The Surgeon and the Devil (Law X OC)

Ch. 21 Fly High

  You and Law haven't been overly open about your relationship, but you haven't exactly been hiding it either. The two of you still acted the same around each other, it was just a bit more.. hands on? It was subtle, but whenever you two were close, you'd linger in touch and when the two of you would steal glances. And you two were much more relaxed, and softer when it came to each other. To others, you two would seem as close friends, but to the people who knew you both knew that it was much more than that.
  From visiting island to island, fighting off Marines and pirates, and from the training you do aboard the sub, you can happily say that you've improved in your own strength. You've been making a bigger name for yourself, without even realizing it, throughout the Blues. Each island becoming more treacherous than the last, especially the ones who hung the White Beard Pirates Jolly Roger. It was almost overwhelming how many pirates you had to bring down in order to reclaim the lands that were once protected by the Late Yonko. By defeating these men, not only was it beneficial in carving your own story of becoming Yonko, it was beneficial to Law. For every pirate crew we defeated, he took the heart of the captain. Youve asked him before why exactly he was collecting them, but he said that it was a surprise, so you didn't really bother asking again. You couldn't help but be intrigued and disgusted by the fact that Law could take a still beating heart from someone. You actually asked him to do it to you, but he refused. He said it didn't sit well with him to do that to you.

  You two were about to set off from a snowy island in the North Blue, Law took yet another heart as his prize. The small town that you two were departing from was over ran by a group of pirates who liked to talk big and pick on those who were weaker than them. Of course, this didn't sit well for you so you decided to teach them a lesson. The townspeople were very grateful and we're kind enough to give you a very generous amount of food and other supplies for your journey, so it was taking a bit of time to get everything inside the sub.
  "We really can't thank you enough for what you did for us," said the Mayor of the town. He was an older man, used to be an adventurer but unfortunately was injured very badly and could no longer continue. "I really wish I were still able to fight to protect this town, but I guess I have to leave it up to the younger generation now.." he trailed off.
  "You really don't have to thank us, I honestly hate seeing people like that. So I guess I was being more selfish than anything." You smiled back at the old man. He chuckled at your answer and made small talk while the others finished loading up.
  "It's a shame about what happened to your brother, I can only hope that you can live on without any regrets as well." He said. "Oh, I've also heard that you're competing with Black Beard, correct?" You were a bit shocked to hear this, you thought it was still a bit of a secret.
  "Where'd you hear that from?" You asked, genuinely curious.
  "There's been some rumors going around about a woman with long black hair going from island to island helping them out with any trouble that they e come across. Kind of like she's taking over the Late White Beard." He said looking up at you. "I assumed it was you since you do have a reason to fight for the position."
  "Ah jeez, well I've been trying to lay kind of low about it.." you rubbed the back of your head.
  "You're not exactly the quietest person, Mai-ya," Law said as he came up behind you. You jumped a bit, startled by Laws voice. You clutched your heart and gave him an overdramatic look, he just ignored you.
  "If anything, it's probably good that people are talking about you and know that it is you who is challenging Black Beard. I mean, it's not like you're hiding from the Marines anymore." Law said as he walked up beside you.
  After what happened with Garp, it seemed that some of his men did talk about seeing you, but never gave away what island you were found on. Naturally, you became an even larger target for the Marines, so your bounty went up quite a bit. Shachi and Penguin were crying tears of jealousy over your new bounty, it sky rocketed up to 950 Million Beli.
  "Well, since my suspicions have been answered, I have a question for you, Ms. Mai." The old man had startled you out of your thoughts.
  "You see, this town has become a target for bandits and pirates to ransack and what it is that we once we're is no more..." He trailed off. You saw him grip his hands tightly, his knuckles turning white. "I want to fly your Jolly Roger in this town. Maybe then, we could reclaim our former glory." You were stunned by what the man had just asked of you. You were barely making yourself out to be a Yonko, and after everything that happened at Marineford, he still wanted to fly your flag?
  "Are you certain? Even after the defeat I was dealt by Akainu?" You couldn't help but hesitate at his request.
  "Defeat? Nonsense. I don't see someone who is defeated before me, I see a strong young woman who is showing the world that she isn't willing to back down. I'd be honored if you were to take this town under your protection." You were stunned, you didn't feel as though you had the right or were worthy of accepting his request. Then you felt Law nudge you forward a bit, urging you to accept.
  "You have to start somewhere, right?" Law said behind you. You gave him a look of determination and turned back to the Mayor.
  "I will gladly fly my Jolly Roger in this town."