A/N: Hello there, readers! It's been a while, I know, and I want to apologize for the long delay. Just one word: FINALS. You get the picture. Yeah, there were also some other stuff and the holidays but mostly, the upcoming finals kept me from writing. It's true I already have drafts and yes, I already planned out everything for this fic. This is my first serious fic so please don't worry, I will finish it. Anyhow, this chapter might be boring and I'm ashamed I was unable to make it longer but I hope you all still enjoy it. I will make the next chapter longer, the fact I'm still able to post this chapter with my finals creeping up is beyond me. That is all. Thank you.

Omen

Tenth Sign

"Surgeon of Death, huh?" Ross laid back onto his chair, his face expressionless and his tone casual. "The guy with the Op-op fruit, right?"

There was no hostility coming from Ross. It was more like he was bored, yet the question raised at least implied his apparent interest.

Law found it intriguing how Ross didn't sound dubious. It made him wonder what the lad was scheming. Law couldn't afford to let his guards down knowing how Ross attacked him just last night. The redhead made his intentions clear to him: he wanted nothing but to 'eliminate' him, and Law doubted Ross would give up on it just because of Elka. The dark doctor hadn't missed that flare in Ross's blue eyes when they fought, a flare of pure malice and judgment.

Yet the lad didn't seem aggressive at all.

Ross wasn't all that bothered with Law's silent treatment. Instead, he decided to stop talking as well and let silence take over. He took his time scrutinizing the dark doctor from head to toe. Although the table was in the way, Ross looked back on his first impressions about the man when he first met him back in the dormitory's kitchen. Ross was amused by Law's attitude - clearly, the man had no manners - this thought tugged his lips into a smirk, which made Law's brow twitch, annoyed at the fact that Ross was openly eyeing him. The redhead didn't even bother to look ashamed even with Law glaring straight at him.

Not later, the waitress came in carrying the chicken Ross ordered earlier. After setting the food and laying another plate down in front of Law and replacing Ross's plate with a new one, the waitress reminded the redhead to just pay up the bill on the cash register downstairs before they leave. She also set down two glasses and a pitcher of water on the table before making herself scarce.

"Go ahead. It's yours." Ross began, breaking the silence that seemed to have went on for hours. Law didn't bother to acknowledge the redhead's words, but he proceeded to take the knife that was set beside his plate to cut the chicken in half.

When Law placed half of the meat over his plate, Ross asked him out of the blue, "Do you still have that stealth knife?"

Law narrowed his eyes on Ross. "Why do you ask?"

"Just answer the question." Ross quickly replied, smiling.

Law remained quiet. Ross waited, holding that strange smile on his face. Paying no heed at the redhead's gesture, Law began to eat, carefully cutting the meat into small bite-size pieces before carrying it to his mouth. He continued the process silently and it seemed Ross didn't really care whether he was ignored or not.

"I was the one who suggested it." Ross spoke, his tone quiet.

Law wondered. "Suggested what?"

"That she get one. A stealth knife, I mean." Ross smiled again. "And to think she gave it to you. Honestly, I didn't know what to feel when I realized it was her 'comb' you were holding."

Law was amused at how Ross smiled at him. There was a faint hint of anger from his tone but he was good veiling it with indifference. Still, it was clear what the young lad was trying to convey just by his sentence alone, possibly, jealousy as well. Law only smirked.

"Anyway, I just wanted to strike a conversation but it seems you're not much for talking." Ross hurriedly added in an effort to terminate the issue at hand. He disliked showing too much of his emotions, he refused to make himself transparent. Most times, Ross loses his composure when it came to Elka, but he would always make an effort to control them once he noticed.

"If I do have her knife with me, what would you do?" Law scoffed.

Ross looked a bit shocked. "Well, if you're answering the question now, that's..." he trailed off from his sentence, glancing at both sides as if checking the surroundings. "I'd like to experience it. Your devil fruit ability, that is."

Law was surprised, and also amused at Ross's interest in his powers. And to think he'd suggest to 'experience' it - Law had to applaud the lad's bravery, or maybe Ross was just too conceited for declaring such a thing.

