Entry for the contest hosted by Lyndsy. Tried to tag her multiple times and it doesn't work, ugh.

Author's note: this is set in regular universe – just imaginary future, towards the end of One Piece.

It's given that the Strawhats, the Heart Pirates and the Kid Pirates joined forces in Wano (alongside many other people) to take down Kaido (which I hope will really happen and I can't wait!).

Word count: 4534

Song: Hallelujah

By Leonard Cohen

*

What would happen if the World Government managed to capture the Fifth Emperor, Monkey D. Luffy, and his entire crew, sending them to execution in Neo Marineford?

Something similar happened before, when Portgas D. Ace was sentenced to death.

A war.

One of the biggest wars the world had ever seen. More than the War of the Best, more than the Payback war, more than Wano.

The Strawhats had many allies.

During their journey, they saved not just a lot of people, but a lot of countries.

They had a shitload of enemies too, though.

Despite some of them being criminals, the WG signed a truce and asked them to join forces in the furious battle to come.

Because they knew what was coming.

The Strawhat Fleet, the Revolutionaries, the Kamabakka Kingdom, the amazons, Germa 66, the samurais, the Surgeon of Death, the Kid pirates, the Minks, what was left of the Whitebeard pirates, and others.

And you.

Just one year before, you would have paled in front of the mere idea of being caught in such a war.

Just one year before, you would have placed yourself on the other side of the frontline.

Yes, the Strawhats had many powerful allies. And it took just a quick glance to know it was going to be a majestic pain in the ass to make them work together.

You just never thought that pain in the ass would have been you.

«Well, [Y/n],» Killer said softly above your shoulder «I guess it won't be easy, uh?»

«"Uh" my ass.» you grumbled, a thin drop of sweater gliding down your temple.

The hall was a mess.

The Cannibal had started a fight with Ivankov, while Kin'emon was keeping back Cavendish, who looked actually more like a sleeping demon at the moment. Nekomamushi was on the verge of attacking Vinsmoke Ichiji for some unfortunate comment, and the two big Boa sisters looked very displeased with Trafalgar Law for unknown reasons. The rest of the Strawhat Fleet was caught in a quarrel among themselves. Only Marco the Phoenix stood calm in a corner, leaning against the wall.

Your observation haki was well developed, so it was immediately clear how strong all those weirdos were. Honestly, they could kick your ass any day of the week.

That was an awful, awful idea.

«What the hell is this mess?!» your captain (and man) yelled from behind you.

Eustass Kid, not famous for his pacific temper.

«So that was your plan, Eustass-ya?»

Law walked over, an annoyed scowl spreading on his face.

«Gathering us all and assuming we would get along pretty well?»

«Watch your mouth, Trafalgar, or I'll kill you.»

«Yeah, yeah. And tell me, who is supposed to be the head of this mismatched alliance? You?»

Kid snarled, his murderous intent glowing in his eyes, but he could somehow handle his attitude.

«Not me.» he growled «Her.»

In an instant, all those terrific eyes were fixed on you.

«Hey.» you muttered in the now quiet atmosphere «Some of you already know me. I'm [Y/n]: member of the Kid Pirates, ex marine, awesome. I hope you're all doing well.»

The silence that followed was broken by a light chuckle.

«Now, this is getting interesting.» Marco smirked.

The war was savage.

Your strategies overlapped with Akainu's over and over.

Someone betrayed you.

People died.

As the General of the Strawhat Rescue Alliance, you took responsibility for every one of them.

As ex marine, your heart hurt for every enemy killed.

Even when your own nakamas were falling, you had to stand strong, be lucid, yell orders in the Den Den Mushi, or everyone was going to be lost.

You had to fight on the main frontline, Akainu aiming at you with all he got, far from your captain, with so many lives depending on you.

You, a simple human being, with nothing special other than sarcasm.

And for all that time, you had that new fear cutting inside you, that unknown feeling that was also your burning strength.

The Strawhats were freed.

The war was won.

Many died on both sides.

The surviving marines fled across the sea and, while the pirates were screaming and celebrating all over the ruins of Marineford, drunk with their own adrenalin, you couldn't help but being afraid of the consequences for the rest of the world.

