Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Law always thought that it must have been someone's twisted joke giving this place the name Paradise City. There seemed to always be some disaster or supernatural phenomenon waiting around every corner. This thought was at the forefront of Law's mind as his black heeled boots echoed against the stone backstreets of the Tarai Triangle. This corner of town especially put a vile taste in Law's mouth, as he knew it to be something of a common feeding ground for devils. And devils were about as bad as they came, as far as Law was concerned. 

He didn’t particularly want to be there. If one were to ask what brought Law to these sorts of places, his answer would always be the same. A whim. Perhaps a 'gut feeling' would be the more accurate way to describe it, but 'whim' felt less... absurd somehow. It felt a little more like something he controlled. The truth was he didn't really have a better way of describing it. Sometimes it was a feeling of dread, a pull, a breath caught in his throat that would come over him. He also knew that some awful event would happen if he didn't follow wherever the instinct led him. It was a nuisance, really. One that got him caught up in all sorts of trouble that he would rather not be involved with at all. However, it saved lives. And how was Law supposed to ignore that?

A chill ran up his spine, the same instinct urging him to turn to the right, despite there being nothing in that direction to actually grab his attention. It was just another narrow road, connecting the one Law was currently on to another larger main road. At the very least, the larger road on the other side was sure to be easier for his yellow van to get to. He was certain he was going to have to call the others to bring him the operating equipment. Another gut feeling.

So Law pivoted on his feet to cut through to the other side of the narrow passageway. With each step the air grew colder, making the hair at the back of Law's neck stand up. There couldn't have been a clearer sign that Law was drawing closer to a spot of heightened spirit activity. As though to confirm his suspicions, there was the sound of an explosion somewhere nearby. Law paused only long enough to grab his phone from his pocket, immediately hitting the number that was saved at the very top of his contacts as he picked up his pace. He didn't even wait for a voice on the other end to speak, "Bring the Mini Tang to my location."

It was Shachi's voice on the other end this time, "Aye aye, captain." He chimed, "Know what we're dealing with yet?"

"In Tarai Triangle? Hellfire's likely."

Shachi groaned, "Fuck, Devils? Are you serious? Are you sure we should be-"

"Shachi..." Law didn't have to finish the warning at the tip of his tongue as he made his way to the other end of the path.

"I know, I know. Already on our way, I promise. Just- Be careful, okay Captain?"

Law hummed rather than giving an actual answer to Shachi's request. He hung up with a press of his thumb and turned the corner with a confident step.

There wasn't any immediate sign of what had called him to this place. A few street lights above him hummed, offering the only dimmest bit of light for Law on the moonless night. His eyes scanned the surrounding buildings carefully. At first there was no sign of activity. Nothing but Law's own shadow and the slow rhythmic pattern of his steps. That was until the sound of his steps quickly became drowned out by the sound of rapidly approaching flame. It came from a connecting road some ways in front of Law, and soon enough glass windows reflected dancing hues of yellow and orange that became brighter and brighter until a shape burst into the wide road with a roar of flame, frantic and desperate.

Law shifted the nodachi on his shoulder. The other didn't seem to be devilish in nature at first glance, but Law also knew there was no such thing as playing it too safe. Law's slight movement was also apparently enough to catch the attention of the other figure. They froze just as their wild eyes met Law's steady ones. 

A pyro, Law concluded, as casting a deeper look at the other man brought up a lack of any invasive auras that might suggest the presence of a pact or possession. He was a tall man, about Law's age, perhaps even a little younger. The long black coat he wore was in tatters, marred by a collection of burns and tears, and curly disheveled locks of blond hair seemed to move like the flames that trailed behind him. It was also then that light flooded Law's back, and Law cleared his throat with a smirk. He would have to buy Shachi a drink for his amazing timing, "Congratulations." He announced to the blond man before him, "Tonight is your lucky night. You have found the Surgeon of Death, and I believe you may be in need of my services."

There was a beat where all the other man could do was stare in Law's direction. The look in his eyes seemed to change as realization struck him. He spoke with the release of breath, "Surgeon-"

And then in the next second Law was being rushed. Fingers clutched and clawed at Law's feathered collar, "My brother. You have to-"

A shot of energy whizzed past the two of them from just behind Law, narrowly missing both their heads. Law didn't so much as flinch, expecting the warning shot just as much as he himself was about to cut off the man's hands that were too close to his neck for his liking. The blond man glanced behind Law, where he was sure he saw his crew poking from out of the van with weapons and spirit energy at the ready. Law didn't let him look away for long however, as he tore away one hand with his own. Law's other hand thumbed open Kikoku ever so slightly to add to the warning, "I don't have to do anything." Law growled, making sure the point was made crystal clear, "And I do not take orders, so unless you want to lose both your hands, I suggest you let go."

For a brief moment Law saw a flash of anger, and wondered if the other was about to attack him at his words, but then the anger fizzled out as pleading desperation seeped back in, "Please." He begged, all air seemingly absent from his lungs, "You're right. I need help, and if you can give that help, I will be eternally grateful. You have to understand though, it's urgent."

