A/N: Yes. I also edited this chapter. A LOT. There are major changes and I apologize for rushing this chapter before. I don't have an excuse. Anyway, thank you and please enjoy.
Omen
Eight Sign
"Doctor! Excuse me!"
Law just got out of the operating room when a familiar redhead came running towards him. The young lad looked a bit different, wearing a long, tan coat, khaki-colored pants and dark combat boots. Law still hadn't removed his scrubs, mask and hairnet yet so he figured Ross was unable to tell it was him.
"Excuse me, have you seen a girl with medium-length dark hair?" Ross asked, gesturing the woman's description he was looking for. "She's wearing a burgundy turtleneck dress and was brought here from the bombing."
"We just finished her operation. She's not in danger anymore." Law simply stated, the mask dulling his voice.
Ross looked relieved, huffing forcefully as he released the breath he was holding. "What a relief. Thank you, good doctor." he bowed his head to show his thanks. "Also, she was with a really tall tan man with dark hair, sideburns and goatee. Have you seen him?"
Law paused for a moment, acting as if he was trying to jog his memory, before deciding it wasn't worth revealing to the lad. "I think I saw someone with the same description by the lobby." he simply told the redhead, curtly excusing himself in the pretense of 'having a lot of patients'. It was true the emergency room was bustling with patients, mostly brought from the bombing site, so Law had a solid alibi.
Ross didn't seem suspicious of him and freely let Law go. Not later, he called out to a nurse that was about to enter the operating room and talked with her instead. Law couldn't make out their words but he figured it was no time lounging about. He had to get out of there and change fast, before he got busted.
=/=
Law successfully remained undiscovered. He left the coat he borrowed on the comfort room and returned to the lobby just as a nurse was looking for him. She informed him that Elka was about to be transferred to a private room and guided him. As they rode the elevator, the nurse also explained that a man named Ross Maris covered Elka's fees and was the one who requested to confine Elka at a private room. Soon they arrived at the place, Elka was given IV fluids after the nurse had taken her vital signs and assessed her current status. She then instructed Law to press the buzzer by Elka's bedside if they ever needed assistance, before excusing herself and finally leaving.
There were a lot going through Law's mind by then. He was intrigued by Ross's profile - he couldn't really rule out if the lad could pose a threat to him, but there was a nagging sensation that kept screaming at him to stay alert whenever the redhead was present. Law didn't fancy surprises, especially those that would bring harm to himself.
Another thing was Elka. He thought protecting the woman would be easy, considering how he'd been able to protect his crew up to then, but what happened that day just made it clear to him how his situation was different. Elka was weak. Horribly weak. Her body wasn't as resilient as his, nor as his crewmates. He was also alone, and he couldn't expect a few bystanders to obey his orders when the situation calls for it. Elka's world was filled with unpleasant surprises, he was unsure if he was truly prepared for such unforeseen events, although he admitted he was thrilled by it. But on top of all of it, Elka was immune to his powers and it limited his options of protecting her - of saving her.
Instead of mulling over his thoughts, Trafalgar Law inspected the whole room, occasionally checking on Elka. He would glance back at the IV fluids and watch her breathe. He found some magazines from one of the drawers on that white table, the colorful pictures easily grabbed his attention. He skimmed through the pages, pausing at one page every other time, but only holding his attention for a meager eight seconds. Not later he found an article that piqued his interest, but didn't finish it as his gaze kept drifting towards the sleeping woman. Law didn't exactly hate waiting, but having nothing to do was extremely boring to him. He didn't mind the silence, but it encouraged his thoughts to worsen at every second. Law considered going outside and explore by himself, but he couldn't settle at the thought of leaving Elka by herself, especially in her most vulnerable state.
Later, Law found a suspicious remote control sitting inside the other drawer. Curious, he pressed the big red button at its left topmost corner with a label 'on/off'.
"WE INTERRUPT THIS PROGRAM TO BRING YOU BREAKING NEWS."
Law was startled by the sound of the television hanging at the wall right across Elka's bed. It wasn't really loud, only the silence of the room made it sound like it was louder. It was airing the recent bombing that day and Law decided to watch and listen.
