溶ける雪

(Tokeru yuki)

CHAPTER III- YAIBA (刃)

"Now the Flower Blooms…"

"And, how was it?" eager eyes stared into dreamy ones.

" It was...soft...like the touch of a petal, sono yawarakasa.

"Ii ne..."

Bepo just looked at them blankly after exiting the kitchen not really curious in hearing the discussion in comparing Ran's skin to any feel of softness Shachi and Penguin were having. Or more like dreaming, for none of them said much, just holding the plain, white gaze of the ceiling. After kissing Ran's hand, Shachi was acting like he was possessed.

"Humans..."

…

The crutches were extremely annoying for Ran; it felt as the wound in her lower left ribs hurt even more as the uncomfortable wood pressed against the injured part. She hated it now that she asked for them in the first place. Trafalgar Law had been susceptible at her request and with almost an amused look he called for Bepo to bring them before he turned away and left them, Bepo looking at Ran and Ran looking at the crutches and then at the retreating form of the Shichibukai with an angry stare. The power in her arms was almost back to normal, but her legs seemed like lead, heavy beneath her lower body. It had been her fourth day since she'd waken up and two weeks and a half overall in the company of the Heart Pirates. She concluded she needed more than just walking, she needed to regain her muscle strength faster.

…

Trafalgar Law followed a line on his desk thinking of the information on the letter he had burned a few days ago...''Only half of the truth..ka?" His gaze rose firmly while standing up from his desk and exiting his room, a small frown on his face.

…

"Arigatou Bepo." Ran said smiling softly. Her legs hurt too much all of a sudden. Maybe actual training with weights and rope jumping was too brutal. She was actually sure of it. While her arms and upper body had recovered almost completely, her legs, especially her thighs were an entire different story. Ice massage lifted some of the soreness that had trapped her lower body for much too long.

"What's all this?" Trafalgar Law was standing, ankle crossed with his nodachi on his usual left shoulder. He wasn't pleased with all he saw, that was certain.

"Captain I.."

"I came here wanting to train my legs more, Ran intervened, her gaze confident looking him in the eyes. Bepo found me here, I just asked him for some ice to lift the soreness. Bepo's ears were lowered and she scolded. Tachibana don't yield. Bepo was nothing closer than a stranger, but still she felt she owned him gratitude. She knew very well he respected his captain very much. His deep voice made her raise her head to look at his approaching figure.

"Is that so? I didn't approve of it." He was one foot in front of her. Looking at her from his height while her legs were resting on the floor, her suit wet from the ice melting against warm skin, made her angry and she felt surprised at her reaction of standing up on her feet trying to confront him.

"Now listen here Trafalgar Law..." eager mind did much more than tired body could handle, trying to actually pace her feet so she could stand before him how she very well deserved in her opinion made her muscles protest and betray her.

Blush swept innocently across her cheeks while her head landed below his chin, on his chest, her hands on his shoulders supporting herself and delaying further body contact. She hesitated one second to raise her head, shameful of her own defeat. Purple met metal and they collided. Seeing him up close was making her nervous and that rarely happened to her. She knew why. She was never intimidated by the other sex, not that she was actually near anyone except Danzou and her clan. Her own rawness made her feel out of place.

Her forehead on his chest landed softly thanks to her steadying herself on his shoulders. He foresaw her feet will give in on her. Stressing her legs far too much wasn't a brilliant idea and although, to some extent, he admired her ambition he knew it was a stupid thing to do. His gaze met hers and it was an involuntary moment when he took in all her facial features and agreed that the Tachibana women were indeed a fairly special beauty. Embarrassment was easy to see. Dizziness overtook him and he regained himself rapidly when he caught her elbows in his hands to lower her arms of his shoulders, snapping her to the current situation.

"Bepo."

"Captain?"

"Take her to the infirmary, I want to check her wound."

"Aye captain."

Ran stood there looking at the retreating form of Trafalgar Law.

"Stupid"...the only word she could muster at her actions.

…

"Minase."