"It's not that I need proof, I completely believe Elka. It's just, I'm really curious about your ability." Ross continued, looking excited as he went on. "I'm not sure if the blade's sharpness contributes to your ability's performance so I also had to check if you have a proper weapon with you." he added, his smile turning into a grin. "And I know you could also make things float or switch things out but it wouldn't be enough to satisfy me."

It wasn't even surprising how much Ross knew about the dark doctor. Elka knew a lot of things about him and his world as a 'fan' of the 'Manga', and Law knew Ross was the same - he also held the same knowledge Elka had. Law admittedly felt a tad uncomfortable with it since it somewhat made him feel vulnerable; translucent. His advantage was the mystery of his devil fruit, take that away and what's left was its weakness staring at his opponent's face, waiting to be exploited. Law disliked displaying his full power in plain sight. He didn't even fancy using it multiple times, not just because it drains his stamina a lot, but also because he wanted to avoid 'smart' people. He didn't want to give them the chance to analyze and understand his ability, and ultimately, counter it.

"If I refuse?"

Ross blinked. He looked shocked for a moment before letting out a short chuckle. "Oh, did it sound like I was asking permission?" he spoke in a derisive tone.

Law stared hard at the young lad who kept a wide smirk plastered on his face. He was certain he already showed Ross the gap between their strength the night they fought but the lad was getting a little too conceited for his tastes. True, Ross knew how to fight. To be honest, Law even admitted if Ross knew how to use haki, he'd be a formidable foe, no doubt. The instant they clashed, he felt the young lad's potential locked up for reasons Law was unaware of. Still, the fact that the redhead implied he'd be able to force Law to use his devil fruit ability against him spoke volumes of his confidence in his own strength and abilities.

On second thought, Law also found it thrilling. Law hummed, thinking he was being challenged into a game he would most likely win anyway. He considered it was a golden opportunity to finally gauge Ross's strength and see if he could be a potential candidate for his crew. Though he didn't really like the young lad, he couldn't deny the fact that he would be more viable compared to Elka, as Ross didn't only offer the same knowledge she had, but also strength that she lacked thereof.

But Law also valued passion, a solid motivation. Obviously, the young lad's thoughts just didn't align with his. Ross was a tempting option but Law was leaning more towards Elka. Nevertheless, what was important at the time was to figure a way out, and since Ross at least guaranteed his help in the matter, Law reconsidered granting the young lad's demand.

"Curiosity can be dangerous." Law simply said, warning intended.

Ross kept his smile in spite of Law's 'threat'. It seemed he already expected the man's response. "I had hoped we could at least agree on one point." he sighed, picking up a fork and sinking it into the white tender meat, taking a piece of it over his mouth before continuing, "Still, our city's peace can be a bit stifling, don't you think?"

Law raised a brow in surprise and wonder. "What do you mean?"

"You're a pirate." Ross said dryly. He proceeded to take a fourth of the meat that was left on the tray and placed it over his plate. "Everywhere you go, there's chaos and battle. I'm sure it's hard adjusting now that in our world, there's nothing but peace and serenity."

Law narrowed his eyes on Ross. He sounded like he didn't value peace - more so, he sounded like he actually disliked it. "From what Elka-ya told me, you're a marine." Law pointedly said, making Ross shoot him an inquisitive look.

"You mean I'm a soldier, defender of justice and all that?"

Law was surprised at how the young lad put it. He sounded too sarcastic. "You are a soldier, aren't you?"

"Right." Ross replied. "Just like the marines, those white caped soldiers in your world."

"You said you liked them."

"Right. I did say that." Ross closed his eyes for a moment. "I can empathize with Admiral Akainu." when he opened them, there was no arrogance, only determination. "Marines, dogs for the World Government leashed by their words and bound by their decisions, fight for justice. Climbing up the ranks would surely guarantee something and Admiral Akainu did so in order to accomplish his goals." Ross paused for a moment, letting his words linger for a while longer, fixing his blue eyes on Law's grey ones. "It's the same for me. That's all there is to it."

