Chapter Text
Out of all potential factors that could pose any sort of threat to a seafaring journey, Law had least of all considered a mutiny. Whilst the waters of the route between Dressrosa and Flevance were known to be quite calm and safe this time of the year, one should always consider the possibility of a storm, be wary of the change in currents and always pay close attention to the sea charts to avoid any nearby reefs. Pirates were also something to be mindful of, naturally, no matter how few documented cases there were of this particular route.
A mutiny within the crew of a Dressrosan Navy vessel, however, was nothing short of laughable. Law would not have believed it had it not been for his direct involvement, and even when coming face to face with the situation he’d had a hard time coming to terms with it.
After all, who in their right mind would be so foolish as to betray the Governor of Dressrosa himself? By attacking and kidnapping his own nephew at that. Then again, Law supposed, a simpleton like Bellamy hardly had the common sense enough to realize the consequences of such actions. In hindsight it was not so shocking after all.
Law had been enjoying some quiet time in his private cabin, reading one of his favorite books, when a loud disturbance on deck interrupted his peace. Rowdy, loud voices and a stampede of boots running back and forth; despite Law’s valiant efforts, it lasted for far too long to ignore.
Irritated, he had put his book down and marched his way out on deck to see what the fuss was about, and fully intended to put a stop to it. This sort of behavior was hardly appropriate on a Dressrosan escort vessel, and it was not at all the sort of behavior that the captain, Cricket Mont Blanc, would usually tolerate. That fact alone should have been enough to raise some sort of alarm, but Law was too blinded by his annoyance to pay attention.
He had just opened the door to his cabin and crossed the threshold when he came face to face with a chilling scene that made him freeze in his tracks. And all he could do was to stare in utter shock whilst trying to process what was happening before him.
Captain Cricket laid face down on the floor in a pool of his own blood. He was still breathing, but whatever wound he had suffered was quickly draining him of life. A short distance away, three others that Law recognized as the navigator, helmsman and the cabin boy, were in a similar state. The rest of the crew seemed to be part of the mutiny, the leader of which soon revealed himself as he came down the stairs from the quarter deck.
Bellamy had been Cricket’s lieutenant for roughly six months. His promotion was based on his combat skills, several recommendations from the Dressrosan Navy academy, and his loyalty to Doflamingo himself. It was quite ironic now, that the man who had always claimed to respect the Governor more than anyone and would jump off a cliff should the latter ask him, was the first man to betray him.
Before Law could even begin to react, he was subdued by two of Bellamy’s men. His wrists were chained behind his back and the brute known to him as Sarquiss roughly shoved him down to sit on the floor before his leader.
As Law glanced around deck, he noticed that all of those involved in the mutiny had changed out of their navy uniforms and now donned outfits common to what pirates were known to wear. He had to wonder just what sort of offer Bellamy had tempted them with, for them to go against Doflamingo and all of Dressrosa. This was an escort mission to bring Law to Flevance safely; to interfere with it and directly compromise said safety was a personal attack on the Governor.
Law remained still and silent as Bellamy came to stand before him. Just like the rest, he had discarded his uniform and replaced his white jacket with a captain’s coat of dark blue embroidered with yellow thread and buttons.
“Bet you didn’t see this coming, huh?” he told Law with a booming laugh, an ugly grin full of teeth splitting his face.
He did not wait for a reply and instead turned to address his crew that had gathered around him.
“Good job, everyone! All according to plan!”
They replied with loud shouts of victory, some raising their hands to emphasize their excitement.
Law had never liked the man. His opinion of him was that of his uncle’s annoying lap dog who constantly disgraced himself with unintelligent comments and insistent groveling before Doflamingo. Many times had Bellamy come to visit him at the mansion, begging for chances to prove himself worthy of promotions and Doflamingo’s continued patronage. To Law he was and would always remain nothing but a dumb brute.
However, if there was one thing he could admit to, it was Bellamy’s guts. There were few people daring enough to anger Doflamingo through a stunt like this.
When he told Bellamy so, the latter merely shrugged his shoulders.
“I do admire your uncle, really. And when I first came to Dressrosa I was serious about entering his service as a navy man.”
“But?” Law inquired with a lazy drawl that contained no genuine curiosity, simply because he did not expect any decent answer.
And he was right.
“Honestly, it turned out to be more boring than I expected. I was hoping to sail the waters and fight against pirates; hunt them down and bring them back either dead or alive, burn their flags and confiscate their ships. I’d win the favor of your uncle and all of Dressrosa then climb the ranks and gain fame and fortune!”
“So…you are doing this because you are bored?”
