Title: Seafaring Heartless: Acquiring Paradise

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece. It belongs to Eiichiro Oda. The following story is a work of fanfiction only.

Summary: Sequel to Exit North Blue: The next leg of their adventure was just around the corner. Law smiled as he leaned against the railing of the Acanthuridae and looked out at the sunrise. His submarine was in prime condition, his nakama stood behind his goals, some of the best friends he had ever had were a part of his crew, and he had no reason at all to believe his plans would fail, or that he would be unable to acquire what he wanted.

Genre: Adventure

Rating: T

Pairings: I do not intend to write any pairings at this time.

Author's Note: This is the sequel to Seafaring Heartless: Exit North Blue. I strongly recommend reading that one first, as there will be mentions of things that occurred in the previous story. This story catalogs the Hearts Pirates' journey from crossing Revers Mt. across the first half of the Grand Line.

I have done my best to give the unknown members of Law's crew distinct personalities and to use the physical descriptions of the crewmembers we have actually seen. I hope that readers will enjoy the personalities I've made up for Law's crew. It is important to note that the Anime crew tends to change a lot so, aside from those we've been given names for, I tried to choose the characters seen repeatedly in the manga or those that have popped up in both (i.e. Bandana man, the man with the mustache, and the guy with the bow tie). That being said I try to always keep things within the context of the canon, so if anyone finds anything that directly contradicts the canon please let me know so that I can fix it.

After SBS 84 I did have to make some additions to Exit North Blue, but I am pleased to say that nothing major had to be changed other than one minor character name in Chapter 3. (I also fixed some typos and grammar goofs). In a nutshell Oda stated in SBS 84 that Law went to Swallow Island where he saved Bepo from getting beaten up by Penguin and Shachi. For the purposes of this story Law then went his separate way with Bepo. They reunited as adults to form the pirate crew.

Also, I apologize that it's taken so long to get any part of this sequel written. Part of this was life events, and part was waiting to see what new information on Law popped up with his new alliance with Luffy. Updates from this point on may not be fast, but I am going to aim for one chapter a month.

Chapter One

The Uphill Stream and the Doctor's Whale

Far to the north in the sea known as North Blue a little yellow submarine positioned itself in the currents, intending to make a run over Reverse Mountain. It was a bit chaotic as men rushed to various posts, the communications system in the submarine crackling to life as they took their positions. A rather large bear-minkman in a brilliant orange boiler suit shuffled to the bow, sniffed at the air, and began sleepily growling out their heading.

The ship's captain stood in the doorway to the war room, (or wardroom, it doubled as both on occasion) absently leaning against the frame, a nodachi over one shoulder, while his keen eyes gazed upon the scene from under a spotted fur hat. His yellow hoody matched the paint of his ship as she sailed, and the smiling virus-like Jolly Roger that adorned her flag was also boldly, and proudly, displayed over his chest, (along with on the left breast patch of all his crew's uniforms). And yet, despite his relaxed state there was an air of danger about the captain. He was after all Trafalgar Law, a man currently known as "The Surgeon of Death."

The rest of his crew was somewhat eclectic, though each man was in his own way as unique as his captain. Their Navigator, Bepo, was nine feet tall, covered in snow white fur, and sported an impressive set of teeth and claws. He was of course the minkman currently sniffing at the wind from the bow of the ship on the deck outside.

Shachi and Penguin were both former marines. Shachi baring a quick wit, decent cook, and impressive with his martial arts skills was probably the the most likely candidate for 1st mate should Law ever take it into his head to chose anyone for such a position. Penguin, on the other hand, had a certain noble naivety to him. He was primarily the reason the two had dared commit mutiny and throw their lot in with Law in the first place. Although a brief time they and the bear-mink had spent as boys together may have had something to do with it. Penguin also had a way for finding innovative solutions to problems, and a talent for accents and voices. The man wasn't bad with a harmonica either.

Mouse, as the crew affectionately called him not being able to pronounce his actual name, was the crew's chore boy. A former slave just now learning to read, the kid had a knack for learning anything and everything that came his way. He learned quickly and he learned well, and Law felt blessed to have someone he felt could easily grow into a jack-of-all-trades.