But before that.

«Congratulations, general.»

As if you were in trance, your slowly turned to Nico Robin, standing beside you.

«The war is won. You should announce it in that Den Den Mushi and make it official, don't you think?»

«Uh...?»

Your eyes moved on the device.

Your voice sounded weak as you pulled it close to your trembling lips.

«To the Strawhat Rescue Alliance, this is your general speaking.»

The island grew quieter, or maybe it was just your imagination.

«I announce you...»

You swallowed. Inhaled. Deeply.

«THE WAR IS WON!»

The yells of the alliance exploded all over Marineford, along with the cries.

Yes, you won the war. And comrades had been lost.

You handed the Den Den Mushi to the woman and started to run along the shore.

«Oi, were is she going?!» Bartolomeo barked, nearby «She's our general! She has to celebrate with us!»

Nico Robin raised her hand to stop him. Sabo approached.

«Take a look around, Rooster-kun.» she said «None of the Kid Pirates are here.»

«Eustass Kid and Trafalgar Law were fighting on the other side of the island, weren't they?» Sabo added.

«Shit, that's true!» Bartolomeo grimaced «They had to take Ryokugyu down.»

The blond glanced at the snail device.

«They haven't been replying to any call since half the battle.»

Nico Robin was looking at the pirates all around.

«Friends and nakama are still missing for everyone.» she frowned «The hardest time has yet to come.»

HALLELUJAH

[ Kid, Law, reader ]

I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?

Your panting was the only sound flooding your ears as you ran across the ruins.

Maybe they're okay. Probably it's just their Den Den Mushi that broke up. They are okay.

After the Room Law created to move Ryokugyu on the other side of Marineford, the Admiral never came back to help the marines, after all.

But neither did Kid or Law.

You're okay. Please, be okay.

When the fight was done, you noticed Heat, Wire and Killer disappeared immediately, rushing towards the opposite shore.

Why haven't they filled me in already? Those idiots!

It took almost half an hour of running to reach the point.

You crawled up the boulders that obstructed the beach.

Of course a battle among those three destroyed the place.

When you were finally past them, a straight view of the sandy clearing was in front of your eyes.

They were there.

And it was immediately clear everything was not okay.

Well, it goes like this:

Law was sitting against a jagged rock, clothes ripped, elbows resting on his knees, chin bent on his chest.

Eustass Kid was a few feet away from him. He was lying down, with his head resting on a stone.

There was too much blood around him.

The fourth

Heat, Wire and Killer were gathered by his side.

The fifth

And they were crying.

The minor fall

And the major lift

You dashed towards the scene. You stumbled, scraped your knees, lifted and ran again.

The baffled king composing Hallelujah

«KID!»

Your nakama turned to you. Law had a start hearing your choked voice, but didn't raise his head.

The shadow of a smile tugged on the corners of Kid's mouth.

«Birdie.»

Hallelujah

You fell on your knees as soon as you reached him, shuffling on the ground to cover the last feet and climbing on his wounded chest.

You couldn't swallow.

So much blood.

The wound was...

You didn't have to look at it to understand. So you didn't.

Hallelujah

«Kid...!»

«Hey.»

His voice came out like a coarse whisper. His eyes were closed, but he did his best to open them and look at you.

Biting hard your lower lip, you quickly turned to the others.

«What the fuck are you doing standing there?! And you!»

Your furious eyes moved on Law.

«You're supposed to be the best doctor around, aren't you, Surgeon of Death?! Why aren't you treating him, for fuck's sake!»

Heat and Wire didn't answer, lowering their faces on the ground.

Finally, Law lifted his silver eyes.

«I already did all I could.» he said, slowly.

Hallelujah

«Bullshit!»

Killer moved a step closer.

«[Y/n]...»

«No! No!»

You harshly shook your head, burning tears already lining your cheeks, lips tugged above your teeth.

Kid's hand managed to move on yours, leaned on his marked chest.

«Calm down, birdie.»

«Like hell I'm calming down! Heat, Wire! Bring here that fucking reindeer! If Trafalgar can't do anything, maybe he will!»

«[Y/n].»