“Hey now, don’t glare at me like that. I’m sure even you can understand where I’m coming from. Nothing ever happens in Dressrosa; it’s too comfy and lazy. Pirates know to stay away from it, and no enemy nations would ever think to strike it without first taking down the allied islands nearby.”
“And your solution is to kidnap me? Why not just leave Dressrosa and try somewhere else? I’m sure there are other Navy branches that would take you in and let you hunt pirates to your heart's content.”
“Nah. I’m gonna become a pirate myself! A great, infamous captain with my own crew and an ever greater ship than this pathetic thing!”
“...”
Law had half a mind to ask just how such a thing would be accomplished, and what his particular role was in all this, but he soon came to realize that there was no need since Bellamy was likely to tell him on his own accord.
And, quite right, the traitor got down on his hunches in front of Law and exposed his plan through that same ugly, taunting grin.
“First we’re going to Sabaody where I’ll sell you off to get started financially; you’ll fetch a high enough price.”
Law controlled his expression very carefully. But there was no denying the stab of panic upon the mentioned destination. With as much calm as he could muster he made an attempt to speak some sense into the foolish man.
“Uncle would pay more to have me back.”
“You’d be surprised at how many people attend those auctions over there. I happen to know that even some of the most powerful figures in the world show up from time to time. We’re talking nobles of the highest ranks, even royalty .”
“...”
“Besides, if I contacted your uncle now and demanded ransom, he’d never stop chasing me down. No, he’s not going to find out about this; for all he knows we had an accident at sea and none of us survived. And if he ever does find out, it will be too late by then.You and I will both be long gone, in who knows what corners of the world.”
Bellamy laughed gleefully.
“Not bad for my first heist, ey?”
Once Bellamy was satisfied with his villainous monologue, Law was put in the brig where he was meant to stay for the rest of the trip to Sabaody. Stuck in a cell, all by himself, and chained to the wall opposite to the iron bars. The fact that he was alone made his stomach sink, for it meant that Cricket and his three companions had been left to die as they were.
That same night a violent storm introduced itself to the ship; one that Bellamy and his crew had not anticipated. Their change in course had taken them to a rougher and more unpredictable part of the sea, and so the forecast before their departure was no longer valid.
Things quickly escalated from there. The storm set in motion a series of events that would eventually lead in a most unexpected direction. Unexpected and what at first glance seemed hopeless, but would later turn out to be Law’s salvation.
Captain Eustass Kid had been enjoying a midday nap in his cabin when his first mate came to wake him up. He relayed the news of a ship spotted nearby, one that seemingly belonged to the navy of Dressrosa but its smaller size suggested that it was not of the offensive type. A trading vessel, possibly. Or one meant for scouting or escort missions. What’s more, the ship seemed to have gone aground on a rocky reef. A result of last night’s storm, no doubt.
Not the most exciting circumstances, perhaps, but Kid would take it nonetheless. After a rather uneventful week at sea, he and his crew were growing restless and itched for some action. They couldn’t be picky with their prey at this time.
And so, he gave the order to steer towards the foreign ship for a raid. In its current condition, there was no need to damage it further. Not only would it end the fun too quickly, but Dressrosa was a wealthy island and it would be in their best interest to keep as much of the vessel intact for their raid. One never knew what valuables there were to be found. Especially if it did turn out to be a trading galley.
“Don’t kill them right away if you can help it,” Kid ordered as he came to stand before his crew, “we’ll take our time with them and have some fun. Disarm them and round them up for me. If they give you a hard time, though, I guess it can’t be helped.”
Now that they had finally found something to lift their boredom, it had to be savored. The killing and destruction would be saved for last, after they had taken everything worth taking and instilled some fear in their victims.
With the winds at its rear the Victoria Punk approached the damaged vessel at high speed and not before long it came to a slow glide parallel to its side. Once the anchor was dropped a wooden plank was bridged between them and the other ship, and in their impatience for action the pirates sprang across it whilst hollering with excitement.
Kid, on the other hand, remained where he stood. Not that he didn’t share his crewmates’ enthusiasm, but as a generous captain who loved them all equally he allowed them the first taste. For a while he watched from there, appreciating the chaos that ensued, before finally crossing the boarding plank with slow, confident strides.
While they clashed against their victims, Kid took his time to glance around the ship. It was a nice piece of craftsmanship, sturdy and decorative with elaborate patterns carved into the wooden railings and door frames. Just as one would expect from a wealthy place like Dressrosa.
What struck him as odd, however, was the ship’s crew. None of them donned the standard white and blue uniforms of the navy. In fact, they looked more like pirates themselves.