Law hummed, the lad was surprisingly understated, and he wouldn't have seen Fleet Admiral Akainu in such light as well if it weren't for Ross. All he knew was that Akainu was brutal, but in the end, he couldn't deny that the magma-user was devoted to his cause. Still, he felt like he needed more information to form a solid premise about Ross. Anyone would get even more curious when people try to hide things from them, and Law wasn't exempted from this. He became more curious, not just with Ross's profile but also, with his relationship with Elka, and more so to the knowledge they hold. Law could never find himself developing a convincing theory about how the two got involved with each other, especially now that he could see the contrast between the principles they live with. Elka seemed to cherish peace even at the cost of her life while Ross appeared to not care at all for the sake of his goal.

"Don't get me wrong, I highly value righteousness. Those who cannot abide by the law should perish." Ross stated, raising his index finger as if he was trying to preach. "But peace makes people too soft and..quixotic." he looked sad and disappointed as he continued, "And now that terrorist attacks had resumed, I found out those in power had become meek and are blinded to see the right options and cannot choose efficiently."

"Those in power?" Law was curious. He somehow got the gist of it but he needed confirmation.

"Our government." Ross answered, smirking. "Just like your World Government."

Law felt the corners of his mouth form a smirk and didn't comment on the statement.

Ross smiled as he continued, "The World Government - everything revolves around it. The marines can't do anything that goes against it, just as how we're supposed to abide by their words in order to protect them and their shitty reputationwhen in reality, we're all trained to protect the country and its people. It's funny how our worlds work the same way." Ross solemnly stated, speaking in a dismal tone with clear disappointment painted on his face. "I didn't really like One Piece. Who would want to watch something you also see in reality? You'll just get sick of it."

Law frowned in confusion after hearing Ross's piece. From what he could recall, One Piece was the title of the series that Elka told him about - the name of the world he belonged to. He remembered her mentioning Ross liked it as much as her but now, right in front of him, the lad himself confessed he disliked it.

"Elka-ya said you liked it."

"Right." Ross dryly answered. "Of course I liked it overtime. Despite its plot almost revolving around current issues in this reality, it was fairly entertaining to say the least." he paused for a moment before muttering under his breath, "Besides, I don't want to upset Elka."

"I don't understand. Why do you speak of her as if you're putting her on a pedestal?" Law was curious and confused. Ross was highly skilled, and he looked like he's quite well-off yet it was as if Elka was a part of him that he couldn't afford to lose.

Ross's eyes widened in surprise when he heard the question, his expression eventually morphing into disapproval. "If you have to ask that question, then you most definitely don't deserve Elka, mister Law."

Law wanted to argue with Ross's statement but a loud ringing sound interrupted the two. It was Ross's phone; an incoming call from woman in question herself.

Ross immediately took his phone out and answered, forgetting Law's presence. His features quickly softening as he spoke, "Yes, this is Ross Maris speaking." his tone was even, yet there was a hint of gentleness in it.

"Ross, did you meet? And have you eaten?" was the quick reply from the other line.

Ross smiled warmly at the sound of Elka's voice. She seemed to be doing well. "I was about to ask you the same thing." he briefly glanced at Law. "To answer both questions, yes. Please worry about yourself more, Elka."

Law flinched upon hearing the lad mention Elka's name. A curious sensation overwhelmed him; he wanted to speak with the girl himself, no, he wanted to hear Elka's voice just to confirm she was doing well, but he knew Ross wouldn't even grace him that one request so he kept it to himself.

Throughout their conversation, Ross would only offer Law a brief glance, immediately darting his eyes down on the table to avoid his gaze. Ross would occasionally hum and nod his head, giving short replies like 'yes' and 'don't worry'. With Ross using the pronoun 'we' and 'he' at times, Law knew that Elka was actually talking and asking about him, and Ross would give him a glare every time.

"Even if doctor taunts you, don't fight, okay?" obvious worry spilled from Elka's lips.

Ross only smiled, leering at the man before him. "Don't worry, Elka. Just get well soon, okay?" he never liked lying to Elka, no, not at all, that's why Ross would sometimes give her indirect answers and let her assume from it. Knowing Elka, Ross was confident she would hope for the best, and that's what he liked most about her. Elka was so pure that he couldn't bring himself to dirty her. He disliked letting her see the madness of the world, he even despised himself once for letting her see the darkness lurking inside him.

