15: Attack on Flower Hill

Two days later, Sanji watched as Law traced a route through a pair of mountains that were named after two women – aptly, most of the locals claimed, as the pair bore the shape of a woman's chest. The pair of them were sitting in the library, a tray of hot coffee next to them, and while Sanji had a cookbook in his lap, Law was looking through his treasured book of maps, and detailing their future travel. It amused Sanji that Law had all these plans, notes, and lists set out for their trips. Around the taller man were half-raveled scrolls, sheets of paper, and some piles of books that had information about animal, flora, mineral and local customs in the areas that Law had planned to visit. Planning ahead was important for him, but Sanji didn't want to point out that most of their plans had been broken, or changed because of something unexpected.

Despite all the things that had changed for them, all the things that were expected to happen, Sanji was in a place of peace and relaxation. There was no where else he'd rather be, at the moment – sharing the bear skin rug with his husband across from him, more interested in their plans than with him. Sanji had been trying to get his attention for the past five minutes with goading comments, light tugs of his book, his bare toes on Law's face, but Law would patiently push those things away and concentrate on the maps without much of a verbal response.

Sanji never thought he could feel this way, or be in this position. This moment, now, was something beyond his imagination – but it was happening. He wore a light smile as he grabbed his coffee cup and sipped at it, amazed at the taste. He loved looking at the other man when he was occupied. All that hard concentration on Law's face made Sanji happy to see it. He wouldn't admit it out loud, through, too shy to express these things. he lifted his foot from the rug and once again pressed his toes against the man's face, Law sweeping his leg to the side without change in expression.

"You're going to get wrinkles early, doing that," Sanji commented, lowering his cup to the tray.

"Look, I've planned us a straight route through the east, to reach the coast line," Law said, ignoring the comment, and flipping the book around to show him. "We're going to make our way through this canyon, here, and then take this town to turn right there – see? They're famous for their acrobatics in this region, and I really want to see the shows. We can meet Ussop, here, within a day's travel, before we even get close to the coast. There, we can take to the sea, and go northeast up, to here. Look here – you'll like this place. It's where the river and the coast meet, so they're sure to have the animal cuisines that you've described overseeing. It's not the same place, right?"

"Right. We came up from the south, here."

"Let's not see the things we've already seen, before. I don't want to go back that route. We're going to go forward."

"Are we headed to your old hometown?" Sanji asked curiously, looking for it on the map.

Law shrugged, pulling the book back, and then tracing these routes onto another sheet of paper. "I never really thought about it."

"But don't you want to look for your parents?"

Law shrugged again. Sanji studied him for some time, then reached out and rubbed the top of his head. "After that, what do you have planned?"

"I want to see the sea, really. I thought we could travel out in that area, and see where the locals recommend. Then we'll see about…that. How about you? Would you like to return home?"

"No. there is nothing for me, there."

"You sure? You might change your mind."

"No, I won't. I left for a reason."

"Fine."

Sanji touched his stubbly chin with his toes, Law jerking back from the touch with a grunt. "Aren't you going to ask about it?"

"No. You'll tell me when you want, to. My opinion pretty much means nothing to you. You'll just do whatever you want."

"Say it in a nicer tone," Sanji commanded, using his big toe to pick at his nose.

"I'm going to bite your fucking phalanges off and spit them in your coffee."

"What are 'phalanges'?"

"Toes, idiot."

Sanji stuffed his foot towards his mouth with renewed strength, then laughed when Law shoved his leg away, using his own to pin it to the floor. He looked at the ring on his finger once more – it was a plain gold band, thin, and he totally enjoyed the thought of what it meant. Until he furrowed his brow, and asked, "Hey, whose last name are we taking?"

"Huh?"

"Last name. Whose."

Law made a blank expression, finally looking up from his book. He blinked owlishly for a few moments, then shrugged, returning his attention to his task. Once done, he set the sheet aside to let the ink dry, Sanji rolling his eyes up to the ceiling to consider the question. He pulled his leg out from Law's and rest it atop of his thigh, to pick up his cup and enjoy his coffee, again. The quiet stillness of the library was occasionally interrupted by the sound of people in the halls, by a sudden burst of laughter from somewhere within the castle's depths. Quick footfalls moved from one end of the floor to the other, and something metallic fell, bouncing noisily from the kitchen. Shouts erupted, followed by gentle laughter.