Trembling a little for the effort, his fingers reached your chin, forcing you to face his weak, yet cheeky smirk.

«Look at me.»

Your soaked grimace was shaking.

«I'm dying, birdie.»

Hallelujah

«No... no...»

More people were gathering on the beach, even if you didn't register it.

It seemed your brain was not processing correctly.

Law shoved his head between his shoulders, gritting his teeth.

«Why, why did we come here?» you cried «You don't even like the Strawhats!»

Kid chuckled and coughed blood.

«Quit it. Regret doesn't suit you.»

Unable to control your despair, you dropped your forehead on his chest and wept.

You felt his hand in your hair.

«C'mon.» he said «You're supposed to be the general of this mismatched group of lunatics.»

«I... I don't want...»

Words were broken in your mouth.

«It's not fair!»

His chest rose and lowered under your face.

«I have no regrets.»

Swallowing, you lifted your eyes on his peaceful expression, messy red hair all over it.

«I wanted to live to become the Pirate King, or dying in the process. I never asked for more.»

He swept away the tears from your cheek.

«Yet I had my stupid nakama. And you.»

Well your faith was strong, but you needed proof

You saw her bathing on the roof

Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew ya

«Kid please, please, don't.» you begged «I cannot lose you, I can't.»

The others were crying behind you. A lot of eyes were fixed on you, probably from the most notorious pirates of your age.

You couldn't care less.

«You made me who I am today. You taught me freedom. This can't be it.»

«It's fine. I already spoke with Killer, he will take care of you.»

On the beach, Nami pressed her hands on her mouth to muffle the sobs. Bartolomeo was among the ones crying openly, along with Ivankov and Momonosuke. Marco and Sabo stood there quietly.

She tied you to her kitchen chair

She broke your throne and she cut your hair

In the middle of all that pain, a little part of you whispered in your ear you had to accept it.

You had to accept it and say goodbye before it was too late.

His breath had grown slower, his eyes were less focused.

«Kid.»

«I love you.»

Your chest, your guts, everything inside you crumbled.

Killer hurled his mask on the ground and growled his desperation between his teeth.

Law's knuckles whitened in his grip on his denim trousers.

You were losing him.

Kid's amber eyes were looking at nothing, his skin was too white, his breath almost gone.

He had to know. You had to tell him.

Before it was too late.

«Kid, I'm pregnant.»

And from her lips she drew her Hallelujah

His eyes snatched open again.

Broken gasps sealed the silence on the beach.

Law's wide gaze flicked on you.

Hallelujah

Kid's face was a mask of shock.

«Wha...?»

«I'm pregnant.» you repeated, moving closer «I didn't tell you because I knew you'd have forbidden me to join the war. Forgive me.»

«Are... are you sure...?»

You nodded frantically.

Hallelujah

His signature crooked smirk weakly bent his lips.

«So I'm gonna... be a father...»

«Yes! Yes!»

You leaned your forehead against his.

Kid's amber eyes looked around.

«K-Killer.»

«I'm here!»

The blond crawled on his other side, streams of tears running down his cheeks.

«Have you heard...?»

«Yes. I will take care of them, Kid. I promise. No one will touch them.»

«Good.»

Hallelujah

«Maybe your child will be the one finding the One Piece.» you whispered «Maybe he will.»

He closed his eyes.

«That'd be nice.»

«Kid.»

«I have to go now.»

«Kid!»

You could feel the life sliding away from his body.

Holding back your screams, you gently pressed your lips on his.

«I love you.»

Were you breathing?

Would you be able to ever breathe again?

«Goodbye, captain.»

Hallelujah

Trafalgar Law had a troubled life.

His whole hometown was destroyed when he was still a child, all the citizens, including his parents and his little sister, were slaughtered by the Government.

Then he was sentenced to death by an incurable disease.

He could defeat it, but paid the highest price for it: Cora-san's life.

Yet, he grew up strong and resolute.

But baby, I've been here before

I've seen this room, I've walked this floor

Still kind of a loner, but then his nakama happened. And the Strawhats.

Even Eustass-ya, his crew, and all the other allies.

I used to live alone before I knew ya

He never particularly liked Eustass Kid, or at least that's what he told himself.