"Your Majesty. The council is nervous, they fear that the World Government might know already of the other half. They feel it should be kept with us rather than..."

"I disagree." I hope you feel the same way Minase, you've been with me from the beginning. That was an act of faith as well as one of friendship. Too many things bond us...Too many memories... I will have no other hearing in this matter."

"Yes your Majesty..."

The sliding of the shouji door let a small sweep of cold air enter the room.

"Danzou, you're here."

"Yes your majesty."

"If you'll excuse us Minase"

Danzou bowed his head swiftly at his former captain and trainer. Minase's face held an evident frown of insecurity. Danzou kept looking at his retreating form.

"Any news?" Otome's harsh voice made him turn his gaze towards her.

"Yes." The washi disrupted as the door closed with a secure movement of Danzou's hand.

…

His hands were cold against her skin. It was evident now even to her that being the heiress to the clan will come with difficult decisions. It was what she was taught from a young age, that her first and foremost duty was the protection of her clan. It had never been a debate. It was true that she learned all this not only from verbal teachings, but also from the actions of her people. Fighting for everything you hold dear. She did realize that being a Tachibana would not make her life easier. She often felt like her family name held some kind of valor meaning. As women they were trained in battle, weapon wielding, spying and sealing techniques. Some were more skilled in wielding a katana, some in needles and daggers, some were brilliant spying operatives, others exceptional in hand to hand combat. But, they were all trained to be proficient in everything and most of them exploited the trait they fell they were best at. Danzou was one of the few in her clan she knew were all rounders. She didn't find something that he wasn't good at, except maybe his emotions towards her. But then again, neither was she...She knew she let emotions often take her, either in battle or in day to day life. It wasn't the fact that she wasn't encouraged in that aspect, actually nobody had said anything to her about that, not even Danzou with whom she sparred often, but she doubted if it was the correct thing to do. She never actually opened the subject up for discussion she realized... Danzou had often told her she was too young for some things. In her heart she knew he was right, up to some point. She didn't experience the battles he had, the responsibilities he assumed consciously or not, or meet the people he met. 14 years out of your village on the four seas and even in the New World, encountering adventures, dangers, people... She knew it was a childish emotion, yet again, but she was jealous of that. As a woman and heiress besides battle and weapons she had to learn shodou, dancing, cooking and brewing tea and drinks custom to the house of Tachibana, music, kadou, the proper dressing on certain occasions, the preparation of all sorts of ointments and medicine from herbs and of course...the one thing she felt didn't need an actual teaching because she simply didn't understand how that could be taught...how to please a man. Tachibana women were fairly recognized as excellent spies, and to herself she found it quite amusing that although they were trained in such an unusual aspect they were never regarded as prostitutes, on the contrary. It was true that no Tachibana would accept in dirtying oneself as such, as death was the next option if such a thing ever came to happen, and it was always a matter of their choice alone. Every Tachibana girl on the first day of their first menstruation are being taught of what significance such a matter will be holding to their bodies and future lives as women, lovers or wives and of course, mothers.

She remembered the blush on her face as she exited the chambers of her aunt, Seiko, after what Seiko oba san felt she needed to learn and accept. The fact that Danzou laughed like there was no better joke at her heated face made her furious. He had come later to apologize, the amusement still evident on his face. She was only 14 back then. He was 18. She always wondered if he had indulged himself in the act of love on his journey, but decided that it wasn't actually her business. Her aunt had taught her, and her friends nonetheless the awareness of their bodies, the transformation as they grew and aged. Blooming was supposed to be natural and they should be proud, respectful and careful with themselves. Tachibana were exceptional lovers. It wasn't because of the so called teachings, but maybe because as a clan, passion and loyalty were dominant aspects of her family. Love was never an actual subject because it was an indispensable and essential condition and action. Sine qua non. It might sound foolish or even trivial to some, but it was so acutely embedded it was irremovable. The fact that her aunt had taught her so well the awareness of her own body changes kind of irked her.

