Time
It wasn't long until Law left his room. It was his sixteenth birthday. Baby 5 was nowhere in sight so he made his way down the hall. He was glad that the woman wasn't around. She annoyed him to no end. She also might be lost. The thought made him want to laugh. The woman was always getting lost in the castle. He was surprised his father hadn't fired her yet.
Making his way down to the kitchen, Law could see the only cook working. He watched her as she made breakfast. He sat in a chair just a little ways away from her. She was making eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes, waffles, has browns, buns, and chopped fruit. It was relaxing to him to watch her do her work.
The woman turned around and gasped. If she had been holding something, she would have dropped it. "Your Highness, how long have you been sitting there?" She wiped her hands on a towel. "Where might Miss Baby 5 be?"
Law shrugged. "I think Baby 5 might be lost again. That or searching for me." He tried to smile. "For your first question, I haven't been here long, Miss Yana. I just like to watch you cook."
"Alright. Do not try to steal any food. Breakfast won't be ready for another hour or so." Miss Yana went back to working. She didn't mind his presence. Law had started to visit her three years before when she had first started working as the cook. He had also learned to cook a few things while with her. "Happy Birthday, Your Highness." This caught him off guard. She was the first one to say that to him.
Before he could thank her, Baby 5 burst into the room. "Have...you...been...here all...this time?" She fell to the ground, out of breath. Law thanked the heavens that her maid's dress covered her.
"You should rest for a moment, Miss Baby 5," Yana suggested. She didn't stop working to see if the other woman was okay. Baby 5 shook her head.
"Do you need something?" He waited for her to regain her breath to answer. Once she did, she stood up and dusted her dress off.
"Why didn't you wait for me to come and get you? You know His Majesty doesn't like you going around by yourself." She lowered her head. "Especially when he is around."
The colour drained from Law's face. "Is he here?!" Baby 5 nodded. "What is he doing here?!"
"I believe that he is trying to make a treaty with your father." Baby 5 tried to calm him down. He didn't like that the King of the West Kingdom was there. He despised the man.
"I'll see you in a little while, Miss Yana." With that said, Law turned and stomped out of the room.
"Your Highness! Where are you going?!" Baby 5 tried to keep up with him as he stormed toward the castle courtyard.
"I'm going to get some fresh air." He used the servant trails to get to his destination. He didn't wasn't to run into the other King. She just followed him until they made it outside. It was autumn and there was a slight breeze.
Breathing in the fresh air of nature, Law could smell the flowers. A different smell drifted to him. It wasn't a bad smell but it reminded him of earth and fire. Like pottery or and earthen fireplace. He left Baby 5 in favor of the bench near the wall that faced the forest.
As he sat down, Law relaxed into the bench. Baby 5 left him alone. The sound of nature was all he needed. It reminded him of the times he and his sister would sit outside in silence and just listen to the earth and nature.
The sound of the wind in the trees and the pouring water of the white fountain nearby started to lull him into a dozing state. Everything seemed to be going in and out of focus. He would gladly give into the thought of sleep.
Through lidded eyes, Law could see a figure just inside the shadow of the line of trees. It was big and hulking like a large creature. Law stared at it without moving. "Hello?" he called. The figure walking into the light.
A giant wolf stood just outside of the shadows of the forest. Law stood up to get a better look at the new creature. He was fully awake now and was fascinated with the being that stood just yards away. They stared at each other. Bright golden yellow staring into cool gray.
Taking a few steps, Law started to make his way over to the wolf. It seemed to tense up the closer he got to it. He cocked his head to the side. "Are you afraid of me?" The wolf shook his head.
When Law was just in arms' reach, he hesitantly reached out a hand. "Can I touch you?" The wolf bowed its head and pushed its face into his awaiting hand. Law gasped as he felt the crimson fur. It had the texture of silk. He wasn't expecting the fur to feel that way.
The wolf started to pull away after a moment. Law put his other hand into the fur to stop the other from leaving him. "Please. Don't go." Law was fascinated with the creature. It stayed put and went back to staring at him. Law ran both hands through the fur.
"Law? Where are you?" The sound of Baby 5's voice made both of them turn toward it. They turned back to each other after a moment. The wolf and Law shared one last look before it pulled away and disappeared back into the forest. Baby 5 came around the corner of the castle and saw him. She made a mad dash to him.
"What are you doing?! Your father told you to stay away from there!" She snatched his hand up and started to lead him back into the castle. "His Majesty wants you to come to the library."
