tap
tap
tap
[ The sound of footsteps echoes closer, bouncing off damp walls of the dim, empty hall of cells located far below deck. It breaks the oppressive silence, almost deafening in it’t sound, no matter how light the step is. It’s different than the slogging step of the guards, or the panicked pace waitstaff that bring the food down to him. It’s brisk. Confident. ]
[ Soon, almost too soon, the steps become more than an echo, closing the gap between the entrance and Laws cell, stopping in front of it and simply…standing. Silently observing from the shadowy place beyond the bars, eyes picking apart everything before them. Law can feel the brush of Observation over him several times, multiple unsuccessful though empathic attempts at gleaning information that isn’t already obvious. Of course Law is afraid, of course he is angry and defiantly withdrawn. Anyone would be. ]
[ Despite the Haki, Law can’t tell who it is until he finally speaks. The voice is annoyingly familiar, though much more commanding than anything Law has heard from him before, much more befitting of a Marine Captain negotiating with a former Warlord. ]
Trafalgar.
I’m more than familiar with how you must be feeling. I can likely get you out of this position, if you prove to be trustworthy. An alliance of circumstance, like before, though..this is no Rocky Port. There are only two lives to save. Yours, and my Commanders.
I won’t threaten you into compliance. You’re an intelligent man, a good one, I know you wouldn’t let anyone die from a..potentially incurable disease.
Right?
[Upon glancing over Law, a quick look was enough to tell Koby that he was not doing well. Uneaten food sat on an abandoned tray in front of him, his dark circles prominent and his facial hair unkept. Quite frankly, the other man looked like shit.]
[Law slowly looks up from where he's slumped against the cell wall, his eyes widening slightly in recognition and surprise. ...Koby? Why would he be here?]
[A snarky remark sat at the tip of his tongue. A marine begging a pirate for help? Someone who historically hates Law? Claiming he can save Law? What a fucking joke.]
[But something made Law pause. He had never seen Koby wear this expression- exhaustion, anxiety, concern- it was all easy to read in his desperate face.]
[Also... Incurable disease? What... Who is he talking about? It sparks something inside of him- his past he buried long ago. His own struggles with a supposedly incurable disease.]
[...But still. Law can't put his guard down. Now of all times, he can't afford it]
Law scoffs.
... I'm surprised that I'm the one you're coming to for help, of all people. You really trust me? A pirate? To save your... friend? colleague? Or... whoever it is.
...he pauses for a second, taking a deep breath and sighing lowly.
...do you know... which disease? I can't guarantee their salvation, my ability isn't all powerful. But... I guess I can take a look. Maybe. If you can get me out of these sea prism cuffs...