True, Ross was bored with the idea of peace. Heck, he actually believed peace would only deteriorate humanity and deter development - a paradise of boredom, as he always defined it. He joined the army, inspired by his late father's dream of supremacy and power. Ross was fascinated with the concept but he wasn't the type of guy to make things complicated. He was only interested in protecting what needs protecting; killing and destroying who and what needs killing and destroying, simple as that.

And then, he met Elka.

It wasn't anything overly dramatic. Just one day, he took the train and rode the same cart Elka was in. He just stood there by the door, but Elka who happened to be seated near the door called his attention, moved aside and offered the seat next to her with that kind smile plastered on her face, and Ross simply got taken with her. His view of the monochromatic peace changed with Elka providing him the colors; evidence he needed to accept peace won't necessarily dissolute humanity, making peace less boring to him.

They haven't known each other yet back then, and right there and then he told himself to endeavor for the benefit of his countrymen in hopes of protecting her as well. Never did it strike him that fate would pull a stunt on him, meeting the woman again three and a half years later and becoming close, though she didn't exactly remember him. In the end, the greatest plot twist in his life was Elka becoming his 'peace'.

=/=

Elka just sighed from the other line. "All right. I'll call again later. Stay safe, both of you." she then ended the call.

Deep furrows creased her forehead as she thought about Law's venomous tendencies and Ross's muted streak of violence clashing. Elka firmly believed Ross would never initiate a battle but surely,the redhead would happily accept any challenge thrown at him regardless. From the short three months Elka knew Ross, she picked up the redhead's subtle ruthlessness despite staying aloof from trouble. It wasn't simply because Ross tended to show cruel disregard towards almost anything, it was because Ross liked fighting. He was very fascinated by all kinds of martial arts, and he liked reading about strategy, tactics, and techniques of combat - he was in love with the art of war.

Now, Elka wasn't blindly judging Ross just by his hobbies. After all, the lad easily accepted her hobby which she thought to be inferior compared to his. Ross was living in reality and lived a fairly active lifestyle while she kept immersing herself in fantasies and led a sedentary life. Ross welcomed the world of Anime and Manga when she suggested it, ultimately turning him into a fan of her favorite series, One Piece, but she never expected the man to like its antagonists. Nevertheless, she appreciated Ross's kindness. She became comfortable with Ross despite his occasional weird behaviors.

And then the 'underpass' incident happened.

Her memory of it was still vivid. It was a Sunday, just like that day. It was the first time they hung out, celebrating Elka's acing all her major preliminary exams. On the way back home, they took a shortcut that required them to pass through a dusty underpass. It wasn't really dangerous, it wasn't even haunted. Only, it was known for a few thugs lingering around it at nightfall, and Elka didn't expect to get harassed even with Ross's presence.

Ross didn't look so intimidating, especially with his height being average and those freckles across his face. No one would even think he belonged in the army, hell, he looked just like a sixteen year old, your average guy that worked at gasoline stations or convenience stores to earn money for college. No wonder some fools dared to bully them.

Elka knew how Ross had always been protective of her. He always tipped her with specific routes and paths to take whenever she went out - of course she'd notice. He would also volunteer to escort her at times, going to such lengths of making time for her out of his busy schedule. Although Elka appreciated the gesture, she did think Ross was doing too much for her and she didn't understand why. The lad didn't show any signs of being romantically inclined to her, so she was confused. She did consider that Ross was probably acting like a big brother to her, but she couldn't really tell, after all, she didn't have an actual big brother to compare.

It was the first time Elka saw Ross in action. She knew he was in the army and she did figure he was trained for combat but seeing it in real time was a different experience. Ross wordlessly punched the guy who threw a stone at her, instantly knocking him out cold by taking it at the side of his chin. When the guy collapsed on the ground, Ross made quick work of the rest. She could never understand why he went to such lengths just to 'punish' them. He was in the army, they have moral codes as well. Those thugs weren't even fighting back anymore yet Ross kept beating them down. He almost left them for dead, if not for her persistent interference.

