Chapter 7

The next few days after the Longest Night passed in a blur of food, drink and sleep. Luffy still woke Law up early every other day for training and if Law was honest, he didn't mind too much. Sabo joined them on one occasion but watched rather than participated. Law was happy with how quickly Luffy was learning; it now took a minute to hit him rather than seconds and Law was having to pay more attention to avoid being hit in return.

Law had remained as the Surgeon of Death for the duration of the period. The gold of his earrings echoing the amber of his eyes. There had been some tension when Luffy had forgotten to mention Usopp was visiting but Law had sneaked away to his room to change before taking the opportunity to have some time to himself while the teens were distracted with Bepo and drive over to his old flat.

Collecting his post from the front mat, he made his way into the kitchen, resting Kikoku in her cloth covered sheath against the counter near him as he sorted through the pile. There was the usual collection of junk mail that Law put in the recycling, a couple of bills that Law knew were handled by Direct Debit from Rosinante's account and underneath it all was a single small envelope. Law recognised Rosinante's handwriting on the front and nearly dropped it.

It had been months since he had heard from him. The somewhat overemotional man had left in floods of dramatic tears around two months prior to Law getting his new job. He told Law nothing of where he was going, and Law knew better than to ask.

Carefully he opened the envelope, his arms extended away from him. Rosinante could have a rather, interesting, sense of humour.

Glitter exploded out of the envelope as Law slowly removed the card. It floated in the air, settling on the surfaces of the kitchen and Law's outstretched arms. Looking down he could see that despite his precautions, his black jeans and hoody were now glistening in the light coming through the windows.

Disgusted Law dropped the envelope on the floor, he would clean it up once the glitter had settled, otherwise it would get everywhere. Opening the card carefully Law was happy to find no further traps, only a hand-written card.

My dearest Law

I hope you are eating well and behaving

Law skimmed the rest of the card, filled with Rocinante's mothering.

I love you Law

Law sighed. He did miss Rocinante, the man had saved him and showed him a better world. He had been a part of his life since that fateful day in the ashes of Flevance. He had protected him as much as he could from his big brother and then begged Dragon D. Monkey to save him.

It had been a long time since Law had a parent, and since they were busy doctors, he hadn't seen them often, he wondered if this was what it was like.

A buzzing in his pocket broke him from his reverie. He glanced at the ID and saw a selfie from Luffy that he hadn't seen before. He needed to stop those brothers getting a hold of his phone.

He answered the call and held the phone away from his ear "LAW!"

Law withheld the sigh that was building up before it could escape down the phone. "Yes Luffy."

"Sabo says we can go bowling tonight."

"Bowling?"

"Yea! Remember when you and Sabo fought, and it ended in a tie." The memory came back to Law with a groan. The bruises from that fight had taken days to heal.

Sabo always had been a sore loser.

"Fine, fine. I'll be heading home soon. Is Usopp coming as well?

"Yeah! He is on my team. You have Zoro and Chopper." Yeah, that sounded fair, Luffy, Usopp and Sabo against Law, the alcoholic and the ten-year-old. Whatever, it would be nice to have a night somewhere other than the mansion.

"OK sure, I'll head back in a bit then." Law absentmindedly brushed glitter off his hoodies as he replied. He looked around the apartment as he finished his conversation with Luffy, he wondered when he would be calling this place home again. He had his car back and was all healed. Nothing had happened with the Arlong gang, if there was going to be retribution then surely, he would have heard by now.

Maybe it was time for him to return to his solitude and only see Luffy on the weekly school run. Maybe once Mihawk killed Don Krieg and went back to Grand Line. Despite himself Law almost felt sad at the idea. He had enjoyed his noisy days of peace at the Monkey mansion and despite himself almost wished they could continue.

With a last-ditch attempt of clearing the glitter off himself and the floor. Law left the apartment.

