Chapter Text
In the castle of Eldoria, a new day was beginning, the sun filtered through the tall windows, tinting the stone walls with golden tones. At the door of the prince's room came soft knocks, followed by a woman's voice.
—Little prince, good morning, I hope you had a good night, I'm coming in with your permission —
The door opened with a barely perceptible creak. The room was too quiet and the bed was empty. The maid got scared for a moment, but soon calmed down when she heard a soft laugh from behind the curtains. She approached as stealthily as possible.
—Oh no! The little prince has disappeared. What am I going to do now with this breakfast I prepared especially for him? — she acted in a dramatic voice while turning to look at the curtain.
—Here I am! — the little prince jumped out of his hiding place.
Mia blinked a little, but acted surprised and smiled.
The boy ran toward her, his eyes shining with pure and contagious excitement. Mia felt a warm feeling; Prince Trafalgar Law wasn't one to show his emotions easily. He was the most reserved of the royal family, always wearing a mask of composure, but when he trusted someone, he was always honest and direct with his feelings.
—Good morning, Your Majesty. Did you have a pleasant dream? You look very happy today — she said while helping him undress and putting on his new clothes, a blue tunic embroidered with silver threads.
—I'm very happy. Today I'll finally get to go out with my parents. I usually don't see them because they're always busy, so I'm going to enjoy this day to the fullest — Law replied, his smile growing with impatience.
—Calm down, little prince. We still have time. If you stay still, I'll finish sooner. And you'll be able to leave earlier to see them. But first you have to finish your breakfast. —
Law obeyed and did what the maid asked. Soon they headed to the castle entrance, where a carriage waited for them, flanked by mounted escorts.
—Law, are you ready to go? — asked a sweet voice. The queen approached, giving him a warm smile and placing a hand on his cheek.
—Yes, Mother. I can't wait to have a day just with you, without tasks or royal obligations —
—Someone looks very happy today. I'll tell you a secret: I'm happy too. Spending a family day should be enjoyed with all the excitement, and I know you're going to have a lot of fun at the place we're taking you. —
—Where are we going, Mother? I tried to ask, but no one would tell me —
—If we told you, it wouldn't be a surprise anymore, don't you think? — interjected a deeper voice. The king approached, affectionately ruffling his son's hair —
—But Father, I don't like surprises — Law protested, making a pout that melted everyone around him.
—Just this once. I know you'll like it. Come on, let's go — The family got into the carriage and their journey began.
Some time later, in the forest...
—Your Majesties, we're almost at the agreed place — announced one of the soldiers.
Law, excited, leaned out the carriage window. The landscape was unfamiliar and striking, tall trees filtering the sunlight, a fresh breeze accompanied by birdsong and the rustle of leaves. Upon arrival, a crystal-clear lake appeared, so clear it reflected the sky and let you see fish swimming among the vegetation. Beside it stood an imposing tent, decorated with vibrant-colored fabrics and golden details that contrasted with pure white.
—You were right, Father. This place is amazing — exclaimed Law, getting out of the carriage and running across the meadows to the lake shore. The fish scattered in fright. But his smile didn't fade; on the contrary, his eyes shone even more curiously as he saw the different kinds of fish and the plants he didn't know or had only seen in books —
—Don't go falling into the lake from running. Remember to mind your manners at all times — warned the queen, settling into the tent beside the king while tasting some fresh fruit.
—Father, can we swim later? — asked Law, making an adorable little face.
—Of course, but first come here. Let's wait a bit so the water isn't so cold. Eat some fruit for now —
The picnic passed with laughter and calm conversation. But then a guard approached the king with a bow, holding out a letter.
—Your Highness, these documents have been sent to you. They need your signature and decision to proceed —
—Of course, give me a moment — said the king, clearing space on the table to read carefully.
—Father, you said there would be no royal business on our outing — protested Law, crossing his arms with a pout.
—Law, you are the crown prince. You'll have to do this someday too. Besides, that attitude isn't befitting of a prince. Go play and explore for a while. I promise that when I'm done, we'll play whatever you want, alright? —
—Alright, Father. I'm sorry — murmured Law, getting up and walking to the lake. He took off his shoes and dipped his feet in the cold water, looking down.
