Title: Propinquity
Pairing: Law x Luffy
Disclaimer: Oda-sensei owns One Piece.
A/N: Thanks for the support I received for this fic! You guys are awesome! :D Here's the third instalment. It's quite short, I'll make up in the next chapter. Just a simple chappie for now. Enjoy reading!
8/1/2013 update: This chapter is now beta-ed. Thank you so much, Mon Esprit Libre! :D
M E S S A G E
Aboard the Marine ship, Luffy stood out on the deck, staring at the sea thinking of his current venture to reach out for his lost nakama. Agreeing to Rayleigh's idea, he knew this was the better option rather than return to Sabaody and be utterly defeated at some point again. No, he can't let them stay in that stage. He has to make a huge decision for the benefit of his beloved crew.
But he simply wants to see them all so badly.
Facing so many dire predicaments and almost dying in the process makes him want to be in the company of the crew he regards highly more than ever.
"Two years..." Luffy whispered to himself as he bowed his head and surveyed the ocean below.
"Luffy-kun?" It was Jinbei's voice that returned his attention back. A smile found its way easily to his lips as he turned and replied, "Yeah?"
"The gates are opening, just as we planned. Be prepared now, we'll be there in a few minutes."
The plan went without flaw. Luffy managed to grab the attention of the Marines and journalists alike that littered around Marineford, ignoring the stabbing pain of grief trying to seep back into him as he stepped onto the familiar grounds of the last moments he had with his brother.
Standing on facing the spot where Whitebeard passed on, Luffy took his hat off, held it in his chest as he bowed solemnly, acutely aware he was surrounded with journalists rabidly documenting his every move.
Silently, he paid respects to Whitebeard and murmured his gratitude for the man Ace had trusted his life. All the while, he hoped at the back of his mind that the message tattooed on his left arm would reach the crew.
See you in two years, everyone.
xxx
R E A C H
The news of Luffy coming back to Marineford spread like wildfire when the photograph and full-length article was published in the newspaper. All around the world, people were surprised that he survived and even bravely returned to such place.
One by one, across the world, the Mugiwara pirate crew felt a mixture of longing, surprise and respect for their captain as they read the news of Luffy's Marineford appearance. Sacrificing each other's company for the betterment of their crew, the entire crew knew that Luffy knows best and accepted his decision to turn three days into two years.
And stronger they would be, they decided, when they will meet again.
On the other side of the sea, Trafalgar Law smiles as he read the article of Luffy's stunt. It was only a few days after he had left Amazon Lily and here was his patient, making the headlines.
"You're back, Mugiwara-ya..." he whispered amusedly, leaning his chin on one hand as he continued surveying Luffy's photograph. He doesn't think any further why he felt actually glad that the other captain seems to be recuperating well. The only thought that crossed his mind was what this action would herald.
The new era will never be the same again.
xxx
U N H E A R D
"How're things?"
"Those rookies are making such ruckus here and there. I hope our new Fleet Admiral handles it well."
Two retired Marine veterans Sengoku and Garp sat next to each other, watching young Marines do daily physical training. It was just few days after Akainu took the position Sengoku left behind and Aokiji leaving the Marines for good.
For a few minutes, Sengoku just sat there in silence as Garp munched his crackers, seemingly amused by something.
"I haven't heard from my grandson yet, though," Garp said, breaking the silence. Sengoku turned to him, his eyebrow raised. "Since he pulled that stunt at Marineford, I haven't been hearing anything of his usual ruckus. It isn't like the Luffy I know, that ever-so-troublesome kid." Garp guffawed as he thought fondly of his grandson, and it made Sengoku smile, even if just a little.
"So he's been missing-in-action for a while now, then. We have enough to deal with without him causing trouble."
Garp gave another laugh, but then said in a serious voice, "The calm before the storm. I know my grandson. He's not going to stay quiet without any underlying reason. We'll just have to wait and see when he turns up again, ha! That Akainu better hang on tight!"
They both went silent again and watched the trainer scolding a young Marine for being too slow with his pace.
"You know Garp, sometimes I wonder how you can both side with your grandson and be with the Marines at the same time," Sengoku commented in a flat voice that made Garp snigger. He let out a deep breath before standing up and saying, "Anyway, I hear the rookie Trafalgar Law's been making a lot of trouble lately. He's attacking pirates mercilessly, I heard. Akainu sent out Marines to hound that lad, though. We have enough trouble as it is."
As Sengoku set out to walk, he heard Garp answer back. "We haven't even seen half the trouble yet, Sengoku."
xxx
S C A L P E L
Screams of despair were heard as one dark-haired male finished his signature move. In his hand, he clutched a live and pounding heart.
"Bastard! W-what have you done!?"
A sly smirk found its way to the man's lips as he hands the heart to his crewmate and turns to walk away from his victim. Around the defeated captain, the entire crew lay helpless on the ground, clutching their empty chests and crippled in fear.
"Return our hearts, you psychotic bastard!" screamed the captain of the defeated crew.
Law paused and turned, only to give the helpless crew a laidback smile. "Sorry. It was unfortunate you crossed me. Now your hearts will, by all means, serve a greater purpose."
As the Heart Pirates sail across the seas and defeating crew after crew, stealing their hearts away, Law feels like he's one step closer to his goal.
Any means possible will justify the end he sorely desires.
xxx
P A R A L L E L
As Law presented a crate full of live, beating hearts to the World Government to avail the title of a Royal Warlord, Luffy manages to knock unconscious a horde of huge forest beasts with his much-improved Haki, Rayleigh deciding it was time for him to leave Luffy on his own.
As Luffy punched Hordy Jones with such finality and the entire Fishman Island shouted in victory, Law steps in the freezing island of Punk Hazard confidently for the first time, goal set in mind.
As Law gives away his heart to meet a condition, Luffy and his crew receive a bizarre call for help coming from the mysterious island ahead.
And then, it all started.
Yosh, Punk Hazard arc comes next and all the looooove. :D
Thank you for reading! Feedbacks are very much welcome.
'Til the next update!
-axomyrhcal
