Law gave no response whatsoever to the greeting, instead reacting instantly as soon as it registered in his mind that it was Doflamingo in the cavern with him. Law automatically lifted his hand, his wrist not held by the invisible string, "Room." Law doubted that it would do any good, but he didn't want to stay trapped unless there really was no escape. To his immense surprise, Law felt the strings slacken, and didn't stop to think whether or not Doflamingo was doing that on purpose.

Law swapped places with some nearby rocks, and landed a short distance away, free of the string and back in control of his body. Law scooped his sword up and took a swift peek over his shoulder. Law noted with some trepidation that Doflamingo looked unconcerned at his escape, merely crushing the rocks Law had swapped places with into small pieces with a wave of his hand. The Heart Pirate threw himself around one of the larger boulders in the cave out of immediate eyesight as soon as he saw Doflamingo start to get up from his rocky resting spot. Law's gaze darted around the small cavern, before realizing with a jolt that the room he had created stretched outside of the cavern and into the forest.

Doflamingo's smile widened, flexing one of his hands as he prepared to lunge for the cavern entrance. It was entertaining to see someone as smart as Law make such stupid moves. Doflamingo knew what limits Law's Devil Fruit powers had, so he really should have known better than to think that he could escape so easily. Doflamingo merely felt like giving the other a little false hope before crushing it. It was only when he remembered that Law didn't necessarily have to go out the entrance due to his powers that Doflamingo hastened to intercept the other.

Law teleported himself out of the cavern to hide to behind some trees near the cavern entrance, where he lay low, and out of sight, hoping that he would be able to avoid detection. Law didn't understand why Doflamingo had let him get away, until he stopped to think about it, and grasped that Doflamingo was just playing with him. Law started to walk through the forest at a brisk walk. It'd figure that sick bastard would enjoy letting him think he'd been able to slip free of the string. Law came to the edge of the room and dropped it, instantly bringing forth another. He was going to transport himself to the other side of the island, ahead of Doflamingo. It'd wear him out, but Law would make do.

Law created one room after another, unsure how long he could keep it up. Behind him, Law could hear Doflamingo careening through the trees overhead, and somehow found a new burst of energy as he fought to keep ahead of the blond. Exhaustion would be nothing if that meant he avoided Doflamingo's clutches.

Law reached the edge of the forest, where it connected to the beach. Law instinctively ducked down as he heard something pass overhead, not able to catch his breath just yet. He heard something whistle through the air from the side almost immediately afterward, and dodged backwards. Law missed the strike, but let loose a muffled curse. Going backward had only ended up forcing him onto the beach, where he lost traction in the shifting sands. Law's only consolation was that it wasn't the side of the island that Straw Hat and his crew were on. He dropped the room again, panting harshly as he lifted his left hand to call forth another one. If he could just do a few more rooms…

The Heart Pirate hadn't realized that Doflamingo had caught up with him, since the other's attacks could potentially be used from a fair distance away. Doflamingo dropped down out of a nearby tree, very displeased that Law gotten so far in the first place, and was frustrated with the slip-up he had made by allowing Law to sneak away. Doflamingo spotted Law about to make another room, and acted accordingly. He wasn't going to let the younger pirate get any further.

"Bullet String."

Law let out a cry of surprise as a string caught the side of his hand with punishing force, cutting the skin and momentarily distracting him as brief confusion took over. Doflamingo had been close enough that he could have pierced the Heart Pirate's hand through the middle had he so chosen to, but he hadn't. Before Law could figure out what that meant, he realized that his limbs were pinioned once again by Doflamingo's invisible strings, and the blond was relaxing against a nearby tree, wearing a patronizing smile.

"We're on an island, where did you think you could go? Don't try that again, or I'll use a gun next time. I think you'll find it to be more damaging than you would expect." Doflamingo warned, losing his smile a little as he glowered at Law. He hadn't expected Law to maintain the room he had created for so long, or to call them up so quickly one after another. It had been a bit of a job to keep up with the other. Toying with Law and letting him believe that he could get away had nearly allowed the brat to escape. It was convenient for Doflamingo that Law's powers had drained him, otherwise the Surgeon of Death could have potentially avoided the last attack, and continued to make him pursue him around in dizzying circles.

