A/N: Hey there! If you hadn't known yet, I actually edited/revised chapters 7 & 8 yesterday (10/19/16) I think, because I'm just that kind of shitty author. There were major changes, really, and I'm so sorry about that, my drafts were all over the place but meh, I don't have any real excuse. Anyway, please enjoy. Thank you very much.

Important: I would just like to remind everyone, even with the degree of realism in this story, this is still a work of fiction and may contain distorted facts. To be honest, I think I was already just making up a few tidbits since, I don't know, chapter 8? Anyway, just keep that in mind folks. Enjoy.


Omen

Ninth Sign

Ross proceeded with determined, gray footsteps as he entered the Special Forces Headquarters. As soon as he was inside, he began unbuttoning his coat, ultimately removing it to reveal his military uniform dyed in khaki green hue, donned with golden buttons and a golden rope hanging from his right shoulder to his chest, two silver diamonds glinting over both epaulettes on his shoulders.

"Welcome back, Lieutenant!" both men clad in deep green military uniform saluted when they met through the hallways.

Ross only waved a hand. "There was another meeting?"

"Yes. The Major General wants to see you. He's at the meeting room, Lieutenant." one answered.

Ross nodded, quickening his pace. He knew he was late, the meeting probably ended already, otherwise, those men wouldn't have told him who wanted to see him specifically. Ross grumbled to himself as he recalled what transpired back at the hospital. He didn't expect Law to be as capable in combat as him. He touched the bandage that was stuck on his cheek, scrunching up his face in disgust as he recalled how he was almost knocked out with one measly punch. Being unable to get even with the man displeased him. Ross admitted to himself how he hated to lose - how he hated Law.

Soon he was standing in front of the door leading to the room where he had spoke out his opinions, shared his ideas and laid down his tactical methods relating to various military operations. Ross easily climbed the ranks thanks to his excellent record, good connections and ultimately, his genius; and that, of course, accompanied a few gossips here and there as being an officer at such a young age of 23 was just too much of a jump as majority believed. Nevertheless, Ross wasn't one to brag about his achievements, after all, he didn't care as long as his goal was met.

Upon entering the room, Ross found only one man inside, clad in a darker khaki hue military uniform; two silver stars glistening over his epaulettes.

"Where have you been, Ross?" the man asked in an assertive voice. Major General Yomiel was a fair, tall man with a solid body. He sported a low-cut dark hair and a pair of sharp obsidian eyes. "You missed the meeting."

Ross saluted at the man. "My apologies, Major General. I had an errand to run."

Yomiel looked pointedly at Ross, his eyes narrowing at the bandage on his cheek. "And what kind of errand was it?"

Ross understood what the man meant. "This is just a scratch. I got this from a tree branch. I never even noticed." he spoke in monotone.

Yomiel figured the lad was lying, nonetheless, he wasn't too interested anyway so he didn't dwell on it. "This is the first time you didn't attend a meeting. It's going to hurt your record."

"I already heard from Jack." Ross bluntly replied, completely ignoring his superior's remark. "The bomb threat... Our idiotic governor paid no heed on it."

Yomiel frowned. "Now, now, Ross, don't go spouting..offensive labels."

Ross smirked. "And his son got caught in that bombing."

"Ross." Yomiel's tone sounded cautionary. "I am your superior. Even if I have high regards for your father, if you keep this up you're going to be in trouble."

"I'm only stating facts, Major General." Ross kept a straight face. "Besides, it was his fault to begin with. To think he already had the letter two days before the day of bombing-"

"There's nothing we can do about it. The governor ignored it." Yomiel interjected, sighing. He pulled up a chair and took a seat. "Understandable. Terrorist attacks have stopped since the implementation of the counter-terrorism strategy you raised three years ago."

"It can't keep the peace forever." Ross replied. "It's been three years. Belligerents are bound to bypass our security, especially if those in power become stagnant and negligent."

"I agree." Yomiel grabbed the topmost paper from the stack that was sitting above the table. "I received the report from police commander Paige." he looked intently at Ross. "Trinitrotoluene. It was the main charge."

Ross felt his eyes widen at the mention of the chemical substance. "But that shouldn't be-"

"They're not available, yes."

