Chapter Text
Standing up out of the rubble, Kaida dusts herself off and looks around for Luffy. She finds him standing not far from her. “Snap out of it, Kaida!” Ignoring him, she rushes forward, her hand still covered in haki. Using his own haki, Luffy manages to block the attack. The two exchange blows until Luffy manages to get a solid one in, sending her flying into the wall.
Falling to her knees, Kaida grits her teeth and growls at him. Then she lets out a gasp, hands flying to grip her head as she feels a sharp pain. Doubling over, she presses her forehead to the ground, “Fuck… You need to save him… Father is… going to kill him…” Luffy stops his attack and stares at the girl. Lifting her head, her green eyes aren’t the same vacant ones he saw earlier. “Please… save him…”
“Save who?” He asks, Kaida lets out a cry of pain, slamming her head onto the ground.
“Pl…Please!” Lifting her head, blood trickling from her forehead down between her eyes. Luffy watches as the bright green eyes fade to the vacant look she had before. Before he even notices, she’s in front of him, her hand grabbing his face and slamming him into the ground. He grabs onto her when she goes to retreat then slams her into the ground beside him and jumps away.
Spitting out blood, he wipes his hand across his mouth, “I’ll save all of you.” Luffy vows. Getting to her feet, Kaida turns to him and her haki sharpening at the tips of her fingers turning them into claws. Lashing out, she slices him across the cheek, his body already moving to dodge the attack.
Above them, Law stares down into the hole hearing the two below clashing. Laughter draws his attention over to Doflamingo as the male rises from his seat. Stepping over Anti, he slowly makes his way towards Law. “Do you remember the one thing I hate most, Law?” Narrowing his eyes, Law takes a step back, “It’s being treated like a fool!” Using his strings, they stab through Law from behind. Gasping out blood, he falls to his knees and Doflamingo chuckles.
Getting onto shaky feet, Law draws his sword then lashes out, managing to land a cut on Doflamingo. “First my daughter fakes her death to escape me, then she fakes her training to get close to kill me. She’s just like her uncle.”
“Don’t talk about him like you know him!” Law growls out, aiming another hit only to be sent flying by a kick to the face.
“That’s right. He took you away and gave you the Ope Ope no Mi. The fruit I’ve been looking for for decades.” Standing back up, Law points his sword at Doflamingo when the male starts to move closer. “That fruit is important to me. So I’ll kill you and wait for it to return to this world.”
“Like hell that’ll happen.” Activating room, Law uses shambles to move himself just in time to dodge another kick from Doflamingo.
“Do you know why I want it?”
“Because of its special ability. The ability to grant someone eternal life, though the cost of that is the user's own life.”
“Exactly.” Doflamingo growls, rushing at Law, attacking with kick after kick. “But my stupid younger brother had to give it to you!”
Rowan takes this chance to run over to his brother to check on him. But before he could reach him, Lelouch suddenly appears, “Not so fast, brat!” Raising his sword, Lelouch brings it down. Rowan tries to use his rifle to block it but the gun and his bandaged arm end up getting cut. Screaming out, Rowan stumbles away from Lelouch, throwing the broken gun away.
“Get away from him!” Rowan growls, ignoring the pain radiating from his arm in favor of rushing at Lelouch, punching him square in the jaw.
Kaida ducks under a punch from Luffy, her own punch sending him staggering back. “You need to snap out of it! You already did! Wake up, Kaida!” Luffy yells. Kaida grits her teeth as her eyes seem to get brighten only for them to flicker out. “Dammit!”
Law jumps back narrowly avoiding another hit as he thinks back to the day Cora gave him the Ope Ope no Mi. Gritting his teeth, the memory hurts more because that was the same day that Cora died. “You won’t be able to save her. It’s already too late.” Doflamingo chuckles, landing a solid hit on Law, slamming him into the ground. Pressing a foot down on his head, “The ‘training’ took full effect, and the collar gives me complete control of her.” Grabbing Doflamingo’s ankle, Law tries to move him but the male just presses the foot down harder.