After some minutes, Law closed up the book, and reached for another, opening it up to a saved section. Sanji resumed staring at him, feeling the corners of his mouth lift. He was loving this new rapport with his friend; he enjoyed that Law wasn't pushing him out of his comfort zones, or even rushing him through his choices. He liked that he had this particular control over him – he liked that nothing had changed since Law regained his human form. He liked the feeling of falling more and more for the other man – his physical form finally growing on Sanji. He was steadily getting used to the feeling of butterflies in his gut, admiring his exotic beauty. The way his dark skin contrasted with his eyes, the dark blue of his hair, the appealing strength of his callused hands; Sanji never thought he'd feel these things, before. He liked finding new things to appreciate about him – seeing the ring on Law's finger, seeing his eyes light up upon seeing him if they were minutely separated, being able to reach out and touch each other as much as possible.

Even if Law was still shy about some things – roaring about needing his "virtue" intact because he hadn't had a chance to 'explore' his brand new body to learn what it was comfortable with and what it actually wanted – this still was a place of comfort for Sanji. Without the expected pressure to consummate the marriage made him feel comfortable and safe, secure with his trust and confidence with the other man's decision to wait. He had been extremely nervous about it after being with Rayleigh, so Law's viewpoint on it made him feel that much more relieved.

Nights were spent actually sleeping – hand holding and occasional hugs were more than enough to express physical expression. It was as if he'd married a demure maiden, and Sanji wouldn't change that for anything.

Law was still shy about kissing, so that was reserved, too, for special moments. Sanji couldn't help but think of how susceptible Law was, to some things. Despite his exterior, Law was still just a kid in a man's body, and Sanji thought it horrid that he could be treated in the same way he was by Rayleigh. Marrying him was Sanjis way of saving him - protecting him from predatory men, but also, claiming who he felt was his. He was not going to lose the only man that made him happy.

He grew aware to a rising alarm, and both of them stilled, tensing as they heard building shouts coming from various points of the castle. They were on their feet, moving to a window when someone poked their head in and breathlessly warned them that they were being attacked. From their position, they could see a long line of villagers moving towards the castle, armed with various tools of destruction.

"Oh, shit," Sanji muttered fretfully, Law looking down to see that most of the guards were arming themselves on the ground below, set to go to war. Diamante was leading them, while Pica and Machvise, in 'outdated' armor, milled around with outrageously large weapons of their own. "They knew."

"I guess it starts early. They'll regret it," Law vowed, pushing away from the window and hurrying out the library. Sanji watched the line of villagers slowly form as a mass down at the base of Flower Hill. More were steadily moving into their line of view. His lips thinned as he considered the number. While the castle occupants were enough to instill fear into the villages upon word along, it was Doflamingo's executives, Doflamingo himself that made the villagers shake with fear.

He had no doubt that this battle would end in Doflamingo's favor, but the man had wanted to storm and destroy the village in a surprise attack. To enslave the occupants, teach them a lesson for thinking they'd succeed with their wish to destroy him and the family. Many harsh things were in store for the villagers, and Sanji knew of it. He didn't know Doflamingo's strategy, but he knew the worst was to come.

He left the window and slowly made his way to the Great Hall. Everyone was dashing about, arming themselves, gearing up for war. The inhuman forms of the executives were decked out in their combined armor and flashy clothes, checking on their weapons, slugging gulps of alcohol between them. Corazon was posted near the front doors, gathering a team to him, along with Lao-G, Vergo and Pink. He waved at Sanji cheerily, Sanji walking up to them with a heavy expression.

"We're going to leave this place early," Corazon told him, bending at the knees to do so. "Come around the back and slaughter our way in. This castle will be empty. You'll be okay by yourself?"

"He'll be fine," Doflamingo assured him, showing up in a hideously bright lime green shirt, with a brilliant pink cape. His trademark waddle was made worse with the yellow capris he wore, with lime green loafers. Sanji's eyes hurt just looking at him. Doflamingo wore a zebra print belt to top it off, and even Corazon recoiled with a hand to his eyes, his cigarette burning his hand in the action. "Stay here, hang out and relax. This should be over by evening. They should've attacked while we were sleeping."

"Don't encourage this mess. Be careful for any assassins," Corazon said to Sanji. Maybe stay away from the windows, okay?"

Sanji shrugged, and the brothers exchanged a couple of words before Corazon was walking off with his team. Some of the occupants went with him, all of them heaving weapons with both hands, telling Sanji 'good luck' as they passed. Doflamingo looked down at him, crouching awkwardly to do so.

"You sure you don't want to participate? It'll make you feel better about things," Doflamingo said, grinning.

"I'm good," Sanji said low, fiddling with the wedding band he wore. He wasn't even sure what sort of expression to make, considering that most of the villagers would be killed by these guys. He wondered what set them off, what gave them away.

