that haunted her for a long time.

Zaria spent so many years being enslaved to her anger and disappointment, without an ability to let it go. And, just as she didn't want to admit, Ana figured this out long before her and was trying to teach that will all her might.

Hell, even Robin's words sounded exactly like the one's Ana would give her.

''It must be hard. I understand.'' Noticing her absent mind in the moment, Robin added; making Zaria skip a subject and move further into the conversation.

''I don't want to be a bother.''

''Don't think about it like that.'' The woman spoke warmly before taking the direction of the doors and continuing.

''I'll let the captain know you're awake. He's looking forward to finally meeting you.''

-z-

Once she was left alone and awake, Zaria had no other choice but to use that short opportunity to face herself and the information she collected so far.

The tolls of conversations since she woke up pilled inside her head along with the interactions from the night she fought Richards.

Not once did she detect or felt any sign of hidden motives so far, something her mind was instantaneous to pick up in any given situation.

But all of this was sure to give her a headache.

Being a pirate was something she fought against many times before, for her own reasons, but, then again, there were a lot of things she swore never to do and she still walked all over them, eventually accomplishing those things.

Buried by her thoughts, her right hand found itself between her neck and shoulder, subconsciously rubbing the back side of it over the bandages, as a reminder of how far her killing spree went.

Just as she reached a decision of a sort, the doors slammed opened and a figure flew in, placing himself inches from where she sat.

''Hello! I'm Monkey D. Luffy! I'm going to be a Pirate King!'' a boyish figure introduced himself, while holding a hat on his head and smiling as widely as possible.

She couldn't be sure if it was the smile, which greeted her in the warmest of ways, or the sudden shake up from her thoughts, but for once, she couldn't find a reason to be distant from this man.

''Nice to meet you. I'm Zaria.'' An answer kinder than the one she would usually offer, escaped her as a response to a quick situation development.

''Luffy! Stop!''

A small creature came running in after his captain, yelling all the way there. The shouting only continued once he laid his eyes on his patient.

''What!? Why are you sitting?! You have to lie down! You shouldn't move yet!''

His behaviour made both chuckle, as he jumped in the air and landed on the bed, squeezing himself between Luffy and Zaria, before pushing her shoulder gently in attempt to get her back to rest.

''You must be doctor Chopper.'' It was obvious the only person to react this way would be a doctor; Zaria just hadn't expected her doctor to be an animal in the cutest form and shape imaginable to her, making her once again feel out of character when she kept speaking.

''I'm okay, don't worry. Thank you for taking care of me so well.'' Another softer statement rolled over her cracked lips.

''Oh, it's nothing really.'' Her words made him stop and blush for a moment, making her continue her speech to the reindeer. It was her childhood dream to be able to talk to animals, so naturally, she couldn't resist speaking more.

''I owe you. I know I must've caused you trouble. You're a really great caretaker.''

''Idiot, your compliments don't make me happy at all.'' The creature danced beside her, stealing a warm smile from the woman as another figure entered, that all present missed.

However, the next sound to roll over the room's air was that of a thud, once, Luffy found himself on the floor, falling from the bed; since Chopper's dance demanded more space.

This situation did leave Zaria's strict and serious mind baffled for a second, before she reminded herself to clear things out with the captain.

''I heard you want me to stay here?''

''Yes! You're going to be my nakama! Show me what you can do!'' his bright grin seemed to stretch over half of his face as his found his way back up, making Zaria slightly uncomfortable when she realized how nice it was seeing someone smile like that. It was a smile of hope and light, reminding her of her sister.

Further examining the features of his face, she couldn't figure out how was he the same person her body impulsively obeyed before. The aura this man transmitted had a strange effect on her; were it his eyes or his smile; making her feel like a child again, only this time not as helpless.

The sanity in her tried to resolve it as looking for a substitute for everything she's lost so far; and it determined to ask questions when reminded how far her loss got her.

''Why would you want someone like me to join? Haven't they told you what I've done?''

''So?''

His face seemed confused at first, something Zaria found hard to decipher at the moment. It was as if the male hadn't even thought all of this through, which she found unbearable.

