A/N: Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece.

Late as usual. Early posting? I guess it didn't happen. Well, I'll apologize any grammatical or spelling errors ahead of time.

Enjoy.

Murder

Part One- Hidden Truths

If I Can Turn Back Time

Law sat in front of the ER with Killer and Moriah at the hospital, located near Kid's company. Although it took them two hours to get here, they were not finished with Kid's operation. During this time, they were able to speak with the firefighters about the accident- witnesses stated that Kid ignored a red light and crashed with another vehicle speeding through the intersection. Afterwards, they spoke with a nurse who informed them about Kid's condition: He had multiple fractures in his left arm, a few broken ribs, and he seemed to have a couple head injuries. Currently, the three waiting silently, hoping for Kid's life to be spared.

During this time, Law brooded over the thing that occurred within the past hours-the phone call he made.

Did I say it too directly? Did I choose the wrong words? -Maybe I should've contacted someone at his workplace to be with him? -If I asked the receptionist to go grab Eustass-ya for me before I ended my call... Was this occurrence preventable? Law's head became full with rhetorical questions. He tightened his twined fingers and clamped his jaw harder. His heart felt very cold and heavy.

He couldn't have went after her- and this was just an accident... He tried to convince himself. However Kid's words on the phone- "I killed her"- haunted in the background in his head.

"I hope we won't have to do two funerals." Moriah broke the silence. Law glared at him.

"I don't want to hear any of those types of jokes, Moriah." Law hissed. Moriah rolled his eyes and shrugged.

"I'm just stating the facts."

"Why did you come along?" Killer asked directly.

"Oh, yes. That." Moriah enlightened. "You see, I came to see how bad Kid was. -To decide if he's capable or not to discuss matters. I would at least like to decide the date." Moriah suggested. Law sighed deeply and placed his hands on his face, trying to rub off the exhaustion he felt all day long.

"Killer stay here and let us know about Eustass-ya's condition." Law said as he languidly stood up, "We'll take this talk outside." Moriah gave him a questionable expression. "I'm not gonna talk about death in a place where people are hoping for recovery." Law answered. Convinced, Moriah stood up and they walked outside.

o-o-o-o-o

The sky was already dark and the street lamps spotlighted some benches outside the hospital. The wind blew icy, yet soft winds which made it bearable to have a long chat outside. The two men seated themselves on one of the benches most farthest from the hospital, but within it's grounds. Law was the first to speak first.

"-My first priority," he started just as Moriah tried to take out some paperworks, "is to have Eustass-ya attend the funeral." Law knitted his fingers together again and spoke his thought process. Moriah stopped fumbling with the forms to listen what he had to say. "I know from those injuries, he wouldn't be able to get out for maybe a week. I would like Welma's body to be preserved as long as possible."

"Alright. We'll do that. I'll need you to fill out a couple consent forms for embalming. Are you planning on holding a viewing?"

"...That's where people see Welma one last time right?"

"Yes. If we're holding the burial or cremation on the day of the funeral, along with the public viewing, then the maximum we can preserve the body in the appropriate viewing condition is two weeks from today. Further than that, I recommend closed casket. If your priority is to have Kid attend the service, then I would recommend closed casket for the public and hold the funeral maybe about three weeks from now." Law didn't answer and remained in thought. "-If you would still like to have the viewing, I would also like to recommend a private viewing amongst only the closest relative and friends and then the funeral to take place- closed casket- three weeks from now."

"That sounds like a plan. I think I would like that last one." Law sighed. He felt very reluctant to talk about the funeral services. He wished to be back near Kid as soon as possible.

"Alright. Next, would you like to have Welma buried or cremated?" Law's eyes enlarged a bit as he swiftly turned his head towards him.

"I need to decide that too?" Law asked after the momentary shock.

"I heard from Killer that you are the fiduciary of Eustass Estate right now. Plus, Welma seemed to not have left a will, Kid is incapable, and although I am officially Welma's guardian and father by law, I do not know her well to decide that."

"..." Law couldn't speak. It was his first time arranging and making decisions for someone's final resting. He was familiar with signing death certificates, but was concerned about the pile of paperwork Moriah started taking out. It slowly piled up into a thick packet. He felt like he was unwillingly given too much authority in someone's household. "...I... deciding those options also ultimately depends on values...right?"

"That is why you have to make the decision. I was never familiar with my daughter who I adopted. She never liked me." Moriah stated. Law briefly took note that Welma was adopted.