"Unless there's a rat among our ranks." Ross quickly added, making Yomiel smirk.

"It's amusing how you always jump to the worse conclusion, my dear boy, but look." the Major General got up and approached the young man, handing him the paper he was holding.

Ross took it and read the paper. There were three columns - two of them was a list of gasoline purchases around the country from two days ago up to present, and the other was a list of chemical production from a number of pharmaceutical companies.

"You're a genius, Ross, I'm sure you understand what this means."

Ross smiled, understanding clear on his face. "Well, they're getting smarter all right. Have they traced this?" Ross returned the paper.

Yomiel shook his head. "Yet. Jack's on it. Once we receive intel, we're going to plan things out. The governor doesn't wish for military intervention, if possible."

"I'll make preparations." Ross simply replied, excusing himself as he turned to his heel, but was immediately halted when Yomiel grabbed him by his shoulder.

"Hold on." Yomiel looked at Ross as if he was searching for something. "Didn't you hear me? If it can be helped, the military will not make a move."

Ross chuckled lightly. "I wasn't going to do anything, sir, I'm just a Lieutenant. I shall get back to my paperwork."

Yomiel frowned. "I know what you're capable of. You're loved and respected by your men. Don't do anything that may stain your record, Ross."

Ross smiled and nodded, shrugging off his shoulders as he turned away from the man.

"I heard a friend of yours was caught in the bombing." Yomiel said, making Ross flinch. "Is this friend of yours the 'errand' you were talking about?"

Ross didn't look at his superior, remaining quiet and motionless.

Yomiel understood the lad's distress. He figured the 'friend' of his must be very dear to him. "I'm sorry for what happened to your friend. I understand you're angry."

"I am angry." Ross said, gritting his teeth, his hands curling into fists. "That stupid governor never even thought about the gravity of the content the letter conveyed. And now that the tragedy has taken place, he's still a docile man wanting the military to stay put."

"Even the government agreed, Ross. The military will not make a move unless the police asks for our assistance." Yomiel explained, lightly squeezing the man's shoulder in an attempt to calm him down. "We'll have to abide. We can't just go to war and kill them senseless."

Ross was quiet for a moment before placing a hand over Yomiel's. He gently removed it, turning around to face the man. "But Major General Yomiel, they're criminals. They killed civilians, people - a lot of them. You can't be lecturing me about morals when I'm trained to kill."

"You weren't trained to kill. You're trained to defend and protect yourself and the people around you." Yomiel firmly stated.

"I think you're mistaken, teacher." Ross gave him a knowing look and coldly stated, "I am trained to kill criminals, because if man doesn't live righteously, he shouldn't live at all."

=/=

"What do you think, Elka-ya?" Law sat by Elka's bedside, watching her shocked expression gradually morph into realization.

"So..I'm... I'm not affected by your ability?" Elka asked, intrigued. "I'm immune?"

"That's right. The first time I saw you, I immediately tried to cut you using my devil fruit power, but it didn't work." Law simply stated, holding his hands together. "I didn't want you to know because I thought you might try to hold it against me."

"As if!" Elka exclaimed, her eyes wide in surprise and disbelief darting towards Law. "You know full well that I cannot stand against you. What made you think I have the capability to hold that fact against you?"

Law remained quiet. He had enough reason to be alarmed as it wasn't just his powers she was immune from but also his haki. Law decided it was safer to let her remain ignorant about the latter, as he disliked putting himself in a tight situation. Law didn't want to give Elka any bright ideas.

"Still, I don't understand why I'm immune when other people and even the surroundings are affected by your ability." Elka wondered aloud. "I just don't get it. Is it somehow connected to why you're here?"

"And probably connected to how I'm supposed to leave." Law added. "I suppose you can't hypothesize its meaning right now, nevertheless, I would like you to keep it in mind and tell me, however little it is, your insight regarding this."

"Honestly, it's confusing." Elka looked at Law. "When you first demonstrated your power to me, I figured your existence was accepted by my world as reality. This is a blatant contradiction. I can't be the one who's fiction."

"Fiction?" Law hated the sound of it - of fiction, that is. "Why do we keep getting back to that fiction nonfiction point? I am real. I exist. How many times do I have to say it to convince you?"