''What do you mean 'so'? You're asking me to join your crew. Aren't I a bad guy?'' her voice tried to reason with him, speaking what she thought must be somewhere in his head. Truth to be told, if she were a captain, she would be more hesitant.

''Eh? You mean to the Navy? We're pirates, and you had your reasons, I don't care about that. You seem nice.'' His blunt honesty took her to a surprise.

As if it wasn't enough, in her opinion, it honestly did seem like he couldn't be bothered by the information she presented, and his compliment only made it worse for her mind to process what he was saying and doing.

Deception and dishonesty were all she knew of the outside world. This experience made her prepared for everything she could encounter. Apart from Luffy, who seemed to miss all Zaria feared and defended against; deepening her sweet confusion by the young man's presence.

''N-nice?''

''Told you she'll be surprised.'' Law finally spoke up. ''But you have to leave, we need to have a check – up.'' He ordered to Luffy, snapping Chopper out of his behaviour.

''Yes, we need to see how she's doing.'' The smaller doctor boosted Laws statement.

''No, I want to her to show me what she can do! Chopper!'' Luffy rebelled against them, more in a yelling manner.

''Luffy, she can't do anything yet, she's still in a bad condition!'' Chopper fought with his captain while pushing him out of the room. Luffy's voice could still be heard from the outside for a moment, but it eventually died down, as he must've found another distraction.

As Chopper closed the door after kicking out his Captain, he left out a long sigh, capturing the attention of both humans, and approached to the patient again, explaining.

''There were a couple of tests I couldn't do until you woke up, because I needed your permission.'' His voice grew weaker by the end of the statement, as if he was feeling embarrassed, as he returned to his previous place.

''Oh...'' Luckily for the smaller doctor, she understood what he meant.

Finding herself a victim to the doctor's cuteness, Zaria couldn't help but smile at him and place her hand on top of his hat.

''It's okay, Law's going to do it anyways.'' She comforted the creature, with a sweet tone in her voice.

''WHAT?'' instantly, both doctors yelled at the same time towards her.

''You've done so much for me as it is, and I'm sure this would feel a bit weird for you now. While Law there still has a debt to return.''

Law took a deep breath, before nodding finally and pulling up the sleeves of his navy shirt. ''It's okay, Chopper – ya. I can do it.''

''Okay, then can you change her bandages as well?'' jumping back to the ground of the sick bay, his voice sweetly rang.

''Of course.'' Law gave an answer to his colleague.

''Good. I'll go and tell everyone to stay clear of this room for a while.'' Smiling his way out of the room, his feet made gentle squishing sounds to the door.

''Thank you, doctor Chopper.'' Zaria sang as he left the bay, not even trying to fight off the smile that creature caused.

''Any special reason for this?'' Law's eyebrow rose as he pulled on the gloves, approaching her.

Pouring her attention on the remaining doctor, Zaria spoke her logic when answering. ''Although he seems like a sweetheart, he's still a stranger. Also, hooves.''

Taking her right arm, he placed his hand on her elbow, explaining with a tone low and understanding ''He can change. He's a devil fruit user.'' His pause hadn't lasted long and he found it suitable to add. ''You should've asked before deciding.''

''Didn't you say you wanted to lead my rehabilitation? Don't let it faze you, Mr. Sunshine.''

He pulled the needle out of her hand, which took her by surprise, making her jerk a bit and stare at him, without wanting to say it actually hurt her since she knew it was a reply to her last statement.

''I'll take the bandages off first.'' He announced, grabbing the bandage scissors from a plate next to the bed. As he approached her with them, her body stiffened a little.

''I'll start with those on your legs, moving upwards.'' his voice was calm, having the same affect on her as he spoke, the body losing its stiffness for a moment. Trying to ease the silence as well, she found a reason to speak.

''Where's your crew?''

''I sent them to an island nearby, we should reach it in about two days.'' He sat on the chair, placed closer to the bed than to the table now; carefully making cuts on the bandages of her feet.

''How are they doing?'' her voice almost grew playful, while he tried his hardest not to make a rub against her wounded skin.

''Fine. Not thrilled about the alliance, though.'' Focused on his job, he offered his replies flatly.

''Do they mind you leaving like this?'' Zaria was insisting, knowing he didn't actually mind this kind of interaction.