Law, still breathing heavily from the effort of raising and dropping so many rooms, subtlety tugged at the invisible strings that were restricting his movement. Law fought down whatever panic might have otherwise shown. He didn't know what he had been thinking, since Doflamingo was right in the fact that there was nowhere to run. So unless he had wanted to lead Doflamingo back to the Thousand Sunny, he had essentially wasted his energy futilely trying to stay ahead and out of reach of the blond. Perhaps that hadn't been the best of ideas.

Law was trapped, as he was certain that Doflamingo wasn't going to make another error in judgment and allow him to try and slink away again. Law doubted that he would be going anywhere until Doflamingo let him go, which was unlikely to occur. Law didn't like to think what Doflamingo had in mind after he'd blackmailed him into resigning as a warlord. The taller man had a lot to lose, and to worry about, if Kaido came after him, so it would follow that Doflamingo would be furious with him.

Law continued to test the string anyway, even if he was doubtful that there would be any give in the string again. Law figured that Doflamingo would have noticed his minute movements, but hadn't yet done anything to discourage them. The bastard was probably contemplating what do with him, and wasn't worried about Law escaping again. A little more emboldened by the fact that he could do so, Law tested the strength of the strings a little more obviously. At the same time, he wondered if he had enough energy to bring forth another room. Law could feel his hand smarting from Doflamingo's previous attack, and questioned if it would even be worth it to try again.

Doflamingo had noticed the movement, and allowed it, entertained by the other's efforts. Pointless and almost a little sad that Law thought he had a chance to free himself for a second time. When the struggles grew a little stronger to the point where Doflamingo could feel a faint give in the string, the smile on his face widened. Law really should know better than to even bother. Doflamingo had him trapped this time, and the younger pirate knew it, but was stubbornly refusing to admit it and give in. The blond bent his fingers a little, tightening the string's grip effortlessly. The effect was instantaneous.

Law abruptly stopped moving when he felt the string's pressure increase, lest they dig into his skin further than they already had. Law let out a thin sound of protest intermixed with exasperation. He should have known better, but Law would take any chance he could to break free.

Doflamingo paid no heed to Law's obvious discomfort as he spoke causally, as if he hadn't almost allowed Law to get away, "You've got a lot of guts, trying to interfere with my business arrangement with Kaido." Doflamingo tilted his head to study Law, as if expecting to the other to fess up immediately. The Heart Pirate should know that he had nowhere to go now, and delaying any response would only mean more pain for him to go through.

Law said nothing, knowing full well that he was in a very perilous position, and things could go badly if he didn't play things right. Doflamingo had him, and he hadn't even been able to put up a fight. He had tried to run instead. Not that Law thought he would have lasted very long had he actually fought with Doflamingo. Law grit his teeth, curling his uninjured hand into a fist. He was trying and failing to see any way he could get out of this situation, and the blond would no doubt grow weary of him holding his silence before too long.

"Not going to say anything? I suppose at the very least you've gotten a little more cunning." Doflamingo settled more comfortably against the tree, brushing his feathery coat absently with his free hand to rid it of traces of leaves. Law was being more defiant than he had anticipated, and while it was amusing, it was also irritating at the same time that the brat thought he could keep his silence. Doflamingo angled a few of the fingers on the hand he was using his Devil Fruit powers with as he laughed, "Your plan hasn't exactly gone the way you'd hoped, has it?" It was too bad that Law was being such a damn nuisance. It seemed as if Law really hadn't learned all that much in the past ten years. Very unfortunate, especially if the Heart Pirate thought he had actually had a chance in succeeding with his little plan. Doflamingo let the strings loosen ever so slightly from around Law's limbs, as though daring the younger man to try another escape attempt, "Did you really think you could hide what you were doing at Punk Hazard?"