Phineas or "Pops" and Verne Pencroff were father and son and hailed from an island of impressive shipwrights. Whereas Pops possessed both the knowhow and the talent and was currently teaching his boy everything he knew, Verne had his own set of talents that Law intended to make use of, whether he had informed anyone else or not. Never, in all his years among pirates and the seedy underground, had he ever encountered anyone with as natural a talent for forgery as Verne possessed. Yes, all three were an incredible asset.

Last, but certainly not the least, was their newest addition, the youth Law liked to think of as his communications expert. Albert was by all impressions an unassuming youth. He was chubby, nervous, round eyed, wore outdated clothing and insisted on sporting a rather nerdy bow tie which he repeatedly stated was "cool," but if you needed to get in contact with anyone he could make it happen. The ship's transponder snails had bonded with the lad almost instantly, and while Law knew Albert was largely sailing with them in hopes of finding his father, Law also knew that in no way shape or form would Albert ever let him or his Nakema down.

They were a small crew, but they were family, and whatever lay before them they would handle together. Even when it came to chores. Albert had started helping Shachi and Law on their night to cook, and as the young man was efficient in the kitchen it meant that Shachi could start preparing more complicated meals than basic pasta or salad. Mainly because there was an extra pair of eyes to help ensure the captain didn't do something stupid like add a pomegranate to the pot of soup. Vern and Pops had made up their own team and proved to provide the best fish grill of any on board. The chore schedule had, of course, been rewritten to accommodate the new men, and that had made things better on the whole for everyone now that hey were about to enter the Grand Line.

The peak of Reverse Mountain loomed above them on the horizon. It was a conundrum of nature, something that shouldn't exist, but it did. A single mountain with a river from each of the four oceans, set at the entrance of the Grand Line. Or perhaps it was because of those four rivers that it was the entrance. They flowed uphill and merged together to create a fifth river that flowed down into the belt of the world itself. That mysterious and dangerous ocean, that world they were about to enter and explore.

"Ready, Bepo?" Law called to the bow. The bear-mink turned with a toothy grin.

"Aye, Captain. We're in position!"

"Then let's get moving." Law leaned inside the door and hit a button on the com unit. "All hands in position, we're starting the run now."

There was a chorus of cheers from various areas around the boat and those not needed to man the controls hurried to join their navigator on the foredeck. Law himself stayed where he was looking across the middle balcony on the forward section of the ship, believing that the placement position should theoretically give him a better sightline and quickest reaction time should something happen.

There was a moment of stillness before the little yellow submarine pushed forward. Lining up with the great pillars that marked the stream's upward beginning, centering herself, getting pulled into that current. And then they were surging forward in a rush. It was a speed they all knew their submarine could never achieve on her own, even if she was one of the fastest ships in the water in any given situation. No, their propulsion forward was fuelled by the ocean current itself and that, perhaps, made it all the more dangerous. The current was unknown and unpredictable.

He could hear constant chatter on the com unit, which had been set on speaker mode, as Bepo called out course corrections to Penguin and Shachi in the control room down below and they responded. The submarine rocked and jolted with even the tiniest movement, but they avoided all potential for being smashed against the rock walls on either side. That was a very real threat as the wreckages of several ships revealed. Yet with the submarine in his crew's capable hands they sailed past.

And suddenly they were above the clouds and cresting the rise as a shout of celebration rang out - one instant before it became a cry of alarm as they raced downward.

Directly in front of them seemed to be another mountain blocking the entrance to the grand line. A huge, charcoal, moving mountain giving off a mournful whale call.

The cry, like a great groan of sorrow, was their first warning. And then that unmistakable sight. One of the legendary island whales of West Blue, full grown, sitting upright and wailing at the sky, or perhaps the top of the mountain. That was all it could be. Yet there was no time to find out more. There was barely time to figure out a plan before they all crashed.

Cries issued across the deck, "No time to dive, can't do it now without risking hitting the seafloor!"

"The whale's too large, can't navigate at this speed at the required angle!"

"Can we slow the ship in time?"

"Can we make the sub jump somehow?"

"Jump?"

"Are you an idiot, Bepo? Ships can't jump!"

"I'm sorry."