''I didn't want to go at first, but Shachi and Penguin annoyed me about it. Bepo insisted.''

His last response left a mark in a form of a smile on her lips, as she noticed her friend was once again hesitant to true his true intentions, before she added.

''That must be why your determination got so shaky.''

Had this conversation been held in any other situation, it would leave him flustered. Fortunately for the doctor, he had a job that help to focus on, keeping him unfazed by her observation. In stead, he finally removed layers of bandages Chopper placed there previously. Only when they finally unfolded, leaving her feet opened and unwrapped, had he noticed the true severity of her condition.

The change on his face was noticeable for only a short second, but she caught it, questioning again and leaving the subject before behind them.

''How does it look?''

''Like you went to hell and back. You shouldn't walk for now.'' He took a deep breath and continued cutting up to her knee.

''It'll be fine. I can just heal it.''

''No spell casting until you're fully recovered.'' He resonated, before checking the legs for progress and state.

''I'm not a fan of feeling useless.'' Zaria back fired instantly.

''Doctor's orders.'' He looked up; meeting her eyes, feeling empowered by the order he's given to a woman whose enjoyment was greatest when disobeying.

''I also don't like orders.''

''Too bad you'll have to get over the both.''

He concluded the issue, before standing up, facing her.

Placing the scissors next to her and his slender hands on the sides of her thighs, he looked her straight in the eyes, before questioning.

''Why is it so hard to listen to me, but easy for you to listen Luffy?''

Being faced with that question didn't surprise her, since she figured it's going to surface sooner or later. Relaxing her face and letting him see a part of her he was looking for, she hadn't broke the gaze when answering.

''You just don't rub me that way.'' The words coming out her sounded harsher than they seemed, but he knew her real reply was hiding in those bushes and it was warmer that the one she offered, making his reply less cryptic.

''You're still complicated.''

Nodding his head, he took the scissors back in one hand and her palm in another, making a cut beneath her wrist.

''Just wanted to make sure that hasn't changed.''

Her hand levitated to his, holding the scissors, making him stop and avert his gaze from the wraps and her skin, to her.

''Law...'' her voice was weak, not sweet nor harsh, but she still tried to make it gentle. ''I hate to break it to you, but at this point, I doubt it will change.''

There was far more there to say, but she wasn't willing to say it or to even give him a code he could crack. Had she said it any other way, had it sound less harsh than that; she was certain he'd finally be able to understand the true reason behind her actions of refusing to join his crew.

Her logic might've been twisted, but it was her decision he had to respect.

She moved her hand to his elbow, caressing it gently.

''Can you respect that decision like you did before?''

Keeping his mind collected, he only gave her a nod and a short reply when she retreated her hand.

''Sure.''

The moment of their weakness was brief, as it always was, and he went back to unwrapping her again.

''You seem to be healing okay. Although it's not as fast as usually.''

''Yeah, I think it's because most of the injuries were made by the stone. Or because I was in a bad state when I got them. It will pick up its pace once I gain some weight.'' She quickly explained to the doctor who already knew how long her body usually took to recover from injuries.

''Still, you shouldn't move so much. Chopper – ya's right. It's already been seven days, and these still look really bad.''

The new information didn't faze her on the surface as much as it did on the inside. This meant she was out for six days, longer than she had expected, meaning their worries were actually more justified than she previously thought.

Law snapped her out of her thoughts, speaking quietly.

''Can you raise your arm?''

''Yeah, sure.'' A small groan left her throat as she moved her right arm up, feeling the pain rush over her shoulders. Noticing it, he picked up the pace when making a cut on the right side of her torso.

''Other arm now.'' He moved to the other side, ordering this time, making her react the same way when he cut again.

In silence, he proceeded to make multiple cuts on her shoulders, making her move her hands on her chest to stop the bandages from falling to reveal her.

Seeing her back was now exposed, he sent another order her way, while moving to her left side.

''Turn as much as you can, don't overdo it.''

Moving clockwise and resting on her right arm that found its way onto the covers, she turned, letting him inspect her back, knowing it was for the best not to see the expression his face was going to take once he notices how many tattoos now adorned her skin.

Last time he saw her back; there were only a handful of tattoos. Now, they spread all over her lower back, spine and shoulders, almost all the way to the sides of her torso.