"Tachibana are strong mothers, that is why we are capable of giving birth without help. Be cautious of your body Ran, it will often tell you what you need and what you have to do, but, as her aunt held her much too innocent stare, use this and this as well, her finger went to her temple while the other hand set across her chest. You will often be troubled as what is the best choice. Instinct is also very valuable." Ran closed her eyes as the fading memory of her aunt. Tachibana women had two or three children, never more. Sometimes only one. It wasn't that they weren't allowed more than three, it's that once they did have three children, they couldn't get pregnant anymore no matter how young they were or how much they tried. It was definitely a unique aspect to her family. She knew many would have wanted to study them, as they held the fascination of so many people but, they were feared and she was glad, for she knew if anybody would want to get their hands on them it would end badly. Domination over the Tachibana will never happen. Many have tried hundreds of years before, and many have died. It was rare when a Tachibana would make children outside their clan, and if that happened they never chose anyone weaker than themselves. As a personal thought on her family, Ran felt that although awkward to some extent for some people, they were secretly admired and desired. Strong, loyal and sometimes merciless made the bond so tight no force could unbind.

His hand on her wound tickled her. She had forgotten that she was easily tickled. Her sudden jolt made him look at her.

"It's healing nicely. You didn't tickle before." His smirk infuriated her. All right maybe as a princess and a Tachibana one nonetheless she had an involuntary habit of acting a bit superior to him, an action she regretted, because she knew this man wasn't stupid at all. That would only prove to him how weak and childish she was.

"Bepo was only helping me with the ice, that's all." Her voice sounded confident.

Law looked at her as she was standing on the infirmary bed, her legs dangling off as she zipped the boiler suit to her neck. Her muscles were almost to their original form. Just a few more days. The food he had her eat was helping her gain the muscle mass faster as well. She was healing, of course, much faster than an ordinary person. Truly, they were created for battle...And she, the natural weapon against the devil fruit users. It was fairly amusing to him.

"I'm not a tyrant hime, if that's what you're implying. I know very well what my crewmates do and although I'm not happy with everything, it is strictly their business. Bepo did what he thought was right, that's all. He's also my friend in case you are wondering. Or what is your conception of Pirates if I may ask?"

His question took her a bit off guard. She never met a pirate before him actually so she didn't know for sure how they actually were...

"You're a Shichibukai. By that you already tossed what it means to be a pirate didn't you? Her voice was heavy, you are considered to be Government dogs, aren't you?"

His eyes pierced her and she felt a cold gush of wind caress her face.

"Oh? Is that so? His figure approached her, leaving the wall in front of the bed she was standing on. But...he put his arms on either side of her and she unconsciously held her breath as he lowered his face to hers, far too close for her own comfort, his eyes intentionally challenging her own, you still didn't answer my question."

Her half curious, half scared look interested him, as he approached her the way he did on purpose, to test her. "So she isn't really aware of it, he thought but his eyes narrowed when her look rapidly shifted to one of anger and determination as she grabbed the hilt of his nodachi drawing him nearer to her face.

"Where is the book?" Her voice didn't waver.

He smiled and she blushed, softening the hold of her hand on his nodachi.

"Wouldn't you like to know, he whispered in her left ear, twisting a strand of her hair between his fingers.

…

"Kouga said the council had asked that they give it to our people", Danzou shifted his dark eyes across the dyeing wood. He stood up to move from the fire. It had become too warm for him.

"I suspected that... Minase agrees with the council." Otome's eyes were different and Danzou own eyes widened at the sudden news.

"Minase san did?" But why..."

Otome sighed as she put another log inside the fire place, casting shadows across the room.

"I believe he is both tired and afraid of the constant threat to our clan. He was with us from the beginning you know this as well, as he was your shishou, and I owe him so much. At a certain age you ponder on things. He sacrificed his life, never getting married, having children. It was far too much to ask of him...I realize this now". Danzou lowered his eyes. Otome Tachibana was full of grief. For this man, and for what happened too many years ago. "Maybe...she said , as she rested her chin on her palm, maybe I should have allowed him to renounce this responsibility..."

Regret? Danzou looked at the woman in front of him, much too old to be facing this much hurt.