"It usually is." Law spoke, but let Kikoku slide back to be fully in her sheath, "That doesn't exactly make your situation special in my-"

"Which is why I apologize for doing this," The other interjected, "-but I'm sure you can find it in yourself to understand."

And with that suddenly Law felt himself grabbed and lifted into the air, at which Law definitely did not yelp. He heard Penguin also give a yell in reaction to the stranger's actions, but Shachi's voice cut him off, "Wait, stop-we can't risk hitting Law!" 

Once Law was able to reorient himself in his new position, slung over the blond man's shoulder, he reached a hand out to start building spirit energy in his palm. They were quickly moving back the way the pyro had made his appearance, and Law could feel the heat of spirit fire sparking to life at the ends of the other's hands and feet. "Don't worry, though." his kidnapper spoke, as though he wasn't seconds away from being torn to shreds by Law’s blade. "I'll keep them off you. No harm will come to either you or your friends."

Law was about to snap back, perhaps separate the guy's head from the offending shoulder that currently carried him, when a oppressive wave of malicious intent hit the both of them. Whatever words or curses Law was about to direct at the man stopped short in his throat. "Shit." He hissed instead.

He changed the intent of the energy building in his hand and instead extended it out back towards the ground directly in front of the Polar Tang. "Stay there!" He shouted at his three friends who stared back at him with wide eyes.

Fucking devils. Law swore internally as he realized just how many individual sources his senses were picking up on. He finished establishing the tether he had placed on the ground, a passageway at the ready to transport Law and any others of his choice to that spot. "What the fuck did you and your stupid brother do?" Law finally snapped at the person carrying him.

He was given an empty, shallow attempt at a lighthearted laugh, "We may have stormed through the front doors of a devil’s lair. Very stupid and reckless, yes. I am fully aware, so you can save your breath, Doctor Heartstealer."

Law gritted his teeth. He'd never been a fan of that particular- "GET DOWN!" He shouted as he caught sight of a shadow against the dimly lit asphalt, heading straight for them. 

Instead of hitting the ground as Law suggested, the other man fed the fire at his feet and launched them into the air, somersaulting over the winged creature that streaked past them. Law had to charge the energy in the air to strike as another imp nearly collided with the blonde’s head. "Are you insane- You're making yourself a bigger target!" Law snapped, his other hand reflexively curling around the fabric of the flapping black coat he was draped over to keep his balance. 

"That's rather the idea, actually!" The other shot back.

Law felt his weight pulled away from the man's shoulder as two hands tried to drag Law into the other man's arms. Law narrowed his eyes suspiciously as his kidnapper's scarred face came into view from behind the wild wavy blond hair. "Alright, lunatic. What's your plan? You can't outmaneuver devils in the air. They're at the advantage."

The man gave him another slight off-kilter laugh, "That may be true while carrying you! But not to worry, I'm getting you to my brother and then you'll find I am actually rather acrobatic!" 

He adjusted Law in his arms so he could point to a small alleyway below them. Much to Law's distress, he caught sight of a large number of small flying objects heading towards them from just past the alleyway in the same direction. His head snapped back, leaning in threateningly close to the other's face, teeth bared, "Don't you fucking-"

"Please, doctor." The other's voice was back to sounding broken and pleading. His two eyes shimmered as tears rose in them, probably without the other meaning them to. The sheen was especially striking against the pale eye staring back at him from behind a large burn scar. "I'll keep them off you. Just-” He took a shaky breath “Save my brother, please."

Law scowled, but now really wasn't the time to argue. Someone was dying down there. Someone that maybe Law could save. He conceded. "We'll see what I can do," he muttered.

Law pointed a finger to one of the imps that was just passing over the alleyway he'd been shown. "Strike down that one."

The man carrying him quickly nodded and a bolt of spirit fire immediately shot towards the imp. It definitely didn't damage the imp much (Law wasn't entirely sure how the other planned to fight off the imps with fire), but the impact did its job and the imp crashed into the walls of the building before hitting the ground just before the mouth of the alleyway. Immediately, Law grabbed ahold of its spirit energy and tethered himself to it. "Drop me." He commanded. 

To his kidnapper’s credit, he was immediately released without hesitation or voiced concern. Law triggered his powers and yanked hard on the tether he'd created. He was launched towards the building just as the imp itself was pulled harshly into the air towards Law, effectively switching their places. Law slammed rather ungracefully into the wall, effectively knocking the wind out of him even though he pulled on the bountiful amount of energy in the area to break the impact. He staggered to his feet, using Kikoku as a crutch momentarily. Slowly stepped around the corner to peer into the dark alleyway. He knew instantly that someone lay on the ground a few feet away from him. The brother's spirit was stubborn but faltering. The blonde's previous panic seemed to be founded. The younger brother was dying. 