Without a sound, he gently moved her hair over her right shoulder before his gloved fingertips started tracing over the tattoos, feeling the bumps of their lines under his slender fingers, making her twitch a little.

The tattoos were made with such precision, the outlines of each flower so thin, as if the smallest needle ever was used to make them; but there were so many at this point. Even if the individual tattoos were made so narrow and small; it seemed the opposite when one would observe it from a far.

''Didn't you say these are dangerous?'' he directed a question at the woman, recalling their conversation long time ago.

Looking over her shoulder, she saw the outline of his figure, reminding her of a similar scene years ago.

''Don't worry about it. I'll find a way around it.'' Her movement compelled his body to react as well, in a form of pulling his hand back.

''You always do.'' He confirmed, in a non – sarcastic matter, to his own surprise; once he faced her again. Only now had they began to feel slightly uncomfortable.

Slowly, he rested his right hand on top of her left, which still held her breasts hidden, pushing it to the side of her thigh. Knowing what he was to see there, her head tilted softly to the right and her eyes focused on the wall behind him.

The goose - bumped skin of her chest was coated in shades of yellowish green where bite marks could be noticed. Of all the injuries he'd seen so far, these seemed to worry her and affect her the most.

''It's healing. It will be okay soon.'' He tried comforting her, or himself, before placing his gloved hand on it, making her jaw clutch harder to the pain.

Nothing seemed infected, meaning Chopper did an excellent job in cleaning those wounds.

What he missed initially was a sunflower – like tattoo that nested between her breasts. Had her skin been healed, it wouldn't be hard to miss. But under so many shades of colours, even the palm - size lines seemed to blur.

His eyes stayed glued to it for a moment too long; provoking Zaria to react while his awes were captured by the simplicity of the mark.

''It's a new spell. Against haki.''

''Where did you get the design?'' It did resemble another flower, but it was simpler than that, having only some of the geometric attributes, with a hexagram in the middle.

''Found it in some book about chakras. I just gave it another meaning.'' Her voice sounded fragile, but it wasn't Law's questions that made it that way; but just the memory of how the tattoo came to its existence.

Unfamiliar with that fact; he decided to continue in the direction of his profession; noting he'd rather ask more questions once they are done with this.

''You'll have to move to the end of the bed now.''

-z-

Trying to get out of the most uncomfortable situation the two have ever been in, he took off his gloves and placed the samples onto the chair as he got up, taking her underwear to put it back on her. Before he had a chance, she already sat up and moved her legs away from him, before speaking.

''It's okay. I don't want to put those back on.''

''Okay.'' He nodded, before placing them in his pocket, so the rest of the crew wouldn't be able to see them before he got a chance to dispose of it.

''Everything seems okay so far. A lot of marks of friction and bruises, but they're healing properly. Nothing seems infected, but the results will tell us if we should worry.''

''Thank you for doing this.'' Her face was stoic, but it wasn't the stoic face he knew. It would've been surprising, but his was the same, so he spoke none of it.

Instead, he grabbed the samples and pushed the chair back to the table, leaving both there. Finding another bag full of bandages, he placed it on the bed before grabbing her body as gently as possible by placing his hands behind her knees and on her back, to reposition her into a state she was previously on.

Seeing the change in his behaviour, which seemed colder towards her than usual, confusing her, she decided to speak.

''Don't do that.''

''What?''

''Ana was in a worse state than I am. And whatever I've done, I've done for my own cause. So don't feel sorry.''

He knew she'd never allow him to picture her as weak or pitiful, and an attempt at proving her strength made him realize just why he cherished her as a friend.

''I'm not. I can see you got stronger. I'm proud you did what you did.''

-z-

After Law finished cleaning some of her wounds and wrapping her back up into a mummy, leaving only certain parts of her skin naked, for which he thought were to heal faster if they were allowed to 'breathe'; he left to dispose of all he took off of her moments before.

Zaria was left sitting alone in the bay, wrapped in his coat he made sure to grab before he left, seeing she was basically naked underneath, excluding the bandages.

Seeing his exit, Nami was the quickest to react, peeking into the room cautiously. Zaria met her new crewmate with a soft look and a half smile, and spoke immediately.