"A bomb ripped through a moviehouse in the country's super-regional center this afternoon. There have been 23 confirmed deaths, 30 had already been taken to hospital while the wounded are already at 60 and counting. Some victims were claimed missing, and the police have yet to finish their investigation of the scene. En City police commander Dan Elmer Paige said the bomb, which he described as 'an improvised explosive device', ripped a huge part of the mall's ceiling and-"
Law switched off the television, deciding he heard enough. He turned his head and stared at Elka who was still sleeping soundly despite the previous noise of the news. Law walked over to her bedside and lightly poked at her cheeks, half-heartedly wanting her to stir and wake up. Law was growing impatient, and although he didn't want to admit it, for some reason he wanted to hear Elka's voice.
=/=
The night has been growing deeper after the nurse had already revisited Elka twice, the first time was to check her IV fluids and extract blood for testing, the second time was to actually change her IV fluids and reassure Law that the gal was actually having good progress despite remaining unconscious.
Law was staring outside through the glass window for a good while since. They were at a height where a person would be able to see from afar the buildings, vehicles and people looking so small, filling the streets like ants in a colony. He marveled at the city lights that kept the streets bright and busy. It gave him the impression of how Elka's world was 'insomniac'.
Law told himself he needed to rest. He pulled the curtains to cover the windows, dulling the bright lights from outside. He turned off the lights in the room and sat over the couch to take a quick nap. But before he could even close his eyes, he heard the door slightly creak open. Deciding to wait and see, Law didn't move. He darted his eyes towards the door without turning his head, squinting as the door opened wider.
The stranger stepped into the room and gently closed the door behind him. He didn't even bother to make himself known nor did he switch the lights on. He took a step and another, intent to reach Elka's bedside, but immediately stopped in his tracks when he felt a tall hostile presence beside him. His eyes snapped wide open when he recognized a sharp blade pointed directly at his right eye. He knew by then blinking would mean losing an eye.
"Care to give me a proper greeting?" Law spoke in a low, baritone voice that left his opponent ever so slightly unsettled.
"Mister Law." the man replied, his tone quiet. "It's me. Ross." he carefully spoke, his body steady.
Law did not withdraw his weapon. "Why are you here?"
"To visit Elka." Ross answered in a matter-of-factly way. "I understand you're angry because I didn't greet you. I thought you were asleep."
Law observed Ross, and was ever intrigued by the young lad's quick recovery. The redhead was shocked upon recognizing the blade that was aimed towards him, but instantly calmed down when Law stopped an inch away from his eye. Ross didn't even move. He didn't make any attempt to back away or retreat. He just stood there, staring at the blade which could take his right eye with one wrong move.
"I didn't want to wake you or Elka." Ross continued to speak. "It's a rude thing to do."
Law was quiet for a moment, focusing his eyes on the young lad who seemed nonchalant yet he could sense his vigilance. "Who are you?"
"Haven't Elka told you already?" the lad simply breathed, glancing at the man. "I'm a friend."
It was an obvious taunt, and Law took it, prompting him to drive his stealth knife through the lad's eye only to miss. As if Ross expected it, he quickly responded. He ducked and lunged at Law, aiming to seize his throat.
The two were frozen at that point. Law smirked, amused by the lad's swift movements. It seemed to him Ross was highly experienced in combat. The lad exhibited confidence and precision in his movements. Meanwhile, Ross was glaring at the man. The tip of his gloved finger had reached Law's throat, but he felt the cool steel against the skin on his nape. He can feel its sharp tip, ready to bore through the back of his neck.
"I'm the one who should be asking you questions, mister Law." Ross hissed low. "Are you really related to Elka? I wonder."
"That's what she said." Law flatly answered.
"Yesterday, Elka suddenly asked me a favor. She didn't even sound as confident." Ross pointedly looked at Law. "You suddenly barged into her life and Elka willingly covered for you."
"So you were suspicious of me. Why didn't you act immediately?" Law asked, genuinely curious.
