A/N: Yes, I know this took a while and sorry about that. No, it wasn't writer's block, real life happened so I wasn't able to write. These past two weeks we were given a pile of work: research protocol, case reports and, you guessed it, major exams of 35 items each, most covering four to five fucking chapters. I needed to pass - I have to. Please understand, folks. Medicine - this course will always make certain you fail each semester and I'm not one to allow that shit happening to me. Anyway, enough rambling. Please enjoy this chapter, I made it extra long to make up for the lost time, oh and, this chapter might seem boring but I needed to straighten out a few points so my story could progress the way I want it to be. Thank you.
P.S. Don't hate on Ross, haha.
Omen
Sixth Sign
"Here you go. I actually have more so it's no problem." Ross returned with a pink small box labeled 'saveguard'. He handed it over and asked, "Can I come in now?"
"Can't it wait for tomorrow?" Elka refrained from taking the offered item yet. She didn't feel comfortable with Ross's bearing at the moment.
Ross sighed. "...Okay, but at least accept this. I just don't want you to go out in the rain for such a small thing, you know."
Elka reluctantly accepted the soap but the redhead didn't leave yet after that. He just stood there and stared at Elka. This bothered the woman so she asked, "What is it?"
"I'm glad you're okay." Ross's voice sounded so sweet it made her blush a little.
Elka gave him a small smile but the young lad did not miss how her eyes looked mournful. "...Yeah, I'm lucky to keep my life."
"I'm thankful to your cousin, but that was dangerous." Ross added. It seemed he disliked seeing Elka in such state. He refused to let her grieve so the lad thought about various topics to somehow make the gal feel better. "Anyway, I heard there's going to be a new figure release from XX Manufacturer next week. It's Sanji this time, right?"
"Yeah, I got the news." Elka replied, smirking at the thought. "I'm planning to get him but it will still depend on the price. I'm glad he's getting more figures."
"I'm still waiting for new admiral figures, although I guess it won't hurt to get Sanji since I did get Zoro before."
"Yeah?" Elka looked a little brighter by then. "I'm still waiting for other worst generation characters, though. Capone and Hawkins should be good."
Ross smiled. "All right, I'll come back tomorrow to meet your cousin. Also, Elka?" he looked at her fondly before continuing, "It's over now. You're home."
Elka looked like she was about to cry when she heard the redhead. For the short three months since they met, Ross had been nice to Elka although there were times when she found him acting too strange, but he never harmed her. She appreciated his worry over her and thanked him graciously afterwards. Soon, the boy left and Elka went back inside her room, letting out the tears which welled up under her lids.
"What happened?" Law asked upon seeing the girl. He heard them and frankly, he didn't understand their conversation.
"Nothing." Elka replied whilst wiping the tears off her cheeks. She then showed Law the soap Ross got for her and urged the man to get into the bath so he could clean off the blood that stuck to his body. She remarked how she hated its stench, making the Warlord relent and ultimately enter the bath.
Elka provided Law a separate towel. She also fixed her bed, placing a boundary of pillows in the middle of the mattress. She did have a sizable bed considering she was living alone in that room, and she thought she had to show him thanks and appreciation for saving and protecting her that evening, although it made her feel frustrated.
As Elka waited for Law to finish, she thought about how she could help the man return to his rightful world. She figured it'd be bad both for Law and herself to let him stay for long, ultimately because she was unsure how One Piece world's time works as an existing parallel dimension. She needed to weigh the gravity of the situation - a day on Earth might mean a year on One Piece, or the other way around, which would probably work in favor for Law who suddenly got tossed in her dimension. Elka just hoped the time difference wouldn't be far off.
Elka tried to remember anything that may be related to Law's appearance in her world. She already assumed it was somehow related to her PVC figure, but it wasn't enough. The figure was missing and Law himself replaced it, what could that mean? Elka then thought the portal might be in that box that was left of it, so she searched for it and upon finding it, decided to offer it to the Warlord first thing when he came out of the shower. Still, she needed a 'plan B' if that didn't work, and she figured visiting the toy stores tomorrow would be a good idea. After all, it was a weekend, and boy was she ever thankful for those strange, shitty occurrences to happen by the start of a long weekend. Otherwise, she was sure to experience hell both at home and at school.