"You're a good man," Doflamingo commented, straightening to stand at full height. "Letting Law go to fulfill one of his fondest wishes. I have some reservations about this proposed travel, though. I thought he'd follow in our footsteps to help rule the valley. It might be a good thing for you both, you know. You guys can have your own section to rule over, however you want to."

"That's not in my plans," Sanji said, turning away. He walked off, and Doflamingo frowned after him. He turned to face the open front doors, and saw from Diamante's nod that the first team was ready to go. He grinned widely, indicating for Diamante to take his team and press forward.

Law caught up to Sanji on his way out, looking excited. He reached out and grabbed Sanji's hand, giving it a comforting squeeze while Sanji looked up at him with worry. "This'll be over soon. Are you sure you want to stay behind?"

"Yes. Law…if you come back with your ass kicked, I'm going to add to it," Sanji said sternly.

"Don't worry. I'm ready, this time. I have plans to make them all regret everything they've done to us, and to you," Law reassured him. "I have a selfish request of you, if you're going to wait here."

"What?"

"Make me that cake you made for my birthday. And then I want dinner from you – um, something with venison. And with that vegetable medley you make, with the oven bread on the side."

"Stew? Or steak?"

"Steak. Oh, and can you please put away my mess in my library? Nice and neat – don't wrinkle my maps, either. And I think my pillow needs some airing out, so can you please – ?"

"Are you giving me a list of things to do because you think it'll distract me from standing around, worrying about you? Because it's not helping," Sanji said flatly, frowning at him.

Law grinned at him, caught, and Sanji couldn't help but smile back. The taller man kissed him clumsily, then pulled away as gunshots rang out. Sanji had a hard time letting go of his hand, but once he did, Law was racing off with the others that were making their way to the front gates. Sanji turned away, hearing the sound of clashing swords in the distance. After some time, the sounds started to grow fainter, and fainter.

He was grateful for the list of things Law had requested of him. He looked at his ring once more as he made his way up the stairs, to clean up their mess in the library first. Then he'd start his dinner after.

: :

The villagers were alarmed at the strength and fury of the occupants of Flower Hill. What troubled them most was seeing that the rumors were true – that the spell Tsuru had cast was broken, and they were alive and well, again. Their battle cries were loud and drawn, and they charged at the villagers and mercenaries with vigor. The mercenaries were easy to tell apart from the others – they wore scars, hardened expressions, and an eagerness to draw blood of one of the executive team, to actually get a glimpse of the infamous Doflamingo.

The opposing group was conditioned, ready and strong for battle, but their tenacity was nothing against the Donquixote's power and thirst for revenge. People began to fall where they stood, as the defending group began pushing the fight away from the castle. Diamante made short work of the mercenaries with his sword, and whatever weapon he could pull. Machvise uprooted small trees and used them to swing as a bat. Trebol shot out his sticky snot to capture groups of men, and have others cut them down.

The other occupants of the castle – assorted guards, cooks, maids, butlers, and the like – they were just as adept in battle as the taller men. They savagely took down villagers that realized they were to be overwhelmed, and took the battle closer to the town. From the opposite end of it, black smoke curled up into the air, and a small explosion rattled the buildings.

Doflamingo was pleased, walking over still bodies between Flower Hill and the village entrance. The villagers and their mercenary friends had underestimated them, thinking they were weak from years long torment, spent underneath a spell. They had ignored their hunger for revenge, forgotten who had the power to rule over them. With how fierce and savage the others were, he hadn't even had to lift a finger to contribute. He only walked on, admiring the scene of devastation, the arbor set afire by a loose arrow.

Half an hour later, he finally had a chance to act, pulling snipers from windows, slamming them into the streets. Loose animals were running wild, calling out with fear as fire spread, and non-fighters screamed, running chaotically through the throng to escape. Women and children were looking for places to hide, but the entire village was surrounded. Corazon's team had made their way up from the back and pushed forward, so most of those still fighting were meeting in the middle.

Doflamingo caught sight of Law fighting with a larger man, pinning him down to administer some heavy hits. Then took off with his bow and arrows, using them to take down men running from Vergo off to their left. Once he was out of ammo, he was running off to take down another mercenary, to take his gun and unload it onto the man before moving on again. Baby was nearby, cackling wildly as she set fire to a clothes shop, an older woman running off with a line of kids behind her. The younger woman kicked in the face of a man that thought her an easy target, took his gun, and took out his friends as they tried to escape. After that, she took a torch to them, laughing as she chased after a woman struggling with house pets.