Little did she know, Ross had all intentions to kill those thugs. He believed he was even doing the world a favor for ridding it with 'garbage', but he held back for he didn't want to stain his clothes with blood. He didn't want to look dirty in front of Elka, most especially, he didn't want to get her dirty either. He later on apologized to her for his uncouth display of savagery, distancing himself thinking he might soil Elka with his iniquity. But Elka just grabbed his arm and easily forgave him, his admiration for her shooting up as she kindly smiled at him, the one expression he was so enamored of.

It had been three weeks since, and Elka knew Ross was glad to find a capable opponent, but it was Law, and his devil fruit ability works in their world. It wasn't just because of his ability, but Law was known to be cruel and she'd seen his cruelty firsthand. She prayed hard. She didn't want the two to fight for whatever reasons. She didn't want Ross to die, though she figured Law wouldn't needlessly go there as the lad offered a helping hand. Still, she considered the possibility of the two having a senseless bout, resulting to Ross losing a limb or two, or worse, missing his heart. The thought made Elka regret her decision of letting the two meet.

=/=

Trafalgar Law finished his food just the same as Ross cleaned up the rest. It seemed the redhead was a big eater, considering he ordered one whole fried chicken earlier and finished it all by himself, yet eating another half of it.

"So, let's begin." Ross announced, suddenly standing up from his seat.

Law looked confused. "Begin what?"

Ross smirked, picking up a dinner knife from the table and pointing it against Law. "What else? Aren't you going to use your power on me?"

Law smirked. "I highly admire your audacity, Ross-ya."

"And I highly despise your sarcasm, Law." Ross jabbed the knife forward, only to be replaced by a wishbone, never even reaching Law's skin.

There was a whole set of forks and dinner knives surrounding Ross by the time he thrust forward, their sharp ends pointed against him. Ross never noticed when Law had the chance to create his 'room'. He felt a bead of sweat trickle down from his temple as he anticipated Law's next move if it were a different situation. He could try to duck to avoid most of them, but the Warlord could switch him out somewhere and attack him while he was off guard. Ross was fairly aware how disadvantageous his position was but he was curious, curious as to how far he would fare against a real devil fruit user - a real monster.

For a moment, Ross wanted to push his luck. He felt the adrenaline, every cell in his body tingling in excitement with the uncertainty of getting out of Law's clutches alive. It was the thrill he had been looking for, the thrill that easily died down as he eventually conquered worthy rivals and overcame life-and-death situations. Still, he knew better than causing too much of a commotion, so with a puff of breath, he withdrew his hand. Regaining composure was never a problem to the young lieutenant, only, his heart beat faster than usual, his body shuddering in anticipation.

"I sincerely wish for your departure, mister Law. Rest assured, after this I will definitely help you get back to where you rightfully belong." Ross simply offered, his last attempt to convince the Warlord.

Law hummed. He was sincere when he said he admired the lad's audacity. Ross was brave enough, and somehow prepared to lose a limb if he ever played dirty, but it did cross his mind that the young lad was simply just as naive as Elka, blindly believing he would give him what he expected. Of course, Law thought the latter was unlikely, after all, he was dealing with a surprisingly shrewd redhead. Remembering Elka's words about Ross made the dark doctor remind himself to stay vigilant. Law was a careful man, and he wouldn't let Ross pull a fast one on him even if it was a tiny one percent chance.

"Let me make this clear." Law began, standing up as well.

Ross flinched when the man stood. He braced himself, preparing for surprise attacks and whatnot.

Law smirked at the boy's reaction. "You want me to use my ability on you, correct?"

Ross looked skeptical. He didn't really expect the Warlord to easily give him what he wanted. "...Correct."

"You wouldn't mind if..." Law picked up a dinner knife and raised it up to Ross's neck. "I cut off your head?"

"Frankly, I mind." Ross smiled, instantly jumping aside to gain distance. He knew Law wouldn't be so amenable, but he was more or less prepared for it. It was clear Law indeed desires to get back to his world so he knew the dark doctor wouldn't be so rash about killing him. Still, he had to make sure he doesn't get any serious injuries, otherwise, his plans would be ruined.