"Elka willingly covered for you." Ross spoke bitterly. "I believe and respect Elka's decisions. She wanted me to believe you are her cousin, so I acted accordingly."
"You're spoiling her."
"I don't want to upset her." Ross bent his head down and stepped back in retreat. He gave Law a knowing look and spoke in a dangerously quiet tone, "But in the case you cause her harm, I will eliminate you."
Law smirked. He recalled how the lad readily went to Elka's room yesterday night. "So that's why you wanted to meet me immediately."
"Frankly, I'm grateful that you kept Elka safe in yesterday's robbery act." Ross spoke in monotone. "I didn't expect Elka to get caught in there. I didn't even know she was out with you." fastening his gloves, he proceeded to Elka's bedside. "And today too. You saved her and I'm grateful to find her alive." Ross reached a hand for Elka but halted inches away from contact. He then withdrew his hand and settled with just watching her sleeping face before glaring back at Law. "However, I figured, if you didn't come into Elka's life and took her outside, she wouldn't have gotten involved in those tragedies."
"In short, you think I intentionally placed her in danger?" Law pointedly asked.
"I don't think. I know."
It was fast. Ross rushed Law and aimed for the man's throat. Malice emanated from the young lad's eyes, judgment and accusation burning them into a sinister shade of blue. Law was just as swift, dodging the attack and readily thrust the knife towards the lad's face. A smirk plastered on his face, reveling at the redhead's murderous intent. It had been a while since he felt exhilarated by an opponent, and he welcomed Ross's challenge.
Almost instantly, Ross sidestepped and delivered a strike at the side of Law's neck. It was clear he wanted to end the fight swiftly, and he knew the most vulnerable point in a human's neck. Law saw through it and jumped back to gain distance. He eyed the redhead warily as his grip tightened over his knife's hilt. Law knew if they continued, he might have no other choice but to kill Ross.
"You know how to fight." Law stated, almost sounding like a question.
Ross fastened his gloves. "If I didn't, how will I eliminate you?" it was a habit of his - fixing his gloves in place whenever he's in battle. There were even times when he would opt to grip his hand when he found himself not wearing gloves.
"You're impatient to want to eliminate me now." Law sneered, clearly baiting the redhead.
Ross glared sharply at him. "I am impatient." he huffed in exasperation. "But I admit, you're no ordinary opponent. I don't want Elka to get hurt in the heat of our fight, nor do I want to catch unwanted attention either." Ross's glare softened, a smile easily replacing his scowl. "So instead, let me interrogate you, mister Law."
Law smiled. "I am always amused by your excellent guise, rogue-ya."
Ross blinked. "Rogue? Is that what you call me now?" he let out a brief chuckle. "You're funny, mister Law. Me, a rogue?"
Law remained quiet. He didn't really want to stretch the issue further, as he figured he himself was playing the same game as Ross.
"Look here, Law, you're the one shrouded in mystery." Ross's face was serious. "Between the two of us, you are the rogue."
Silence took over. The two stared at each other for a while, both holding calculating gazes against each other, suspicious of the other. The atmosphere grew heavy as the two seemed to begin a battle of anticipation, but both remained steady and unmoving.
"Questions." Ross decided to break his silence. "I will ask you questions, and I expect answers."
Law raised a brow at the lad's statement. He thought there was something missing. "You expect me to answer?"
"Be glad, I won't force you to answer me honestly." Ross smirked. "It's also fine if you don't tell me anything."
"I do have questions for you myself." Law smugly returned the lad's smirk. "I will do my best to stay honest with you and I expect you to return the favor."
Ross seemed pleased by Law's declaration and solemnly assented to Law's proposition.
"Who are you?" Ross began.
Law paused for a moment, contemplating how he should answer the question. He didn't know if he would get the same agreeable reaction he got from Elka, but he wanted to get the redhead honest with him. So he looked at Ross intently and firmly stated his name, "Trafalgar Law."
Ross seemed unfazed by the mention of his name but the redhead kept quiet. Seconds later, Ross asked, "And? Are you really related to Elka?"
Ah, so that's what was bothering him. Law thought. He sighed and flatly answered, "No."