"No, I mean, yes, I know you're real, it's just...it doesn't make sense." Elka looked and sounded so confused. She tried to think carefully, tying suspicious fragments of her memory together carefully in an attempt to form a solid theory but it just didn't connect. If it was truly wish fulfillment, she couldn't remember when she asked to be immune against Law's abilities - she never even considered wishing it. If it wasn't, then it has to do something with dimension or parallel world travels, but she didn't understand how it was connected to her immunity.

"Doctor, do you think I'm the door?" Elka finally said, seemingly out of ideas.

Law raised an eyebrow. "Door? You mean you're the portal for me to get back?"

"Yes." Elka faintly nodded, but she looked hesitant. "Probably."

"I thought about that possibility, but I still don't know how you're supposed to work." Law looked dejected. "I figured I might find the answer once my ability worked on you, but after what happened earlier I suppose your immunity just got stronger."

Elka looked down and pondered a few points in her head. She didn't understand how she was immune, but she found it intriguing the way that strange force forcefully pushed Law back. Making up her mind, she asked Law to use his powers against her once more.

Law sighed. "And what would that accomplish? You saw it with your own eyes, I couldn't even touch you."

"That's because I genuinely hated the idea. I was scared of you." Elka simply explained. "But this time, I'll do my best to not get scared." she announced, determination apparent from her tone. "I'll accept it. I'll allow you to take my heart, doctor."

Law looked reluctant but he convinced himself it was worth the shot. At the back of his mind, something told him it still wouldn't work. He somehow knew there was more to it than just Elka's consent, nonetheless, he wasn't going to lose anything in pursuing the woman's postulation so he decided, to hell with it.

Room.

Law hesitated before taking a stance. He stared at Elka for a moment, taking in her image. She was looking straight at him, acknowledging his existence, yet he felt as if the woman was trying to look past him. Law tried to shake the unsettling feeling he got from the thought, he didn't even want to think about it either, immediately thrusting his palm forward.

As he was about to reach Elka's chest, before he could even mutter the name of his technique, a sudden repelling force burst from Elka, launching him through the couch before his back met with the curtained glass window. Law's room instantly vanished as he fell on his bottom.

"Oh no, doctor!" Elka called out in panic. She didn't understand what just happened. It was such a shock to her to witness a person sent flying in reality. "What happened?!"

Law brought a hand over his nape, gently rubbing the area in comfort. He shook his head and patted his back for a moment before getting up on his feet. "You sent me flying, that's what." Law stated, almost sarcastic.

Elka looked at him apologetically. She looked so guilty she was tearing up. "I'm sorry, I don't know how it happened. I don't even know why. I was already prepared to see my heart flying off my chest." Elka muttered weakly, choking up the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes.

Law sighed, picking up the couch that was knocked down due to his 'flight'. "I knew it won't work but I didn't expect that." he then got seated on said couch. "I wish I knew why you kept repelling my power, and how, for that matter."

Elka stared at Law, almost as if there was something she wanted to say. She contemplated for a while, it seemed she already knew the answer to Law's question but even so, she figured it was hard to address. Elka argued with herself, telling herself that she needed to let Law know what she thinks - Law needed to know why and how she kept 'rejecting' his powers. It was because she still thinks that he was fiction, that he was not real.

Elka opened her mouth but no words came out. It was no use letting Law know, she had to do something about it herself.

But she couldn't.

She pursed her lips and averted her gaze, making Law wonder and prompted him to ask, "What's on your mind, Elka-ya?"

Elka remained quiet. She glanced at Law but quickly swiveled her gaze away from the man. Not later, Law was beside her, his hand resting over her arm. His touch was warm, and it felt so surreal to her. Elka forced herself to look at the Warlord, instantly finding his grey eyes fascinating up close. He looked genuinely worried, making her blush at the thought. Elka convinced herself she believes Law was real in her heart, otherwise the man shouldn't be able to touch her if her theory was correct. And above it all, she shouldn't be feeling anything for him. But for some reason, when that last attempt of Law failed, Elka heard a voice:

He's fiction.