Law's steps quickened as he hurried to the smaller man lying on the ground. He kneeled down at his side, caught a little bit by how different the boy looked from his supposed brother. While the older brother had bright wavy hair, the boy before him had dark, almost black hair. There was a small scar on darker skin, just below his left eye. But that wound was old, faint, and healed. He didn't look long at the boy's face, as there was a much more pressing matter at hand. Law's gaze fell upon brother's chest and grimaced. Hellfire. A red opened vest left the wound fully exposed past the lingering node of hellfire. Blistered and blackened skin bubbled underneath the heat as the fire ate both flesh and spirit. The thing was, it was clear that the flames were not conjured by your standard imp. It blazed with a malice and power that was far beyond any minor devil; a ravenous and ugly thing that would surely see to the demise of its victim, despite only being a small ember of what must have been the original blow. The boy's face was drenched in sweat, but his expression remained strikingly peaceful in his unconscious state. A bead of sweat trailed down Law's temple, but he didn't falter in preparing his powers. He could tell by the sight alone that he wouldn't be able to save the brother without getting him to the Mini Tang. And even with the equipment there, he couldn't guarantee the young man's survival.

He growled under his breath, "Alright you. I've got my reputation on the line, so no dying on me, alright?" 

He of course got no response, but Law bent down to carefully leverage the smaller man into his arms. He didn't lift him much, there was no need to, he simply had to make sure his patient wouldn't be scraped against the ground during the transport. Law drew upon his powers again and sought out the tether that he had placed back by the Mini Tang. He hoped that the other had had the foresight to actually listen to Law and stay put. Law knew they often fretted over him, especially when it came to dealing with devils, but he had told them to stay put. He hoped that they still trusted him enough to listen despite their worry.

The world around them flickered as Law encased himself and the unconscious form in spirit power, letting the tether yank them to its position. He shivered at the familiar, yet still uncomfortable feeling of them passing through walls of brick and metal that stood in their path, but they passed through unharmed. His vision was blinded temporarily by the bright gleam of the Polar Tang's headlights, and he felt fondness come over his chest. They had listened.

"LAW!!!" Bepo immediately cried, quickly followed by hisses and pained whistles from Shachi and Penguin, "Damn. Blondie wasn't kidding huh. Is that guy even alive?" Shachi asked.

Bepo rushed over to help Law carefully raise the limp body without jostling it too much, apparently having had the foresight to grab a foldable stretcher from the van. Law's face furrowed in concentration as he shifted the boy onto the stretcher. "Barely. Though he won't be for much longer unless something is done about that hellfire burrowing itself into his chest."

Penguin winced as he opened the back doors of the Tang for Law, "Man."

Law was rather inclined to agree, as he pulled on gloves and a surgical mask. Because really, what more could be said at the sight of such a gruesome injury? Though, what had convinced the two idiotic brothers to go barging into a nest of devils was far beyond Law's own comprehension. Especially when a major devil had clearly been present. He couldn't say for sure what observation abilities either of them had, but he had a feeling they hadn't run in blind. The older pyro brother had been able to see the imps just fine. And the presence of a major devil is rather hard to miss, even through thick exterior walls.

Law threw his entire focus on the operation. He didn't know what the status outside could possibly be, but he couldn't bring himself to dwell on it. So long as there was no imminent attack on the Polar Tang that would put his friends in danger, he couldn't afford to be distracted. The first thing that had to go was that persistent hellfire curse. It would immediately take a lot out of Law, but there was no way around it. He focused deep within himself for the memory of Cora-san's powers. Law knew his powers worked differently from his savior's, but it was the only technique he had a good enough grasp on, having watched Cora use his powers over and over again during the time he knew him. Law wasn't great at pacifying negative energy and grudges, but Cora had been. He'd been the best at it as far as Law was concerned. Law's sight hadn't been as honed as it was now. He wondered what small details he would be able to catch were Cora still around.

..... 

No distractions.

Law placed his hand gently upon the angry flame. He didn't allow himself to flinch or withdraw at the sharp pain that flared under his touch. Calm. Law thought. That was what was key with this technique. To remain calm and accepting even in the face of such malice. Visions flashed into Law's mind. The strange sensation of unfamiliar memories becoming vivid daydreams. A deep scowling face that peered down at Law, face warping and bubbling as though it were made of magma. A hulking figure that was barreling down at another person, one Law didn't recognize. Desperation and panic welled up in Law, he made a strangled cry as he fought to keep his power's hold on the hellfire. It wasn't his anger. It wasn't his panic. He didn't know the man that kneeled protectively over him. A similar, but different wound burned straight through the man's chest. Law felt his stomach churn. He swallowed hard, still fighting to keep his composure in the face of such strong emotions. There was a personal grudge that the hellfire was feeding off of. That was why it was able to linger so long on the younger man. That was probably why the brothers had barged right through the front doors of the devil's lair. Revenge.

Law supposed it would be hypocritical for him to judge the sentiment. However, it didn't make the action any less suicidal. Law let out a long breath, letting the anger and panic and fear leave him with the release. He looked at the unconscious face lying before him. "Idiot." Law said quietly, hoping it wasn't loud enough for any of the other three present to hear. If they had, they chose not to comment.

Under his outstretched palms, the hellfire diminished and then disappeared. Law let out a breath of relief. Now his real work could start.

There was some murmuring of discussion happening while Law worked. He didn't pay it much mind, knowing that the others would be more obvious in grabbing his attention if they needed it. At some point Law heard the Mini Tang's engine sputter to life. A few seconds later there was a small cough at the entrance of the van's doors. "Permission to move, Captain?" Penguin asked.