Yet it was Bepo's absurd idea that carried the most promise. Law leapt from his position by the door and rushed to the bow where the assembled crew moved swiftly out of the way. He held one hand out with his fingers spread wide.

"Room."

And with that one word and his full concentration the sphere of his Devil Fruit ability surrounded them. Or rather half of them. With Law at the foremost part of the sub his bubble of influence extended out past the prow into the area in front of them, and more importantly down into the water below them.

Law crooked a finger. "Takt," he intoned.

Immediately a huge wave, the largest he could managed to summon, flowed up from its original place to rush between the ship and the wall of a whale it was so rapidly approaching. A cry of relief sprang up as the ship was carried instead of into the wall by the downstream current, up and around to the right, lifted up over the last corner of the red line, to settle with a large splash into the sea below. They came to rest alongside the coast next to what appeared to be a small lighthouse. Outside it stood an elderly man with a sort of feathered crest around his head, yelling at the top of his lungs for someone named Laboon to get the hell out of the way. Law made the assumption that this Laboon fellow was the whale.

"Laboon, the ships, you idiot whale. Give the ships room!"

Ships? The word was plural. With a jerk of his head Law looked back to the mountain to see another speck that had just crested the rise that was now racing the exact same path as the yellow submarine before. This one bearing the marine coat of arms.

"Are they after us?" Mouse cried out in alarm.

"No, no," Pops answered the boy. "The colors are inverted. It's another pirate-"

"X Drake," Law finished the sentence, and in an instant everyone looked at him. But Law had already sprung into action, not to defend his ship, but to save another.

"You're going to help them!" Verne roared in shock when Law jumped for the coast and raised his room once more to cover the path Drake's ship would have to take. Behind him he could hear Bepo calling Shachi and Penguin from the control room to the deck via the com. Heavy foot fall indicated Verne had taken the jump the shore as well, and other scrabbling sounds suggested the rest of his small crew was dropping anchor and moving the gangplank.

"What are you, mad? Boy?" the old man with the feather crest called to Law even as Verne caught up.

"Captain, you're really going to help an enemy?"

"And hope to avoid a fight? Yes." Law answered in a single breath as he began counting in his head to get the timing right.

"We have no cause to believe he won't turn and attack anyway. Drake's reputation is -"

"I know full well what his reputation is!" Law snapped in return, "Just as I know full well that right now we are in no position to fight, or win one if we do. That stunt with the wave has taxed my strength, and there is not enough ground here to support a land-based battle. Drake's ship has the superior fire power should it come to one at sea. Besides, Drake was a marine. He must have some honor left."

"He's not Shachi or Penguin, Captain." Verne grumbled in response.

"But he is a captain of ship and crew. Any captain worth his salt will honor this attempt-"

The old man had closed his mouth, crossed his arms, and settled in to watch, giving Law an appraising look as he did so. Law chose not to notice. Nor did he hear Verne's next response or the questions from the rest of his crew who had finally made it ashore.

"Takt," Law murmured again with a crook of his finger that caused the sea within his sphere of influence to swell upward. Let them see it, he prayed. Let them understand and let the meeting go peaceably by.

The former marine ship fired its cannons off the port side using the momentum of their ammunition to aid the rudder as they directed their ship starboard so that it would center further on the current of the swelling sea. Law crooked his finger again and they were raised higher. However, their ship was larger and heavier that the submarine had been, and Law was already taxed. Sweat beaded across his brow as he held, unable to do more, and yet he stayed firm. And then they were across and settled on the vast table of blue as the whale called once more to the sky.

"Arrooouuuuuummmgggggg"

It took everything Law had to remain standing. He could see the inverse-colored marine ship coming to rest a little ways down the coast from the yellow sub as a gangplank was prepared. He could see her crew milling about as a figure that was obviously the captain prepared to disembark. And Law knew. He knew that under no circumstance could he afford to show even a moment of weakness. It was with that knowledge that he forced himself to remain standing. His body was taxed, his mind beginning to fog, but he had to hold out. Hold out until he could be sure his crew would remain safe. No sign of a tremble escaped him even as his knees threatened to give way.