Doflamingo grinned proudly. The town that had feared them, punished them, had fallen in flames. Rebuilding it would be easy. Turning it around for his power and use would be just as simple. Jora shouted with glee as she stood over a single story house, canvases under one arm. Dellinger was biting the neck of a large mercenary that was trying to escape, and Lao-G was making his way through, kicking and punching anybody that charged him.

Doflamingo laughed merrily, arms upraised. This valley was his, again, and he felt relieved, like a weight had been lifted from him. He would once again be in power.

"Doffy! Doffy!"

He looked behind him, hands in his pockets, unable to stop grinning. Corazon had a man under arm, who struggled mightily to be loosed. Once he approached him, Corazon dropped the man at Doflamingo's feet, and placed a heel on his throat.

"This was the work of Rayleigh," Corazon said gravely, lighting up a cigarette. "That bastard is here, somewhere. He pushed the villagers to attack against their will."

"Fuck me. That old bastard. That only makes this battle taste dirty," Doflamingo muttered. "Find Law, send him back to the castle to go hide his bride. Go with him. Only we're able to resist that creep's power. Just remember, it's only a power of suggestion. Your will is stronger."

"You think he'd really bother with Sanji at this point?" Corazon asked him skeptically, pushing down hard with his heel to complete the act. "It seems too big of an issue to attack us and allow us to destroy the village just to get to him."

"This village is ours, yes, but I wouldn't put it past Rayleigh to take advantage and snatch up the harpy to attempt to use him as a hostage to negotiate with me. Frankly, it'll put Law in an uncomfortable position. He'll choose Sanji over us if it came down to it. I'd rather not that inconvenience."

"I don't think that's correct," Corazon said. "Law is loyal to us. He was looking forward to this for years. And Sanji's strong enough, now, to recognize what Rayleigh's powers are. He'll fight him. If you fight with Rayleigh, you better call me to help out. There's no knowing how many tricks that old bastard has."

"He'll pay for this, that's for sure. Once and for all. That fucking coward can't run from a confrontation with me forever. I've been looking forward to this since our last battle, together! If he thinks he can get to us by using stupid, lame tricks, well…he's wrong."

"And yet, we're in the middle of this village we weren't going to invade for another week…"

"Must you ruin a good speech?"

"I'm going, I'm going…!"

Corazon stalked off, calling out to others in his way, to find Law. Doflamingo watched them go, then continued walking through town, approving of the chaos that he found. He was near the center of town when something caused him to look up. He avoided the thrown horse carriage with ease, hearing wood splinter and crack as it hit the street. Turning, hands still in his pockets, his grin widened.

"Ah, there you are," he said cheerily. "So…you were behind this mess."

: :

Sanji could smell the heavy smoke coming from the village. The sounds had died down a little, but the castle was eerily silent, still. He'd completed most of the tasks that Law had asked for, and was now in the center courtyard, airing out his pillows. He kept his mind busy, thinking about various things, feeling a combination of guilt and reluctance upset his stomach. He had to admit, he was just as bad as the occupants for keeping the plan secret from them - he had just as much of a hand in it as Doflamingo and the others.

He pinned up the pillows, and a tataki-style stick to beat the items, before adjusting their shape and hitting it again. But he really wasn't into it, and he lowered the stick to his side, frowning at them as they dangled in front of him from a temporary line between trees. The maids had been working on others, their hanging from poles and trees away from him, and the things they'd left behind to join in the battle made him feel as if the place had been abandoned.

He looked over his shoulder to see black smoke curling up to the sky, tinging the sun's light with a faint red. Then he looked back at the ring that glittered on his hand, sighing heavily. He hoped the older man was okay – Law had been training with Diamante, and had improved in those days in between, but it still didn't make Sanji feel any better.

He winced at the feel of guilt hitting him once more. He didn't know how he was going to make peace with himself in later years because of this. He reached up and unclipped the pillows, setting the tataki stick aside. He turned to head back to the veranda doors when his stomach exploded with worse pain than before. Enough to make him stumble, dropping the pillows. He exhaled slow, wondering if he worried himself into an ulcer, then crouched to pick up the pillows when an agonizing blaze of heat and uncomfortable weight flashed through his system, jolted his nerve endings.

He looked down at the pillows he'd dropped, and realized there was something wrong with the picture. His stomach didn't hurt because of his guilt and stress – he was looking at an arrow protruding out from his mid-section. Moments after he registered that, taking a step forward as shock rendered him mindless, another arrow pushed through him, jabbing between his ribs and protruding out.