Lelouch lashes out at Rowan again, the boy’s hand flying out to grab the blade, wincing as it cuts his hand. He grips the blade tight, pulling Lelouch forward and headbutts him hard enough that he lets go of the sword. Dropping it, Rowan grabs the hilt, turning his attention to his useless arm. Lelouch tries to stand up but Anti is standing up behind him and brings both hands down hard against the back of his head, knocking the trainer out.
Panting heavily, Rowan uses the blade and cuts off his own arm. Anti looks up at the gasp from his brother, “What are you doing?!” Tearing the wrap belt that Lelouch was wearing off him, he rushes to his brother, tying it around the stump of his arm.
“It was badly infected… I needed to cut it off… Though I think it might’ve been… too late.” Rowan’s voice fades as he passes out from shock and blood loss. Catching his brother, Anti lays him down gently. Digging through Lelouch’s pockets, he finds the keys then uses his teeth and keys to undo the cuffs, putting them on the passed out trainer. Turning his attention to the other fights, he debates on what to do next.
Pinning the girl down, Luffy presses his hand on the back of her head, his feet pinning her hands as he sits on her back. Looking at the black collar on her throat, he tries to find out how to get it off. Something telling him that it needs to come off for Kaida to regain control of herself. “That’s it!” He says. Lifting her head off the ground, he slams it down hard enough to hopefully knock her out then throws her over his shoulder. Crouching down, he launches them up through the hole to get back to the castle roof.
Landing though, Luffy takes quick note of what’s going on. The person with the green hair is awake and has a sword. The two people who were behind Doflamingo seem to be knocked out. Rowan also seems to be knocked out. As his gaze roams the rooftop, his blood runs cold seeing Doflamingo pinning Law to the ground with his foot. The blonde turns towards them, his smirk returning. “Oh good. You brought my attack dog back to me. Surgit.” Kaida’s eyes snap open and she gets to her feet.
Luffy glances at her but keeps his attention on Doflamingo. Raising his foot up, Doflamingo stomps it down on Law’s back making the downed male cry out before kicking him hard, sending him rolling across the ground. “Eum occidere (Kill him).” Her father points at Law; as her body moves to follow the order she hears someone yell at her.
“Val, stop!” Turning her head towards Anti, she stares at him. Seeing her eyes, Anti’s own eyes go wide. Her father growls then uses his string to stab the green haired male in the stomach. Watching this Kaida grits her teeth as she starts to fight the command again. Hands flying up to grip the sides of her head as her knees buckle, she drops to the ground and growls out.
“Do as I order you and kill Law!” Doflamingo screams at the girl. Biting her lip hard enough to make it bleed, she glares at her father. “You insolent little brat!” He snarls, storming towards her, kicking her onto her back he stomps down hard on her stomach. Yelping at the stomp, she grabs his ankle trying to push him away from her. “Obedite mihi (Obey me).” Biting her lip harder to try and keep consciousness, the collar seems to glow blue as it sparks and shocks her. The shock catches her off guard enough that the command takes hold. Hands letting go of his ankle, then sliding to fall to the ground. “Good girl.” He mocks her, moving away now.
Getting to her feet she looks around. Anti doubled over as he held his wounded stomach, Rowan still passed out, Luffy glaring at her father. Doflamingo making his way over to the unconscious Law. When her gaze lands on Law, a memory flashes through her mind.
The two make their way through a bustling town. One of the many they’ve traveled through over the past year. Kaida walks beside Law with her hands clasped behind her back, eyes roaming the vendors they pass when she stops, her eyes landing on a stand that is selling journals. Making her way over, she looks at the covers of the journals when her gaze lands on one that is made up of a beautiful brown leather, it has a compass symbol engraved on the cover with an anchor charm attached like a bookmark. Picking it up, she runs her fingers lightly over the journal. Turning it over, she finds a little quote engraved on the back. “Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.” Smiling softly at the quote, she sets the journal back down then walks away after nodding politely at the vendor.
Law watches her as she walks away, he waits till she’s a few vendors away before going to see what she looked at.
