Without You, The Beginning of Magic {Magical AU}

Chapter 3: Feelings (Part 2)

I looked down as I looked at my body, "Hey... Aunt Makino... My body's been feeling weird lately... I get muscle pains, but it's different from training and my chest is getting bigger..." She hummed softly as she started doing my hair, "Well, your puberty stage right now. After Trafalgar leaves, you and I can go visit Dr. Kureha and we all three can talk about what's happening, alright?" I nodded softly as she walked me to my door where Zoro was waiting outside. Makino gently stroked my hair, "Come to my room when you're done playing, ok?" I nodded softly as she walked off.

I turned to Zoro as he took my hand. I blushed a light red as he bent down slightly and kissed the back of it, "I'm sorry Iri... I know you were working hard, but I didn't think that was why... I've never once thought that you were inferior..." He held my hand, "I don't get upset that I lost to a girl... I get upset that I can't be the one to protect my friend... That if there's an enemy she can't face, I won't be strong enough to save her..."

I looked down a bright red, "T-Then... We can always fight together, right?" He nodded, "Of course we can." Zoro and I began walking, but we stopped as I heard Shanks and Law talking, "Law, you're going abroad next year after her birthday, aren't you?" I stared in shock as he responded, "Yes. There's something I need to do... I... Won't be seeing her until after she enters the academy in six years..."

Zoro went to walk, but I just stared in shock. "I see, how do you plan to tell her?" He looked to the side, "... After her birthday... Probably a week or so before I leave..." He sighed, "I see... Well, I'm sure whatever it is... It must be important." He nodded, "Yes... I made a promise to someone a long time ago... If I want to get what I want then I have to do this. Even if it's hard." They were quiet for a moment, so I started walking with Zoro down the hall towards the garden again. 

I asked Zoro as we walked, "... Sabo and you are leaving in two, aren't you?... For the official knights training?... So that when I enter the academy you will be with me?" He stopped and looked back shocked as I teared up, "Luffy will be forced to start his heir studies next year and Ace is already doing his... That means... In two years I'll be all alone for another four..."

He rubbed his neck, "Iri... You'll be doing classes and things will keep you busy... We can still write you letters..." I held out my pinky, "... Promise?" He hooked mine, "I promise... I'll write to you while I'm away and when I'm back... I'll be strong enough to protect you when you can't protect yourself." I smiled softly and we made our way to the garden again.

I looked at Zoro then down, "Zoro... Who are you pledging to?" He stopped as we reached the edge of the garden. He held my hand tighter for a moment before slipping away. "... I'm going to pledge to Prince Ace." I flinched and put my hands behind my back before forcing a smile and walking forward, "He'll be happy to have you." He stared at me for a moment as I sat down and stared at the sky. "Iri... I don't mind pledging to y-" I hopped up, "Let's go get Law!~" I forced a smile as I skipped to the office to get Law. Zoro followed behind, disheartened.

I smiled for real as I saw Law being escorted by Corazon. I jumped at him, "Law, you're here!" He caught me, "... Are you sure you should be jumping on people?" I tilted my head as I looked up and smiled softly, "You'll catch me if I fall, right?" He jerked, but hugged me. "... Of course." I blushed a bright red and pushed away. I hid behind my hand as he looked surprised. I turned and pointed forward, "L-Let's go to the pond today..." He nodded hesitantly and followed.