But Elka remembered, she had an upcoming exams next week. Elka silently lamented those wasted time. She could have been studying all day that day but Law decided to visit her and deliver her bad luck. Sweet, right?
When Law came out of the bath, he found the raven-haired woman sitting on the floor by the bathroom's entrance cradling a huge box that was painted with his images. She looked so serious, her brows furrowed a little deeper than the first time he saw her frown.
"Elka-ya, what are you doing?"
Elka looked up upon hearing Law address her. She stared at him for a moment before suddenly shooting up and thrusting the box on her hands against his bare chest. She looked at him, her eyes filled with determination.
"Doctor, try holding this!" she exclaimed, nudging the Warlord to do as he was told.
Law held the box and waited, but Elka said no more. "I don't get it, what are you trying to accomplish?"
"Look at it! Inspect it!" Elka enthusiastically demanded as if not hearing the Warlord's question. She was even pointing a finger at the object. "Feel it! Sense it! Be one with it!"
Law frowned. "Are you trying to be funny? Because you're miserably failing at it."
"No! I'm being serious!" Elka quickly replied, stomping a foot in restraint.
Law noted how the girl dropped her 'please' from her sentences, regardless, seeing Elka so excited and curious made him want to see for himself what she was expecting to take place. Although reluctant, he went ahead and opened the box to look inside. Seeing nothing, he proceeded to shake it a bit and inspect its wholeness.
Elka held her breath in anticipation as she watched Law examining the box. She imagined how the Warlord would suddenly vanish from her sight and transform back into her most prized figurine. Her body was gradually leaning forward in preparation to catch said figurine if it ever materialized in thin air. She wouldn't want it broken, given the fact that most of her collections were reduced to pieces courtesy of her favorite character.
Minutes have passed and nothing was happening. Law was getting tired of it so he returned the box back to Elka.
"What was it that you wanted to happen?" Law inquired, his face frowning in realization that he failed to ask that question first thing before indulging Elka's demand.
Scratch that, he did ask earlier but the woman had the audacity to ignore him.
"I was hoping that box was the actual portal or connection to your world." Elka stated. She then went to put away the box and leapt to her bed. "Man, I really thought that box would solve it."
"What made you think so?" Law began to dry his hair with the pink towel Elka lent him. He already wore a black underpants and a pair of black trousers he picked among the clothes scattered over her bed.
"Remember what I told you this morning?" Elka watched the Warlord picking up a grey t-shirt and inspecting it. "I think you replaced my figurine. So I thought, its box would be the closest thing to serve as a portal."
"I see." Law was satisfied with the shirt he picked and wore it on. "I'm glad you're cooperating well."
"I'm still disappointed nothing happened with that box." Elka's gaze remained on Law to which the man returned when he caught her eyes glued on him.
"But it's a good hypothesis." Law smiled. "It may very well be the portal back to my world, but we might have done something incorrectly resulting to its inactivation."
"Any idea how to trigger it? I mean, do you know a way to open whatever that portal is?"
"I wouldn't be here now if I did." Law sighed. "But it's a good start. Take good care of that box and we might be able to activate it soon."
"Is there a possibility it's not the portal though?"
"Of course." Law pulled the chair that was placed in front of Elka's computer and went around the bed to sit closer to her bedside, making it so that he was facing the woman as they continued their conversation. "But the fact that I appeared inside your room means it is here. We just have to keep looking, and trying."
"You make it sound so, well, laborious." Elka fretted. She wasn't prepared to house Law for days.
Law let out a short chuckle. "Your room's pretty small. We'll probably find it by tomorrow." he sounded confident, but he did have little doubt in his mind. Law hypothesized a few things that may be connected to his world. One of them was the box she offered, given that it was the casing for said figurine of himself. Another was probably her Manga collection. There was also the possibility of those postcards of some sort to be the portal, or the bookshelf itself that housed her prized items.
And then there was Elka herself.