It shattered her thoughts and crumbled her faith, and through that crack the light seeped in, driving away the man she tried so hard to acknowledge. Before she knew it, Law was already sent flying by a violent force. By then she wasn't so surprised, it was as if she understood what that invisible force was.

Rejection.

Elka swallowed her spit as she collected her thoughts and gathered the courage to speak up. She couldn't bear seeing Trafalgar Law, a proud pirate with strong determination and a grand dream, clueless and helpless. She admired Law for his power, for his strong belief in fate - for his will to move forward no matter what it takes. It was inspirational to her, and it pained her to see the man she admired so much in such state. She needed to help him get out of her world. She had to help him return to his rightful place, where he could continue his journey, pursue his dreams, accomplish his goals and above it all, live.

Elka valued the meaning of 'live'. It wasn't just a simple word that meant 'keep breathing', it wasn't just a word related to 'life'. It was more than that, deeper than just staying alive, and she knew Law couldn't live if he was stuck in her world.

"Doctor, I apologize beforehand but I think I know why I'm immune to your powers. And how." Elka finally spoke, her tone firm. She looked intently at the man and continued, "Just listen." Elka took a deep breath. "I..am rejecting you. I am rejecting your powers, your identity, your existence, everything about you. I know it sounds weird and it's probably contradictory to how I act in front of you but deep inside, I keep telling myself you're not real."

Law frowned. "Again with this fiction nonfiction of yours."

Elka grabbed Law's hand with both of hers, squeezing it a bit as she tried to continue. "Listen to me, doctor. It's not just that. I know I wished you were real, and I'm happy I got my wish and that you're here but I think I'm actually trying to keep you here. I was instinctively rejecting your existence to keep myself sane but in the end, I just don't want you to leave."

Law was still confused. He sort of understood but it just didn't make sense to him. Elka was telling him everything, it was a strong proof that she was already acknowledging his existence, that she was already accepting the reality right before her eyes. It seemed clear to him already, yet it was still somehow fuzzy.

"Wait, so you're saying, you are keeping me here." Law stated, but it sounded more like a question than a statement.

Elka solemnly nodded.

"Then why not just release me? Just let me return to my world." Law flatly said, almost irritated at the fact that he was still confused.

"Because I can't. I may be aware now but that doesn't mean I'd be able to..adjust quickly." Elka replied, frustrated. "I want to help you so bad, I mean it. I don't want to keep you here forever! I wish for you to return but..I still... I don't know."

"I was right. You are the key." Law decisively exhaled, gently closing his eyes in defeat. "But your key is such a complicated thing. It would have been easier if it was just wish fulfillment."

"It is wish fulfillment." Elka quickly replied. "Only, the conditions are a bit..harder to achieve."

Law sighed. He laid back at the couch, feeling exhausted just thinking about Elka's revelation. He was still dubious but there was a high probability that they were the right answers he'd been seeking. If they could just solve the riddle, and if Elka could only overcome her denial, Law would be able to return.

It wouldn't be so easy. Law felt like they were still missing something but he didn't know what. Actually, he even thought maybe he was just imagining it.

"I'll do my best, doctor." Elka suddenly spoke. "We'll solve this. You will be back to your world, I assure you."

Law felt his eyes widen at the sincerity of Elka's obsidian eyes. Her voice was soft and warm, her tone laced with certainty and determination.

"Then I guess, I'll be counting on you." Law smiled, almost daring.

"You bet!" Elka seemed to have cheered up, blotting out the guilt, sadness and regret that gnawed at her since that tragic event back at GreemBills. She decided to focus all her energy to helping Law return back to where he belongs. Somehow, Elka found a ray of hope. She felt like once this strange occurrence was solved, a miracle was bound to happen, and she clung desperately to that feeling.

=/=

Elka woke up to the chill air, shivering. The room got colder than she can tolerate, her blanket couldn't keep her warm as much so she got up to search for the room's air conditioner remote control.

"The sun hasn't come up yet." Law spoke, his tone quiet.

Elka was startled when she heard the man speak. She thought he was asleep. "Did you even sleep?"

"I'm a light sleeper, remember?" Law simply stated.

"Right. Um, doctor, can you pass me that remote?" Elka pointed at a white device sitting over the white table right below the television.