The man who approached with several of his own crew trailing behind was tall and proud with a hawkish look to his stern gaze. Law knew in an instant that this must be X Drake and that the pirate was not only sizing him up but most likely factoring in every variable possible into what would happen next. Much like Law himself was.

Law was also suddenly intensely aware that Shachi and Penguin had stepped up to flank him on either side. As if either or both were willing and prepared to throw themselves between Law himself and the other Captain. A warm presence behind him and the suddenly large shadow that fell across his own let Law know without looking that Bepo had stepped up as well. It was comforting in a way, to have such Nakema.

"Surgeon of Death." The man murmured in greeting. It was not a question.

"Red Flag," Law nodded in answer meeting him gaze for gaze.

"Pirate is a step away from doctor is it not?" questioned the other making it clear he had familiarized himself with Law's background, or as much of Law's background as was now public knowledge.

"Captain is a step down from rear admiral is it not?" an answer calculated to let Drake know that Law too knew who he was dealing with.

Penguin shifted behind him and Law saw Drake's eyes flick over him and those behind before returning to Law's. The next words out of the other man's mouth were no less tense, but they spoke in clear indication that no hostilities were meant. At least, not this day.

"You have a fine ship. Nearly as fine as my own, which I assure you I am very glad is still intact. But yellow is a rather . . . noticeable, color?"

"Ah yes, before we repainted her. The Arcanthuridae had some rather traceable markings. Yellow was all that was available at the time. I must admit it's grown on me."

"Arcanthuridae? You mean the surgeon fish?" He would light on the name's translation.

"Exactly." Law smirked.

"Before or after she became captained by the Surgeon of Death?"

"Before" Law watched as Drake arched an eyebrow. And his mouth quirked, though Law felt sure the emotion playing out on the ex-marine's face was not amusement. "It's bad luck to change a ship's name."

"Fate plays a pretty game" the tone to the former rear-admiral's voice was hardly pleased and it was clear that something weighed on his mind. Some question that was eating at him, preventing him from simply sailing on before it was answered. Law didn't have to wait long however. After an awkward moment of silence Drake spoke again. "Tell me, Trafalgar Law, how many did you kill?"

There was no guessing what he meant. Drake must have had an important connection on one of two islands the Hearts Pirates had wrot havoc recently. "On Port Rose? None that I'm aware of. We chose an intentionally quiet time of night to act, and I made a point of not touching residential buildings. On Krocylea? No one. In fact, if I remember I actually stopped a mass execution. I'm a doctor, Drake, generally speaking I'm in the business of preserving lives, not ending them."

"Well that explains my ship. . . "

Penguin shifted in his place again and the old man with the feathered crest suddenly grinned. "Well this is all very well and good, but now that we've established that nobody here wants a fight and that you are both so very impressed with the other's record, I think we should all either throw a party, or go our separate ways. Though I think that young man," and here a gnarled old hand was pointed at Penguin, "would like permission to speak."

Law couldn't help the grin that spread on his lips as Drake suddenly started, having not realised the old man was of the lighthouse and not Law's crew. But Drake recovered well and gave a nod of permission.

"Rear-Admiral, sir, I mean Captain Drake, may I ask you a question?" Penguin's voice was that of a man knowing he was in dangerous territory and yet was determined to remain firm. It was admirable in its own way. Law tried not to tense and at the same time not to collapse either.

"Go ahead."

"Why did you do it?" Drake visibly blinked at the question and gave Penguin a second look over. It was clear what Penguin was even without Shachi in close proximity. Both carried themselves like marines. Their stance, their looks, the resemblance between them and several of the visible members of Drake's own crew were clear.

Drake frowned, then glared, and finally sighed. "Don't ask questions you don't want answers to, boy. My motives won't have been as noble as yours."

Penguin was quick to mask his look of disappointment. Law couldn't resist his own question, though it was directed not at the pirate but his own crewman. The captain had to know once and for all the truth of a rumor he had heard some weeks ago.

"Well Penguin, here's your chance, if you want to leave my crew for his I won't mind. He is one of your heroes after all." and this time Drake looked surprised. And . . . was that a smile quirking one corner of his mouth? No doubt he thought Law had helped them as a favor to Penguin now.