Ah, that made sense, Law thought as he continued to keep his focus on the careful movements of his hands within the exposed chest cavity. He didn’t like the idea- trying to use his powers to keep the van steady would put a toll on him, but he could understand why remaining in their current position may be... less than ideal. It was likely the pyro-brother's fight with the imps was getting a little too close to the Tang for comfort. The toll on his strength to keep the van steady was preferable to having to deal with a swarm of imps attacking in the middle of a delicate operation. Law steeled himself. "Granted." He directed at Penguin.

Penguin nodded and leaned precariously around the opened door, signaling to the front of the van. He then closed the doors firmly behind him. Law was vaguely aware of Penguin in his peripheral vision, positioning himself at Law’s side. Out of the way but ready should Law need anything. Law was pretty sure he couldn't afford to even think about how he felt in the moment. He couldn't risk having the exhaustion and strain of over-exerting his abilities take over him. Not yet. 

Steadying the van was another technique Law had learned in tribute to Cora-san. To embrace a place in still silence. There was no rumbling of the wheels on the road. Every dip and bounce of the odd pothole or abandoned item on the road was compensated by Law's powers, stabilizing the room. An almost eerie silence fell upon the van. Well, perhaps it would be eerie for anyone other than Law and his crew. To him, it was peaceful. To have the noise and static of the outside world lulled into silence. It felt like Cora. Like he was standing besides Law, encouraging him and keeping him strong through the operation. Law had no awareness of how much time was passing. If the Polar Tang had stopped at any point or where it might have been brought to. Little by little, the wound on his patient's chest looked more manageable. Law felt as though the closest moments to having his life lost were behind them. So long as the other person's spirit remained strong enough to keep up its own fight. Law was rather shocked that the younger brother had lasted as long as he had, laying on the cold alleyway ground with hellfire eating away at his chest. His heart. It was rather something of a miracle he wasn't dead when Law had found him. 

A careful tug and snip of the last bit of suturing thread and Law took a step back on wobbly feet. He let out a breath as his eyes looked over his work. It looked as though he had done as much as he could. He dropped the extension of his powers that had been placed on the van, but found that silence ultimately remained. There was the distant roar of other cars in the city. The gentle creak and shift of the Mini Tang under the weight of its passengers, but it appeared they had indeed stopped somewhere else at some point. Law pulled off his mask and gloves, the tickle of open air touching his face again a welcome sensation. A steady hand caught the small of his back as the exhaustion finally hit him, holding Law up on his feet. Penguin gave Law a gentle smile, "Impressive work as always, Captain."

Law simply nodded, finding himself too drained to even speak. Penguin's resting hand became more of an actual hold around Law's torso, allowing Law to put more of his weight on his friend. A water bottle was placed in his hands, which Law was grateful for. After downing a few generous gulps of water he dropped his head down on Penguin's shoulder. Penguin leaned them against a part of the van's interior walls that weren't covered by medical equipment. 

They stayed like that for a few moments before Law finally found himself able to croak out a few words, "Is that crazy pyro still around?" He asked.

Penguin chuckled, "Yeah. He was keeping those imps busy when we were leaving Taria Triangle, but he was able to track us back to the Polar Tang. We’re there now."

Law gave a small nod, or as much of one as he could without lifting his head from Penguin's shoulder. "'Makes sense." He mumbled, "He recognized me by my epithet. I'm sure there are enough rumors floating around about ‘The Surgeon of Death’ for him to find a bright yellow submarine in the abandoned shipyard.”

Penguin hummed in agreement. After a brief pause he added, “Which, just so you know, he’s still on the other side of those doors last I checked.”

Law groaned. He buried his head further into Penguin's coveralls. “Fucking great.” His complaint came muffled through the fabric pressed to his face.

“Want us to chase him away?” Penguin offered, “We could tell him Luffy’s stable but can’t have visitors right now and to come back tomorrow morning.”

Law shook his head, though he appreciated what Penguin was offering, “I doubt that would work. I don’t need you guys picking a fight with a client.” Then paused, realizing Penguin had said a name. One that he vaguely recognized. “Luffy?”

“Yeah, Monkey D. Luffy. We’ve heard his name circling around town a bit, right? Apparently that’s him.” Penguin answered, jutting his chin towards the younger brother.

Law stared at the unconscious boy laid out on the table behind them. 

“Kind of makes the whole ‘rushing into a lair to fist fight a major devil’ story fall into place, huh?” Penguin said with a laugh.

“Guess so.” Law admitted, thinking back on the circulating rumor mills he’d picked up on.

There was word of a spirit-touched running around pulling off all sorts of ludicrous feats. A lot of words, actually. Taking down a CEO that was possessed by a sand demon, chasing off a lightning elemental, every feat seemed more insane and impossible than the last. Monkey D. Luffy had become something of a legend amongst those who were intune with the spirit world. The stories made him sound impossibly powerful and entirely unpredictable. Law supposed challenging a major devil to a one on one fight fit within the trajectory of the stories he’d heard. Though it didn’t make it any less idiotic. 

Glancing behind him at the small form on the table, it was somewhat hard to believe that this was the same person at the center of all those stories. Though perhaps on second thought, it gave credit to how Luffy was still breathing and fighting against the hellfire when Law had gotten to him. “Monkey D. Luffy. What a strange individual you are.” He scoffed in disbelief, staring down at the unconscious figure before him.