Ross hummed. "Elka lied, huh?" he mumbled to himself.
Law heard him. "Didn't you already know?"
"I was only guessing." Ross quickly answered. "I never really expected Elka to lie."
"So you trust her that much."
"I don't trust her, I believe her." Ross clarified. "Although I guess they are synonymous."
Law wondered. "Why do you believe her? Everyone has secrets. You have them yourself."
Ross looked at him. "I believe her because I want to believe her." he then shrugged his shoulders and continued, "So, if you're not related to Elka, what are you to her?"
"Good question." Law himself didn't exactly know why Elka was keeping and helping him, although he guessed it was due to her fear of him. "Frankly, my situation is complicated at the moment and I asked her for help."
Ross raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You're asking for help? Help for what?"
"I'm trying to find my way back to-" Law paused. He didn't know if Ross would readily believe him if he just said 'back to my world'. He recalled Elka's world, people won't believe him, not in the slightest chance unless he showed them proof. But what proof? His ability?
"Back to what? Your home?" Ross impatiently asked. Law didn't realize how long he had been quiet, and Ross's impatience didn't give him any room to fix his thoughts. "Regardless of the place, if that's the case, why didn't Elka ask me? Where are you from anyway?"
"That's the problem. I'm not from here." Law firmly stated. "Elka-ya decided no one would believe me except for her, that's probably why she didn't ask you."
Ross frowned. It was probably the first time he genuinely looked upset. "Elka is precious to me and I don't like it when she's upset or afraid. However far-fetched her claims may be, I will always believe her." Ross paused for a moment and glanced at Elka, his blue eyes guileless. "I will always do what she wants done. I had hoped she knows that."
"Do you like Elka-ya?" Law was fairly intrigued. Although he didn't look it, Ross had a huge and solid bloodlust - the likes one would never expect from a jejune-looking guy such as Ross - and that same aura exudes when the redhead feels extreme displeasure regarding Elka's distress.
"Does it matter to you? You two aren't related." Ross narrowed his eyes on Law. "Unless you have your eyes on Elka."
"And if I do?" Law scoffed.
"Then that's just another reason for me to eliminate you." Ross's tone was deadly quiet.
The air grew tense under the heat of their stares. Blue orbs, grey orbs, glinting in the dimness of the room, flashing angrily, almost tempting the other to battle. It was as if their spirits clashed, and the fight had been going on for quite a while. The two were made aware of the competition that had been silently declared, and none of them had plans of surrendering to the other.
The stagnant air was easily disrupted when Ross abruptly closed in on Law, an elbow threatening to hit his face. Ross was determined to knock the man out. Law blocked the blow with an arm and immediately countered, delivering a fast jab to Ross's face. He didn't really expect the lad to go down with just that but he was more shocked when he found Ross smirking at him. The young lad didn't completely avoid his blade, leaving his freckled cheek marked with fresh scarlet.
Ross grabbed Law's wrist and twisted it, making the Warlord drop the knife. Alarmed, Law coated his free hand with haki and punched Ross in the face. Although Ross was quick to respond and managed to dodge full contact, he was knocked on the floor dizzy with his nose bleeding.
"You're quick. I'll give you that." Law remarked, picking up his weapon. "But you're not sturdy enough to withstand my armament."
Ross could only glare at the Warlord. He sat up but decided not to force himself to stand yet. He was still feeling lightheaded and he wondered how he got so much damage despite only getting grazed by Law's fist.
Not later, the door opened and the lights were switched on. The two were startled just as much as the two visitors who entered the room and saw them. The nurse almost yelped when she saw Law holding a bloodied knife. The doctor turned to his heels to call for security.
"Hold it, doctor! I'm Ross Maris!" Ross announced, quickly standing up. "This is Law, Elka's cousin." he gestured at the Warlord who in turn covered the knife with its comb counterpart. "We were just checking up on Elka." Ross explained.
The nurse immediately recognized Ross and told the doctor they were telling the truth. The doctor was obviously suspicious especially seeing Ross's cheek and nose bleeding, regardless, he heeded the young lad's request and dismissed the issue.
