Kid walked away from Smoker's office angrily, a very apologetic Ace scampering after him. He had had all of his things confiscated – his cigarettes and the arsenal of weapons he kept carefully hidden on his body. Smoker had even taken away his coat, which had been custom made for him to contain hidden pockets for storing less than legal items. He was practically strip searched. Also, he was stuck in the school now too because he would not leave without taking his precious coat back. Ace on the other hand, had enjoyed the entire experience. Unlike Kid, he had nothing to hide save for a few matches, and had made very suggestive faces every time Smoker would pat him down. Kid had nearly been choking on his own vomit throughout the entire ordeal. Further adding to the insult of being so shamelessly searched, Smoker had kicked them both out, literally. Kid's behind was still very sore and he had to wince with every step he took.
"Hey, it wasn't all that bad." The infuriating freckled idiot exclaimed cheerfully, "at least Smokie didn't report us to the headmaster." Kid spun around with intent to strangle his friend.
"You. You had nothing to lose! Once again I find myself suffering for something you dragged me into! This is all your fault."
"Now, now… let's not revert back to toddlers…" Ace sounded slightly nervous.
"…" Kid decided against screaming any more. He had to control his anger. Plus, he knew that Ace had never truly wished him harm, he just never thought of the consequences following his actions. "Whatever. Just try not to get me involved in your schemes? My heart is failing because of you."
"Alright… I wonder how I can get back into that office of his?" Typical. Ace had already stopped listening. Kid shook his head and waved his friend goodbye. For now he had to find a way back into Smoker's office as well – at least to steal his coat back.
Kid walked back to his room and turned the key. All he needed were some minutes of silence and privacy to settle down. He was still fuming. Of course what answered him was not what he had wanted. His roommate was back already, sitting on one of the beds and furiously scribbling some notes down on a worn notebook. Somehow seeing the boy working so hard on paperwork made Kid twitch. He stomped over to where the boy was sitting and with one thrash scattered the books and papers everywhere on the floor. He then proceeded to drag the scrawny boy off of the bed by the collar like he always did back on the streets to people who pissed him off. Usually his victims showed fear. The boy he held in front of him however, showed nothing, albeit perhaps a tiny hint of annoyance due to the fact that all his books and papers were now scattered around the room. Kid gritted his teeth and was about to punch the brat when he felt a soft hand on his shoulder. A warm feeling came over him and he dropped the boy and took several deep breaths. He felt calmer for some strange reason. His roommate straightened his collar and stood there smiling softly.
"Is there a problem Eustass-ya?" Came the same annoyingly soft voice Kid had heard before, "having trouble controlling your anger?" Kid scowled at the remark and didn't answer. Instead, he muttered a soft apology before flopping down on his bed. He had always had problems controlling his rage, and it had gotten worse over the past year. Even Ace opted to leave him alone when he had one of his fits now. "I believe I didn't properly introduce myself to you. I apologize. My name is Trafalgar Law." The voice once again sounded, giving Kid a headache. "You know your classes start tomorrow Eustass-ya, you should prepare. If you want, I can help."
Kid growled, which earned him an amused chuckle from Law. Kid was convinced his roommate was just as screwed up as he was, if not more. Suddenly, he was startled when Law flopped down onto his bed beside him, snuggling up against his side. Kid was not used to being so close to another human being. Usually his first instinct was to punch and kick until the other person ran away, but this time he was way too tired to attempt anything. He tried in vain to push Law away from him, but the scrawny boy would not budge. With a grumble, Kid gave up.
"Fine, what do I need to do?" Kid muttered in defeat.
"Well, we can begin by getting the materials you need for classes tomorrow." Law replied with another smile.
So Kid found himself shopping. Law had told him he needed to buy book bags, books, and stationary. Law also wanted to go buy some more medical books and some groceries. Kid had reluctantly agreed. It was strange to see Law walking around under the sun and being lively. To Kid, his first impression of the boy had been that of a skinny, malnourished, sleep-deprived nerd who spent all his time in his room reading cryptic books and taking notes for fun. He never expected Law to actually walk around outside and do stuff normal people did. It was stranger still that he found himself somewhat enjoying the company of Law. Usually he would rather be caught dead than be seen with someone like the boy.
"Every student receives a debit card with a set amount of money that recharges monthly. We are allowed to spend on whatever we want, but that also includes necessities such as food and drinks." Law began to explain as he and Kid walked down the rows of shops littering the back of the Academy. Kid was glancing around in amazement – he had never noticed that the Academy also had their own thriving community of artisans and merchants living and producing goods on school grounds. "Also, some classes require students to buy their own specific textbooks or weapons. We will have to use our monthly allowance. This system is a very good way to teach students how to properly manage money and not spend recklessly. For example, if you spend too much on luxury items, you may have to go without food for a month or leech off of your friends. I'm sure they won't be happy about that." Law kept on rambling on about the debit card system, and all Kid could think about was how Ace would definitely spend recklessly and then manage to weasel away all of Kid's allowance as well. He felt another headache coming on. Ace was going to be the death of him. "Eustass-ya, this system also creates some negative aspects. There are groups of student loan sharks all around the school, and it is not good to associate with them. They may sound tempting but they will drown you in debt." Law ended his rant on a serious note. Kid didn't really bother listening too carefully. It was quickly becoming tedious to listen to Law's voice drone on and on about a stupid card.