''Hello.''

''Hi.'' Nami greeted her back, now entering the room but staying near the exit. ''I just wanted to see how are you doing.''

''I'm doing okay.''

''I'm glad to hear that.''

Both of them seemed somewhat uncomfortable with the situation. Zaria was always socially awkward when meeting new people honestly.

If this was a mission, she'd feel a lot more relaxed and talkative, but seeing she didn't want to fool Nami with any of her mission – like behaviour, it was harder to make conversation.

Thankfully, it was as Nami noticed this, trying to ease the wounded woman by speaking first.

''I have something for you. I'll go grab it.''

Somewhat calmer, Zaria nodded her head.

Nami's step was agile, so she was quick to leave and to come back, holding an opened, wooden box and a black satin backpack.

Seeing it, Zaria's face immediately grew curious and surprised, maybe even relieved, making her instantly react.

''Where did you get that?''

''Hm, your friend left it by the door. We only noticed it when he left.'' She replied, sitting next to the woman and placing both items down.

''He's not a friend, but it does make sense. I left it in the Black Sea.''

''Sorry, we thought you two are close.'' Nami admitted.

''He's just someone who keeps sticking around when unwanted.'' Zaria confessed as well; clarifying. ''But I should've figured he'd follow me, even from down there.''

Now it was Nami whose expressions were curious and riddled, looking at Zaria in disbelief, while the woman took the backpack in her hands.

''From the Black sea, right? Where is that exactly?'' Nami questioned, not recalling she ever heard of a place with such name.

''Umm...'' Zaria hummed, trying to figure out how to put into words something so abstract to her nature.

''Well, it's not exactly a place I can pin down on a map. It's what's behind the shadows. It's darkness. I don't know how to explain it.''

''Why do you call it a sea?''

''Oh, right.'' Zaria's throat left a chuckle, as a reaction to her missing the most obvious way to explain; before trying to sort her thoughts in favour of Nami's understanding.

''It's where all the shadows meet, right? So the shadows are actually bright there, and they are above you. So as they move, it's almost as watching waves when you dive and look up.''

''So shadows are a portal to you. That's where you go when you go into a shadow.'' Her acquaintance now lost all previous marks of confusion.

''Very good.'' This quick observation left Zaria pleasantly surprised. ''You're pretty smart. Nobody figured it out so fast.''

Compliment sent Nami's way made a slight blush dance over her cheeks and smile, but her smile was replaced almost instantly with more curiosity as Zaria opened up the backpack.

Over the back side she could notice stacked notebooks, some of which seemed old and worn out, as if they have been opened too many times; its pages showing clear sign of consequences of it.

The attention she gave to the notebooks was soon forgotten by the two heavy – looking clothed bags, whose clinking sound snapped Nami from her previous observation. Her thoughts remained on them, especially now that Zaria offered them to her by extending her hand.

''There's not much inside, maybe around 50k. But here, you can have it.'' Her tone indicated she wasn't bothered by this action. After all, she had to cover her medical expenses somehow.

''50 grand?! Where did you get this?!'' Nami's eyes suddenly grew a form Zaria hadn't ever seen before; as she noticed her relationship with money wasn't shared by everyone, especially not her interlocutor.

''People bet insane amounts on poker.''

Her company could not take her eyes away from the content of the bags, once she undid the knot on them. It was almost satisfying and pleasurable seeing someone happy over something she didn't find as important. Dazed by the bags, Zaria actually found it hard to snap Nami out of it when she found the urge to ask.

''What's the box for?''

''Oh, Robin and I put together some of the things we figured you might need.'' Her right hand only made a swift motion, as if it wasn't a big deal, before pushing the box against the covers, closer to Zaria; while her attention stayed undivided.

Little did Nami understand it was a bigger deal to the woman sitting in wraps than she could imagine, making her put a humble sound to her thoughts.

''You didn't have to do that.''

''We already got used to having female guests, it's not a big deal.'' This time, her intelligent conversationalist didn't pick up on her change of tone.

''Oh... In that case...'' Feeling uncomfortable by this deed, Zaria found herself pushing her hand down the backpack once more, grabbing a small fold of brown paper. ''You can have this too if you're interested.'' She spoke to the orange haired woman when she offered her the map.