XXX

Bowling was going about as well as Law had suspected it would. Usopp's surprising marksman skills had indeed transferred to bowling and while Luffy's aim wasn't always on point, the power with which he threw the ball more than made up for it. Sabo had been caught up last minute with business that couldn't be ignored but despite the handicap, Luffy and Usopp were destroying Law's team consisting of himself, Chopper and Zoro. As far as Law was concerned Sabo's absence was a forfeit, he doubted Sabo would agree but he wasn't there to argue the point.

The first game ended with an overwhelming loss to Law's team and the second was heading the same way when they were all stopped by a loud bang from the front doors. Zoro and Law each grabbed their weapons within their fabric casings while Usopp and Chopper unsubtlety hid behind Luffy.

The bang came again, nearer this time and Law could hear shouting. Zoro gave Law a sharp look then started to walk slowly towards the disturbance, Luffy attempted to join him but Law placed his free hand on the teen's shoulders to stop him progressing further.

Zoro returned a moment later, Law could see the tension in his shoulders. "Don Krieg" he muttered in Law's ear as he passed, careful not to let Luffy hear. "Some idiot drank too much, lets finish the game." He said louder for the benefit of the others.

Law's mind went into overdrive. If Don Krieg was here, then would Mihawk appear as well? Was it worth the risk of them staying? On the other hand, with Don Krieg at the front, would they be able to leave without a confrontation?

Law saw Usopp and Chopper flinch as another loud shout echoed around the bowling alley. The few families nearby were studiously avoiding looking at the source of the commotion. Luffy had a dark gleam in his eye and looked as though he wanted to run over but a look from Zoro halted him again. The moss haired swordsman directed his gaze to the other kids then back to Luffy who got the hint and jumped back over to his friends to distract them. Law saw Zoro slip a phone out of his pocket, presumably to let Sabo know before stepping up to take his go.

The game finished without incident. The group, now somewhat muted as the occasional raucous laughter drifted from the front of the bowling alley, grabbed their coats and scarves to put on nearer the door. Law again wondered if they would be able to leave without being noticed.

He had never been a lucky person, and it felt like since meeting Luffy that had unlikeness had been amplified. Why did it have to be this day that Don Krieg decided he was bored of hiding and felt like terrorising a few locals.

Zoro seemed to agree as he gave Law a dark look as he collected the covered Wado Ichimonji from where it had been leaning against a bench, always within arm's reach. Law did not consider the man any less dangerous for only having one weapon on him. Kikoku hadn't left the covered sheath on Law's back for the duration of their outing, he kept on catching Usopp giving staring at her then darting his gaze away when Law caught him. He wondered if the kid had worked out who he was. Chopper seemed oblivious to the tension and happily nattered away to Luffy who responded cheerfully enough but his eyes were cautious.

"Franky is on his way with the car, he is stopping on the way to get Sabo, should be about 20 to 30 minutes, want to wait outside and get some fresh air?" Zoro had phrased it as a question but the tone indicated it was more an order than a suggestion. Law nodded and gestured for the teenagers to follow after Zoro while Law brought up the rear.

Their departure did not go unnoticed.

"Who do we have here then? Must be an important Young Master to warrant two armed bodyguards." Law saw Luffy's shoulders tense as Don Krieg called out to them. Chopper shrank into himself and tried, unsuccessfully, to hide behind Usopp.

The man looked just like his wanted posters back in Grand Line, slightly receding purple hair and gratuitous amounts of gold jewellery. His huge frame was lounging over a sofa near the bar. A yellow spotted shirt was easily visible under his fir rimmed coat. Seeing him dressed in Law's own colours made the younger man question his own fashion choices. Not that he would ever admit that.

"Unfortunately, we are expected elsewhere, if you would excuse us." Law was glad Zoro spoke, he didn't think he would have been nearly so polite.

"Gin, Pearl." Two man who had been sitting near the doors, seemingly unconnected from the gang leader stepped up and blocked the doorway. The two seemed to be complete opposites, one round and the other skinny although both looked scruffy in appearance.