Law held the smug smirk on his face, his grey eyes silently following Ross's movements. He was still aware of their surroundings, and he could tell there were quite a few civilians underneath them. Law was amused by Ross's eagerness, and impatience to test his skills, or at least that was how he interpreted it. Law knew the lad expected him to hesitate upon taking his life by using that 'I'll help you' facade. Still, the Warlord convinced himself he would hold back for the sake of fulfilling Elka's wish.

With a subtle movement, Law reached into his pocket, but Ross gained on him fast enough that he was forced to match him with bare hands. Both rolled with punches, Law having to mostly block. Close quarters combat wasn't exactly his forte and Ross pushing him back forced him to use haki, a black fist immediately thrown towards the redhead's freckled face. Ross evaded the incoming punch, but Law grabbed him by the neck and forced him down, his back hitting the floor hard enough that he coughed up blood.

Law didn't quite yet release him, proceeding to sit over the lad's stomach and placing another hand over his neck, gradually squeezing his hands together. Ross was clawing on his hands and kicking his legs in an effort to break free, but the Warlord didn't budge. The clock was ticking, it seemed Ross was going to choke to death, and then he saw the handle of Elka's black comb protruding from Law's pocket. Without thinking, he just grabbed it, its stainless steel flashing against the light when the cover loosely separated. Law took notice, but before he could even respond Ross stabbed him with it over his tartan jeans, its blade sinking through the flesh on his left thigh. The pain it inflicted made Law flinch, and Ross took advantage of that split second to break away.

With a grunt, Law removed the blade that pierced his flesh, red blood soaking his pants. It was shallow, he knew the bleeding could be stopped just with direct pressure but it wasn't the time. Ross quickly advanced. He didn't want to give Law the chance to recover but it later turned out he made the wrong decision. Law met Ross's strike with his bare hand, hitting the young lad's chest.

Ross didn't understand what happened. He froze just as he felt a huge weight taking the wind from his lungs. He felt exhausted, his knees was ready to buckle down but he fought it with sheer tenacity. Out of anything, getting himself down to his knees was the worst form of defeat. With a huge puff of breath, he straightened up, and that's when he heard a small thump behind him.

Law turned his palm up and in that instant, an object that was a little over pink, almost red, and was contracting even with its large veins cut sat over. It seemed to be sheltered in a cube-like transparent sheet which kept blood from spilling all over.

It was Ross's heart.

Ross felt his eyes widen in shock as he watched his own heart continually contracting even outside his body. There was no sensation of pain yet his heavy panting was proof enough that depriving him of his heart somehow tires him. He knew what Law could do with it in his possession, but instead of terror, he felt his body shook in exhilaration.

"Wow... It's seriously real..." he mumbled to himself as he stared at his own heart in awe. "So Elka's been studying that thing? Amazing."

Law was indeed amazed, not by the lad's display of obstinacy and calm but by the words that came out from his mouth. Of all things he was concerned with, it involved Elka.

"I assume I need not inform you of what I can do with this." Law stood up and placed the heart over the nearest table. He sheathed the stealth blade and placed it beside the heart before finally sitting down in a chair to tend to his wounded thigh.

Ross remained in place and just quietly watched the Warlord. Feeling no strength left in his muscles slapped him awake. Although he'd really like to take his heart back, he couldn't really muster any strength. Ross knew that Law's 'Mes' tires the enemy out but he didn't expect it to be in that degree. He only managed to keep standing with force but other than that, he couldn't even move a finger. He was truly exhausted.

=/=

Ross had a black carry-on bag that contained a few extra clothes, making Law change into something 'clean'. The Warlord was surprised that the lad actually thought ahead, even preparing such things to cover up the mess, and to think even the restaurant's waitress was an actual accomplice of the boy, Law had to admit he was quite amazed.

Not later, The two found themselves walking across the streets. Trafalgar Law wore a white long sleeve with a wide neck that revealed his collar bones, pairing it with a plain faded jeans. Ross, on the other hand, changed into a white collar shirt under a brown, buttoned long sleeve, paired with brown jeans and black shoes. They were going to take a very busy street and Ross wanted to avoid attention so he figured they had to change into something casual.

