Two Hearts

Prith

They landed at the island of Prith early in the morning. They found an alcove that would work as a temporary docking point for the Polar Tang, and the crew surfaced to stretch their legs. It was the remnants of cannonball fire, but it worked quite well. The water was clear, so avoiding the jutting rocks was a simple task. The ground was mostly flat, with small craters and shallow plateaus.

Bepo fanned himself in the shade, sitting on a plateau with his bare feet in the water. "I hate summer islands."

"I love them!" Aisuru stretched straight up, reaching her arms above her head and standing on her tip-toes. She could feel the warming rays of the sun through her lacy black tights and matching black top. She gave a small twirl in her short red dress to face Shachi and Penguin, both of whom were trying to get a peek.

She leaned forward with a playful grin. "None for you," she admonished lightly, "What would Captain say if he caught you peeking?"

They both collapsed in dramatic despair as Law looked on, unamused. "Was I not clear last week?"

"Oh, you were perfectly clear," Aisuru skipped over to him, clasping his hand, "I'm just so gorgeous that they forgot."

"Uh-huh." He raised a skeptical eyebrow at her. "Is that right?"

She kissed his cheek. "Isn't that why you keep me around?"

Ikkaku rolled her eyes. "Yo, we don't have forever. Aisuru, you should get going if you want to get back before night."

"I told you," Aisuru's playful tone was now serious. "It might take more than a day. I have to be careful to avoid certain people during the day, and there are others that might take some time to deal with. I could be gone for a few days." Law's hand tightened around hers, but he didn't say a word.

Aisuru faced him once more. "It'll be fine. And worth it, you'll see." She kissed him lightly, then abruptly dashed up the safest path towards town. She stopped at the top, waving down at them. "I have the little snail!" she called, trying to reassure at least Ikkaku that she would be fine. There was nothing to be done to comfort Law in this situation.

She turned on her heel and flash-stepped into town. It looked about the same as she remembered it, only brighter. Daylight sort of had that effect on things, she reminded herself. Most of the shops were closed, and only the early vendors with much to set up were about.

Aisuru kept a brisk pace, walking past the square buildings of varying heights. She only paused once, to tilt her head at a pet shop. She found herself watching a litter of puppies with fluffy, golden fur and ears too big for their heads as they slowly woke up and began milling about their enclosure.

"I want one." she whined to no one in particular. "Law would be so mad, though. But I want one..."

"Good morning!" A jolly voice interrupted her solo argument. It belonged to a tall woman with short red hair and a kind, middle aged face. "Looking for a puppy this early?"

"No," Aisuru sighed, not making eye contact, "I can't have one where I live right now, so I just stopped to look at them. Oh, hey, is Mama Rose still in town?"

The woman looked her over, crossing her arms. She frowned to the side, brown eyes darkening. "That old witch? No one could get rid of her. What do you need her for?"

"She has something of mine." Aisuru shrugged. "I figure since the boss man is in Impel Down, it would be safe to take it back."

"Impel Down or no Impel Down, you should stay away from anyone who flies that jolly roger." The woman shuddered. "I think you'd be safer with a puppy. I have six litters right now. Why don't you stay here, and we can-"