Letting her drag him away, Law glanced back at the place the wolf had disappeared to. He now felt lonely without the giant animal there. Sighing, Law just followed Baby 5 inside.
In the library, Law's father was talking with the other King. His father looked exasperated and annoyed. "For the last time, I am not handing him over. He belongs here with me. Not with you." Law feared the worst.
"But he should know what ruling a Kingdom is all about. Or is he going to be just like you? A liar." Law froze at those words. What does he mean, liar?
"Dad, what does he mean? What are you talking about?" He stepped closer to the middle of the room. His father would never lie to him, right?
Doflamingo stood from the chair that he had been sitting in. A mischievous grin was on his face. "Has dear Dad not told you? You are the only person in this whole Kingdom who is cured." Law's eyes grew wide. "He has kept it from you."
Hanging his head, Law's father sat down behind the desk. "Dad, why?" He didn't understand. He was working on a cure for the whole Kingdom, right?
"I found a cure for you. There are many different strands of the disease that it is taking more time to find cures for all of it." He sighed. "I found the cure for the strand that you had but nobody in the whole Kingdom had the same strand as you."
Law couldn't believe what he was hearing. His father was only able to find the cure for one strand. There could be tons of different strands that needed to be cured for all they knew. "But you're still looking for more cures, right?"
"Yes." His father gestured to Doflamingo. "The King of Dressrosa wants to take you away from here for your own safety. I told him that you are fine here and that you cannot possibly contract the disease again."
"I don't want to go anywhere with you," Law ground out through his teeth to Doflamingo. He stormed away without hearing what the tall man had to say. He was furious that the man would come there and expect his fathe to just hand him over like that and for him to go willingly with that man.
He skipped breakfast because of his anger. He didn't want to see the other King ever again. The man was infuriating. The pink, feathered coat was too flashy and annoying to look at it. The thought of living with Doflamingo made him disgusted.
A few hours passed before Baby 5 entered his room. "Law, dear, lunch is ready. Would you like to eat?" She was being polite because of earlier. Law was happy ad appreciated that she was considerate.
"Is he still here?" Baby 5 nodded. "Then no. I don't want to be anywhere near him. Could you bring me some books from the library?" He gave her a piece of paper that had two medical books written down on it. Baby 5 nodded and left with no more words.
Law breathed in and continued to stare out of his window. There was something about the wolf that he had seen that made him excited. It seemed that his father was wrong about the creatures in the forest. They weren't all vicious.
Baby 5 entered a little later and handed him the book. He thanked her and when about reading them by the window. She left the room to give him his space. It wasn't long before he fell asleep to the thought of the wolf and its beautiful blood-coloured coat was so soft and made him think of his mother. The smell that had drifted off of it was of fire and earth.
Baby 5 entered around dinnertime to find that Law had fallen asleep. She smiled as she took the book off of his chest and set it on the nightstand with the other. Baby 5 covered him up with the blanket and kissed his forehead. "Your mother would be so proud. Goodnight, Law." Blowing out the candle, Baby 5 left. She knew it was his birthday and just left a present in the bathroom.
...
Kid ran through the forest at top speed. He could sense that something was wrong with law. He seemed to be stressed and unhappy. He stopped just inside the darkness of the forest. He could see him walk over to the bench that sat near the wall next to a fountain. He was dressed for the weather
Law was wearing a black and yellow hoodie, light blue pants with spots on the legs and sides, black boots, and his white hat. Stress and anger was rolling off of him in waves. Just watching him made Kid feel angry with the one who made Law angry. That unfamiliar smell was back and made him want to growl.
Another smell hit him. It smelled of cinnamon and something sweet. Maybe honey. The scent was rolling off of the boy in waves. How old is this the boy now? Sixteen? Kid watched as Law started to drift off to sleep and that woman was nowhere in sight. He took a few steps forward and stopped.
Law lifted his head to look at him. Kid froze. Can he see me? This isn't good if he can. The boy watched him for a moment before speaking. "Hello?" His voice was still a little high but otherwise was deep.
Mentally sighing, Kid stepped into the light. Law's eyes grew wide and he stood up. The fear and confusion that was rolling off of him before turned to interest. They stared into each other's eyes for a long moment. Kid wouldn't admit it but he could stare into those cool gray eyes for hours.
It took Kid off guard when Law started to walk toward him. No, no, no. Please. Stay over there. Don't come closer. His body tensed up at the thought of the other getting near him. Kid didn't want him to get too close. Law stopped a few feet away and cocked his head to the side. "Are you afraid of me?" I am afraid of you getting to close. He shook his head in reply. He wasn't afraid of the boy himself. Kid was more afraid that he would accidentally do something to harm him.