There was something, about that vicious pirate.

The way his men looked up to him, the way you looked at him.

His inability to surrender, even when there was absolutely no hope.

Law always told himself he was better.

He was calmer, smarter, stronger.

Yet no one ever looked at him like you looked at Eustass Kid.

And I've seen your flag on the marble arch

He never got how a woman like you would stick to that man's side. Or maybe he did, and he lied to himself.

No misunderstandings: Law was proud of who he was.

And he knew whom to be grateful to for that.

Yes, his childhood was shit. But he had the enormous luck to be taught and saved by not one, but two father figures.

His biological dad. And Cora-san.

Everything good inside him was their making.

And love is not a victory march

He looked at the scene unfolding in front of his eyes.

The despair on your face and the happiness on Eustass'.

"I'm pregnant"

And now that child was meant to grow without a father.

His dad's voice and Cora-san's goofy smile were swirling in his mind.

He closed his fists.

What the hell was he doing? He was supposed to be a doctor! He had freed himself from an incurable disease, how come he was letting Eustass Kid dying between your arms?

His comrades were calling his name.

He had so many things to live for.

Too many things.

And Law knew what he had to do.

It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

He pulled himself on his feet, glancing around.

No Heart Pirates there. Good.

Hallelujah

«[Y/n]-ya, Killer-ya.» he called, walking over «Please, move aside.»

He almost wavered when Killer lifted his blazing eyes on him.

He never saw his face before.

«What the fuck do you want, Trafalgar?» he hissed.

«To save your captain.»

Your destroyed gaze rose too.

«What...? But you said...»

«There's no time!» he urged, hinting at Kid, who had already passed out «Get away and let me do it already!»

Too numb and confused to object, you shakily got on your feet.

Heat and Wire sustained you and helped you moving back.

«It will hurt. He will scream. I didn't think he could survive this.» Law explained, dropping his jacket. His eyes flicked on yours «But maybe now he has a reason to live no matter what.»

Hallelujah

«I can help!» Chopper uttered, running ahead.

«Stay back!» Law barked, and the little reindeer stopped.

The Surgeon of Death pulled out his Nodachi.

«I need to create a big Room for this. No one has to be inside.» he looked at the little crowd «Everyone step back, please.»

«I have a bad feeling about it.» Sabo observed, but he did as Law asked.

Killer gently pulled you back.

«Come, [Y/n].»

You looked at Kid one last time, then turned to the Surgeon.

He flashed his confident smirk at you, but there was something wrong in it. Something bitter.

«I will bring him back to you, [Y/n]-ya.»

«Law...»

«If you see my men... tell them that they did a good job.»

Hallelujah

«Law, wait–»

«Room.»

Hallelujah

Minutes passed like centuries.

You sat against Killer's side, hands pressed on your ears to not listen to Kid's screams from the beach.

After a while they stopped, but the surgery continued, or at least you guessed so, since the Room was still in place.

You didn't look inside.

The whole Kid Pirates' crew had finally reunited and you all gathered together, without talking, guts messed up.

Waiting in the sand.

As the Alliance's general, you were supposed to check on the people who fought the war with you, but now you simply couldn't.

Luckily, Vinsmoke Reiju and Marco took the task upon themselves, and they were reorganizing the army and the infirmaries.

Most of the Heart Pirates had medical skills, so they were the ones employed in assisting the injured allies all around.

They were informed via radio their captain was safe, so they could focus on the wounded.

There was a time you let me know

What's really going on below

But now you never show that to me, do ya?

For these reasons, they didn't rush to the beach.

When most of the emergencies were expired, though, Bepo couldn't hold back anymore and he headed to the clearing.

Shachi and Penguin tagged along, unable to conceal how bad they wanted to see their captain too.

But remember when I moved in you?

The holy dove was moving too

«Here you are, guys.»

Nami and Chopper walked towards them when they appeared near the beach.

«Oh? Is the captain still there?» Bepo asked.

Chopper nodded.

«Yes, beyond those boulders. He's performing surgery on Eustass Kid. He's in critical conditions.»

The small reindeer hinted towards the sea, where you and your crew were waiting.