Law didn't consider them much of a threat, and considering the unimpressed look on Zoro's face, he didn't either.

Luffy had bloodlust sparking in his eyes.

"Who are you, old man?" Insolence dripped like venom from Luffy's voice and Law rolled his eyes skyward.

Don Krieg stared at the teen then laughed loudly, the booming sound was devoid of mirth. "The Young Master has a sharp tongue, shall I remove it for you?"

Luffy grinned wickedly, recognising that look from their training Law placed a warning hand on his shoulder. "We are leaving" Law stated tonelessly. "Ask your men to move or we will move them for you."

Don Krieg smirked and withdrew a gun from the folds of his coat and aimed it at Chopper. The young boy squeaked as hid further behind Usopp who was shaking as the gun followed the child to the teen.

Luffys's grin dropped and a serious look entered his eye. Before Law could stop him, he had disappeared. Law muttered to an unknown deity, silently apologising to the world for teaching Luffy Kenbunshoku as the teen reappeared in front of the disgraced Gang Leader and punched him in the face.

The resulting fight was thankfully short. Gin and Pearl fell easily to Zoro as they ran to help their boss. He didn't even draw his sword, instead choosing to knock them unconscious with blows from the sheath.

Law guarded Chopper and Usopp while watching Luffy take down Don Krieg with somewhat disturbing ease. The kid easily dodged the blows of the large, somewhat intoxicated man while repeatedly hitting him in the face with his fist until he collapsed, the unused gun limp in his hand.

Luffy kicked the gun away and glared at the fallen gang boss "That's for threatening by friends" he stated, voice cold.

"I don't think he can hear you any more Luffy" Law replied as he walked over to the teen to check if Don Krieg was still alive or carrying any other weapons.

The sound of an engine could be heard approaching from outside. Hopefully that was Sabo and Franky ready to collect them.

"Sabo is gonna be pissed." Zoro stated.

"Sabo shouldn't have stood us up then." Law replied tartly his hands skimming through Don Krieg's pockets as he went, pulling out a set of car keys with the Porsche shield on them. "Nice."

The doors to the bowling alley slammed open and Law looked round expecting to see Sabo.

Mihawk Dracule stood in the entrance.

Law exchanged a desperate glance with Zoro who rested a hand on the hilt of his sword without hesitation and stood between the Warlord and Luffy.

Usopp grabbed Chopper and pulled him back towards the bar away from the two swordsmen.

Law stood, grabbing Luffy's shoulder to hold him in place before turning to face Mihawk.

"We meet again Mr Trafalgar. It seems as though you have beaten me to my quarry." Mihawks voice was smooth.

Deadly.

"Hey Law, who is this guy?" Luffy asked, little finger picking at his nose.

"Look at his sword and take a guess." Law muttered dryly gesturing slightly to the large cross handle of Yoru on the swordsman's back before raising his voice to speak to the Warlord in question. "I apologise Mr Dracule, he wasn't letting us leave and threatened our younger companions. He is still alive so I leave him to you, and we will be on our way."

Mihawk's eyes were calculating as he took in the sight of Luffy and Law standing next to his target. "Indeed. Well thank you for apprehending him. Judging by the blood on his knuckles I'm guessing your young friend is responsible for the mess of his face." His eyes lingered on Luffy longer than Law liked and he started silently praying to another unknown deity they would get out of this without a confrontation. "What's your name young man?"

"Luffy D. Monkey" Luffy responded before Law could stop him.

"D. Monkey hmm. No relation to Dragon D. Monkey I suppose. Head of the Revolutionary Army" The man's eyes were challenging him to lie.

Luffy raised his chin in challenge. "He is my father."

Law's heart sunk at Luffy's words and he started cursing that same faceless deity. Maybe this is why he had terrible luck?

It probably wasn't related.