It almost scared him when he noticed that the boy was just an arm's length away from him. Law raised his hand out to him. "Can I touch you?" No. I don't want to accidentally hurt you. It seemed that Kid's body wasn't listening to his mind and he bowed his head in a sign of yes.
Pushing his face into the hand, Kid was in pure bliss. The touch of his mate satisfied his need. He had always ran his fingers through the boy's hair, but it was different to be touched by him.
A gasp left the other and Kid thought he had done something wrong. He went to pull away but was stopped by the other hand of Law grabbing the other side of his face. His hands were so small compared to the size of him. He turned his face back and the look on Law's face almost made him collapse. "Please. Don't go." The look of sadness made him stay. He couldn't leave after seeing him like that.
It was soothing to have the kid run his fingers through his fur. He could let him do it for hours. A voice broke their moment. "Law? Where are you?" Kid looked longingly into Law's eyes.
Before the kid could say anything, Kid pulled away and went into the forest. He didn't go far, just far enough to not be seen. The woman practically made a mad dash to the boy. "What are you doing?!" Her voice grated on his nerves. "Your father told you to stay away from there!"
When she snatched up Law's hand, Kid growled low. "His Majesty wants you to come to the library." The boy let her drag him away. Kid could feel his sadness. It was heart-wrenching.
Kid made his way into the forest and back home. He was greeted as usual. Some were happy that he had finally found his mate even though he was a human. Others were worried for him. It wasn't everyday that a werewolf's mate was a human.
Nami met him at the castle entrance. "Back from checking on him?" Everyone knew that he went to check on the boy a few times a day. It made it easier on him. The distance was harmful at some times. The good thing was that he was able to still do his work properly.
"Yes." Nami put her face to his and sniffed him. "What are you doing?" Before he could push her away for being to close, she moved on her own after a second.
"What is that scent? I've smelt it before but not this intense." She sounded strange. Nami looked at him with worry. "What did you do?"
Kid entered the castle with Nami hot on his trail. "I...I let him touch me." Nami gasped.
"What? You actually had contact with him?" Kid nodded. The feelings of fear and disgust washed over him. Nami sensed his problem. "What's wrong?"
"Law is not happy and he's scared of something." He had heard that woman say the child's name many times. He had remembered it from all the times she would say it or shout it.
"Will he be alright?' Nami knew the problem it set on one who imprinted on someone. They knew all of the feelings of the imprinted and it takes a toll on them.
"I...don't know. I just left him when that woman took him back inside." Kid could still feel the anger but the disgust went away along with the fear. "He should be fine for now. It's morning. I'll visit him at lunch."
With a shake of her head, Nami smiled at him. "It's a start when he touches you for the first time." She tried to reassure him. It was always a struggle when they aren't in the same place.
"I know. Thanks." Kid went to his room and waited for lunchtime. It wasn't long until it was time for him to go and check on Law. He left and the people he encountered wished him good luck.
Luffy stopped him before he could leave the Kingdom. "Are you going to see him again? Can I go with you?" The young man just wanted an excuse to get away from the Kingdom. More specifically, Nami. Kid understood that she was a little nagging.
"Fine. Just don't make too much noise. He doesn't know what we are." Luffy nodded and followed him out of the Kingdom. The forest was filled with noises of the creatures that lived there. It was nice to know that there was nothing stressing their order.
Luffy asked questions about his mate and Kid answered them if he could. Some things that he asked, Kid didn't know the answer to. One question was what did Law like? Kid couldn't answer that. It lasted for a few minutes until they made it to the tree line.
"That castle is awesome. It's so white." Kid clamped Luffy's mouth shut with his hand. The kid could be really loud at times.
"Keep quiet. They don't know about us." Luffy nodded and Kid let him go. The other didn't say anything as they stayed in the darkness of the trees. Kid looked at Law's window and smiled when he saw him. "There he is. Can you see him?" Kid pointed to Law who was staring out the window.
"Yeah. He looks upset about something." Kid nodded. He could still feel the anger that was present in the kid. "He looks really nice, though." Kid agreed. He was very polite when he had asked to touch him.
"Are you going to go see him?" Kid knocked Luffy in the head. The other rubbed his head in the spot he hit after. "What was that for?"
"He doesn't know my human form. He isn't ready to meet me, yet." Kid continued to stare at Law. It was a wonder that he was able to make contact with the boy when he was conscious.