"So where do we get this card?" Kid asked. Law stopped in his tracks.
"You mean you haven't received this card yet?" Kid shook his head. Law abruptly turned around and started walking the other way. "I guess we'll have to go get it before we can continue. Come on Eustass-ya, we have to go see the finances minister." Law sighed. Kid didn't bother to argue. Law had a strange control over him, and Kid found himself listening to and following the boy like an obedient puppy. He certainly did not like being controlled by others, but he seemed to have no other choice.
The door to the office of the finances minister was a whole lot larger and more elaborate than even the headmaster's door. Law claimed it was because the minister was extremely high maintenance. Kid sensed a bit of spite in Law's words. Before going in, Law gave Kid a warning to never mention the scar or stare at it. Kid had no idea what those words meant, until he actually saw the finances minister. He was an ominous looking man in a dark cloak and smoking a cigar. The first thing Kid noticed was the golden hook that replaced the man's left hand. The sharp tip gleamed ominously, just like the glint in the man's eyes as he regarded the two boys. Kid felt every fiber of his muscles tensing under the minister's gaze, and his instinct to run was stronger than ever. Kid rarely felt fear but at this moment, such a simple gaze from the man sent chills down his spine. Strangely, through those cold golden eyes Kid felt entranced, like they fixated him to the spot despite urging him to run at the same time. It confused him. The second thing Kid noticed was the aforementioned scar: a huge, horizontal scar that stretched across one side of the man's face to the other. Despite the threatening glare of the man, Kid found a strange alluring beauty to him.
"Sir Crocodile, my friend here needs his debit card so he can shop for supplies. He's new here and just arrived today." Kid let Law do the talking. The minister reached under his large wooden desk and took out a small rectangular card, all the while never letting his gaze wander away from the two boys. Crocodile handed, more like threw, the card at Kid without saying a single word. After receiving his card, Law quickly ushered Kid out of the office.
"What the fuck was up with that guy?" Kid asked as soon as they were out of earshot. Law looked at him apologetically and shrugged. "Seems like everyone here has a stick up their ass." Kid remarked. This statement caused Law to chuckle a bit. The boy sure was strange.
The rest of Kid's day was spent shopping around with Law, buying all the necessary books and materials he needed, as well as enough groceries to last both of them for a week. Apart from groceries, Kid also reluctantly followed his roommate into a bookstore where Law purchased several thick medical books that Kid did not understand. Law seemed to enjoy them, which was a feat Kid was sure he could never accomplish. Most of their time was spent in complete silence, but it did not feel awkward at all. Kid was content watching Law run around looking for things to buy – it brought life to the otherwise miserable looking youth. Every time Law looked at him it made him feel strange, the feeling was so foreign Kid could not understand it, but he knew he had to get a grip before he lost it. Suddenly, Kid realized why he had been so entranced with Crocodile – the man had the same gleam in his eyes as Law did when he had looked at Kid.
The trip back to their room was very satisfying, which was usually what came after a huge shopping spree. Kid felt a whole lot lighter and freer than when he had first stepped into the school earlier in the day. It was incredible how one can change in a matter of hours. Still, he was hesitant to enjoy all the luxuries the Academy offered him, and he still held a bit of guilt over how much he had spent. He once again reminded himself not to over indulge – it was the government's way of brainwashing the people to be ignorant of reality. Kid would not succumb to that. He was sent here for a reason, and that reason certainly wasn't to live a life of luxury and bath in that huge expensive bath every day.
"Eustass-ya, you should really wash your uniform and take a shower. It's almost time for bed." Kid growled at Law for interrupting his thoughts. This made Law jump a little out of surprise. Finally, the bastard showed a slight sign of fear.
"I don't take orders from anyone, got that? Especially not from someone like you." That statement came out a lot more aggressive and offensive than Kid had intended.
"I thought we were becoming friends Eustass-ya." Came the once again calm, unwavering voice. Kid grunted. In the end he did wash his uniform. He also took a shower. Since when did he turn into some meek, soft creature? This was gonna be one hell of a long year, if he even decided to stay that long.
"So this is a fighting school? Is that even normal?" Ace asked as he walked down the halls of the school following Marco, who was currently giving him a tour.
"Of course it's not. Unlike other schools, our academy specializes in combat. As opposed to popular belief, only students who show promise in the area of combat are allowed into the Academy, not necessarily the ones with good grades." Marco explained. "You must be wondering why your uniform does not have a symbol like the rest of us." Ace nodded enthusiastically.
"Yeah, I want one of those fancy symbols – my uniform looks so plain." Ace grumbled. Marco chuckled.