Mihawk had a predatory smile and reached for Yoru's hilt.

Zoro unsheathed Wado Ichimoji and stepped forward to intercept. "Law, get him out of here."

"I can help!" Luffy objected, brandishing a bloody fist.

"You are leaving. This guy is a Warlord. You are not ready for this yet. You couldn't even beat Law when he was only using one arm." Zoro's voice was unwavering. He wasn't being spiteful, just honest. Luffy hung his head at Zoro's words

Law understood what Zoro was saying. Law still wasn't at full strength. He needed to get Luffy somewhere safe while Zoro bought them time. Mihawk comfortably held the title of 'Strongest Swordsman in the World'.

This was not a fight any of them wanted.

Law looked down at the car keys still dangling in his fingers from rifling through Don Krieg's pockets and then at the Fire Exit next to the bar. "Catch up with us later Zoro" Law shouted before grabbing Luffy's arm and dragging him with him towards the back door. As they passed, he saw Usopp and Chopper hiding behind the bar. "Stay there and wait for Sabo, he shouldn't be far behind" he called to them as he pulled Luffy over to the door.

"But Law, we can't leave Zoro behind." Luffy protested over the scream of the alarmed door, blinking as his eyes adjusted from the brightness of the bowling alley to the bitterly cold darkness of the winter evening.

"Zoro is strong and Sabo isn't far behind. He will be fine" Law responded shortly as they emerged next to the car park and he started scanning for a Porsche, pressing the key fob to make the car's lights flash in the darkness. He saw it quickly parked in a nearby disabled space. Thank goodness for good old Gang Leader dickheadedness. He blipped the key and pushed Luffy towards the passenger door. "Get in".

Luffy looked furious but thankfully complied and slid into the low car. Law passed him Kikoku to hold and walked round, quickly adjusted the seat to account for his long legs then snapping his seatbelt on. "Belt on. I'm not getting it in the neck from Sabo if you go through the window screen." he snapped as he started the engine.

"Maybe don't crash then." Luffy retorted but did as asked anyway. Law glanced over at the teen as they left the car park and started heading down the streetlight lit road. He looked shaken up and worried, his scrapped knuckles shaking slightly as they held Kikoku. Law sighed and looked back at the road. He would need to talk to Luffy about what had happened, but it could wait until he was in a safe place.

Speaking of safety.

Law could hear an engine approaching from behind them on the otherwise empty road.

He caught the flash of a motorbike in the rear view mirror as it passed under a light. A cross shaped hilt could be seen extending from the shoulders.

"Shit."

"What?"

"We have company".

Luffy started to crane his head round to try and look through the back mirror.

"Law, why are we being chased by that guy? I though you guys were on the same side?"

Law sighed as he increased his speed. He had hoped he would never need the High-Speed Pursuit training Sengoku had made him go through, but he was certainly thankful of it now as the speedometer hit triple digits. "The government don't like what your father and Sabo are doing and are taking out anyone involved with him. Including you."

Silence lasted for a full minute aside from a muttered "Hang on" from Law as he drifted around a roundabout and down into a country lane.

"Law, if Mihawk is behind us then what happened to Zoro?" Luffy's voice was small and Law glanced at his for a second before looking back at the road.

He didn't know how to respond.

Luffy seemed to take that as an answer as he held Kikoku a little tighter and his posture seemed to shrink in on itself.

"Zoro will be fine. I've seen him take on much worse and pull through." It sounded like a lie even to himself. While Zoro had indeed aided in the removal of the Warlord Doflamingo Donquixote, comparing Doflamingo to Mihawk was like comparing a wolf to a tiger.

Both terrifying to sheep, but the tiger would win every time.

"If we get out of this and Zoro lives I want you to tell me about Dressrosa."

"What? Why?"

He glanced at Luffy in surprise and as he looked back, he swerved suddenly to avoid the sword now sticking out of the road.