Later that evening the two of them are in their room at the local inn. Kaida sitting on her bed, reading through one of the books she brought with her. Law lay on his own bed, hands clasped behind his head. Humming softly to herself, she puts the book away then takes out her sketchbook to doodle. Opening an eye, he glances over at the girl when she starts to sing softly.
Noticing her drawing, he sits up suddenly causing her to jump in surprise. “What’s up, Law?” Chuckling, she rests her sketchbook back on her lap. Law reaches down for a bag he has under his bed then holds it out to her. Looking at him confused, she reaches out to take the small bag, tilting her head.
“Open it.” He says, nodding slowly she opens the bag and her eyes go wide seeing the leather bound journal she was looking at earlier today.
“Law, you didn’t have to..”
“I wanted to and you looked like you liked the journal,” he says, looking away as his cheeks turn a light pink, “Plus the other journal you have looks like it's about to fall apart.”
“Thank you.” She whispers, running her fingers over the anchor charm with a soft smile. Watching her for a moment, he takes in how the light of the lamp reflects off her eyes, making the green seem to glow faintly. Taking a breath, he grabs his hat then leaves the room.
“I’ll be right back.” He says, closing the door quietly behind him. Holding the journal to her chest, she stares at the door feeling her own face heat up a little. She loves the gift. As she holds the journal to her chest, her heart starts to pick up and she feels her face growing hotter. A thought crosses her mind but she quickly shakes her head. “No, not possible.” Muttering to herself, she puts the new journal with her old one, changes into her night clothes then crawls into bed. Asleep before Law returns to the room.
The memory along with the feelings it brings up breaks the hold the command has on her. The collar sparks again before a small crack appears. Seeing her father standing over Law, his foot raised to slam it down on the male again. Kaida growls then launches herself at the old man, knocking him away from Law. Doflamingo stumbles from the force of the unexpected hit, his eyes glaring at the girl. Crouching in front of Law, she draws her dagger from the tattoo on her shoulder. “What? Obedite mihi!” He says.
“That won’t work on me anymore.” She growls out, rolling her pant leg up, she runs her finger over the tattoo on her ankle. Pulling the pistol from the tattoo, she holds it up then shoots at her father multiple times. Three hits before he kicks her in the side of the head. Stumbling from the hit, both the dagger and pistol fade as they fall out of her hands.
“Then you’ll die here too.” Using his strings they wrap around her, pinning her arms to side her. “But first I’ll kill your friends before your eyes.” He smirks; Kaida grits her teeth, fighting against the strings. Kneeling beside Law from where she was knocked down, she glares up at her father when he stops in front of them. Leaning over to try and protect Law, she bares her teeth, growling at the blonde enemy. Smirking at this, Doflamingo raises his foot as it turns black with haki. “Goodbye my useless daughter.” He says before bringing his foot down towards her head. Squeezing eyes shut, she lays her forehead on Law’s chest waiting for the pain.
It takes her a few seconds to notice there is no pain. Opening her eyes slowly, she turns her head to see what’s going on. Seeing Luffy standing behind her, his foot blocking Doflamingo’s attack, she stares at him with wide eyes. “Strawhat…” Luffy drops his gaze to her, giving her a small smirk. Putting more force into his kick, he sends Doflamingo sliding back away from them.
“I got it from here.” He says to her then launches into the air, attacking her father. Watching them fight, Kaida stares with wide eyes.
“...Kaida…” Jumping slightly at the voice, her gaze drops down to Law to see him staring up at her. Letting out the breath she didn’t know she was holding, she gives him a small smile.
“Hey.” She says softly. Studying her, he reaches a hand up to wipe away the blood on her cheek, rubbing his thumb over her cheek softly. Blushing lightly, she leans into the touch before he moves his hand then uses his ability to cut the strings holding her. Throwing the strings off, she grabs onto his hand, giving it a light squeeze. Lifting her gaze, she watches the fight. Law follows her gaze to see Luffy and Doflamingo exchanging blows.
Pushing himself up, Law gets to his feet wobbling slightly. Jumping to her feet Kaida helps to steady him, “I’m fine.” He tells her, giving her a small smile.
“Like hell you are. Let Luffy deal with my dad.”
“He won’t be able to beat him on his own.”