He then took a deep breath and picked himself up from Penguin. Penguin let him move, though Law noticed the hand that still hovered by his side just in case. He felt a deep appreciation for his crew, his family, but he couldn’t leave them to deal with the unstable pyro. The man was probably teetering dangerously at that edge of getting ready to set everything ablaze to get to his younger brother.

Having made up his mind, Law took the few steps it took to carry him to the heavy double doors of the van and pushed them open. To no surprise to Law, he was met with the sight of the blonde older brother pacing a path into the concrete floor of the dry dock they were parked at the top of. As soon as the doors swung open however, those wild, desperate eyes flashed and fixated on Law. Law did his best to step nonchalantly off the ledge of the van’s rear, though his legs threatened to buckle and give out from under him. He straightened out with a bit of prideful air about him, his image saved for the time being. Hurried steps carried the man in the long overcoat to where Law stood, though luckily Shachi and Penguin stepped between him and Law before he could invade Law’s space. They went completely ignored by the older brother, however, his gaze entirely fixated on Law. His hands wrung the top hat in his hands, “Doctor! How is he?”

Beside him, Bepo extended Kikoku to him again, which Law took gratefully. God, what would he do without his crew? He placed the end of Kikoku into the ground before him, both in a gesture that further set his composure apart from the display of frantic desperation before him, but also as a subtle crutch to support his balance. He kept his expression carefully in check, not giving away anything to the other man. “He lives for now. Whatever happens now is left up to your brother. If his will is strong enough, he should pull through.”

And with those words, something seemed to snap within the brother and he sank to the ground, the top hat dropped so that he could bury his head into his hands. His shoulders shook as he let out a long breath of relief, “Oh thank goodness.”

Law tilted his head, eyes remaining on the back of the other man before him, “Your brother’s reputation also proceeds him.” Law said. “Can’t say I was expecting to meet the infamous Monkey D. Luffy tonight.”

The brother raised his head with a laugh, “Heard of him, have you? It seems like he knows everyone nowadays.”

Law shook his head, “We've never met. More so, word gets around once you start picking a fight with every evil spirit you come across- with every disregard of safety or reason.” He added at the end.

The other actually grinned widely at that, though tears still prickled at the corners of his eyes, “Haha, yeah that’s my little brother!”

Law sighed tiredly, “Well, if I were you, I’d tell your brother to lay off fist fighting devils for a while. He should rest for at least the next week or two.”

A gloved hand brushed the dust off his fallen hat and the man stood back up, close to the same height as Law himself when he stood tall. He visibly flinched at Law’s comment, but a smile remained across his face nonetheless, “I can try, but I don’t think he’s going to take that very well.”

“Well he’s either going to take the advice or find himself bleeding out again.” Law said matter-of-factly. He was finding himself quickly losing his patience with the small talk. He wanted to be off his feet as soon as possible before he keeled over himself.

The smile faded, and the top hat was pulled over his head so that it hid his eyes in the darkness of the night, “Right… I’ll-uh…I’ll do what I can to convey the message to him when he wakes up.”

“That probably won’t be for a while. You’re best off going home and coming back in the morning. We’ll be here.” He said, gesturing to his crew behind him. “We can also speak towards payment when you arrive tomorrow morning.”

The brother tried to smile again, but it was forced. Nervous. Good, Law thought. The way it should be. “Is it… you don’t suppose I could stay here until morning, do you? I don’t want him to be alone when he wakes up.”

Scratch all that, that was not what Law wanted at all. “No. Unfortunately we have no room for you in the Polar Tang.” He lied.

“Oh, that’s quite alright,” The other man insisted sheepishly, “I wouldn’t want to impose upon you any more than I already have, I can remain out here. Again, I just would really hate for him to wake up surrounded by unfamiliar faces…”

Law resisted the desire to drag a hand across his face. He was too fucking tired to deal with this. “Fine.” He bit venomously. “We’re going to bring your brother inside so he can be closely monitored while we turn in. Remain outside if you are so stubbornly inclined. You may do as you damn well please, except follow us inside.”

“You’ve got yourself a deal, doctor.” He nodded, “Thank you.”

Law turned away without another word to the brother, but he did raise his hand to wave a command to his friends, “Bring him in.”

“Aye aye, sir.” Came his crew’s loyal chorus.

Law stood off to the side to supervise them transporting Luffy. Not that he was particularly worried they wouldn’t be careful enough, but it still seemed the role he should take in the moment. No matter how much a steaming cup of coffee was calling his name. The blonde brother craned his neck to catch sight of Luffy as they passed, his face paling at the sight of the amount of drying blood on Luffy’s clothes and the fabric he laid on, but the sight of the wound itself was neatly dressed in clean bandages. Law watched him carefully, eyeing to see if the brother would keep his word or decide to try to follow them inside. However, he let the three past uninterrupted after the few steps he’d taken simply to get a better look at his younger brother. After that, he stopped and stayed in place. He caught Law’s gaze and gave him a grateful nod.