Still, Law found himself in a dead end. He didn't know how to to utilize said objects to make them take him back to his own dimension.
"I hope so." Elka's voice broke Law's thoughts. "I just think it won't be that easy since we're both clueless about this. It's just so strange how such a thing is happening right now." Elka rolled over her back and was now staring at the ceiling. She was feeling weary, and all those thinking stopped making her anxious and instead, was lulling her to sleep. "I really want to get this over with as soon as possible."
"I feel the same way." Law breathed. He stood up and asked, "May I borrow your blanket?"
"Yeah." Elka wasn't really paying attention, but she welcomed the Warlord's sudden politeness. But when she saw him taking the blanket with him to the door, she got up in slight confusion. "Hold on! Where are you taking that?"
Law only looked at her over his shoulder. "I was going to rest here." he leaned against the wall and gestured he was going to sit on the floor and sleep that way.
"But that's the door!" Elka exclaimed, swinging a hand towards it.
Law gave her a pointed look. "I know. That's why I'm sleeping over here."
"Um, doctor, I get that you don't like the idea of sharing a bed but my bed's really big and you can occupy the other side of it." Elka explained, her tone somewhat chastened.
"I'm a light sleeper." Law replied in a matter-of-factly way. He even sounded like he was done with their conversation.
"Not surprising, but I won't settle down if you don't sleep in my bed." Elka reasoned.
Law narrowed his eyes on Elka. "Why do you insist? Wouldn't you benefit if I guard you in your sleep?"
Elka's eyes widened in surprise. The Warlord always had unusual motives for every little action he takes. "Well, I appreciate it but I think it'd be better if you don't. I don't want to wake up to seeing a dead body by the entrance."
"Then I won't kill them." Law decisively said, finally sitting down on the floor. "And besides, I could always dispose of the body."
"All the more reason to get you to sleep in my bed instead." Elka wearily sighed. Law was difficult to handle and Elka felt like she was ready to raise her white flag any second now. In fact, since they met, she'd been all ready to surrender, but man was she stubborn. The world should really thank her for loving it enough that she was willing to push her limits for the sake of peace and quiet. The thought tugged her lips into a smirk.
Law remained quiet and decided to just watch the woman. He knew where Elka was coming from but that didn't mean he would readily accept her examples. Sharing beds was never the issue. He was only concerned with her safety; he was the one needing to tell her 'I don't want to wake up to seeing you dead or gone'.
Elka suddenly hopped off her bed and approached Law. With both hands on her hips, she looked at him and said, "For now, get up and follow me, doctor."
"You're going out?" Law asked. He was surprised but he managed to mask it with indifference.
"Yeah. Not exactly out in the rain though." Elka glanced at the wall clock hanging by her computer and announced, "We'll go to the kitchen."
=/=
Quarter to nine and the duo found themselves traversing the corridors of Maris dormitory. Elka greeted a few dormmates they met, some of them inquiring about Law's presence while others giving out concern asking confirmation about the news they saw on TV. Elka did her best to make every chats as brief as she could, mostly ending them with an excuse to getting dinner. She knew almost everyone in their floor and she was thankful they were all friendly but Elka preferred to keep her circle of friends small so she only see them as acquaintances.
The Warlord stood out so much given his actual height, and since his shirt's sleeve is short, the tattoos on his arms called out more attention. More often than not, Elka was called out by her mates just to ask about Law. They would grab her arm and pull her over, whispering to her ears questions not meant for the man to hear. Elka would only force a smile and give them one word answers, mostly just saying 'yes' or 'no' without further elaboration. Law didn't mind every stop but eventually, he felt like they were being stalled too much and he had quite enough.
"Elka-ya, ignore them." Law announced, not stopping on his tracks when the next girl grabbed Elka.
Elka understood what Law meant and quickly excused herself. She caught up to him and assured him that they were almost there. Elka avoided all sorts of conversations since then, only apologizing to the rest of the girls interested about her 'cousin'.