The passenger side wing mirror was sheared clean off as Law sped by.

"WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!"

Law was struggling to control the car from his sudden move, but the tyres were struggling to grip the icy road. After a desperate few seconds he regained control of the car and sped onwards.

He was Mihawk stop to recover his sword and used the opportunity to gain some ground.

"He is seriously trying to kill us, isn't he? Just because of who my dad is? That's insane."

"I have never found the Warlords to be the most rational of people." Law responded dryly.

"What are we going to do Law?"

"Your brother has tracking on my phone. I am going to keep you alive until he can find some way to fix this mess."

"You have a lot of faith in him." Luffy observed. Law could sense he was just during to distract himself from the situation they were stuck in as Law zipped down mercifully empty country lanes.

"Your brother has saved my life several times and he is borderline obsessive in his worry about you. I know him enough to know what he will do to me if I don't."

Luffy's breath caught in a half laugh next to him. Law put all his effort into watching out for patches of ice on the black road highlighted only by his dim headlights. The winding road ended and Law was dismayed to see they were back in a streetlamp lit town.

"Do you think we lost him?" Luffy asked hesitantly.

"Don't ask that, you will jinx it" Law responded only half joking. His luck was a fickle thing and he would take no chances. He slowed his speed slightly as he flickered between parked cars, keen to reach the edge of the small town and escape to the darkness of the country.

The car was approaching the edge of the town when it hit the oil scattered across the tarmac and the wheels span as Law lost control of the Porsche.

He flung his arm out to help hold Luffy in his seat as they skidded towards one of the bollards in the middle of the road, the other desperately gripping the wheel to regain control.

The impact came faster than Law would have liked as his head slammed forward then back as he was flung into darkness.

XXX

Law groggily raised his head.

His head was in a daze, he could feel blood dripping from his nose and a cut just above his hairline from where he had headbutted the steering wheel. His neck and shoulders were aching from the whiplash.

Looking to his left, he saw Luffy slumped unconscious in the passenger seat. The seatbelt was keeping him upright against the chair and Law was glad he had insisted on it as it appeared the air bags had completely failed.

"What nutcase disables the air bags in a car like this" Law mumbled to himself as he reached his arm out to check Luffy's pulse.

It was strong and steady.

When he held his hand up to the kid's mouth, he could feel warm, even breathing on the back of his hand.

He was alive and had probably just been knocked out by the impact.

Law could feel his phone vibrating in his pocket but ignored it.

Glancing at what remained of his wing mirror Law could see Mihawk's bike pulling up behind the car. Swearing, Law grabbed Kikoku from Luffy's loose grip.

Unsurprisingly, Law's door wouldn't open, the hinge having crumpled in the impact. Covering Luffy and his own face as best he could he used Kikoku's sheath to smash the glass in the window so he could get free. He could feel the jagged edges catch on his back and shoulders as he pushed himself out. Mihawk was standing, waiting for him when he emerged. Law was thankful the man's somewhat choosy honour stopped him attacking Law as he cast a last glance at Luffy and pulled Kikoku out of the car wreckage.

The two men and the car were in a bubble of orange light from the single street-light overhead casting shadows across both men's faces. Darkness surrounded them, the next streetlight some hundred meters or so away. The only noise was from the hissing car engine as it cooled down and the odd creak of the metal as it shuddered from the impact.

"Oil? Really? Doesn't seem the honourable thing to do in a car chase Mr Dracule." Law spat.

"This is nothing personal Mr Trafalgar. It is my job to stamp out the Revolutionary Army wherever it festers." Mihawk's calm voice grated on Law. It was true that to Mihawk this probably wasn't personal. But Luffy's safety was Law's responsibility, and that made it personal to him.

"Luffy isn't in the army. He is just a kid." Reasoning with the older man was probably pointless but Law had to try.