"With all due respect captain, I'd like to continue sailing with you sir."

And it was done. Law smiled. Drake nodded. "I'll be seeing you out there, Surgeon of Death, I hope it is under circumstances as amiable as these. I would hate to find myself enemies with a man who saved my ship and crew from such an inconvenience as what could have happened today."

"If we do meet as enemies, Red Flag, I give you my word to make it a good fight."

And a moment later Drake was gone.

Law was able to make it just long enough for the other crew to be out of sight on their own ship before he collapsed, falling forward on trembling knees. Penguin and Shachi each grabbed an arm to keep him on his feet. Law staggered trying to support his own weight. From a distance it probably looked like they were congratulating their captain. Law couldn't quite remember why that suddenly seemed important. And then the old man was suddenly in his face, thumbing open his eyes.

"Used up too much energy didn't you?" he grunted. "Well don't just stand there. Lads, bring him inside. I'll give him a look over while you make preparations to spend the night. And you will be spending the night. Doctor's orders. A little dinner wouldn't be amiss either."

"There's plenty of fish in these waters . . ." Bepo rumbled from somewhere behind them.

"We'll get the tackle gear out as soon as the captain's settled," Shachi answered sounding much like a first officer in his manner and tone. "There's some good places to start a campfire here, with mr-"

"Crocus." the old man croaked.

"Mr. Crocus's permission I could get a good fish grill going if Pops'll help."

"Grilled fish sounds good," Law murmured as he was led inside and lowered into a large chair. Crocus, where had he heard that name before?

Law was still trying to remember when he blacked out.

-:-:-:-:-

Bepo couldn't help but feel concern for his unconscious captain as he carried him inside the lighthouse. It was his understanding that taxing oneself with devil fruit powers did not result in any desirable outcome. However the old male of the lighthouse, who had identified himself as Crocus, insisted that with enough rest and a proper meal Law would be fine. And so it was that the crew of the Heart Pirates set about the promised task of catching fish. For Bepo himself this was a much desired chance to shed his clothing and dive into the ocean. He had been masquerading as a normal bear long enough that any concept of shame at his fur-covered nudity had long ago been discarded, and even had there been any females present he would not have batted an eyelash - well, maybe if one was mink tribe.

By the time a proper fish grill had been achieved Law had awakened, and though groggy he seemed to be aware enough to hold conference with the old man as each picked over their plate. It was a wise course of action, Bepo decided, to consult with someone who knew the area. After all they knew they were going to have to use their "borrowed" shiny new log pose to navigate, as much as Bepo had hoped his natural instincts would be enough, and it sounded like they could hardly just set out without a goal. More than that, Bepo gathered that the Crocus man had been some sort of Physician before settling at the lighthouse and that his main patient was now the whale. There was some talk of Law going with the man to offer a second opinion on something in exchange for guidance on their course. And, oddly, it seemed they both knew some of the same people, or at least knew someone who knew the same people.

They turned the evening into something of a party, a much deserved party, sharing drink and fish grill freely with their new friend. The crew rejoiced in even having made it this far as all the wreckage along the way up implied that not everyone did. Penguin got out his harmonica. Verne tried his hand at singing a tune or two before Shachi decided that they sounded better as a group than Verne ever would alone, even with Bepo added in. A couple rounds of Rum and a few courses of "Binks's Brew" later and everyone was either passed out where they were, gone to bed, or huddled together to converse in quiet, slurred and broken sentences. Bepo himself dozed on a long stretch of soft grass overlooking the water.

Morning found Law gone along with the old man, and the Hearts Crew preparing the ship for departure. Penguin and Shachi stood on the edge of the little cliff where Bepo was sleeping, looking out at the whale. In fact it was their voices that woke the mink-man.

"Surely the whale didn't just eat them…."

"Even if it did I think the captain can get out of that."

"What happened?" Bepo asked groggily shuffling to his feet and looking around for his boots which had been abandoned for the feel of grass on his paws the night before.

"Captain went out to check the whale," Shachi explained, "only they floated in through his mouth-" His voice carried across the water and as if he understood Laboon gave a long mournful cry.

"He says, there's tunnels in his insides or something like that," Bepo grumbled pulling on his boots once they had been located.