Elka stirred awake when the doctor proceeded to check on her physical assessment. Elka noticed Law and Ross's presence but didn't say anything. Later, the doctor offered to mend Ross's scratches. Afterwards, Ross silently sat down on a couch, pinching his nose to stop the bleeding while Law sat across him.
When the two health workers left them, silence took over. Elka sat up on her bed and looked at Law and Ross respectively. She studied their faces, their expressions. Elka didn't know what to make out of it.
"Ross, what happened to you?" she finally asked.
Ross glanced at Elka, thinking whether he should lie to her or not. He swore to never lie to her, no, not to Elka, but he saw how Law just shut his eyes in resignation, implying he was prepared to take the blame. Ross didn't like how the man was prepared for it so he reluctantly said, "I got punished."
Law's eyes snapped open when he heard the lad. He stared at him in surprise.
Elka, on the other hand, frowned in worry. "Is it about today's incident?" she knew Ross was in the army, and although she hadn't heard a lot about Ross's position and superiors, she assumed it was a tough job.
"My fault. I recklessly ran my mouth." Ross smiled. "But don't worry. Nothing serious."
Elka could only sigh in response. "Anyway, what time is it?"
Ross glanced at his wristwatch. "Past ten in the evening."
"You should get some rest, Ross."
"I can't. I have to pull an all-nighter today." Ross said, glancing at Law. "Honestly, I'm given a pile of work and I'd like to finish it as soon as possible."
"Ross, about today-"
"Don't think about it, Elka." Ross interjected, not letting Elka finish her sentence. He released his nose when he realized the bleeding had stopped and stood up from the couch. "You just focus on recovering and getting well."
"Did mistress Glenn know?"
"It's all over the news now, and yes, mama kind of already know."
"I'm sorry for causing you trouble-"
"Nope. Don't say sorry." Ross approached her. "I just want you to rest and get well." Ross was about to caress her cheek when he halted and asked, "Elka, may I touch you?"
Elka chuckled. "Why do you always ask?" she smiled kindly at him. "I always told you it's okay, remember?"
Ross removed the glove from his left hand and lightly touched Elka's cheek. Elka noted how his hand was trembling - it always does. She always wondered why Ross seemed nervous when he touches her but she never asked because she didn't want the lad to feel more nervous and awkward around her. Most of the time, they converse normally, but whenever they begin warming up to each other, Ross would become nervous - Elka found it eccentric of the guy but in the end, she didn't mind at all. Getting used to it, she thought it was one of his charms.
Not later, Ross excused himself. He left Elka his extra cellphone with a newly bought sim card inserted in it since she lost hers from that afternoon's incident. Ross insisted he'd like to be updated with Elka's recovery, saying he couldn't promise to visit her as frequently due to his job.
Law quietly watched their exchange in the background until Ross finally left the two of them. Law received a menacing glare from the young lad before mouthing the words 'keep her safe'. Ross seemed to at least trust him to an extent that he was leaving Elka, his most precious, to him, a complete stranger. On that note, Ross also delivered the message in a, well, menacing way. Law didn't even know how to interpret it, but Law confessed meeting Ross kept him interested with Elka's world and he actually thought it wouldn't be so bad to stay for a bit longer.
There was a pregnant pause when the door shut close. Elka felt weak and weary, and painfully sad yet she couldn't cry out. She just stared at Law who equally returned her gaze.
"How are you feeling?" Law spoke, breaking the silence.
Elka slowly smiled, her eyes mournful. "Which are you referring to, my physical condition or my emotional state?"
Law was quiet for a moment before flatly saying, "Your physical condition."
Elka looked hurt upon hearing the Warlord's response. Nonetheless, she answered, "I'm good. I'm feeling fine."
"No pain over your abdomen?"
"None, doctor."
"How about your chest?"
"I don't think I broke any ribs."
Silence.
Law was unsure whether it was okay to pry into her feelings at the moment. He was certain their ideologies would clash faster than a speeding bullet. Law favored silence - he would almost always choose to stay quiet and say nothing to save the others from his blunt remarks. He was aware how his words always stung other people's feelings, but it didn't stop him from stating factual things.