Law shifted faintly as he spoke automatically, "It wasn't meant to be hidden for long. You would have found out either way, though I hadn't anticipated Vergo being there. I made do with the way things turned out." Law didn't bother to try and get away, despite the fact that the invisible string was not overly restricting his movement. With the way his luck was running, Doflamingo would probably cut off his airway this time around, and Law liked the idea of being able to remain conscious. He retained some semblance of control that way, even if he was currently immobilized.

Doflamingo leered unpleasantly at the Heart Pirate, "Too bad you didn't stick around on the island with those marines. I could have silenced you then and there and taken Caesar back without too much trouble." Doflamingo flexed his fingers, and tightened the string again, a little disappointed that Law hadn't tried to move, but at least that meant the kid understood that he shouldn't put up too much of a fight. It was debatable how Law would react the longer this conversation went on. "But now you're making me work harder to retrieve him."

Outwardly, Law was calm, but on the inside, his mind was racing. Doflamingo was here on this island, and Straw Hat's ship was still anchored nearby. Law had to wonder why the older man hadn't just raided it and plucked Caesar from his grasp. If Doflamingo went to the Thousand Sunny now, that would ruin the leverage that Law thought he had gained over him. Law was again grateful that he had managed to get to the opposite side of the island from where the Straw Hat Pirates were anchored. Law obviously wasn't going to be going anywhere any time soon, and with the way he was now, he wouldn't even be able to warn the Straw Hat Pirates of Doflamingo's presence. Law needed to try and delay Doflamingo right now. Law wouldn't allow the blond to ruin his plan, as it was vital that he traded Caesar to Doflamingo on his terms, and create a diversion that would hold the blond's attention, and allow the Straw Hats to destroy the factory.

As Law puzzled over what to do, while at the same time ignoring the restrictiveness of the invisible strings, a sudden thought occurred to him. The island they were on. Perhaps there wasn't anything wrong with it after all. Maybe all the bad vibes and nervousness he had been feeling throughout the day had been because Doflamingo was around. It would explain a lot, and also account for the fact that Law had been positive that he had heard someone laughing.

"You were watching me earlier." Law mused aloud, since he couldn't think of anything else to say, as he was still wracking his mind for a way out of this. He was pretty sure that Doflamingo would want to retaliate for him daring to interfere with his plans, but Law wasn't quite sure what the other would choose to do. If Doflamingo had wanted him dead, he would have done so already, especially after recapturing him on the beach. Doflamingo could have easily caused much more damage than a gash to the hand. That alone made Law wary, and he wondered if the only reason he was still alive and not badly wounded was because Doflamingo wanted answers first. It didn't make Law feel very inclined to tell the other man anything if that was the case.

Moonlight reflected off of Doflamingo's tinted glasses as he smiled widely again. Law was as serious as ever and acting as though he weren't in as much trouble as he was. Why else would he change the subject out of the blue? "I'm rather surprised that you didn't sense me. I thought for sure that you would have investigated, instead of just passing it off as an animal following you around. Those trees weren't exactly easy to move though silently." Doflamingo laughed when he saw the irritated look tossed his way as he continued, "What? Would you have reacted if I had dropped down out of the tree and attacked you?"

Despite the perilous position he was in, Law couldn't help but laugh a little in return, "If you had dropped at that angle, I would have been able to try for your heart. If I succeeded, I wouldn't have anything to worry about. Though Kaido wouldn't have the pleasure of crushing you, if I managed to take you down first." Law's jaw snapped shut as he realized how very foolish of him it was to antagonize Doflamingo. He was helpless do to anything about it should the other man choose to take offense with his snappy retorts. Blindly, the Heart Pirate acted, trying to make a room, only to wince when Doflamingo intercepted his action by making a sharp hand gesture. The invisible string tightened to an almost excruciating pressure, and caused Law to lose his concentration. Stupid. Very, very stupid. Straw Hat and the others must have rubbed off on him after all with all of their reckless risk taking. Law was just asking for trouble trying to flee, when Doflamingo had made it perfectly clear that he wasn't going to be until he got some answers.