"-It would also depend on who would financially support this right? The difference between cremation and burial is a couple ten thousands- no, a least a difference of a couple hundred thousand Bellis right?"

"Yes. But don't worry about that. I'll provide all the finances. After knowing Kid's condition, I've already made my decision." Moriah reassured.

"Eh?" Law answered, unexpected that Moriah would do that.

"That is the least I can do for Welma." Moriah looked down at his briefcase- and for the first time, Law glimpsed sorrow in his eyes. "-But again, as I said earlier, two funerals will be hard on me too- financially."

"Eustass-ya is not the type to give in that easily." Law stated, the moment of Law being impressed with him quickly replaced with fury. However, his mind soon questioned his own words-'He is not the type to give-in.' It was still a mystery whether or not it was an accident or an attempted suicide. His heart slowly started to turning dark with concern. "I'll need some time to decide her final resting. I believe we discussed enough- the date it'll take place and the methods. I think I would like to go back and wait for Eustass-ya's recovery."

"Alright." Moriah agreed. "I'll hand you the forms to you later." He said as he continued picking out a few more forms and adding it to the pile. When he seemed satisfied with the packet, he placed them all in a blank folder, labeled it, and tucked it within his suitcase.

Then they both slowly paced back to the hospital.

o-o-o-o-o

Three Weeks Later

o-o-o-o-o

It was a bright and sunny day- one of the warmest after entering fall. The sky was surprisingly clear and birds chirped blissfully from it's warmth. It was as if spring came back for a visit.

Law adjusted the black tie that wrapped tightly around his neck. He stared at the mirror, trying to get it right. He felt like he was getting choked- not from the tie, but from the atmosphere.

Today was Welma's funeral.

-And Kid was still unconscious, in the hospital.

Law paused to stare at himself: he looked exhausted, pale, with lack of sleep. The bags under his eyes were very profound. He can depict his cheekbones and he had bad dried skin. The cartilages in his neck was evident without having to look upwards.

Ever since that day- when he found Welma dead- he couldn't sleep a bit. His body mentally told him that that was the main reason she died. He felt that if he fell asleep, he would find someone dead- and felt that Kid was going to be next. Knowing that lack of sleep was bad for his health, he tried taking sleeping pills. But it was to no avail; he kept throwing them up. His body was too aware and reluctant to take them. He had also asked Sanji to sometimes sneak the pills in the food so that he can get some rest unknowingly. This worked for only the first week- thereafter, he ate even less and sometimes vomited food that had pills sneaked into them. After multiple cases of vomiting, Sanji stopped slipping the pills in without Law's consent.

Am I getting hypnophobia? Law asked himself. Was he getting scared of falling asleep?

Bullshit. Law slammed his fist on the countertop of the sink. I am not that weak. He gritted his teeth and glared at himself. I'll fix this somehow. He then heard footsteps by his door and then a knock.

"Law, are you ready?" Shachi asked. "We're gonna start heading to the cemetery."

"Yeah. I'll be out there in a sec." Law grabbed his jacket and headed out.

o-o-o-o-o

There were a lot of people on site. Mostly were maids that got fired a few days before Welma's death. Everyone was in black, in modest clothing without a smile in sight.

The main coordinator and speaker at the funeral was Law. He researched and wrote up an epitaph and a biography of her. He received half of her history from Moriah and the other half from interviewing Killer and some long time butlers. He learned quite a few things: she was adopted when she was six, met Kid and married him through an arranged marriage, and that relationship lasted for six years or so.

Law was able to explain the last few years of her life- even the last few days- by himself without further knowledge. However, in the end, he explained to the public that she got into an accident- she 'accidentally' drank too much sleeping pills.

They placed her through autopsy and the contents in her stomach and the empty bottle that was in her bedroom matched. She also did not have any pills in her mouth or throat- which implied that she was not forced down with the pills after she fell asleep. However, with no suicide note and no diagnosis of depression or insanity, it was somewhat difficult to declare that it was suicide. Did she swallow the pills on purpose, or was it truly an accidental overdose? However every one felt it wasn't accidental; Law was drugged, everyone was sent out, and it occurred while Kid was away. It was too coincidental to have it happen to be an accident- it seemed like all of it was planned. In the end, they decided to include suicide in the death certificate, but announced that it was an accident to the public. The only ones who were aware of the suicide was the few close members that were there in the house that day.