"You'll get your symbol soon. The symbol represents what area of combat you specialize in. Generally there are only two: General Combat and Weapons Assisted Combat. General Combat is taught mostly by Smoker, and sometimes by Shanks. This area specializes in combat without weapons. Weapons Assisted Combat is taught by Mihawk and Shanks, and it is exactly what the name suggests. There are several subspecialties within each big specialty, each with their unique symbol. Since you are new here, you must take both classes until you decide which area you will specialize in. In my case, I specialize in general combat, specifically that using my legs. I know it's a lot to take in, but –"
"Are you kidding? This is awesome! I get to beat people up as homework? This is great!"
"You don't get to fight all the time, you still need to complete your basic academic courses, namely math and sciences with Professor Kuro. Also, there are some classes like Tactics and Literature that require paperwork." Marco explained. Ace groaned. He hated paperwork.
Marco had given Ace a tour around the entire campus, and Ace was pretty impressed by everything he saw. He also had a better grasp of where his classes would be taken, and Marco also helped him prepare everything he needed for tomorrow. Ace was now holding a small card in his hands and looking at it as if he had found his one true love. Even Smoker at this point could not compare to what Ace held in his hand.
"This card actually holds three hundred thousand beri per month? I can buy everything!" Ace took several deep breaths to stop himself from hyperventilating. He could buy the Grand Line!
"Actually you have to spend carefully. It may seem like a lot but it includes all your food and necessities as well as school books and weapons expenses should you need to buy them. If you spend too recklessly you may find yourself broke in no time." Marco had barely finished before Ace had rushed off.
"Off to the marketplace, Marco! I saw a whole lot of stuff I wanted to buy when we passed by!" Ace yelled back. Marco sighed and chased after the energetic youth.
Ace quickly found the stand he was looking for. It was a small stand that sold various strange trinkets. He took a particular interest in two of them – small, round necklaces, one with a smiling face and the other with a frowning face. According to the old shopkeeper the two came in a pair, and one was not complete without the other. Ace hastily bought the necklaces and skipped off gleefully. He had seen other things he was interested in, but for now he was content with just the necklaces. He and Marco then headed back to their room to relax and prepare for classes the next day.
That night Ace could barely sleep. He was a ball of excitement, rolling around on his soft bed. The first class he had tomorrow was with Smoker. The man was playing hard to get – Ace just knew it. Plus, he never had a single person reject his advances, so in his mind he was the most attractive guy on earth, although he knew Kid would surely roll his eyes at that thought. Kid – he was surprised to see his friend end up here with him. Part of him was extremely glad, but the other part felt completely guilty. He knew Kid hated the rich, and he also hated being confined. The Academy was probably hell for Kid, and it was all Ace's fault. Hopefully Kid could find a cute boyfriend to keep his mind off of things, though Ace doubted he would really try. Kid had always been extremely secretive about his relationships and sexual preferences, but on more than one occasion Ace saw him kissing some guy in the alley, and it always came as a shock to Ace because to him, Kid was definitely not the kind of person to openly express emotions like that. It surprised him more that Kid was into guys, like himself. Then again, Ace never saw Kid bat an eyelash when even the prettiest girls would approach them on the street to offer their 'services'. All Ace could do was hope Kid wouldn't run away. Sure, the two of them had been running all their lives, but now wasn't the time to run. It was time to settle down and get their footing for once.
"What are you twisting and turning about for?" Marco whispered, and Ace quickly apologized. He hadn't expected to have kept Marco awake.
"Nothing really, just excited. How's Smoker's class?" Ace enquired. He heard Marco shift around in his bed to face Ace, though none of them could really see each other in the dark.
"Why are you always asking about Smoker? Did something happen between the two of you? Did he make you cry?" Marco sounded worried. "I don't really think he's suitable to be a teacher judging by the way he treats his students. He has no patience of any kind." Marco sounded tired.
"I think he's fine." Ace argued. Obviously he had no experience with Smoker's teaching and all Marco said was basically true in his opinion, but he felt like he should still defend the man. If they fired him, Ace would probably never see Smoker again.
"I don't think he's a bad person, just not suitable as a teacher. Apparently he is a police sergeant, but he is teaching here temporarily due to an injury and is off duty. He will leave once he recovers."
"Really?" Now Ace was seriously interested. Police sergeant? That made Smoker even sexier than he already was. Officer, arrest me, I've been naughty. All the roleplaying ideas that were flooding into Ace's mind were making him squirm. Marco however, was completely oblivious to Ace's delight.
"Yeah, I even see him patrolling the halls at night sometimes. He's really creepy. If he catches you up late I don't know what would happen to you. I don't think he knows he's supposed to be off duty."
"Well, at least he cares for the wellbeing of the students." Ace offered, still trying to defend Smoker, who he now decided was going to be his future boyfriend.
"I guess." Marco answered, though he didn't sound convinced. Ace started to fret – maybe he had totally misjudged Smoker. Maybe Smoker was really an absolute dickhead and wished hell upon everything and everyone for no reason at all. Maybe Ace's judgment had been severely clouded by his attraction to the man… Ace shook his head and closed his eyes. Whatever kind of man Smoker was, Ace would find out tomorrow.