"You sure have a lot of nerve, Law. I wouldn't be so flippant if I were you. I was serious about the gun." Doflamingo flicked a finger up, and forced Law's left arm into the air, making the hand stretch. "For now, this will do." Doflamingo pointed with his other hand, smirking as Law's eyes winded a little at what he was planning to do. "Bullet String!"

White hot pain lanced through Law's mind as he fought down the urge to scream as the string pierced his palm, nicking tendons as it passed through. Out of pure instinct, as the arm was lowered, Law tried to make a room, his hand shaking with effort as he tried to form the concentration and energy, only to have Doflamingo slash a string sharply across the back of his hand to deter him. Law let out a gasping wheeze, hand shaking from the new wounds.

Doflamingo continued to speak as he ignored Law taking in sharp gasps of air. "You wouldn't have gotten close to ripping my heart out with your powers. Besides, you not noticing me made it all the more interesting. Seeing you and Straw Hat and that other upstart fighting amongst yourselves like children was quite amusing. That's why a brat like you shouldn't go around trying to call the shots like an adult." Doflamingo lost his smile momentarily as he scowled at the tethered Heart Pirate, and demanded in a more serious tone, "Why are you doing this, Law?"

Silence followed, and since that wasn't the kind of response he had wanted, Doflamingo bent a finger. One of the invisible strings pulled tightly, forcing the Heart Pirate's left arm behind his back at a painful angle. "I respect you to an extent, Law, but the attitude you've developed over the years is becoming quite a problem." Doflamingo increased the restrictive constriction of the string around the other's arm further by jabbing a finger to the side, "And you know how much I dislike having problems to deal with."

Law grit his teeth as a dull, throbbing ache settled in. Despite the agony of his wounded hand and his arm shaking a little from the effort of being held by the string, the Heart Pirate refused to allow himself to cave in. Doflamingo would have to be a lot more brutal if he wanted to break him. Tearing into his hand with the string had been playing dirty, but Law felt that he could hold out for a fairly long time, and be able to keep quiet about the vital parts of his plans. Doflamingo would probably end up injuring him too much after some time had passed, and at that point, Law was more likely to pass out from the pain than to tell Doflamingo anything.

Law could feel the blond's gaze settling on him, and the Heart Pirate let out a slow sigh as he tried to come up with a course of action. His options were rapidly dwindling, as Law was certain that Doflamingo would be quite happy to torment him until he broke down and told him what he wanted to know, or just kill him, if getting Law to spill the beans was too much of an effort to bother with for long. Law, spotting that Doflamingo was growing impatient, played the only remaining card he had. The chance was slim, but he was going to take that gamble, and see what happened.

Impatient and a little peeved that Law was daring to play games with him, Doflamingo jabbed a finger at Law, another invisible string making itself known to the Heart Pirate as it wrapped around his throat and squeezed, drawing forth a little blood. "I'm in a bit of a hurry, Law, thanks to you and your demand that I resign as one of the seven warlords. Now I have all kinds of things to take care of in Dressrosa because of it."

"Those little inconveniences will be nothing compared to what will follow." Law squeezed his eyes shut as Doflamingo manipulated two of the strings, both of which pulled hard at his arm and throat. The pain was bearable for the time being, and Law struggled to clear his thoughts and just what he would do now. He had to speak before Doflamingo cut him off, and derailed his train of thought. Law opened his eyes and glared defiantly at Doflamingo, "There will be nothing you can do when Kaido comes calling." Law saw creases across the other's forehead, and knew, even though he couldn't see the other's eyes from behind the tinted glasses, that he was being given an undoubtedly malevolent glare. Noticing Doflamingo's fingers twitch, and aware of the sensation of all the strings pinioning him flexing, Law finished quickly, "Straw Hat-ya will be wondering where I've gotten to if I don't go back soon. It would be strategically unwise for you to start something away from Dressrosa."