Time passed, and more matters arose, stealing the royals' attention. Law gave up, accepting that the family day wouldn't be what he had dreamed of. He dried his feet, put his shoes back on and, taking advantage of a moment when the guards weren't watching, slipped away quietly. If he was going to explore, he would do it his way.
—Wow, this place is so big and... — he said in awe, turning around as he walked to admire everything around him.
He stopped when he saw a fluffy tail, orange and white, moving among the bushes. Curious, he followed, trying to be as quiet as possible. Minutes later, the animal led him deeper into the forest until it disappeared into a bush. Law looked around, but couldn't see it again and kept walking. When he crossed through, he found himself in a completely different place, as if it were a transformed world.
The flowers had brilliant colors, there were exotic plants, multicolored birds—everything seemed unknown, nothing his eyes saw was recognizable. And he had already read plenty of books during his lessons. His amazement lasted a moment as he spun around looking everywhere; he approached each plant with eyes radiating curiosity and wonder, but soon he remembered why he had come to this place.
—Oh no, where did it go? — he murmured, looking around again. But soon he realized he was lost. Frustrated, he knelt down and began to cry.
—Father... Mother... Where are you? Please, help me get back. I don't want to be alone — His sobs echoed through the forest; some creatures fled at the unusual sounds, while others crept closer to see where they were coming from.
—Don't be sad. If you want, you can hug my bear, he'll make you feel better — said a gentle voice. A boy approached, with a smile that shone like the sun and a white aura radiating from his body, as pure as snow. His hair was black and messy, and he carried a baby polar bear.
Law looked up, surprised.
—Who are you?
—I'm Monkey D. Luffy, and I live here. Who are you? I've never seen you around here before. Also, how did you cross the barrier? — asked Luffy, confused and curious.
—My name is Trafalgar Law. What barrier are you talking about? — Law stood up, taking the bear in his arms and smiling at how soft it felt.
—My father put that barrier so no one can come in and I can't go out until I'm of age — Luffy explained, with a hint of sadness.
—That's cruel. My father doesn't pay much attention to me either, and he doesn't let me go out without permission. As king, he has many things to think about. Today was supposed to be my birthday, a day together without commitments, but he didn't keep his promise — said Law, his smile fading. The bear licked his face, making him laugh.
—Well, if he doesn't have time for you, I do. Happy birthday! — Luffy sang clumsily, with a huge smile.
—Hehe, you're a terrible singer, Luffy-ya, but I'm glad I met you. You've made this day so much better. I'd like to stay and play more with you and the bear, but I should go back. They've probably noticed I'm gone and must be worried... Could you show me the way back? I have to return to my parents.
—Shishishi, at least I got a smile out of you with my birthday song — his smile disappeared when Law mentioned he had to leave —Can't you stay a little longer? We could play more together — he tried to convince him, but Law just shook his head.
—Alright, I'll show you the way, but I can only take you to the barrier. I know someone who can guide you beyond it. Wait a moment —
Luffy walked away and returned with a blond boy whose hair was like the sun, eyes blue like the sea, pointed ears, and a fluffy orange-and-white tail.
—Luffy, tell me already what you wanted to show me. I'm not doing you any more favors, you made me go collect things outside the barrier. If the guardian finds out, we'll get punished — scolded the blond, following him.
—Just help me this one time, please! I promise I won't ask for anything else — Luffy pleaded.
—Tsk, fine, but only this time. Now tell me what... What is this human doing here? How did he cross the barrier? — Sanji stepped back, alarmed. —We have to tell the guardian.
Luffy covered his mouth, pleading. —Sanji, he's not bad, he just wants to go back to his family — Sanji looked at Law and noticed his sadness and how swollen his eyes were; he had been crying for a while. Luffy's insistence didn't help either. In the end, he just sighed and gave in.
The three headed toward the barrier. Luffy stopped.
—I can only go this far. You'll have to continue without me — he said, looking down sadly.
—Luffy-ya, don't be sad. I promise I'll come visit you soon — Law assured him. Luffy suddenly hugged him and Law was surprised—he wasn't used to contact—but this time he couldn't help hugging him back.
—You promise?
—I promise.
When they separated, the barrier glowed golden, engraving the promise forever.