"He never would have allowed it, you know this your Majesty."

Otome looked at him a bit surprised. A smile formed on her lips.

"You've matured Danzou she said as she truly admired the leader of their troops. I know he wouldn't have. He loved Ran's mother far too much. She lowered her eyes to her lap, her hands twisting on the fine material of her kimono. What did Kouga say?"

"Well, you know he never says much...but I could tell from his eyes that he was furious."

"Of course, she's his granddaughter" she laughed, a laughter Danzou perceived it more as painful than relieving. He smiled slightly. She was supposed to marry Kouga when she was younger...but fate had other plans...

Sawako, Otome's daughter married, Kouga's son, Kouhaku. They had Ran.

"Be careful Danzou. This is getting messier by the passing day."

"I know your Majesty, I will be."

Fire dances in a peculiar way...

…

Hard, clean cold air, close to a snow wind only much more mellow, pine and spice. She fell asleep and woke up. She never would have imagined that the early two things to remember about the Royal Shichibukai that had her in custody so to speak were his voice, deep and steady and his smell. Sure, keen senses she was forced to develop through constant training made her think it was because of that, that she was more likely to...perceive those than anything else. His eyes, that fearlessly and repeatedly challenged her own was something she couldn't understand. Sometimes they felt as cold as a blade.

Ran knew he wasn't afraid of her and she was positively sure he knew about the ability of her eyes to render a noryokusha helpless by nullifying its power should the wielder look into her eyes. But the other one?... She unconsciously put her palm on her chest above the left breast.

It had been three days since then. She could walk on her own and had almost complete control of her lower body as well. She wasn't 100% ready but soon enough she will be. She aimed the kitchen intently.

"Bepo san?"

"Ran san, what is it?"

" I would like to speak to your captain." Bepo looked at her surprised.

"Anou..."

"Is there something wrong?"

"No...he's in his room, bathing. "

"Oh..well then, I'll wait. Annai shite?"

"Hai"

"Come in"

"Captain.."

"Bepo, what is it?"

"I want to speak with you, Ran said entering his room, against Bepo's disapproval."

He eyed her intently.

"It's all right Bepo, you can close the door."

"I wasn't worried about you Captain, Bepo said slowly pulling the door shut. Ran's surprised look towards him was the last thing Bepo saw as the door closed. "Captain always likes to complicate things...Bepo sighed."

Ran had never seen him without that funny looking cap. His rich, dark short hair, damp from the water was being nonchalantly dried by a towel. The clothes were the same, except he didn't wear his long black coat. His nodachi was resting against his desk.

It was something with men drying their hair with just a towel, she had seen Danzou do the same, and some of her friends as well. She unconsciously found it attractive, especially with the tattoos shifting on his skin as his muscled flexed. "He would look good in a hakama" was just a solitary thought that escaped her mind involuntarily.

"Is there something I can help you with hime?" his voice made her focus to his face. Ah yes...he had to smile, of course.

She gave in to what Danzou had said some time ago. She was too young and inexperienced, she understood that now. Actual fighting counted for far too little. For once she hesitated in thinking that maybe she just wasn't ready for what life had to teach her.

That thought was pushed aside rapidly, as she saw her dagger on his desk. The crest of the Tachibana on the short blade. First rule. No debate.

Trafalgar Law's eyes widened slightly at her words, in an instant so short it was barely noticeable. He smiled at her knowingly.

" I have a proposition for you, Trafalgar Law... I dare to say that you will accept it."

Author's note: A bit too descriptive for some people but I believe it's necessary. You might find it that there isn't too much action between the two main characters but it will be. I am not following the manga or anything, I just wish to portray T Law as best as I can with the information I have on him. Time is a luxury for me...my job is extremely demanding, so I apologize if I update too rarely. I want to keep the story as condensed and short as possible without the feeling it "didn't actually get there" so to put it. And yes, 10th Squad 3rd seat I don't mind pointing my mistakes via PM. I actually encourage it. I hope you find the story interesting and to your liking. Thank you for reading!