The dormitory's common kitchen was big, cool and well-lit as well as the dining room connected to it by an open arch. Said room can accommodate at least six people at a time. There was a snack seated at the island in welcoming gourmet kitchen and most utensils and kitchen appliances were available for use. There was also two refrigerators with which the residents could fill with their groceries. A window was placed by the sink, a medium round mirror hung by the wall in line of the wooden dining table and the wooden chairs looked cozy with pillows over their seats. The walls were painted white, similar to the walls of the hallways and the floating wood tile complemented the dining set. There was also a huge maroon carpet embroidered with flowers of dark colors underneath the dining table.
Elka stepped in and opened a closet, taking out a pink apron and wore it. "Doctor, take a seat. I'm going to cook dinner."
Law didn't move from his place and watched Elka do her thing. With a cup on hand, she opened a cabinet under the sink and scooped one cup of rice, pouring it over an iron bowl and rinsing it in water. Soon she placed it on a rice cooker and put a lid on it, leaving it alone while she placed a frying pan over the electric stove.
"So you do have rice in this place." Law stated, seemingly satisfied with this realization.
Elka huffed. "Of course. When did I say we don't have rice?" she took out a chopping board and began chopping onions and garlic.
"You said bread is your staple food." Law was now standing behind Elka. He watched her slice the said spices into small pieces and was amused to see the woman handle a knife.
"Yeah, but rice is our traditional food. Aisa's known for it." Elka poured a teaspoon of soy sauce, rice vinegar and olive oil over the heated pan and sauteed the onions and garlic she chopped. "I actually only said that earlier to tease you, or something like that."
"You like bread, that much I understand." Law was curious but didn't bother to stretch the issue. "But that doesn't warrant you to force it on me."
"I know. I'm sorry." Elka took out the defrosted chicken meat from the fridge and chopped them into smaller pieces, finally putting them over the pan and mixing it with the sauteed vegetables. She then sprinkled salt over it and covered it with a tempered glass lid to braise.
When Elka turned around, she found Law intently staring at her and this surprised her. She almost jumped back when she found him standing so close to her. All those times she was replying to the Warlord without looking back at him, she thought he was seated by the island.
"You look so surprised." Law wondered aloud.
"I..didn't expect you to, well..." Elka felt embarrassed just thinking about what she was about to say so she stopped herself and turned away from the man. "Anyway, take a seat. Five minutes and they're probably done."
Law wordlessly obliged but he didn't go to the dining room and instead, took a seat at the island, his eyes remaining on Elka.
Elka felt jittery when it finally dawned on her that the Warlord was actually watching her. It took a lot of courage for her to bluntly ask, "You..didn't just stare at me this whole time, right?"
Law smiled. "This is the second time you asked me that." placing his elbow over the counter, he rested his cheek over his palm and looked at her softly. "I like observing people. I thought it was obvious."
Elka suddenly blushed. It was clear Law was referring to people in general and not her particularly but it still struck a nerve. As a fan, she admired him although she always knew he didn't exist but now that he was alive and real, she just couldn't help but feel happy about it, regardless of the horrible events that had taken place since.
"Your face is red. Are you okay?" Law's smile was now gone and replaced with a frown. He looked and sounded genuinely worried it made Elka's heart flutter.
"I'm okay." she weakly replied, twirling around so she could focus on her cooking instead. It was true she'd been crushing over Law for quite a while since his character introduction, but he was fiction and she knew it was just infatuation and fascination. But now that the real thing was with her, and she was even cooking for him, she just thought it was sorely neat.
Sorely.
Trafalgar Law was fiction. She'd been stressing this out mentally to keep her logic intact. He was going to leave Earth any time soon. Elka was all for it because she strongly believed it was wrong for him to stay in her world but the way they spend peaceful times together, although it has only been a day, moved her. She almost wished Law was someone different, someone who actually exists in her world - she wished Trafalgar Law was not Trafalgar Law. It was contradictory, but she didn't know how to properly put it into words.
Soon, Elka served the food she cooked. She put away the apron she wore and laid out the plates, spoon and fork on the table before sitting across Law. Initially, the two ate solemnly until Law suddenly raised an unexpected question.
"Given the chance, would you come with me?"