«It's been a while now.»

«Surgery?» Penguin looked at his comrades «Maybe we can help.»

«Wait, he said–»

But the three of them were already running towards the clearing.

«Oi!»

Hearing the call, you turned to the pirates running in the sand.

«The Heart Pirates are finally here.» Wire commented.

Killer helped you stand.

«Where's our captain?» Shachi asked when they reached you.

Heat pointed at the beach behind him.

The wide Room was visible about one thousand feet away.

Bepo frowned.

«Wait. For how long has that Room been there?»

You shrugged.

«I don't know. Forty minutes? More?»

«What?»

You saw their eyes widening and something you had in the back of your mind for a while pulsated.

And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

«It's impossible!» Penguin squeaked.

The three of them sprang towards it, but the Kid Pirates quickly jumped on their feet and grabbed them.

«Let us go!» Bepo yelled.

There was a note in his voice that made you shiver.

Hallelujah

«Trafalgar said no one has to get in!» Heat stated, holding Shachi back.

«Let us go now!» Penguin screamed, trying to wiggle out of Killer's grip.

You approached Bepo.

«What's wrong? Why are you so upset?»

«Don't you understand, you fool?!» he shouted in your face.

There were tears in his little eyes.

Hallelujah

You took a step back, blinking.

«What?»

«He's using the ultimate operation! The one that grants life in exchange of the user's!»

In exchange of the user's...?

«HE'S GOING TO DIE FOR HIM!»

"If you see my men

Hallelujah

Tell them they did a good job"

Hallelujah

Eustass Kid knew it.

From the second the excruciating pain began, he knew what was going on. What that idiotic surgeon was trying to do.

They fought side by side against Ryokugyu, they covered for each other, and they won together.

He saved that weakling's life with his own.

So he knew from Trafalgar's face that he couldn't save him back.

Kid just sneered at him.

«Don't tell [Y/n]. She will kill us both for this mess.»

Maybe there's a god above

But all I've ever learnt from love

Was how to shoot somebody who outdrew ya

And now that fool was dragging him back from hell with his bare hands.

«Trafalgar, you fucker...!» he coughed, the surgeon's blade still inside him.

«Shut. Up. Eustass-ya.»

Law smirked, a rivulet of blood pouring down his lip.

«It's not... easy... to replace a heart when you have to use your own. So don't make me –ugh!– lose... focus.»

And it's not a cry that you hear at night

The surgeon blocked Kid's metallic hand before it could push him away.

«Fuck you! I don't want this!» the redhead hissed.

«I don't care what you want.»

«Trafalgar, you bastard, get away from me!»

«Damn... stay still!»

Law hurt him, on purpose, and Kid cursed in the blood invading his mouth.

«Let... me... alone.»

«You will live, Eustass-ya.»

It's not somebody who've seen the light

«Get the fuck away!»

«You will live, and love [Y/n]-ya, and raise your child.»

«Trafalgar, I swear...!»

«And, who knows, maybe find the One Piece. Although I place my bet on Strawhat-ya for that.»

«You...»

«I was lucky, you know. I had two fathers.»

«Stop it.»

«I won't let your baby have none.»

«Stop it.»

«So you will live, Eustass-ya.»

It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Finally, the room dissolved.

The Kid Pirates let go of Shachi, Penguin and Bepo.

You all ran along the beach.

Hallelujah

Eustass Kid and Trafalgar Law were lying on the sand, side by side.

Both their chests had been opened and closed again.

Hallelujah

«LAW!»

The three Heart Pirates rushed to their captains.

You felt empty while approaching Kid's motionless body.

Sabo, Nami, Chopper, Jinbe and a lot of other people were reaching as well.

«Kid...?»

After a time that seemed dilating, Kid's torso had a ramble and he coughed.

«KID!»

Killer immediately crouched down to him, grabbing his wrist.

«He's alive! His breath and pulse are both regular!»

You collapsed on your knees as the Kid Pirates yelled in joy.

Hallelujah

«Captain...!»

The cry made you lift your eyes.

The Heart Pirates were curled up around Law's form.

You slowly stood, approaching.