After the last remembrance speeches, everyone took a flower and placed it on top of the casket before it was lowered into the ground. Then the cemetery specialists used the excavator and a hose with a long pipe attached, to pump in water, to gradually cover Welma and strengthen the ground.

After everything was done and settled, they all went back to Eustass Estate for a reception. Sanji was back at the house before anyone to prepare the food.

Everyone arrived straight after the service and were chatting away. People gathered around the table with the hors d' oeuvres and the butlers busily offered food and drinks to the guests. It was much more lively than Law had anticipated. People were pleasantly happy to see each other after a long time- however sad the reunion was.

Then he heard shouts. Curious, he went towards the source.

It was Moriah and a former maid. The maid girl was around Welma's age, and was the main caretaker for Welma. She was always by her side until Kid fired all of the maids. She had green eyes and reddish hair and fairly too fine to be a maid.

She had a weird name... Law tried to remember, but couldn't. I know she was pretty strong-willed...and annoying as hell.

She had tears streaming down her cheeks as she yelled hysterically at Moriah making a huge dramatic scene.

"You! Aren't you her father?!"

"By law, but we never got to know each other." Moriah stated looking at her with disgust. He popped a piece of pepper jack into his mouth as he observed her.

"Why? Why aren't you crying?! You didn't even shed a tear at the viewing last week either!" She aggressively scrubbed her tears with her arm, created a vivid black streak from her eyes to the side of her face. "And- and! You! Why?! Wasn't it gonna be the last time you were together with her, and yet you didn't do the embalming yourself?"

"Of course I didn't. How many times do I have to tell you that my trusted disciple did it? I must inform you that Sydney excels at it."

Fuck. What the fuck are they arguing at a funeral reception. Law cringed with abhorrence. This was certainly a disturbing topic to argue about. Law knew that some wouldn't be aware of the term 'embalming,' but he knew people will start getting the hint what it was as the conversation continued.

"You! The father should have done it! She must've wanted you to! I don't believe she ever hated you at all! You must be seeing things since you haven't seen nor talked to her at all!"

"I treated her as if she was alive. I believe no daughter would appreciate being prepared by her father? That's why I asked my female disciple to do it. I wanted to preserve her rights and keep her promise." Moriah took no effort to explain things and simply popped another cubic cheese in his mouth. He spoke as if he was reading a newspaper- not even bothering to pay full attention to the speaker.

"Uh huh!? And that promise-"

"She told me to never ever touch her with those disgusting hands of mine and to go to hell if I did." Moriah then glanced at her. "She hated my career- my way of living- it was absolutely horrendous to her. She purely despised me full-heartedly." He continued his gaze on the maid like an easy prey. However Law saw a glimpse of sadness in his eyes. "That's why I did not do it."

"That's some excuse!" The girl cried. "Lady Welma was an angel! She would never hate anyone!" Moriah just sighed and his eyes pitied the girl.

"If she were an angel, she wouldn't be dead." Moriah stated. Law started to move towards Moriah as he started his cold-heartless comments. They were absolutely unnecessary at the moment. However, as the girl bursted to tears, he sighed. "You need to cool your head. You are too emotionally sensitive right now. We shouldn't be arguing right now either." He then pilled his plate and left the room.

Law grabbed a tissue box nearby and went by the girl's side. He offered the tissues and she quickly plucked out multiple pieces.

"That bastard's evil! He is full of bullshit! That fucking asshole!" She sobbed. Law scrutinized her distasteful face full of hate and humiliation. He wondered how this conversation started.

...So this was Welma's most closest, favored maid? Law thought. Well, I guess birds of a feather flock together. He then wondered whether this maid did the same outburst in front of Kid and that ultimately led him to fire all of the maids.

...I should go check on Kid today. Law told himself after a thought.

o-o-o-o-o

It was already past 7pm by the time every guest left the house before Law was able to go and visit Kid. Killer, Penguin, and Moriah tagged along to check his condition too.

Kid had an artificial respiration, IV, and many other supporting care on him. Law observed Kid's face to detect any changes- there was none. Everyone pulled a chair next to Kid and spoke to him as Law asked him questions in his head:

How are you doing today? Today was Welma's funeral. I wish you were able to attend it. Law took the hand closest to him and held it tight. You seem to be recovering well. The hand he held relieved him- there was warmth- there was life in him. Law smiled a little. This was the only moment he felt that most of his worries were gone- his biggest anxiety being Kid's death. Of course, it wasn't like that the first few days. It pained him to see Kid in critical condition, but he continued to visit him three or four times a day. Once his condition became stable and was on the road to recovery, Law shortened his visiting and visited once or twice a day.