''What is it?'' at last, Nami broke out of it.

''Blue jewel map. But I'm missing a second part.'' Monotonously, Zaria gave an explanation.

''Blue jewel? As in the heaviest jewel ever made that went missing ages ago?''

Nami's tone of voice warned Zaria she was about to be hit by another wave of excitement from her; making her react quickly.

''Yeah. However, it's mostly useless without the second part.''

Embracing the paper with her fingers, she quickly worked to unwind the map, looking into the scribing on it while a figure reappeared.

''What's got her so happy?'' Law sent a question Zaria's way.

''Money, it seems.'' Zaria smirked, while Nami announced her departure.

''I'll leave you two alone.'' Grabbing all of her new belonging; she did as she announced, once again swiftly departing from her allies; one of which couldn't be bothered by this, while the other found it still so strange.

As she left the room, she missed Chopper on the entrance, carrying what seemed to be a bowl of a hot meal, so focused on it not spilling, he missed his crewmate exiting.

''I brought you something to eat.''

''Law, can you help him?'' Zaria immediately reacted.

Rolling his eyes, Law crutched down and took the bowl from his small hands before placing it on the table, enabling Chopper to walk and talk freely.

''Thank you. I made sure to tell everyone not to bother you all at once, because it could stress you.''

''You worry too much, little one.''

Zaria couldn't help herself not to be kind and gentle to the little reindeer, not only for his help, but also because of his appearance and sweetness; reminding the other human she had the same approach to his navigator as well.

As Law took the bowl and handed it to the woman, who now moved all the items she received, heavily blushed Chopper asked.

''How are you feeling?''

''Honestly, I'm doing okay. Everything hurts, but that's normal.''

''Mhm. How are her wounds?'' this time, he placed a question above Law.

''Healing well. You did a really good job.''

Again, Chopper couldn't help himself but to act silly upon receiving a compliment, especially coming from a fellow doctor, which Zaria found charming as she sipped on the soup he brought.

''This is really good. I'll have to thank the cook as well.''

''Oh, mademoiselle, it was a pleasure cooking for you.''

To everyone's surprise and mostly displeasure, a blonde man now practically flew into the room, mimicking Luffy's behaviour from hours before, attaching his lips and hands to her stolen left; while the right struggled to maintain the bowl held, as he stated his affections.

''Sanji! I said no visitors yet!'' Chopper's yell was immediate to the man that must've been lurking outside of the room.

''You're the guy that stopped the hit.'' Still getting accustomed to a sudden change and presence, Zaria only could speak what first came to her mind.

''It breaks my heart seeing you this hurt.'' He stated again, dramatically, without even looking at her; which could've been for the better, seeing his eyes were in any other dimension but this.

''Black leg – ya, get out, she needs rest.'' Law interfered, taking Choppers side.

''It's completely unfair for you two to deny her company for all of us!'' Sanji argued while being pushed out by an enlarged reindeer now, who found it suitable to argue again.

''You'll overwhelm her with all your visits! I explained this already!''

As the two pushed back and forth, strangely entertaining the woman by their unusual demeanour, Law left out a long sigh, dismissing it only as a childish behaviour he still hadn't grown used to, and took a seat by the table, starting to examine the samples he previously took.

Somehow, the day was coming to an end; but nothing yet had Zaria troubling for her safety.

Returning Chopper placed himself back on the bed, next to his patient, after grabbing a thermometer.

''Here, I need to check your temperature and pressure.''

The sight of both doctors doing something in favour of her health made Zaria's chest feel strange.

Law was sitting across of her, while the small doctor hopped around the room, tidying it up and replacing some of the objects. The moment seemed to start cutting its way into a pleasant memory inside of her mind.

It was quiet and comfortable; and it didn't make her yearn a grip on her Malices. In fact, ever since she woke up, she hasn't yearned for her weapons.

Maybe few of the sun rays, that actually reached the bay, made the scenery appear warmer that it should've been.

Whatever it was, it ended up being a rare occurrence she didn't just place somewhere as info or an observation, but as a soft and tender moment in a folder that became dusty and cobwebbed from lack of usage over the years.

