Missing Piece

Chapter 9

Charlotte watched the end of the Whitebeard Era from afar. Despite having said that she'd leave on the very first island they surfaced at, Charlotte found herself staying inside the submarine as they broke through the water to pick up the Straw Hat Pirate's Captain. Law along with the stronger members of the crew stood on the bridge, open to the several marines and admiral's attack. Brave perhaps to some, but to Charlotte it, like everything else that was happening around them, was downright insane. Drawing all that unnecessary attention and putting a target on their backs and for what?

Bepo rushed past her, and Charlotte quickly shifted out of the way. A broken body limp and coated head to toe in blood in his arms. The wound on his chest looked terrible, skin burned away, and flesh dissolved from insane heat. Blood poured from the wound, leaving a blood streak against the once shiny floors.

What's so great about this? Charlotte thought with a frown. She pressed her back against the metal wall, tilting her head back to watch through the open door towards the war Law had decided it would be "nice to stop by at". Charlotte ran a hand over her forearm, rubbing the goosebumps away. Her always-on Kenbunshoku Haki working against her for once. She gritted her teeth, hands gripping at biceps.

Lives were worth much more than that.

Charlotte's gaze shifted back towards the hallway as the furry bear ran back. The boy he had been carrying no longer with him. He's fast. Charlotte noted. The infirmary was a bit of a ways in, and the bear had enough time to change out of the bloodied boiler suit, opting for a fresh clean one instead.

"Captain!" The bear called as he rounded the corner, eyes spotting the doctor right where he knew he'd be. "I know it's not every day you get to see one of the four emperors, but you have to close the door!"

Charlotte pushed off the wall and made her way towards the navigation room. It sounds like they were finally getting out of here. But it won't be easy now with all the attention they've gathered.

"What are you doing here, Hunter?" Jean Bart asked as she entered the room. His hands full with maneuvering their ship to spare a glance back at her. "We don't have time for whatever trick you're planning on doing to interfere." They didn't have time for an attack on the inside when they all had their hands full already with what's happening on the surface.

"We're going to be under attack soon." Charlotte interjected, stopping next to the many beeping radars. She had no idea what any of them meant. As soon as her words left her, the submarine shook roughly and the two were quick to grab onto something to stabilize themselves.

"The water's freezin'!" Cole shouted, panicked. "It's Aokiji's Iced Age!"

"That's only first one." Charlotte informed, pulling herself back up. Her eyes left the several blinking dots and beeping noises. "I can help direct us out of harm's way with my Kenbunshoku Haki."

"Haki? What's that?" Cole questioned. He jerked as the ship made a sharp turn. Charlotte had grabbed and spun the wheel. "Hey, watch it, woman! That thin' controls where we go." He scolded, pushing his headband back in place. His eyes widened when a yellow glow shot right past where they were just moments ago.

"Oh, so you do have it. That power." Jean Bart said with a slight laugh. He suspected as much watching her fight. He took the helm back from Charlotte's hands. "Lead the way, little one!"

Charlotte didn't bother to correct him that it was rather he was like a giant. Instead, she gripped at the counter and closed her eyes, glad she didn't have to waste time explaining. She focused on spreading her Haki out as wide as she can. "Three incoming!"

Law discarded another bloodied gauze on a nearby tray, taking the moment to wipe away the sweat gathering on his forehead with the back of his wrist. Their escape was going a lot smoother than he had thought it would be. "Forceps." He called out and immediately the tool was placed in his waiting hands. Good, that'll make the surgery easier. He thought, eyes refocusing on the patient before him. The wound much worse than he had originally thought. This will take a while.