"You were not much older than he when you freed Ace from the gallows. Do not use age to defend him. As for him not being in the Army. His father is the Commander, his 'brother' the Chief of Staff. If you saw a nest of rats, you would obliterate it. If you leave their pups alive, they will infest your home in the end."

Law gritted his teeth before forcing himself to relax. Emotion would not aid him in the fight to come. "A month or so ago I might have agreed with you. But this is my family now, I will not let you hurt them." As he spoke Law drew Kikoku and slowly moved away from the car to give himself space to fight. Mihawk watched him with his predatory gaze and shifted his stance, his hand reaching for Yoru.

A safe distance away from the car, hovering on the edge of the circle of light, Law readied his stance. Kikoku held firmly in both hands.

This was going to be one of the hardest fights of his life. Mihawk didn't have the title of 'The Strongest Swordsman in the World' for nothing. He only hoped he would be able to keep him at bay long enough for Sabo to find them. He should have heard about what was happening by now.

Until then, Law would keep Mihawk at bay and keep Luffy safe.

Neither side moved as the tension steadily mounted. Mihawk held Yoru loose in his hands, taunting Law to attack but Law had no incentive to hasten the fight. He needed to buy as much time as possible.

Law shifted his grip slightly and in that moment Mihawk struck.

If Law was honest, it was probably only his recent Kenbunshoku practise with Luffy that saved him as Mihawk moved with a speed rivalling Law's own and reflexes took over. Sword met sword and the clash echoed around the deserted road. Mikawk swiftly stuck again and Law was forced to give ground before the weight of Yoru could dislocate his already screaming shoulder.

Jumping back again Law dodged to move to Mihawk's left to take position in front of the car.

"You need not worry Mr Trafalgar. I may be a World Government dog, but I would not stoop so low as to take the prize without winning the fight. You are a skilled opponent I would not dishonour you in such a way. The 'Strongest Swordsman' verses the 'Surgeon of Death'. Aren't you curious to know how this will end?" There was a predatory gleam in his eyes as he spoke that Law found unsettling. This was a man who lived to fight. Law was much more in favour of fighting to live.

This was not a duel Law was sure he would live through.

"I am flattered you consider me a worthy opponent Mr Dracule, however you have just seen me crawl out of a car wreckage and I am hardly at my best. Wouldn't you rather postpone this fight to another day?"

"Ah, but then there would be no prize and no incentive for you to fight seriously." Mihawk struck again and this time there was a short exchange of blows before Law retreated again. "I tire of playing cat and mouse with you Mr Trafalgar. Fight seriously or I will recede my kind offer of leaving the Monkey heir in peace until this is settled."

Law bit his lip unconsciously, a scowl on his face. It didn't look like he had much of a choice in the matter. If Law somehow survived this, he would be demanding a pay rise from Sabo. Law was meant to be hiding from Warlords, not fighting one to protect the son of one of the most dangerous groups in the world.

With a deep breath Law gathered his strength and condensed it into his body, focusing on his muscles to give them the strength to endure the battle that was to come. "Fine as you wish Mr Dracule, I will fight with you seriously." Shifting from his defensive stance, Law held Kikoku steady in his left hand with his right held at his side for balance.

Cold wind ruffled the clothing of the two warlords and in that moment Law used his Kenbunshoku to disappear and reappear just to the right behind Mihawk, Kikoku ready to slice. Mihawk was ready, Yoru was already swinging round to meet Law's head as he attacked. Law slipped away and attempted his attack again but this time from the left. He was blocked again by Yoru and the pair exchanged swift blows before Law retreated to the darkness surrounding them to catch his breath.

Mihawk was too fast.

Law had a long sword; he knew that having a sword of that size impacted on speed to a large extent. Yoru was over twice the length of Kikoku, there should be no way Mihawk could move that quickly.

Unless Law was being predictable.

It had been a long time since he had tried to kill someone seriously and he was out of practice.

"You have grown soft Mr Trafalgar." Mihawk called out to the darkness. "You are not the same boy who stormed Dressrosa and killed Doflamingo."