“Then I’ll help him. You’re too injured to fight anymore.” Law stares at her, his gaze dropping down to the black collar around her throat. “It broke or whatever, the commands don’t work anymore.” In the distance a loud shriek draws the pair's attention. The Birdcage is closing in on them.
“Shit.” Grumbling under her breath, Kaida looks at the cage then over to her father only to see him being sent flying into the city below. Eyes widening, she watches as Luffy goes after him. He seems larger as he bounces with each step, dark marks covering parts of his skin. “What the…” Shaking her head, she lets out a breath.
“Good, he gave us some time.” Law says making his way over to where Anti and Rowan are. Using his ability to create a small blue dome, he manages to heal Anti enough that he won’t die of blood loss. “I’ll fix you up more later.”
“Thanks.” Anti says before promptly passing out. Getting to his feet, Law starts to walk towards the edge of the castle roof.
“We should go help him.” Kaida nods as she steps up beside him. Creating as large of a dome as possible, Law uses shambles to get them down to the city below quickly. They watch as Luffy is sent flying.
“There you are!” Doflamingo snarls, appearing a few feet in front of them. Stepping in front of Law, Kaida bares her teeth in a growl at her father.
“Kaida.”
“Go help Luffy, I’ll hold my father off for now.” She says without turning to look at Law. Narrowing his eyes on the girl, he sighs then turns to run off to go help Luffy.
“Like hell you’re getting away!” Throwing his hand out, strings fly towards Law’s back. The attack is too fast for either of them to block; Law barely moves in time, the attack cutting his arm off. Gritting his teeth, he stumbles but manages to keep his footing and continues running. Turning back to her father, the tattoos start to grow as the ink covers all of her skin turning her entire body an inky black. Stalking towards her father, ink drips from her fingers, some ink being left behind with each step. Eyes glowing a bright green as her hair floats around her head. “There is the demon I created.” He chuckles as the girl glares at him.
Launching towards him, she lashes out with inky claws. The attack lands, scratching his shoulder as he sidesteps the girl. Skidding on the ground, she turns to attack again only to be kicked in the chin. Her head flies back as she is knocked back. Growling, she lunges at her father again. “Out of all three of you. You were the only successful experiment.” Doflamingo says with a chuckle, punching her in the stomach. Grabbing onto his arm, she digs her inked claws into his skin; spinning, she flips him over her shoulder and slams him on the ground. Curling hand into a fist, she punches down only for him to roll out of the way. “The other two didn’t last long after you left. They died thinking you’d come to save them, along with a few of your little friends. I’m surprised the two boys survived so long.”
Hearing this, Kaida’s eyes narrow as she growls louder. Each of his words causes her anger to spike as memories of her sisters and friends flash through her mind. “It’s all your fault!” He finishes. Canine teeth sharpening, she lunges at him again, mouth opening as she goes to bite down on his neck. Attacking with blind anger, Kaida doesn’t see the spike of strings as it shoots out of the ground into her stomach. Eyes going wide, blood falling from her lips as she coughs. Gripping the spike to keep her from sliding down it, she uses the inky substance covering her to slice the spike enough that she is able to fall off it. Falling onto her side, she pants heavily and coughs up more blood. “They all died because of you.” Doflamingo walks over, grabbing her by the hair to lift her up. Tearing the spike out of her stomach, she presses her hand over the wound to keep it from bleeding more.
“Bas…tard… I’ll kill you!” She manages to wheeze out as the ink covering her skin starts to drip off, the glow in her eyes fading and her teeth returning to their normal size. Panting heavily, she tries to pull his hand from her hair. This earns a chuckle from Doflamingo as he brings her face down towards his knee, his knee flying up to slam into her face. Letting go as his knee connects, she falls back from the hit. Blood drips from her nose and she lets a whimper of pain. Rolling onto her side, she tries to get up but the mixture of blood loss and pain leaves her too weak to move. Managing to get up onto her hands and knees, she tries to get to her feet only for her knees to give out as soon as she stands. Gasping as pain shoots through her when her knees hit the ground, she turns her face to glare at her laughing father.