-z-

-Somewhere in the sea, unknown location-

A tall grim figure emerged from a shadow of a chest in the corner, facing the man that sat at the table, cleaning his gun.

''Oh, Adrion. Hello.'' The man greeted it, without moving his gaze away from the task. Just like the man, Adrion movement was nonexistent, in attempt to make their interaction brief and quick, rushing him to speak.

''Hello, sir.''

''How is she?'' despite the darkness and sounds coming from the outside of the cabin, he could feel worry in the man's voice.

''She woke up yesterday. She's going to be okay.'' He's tone might've been flat, but it did hide same troubles.

''Thank you for informing me. I was getting worried.'' He finally graced Adrion's presence by looking up; but his face still missed any expression when asking. ''Has she decided to stay?''

''I did as you requested. Luffy already said she's one of them now.''

''Good.'' His lips only pressed together a bit stronger, and only for a slip of a second where a smile was supposed to break out, before speaking again ''He'll keep her safe.''

''Mr. Trafalgar is also with her.'' The emphasis on the man's last name revealed Adrion's stress.

''You seem displeased.'' Returning to his task, he offered an observation to the entity.

''I'm just not fond of his company.'' Sounding rougher, Adrion explained.

''But she is.'' His reply was short, but he knew it had to be given directly.

''I still worry, sir.'' Adrion continued, unprovoked, still believing everything he wishes is the best for the witch in question.

At last, completing the task under him, the male reassembled the gun and made his last reasoning.

''Don't. There's a storm coming. And my daughter is better to be surrounded with trustworthy people.''

Author's note:

As a further explanation of what I said above: I have had somewhat of a writer's block when writing this part. And it ended up being a mish mash of all of the smaller chapters and scenes I came up with. I hope it's not as noticable, I tried hard not to make it so obvious, and I apologize if it is.

With that out of the way...

I just wanted to say hello to everyone that's been following this story so far and thank you for reading. Really, thank you.

But when expressing gratitude, I must thank Vergil Leonidas the most. A person who kept encouraging me and guiding me when I would've hit a wall or overwhelm myself. I know this author might not share that opinion with me, but they really do a lot.

Thank you so much, you're a lifesaver.

Also, check their story out. You can find it on my profile; it's called Zone of Protection and it's a really good piece. (For real, guys, this is my sensei, and the story is so cool)

Next, I wanted to announce the following chapter might not be coming out before October due to my exams taking place through whole September. Of course, I might procrastinate as always and end up writing and posting chapter six, but at this point, I don't want to make any promises and would actually like more for you to be warned.

For this reason as well, this chapter is the longest and biggest I've written and posted so far.

Since I'm usually not posting notes; I'll take this one as an opportunity to give some insight for my character's design, since it is fairly complicated and I didn't leave an impression that detailed.

I'm still in a process of learning and am not used to describing abilities such as Zaria's.

I see it in my head, how she would do it and how does it look, but I often feel I fail to bring that to paper. So, following that thought, I decided to give you some bits you could find helpful. Of course, this does not mean I'll stop trying to explain everything.

- If you were to watch a couple of videos on the subject of bending in Avatar: The Last Airbender; I think you'll find a lot of it being quite similar to what Zaria uses. I am trying to find other ways to describe ability usage, but I do fail quite often.

- The hand motions I mention throughout chapters; when it comes to the things I've seen, could be similar to Magneto's motions (X-men) or Cleo's hand motions (H20: just add water – and sure, you can tell how big of a dork I am for bringing this up); as well as Avatar again.

- The blades she uses, when separated (and I haven't noticed this until writing chapter three, yeah...), are similar to those of Angel Blades from a TV show called Supernatural.

- The tattoos on her back are just normal floral – motive tattoos, but the one on her chest is a symbol of Anahata chakra; its use is different though, as she stated, and it will be investigated in the future chapters; this is just for the sake of visualizing it.

I don't want to make this some sort of a crossover, so naturally, I'm aiming for differences, but to help you perceive it better, it would do a trick to check out some of what I mentioned.

I think that's all for now that I can clarify on, without jumping into the waters of spoilers. If you have a problem with anything else, can't visualize it or are curious (meaning I failed at describing it properly), I'd love to hear about it so I can make it clearer in the future.