Devilish

Awakening

- Hours later –

Law's chest was heaving, his head pounding from the impact of a sword coming down on his head. They were all in bad shape – fighting for hours with severe injuries. Xander was the same – he looked fatigued with deep wounds, but he still stood proud. They had seemed to reach a standstill. They were somewhat taking it in turns, working rotationally to allow them time to recuperate. But they couldn't carry on like this – they needed to gain an edge.

They almost didn't notice the confident tapping of shoes against the marble flooring. Xander's dark face seemed to upturn into a taunting smirk.

"You came back to me by yourself this time?" He laughed loudly "What a good girl I've raised"

Law's eyes widened in shock horror as he saw Leila re-enter the throne room, her limbs now free of sea stone. Her cheek had darkened into a purple bruise and her clothes were barely tied together, scraps of material falling off her.

"Why?!" Law shouted at her, anger rising up inside of him. They had fought so hard to give her time to flee – time for her to get away, and yet she had come back.

Zoro's gaze turned into a subtle glare towards Xander, his defense doubling at the entrance of Leila. She looked towards Law with a slightly dazed gaze, confusing him and sending alarm bells in his head. Yet, she gave him a subtle smile and nodded, as if telling him 'good job'.

Suddenly, Luffy got sent pummeling into the wall by Xander, who had seemingly been re-inspired at the sight of Leila. She met his gaze dangerously, taking a step towards him.

"What the fuck is she doing?!" Zoro hissed, picking up his swords. Law couldn't answer him. He had no idea. Zoro raced towards Xander – the clashing of skilled swordsmanship filling the room once more.

"Why even bother fighting if she's returned to my side?" Xander scoffed at the young men, giving a look of disgusting pity.

Leila continued to step towards him, her gaze intensifying as her golden eyes shimmered and transitioned into a darker red. Zoro's breathing hitched at the sight, chills running up his body and making the hair stand on the back of his neck. Her devil fruit abilities sprouted out from her beaten body, small horns coming out of her head and her long skinny tail sprouting – spearing through her clothes at the tip. Xander watched her, entranced.

"Wow, it's been a while since I've seen that" He whistled in appreciation, as if he was looking at a treasured jewel. "What you going to do? Fight me, my dear?"

Leila remained silent but came to a standstill, her eyes watching him intently as her tail swished attentively. She resembled a lion, watching its prey and planning her next move.

Law and Zoro didn't know what to do – Xander had stopped fighting and was entranced by the young woman before him. They were on their highest guard. Luffy knelt at the back, wiping his forehead as he looked up to see the situation.

Xander made quick movements towards her, grabbing ahold of her forearm and beginning to drag her back to his side. Law was up in an instant, his room enveloping the marble room. Suddenly, the room was hit by a red aura – the air seemingly condensing for a moment, searing pain applying to everyone's orifices. But it ended as quickly as it came. Luffy spluttered, staying back for once as he looked back up to watch his friend. Once everyone had overcome the momentary agony – they were snapped back to reality by a blood curtling shout from Xander. He had collapsed onto his knees, clutching at his shoulder. His remaining arm had been severed, making a sickening thud as it dropped to the floor – splattering red across the white flooring.