Satisfied that the brother would keep his word, Law turned his back to follow his crew inside. He stopped just before crossing through the metal door frame at the sound of a ringtone chiming. He had a bad feeling… 

Law glanced over his shoulder to see gloved hands fumble and clumsily try to answer the phone as quickly as possible. “Ace! I-” The words caught in his throat. “Yes, he’s okay. He’ll be okay” Law wasn’t sure if the repeated words were to reassure this ‘Ace’ or himself. 

There was a pause in the conversation, blonde brows furrowing as he seemed to listen carefully to the voice on the other end, “He’s going to be okay, I promise. I won’t lie to you and deny that it wasn’t a close call, but… Ace are you okay?” Concern laced the brother’s voice, “You sound like you can’t breathe. What’s wrong?”

Jeez, if the blonde had two people close to him have a brush with death in one night, Law couldn’t help but feel a sliver of sympathy for the man. He’d go so far as to dare to say he felt bad for the other man. Law lingered on the doorstep to see how the conversation unfolded. Curiosity was getting the better of him.

The blonde’s eyes widened at something that went unheard from where Law stood, but when his gaze lifted to meet Law’s eyes, Law realized his mistake. He dreaded what that look could possibly mean. He didn’t have to wonder for long. “Could…I know what we had agreed upon, doctor, but do you think he could see him?”

Law again fought the temptation to let out a loud groan, nearly slumping against the doorframe. The last thing he wanted was more unwelcome company at this late hour. Early hour? He didn’t even know. Law feared his feelings were no longer as schooled as he’d like them to be as he saw the other man’s expression soften apologetically. Behind him, footsteps approached from within the house, “Offer still stands, captain.” Penguin whispered to him.

Perhaps it was the exhaustion, but Law turned and gave Penguin a small, gentle smile at the offer. “Thanks Peng, but… it’s okay.” He begrudgingly said.

“Are you sure?” Shachi chimed in, poking his head up from behind Penguin’s back. “We’re totally willing to keep them away from the Tang. Forcefully.”

Law rolled his eyes, “Don’t. That’d be even more of a headache.”

He lifted his white furred hat to run his hand through his hair before looking back at the brother waiting expectantly for his answer, “Fine. If he gets here within the hour he can come in. A minute past that and the doors will be locked for the night.”

Bright blue eyes lit up, surprised by Law’s words, “Visiting hours end in an hour, Ace! Get here before then!”

More unheard words on the other end, and there returned the small crease of worry as the blonde listened. He angled his face towards the phone as though he was trying to see through his phone despite it not being a video call, “Are you sure you’re okay?”

Whatever was said causes his face to fall into a very unamused look. Law could practically see him biting his tongue to refrain from what he clearly wanted to say in response to whatever he’d just heard from the other end of the line, “Okay, okay. I did not need to know that. Pretend I didn’t even ask.”

Law scoffed and decided he’d heard enough of this one-sided conversation. He turned his back to the man on the phone. “He has one hour.” He reaffirmed, and promptly closed the door behind him.

As soon as the door is closed behind him he slumps against it, the back of his head thrown back to stare at the ceiling. “Let’s hope the guy’s rich, huh?” Shachi joked, the comment immediately earning him a harsh elbow from Bepo. “Ow, sorry! But you’ve gotta hope we’re getting paid well after a night like tonight right?”

Law gave Shachi a look, “Shachi.”

Shachi pouted, “Sorry.”

“Coffee, captain?” Blessed Bepo asked.

Law closed his eyes and nodded, “Please.”

“Sleep would probably do you better.” Penguin said.

“Not while we’re still expecting company.” Law stated with certainty. “Also, it really would be best to closely monitor Luffy for the night. It isn’t a guarantee he’s out of the woods yet.”

Law didn’t have to look to know that the three were exchanging concerned looks. They worried too much. It wasn’t as though this was the first night he’d pulled. In fact, the previous night had come close to an all-nighter too, as he’d had to patch up a gnarly slash a psychic had earned from a- okay maybe their concern wasn’t entirely unfounded.

Doctors who were proficient in dealing with both physical and spirit-induced wounds were few and far between, and even fewer had residency within Paradise City. Medical practices were also hesitant to let those who were spirit-touched into their establishments, given the risk that they may have brought whatever had hurt them to their building. It was the fear of the unknown, the unseen, that made them more likely to turn people away at the doors if they believed the injury to be caused by a spirit. How quick people were to ignore the plights of others until it directly affected them. However, that meant that Law found himself incredibly busy, trying to keep a population of people within the city alive himself. His frightening reputation was the only thing that kept that number to those who actually needed his attention and not a knock on his door for ever ghost-induced chill or monster scrape.

“Alright, Captain. You can at least come sit down.” Shachi urged gently, tapping Law on the shoulder and pulling him out of his drifting thoughts. 

Law let himself be guided to the small plastic table they had set up as a dining table. Cheap as it may be, it served its purpose. Which it proved as Bepo came in and placed a large mug of coffee on a coaster before Law. Law made an appreciative noise and immediately lifted it to his lips. He let the warmth spread over him as he drank from the still very piping hot mug. Liquid energy sending tingling signals through his tired arms. Penguin plopped himself down across from Law, his own mug in his hand, but he blew the steam that rose from the top, “I don’t think you have a single taste bud left on your tongue, Captain.” He teased. “There’s no way you’re not burning yourself.”