"Unwise for which one of us? Because it would be far more convenient for me to have Caesar back sooner rather than later, before you can play any more of your little games." Doflamingo offered a nasty smile, lifting his hand and twisting a few fingers, which caused the invisible string around Law's throat to constrict. Doflamingo pushed away from the tree and approached the Heart Pirate at a laid back jaunt, content to let the little bastard suffer from oxygen deprivation for a bit. Acting as if Law was a child that had said something funny, Doflamingo loomed over him as he stared down at Law haughtily, "Did you think you could get away with this? Did you believe that you would be able to have me follow your terms exactly according to whatever plan you have in that mind of yours?"

After a few moments, Doflamingo lowered a finger on his hand, the string around Law's throat loosened slightly to allow him to breathe. While Law coughed and gasped for air, Doflamingo focused on another string, and tightened it around Law's other arm, pulling that limb behind his back to join the left in the same painful angle. Hearing Law biting back gasps at his arms being pulled up and back in the unnatural direction, Doflamingo reached forward with his free hand and seized Law's chin, wrenching the other's head up as his voice sounded in a dangerous hiss, "If you somehow thought you and the Straw Hats would be able to run freely around Dressrosa and have your way, you're mistaken."

Law bit back a groan of discomfort at the painful angle his head was being held, before he gave Doflamingo a look of pure loathing. Law barely noticed the string digging into his wrists to add to the agony rising from the arms held behind his back. It didn't help that his wounded left hand was still causing him to lose quite a bit of blood. Still, Law refused to say anything to Doflamingo, though the Heart Pirate did bite the inside of his lip as the blond tilted his head back just a tad bit further. Law considered jerking his head away, but chased the notion away just as quickly, not wanting to find out what would happen.

Doflamingo, satisfied that he had Law's attention, however unwillingly, spoke casually, "I was going to have Vergo kill you back on Punk Hazard, when I first found out about your little endeavor there. Since then, I've had some time to think about it, especially after your calls. And after watching you and the others on this island, I've thought of a better idea than what I'd been planning before." Doflamingo smirked, "I've decided that I'll give you a chance to make things up to me, by bringing me Caesar now…" The smile stretched, "…and taking care of Straw Hat Luffy while you're at it.

Doflamingo chuckled at the faint flash of surprise that crossed Law's face, as if the Heart Pirate hadn't expected him to say something like that. Doflamingo's expression turned into a no nonsense look, and he titled Law's chin just a little higher, wanting to make sure that he got his point across, "If you try anything funny, I'll be quite happy to go locate your ship and your crew and annihilate them. I will do everything in my power to make any little thing you cared about vanish before your eyes. I'll make you suffer before I will even consider killing you." Doflamingo smiled cruelly, "Maybe I'll even make you beg for it." Doflamingo noted the closed expression that had appeared on Law's face, and added, "I doubt you would have left your crew too far away, and you know that I can easily find out where they are, with my connections. There would be nothing you could do to stop me, and all you would be able to do is read the news in the paper. That is, if you don't do exactly as I say."

Doflamingo hunched over as he brought his face within inches of Law's as he grit out his next words, "I've worked too hard for what I have in Dressrosa for a brat like you to come in acting like a big shot and making it collapse all around me. If that ultimately ends up happening, with or without the Straw Hat's help, you will regret that you'd ever been born by the time I'm through with you." Doflamingo noted that Law had flicked his gaze from his, "Perhaps after taking everything from you and beating you down, killing you wouldn't interest me as much." Seeing that Law was still avoiding eye contact despite their close proximity, Doflamingo delivered the final threat with malicious glee, knowing what reaction he would receive, "Instead of allowing you that luxury, I'll have you work for me again. After all, I'm sure you've heard that the heart seat was still open to you, right? I'd enjoy seeing you fall into despair as you carry out my orders, whether you want to or not."

Doflamingo heard a sharp intake a breath, and saw a faint widening of the other's eyes, and knew that he'd gotten through to the other man. Doflamingo released Law's chin, and backed away a foot or so, "Am I clear, Law? Do you understand?" Doflamingo bent his fingers, strengthening the strings' hold on the Heart Pirate.