“Pathetic. Look at you. Barely able to stand.” Shaking his head, his smile fades and he scowls at her. “Another useless dog.” Reaching out, he goes to strangle the life out of her only to be sent flying by a punch in the face. Looking around in shock, Kaida finds herself on a rooftop, Law not far from her.
“W-What…” blood trickling from the corner of her mouth, she falls onto her side. Law rushed over to her.
“I switched your place with Luffy. He’s going to finish the fight.” Rolling onto her back, Kaida smiles up at Law as more blood drips from her mouth. The wound on her stomach is still bleeding. Looking over the wounds, Law does his best to stop the bleeding using the small medical kit that was handed to him by one of the citizens. He manages to stitch the wound closed then tears the shirt from around her stomach so he can bandage her up, though he does get help since he lost one of his arms.
Robin, Viola and a group from the plateau appear. Viola holding Law’s severed arm, Robin takes it from her then knees down beside him. “Thanks.” Robin nods as she holds the two parts of the arm together, letting Viola wrap it and Law uses his ability to reattach his limb.
“Interesting.” Kaida then coughs, turning her head to the side to spit out more blood. “Didn’t know you could reattach limbs if they aren’t cut by you.”
“As long as the room is activated, I can do this. But not often. Maybe once a month since it takes more energy.” He explains, smiling faintly, relieved that Kaida can make small talk with how injured she is.
“We need to move. The birdcage is closing in on us.” Viola informs them. Robin helps Law to stand. A couple of citizens find a stretch, load Kaida onto it and they all hurry from the roof.
Pushing herself up a little, she tries to find Luffy and her father. The cloud of smoke let her know the fight was still happening. ’Please Luffy, finish this once and for all. Ace, please help him.’ Falling back onto the stretch, she lets out a groan as her world soon fades to black.
The first thing she hears as she slowly comes to is the sound of people talking, she feels something wet patting on different parts of her face. Opening her eyes slowly, she blinks at the bright light. “Kaida?” a familiar voice draws her attention. Glancing over to the person, she sees Robin kneeling beside, “Can you hear me?” Kaida nods, opening her mouth to speak but Robin shakes her head. “Shh, don’t speak. Your throat is badly damaged..” Nodding at the words, she tries to sit up. Robin helps her, “Careful.” The lady whispers. Once she’s sitting, Kaida looks around to find herself in a small cabin. Law, Usopp, Zoro, Luffy, Kin’emon, Franky, Kyros, Anti, Rowan and another brightly colored person are spread around the small cabin.
“Good. You’re awake.” Law says, standing up from where he was sitting. Robin steps back letting the doctor check Kaida over. Stepping away, she goes to get something to eat and drink for the girl. “You’ve only been out for about five hours.”
“Only five hours!” Kaida says, her eyes wide then she winces as pain shoots through her whole body.
“Take it easy. The battle is finished.” He says softly, pushing her to lay back down gently. “Your fathers been defeated.” Hearing those words, Kaida’s eyes start to water up. Not fighting the tears this time, she lets herself cry. “It’s finally over.” Law whispers, the words helping him to relax now that he’s finally able to say them. The others respectfully leave Kaida alone as she cries.
The next morning, Kaida, Law and the strawhats along with the two samurai gather up their belongings. “Thank you.” Rebecca says, the young girl standing beside Kyros, her father. “You’ve helped us a lot.” She says, giving Luffy a hug.
“We need to get going.” Zoro says from where he’s standing a few feet away from the cabin. “We have trouble.” In the distance they hear people running towards them.
“It’s the marines.” Kaida says from her place in Franky’s arms. The cyborg carrying her since her body is still too weak from her wounds, and the toll her ability took on her body. “Let’s get out of here.” With that the group starts running for the docks. Behind them, rubble rises into the air as Fujitora uses his ability to gather it up.
It doesn’t take long for them to reach their boat and sail off. Franky sets her on one of the beds in the ship's rooms so she can rest more. Outside on deck, several captains join Luffy as they drink sake and form the strawhat fleet. Hearing the cheering outside, Kaida smiles faintly and soon falls back to sleep.