Two Hearts

Three days

Law paced the alcove up and down and back again. The transponder snail sat, silent, on a nearby plateau. The sun was setting, casting deep shadows in the small bay. The rest of the crew was sitting around, resting. Some were finishing dinner, others played round of poker with Ikkaku. Bepo watched him absently, continuing the 'Plastic Hearts' series.

"Aisuru-ya was supposed to check in."

"She said she would try," Jean corrected, sipping his iced tea, "But she did check in shortly after leaving. Possible she thought that was enough."

He stopped between the snail and Jean, scowling. "She was supposed to check in when she found somewhere safe to stay. If Trebol is really on the island, she could be in danger."

"She was going to be in danger anyway," the former captain reasoned, "And you've seen how she handles Logia types."

Law shook his head, resuming his pacing. "That was an inexperienced slaver. That paper mache man knows better." He made it to the edge of the bay and back without ever looking up. "I told her I wouldn't interfere." He groused to himself. He continued his pacing well after the crew had gone to bed. It was deep into the night when the snail finally rang.

He teleported himself to it, answering as calmly as he could. "I've been waiting, Aisuru-ya."

The voice on the other end sounded young and disappointed. "Yeah, I thought it would be you."

His breath caught in his chest. His grip tightened on the transponder. "Who are you?"

"I'm Lyla. Mama's mad."

"Lyla-ya-"

"Don't call me that!" she snapped. "It's gross to be called so familiar by you."

A muscle ticked under Law's eye. "Lyla. Who is Mama?"

"Mama owns the brothel that Doffy built!" Her tone changed instantly. "We're gonna save up a bunch of money and buy out the guards, and get Doffy back! And Aisuru is gonna help, yay!"

"I sincerely doubt Aisuru-ya would help." Law's stomach clenched at the idea of Doflamingo being free. Of course, it would give him another try to kill him, but...

"Well, she can't say no," the girl giggled, "At least she hasn't yet." Her voice turned sour. "How come you took my sister from me?"

"How old are you?" Law's hands shook. What was happening over there? Who was this small child? Why didn't Aisuru call him?

"I'm eight! I don't get to play with the customers yet. Mama says I have to wait until I'm bigger. I can't wait to be as popular as my sister!"

So she wasn't Aisuru's biological family. It made him feel a bit better for her that she wasn't related to someone so clearly brainwashed. "Can I talk to your sister?"

"No, Mama says she's not allowed to talk right now. She's working! But..." she trailed off. Law could practically hear her fidgeting. When she spoke again, her voice dripped with reluctance. "Aisuru gave me a note, and told me to call you. She gave me a whole ice cream for trade! She says you should leave. I promised her I wouldn't tell Mama that you're here. But I really hate you, so I might anyway."

Law shuddered. He hated every part of this situation, but at least he knew how to manipulate children. "Lyla, do you want to be like me?"

"Eeewww! No!"

"Then don't betray Aisuru-ya like that." He hoped it would be that simple.

Lyla seemed to think about it for a while. "Okay. I won't. I'm not going to be anything like you! Oh, I almost forgot. Aisuru wrote something about having three days, but Mama almost caught her so the writing is bad. Maybe she wants to see you before you go?"