How interesting.
The men and women that made up the crew seemed insistent on fighting back, but were easily overpowered by Kid’s men. One of them was brave -or foolish- enough to attempt a sneak attack on him, but before Kid could kill him, his first mate cut him down in an instant.
Without even sparing a single glance at the now dead man, the captain addressed his subordinate.
“What do you make of this, Killer?”
“They don’t appear to be merchants or navy men. The flags, on the other hand, are unmistakably those of the Dressrosa marine force.”
“So they either stole this ship or just don’t care about following the dress code.”
“Something like that.”
Kid shrugged, his grin widening.
“Oh well, whatever the case it doesn’t change anything.”
The confrontation with their prey ended soon enough. Whilst there had been no doubt about the outcome from the start, one that was achieved quite easily at that, it had at least served as an entertaining enough distraction for the pirates of the Victoria Punk.
Due to Kid’s orders of avoiding immediate killing, said entertainment was prolonged as the defeated enemy was rounded up, tied up and forced to kneel in a row before the captain.
“Is this all of them?” Kid asked his first mate.
“I believe so.”
“Alright. Now, which one of you is the captain?”
The answer came soon enough, but not in the way Kid had expected. Rather than any of the men and women announcing themselves, there was a loud shout further ahead and when Kid looked up he saw two of his men, Heat and Wire, drag a pair of individuals along with them.
“We found two more, captain.”
One of the men, a blonde man wearing a blue coat, was brought forward. Judging by the look of his bruised face, he had fought back but lost miserably, and ended up bound by thick ropes and stripped of his weapons.
Kid assumed that this was the man in charge of the ship.
“We found him preparing one of the lifeboats, captain,” Wire explained, to which Kid laughed.
“Oh? Trying to run off were you? Assuming you’re the captain of this ship, that's not very honorable of you.”
“S-shut up!” Bellamy snapped with his teeth bared, “I-I wasn’t running away!”
A lie, obviously. One made with the single intention of saving face in front of his crew, the full attention of which was on him.
“No? Then what were you doing by the lifeboats?”
Bellamy began to sputter a long string of nonsensical excuses with the occasional threat here and there, to which Kid rolled his eyes in utter boredom. And it was then that his gaze settled on the other person Heat and Wire had brought; a young man with dark hair and tanned skin, and the prettiest set of eyes he’d ever seen. His hands were tied behind his back by iron shackles and a white cloth tied around his lower face served as a makeshift gag.
“Who’s this?” He asked Heat who was currently holding onto the man’s arm to prevent him from resisting. Though there was none of that; this stranger remained still and compliant.
“This one was already bound, captain. He was with that one,” here Heat gestured towards Bellamy, “and was giving him a hard time when we found them. Seems like he was a prisoner to begin with.”
“I see…”
Utterly entranced by this beautiful creature, Kid made his way over without taking his eyes off him. He ran a hand through his messy hair in a half hearted attempt at grooming himself, and greeted with the most charming smile he could muster once coming to a stop before him, “Well hello there, handsome.”
His body shivered with excitement when those honey-gold eyes locked with his, and in his eagerness to hear the man’s voice he reached out to undo the gag. Compared to the other one caught by Wire and Heat, this stranger had enough manners to return his greeting as soon as he was able to speak. And he did so with the utmost politeness.
“Good day.”
Kid had to give it to him; he seemed surprisingly calm given the situation.
“I hope my men weren’t too rough with you.”
“Oh quite the contrary,” the beautiful stranger replied, “they were surprisingly gentle. That is, compared to that brute over there.”
Kid followed the nod aimed at Bellamy and raised a curious brow.
“So, you are his prisoner after all?”
“You could say that.”
Things were getting better and better.
“Hm. I’d be more than happy to save you from him.”
“Thank you, but I assure you I have things under control.”
“Uh huh. And how is it working out for you so far?”
“Better than expected actually.”
“H-hey!” Bellamy suddenly protested, “I demand a duel! You and me right here and now! If I win you leave and I get to keep my hostage. Come on, give me a sword and I’ll show you just how strong I am!”
Without sparing Bellamy any of the attention he hoped to gain, eyes still on the gorgeous man, Kid addressed his first mate.
“Killer.”
Without question, his first mate stepped between him and Bellamy with two scythe-looking weapons drawn.
“I suggest you keep your mouth shut. My captain does not like to be interrupted.”
Bellamy wisely stepped down and complied, albeit reluctantly.
And meanwhile, Kid introduced himself to the pretty little thing that had caught his fancy.
“Captain Eustass Kid, at your service.”
“Trafalgar Law.”