"Ross-ya, are we going back to the dormitory?" Law asked. He was walking a step behind Ross and since he was fairly unfamiliar with the place, and he couldn't completely trust the redhead, he had to start a conversation.

"Yes." Ross plainly answered. He didn't even bother to spare a glance at the man and kept his pace. He was still partially annoyed at the fact that his chest had a hole, and knowing the dark doctor, it might take a while before he could get his heart back.

Law smirked. He had the upper hand but one can't be too careful. Knowing Ross, he'd take any chance he could to snatch his heart back and Law wasn't one to allow such disgrace. With Ross's heart in his possession, he could ensure the lad's cooperation. Not only that, since the lad was in the dark about his little issue regarding Elka, Law safely assumed he could also use her to subdue the redhead if he ever tries to rebel against him.

When the duo found themselves standing at the other end of a crossing waiting for the passing cars to stop, Law raised another question.

"If given the chance, will you come with me?" it was the same question he asked Elka, although he wasn't as sincere as he did with her.

Ross chuckled. "You're seriously asking that?"

Law rolled his eyes. "I was just curious. I wasn't serious."

"I won't come with you." Ross flatly said, making Law snort. But then, Ross suddenly added, "Seems interesting though. I'd like to visit if there's a chance."

Law smirked. "What do you find interesting? I thought you didn't like it."

"Right." Ross smiled. "But hey, fights in that world of yours seem more exciting, and a change of environment wouldn't be so bad."

"I see."

When the light turned green, the two crossed the road. Soon, they reached the bus stop. Ross looked at his watch, it was almost noon.

"The next bus should be here in five minutes." he announced as he proceeded to take a seat at a nearby bench. "Might as well rest for a while. We've walked for half an hour."

Law took a seat as well but at a reasonable distance from the redhead. Ross didn't seem to mind at all, until Law asked again.

"When you said you'd like to visit, does that mean you're willing to leave Elka-ya?"

Ross didn't respond.

Law waited for a while longer but it seemed the young lad wasn't very interested with satisfying his curiosity. Still, he wanted to know how much Elka actually meant to Ross so he pressed on.

"I guess you wouldn't want her exposed to danger. It's obvious you would leave her-"

"I'm here to stay." Ross quickly interjected.

Law was quite surprised. He looked at Ross and found the young lad staring at him.

"Unlike you, mister Law, I'm here to stay."

Law felt his breath caught in his throat. He understood what Ross was getting at and he never thought it was that unpleasant to hear it coming from someone else. The engine of an incoming bus joined them, making Ross get off the bench and call for the vehicle while Law stayed seated on the bench. He had to collect his thoughts, he didn't expect himself to get affected by mere words. Getting himself together, he approached Ross when the lad beckoned him. Although seated beside each other, the two kept to themselves until Law broke the silence.

"I have plans to take Elka-ya." he casually declared, making Ross jolt in his seat.

Ross glared at the man. "Is that a threat?"

Law smirked. "Take it as you will." he gave him a stern look and continued, "Besides, I can do a better job keeping her safe."

"I beg your pardon." Ross sneered. "You're the one exposing her to danger, and you call that keeping her safe? She got hospitalized."

"That's true but I can save her." Law contended. "I am a doctor."

"And so is she. She doesn't need you."

"And does she need you?"

"If she says she doesn't need me, I will back off." Ross immediately replied, his tone firm. "And if she asks for help, I will aid her. You're in no place to assume she needs you. She survived on her own until you two met, don't underestimate her."

Law felt disgusted with their mutual trust and affection for each other, yet, he also felt envious. True, he had his crew - friends he trusts with his life - but Elka and Ross were different. Despite their contrasting principles, they view each other at a very similar place. For a mere three months they've known each other, they understood the other well enough to defend one another in such a way he somehow found wondrous.

Notice: Oh yeah, before I forget, Pokemon Sun and Moon are out today in our country and just know that I'm a huge fan of the franchise, I've played the game since Gen 1 so...yeah, updates may not be so frequent from this day forward. Anyway, rest assured, I will finish this story because honestly, I liked how it turned out. Again, thank you, especially for understanding! Thanks!