If the small room had had a bigger window, it might have been the sunlight that woke me up, but no. It was actually a sound that did the trick.
As I opened my eyes, I could hear the sound of footsteps coming from the corridor. They stopped very close by, after which the person that they belonged to started to fiddle with the lock.
Warily, I shot up and tried to make as little noise as possible.

Could it be Doflamingo? No, that doesn't make sense.

He had locked the door yesterday, stating that he wouldn't be back until the following evening. It was why he had locked the door in the first place, so that I "wouldn't try anything funny".

As if I would do something as obvious as to walk away through the front door.

After a few seconds the fiddling stopped and the door handle was being pushed down.
Nothing happened, though, the door stayed shut.
When I heard the footsteps again, I got up as silently as possible and peeked through the keyhole.

You! What are you doing here? Go back before anyone sees you, you moron!

A rustling behind me made me jump up and turn away from the keyhole.

"What are you doing?"

Sitting up straight apparently required less effort than it did yesterday, for Law's grunts were a bit more muffled and their quantity had lessened.

"I was- Nothing. How are you holding up?"

We both inspected the bandages.

"I'm fine, I think walking should be doable right now."

"Walking?" With skepticism, I raised an eyebrow. "I don't think so, you need to stay in bed for at least a few more days."

Law opened his mouth and lifted a finger, ready to speak his mind, but he just as quickly shut and lowered them.

I wonder if he's thinking about what he said yesterday.

What shocked me next wasn't really his timing; it was his choice of words:

"Room."

"You really need to stop doi-"

Law waved impatiently and looked me right in the eye. It both comforted and discomforted me at the same time.

"Listen, I've been thinking. You-" He took a deep breath. "You can bring him if you want. But note that I will not help him in any way."

The underlying hatred in his voice had made me take a step backwards. After his words had registered, though, I quickly strode forward and sat on the foot of the bed.

"Why the sudden change of heart?"

Law sighed and right before he made the blue orb disappear, he squeezed out a final sentence.

"You told me I shouldn't use my ability for too long. Go inform him once you're able to."

Even if could have found the words the respond to that, I still wouldn't have had the time to utter them.
The door made little noise as it opened and it wasn't until I heard something else, I knew someone was there.

"Fufufufu, getting tired of this little room already?"

"I think he could use some fresh air, it'll help the healing process."

Chills ran down my spine as soon as I noticed the uncanny grin on Doflamingo's face.

If only I had the strength to kill you. If only I could fight you like an equal, or better yet: be superior to you, you monster.

"Then this will be great timing, because I need to talk to that little brat in private. You-"

His long index finger pointed towards me.

"Be back in an hour and don't follow us, that's an order."

I nodded and quickly made my way out of that tiny, cramped room, trying to process Law's sudden change of heart.

I found Bellamy in one of the many rooms, working out. It took him a little while to notice me, but as soon as he did, he immediately stopped his training and turned his attention towards me.
Exactly like he had done many years ago, when he had given up everything, just for me.
That idiot, be always did something along those lines: sacrificing himself for my sake. This time I was going to repay the favor. I was going to save him.

"Bellamy, I need to tal-"

"Saria, I'm glad I got to see you. I've got some great news!"

With a genuine grin, he sat down on a green futon and beckoned me. I sat down on the red one across him and suddenly felt the need to vomit.

He's going to bring bad news.

"So, you ready?"

No, I'm not.

"Sure, what is it?"

As soon as he started to speak, I noticed how his words didn't register. I tried my hardest not to think about Bellamy's fate and instead did my best to focus on his story.
I only managed to get the last part, though.

"... And then, if I win the finals, I can finally become a part of the Family, that's what Doffy said. Aren't you proud of your big brother?"

Please don't go.

"I can finally obtain Doffy's acceptance and respect! "

Why do you look up to him so much? I don't get you, Bellamy.

"I'll be sure to win that tournament! I will become number one!"

He was still wearing that confident grin if his. Just looking at him being so happy made me cringe.

"Don't compete, please."

"What are you talking about, Saria? Didn't you hear what I just said? I can join the Family if I win!"

You idiot. Why do you keep doing this to yourself?

"I have a bad feeling about the tournament, Bellamy."

"Why?"

I can't talk to you right now, Doflamingo will, without a doubt, be eavesdropping.

"Could you help me out with a patient tomorrow?"

He was genuinely surprised.

"Again, why? You're being really vague."

"Please? I need really need your help. It's important."

"So he'll try to contact you tomorrow? We'll have to wait for that then."

Law was standing beside the bed, cleaning his upper body with cold water. He had removed the bandages before I had come back and had even prepared new ones. Even when he was busy with such an activity, he still managed to uphold his 'room'.

Affirmatively, I nodded and disposed of the bloodstained bandages.

"Listen, Law. I don't know how you managed to heal so ridiculously quick, but you still need to be careful. You said you wanted to carry out step one tomorrow, but are you sure you can handle that?"

For a second, Law stopped his little bathing session and looked over his shoulder; his eyes piercing through mine once more.

"You shouldn't worry about me, you should worry about yourself."

I wanted to continue any form of discussion, whether it be about Doflamingo, Law's plan, Bellamy's situation or even Law's change of heart, but I noticed how my vision kept on narrowing.

I should sleep.

"You should sleep."

There it was again, that ridiculous timing of his, as if he constantly knew what I was thinking.
The mixed feeling of comfort and discomfort came over me again.

"Yeah, maybe I should," I muttered, yawning.

Within what must have been minutes, I was lost in the world of dreams, or so I thought.

Those footsteps, are they real?

"I'm going to get something for you. "

That whispering voice, is that Law?

"I will make sure you can get stronger."

This is a dream, right? It must be.

"I'll be right back.
Room.
Shambles."

To be continued
Up next: Law's little letter.