Law did not recoil when the captain took hold of one of his hands and brought it up to his lips. He observed him in silence, thoughtful and calculating, and spoke only when his hand was released.
“If I actually was to accept your assistance, no doubt you would expect something in return.”
Kid shrugged, his widening smile matching the nonchalant gesture.
“It’s part of the job, sweetheart. Pirating is a business, not a charity. But for you, I would be willing to be more generous than usual.”
Law took a moment to consider his options. Though, really, what other options were there in the first place? Bellamy was a dead man, no doubt about that, and there was nothing to stop this pirate from getting his way regardless. There was also the matter of the ship no longer being able to sail; it would take several days for help to arrive and if left to himself, Law was certain that the chances of survival were minimum. Whether Law agreed or not, he was at the complete mercy of this Eustass person. The only thing that could make Law’s situation more favorable was his own compliance.
“And I may be willing to listen,” he began, “if you could guarantee me of your sincerity. If we are to negotiate, there must be some level of mutual trust between us.”
“And what could I do to earn that trust?”
Something dark flared in Law’s eyes; a vicious gleam that Kid liked very much. Even more so when that gaze settled on Bellamy, who visibly tensed under its undeniable pressure.
“Get rid of that mutt.”
Kid’s smile altered from charming to shark-like.
“Deal.”
He spun on his heel to oblige Law’s request, hand reaching for his gun strapped to his chest, but paused upon the latter speaking up behind him in afterthought.
“Wait.”
Kid glanced at him in question over his shoulder.
“Keep him alive for now. You are most welcome to rough him up, but don’t kill him. You will find the key to my shackles in one of his coat pockets.”
“And the rest of them?”
Law briefly looked at the frightened men and women of Bellamy’s crew, before shrugging and coldly said, “Do what you want with them.”
Bellamy could be heard protesting, but it was cut short and replaced by several pained noises as Killer incapacitated him. He slumped to the floor heavily, with blood flowing out of his nose and mouth.
Killer then made a quick search of him for the keys which he then handed over to Kid.
“From Dressrosa, are you?” he asked when the heavy irons came off.
“Yes.”
“That’s not too far away from here.”
“We’ve been on the waters for three days. Now, if you could kindly take me back there-”
“Nice try. I know very well our kind isn’t welcome there. They’d attack us on sight.”
Law’s lips widened into the slightest of grins.
“Can’t blame me for trying.”
“No, I suppose not. Now, my men are impatient to have some fun around this place. We fully intend to raid this ship; we’ll take what we want and kill who we want now that you’ve agreed to it. Except that one.”
Law glanced at the rest of Kid’s crew warily, and upon catching his expression Kid spoke up again.
“Of course, as a gentleman I promise that no harm will come to you.”
“I would hope so for your sake,” Law said with a scoff and chose to question Kid's claim to being a 'gentleman' only in his own mind, “It would be in your best interest to leave me untouched.”
Here Kid raised a curious brow.
“Oh? Do tell.”
“The governor of Dressrosa is my uncle. That idiot over there,” Law gestured towards Bellamy with a slight wave of his hand, “was one of his men, though turned out to be a traitor obviously. The captain of this ship was meant to escort me to Flevance…”
Law paused as he remembered the fate of Cricket and the others, and came to the dreadful realization that their dead bodies must have been thrown overboard. To Bellamy they'd had little value and served him better with their eternal silence than alive and talking.
“Anyway,” he continued then after quickly collecting himself, “my uncle would pay you handsomely to have me back unharmed.”
“The governor? Really?”
“Yes.”
“And how do I know you’re not lying?”
Law took off a golden ring around one of his fingers and handed it over to the pirate. Kid brought it up for a closer inspection and could make out a symbol of sorts stamped into the polished surface.
“That is the family crest of my uncle. Doflamingo Donquixote. As you can see this ship bears two flags, one bears the sigil of the Dressrosa Navy and the other the same crest as on that ring.”
“Donquixote, ey? I’ve heard talk of him. They say he’s involved with the black market, and even deals with pirates occasionally.”
“It’s true. He has collaborations with a few of them. So you see, even if I am in your custody he wouldn’t have you arrested if he knew of your assistance and that you treated me well. If you behave yourself I will put in a good word for you.”
Kid studied the Dressrosan beauty for a moment, but in his mind had already made his decision. He handed the ring back to Law and made his announcement.
“We’ll discuss this further over dinner tonight. On my ship, that is. For now, Heat will keep an eye on you whilst we raid the ship.”
Law offered a simple nod in return. There was little else he could do now other than submitting to his fate, and hoping that this gamble would pay off in the end.