Elka, on the other hand, just silently mulled over her conflicted emotions. She was happy to be alive and it disappointed her. She couldn't even shed tears for her dear friends. Not just that, she was selfish to only think about herself - she was grateful to wake up. What about the other civilians? They have family and friends as well. Why can't she feel sympathy over their tragic death? Why can't she feel empathy over the friends and families left?
"Doctor..." Elka weakly spoke.
Law flinched when he heard the woman's frail voice. "...What is it?"
"Is it bad that..I feel relieved?" Elka reluctantly asked, her hands gripping the sheets tighter as she struggled to control her emotions.
Law didn't speak, he didn't know what to say after all.
"Is it bad that..I'm happy for surviving?" Elka loosened up her hands and looked at them. "I'm alive after all, it's okay to rejoice, right?"
Law was hesitant but spoke anyway, "...Yes. It's normal to want to live. That's human nature, Elka-ya."
Elka gave a short sardonic laugh. "...I see." she sounded skeptical yet she looked like she was convinced. "It's only human, huh?"
Law could hardly understand what was going through her mind. Elka had been the righteous type and she harbored idealistic concepts. Law figured Elka was about to break, but he didn't know what to do about it.
"I wonder why all these bad things keep happening to me." Elka continued. She looked at Law and told him bitterly, "I wonder what I did to deserve this."
Law thought for a moment. He wanted to say something to somehow soothe the woman yet he couldn't come up with anything. Elka looked at him as if she was desperately asking for help, but no matter how badly he wanted to help her there was nothing. Nothing at all.
"Why did you save me?" Elka shut her eyes in anguish. "If you were going to save me, why not just stop that ceiling? Why not just cut it into pieces?"
"Elka-"
"Maribelle and Daniel!" she suddenly yelled, her eyes flying open in anger. "I wanted to save them! We could have saved them! I want them to live! I want them alive!" she glared at Law. "Why didn't you save them?! You can fucking stop and destroy that damn ceiling, doctor! Why didn't you?!"
"Because there's only you." Law's voice was ice cold. "I'm a criminal, remember? Not a hero."
"I never asked you to become a hero! I only wanted you to-"
"You expect me to save your people?" Law incredulously asked, interrupting her. "I'm astounded by your naivety."
"Yeah, right! I am naive because I'm human!" Elka snarled. "Of course there will be times when your gut would tell you to save someone!"
"You're no hero, Elka-ya." Law glared at her. "You're powerless, you're practically useless - you're even weaker than a dog and you expect me to obey you? You're not suited to have such audacious thoughts."
"Then you shouldn't have saved me! You should have just abandoned me if that's what you think!"
"Of course I would have done that if that was the case." Law bluntly replied. "If I didn't need you, that is."
"Why?" Elka sounded so heartbroken. She was sobbing by then. "Just..why are you even here? What are you here for, doctor? Why?"
Law wanted to know the answer to that question more than anyone. He was clueless, and that was the worst part. He had no choice but to keep Elka alive in hopes of finding his way back to his own world. Although he really didn't have to care so much about her, Law couldn't help but feel a pang of pain as he watched Elka weep.
Elka was blaming herself for all the events that took place. She couldn't blame Law, after all, he saved her. She thought, it was all on her. She was the one causing all those misfortunes. As a matter of fact, Elka even knew she was the reason behind Law's situation. She didn't really believe it but she was already considering it - wish fulfillment.
Elka bit her lower lip hard enough that it bled. She clearly remembered what she did the day before Law met her. She couldn't even believe it herself. It was just a fantasy. It was not real. She just tried it just for the heck of it but then, Law actually came to be real.
Elka flinched when she felt a warm touch against her cheek.
"What are you thinking?" Law asked, brushing his thumb over Elka's lower lip. "You bit your lip."
"Doctor, do you remember what I told you back at the cafe?" Elka muttered weakly, gently pushing Law's hand away from her face.
"Yes. What of it?"