«[Y/n]...» Heat called you softly, but you didn't stop.

Till you could see him.

And Trafalgar Law had a peaceful smile spread on his lifeless face.

Hallelujah

You crawled over him, among his weeping nakama.

Your fingers brushed his cheek as your wet lips brushed his forehead.

«Thank you.»

And you could almost hear his voice, in your ears.

Eustass-ya, [Y/n]-ya

Live on.

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Epilogue.

A fresh breeze moved the green branches of the willows, on the hill.

«Oh, and you were right captain: Monkey D. Luffy did find the One Piece, in the end.»

Penguin smiled, hands in his pocket.

«It was a bit of a mess, but whatever.»

The white grave in front of him still had the Nodachi planted on its side, even after all those years.

No one touched it.

The cheers of the others were audible in the distance.

Penguin scratched the back of his head.

«Sorry for the chaos, I know you don't like it, but see... the Heart Pirates are baby-sitting today. I already regret proposing it, we're clearly not able to handle–»

A small figure rushed between his legs, almost making him stumble.

Before he could grab the kid, that one had already jumped on top of the tomb, agitating the small sling in the air.

«Tremble, New World!» the child yelled, her spiky [h/c] hair flying all over «I'm Eustass D. Doruya, and I'll be the next Queen of the Pirates!»

Apart from the usual patches, her signature sadistic grin was plastered on her face.

«Hey!» Penguin yelped «Get down from there!»

«Hum? Why should I listen to you, you miserable weakling?»

The pirate's jaw dropped.

«What?!»

«Doruya, you're always such a pain in the ass.»

The mumbling childish voice reached the two, while a second kid shuffled his feet up the hill.

When he arrived in front of the grave, he observed it with bored eyes.

His hair was far less crazy, but the colour was bright red.

«Shut up, useless brother! Do you want me to beat you up again?»

He sighed, glancing up at Penguin.

«Can we leave her here? We'll tell mom and dad she ran off.»

«Do that, losers, so my great adventure will start!» she yelled.

The girl then jumped down and ran in the woods.

«Wait!» Penguin screamed, but two of his crewmates were already rushing behind her.

«Don't worry.» the boy said «She'll be fine.»

He went back examining the grave with his sharp [e/c] eyes.

«Is this the man you were talking about, Penguin-ojisan?»

«Hum, yeah...» Penguin's smile came back on his face «This was my captain, Trafalgar D. Water Law. I thought it was time for you two to meet him, that's why I brought you here.»

The kid hummed.

«Penguin-san?»

The man turned to the black-haired woman who was walking up the hill.

«Nico Robin?! What are you doing here?»

The woman smiled, reaching him.

«I was nearby and I decided to pay a visit to an old friend.»

«I see.»

Her brown eyes moved to the child.

«Hi there.»

«Good morning.»

Nico Robin had already met the kid in the past, though he was far younger. However, it was not hard to guess who he was.

You don't see that hair colour around much.

«And what would you do here?» she asked, tilting her smile.

«I came to pay my respects.»

«Your respects?»

The child nodded, then turned to the grave and bowed.

«Thank you for saving my dad, Trafalgar-san.» he said «He gets angry a lot and he's always bossing people around. You know, since he's an Emperor and everything. But he's the best dad ever.»

He lifted himself.

«I speak also in Doruya's behalf. She's grateful too, she's just too much like dad to say it out loud.»

Some seagulls called each other from the shore.

«My mom is happy, and Killer-ojisan is happy, and everyone is happy thanks to you. So, yeah. Thanks.»

The kid turned and started to head back to the beach.

Nico Robin noticed Penguin quickly sweeping away a tear from his eye.

«Hey, child-san.» she called.

The boy stopped and looked at her.

«You know, it's good custom to introduce yourself when you meet someone.» she politely commented.

He curled his lips.

«I guess.»

The child flashed her a confident crooked smirk that strongly reminded her of a certain doctor.

«I'm Eustass D. Law. Nice to meet you.»

Fine

Notes:

· Nakama means comrade

· Ryokugyu is Green Bull, the new Admiral

· Doruyanaika is the name of Kid and Killer's childhood friend

· Ojisan means uncle