Elka immediately stopped eating and gaped at the man. "Pardon?"
"You said you liked my world so I was wondering if you would like to go in there." Law sounded disinterested but him asking the question meant otherwise.
"Of course I would love to visit the world of One Piece." Elka stated sternly. "Believe me, I would really want to go in there and possibly stay there for the rest of my life but that's just me trying to escape my reality."
"You sound devastated." Law was curious. He could come up with a number of reasons why Elka would say such a thing but he wanted to hear it from the person herself.
Elka forced a smile. "Well, for one, I can't possibly live long enough in there. I mean, pirates and bandits everywhere? I can't even fight. I'll probably become some random helpless extra with no impact to the story or even an identifying quality."
Law nodded. He didn't speak yet and waited.
"And, I'll probably lose interest... If I ever get to your world, I would like to explore it. I'll probably try to become a pirate but I'm certain the marines would catch me first before I even get a decent crew."
Law lightly hummed, lifting up his glass of water to have a drink.
"And besides, I..definitely won't belong there. Given the fact I know a lot about it and that I practically know what happened until now would make it boring. I could hope to change it somehow but we'd be back to reason number one." Elka sighed. "Also, I do like this world of mine a bit. I guess I'm contented with my life right now."
Law studied Elka for a moment. "Are you even aware you're practically telling me you deserve to be part of my crew?"
Elka turned her head and looked at Law wide-eyed. "Pardon?"
Law snorted. "I'm sure you heard me."
"I never said I wanted to join your crew. And besides, what use would you have me?"
"Your knowledge." Law smirked. He finished his food while Elka was delivering his monologue so he set his plate aside and placed both elbows over the counter. "You mentioned you know a lot about my world and I could use the information you hold to my advantage."
"Wouldn't that spoil the fun for you?" Elka sounded a bit disappointed with Law.
"I won't ask for what happens in the future. What I need are vital pieces of information, facts of my world that I'm unaware of." Law brought his hands together in a manner as if he was concocting a preposterous but entertaining plan. "For example, everything you know about the marines. Or better yet, the World Government."
Elka's expression turned into understanding and awe. Given their situation, the Warlord would most likely believe her if she said anything about the World Government and its secret organization, CP-9, implying that there may be more of this 'Cipher Pol' identities given by the number attached to the name. Although she was unsure how it would play out, the thought thrilled her.
But Elka told herself she couldn't go with Law when it came to that. "You see, I have a life here and I'm quite satisfied just reading the series progress. Don't get me wrong, I would love to join your crew but I don't want to abandon my identity."
Law's eyes widened in pleasant surprise. He understood the woman had high regards for herself and he admired that. Not all had enough faith on their selves and posses the guts to refuse an invitation by the Surgeon of Death himself.
"I'm impressed. Now I really want you on my crew."
Elka's cheeks flushed. "I... I'm flattered, really, but I just think it's wrong to be in your world. It's..the same thing as how you're stuck here in my world."
"About your identity, I'm sure you can keep it. That personality of yours is already your defining quality." Law spoke in a rich, low voice in an attempt to coaxing the woman into agreeing with him.
"You got it all wrong, doctor. I'm still studying to become a doctor, and it's my dream to be a good, and the best doctor, if not in the whole world, at least in our country."
"I think you're forgetting I am a doctor." Law's grey eyes glinted in delight. "I can teach you what I know. You can be my assistant as well."
"But I plan to serve my country, and I want to stay close to my loved ones." Elka spoke as if she was telling it to herself. "I would love to join your crew, become a pirate and explore your world but that's just a fantasy. This is my reality, doctor, and as much as I would love to escape this, I feel obligated to stay and live it as it is."
"So you mean you're chained to this feeling of obligation of yours?"
"It's not like I'm being forced. I wanted this. I chose this. My life. Myself. My whole sense of self is here." Elka cracked a smiled and added, "I'm sure you feel the same, that's why you're so eager to go back to your world, right?"
Law stared at Elka in awe, the woman was tougher than he thought. She had strong values and solid beliefs, no wonder she was so stubborn and naive. And he could relate to what she was saying, convincing him it was enough baiting her.