"I missed to tell you one thing. There is this dumb myth in our world." Elka stated, gently wiping away the tears from her face. "The first star that appears in the sky after dark will grant you any wish."
Law frowned. He didn't believe such things. "You're not saying-"
"I'm saying I made that shitty wish." Elka quickly said, cutting Law's sentence. "I don't believe it myself, okay? I was just feeling so elated that day and thought, fuck it let's do it it doesn't work anyway, yet here you are now."
"You're not serious."
"I'm serious!" Elka's voice slightly raised. "If that wasn't the case, I don't know what is! I myself don't believe in it! That myth had been around even before I was born and I've had lots of wishes before!"
Law looked so shocked he didn't even know what to make out of it. He was just speechless. He couldn't believe such a dumb legend pulled him from his world.
"I'm not saying it truly is how you got here! I just thought it might be possible."
"That is one cruel joke, Elka-ya."
Elka looked down, her hands curling into fists. "It is a cruel joke." she muttered, her lips trembling. "Do you know there's a catch?"
Law narrowed his eyes on the woman. Seeing how she was quivering made him curious. "Let me hear it."
"This folklore is applicable to shooting stars and the first star I happened to see that night was a shooting star." Elka looked intently at Law. "When the star falls on your right, it's accompanied by good fortune. If it fell on your left, then it indicates misfortune."
"So it fell on your left, huh?" Law concluded. "I still don't buy it."
"I also don't believe it, really, but you're here, doctor." Elka sighed. "I...I'm putting everyone in danger. I want to return you to your world but I don't know how."
"Then try wishing on a star again." Law spoke in a derisive tone.
Elka slapped her face with both palms. "I... I can try but I don't know. If that's not the reason why you're here and why these misfortunes keep happening to me, then I don't know what to think about."
"Well, I have something to show you, Elka-ya." Law stood up from the couch.
Elka raised her head and looked at him. "Yeah? What is it?"
Law stretched his arm forward, a light blue aura spinning below his palm. "Room." his spherical territory quickly expanded but he only made it big enough to cover him and Elka.
Elka looked confused. She didn't understand what Law was trying to accomplish. "You..want to show me your powers?" she innocently inquired.
Law stared at her for a moment before looking over his palm. "Will you..allow me to take your heart, Elka-ya?"
"Excuse me?" Elka sort of knew what Law was trying to say but she still couldn't understand. She was confused. She didn't know what reason would the Warlord have to take her heart.
Law planted his feet firmly on the floor and took the stance, swiftly thrusting his open palm against Elka's chest.
"Mes."
"No!" Elka yelled pleadingly, putting her arms in front of her in a manner of blocking an attack. "No! Please don't-"
There was a strong repelling force that warded off Law's hand. It was so strong it almost swept him off his feet if he didn't recoil back in time. Raging wind and flashes of electricity formed a ring over Elka's whole being. It looked as if a mini tornado surrounding the woman. It was the first time Law ever saw it.
Elka herself was shocked. She didn't know what to do when she saw the storm-like thing confining her. When she built up the courage and tried touching it with her hands, it just vanished into thin air like nothing really happened.
"I've been..trying to use my devil fruit ability on you but it seems you have the power to repulse it." Law retracted his room and sighed. "Have you never wondered why I didn't switch you out with anything before whenever you're in danger?"
Elka just stared at him blankly, her mouth left agape in both shock and disbelief. She didn't know what to make out of it. She was oblivious, she never knew, it never even hit her, how easy it would be for Law when she was taken hostage to just switch her with anything he held for that matter.
From Elka's reaction, Law figured the gal was innocent. It was obvious she didn't know, of course, he kept it secret until now. Still, he somehow hoped Elka had some sort of explanation for him regarding that little issue he had with her. Otherwise, he didn't know what else could lead him back to his world.
A/N: Yup. I realized I never got the chance to address this particular mystery so now I am addressing it. I'll get back to Ross once I've settled how I'd reveal everything. Anyway, again, my apologies for rushing things. I don't even know why I did such an embarrassing, shitty thing for an author, ya know. Well. I suck.