Law got up from the couch and silently walked over the said table. He took the device and gave it to Elka. After pressing a button twice, Elka asked Law to put it back to the table to which the Warlord easily complied.

"By the way, doctor, since I can't really move around for a while, do you plan on exploring the city by yourself?" Elka asked.

"I did plan to, at first, but I just can't leave you alone."

"I'll be fine. My recovery might take two more days and I don't think you'd be able to sit through it. It's too long."

"I'm patient when it comes down to it." Law crossed his arms and laid back on the couch, closing his eyes to take a nap.

"Actually, I think I should tell Ross about you." Elka announced, making Law snap his eyes open in both surprise and opposition.

"You trust him that much?" Law knew he asked that question before but he just couldn't help himself.

"Yes. If Ross says he'll help, he will." Elka sounded confident. "We can trust him to keep quiet about your ability."

Law gave her an inquisitive look. "This Ross person, who is he really? What is he?"

Elka understood Law's suspicion, after all, she admitted Ross was a bit eccentric. "Ross is..well, he's in the army."

"Army?"

"It's what we call our world's militia. There are four military organizations that keeps our country safe. Each country in this world has them too, although some has only three military organizations as they treat the army and the police one and the same." Elka explained.

Law kept quiet. He'd been interested about Elka's world's militia for a while now. As someone who had been running around labeled as a criminal constantly tailed by marines, he wanted to know the difference of military power in Elka's world and his.

"In this country, the army and police department are separate entities, so that's two already. The other two would be the navy and the air force. The navy are similar to the marines in your world, because they guard the coasts of our country and fight with naval ships. The air force, well, they fight in the air."

"How?" Law was genuinely thrilled and curious. He was aware of the sky islands existing in his world, but he never thought sky islands also existed in Elka's world.

"Through planes, but not just your regular air planes. They're jets - fighter jets. They are armed with missiles and heavy gun equipment. I really don't know the details but it's something like that."

"Planes? Jets? What are those?" Law inquired, his eyes almost sparkling in awe. His hidden desire for knowledge and possible breakthrough of science was beginning to surface.

Elka looked fairly surprised. She thought back, realizing there weren't really air planes shown in the series, but flying ships, and it was even in a movie which was only caused by the power of a devil fruit too. Elka felt stupid for mentioning said airborne vehicles.

"Er, well, if you've seen a torpedo or a missile, they look like that but with wings and fins in their body." Elka explained, half-chastened. She actually wanted to just show him some pictures through her phone but she already lost it. The cell Ross lent her was a regular cell, not a smartphone.

Law looked at her in wonder. "And how do they fly? Your people have such powers?"

Elka was taken aback by Law's question. "Humans can't fly!" she almost yelled, awestruck of Law's ignorance. "I mean, come on, I already told you devil fruits are non-existent in this world."

"How should I know? Your people might have been born with natural flight capabilities." Law casually replied.

"If it was possible I would've done that in the first place!" Elka exclaimed, almost astonished of Law's casual tone. "It's technology, okay? Tech-no-lo-gy." Elka felt exhausted just thinking about it, yet she felt a bit giddy knowing such a side of the Warlord. "But I guess it's to be expected for your train of thoughts to be so..well, unreal. I mean, flying islands? Just wow."

Law wondered. "You don't have flying islands?"

"We don't." Elka quickly replied. "But yes, we do have flying vehicles."

Law almost gaped at Elka's declaration. He never knew such things existed. "It would be nice if I could see one." he muttered under his breath.

Elka heard him and she couldn't suppress a chuckle when she did. "I'll ask Ross to take you to an airport."

"Airport?" Law wondered. "Hold on, Ross is going to bring me there?" he couldn't control his voice raising a bit at the thought.

Elka frowned. "You don't want him to?"

Law wanted to admit how he disliked the idea but he couldn't say. After all, he sort of already knew where their conversation was going.

"I was going to ask Ross to accompany you in search of possible clues as to your sudden appearance in this world." Elka announced, looking hesitant but somehow, convinced it was for the better. "I'm sure Ross is also busy due to the recent bombing but at least you get to explore our world. Who knows? You might find more clues during that time."