Elka resumed eating when Law didn't say anything more. When she was done, she washed the dishes like usual and ultimately, the two went back to Elka's room.
=/=
Elka fell fast asleep as soon as Law yielded to her request and laid down beside her in the condition he took the side closer to the door. Elka was so beat that the moment she closed her eyes, she quickly drifted into slumber. Not surprising since their argument went on for a good hour considering how Law hated getting ordered around and how the idea was conflicting with his initial plans.
The night was still young when Law decided to get up. He couldn't sleep because of that one issue weighing on his mind: Elka is unaffected by his devil fruit power. Now after all those times they shared, he was feeling a bit reluctant to actually harm the girl. Still, he wanted to confirm it again just in case.
Room.
Law approached the closet and pulled out his sword that was sitting between it and the bookshelf. He unsheathed it and looked at Elka. Seeing her peaceful face made him drop the idea of imbuing his sword with haki. He pointed his sword over Elka's body until he finally swung it into thin air, slashing her blanket into two but her body remaining intact.
She's still unaffected.
Law speculated that the ineffectual of his devil fruit powers over her might actually be a clue on how to return to his world. Elka was the only one, implying she herself might be the portal to his world, or if not the actual portal, obviously his only key.
After sheathing his sword, he placed a hand over her chest. At first, he just assessed the rise and fall of her chest during regular inspiration and expiration. Law was hesitant, and it was a first for him. Nonetheless, he decided it was for the best, so he raised his hand to the level of his chest and stroke down to Elka's chest with his open palm.
"Mes."
Nothing happened, but what baffled him was that Elka did not respond to the strike and he felt a repelling force under his palm. This prompted the man to check his hand but nothing seemed to have changed. He placed the same hand over Elka's chest once more, and confirmed he was able to touch the girl, yet when he used his ability, he couldn't even reach her. This kept gnawing at him, making him feel anxious and frustrated.
And he wondered. Was Elka somehow possessing a strange ability herself?
Law just stood there and stared at Elka's sleeping face. He tried to think of something but he was drawing a blank. Deeming it pointless to keep mulling over it, Law decided to just leave it for the time being and rested.
=/=
Trafalgar Law woke up when a small light began to stream from the window. He glanced beside him and found Elka sound asleep still. Relieved, he got up and decided to inspect her whole room again but Elka's eyes fluttered open when the mattress moved. Their eyes met, and after a brief silence, Elka also got up.
"You're up early, doctor." she remarked.
"So you're also a light sleeper?"
"Yeah, kind of." Elka hopped off the bed and went to the bathroom to wash her face. "Actually, it depends. If I'm too tired, even the blaring sound of an alarm clock wouldn't wake me." she said as she wiped her face with a soft towel.
"Figures." Law mumbled to himself. Since Elka didn't wake up when he tried to use his ability on her last night, he knew she was exhausted to breaking point. Now that she got enough sleep though, she'd pretty much wake at the slightest movement.
"Uh, doctor? I have another idea to help you get back." Elka announced as she made the bed.
"Let's hear it."
"This afternoon, let's go to GreemBills Shopping Center. That's where I buy my toys and they might help you out. Although, I'm not sure how."
Law looked as if he was having second thoughts about it but nodded in agreement anyway.
Not later, the two were walking through the hallways once more. Their destination, the kitchen for breakfast. Their walk went smooth without all the girls to stall them but when they got to the kitchen, they were surprised to see a certain redhead standing in front of the stove.
"Oh, Elka, good morning." Ross greeted as soon as he heard her gasp. He didn't even bother to check if it was truly her, his eyes fixated on the pot he was heating.
"Ross, you're earlier than usual." Elka replied, gesturing at Law to take a seat, to which he reluctantly obeyed before Elka approached the young lad. "Anyway, what are you cooking?"
Ross spared Elka a glance once she was beside him. "I'm boiling pork ribs. This takes a while so I went ahead and started it."
"Oh, pork ribs huh? What did mistress Glenn say?"
"Don't worry about ma, she wouldn't mind." Ross returned his focus back on the boiling pot. "She did tell me to help you out when I can."