"How old is he?" Luffy was also staring at Law. "Do you know his name?"
"He should be about sixteen." Kid smiled. "His name is Law." Luffy started to giggle quietly. "What's so funny, Luffy?"
"His name is Law. He's a Prince and his name is Law." Kid rolled his eyes. The least little thing would make Luffy laugh. Kid heard movement from one of the other rooms on the first floor.
"Follow me." Luffy followed after Kid to another spot. There was a window on the first floor. Kid could hear Law's father and another man talking.
"You heard him. He will not be leaving with you." Kid growled at the thought of Law leaving him.
"But he would do so much better with me." The other man made Kid angry. He could still feel the anger from Law. It was now shared. "What will he do if he stays here? Help you?" The man laughed. "Your effort for the cure is futile. Just wishful thinking."
"No it isn't. If I found the cure for one strand, I can find the cure for all of them." The man was determined. Kid sighed. Law's father didn't have much longer to live. "You would know about the cure, wouldn't you?" The addressed man just laughed again.
"I've told you time and time again, you hand him over and I'll give you the cure." Kid ground his teeth together. The North Kingdom's sickness was this man's fault.
"Hey, Kid. What are they talking about?" Luffy wasn't that good at hearing so he couldn't hear as good as Kid. Luffy had a problem when hew was born that made his hearing worse that most. He sighed and turned away.
"Nothing important. Let's go. I have things to do back home." The two made their way back through the forest and to the castle. Luffy abandoned him at the entrance and went to find Zoro, his long-time best friend.
Robin greeted him when he entered. "How was your trip, Kid?" He hated when people called him. 'Your Majesty'. He had always hated it.
"It was fine. The feeling of anger is still there." Robin followed him to his study. "I'll be visiting him again later tonight." Robin nodded. She was happy that he had finally found someone.
"Alright, sir." Robin smiled. "I heard that his birthday is today." Kid looked up from some papers that he was going through.
"Really? October 6th?" Robin nodded. "I guess I didn't remember." A giggle escaped the woman.
"I can make him something, if that is alright." Kid nodded. "It will smell like you." Kid rolled his eyes. He already knew it would. She would rub it around his room to get the smell on it.
Work was the same. People getting permission to go and get supplies from the surrounding Kingdoms and bring them back. It wasn't a problem and they did so without raising suspicion.
Robin came back a few hours later with a blanket. It was made from rabbit fur and fox fur. The orange and brown colours made it look beautiful. "Here you are, Kid. I made it in record time."
"Just like you always do." He looked out the window. The sun was setting and Kid knew that he would be leaving soon. "Just wrap it up in something and I'll take it with me."
"Alright. You might want to eat something before you leave. When you come home, you always want to go to sleep."
"Fine. I'll meet you in the mead hall in a moment." With that, Robin left Kid alone. Kid soon followed after he signed a few more documents. The night air was cool and made him sigh. His coat helped to keep most of the cold air out.
In the mead hall, everyone was already seated. His seat was at the head of the table. He didn't like the attention it brought, but he had to sit there. He was their King and before him sat there.
Zoro called him over. "Hey. How is your mate?" Zoro's mate was Robin. He was also a warrior of the Kingdom along with Luffy, Franky, Killer, Wire, and Heat. There were more but he was familiar with those in particular.
"He's doing fine. He seems to be fine as of right now. How are you?" Zoro smiled.
"Robin and I are going to try for a baby next year. Luffy and Nami are deciding if they want to have one." This was great news to him. "They would be great parents."
"You and Robin would be terrific parents, also. Robin never told me that you two were going to try." Zoro scratched the back of his head. He seemed nervous about something.
"Robin wanted me to tell you. She is still thinking about it." Kid nodded and excused himself. He needed to address the meal that they were about to have.
At the head of the table, Kid stood up and raised his cup. That was his way to get their attention. Everyone quieted down. "My brothers and sisters, I thank you for joining me for this meal. I hear good things about your families. Killer is expecting a child with Bonney." He nodded to the two sitting next to each other. "And others are expecting, too. I wish you all the best and congratulate you all." He smiled to them all. "I thank the Gods for the meal we are about to eat and the good harvest we have had this year." Everyone cheered and thanked the Gods along with him.
A blond haired man, along with other people, carried plates and platters of food into the room. He smiled and set the food along the table. Everyone was excited and thanked the man for the food. After the food was distributed, the man sat next to Kid.
"You are eating with us tonight, Kid?" He was smiling while smoking a cigarette.