Law emerged from the shadows, his shoulder was bleeding slightly from where Mihawk had caught it on their previous exchange. "You over-estimate me Mr Dracule, I did not kill Doflamingo, that somewhat dubious honour went to Sabo and Zoro."

"The green-haired swordsman from earlier? Interesting, he did not seem so impressive when I cut him down." He spoke as if commenting on the weather and Law felt his blood freeze.

"You killed him? Are you sure, he can be very stubborn?" Law held his voice steady. He didn't want to let Mihawk know that he had rattled him.

"Time will tell on that I suppose, he might survive if he is as stubborn as you say, in which case he might provide me with more of a challenge in the future." Law tightened his grip on Kikoku, she hummed in his hands in response. It seemed she was also troubled by Mihawks words, Zoro must have taken good care of her while Law was bed-bound.

They might not always act it, but Law considered Zoro to be something close to a friend. To hear him dismissed in such a way made his stomach clench in anger.

Mihawk attacked in that moment.

Law parried the quick blow, his arms shaking slightly from the impact.

"You are troubled by this news Mr Trafalgar, did you consider that man a friend? Something more perhaps."

Fire flashed in Law's eyes as he pushed the blade away, Kikoku whispering with the movement.

"I am surprised you show your emotions so clearly, I thought an assassin would know better." Mihawk attached again and there was a fluffy of blows. Kikoku's humming grew louder as Law countered the strikes before screeching as the pommel of Yoru met the side of Law's head.

Law fell to the ground with the blow, his sight white from pain. Sensing another blow incoming Law fled back to the shadows just as he heard the point of Yoru slam into the concrete. The ground shook under the blow.

Cracking one eye open Law nearly threw up as the world started spinning around him. He screwed his eyes shut and took deep breaths to try and dispel his nausea. A gentle probing of the side of the head coated his fingertips in blood.

He was going to have to fight blind, with a probable concussion while hoping he didn't lose too much blood from his head wound.

Law's, and by extension Luffy's, chance of survival were dwindling and the fight had only been going on for a few minutes, There was no chance Sabo was going to magically arrive in the next couple of seconds to save their arses.

This was all on Law.

Luffy's life was in Law's hands.

Law appreciated the irony of this.

Him, a murderer, was now putting his life on the line to protect a kid that would have probably ended up his target if the Army and Rocinante hadn't saved him.

Law mentally scratched the probable next to his concussion and replaced it with a definitely, he scrabbled after his thoughts, trying to collate them into some form of coherency. Kikoku was still in his hand, her singing muted in worry. He needed to know where Mihawk was in relation to him. "I am surprised at you Mr Dracule, after your speech about honour I didn't expect you to fight dirty like that."

A shift, there. He was on Law's 2.

Law focussed his senses. He could hear a rustle as the older man shifted his sword, the slight scape as he pulled it free from the crater is had no doubt left in the ground. "There is no rule that states the blade is the only part of a sword you may use in a fight. There is no dishonour in using your weapon to its full capabilities. I have no wish to kill you Mr Trafalgar. Surrender here and I shall kill the heir and take you with me to the Government for judgement."

"Your words are contradictory Mr Dracule. You say you have no wish to kill me but we both know what the Government would do to me. Not to mention what the Army would do if they found out I let Luffy die just to save my own skin."

Mihawk sighed. "Very well Mr Trafalgar, emerge from your shadows and let us finish this. I will kill both you and the boy quickly, you have my word as a swordsman."

Law slowly walked out the darkness. His memory and imagination combining to paint the scene he couldn't see.

The orange streetlight bathing the area in dull light. The front of the black Porsche wrapped around the bollard Law had hit. Luffy unconscious inside, held still by the seatbelt, the driver's side littered with broken glass from Law fighting his way out of the car. Mihawk's red motorbike parked on the edge of the circle of light. A crater somewhere in front of him from Mihawk's attempt to impale Law on the rough, slightly frozen tarmac.