Law flipped him off, using the hand currently not holding the piping hot coffee to his face. The other three snickered, each taking their seats around Law. Shachi rested his head in his arms crossed over the plastic table. He gave an impressive yawn as his pointed glasses became skewed on his face where they were pressed against his arm. Law raised a brow, “You’re more than welcome to turn in. Only one of us needs to be up to let those two in to stare at an unconscious body.”

“Nope.” Penguin said with a definitive ‘pop’ at the end of the word. “Not going to happen, Captain. You nearly fell out of Mini T earlier. We’re either all turning in or all staying up.”

Law’s expression fell to something that was definitely closer to a scowl and not a pout, “I did not nearly fall out of the Mini Tang. And that’s ridiculous- it’d be far worse if we’re all exhausted. Go get sleep.”

Shachi, the ass, let out a yawn while saying, “Sorry, no can do.”

“Going against your superior’s order is grounds for being fired in most places.” Law shot back.

A coaxing arm draped itself around Law, “What if we took shifts, Captain? I mean… we’re all exhausted, but we don’t have to leave the brothers unsupervised.” Bepo suggested.

Law gave Bepo a betrayed scowl, and Bepo’s face fell apologetically, “Sorry…”

Law sighed, equally reluctant to agree to the suggestion as he was to push away Bepo’s arm around him. “I’m not turning in.” He said, and the frowns around the table told him the others knew there was no more arguing the point.

Half an hour later, Shachi and Penguin were snoring behind Law as he stared out the window of the observation room at the top of the Polar Tang. The truth of the matter was that Law knew there was no way he’d be able to find sleep even if he tried. Not while there was a patient downstairs and a stranger wandering around outside the Polar Tang. He silently watched the still top hat, the older brother apparently having made himself comfortable leaning against the Mini Tang. Not a position that sat well with Law, but he supposed there weren’t too many places to settle at the lip of the building basin. 

Then, Law caught sight of headlights in the distance, approaching the dry dock that held the Polar Tang. Law was immediately on his feet, grabbing Kikoku from against the wall and walking towards the door. He tapped Shachi’s black and white cap as he passed the two curled up next to each other on the far wall. The redhead stirred and looked up in confusion as a hand rubbed tired eyes beneath his glasses. “Our other company is here.” Was all said before continuing his path out the door.

He didn’t wait to see if either of them followed, not really minding whatever they decided to do. He expected he could handle the visitors well enough himself. They were just going to come in, see that Luffy was the same before and not actively dying anymore, and then leave. Or remain outside, Law thought with a scowl. He hoped the newcomer wasn’t as frustratingly stubborn as the pyro already lingering around.

He could hear calls sounding from outside before he even got to the entrance. Even more to his annoyance, he heard a horn blare in greeting. Great, Law thought irritably, whoever this was was already causing a ruckus. At, he checked his watch, 4 in the goddamn morning. Bepo poked his head out from the operation room they were keeping Luffy, but before Law could tell him otherwise he already placed himself just behind Law. Law didn’t have it in him to persuade Bepo to stay inside.

Law stepped outside to see a white van, smaller than the Mini Tang, roll up. Hauling himself through the open passenger window instead of opening the door as a normal person would was a man with shoulder-length hair that framed a freckled face from below an orange cowboy hat. Whoever the driver was was clearly scolding the man, putting on the brakes so that the other didn’t drop out of a moving vehicle, but the muffled words obviously fell on deaf ears. The top-hatted pyro practically caught who Law presumed was ‘Ace’ as Ace fumbled through pulling himself the rest of the way out of the car window, most of his weight dropped clumsily into the blonde’s arms. Law watched the new visitor carefully. His eyes narrowed as his attention was caught the way Ace’s legs seemed to shake from underneath him and he seemed to be relying on the blonde man to keep him standing upright. Law might have simply chalked it up to the man being shaken up by the news of Luffy’s condition, but he wasn’t convinced. It didn’t go unnoticed by the person keeping him upright either, as Law saw the way the pyro’s brows furrowed with concern and said something Law was too far to catch. He was waved off reassuringly with a lighthearted laugh, however.

“He looks injured.” Bepo echoed quietly behind him.

Law hummed, “And doing a rather poor job covering it up.” His face soured, “Which means we’re adding even more idiots to the mix. Just our luck, hmm?”

The driver of the white van got out once he’d properly parked the vehicle, a very tall older man with a tuft of wild blonde hair at the top of his head. He caught Law’s gaze and gave a friendly greeting, “Yo! You’re the Surgeon of Death, I take it?”

The two embracing turned their heads to where Law stood on the front stoop. “I am.” Law answered simply. 

Eyes lit up in realization from underneath the orange cowboy hat, and Ace did his best to push himself from the older brother’s hold to make his way over to Law. Law stiffened warily, having not been entirely fond of how he’d met the first of the two. Determined eyes held Law’s gaze through every heavy step Ace took towards him. To his surprise, however, the cowboy hat dipped in a low bow just before reaching him.

“Thank you for saving my little bro.” He said, holding his bow, “We’re sorry to disturb your night like this.”