"Yes, Sanji. How are you and Vivi? I hear that she is doing better now." Sanji blew out a puff of smoke. He was still smiling.
"She's doing great. I think she will be completely better by winter." This was great news about one of the warriors in his group. "She thanks you for the medicine that you were given. Where did you get it, anyway?"
"From an old friend. There is no need to thank me. I'm just protecting my family." A feeling overtook him as he took a bite of food. Something is wrong. Law is scared.
Getting up to leave, Kid wasn't stopped by anyone. The people in the hall could feel the worry in his aura as he left the hall. Before he went rushing for the North Kingdom, he went back to the castle and got the present that Robin had made. He phased and ran to the Kingdom. Once he was there, he could still smell that scent of that man. It was disgusting but faint. He must've left.
Kid heard muffled crying and looked to the window. The light was out and the smell of fear was in the air. He quickly changed back and climbed up the vines to the window. Law was in bed, thrashing around like wild.
Quickly but quietly, Kid entered the room and went over to the bed. The room had changed over the years. There was a chair in the corner of the room where the toy chest used to be, the wardrobe was still there, and the bed got bigger. He set the present down in the chair.
Sitting on the bed, Kid put his hand on Law's head. He continued to thrash about. "Shhh. It's okay. I'm here," Kid whispered to him to try and calm him down. Law's eyes opened but he wasn't aware of anything around him.
"Dad, don't let him stay here. Please. He...He...Please, don't let him stay." Kid's heart almost broke at the tone the kid was using. It sounded broken and fearful.
The thought of the man before made him furious. He wrapped his arms around Law and began to rock back and forth. "It's alright. He won't stay. I'll make sure of it." Without another word, Law's eyes slid closed and he continued to sleep. His head leaned on Kid and his hands clamped onto his arm like a safety blanket.
In all of the times that he had visited Law in the night, this was the first time he was able to do this with him. To know that the man that he had seen earlier was at fault for this reaction made him more than furious. It pissed him off.
The sound of the door opening brought him back to reality and out of his thoughts. "Kid, is that you? What are you doing?" It was Law's father. The tenseness in his body disappeared.
Turning to the man, Kid smiled. "What does it look like I'm doing?" The other man leaned on the doorframe. They had known each other for years.
"It seems that you are completely naked and hugging my son. How is Miss Vivian? Is her sickness getting better?"
"Yes. So, you haven't found the cure yet? I found out about Law a few years ago, Trafalgar." He continued to hug Law to his chest. "Also, you call all of us beasts?"
Scoffing, Trafalgar pushed off the doorframe and made his way over to the two. "No. He is the only one cured as of right now. And, no to your other question. I know that there are creatures in the forest that will kill him without a second thought." He stood next to Kid. "You have been coming here since four years ago. What have you done to him?" He pointed to Law.
"He is my mate and I have imprinted on him." Kid tried to pry Law off of him but it didn't work. "I have to see him as much as possible. For why we are like this, he was having a nightmare and I comforted him."
"Hmm. Thank you." Trafalgar coughed violently.
"Your time is almost up." The other glared at him.
"I know." He sighed. "Doflamingo is trying to start a war with us." Trafalgar leaned against one of the bedposts. "He's been trying to take Law away from here for years now."
"That was the man you were talking to in the library today, right?" Trafalgar laughed.
"You spying on me now? Or are you trying to get the whole story?" Kid chuckled. It was quiet as to not wake the boy in his arms.
"Neither. I just so happened to hear your conversation while coming to visit Law this afternoon." He was finally able to get Law to let him go and lay him back into the bed. "You should tread carefully while you can. Form the way you smell, you only have two years from now."
A punch landed on his arm. It didn't even make Kid flinch. "Don't tell me how long I have. Law will be the one to continue my work when I'm gone." Another cough made the scent of blood enter the room.
"I can't tell you the day. I'm sorry to upset you." Kid rose from the bed. "I need to get back to my people. Know this, I will come and get him when the time is right."
"Yes. When he is eighteen, you can come and get him. Please make him happy. If I'm dead by then and find out he isn't happy, I will haunt you for the rest of your life." The two shared a quiet laugh.
"I will. Have a good night." Kid left from the window and headed back home. Law had calmed down and was now quietly sleeping and emotionless. It made Kid sigh with relief. Now, I just have to wait until he is ready.
Hope you all like this new chapter. Please, let me know what you think about it. Have a fantastic day and hope your resolutions come true. Love you all. Tatty-bye!