It was a slap in the face when they realized he was already gone.
The sun was slowly setting on the horizon. It cast long shadows of trees and tall buildings. Usopp was already going on about what terrible beasts could be learning in the woods.
Nami held a tired hand up to her head, visibly exhausted. Her messy bun showed off a sunburnt neck.
"Where'd he go this time?" She asked no one in particular. Robin looked up for a moment, then back down at her book.
"Maybe we should tie a leash around him," she suggested. Her long black hair fell over her shoulders. "It would be more convenient, would it not?"
Sanji looked over at Zoro and said, "Maybe we should start with this one." His eyes seemed to glow through his blond lashes. Zoro's hand found his swords and promised trouble.
"Would you two knock it off!" Nami slipped off both her pink sandals and sent them flying at Sanji and Zoro.
Usopp winced, and Robin chuckled. She turned a page in her book.
"He was with you last, right, Usopp?" Robin gave Usopp a small smile.
Nami turned to Usopp as she slid her sandals back on. He shuttered.
"He was fishing with us at the dock earlier," Chopper chimed in. "He said he was looking for something, but I haven't seen him since."
"I think he said he was going into town for something, right?" Chopper looked at Usopp, who quickly nodded.
"He could be anywhere then!" Nami exclaimed. Chopper hid behind Usopp, trembling with fear.
"According to the locals, they'll be hosting a festival tonight," Robin began. "It'll be hard to find him in a crowd."
A few yards away, Zoro nursed a cup of ale.
"He'll turn back up eventually," he said, before taking another swing at his drink. A large knot swelled on his forehead from where Nami's sandal made contact.
Law watched this, mildly annoyed. He thought back to when he'd last seen Luffy, but his memory was hazy. It was a mistake to ever let him leave their sight.
When he turned, Law saw a town bathed in golden light. The sun was quickly setting. Not good.
"I'll go find him," Law said, before he took his leave.
"Wait, we can do it!" Nami held out her pale hand, but it was already too late. Law was gone.
***
Law hadn't known Luffy very long but was sure he knew where Luffy would've run off to.
He ran through the town, eyes quickly darting off tall brick buildings. The streets were meekly populated, and several businesses were closing shop for the evening. The scent of freshly baked bread caught Law's nose, and he felt his stomach churn like rotting milk.
Suddenly, a bright light passed him by. Law turned. Yellow eyes narrowed and dark brows cast a shadow over his face. He reached for his sword in a defensive stance, only to meet Luffy's face.
"Mugiwara!" Law sounded pissed. Luffy smiled, and held up a red lantern, with a glow like a campfire. "What's that you're holding?" He removed his hand from his blade.
Law let his stance gentle as he approached Luffy.
"Wait a minute, where have you been?!"
Luffy perked up, still smiling.
"The people here are having a lantern festival, isn't it exciting?" Luffy tried to pass the red lantern to Law, who did not attempt to grab it.
Law closed his eyes and sighed, feeling foolish when he opened them only to realize Luffy was gone.