Law stopped at what he judged to be just out of range of Mihawk's sword. "I will not let you harm Luffy. As his bodyguard, it is my job to stop you, if that costs me my life then so be it." Kikoku roared in agreement at his words and Law felt his heart strengthen at her encouragement.

"I will honour your dedication to this cause Law Trafalgar, even if I believe it to be a foolish one."

Law felt Mihawk approach and relaxed his muscles.

He had been approaching this fight all wrong. Mihawk was the 'Greatest Swordsman in the World' and deserved his title. He had no openings. Law was a swordsman, but that was not how he got his title. He was the 'Surgeon of Death', he wasn't a fighter.

He was an assassin.

Yoru whistled as it sliced the air on its way to kill Law. It told Law everything he needed to know about its direction and speed. Mihawk, confident in Law's loss of vision was going to try and stab him rather than cut him. As the tip reached him, Law tapped it away as he turned his body, the blade skimmed by, slicing the material of his hoody as it passed by, already committed to its path. Law reached in and pushed his own sword forward as Mihawk stepped though to finish his attack. He heard Kikoku's cry of victory as it sliced through flesh and felt the splatter of fresh blood hit the exposed skin of his forearms, but Law knew he hadn't hit anything important. Law twisted, then removed his blade, jumping back out of range.

There was silence from Mihawk but Law knew he hadn't killed him. Despite his nerves screaming at him to open his eyes he resisted.

There was a cough from the car, followed by a gasp of pain.

Shit.

Luffy was awake.

If Luffy got free of the car then there was no way he would be in any position to protect him from Mihawk.

"Law! Law where are you?" There was another cough following the shout,

Law did not dare turn around or respond. All his senses were focussed on Mihawk, awaiting the dangerous man's next move.

"You are the first person to injure me in over ten years." Mihawk's voice was quiet. "And you have done it while blind and injured."

"Law!" Luffy's voice came again, stronger this time.

Nearer?

"Stay back Luffy, it isn't safe!" Law risked shouting backwards to the boy, but he had no faith the kid would do as he was told. He hadn't yet.

There was the growl of an approaching engine in the distance.

"It appears we must leave the match here, you have successfully stalled for time Mr Trafalgar, as I am sure was your aim. I hope to fight you again properly one day."

"You're leaving?"

"I have no wish to fight both yourself and the Chief of Staff, so I will retreat for now. My business in EastBlue has concluded with Mr Monkey's splendid handling of Don Kreig. Out of respect for his actions I will leave you today. Good day Law Trafalgar, Luffy D. Monkey. I am sure we will meet again."

With a start Law felt Luffy brush against his arm. He reached out and grabbed the teen's arm to stop him progressing further as he heard Mihawk settle Yoru across his back and mount his bike.

There was a roar of the engine, a gust of wind and Mihawk was gone into the night.

Omake 1

Luffy turns to Law as Mihawk is leaving.

Luffy: "You know, Kureha might have a point about how often you get injured."

Unable to glare at the teen, Law settles for hitting him with a sheathed Kikoku.

Note to self, don't write the end of the chapter before you have written the start. The fight with Mihawk was in draft before I even started Chapter 6 and was completely written before I had even decided how I was going to get into Chapter 7. I have been waiting a long time to actually show this fight. I wanted a fight with Law beating Mihawk but when it came to it, I knew it wasn't completely feasible without making Law OP. This was my middle ground. Hope you all enjoy it.

As promised, not abandoned, just very slow... (might take a few years at this rate though). It's been a crazy year (or so) I've changed jobs five times, got married, and have been experiencing the full joy of 2020. *Sarcasm*

Big "Thank You" to Harmonica Smile and Sarge1130 for your continued support and wonderfully detailed reviews. They make me smile every time I read them. Thank you also to Maria5501 for your lovely review :)