"What?"

"Who has tunnels inside?"

"I'm sorry," Bepo answered sleepily misunderstanding the exchange.

"Wha-? Grow some backbone won't you?"

"I'm sorry."

"Damn it, Bepo, just answer the question!," Penguin grumped right back with a wince that clearly indicated he was a bit hungover, "You're saying the whale says he has a tunnel inside?" It was fortunate, Bepo decided, that no one was making a fuss over the fact that he could talk to a whale. He supposed it was no longer surprising after he had understood the Den Den Mushi on Lothal. The animal in question gave another low cry and with a nod Bepo began to translate.

"He says that since he's so big the lighthouse man had to make the tunnels so he could be doctored properly."

"You know!" Shachi hollered out at the whale causing Penguin to wince again, "If you didn't bang your head on the rocks you wouldn't need so much doctoring!"
Another low mournful cry followed and upon hearing the song Bepo drooped. "It's so sad… I'm sorry..." Everyone looked at him in surprise.

"What'd he say?" Shachi demanded.

"He said… His friends didn't cross over when they promised so he's going to hit the land until it falls, and go find them."
There was sudden silence from everyone listening that seemed to stretch on forever. Or, at least until Pops shouted that breakfast was ready.

About two hours of waiting saw Law and Crocus back on land with the old man confirming what the whale had told him. Only Law seemed unaffected by the sobering tale though those that knew him well could correctly guess that it was only because he had already heard the story, presumably while helping the doctor inside the whale, and determined there was nothing to be done. Each man ate his share of the breakfast that had been saved for them. Law once again remarking about how much he enjoyed the grilled fish. Another half hour passed and then Bepo was asked to fetch any charts they had of the Grand Line so they could be gone over under Crocus's guidance.

They had only one. A very poorly drawn approximation half filled in with question marks and smudges. Crocus only laughed when Bepo brought it back, and Bepo could feel his ears drooping.

"I'm sorry…"

"Don't be, my minkman friend," Bepo could feel himself cheering up by the correct recognition of his species. "There are very few accurate maps of the Grand Line. Most exist only in batches of one or two islands so you'll have to collect as you go and copy onto one of your own. I can, however, offer some information necessary to correct or redraw this one."

"And you offer this information freely?" Law confirmed.

"You fed me, and got me a week ahead in Laboon's treatment. Though to be fair I'll give you just enough information to help you choose a course. You'll have to discover the details on your own."

"Fair enough. Thank you."

"I'm not a cartographer, Captain, I mean… my paws don't draw well… I'm sorry."

"Just do your best, Bepo, If we need we can find you a cartographer down the line."

Crocus was as good as his word. He gave just barely enough information to know where not to go if the crew didn't want to run into any of the major marine bases. As well as the name of the last point in the of their current Grand Line journey. Reftel. Strange really, he had been very careful in his wording. "All the paths converged into one," but Raftel "marked the end of their current journey." Did the wording perhaps mean Raftel was not, in fact, reachable by Log pose? Bepo filed that question away to ask Law later.

Originally based on Shachi and Penguin's limited experience, Bepo's own vague memories, and what information he could find in books there was indeed a lot of missing information on the map. Bepo did his best to add in the information Crocus confirmed although the man did like to speak in riddles and vague references. The position of sabaody archipelago drawn in green ink was confirmed, and the only Islands that Bepo added that they could be 100 percent sure of were the seven closest to the Red Line, and the three main marine islands that they ran the danger of running into should they choose the right hand routes. It was with a hesitant look that Bepo communicated this information to Law.

"We'll take the one on the farthest left then," the captain stated.

"But captain, we don't know anything about that one at all!" Bepo tried to reason. The knowing smile crossing Crocus's face put him on edge.

"That, my dear friend, is the point." The captain's statement was greeted with a cheer from those listening and Bepo once again hung his head.

"I don't normally give this kind of help either," Crocus started, "but I'm excited to see what storms you'll bring to this side of the world... You see that red rock on the far side of the left hand lighthouse?" Crocus pointed, "Set your log Pose there for an hour and then set out from that point. It should acclimate to Londinium fairly easily if you can follow instructions."

They waited two hours just to be safe.