Law thought for a moment. "From what I understand, Ross-ya belongs to the marines?"

Elka blinked. "Er, sort of. He's in the army though, so, not quite."

"I don't see any difference." Law bluntly answered.

Elka felt awkward. "Well, yeah, I suppose you're right."

Law wasn't overly surprised with Ross's background, in fact, it even pleased him. He already fought Ross, and knowing he was a 'marine' cleared things up for him. Law thought it suited the redhead, what with his admiration on Fleet Admiral Akainu and his firm statement on 'eliminating' him. Law couldn't help but smirk at the thought.

"I hope you don't try to fight him, doctor." Elka told Law, worry creasing her face. "Ross is fairly capable but with your devil fruit power, I'm sure you'd win. Just..don't hurt him, please."

Law frowned at Elka's blatant display of affection and trust towards the young lad. A part of him wanted to just ignore it as it was understandable since the two were 'friends', but another part of him just couldn't let it slide for reasons he was unsure of.

"I won't, unless he starts it." Law spoke in a dangerous tone.

"He won't." Elka solemnly replied. "Ross isn't a brute. He has a good head over his shoulders, doctor."

Law hummed lightly at Elka's statement. He was amused at how the woman defended her 'friend' even though he disliked the person. "So Elka-ya, what now?"

Elka grabbed the phone that was lying atop her bedside table and operated it. "I'm going to message Ross first to let him know. After all, it's not morning yet, he might be sleeping." she spoke as her fingers glided over the buttons, typing fast until finally hitting send. "Honestly, I don't want to bother him but I figured I'll be needing his help."

"Are you sure you're going to be fine by yourself?" Law was skeptical about the idea of leaving Elka by herself in the hospital.

"I'll be fine." Elka smiled. "And I'm not moving from this place, I'm sure no harm would fall upon me."

"You're too optimistic for your own good, Elka-ya."

"I understand you're worried. After all, I am your ticket to getting back." Elka sounded resigned. "But you have to keep moving, doctor. We need more clues. We have to find out a certain way to get you back to your world."

Not later, the phone briefly chimed as it received a message. Ross had replied, saying he agrees to whatever Elka wanted to do. Elka sent back a message saying she needed to talk with him for more details, to which the lad quickly replied back, saying it was okay if she wanted to talk by then.

Elka gestured at Law, hinting she was going to give Ross a call. The Warlord only nodded his head in response as he watched the woman press a few buttons on the device before bringing it over her left ear.

The other line was ringing for a while before Ross finally picked up.

"Yes, this is Ross Maris speaking."

"It's me, Elka."

"I know." Ross simply said. "So what did you want me to do?"

"Before that, I wanted to tell you something." Elka glanced at Law. "You see, something strange happened to me." Elka was having second thoughts but she managed to press on. "Ross, will you believe me?"

"Of course I will." Ross quickly answered.

"Then, don't laugh okay? I'm being serious." Elka forewarned.

Ross let out a short laugh. "Elka, even if you tell me you hate chocolates while scarfing down on M&Ns, I will still believe you."

Elka felt her lips slowly smile. "Thank you, Ross." she swallowed her nervousness before continuing, "Ross, doctor is, well, he's Trafalgar Law."

Ross remained quiet.

"I mean, Trafalgar Law from One Piece. You know, that Manga series we're so crazy about." Elka felt her palms getting sweaty despite the cool wind from the room's air conditioner. "As in Trafalgar Law, the captain of Heart Pirates. As in, Trafalgar Law, the Surgeon of Death."

Ross exhaled noisily from the other line. "I believe you." he simply said.

Elka was silent for a moment, letting his words linger for a while longer.

"And what do you want me to do, Elka?" Ross's voice echoed from the other end.

Elka jolted in surprise. "Oh, right! Since I can't really leave the hospital, can you accompany him to search for clues?"

"Clues?"

"I want to help him return to One Piece. To his world."

"...I see." Ross replied, his tone world-weary.

Elka frowned. "...You don't believe me, do you?"

"I believe you, Elka." Ross quickly replied, his voice moderate. "It's just I have some paperwork to finish right now, but yes, I will help him."

