Without You, The Beginning of Magic {Magical AU}

Chapter 3: Feelings (Part 5)

Dinner was as usual. I sat next to Law and Ace while Zoro, Sabo, and Luffy sat on the other side. Garp, Corazon, Teach, Anthoni, Makino, and Shanks on the other. It was always so lively when everyone was here. The idea of Law leaving next year, then Sabo and Zoro the year after... Was really lonely. Next May Luffy will be busy too with his responsibilities, although I can't see him doing them.

Zoro and Sabo followed us around until they hit fifteen. At fifteen they would enter a three year training program to make sure they are fully capable of protecting their "masters" when it's time to enter the magic academy. It's called a magic academy, not only because it teaches you magic and mana manipulation, but because commoners, nobles, and royalty alike attend. At least if they're capable enough. To become the best is extremely tedious and taxing.

Going abroad before attending was actually quite common, but I only learned of these things today... At dinner. I puffed my cheek as I ate. Bullies... Thinking they know everything... I looked at Law as he asked, "Why're you pouting?" I looked away, puffing my cheek more, "I'm not pouting... I'm not upset about only finding out about this now... At dinner... When everyone already knew... Including Luffy. Nope. I'm not upset at all." They chuckled at me as Law huffed a chuckle.

Anthoni got up, "Well... This was a pleasant dinner as always, but we should head out." We stood up as they gave handshakes. I walked up to Law and whispered, "Would you... Wear jewelry?" He looked at me confused, but looked to the side, "... Yes?" I blushed softly, "Also..." He stared surprised at my bright red face, "... Could you visit me... Every week instead of every other?... I... Won't be seeing you for six years, so..." He looked at them as they looked at me then him before nodding. He stroked my hair, "Sounds good... Every Saturday then." I grinned, "Ok!"

After wishing everyone good night I ran to Shanks, "I need help!" He looked a little worried, but surprised as I asked, "How do you put regenerative properties on a mana crystal?... Like, say you want a recharging healing spell..." He looked to the side, "I suppose you would have to have a pure mana crystal, but making them is incredibly difficult. You have to constantly pour your mana into it for..." He looked at Makino, "A week, right?" She looked to the side, "That's if you take breaks. You can do it if you don't eat or sleep for... Three days? That's why It's so difficult."

I asked, "What happens if you stop?" He sat back down, "Nothing. It just takes a long time." I looked down, "Ok... How do you know when it's pure?" He pulled out his necklace to reveal a clear crystal with different shades of green large star-like sparkles. He held it out for me to look at, "Makino gave this to me as a wedding present." She held out her ring to reveal a clear diamond with different shades of red. "The color will depend on your mana. Why're you asking?" I looked to the side. "Will you... Let me... Stay in my room to make them?... Can you bring me snacks or something?"

They looked worried, but I said with determination, "I want Law to be safe! I want to be there for him, but... I can't do that... With my mana crystals... It would make me less worried... Can't I?..." He huffed. "You must stop when you get too tired. Ok? We'll bring you snacks that last a while... Deal?" I grin and hug him, "Deal!" He huffed, "Start tomorrow, alright?... You need to eat and sleep before then." I nod softly as I hum and skip to my room as Makino follows me.

She smiled at me, "Iris... Keep that determination, alright?..." I nodded softly, "I will!" She sat with me on my couch as I read about different magics and artifacts some more. She helped me into my nightgown and then I headed to bed, but this time she laid with me, "Iris, I love you. Shanks does too. I want you to be safe... I know we've been... Sheltering you, but... Now that you're getting older... I think it's time for you to learn about the outside world... Once you start your lessons after Law's birthday, you'll learn... A lot of things, but don't let that discourage you. Alright?" I tilt my head confused, but nod, "Ok."

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I woke up the next day around eight. I looked over to see snacks and drinks that would last me for a few days. I giggled as I ran over to use the bathroom and stuff before plopping on the couch with Law's earrings. "Alright... Regenerate the golden paint that acts as a healing and barrier when in an emergency... If I remember correctly, you can only do one at a time, but there's four and that takes too long... I'll do a pair at a time. The first pair will have a barrier first then the second healing. If I have time then I'll make sure they both have both!~"

I made sure to snack and drink before laying down on the couch with them all four in front of me. I took two of them and held them to my chest as I curled to envelop them in my mana and begin to make them. "Let's make them able to regenerate every hour before starting what they do. Then I'll do the barrier first." I closed my eyes and held them to my heart. "I want Law to always be safe and protected... Please watch over him..."