Eustass-ya, Killer was able to deal with the victim. You know, the other vehicle you crashed into. It was a lot of trouble, but it's all taken care of. Law gazed at him.

Then he felt a brief twitch in his hand. Law immediately got up from his seat, stopping the background conversation. They all got up and gathered around Law. They all peered at Kid's face.

His mouth and eyes twitched a little.

"He's conscious. Penguin, notify the nurse." Law spoke calmly, but he felt extremely glad and relieved- to the point that he almost had tears in his eyes. He gripped Kid's hand tighter. "Eustass-ya..." He spoke softly.

Then Kid's eyes gradually opened.

Kid's eyes wandered around the room. Law just stared at him in awe. He was alive and well. Then their eyes met.

"Eustass-ya how are you feeli-"

"Who the hell are you?" Kid spoke with his clumsy tongue.

Law froze. The other two behind him were motionless too. Penguin was right by the hospital door waiting for the nurse he called with the nurse call button. He even doubted his ears.

"Ah. Killer! Moriah!" Kid recognized as he looked past Law. Kid unconsciously slipped his hand away from Law since its grip was loose. Law couldn't move.

A nurse came in with a doctor and they told them to move aside a bit. Law came to and moved without a word. Penguin, Killer, and Moriah checked on Law with concern.

Was that a joke? Law wondered, but he knew Kid's eyes told the truth. Law felt his heart sink, but shook his head briefly, trying to shake away the negative feelings.

"-Excuse me," he spoke to the doctor with a steady voice. "I believe Eustass-ya may have PTA (post-traumatic amnesia) or something similar to it." He gripped his hand tight as he said the following words. "He doesn't recognize me. -Only me."

The doctors nodded and reassured him. One of the nurse insisted him to sit down as she observed Law's pale face. Law shook his head and told her he was fine. The doctor and nurse then asked a few questions to Kid.

After a while, the doctor asked them to come around.

"We would need to place him through the MRI to check if he's damaged the central part of his brain, specifically, the area around the hippocampus. Otherwise this amnesia may be due to some traumatizing events- specifically like going through the car accident experience." When Law heard the words 'traumatizing events' he wondered if it can also be related to Welma's death. "It seems that he had forgotten his last five years- he doesn't recognize the two of you." The doctor continued to explain, looking at Penguin and Law. "He doesn't seem like he has PTA, since he recognizes the two of you (Killer and Moriah), and about himself. But since he cannot remember his last few years, I believe he may have retrograde amnesia- RA. We would still need to check whether he has or doesn't have anterograde amnesia- the inability to make new memories. I will recommend a specialist in this field to diagnose this."

"Why are you all wearing black?" Kid asked abruptly. It had been bothering him ever since he woke up. "-Did someone die?" He looked at each face. "...Where's Welma?"

The three men looked at Law.

'She commited suicide' and 'I killed her' surfaced in Law's head. Cold sweat dripped down from his forehead as his mind yelled at him about how he said it last time. Then he moved his lips.

"Welma... Your wife, accidentally overdosed on sleeping pills." Law answered.

End of Part One- Hidden Truths

A/N:

Man, many things happened in this chapter as well. I decided not to split it up just like last chapter.

Once again, I look at Bellis like the Yen value since Oda-sensei is Japanese. For American and European readers, just simply multiply by 0.01 for the approximate value. So, the difference in cremation vs burial is a couple thousand Dollars/Euros.

Also, that amnesia part was mainly one of the similar parts to my 'Tomorrow' short story since this is the so-called 'long version' of Tomorrow. The rest is quite different. Plus, Tomorrow had anterograde amnesia. This will probably be only retrograde amnesia- we'll see.

Aaaand... I'm taking a break from this story. I have some other short stories in mind that I would like to write. Plus, I haven't decided how to make Part Two yet. Well, the main ideas are done, but the structure is not quite there like Part One... yet. I personally love writing this story, so I'll sure to be back! I'll most likely be back after writing the Halloween story I mentioned in my profile.

Also, during this break time, I'll be editing my Part One.

Thank you for reading!