Elka brightened at Ross's answer. "Really?! Thank you so much, Ross!" she smiled at Law. "I'll give him my room key. You should search my room."

"...All right. Does it have to be now?"

"I understand you're busy. It can wait."

"Do you think you can instruct mister Law to just meet me somewhere? I can't really visit you there today and it wouldn't be a good idea to send him to my..current location."

"It's okay, Ross." Elka gently replied, comforting the young man. "I'll tell doctor to meet you instead. How about the Chicken Kitchen on En Downtown?"

There was a faint rustling noise of paper before Ross answered. "Sounds good. I'll be waiting there by seven in the morning."

"All right, Chicken Kitchen at seven in the morning." Elka repeated for confirmation.

"Yes." Ross replied. "Is there anything else you want done, Elka?"

"Nothing in particular. I just want to find a way for doctor to return to his world." Elka simply stated.

"Simple enough." Ross replied, sounding almost relieved. "Just give me a call if there's anything else. I'll do whatever you want done, Elka."

=/=

Trafalgar Law stood in front of a small, two-story restaurant with a huge panel of a whole fried chicken with its leg tied in red ribbon. In his hand was Elka's poorly hand-drawn landmarks and streets he's supposed to take, on its other side was scribbles of the nameplates he's supposed to check over the buses that passes through the indicated bus stop. According to Elka, there were actually different destination each buses takes and she firmly told Law to take a specific bus.

Sadly, he took the wrong one.

Nevertheless, he somehow found his way back on track and ultimately, he was standing right before the establishment he had been looking for: The Chicken Kitchen. It was almost eight when he got there. Law couldn't help it, he got lost on the way there. He carried with him Elka's brown satchel containing the things she packed up yesterday, including her wallet and room key. Not to mention, he used her money and he was somehow surprised at how much the gal actually brought. Law couldn't help but wonder how much that figure of his cost if she did plan to buy it by then. He also had her wristwatch, although he didn't wear it since it was too small for him, on his pocket to check the time, that's why Law figured he was late, horribly late.

Deciding it wasn't even worth thinking about his stupid blunder, Law casually entered the restaurant. He was greeted by the waitress as she introduced to him their specialty: whole fried chicken.

Why am I not surprised? Law thought to himself as he stared at the cardboard she held out to him, a huge chicken printed on it.

"Have you seen a young man with short red hair?" Law asked the waitress, disregarding the cardboard she showed him.

The girl thought for a moment. "I'm not sure. We had customers with red hair earlier but they already left."

Law inwardly groaned. He knew Ross was impatient but leaving him behind was just too much. He almost wanted to curse. Ross proudly declared how much he cared about Elka's decision yet he fucking left him.

"Oh, but there was one man with freckles on his cheeks though." the waitress announced. "I remember 'cause he's such a cutie. He ordered one whole fried chicken earlier. I think he's still upstairs." she offered to guide the Warlord, to which he accepted.

When the two reached upstairs, Law easily found the young lad sitting at a corner by the huge window. He was the only one on that floor, his plate already empty. They walked up to him, the waitress leading the way as she attempted to offer another plate of whole fried chicken to the redhead.

"I guess I'll take another." Ross simply replied, smiling at the young waitress.

Delighted, the girl quickly scribbled the order on her notepad and excused herself. She almost galloped back to the stairs and finally went down, leaving the two alone on their own devices.

There was a deafening silence as the two only stared at each other for a while but the silence didn't stretch that long as Ross decided to speak.

"Take a seat, mister Law." Ross gestured at the couch across him.

Law quietly complied, pulling up the chair and taking a seat.

Ross smiled. "I didn't expect you to be..the 'Trafalgar Law'." he began.

Law smirked. "And I didn't expect you to easily accept it. After all, the first time you heard it you weren't fazed."

"Names don't really matter to me, after all, they can be changed in any way anytime."

"Let me confirm something." Law placed his arms over the table and held his hands together in a matter of formal negotiation. "Are you really going to help me?"

Ross snorted. "Yes." he leaned forward, smirking at the man. "Though I admit, I don't like you at all."

"That's great. The feeling is mutual." Law retorted, equally returning the smug of the lad's smirk.