Law winced as all the strings that were holding his body taut dug into his clothing and exposed skin with brutal precision, except for the string that had been around his throat. Law hung his head, hating the other man as he heard Doflamingo laugh overhead at him. Law would rather die than ever work for Doflamingo again, after what he'd done in the past. Law didn't doubt that Doflamingo would make good on his promise, so for the time being, as much as it twisted his gut and made him feel disgusted with himself, Law would do as the other said. At least until he settled on another course of action.

Since Doflamingo wasn't likely to give him much time to think, Law knew what he would have to do right now. The Heart Pirate knew that Doflamingo had already made his mind up, and agreeing with the blond now was only going to delay the inevitable. Law clenched his uninjured fist behind his back, a bit ashamed at what he was about to do, even if it was necessary to have some time to himself to think without Doflamingo nearby. With a sigh, Law let his entire body go limp in a submissive gesture, not even bothering to fight. There would be another time for that. Law spoke softly, his words bitter, "I understand." Law winced as he was suddenly released from the invisible string, the support from the other's Devil Fruit powers vanishing more quickly than he had thought it would. The Heart Pirate had no time to react, so he stumbled clumsily before he collapsed to the sandy ground. Law held perfectly still as Doflamingo spoke.

"I'll give you until tomorrow night to bring Caesar to that cave in the center of this island, and to take care of Straw Hat. I don't care if you toss him into the sea and let him drown, or in some other manner, provided you take care of it here on this island." Doflamingo stared down at the prone Heart Pirate, before turning on his heels and heading for the forest, laughing lowly, "Fufufufu. See you tomorrow, Law."

Law didn't know how long he lay there, but it was some time before he moved, long after Doflamingo had left him behind on the beach with the mocking laugh. Law clenched his uninjured fist again as he retrieved his sheathed blade that had dropped to the sand nearby. Law hoped no one would notice the scratches he'd been given, as he tugged his sleeves down over his wrists where lines had appeared from the tight hold of the strings. The wounds on his left hand, however, would need tending to, as there was no way to pass it off as an animal attack.

Law dug around in one of his pockets and withdrew some gauze, thinking he could hide the injury until he got back on the ship to treat it. There was no way around it. He would have to ask Chopper to assist him, and he could only hope the little reindeer would keep his mouth shut. Law wiped away the blood from his neck as he stared down at his hand silently, sickened when he noticed that Doflamingo had slashed the tattoo on the back of his hand diagonally, making it resemble the blond's symbol faintly. At least it hadn't been across his back. Law studied the wound and hoped the lacerations weren't too deep, but from the throbbing ache rising from the limb, and the fact that he had trouble twitching the hand without a wash of agony hitting him, it was wishful thinking. It would more than likely scar. Law gritted his teeth. Doflamingo was a sick son of a bitch.

Law tied off the gaze clumsily with his unscathed hand, and with even a brief glance knew that the gauze wasn't enough to hide the fact that he'd been injured, as the blood was likely to seep through before too long. Law could only hope he would be able to avoid mentioning the blond altogether. Law needed to come up with a plan, and quickly, because Doflamingo hadn't given him much time.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

I figured that Doflamingo would find it entertaining (?) to make Law squirm by threatening him and then letting him stew in despair, knowing that Law would likely not comply, so why not watch him agonize over it when he has nowhere to run to due to the storm? It was essentially how the plot came out as I wrote/typed it out as a summary. Still attempting IC stuff, though with the way the direction of the story is going, I have no idea, but it seems fine. Drawing on stuff from the manga again, sort of. On a side note, this chapter was actually longer than I'd intended but for some reason I enjoyed typing it (I think I caught any grammar mistakes-the site seems to like leaving a letter off some words when the document is uploaded).

I know this chapter isn't humorous, but I don't know if I should add a genre to the story description or not, like angst or drama or something. There are about two-three other chapters in this story that don't exactly fall under humor (like another chapter where these two ending up in a fight). Eh, I'll think about it.

The next two chapters are kind of silly, though Law is constantly thinking about what the heck he's supposed to do, though he keeps everyone else out of the loop, with mixed results. Luffy and Kidd do end up helping Law in a later chapter, but not this one. Thanks for the reviews (and the favs and follows), and I will get the next chapter up within (hopefully) a week.