Law blinked, thoroughly caught off guard by the polite display, but he kept his expression blank. “Don’t think anything of it. I’ve made it my business to keep the streets clear of the bodies of reckless idiots running willingly to their deaths.”

Ace popped up from his bow with a chuckle, “That’s a heavy task you’ve taken upon yourself, Doc.” He extended a hand, “Name’s Ace, by the way. It’s nice to meet you.”

He took the hand, deciding not to mention he had already gathered the man’s name from the earlier phone conversation, “Trafalgar Law.”

The pyro froze from behind Ace, pressing an embarrassed hand to his face, “Oh my god, I never introduced myself did I?”

Law looked around Ace’s shoulder to give him a deadpan stare, “No, you were too busy invading my personal space and throwing me at a swarm of imps to give me your name.”

Ace gave the other an incredulous look over his shoulder, “You did what? Sabo, where the hell are your manners?” He turned and gave Law a look that was far more apologetic than way warranted, going the whole nine yards of placing a hand over his chest dramatically. “Doctor Death, I am so sorry for my brother’s behavior. Allow me to make the introduction my dear brother failed miserably to do. This is my brother, Sabo.”

“Oh, stop it, you kiss ass!” Sabo protested loudly, and then a flash of anger sparked in his eyes, “And! You just took away my chance to introduce myself properly! I can’t believe you!”

“Well, I don’t know when you were planning on doing so! Kind of sounded like you missed your chance.” Ace puffed his chest, “I was just doing my duty as the responsible brother.”

Sabo sputtered incredulously, “The responsible brother? You?”

Law tried his best to take a step away from the brothers (who really looked nothing alike) as subtly as possible, feeling a little crowded by the… large personalities. Luckily, they seemed a little too distracted by each other to really take notice of Law.

Law looked up at Bepo standing behind him, but Bepo looked equally at a loss. Law had rather lost track of the brother’s bickering at that point, when a panicked cry sounded from further inside.

Everyone froze. Law’s head whipped to look down the front hall, just as the cry was followed by the loud crash of glass shattering. “Captain!” He heard Penguin’s voice call from the operation room, “Trouble!”

“Sabo? SABO!!!” Came a panicked yell.

Law briefly glanced the other way to see the brother’s equally stunned and paled faces. “Luffy!” The two yelled in unison, scrambling past Law to get to Luffy.

Luffy either couldn’t hear them or process his surroundings at that moment, however, “Sabo! Where is he?! Where’s my brother?!”

Sabo was allowed to take the lead, Law following behind everyone else who rushed to the threshold of the room. Luffy had effectively torn himself from the cushioned table he’d been placed on, currently amidst a wreckage of medical equipment that lay shattered around his hands and feet. Blood dripped down his arm, though from where Law couldn’t immediately tell. Despite the mess, Sabo closed the distance between them without a moment’s hesitation, throwing himself around his brother. “I’m here! I’m here, Luffy! You’re okay! Everything’s okay!”

“Sabo!” The other boy sobbed and wrapped his arms tightly around Sabo. His fingers curled and burrowed into his shoulders. Then he suddenly lifted up from his embrace, at a speed that had Law flinching and dreading what it had done to the wound that lay beneath his bandages. Panicked hands pressed against Sabo’s chest, as though he was expecting to find Sabo with the gaping wound in his chest. “You’re okay, right? You’re not hurt like Ace?”

Law looked towards Ace. The other brother’s face drained of color, and a hand closed to a fist at his chest. A chest that looked to be bandaged up, Law now noticed from where they peeked out from underneath his yellow button-up shirt. Bandaged in a very similar way Luffy’s own chest was.

Sabo brushed back Luffy’s hair gingerly, his other gloved hand cupping Luffy’s face, “No, no! I’m okay! You’re the one who got hurt, you dummy!” He laughed, though his voice was thick with the tears spilling from his eyes.

Luffy’s gaze dropped to where Sabo was gesturing, as though only noticing now that he was injured. “Oh…”

Luffy stared down at himself for a moment, until he froze, “Wait…” His head shot back up “Oh no- Ace! Sabo, where’s Ace?! We’ve got to find him!” 

“Wh- Luffy, what are you- Hold on, it’s okay! Don’t hurt yourself!” Sabo grabbed Luffy’s arms as the younger brother tried to scramble to his feet but his feet failed to hold his weight.

Ace chose that moment to hurry to Luffy as well, helping Sabo catch him before he crashed to the ground, “Wait, Luffy I’m here! Look, I’m here too! We’re all here! There’s no need to-”

Luffy threw himself at Ace, who wheezed and was not able to keep his balance upon collision. His butt dropped harshly to the floor under them. Ace held the back of Luffy’s head with an outstretched palm, his expression of utter shock as Luffy trembled in his embrace. “...Luffy?” Ace wheezed, the air knocked out of his lungs, “Luffy… It’s okay. We’re all here, which means everything’s going to be okay. We’re all-” His voice caught as Ace froze, “Luffy. Luffy, stop. Don’t-”

He didn’t finish before Luffy fell limp in his arms, falling unconscious in Ace’s arms. But then, Ace went limp as well, and both collapsed to the ground.