"Thank you, Ross. Please extend my thanks to the mistress later too." Elka went towards the water dispenser and switched on its 'hot' function. She then took out three mugs from the cupboards and placed them over the table. "Oh yeah, doctor, what would you have? Coffee or tea?"
Law only looked at her.
"Doctor? Oh, is he your cousin?" Ross was looking over at the Warlord by then. Turning the electric stove's power to minimum, he left it alone and approached Law. "I'm Ross. I'm glad to finally meet you."
Law didn't respond and only looked at the young lad. He studied his face as he felt something amiss from how the redhead stared at him.
Elka decided to properly introduce the two to break the awkward silence that suddenly took place. Gesturing at Ross, she said, "Ross, he's do- err, Law." she then gestured to Law and stated, "Doctor, this is Ross. He's a friend."
Law noted how Elka stressed the word friend to him. He figured Elka sensed his cautious distrust towards the redhead but he was confident the gal at least knew where he was coming from. The lad had a strange aura surrounding him despite looking all simple and neutral.
Ross extended a hand to the Warlord and smiled a little. "So it's mister Law huh? Or can I drop the honorific?"
Law smirked. He ignored the redhead's offered hand and turned to Elka to answer her earlier question. "I'll have coffee. Two sugar cubes."
Elka grew nervous. She saw what just happened and she was afraid of how Ross would take it. She looked at the redhead with apologetic eyes but the lad didn't seem to mind at all. Ross only sighed, taking his hand to the back of his head ruffling red locks under it.
"Ross, I-"
"Don't sweat it." Ross boredly replied, not allowing Elka to finish her apology. He then went back to the stove to check on the pork ribs he was boiling.
Grey eyes flashed towards the redhead's back. Law was certain he detected strong hostility coming from the lad but it was gone by the instant he took notice of it. His eyes narrowed on the man as he quietly observed him.
"Well, what would you have, Ross? The usual?" Elka decided to forget what just happened and shot Law a glare. She then walked up to the pantry, taking out packets of coffee and sugar cubes.
Ross lightly hummed. "Nah, don't make anything for me. I'll only drink whole milk today."
"Wow, that's new." Elka remarked, placing all packets over the table. She jogged towards the fridge and took out a pitcher of milk. "What gives? I thought you can't live without coffee?"
Ross glanced back at her briefly. "Hey, I can change my mind whenever I want."
"Right." Elka smirked. She sat beside Law this time, and the two began speaking in a low tone to avoid alerting the redhead.
"Doctor, please don't be rude to Ross."
"How long have you known him?" Law asked, almost accusingly.
"More or less three months?"
"How much do you know him?"
Elka frowned. She didn't understand why Law was asking her those kinds of questions but she decided to answer honestly to find out where their conversation was going. "I guess enough to be friends?"
"You talk often?"
"Not really. Only during breakfast."
"Do you like him?"
"Of course. He's a bit eccentric but he's a good guy."
Law looked intently at Elka. "How much do you trust him?"
Elka stopped to think, her eyes narrowing at the question. "What are you getting at?"
Law didn't say anymore. The two just stared at each other until Law himself decided to break eye contact and focused on his coffee.
Elka grew worried with the way Law spoke to her. She couldn't grasp the essence of his questions. Elka glanced at Ross and she couldn't accept Law's suspicions towards the lad. To Elka, Ross had been a good person. She was the only person who actually uses the kitchen, and because of Ross, Elka stopped eating alone in that huge kitchen.
"Doctor, Ross is a friend. I assure you, he's a good person." Elka said, almost pleadingly.
Law didn't respond. Hearing Elka say it that way was enough to make him understand how much she trusted the young man, but since she sounded eager to make him comfortable around the redhead meant she probably trusts him more. It spoke volumes of how true Ross's eccentricity Elka mentioned earlier, making him infinitely curious about the guy.
=/=
When Ross served the food, he showed Elka his phone and announced, "Hey Elka, you should see the footage that was shown to us in last night's news."
Elka jolted by the mention of 'last night's news'. She inhaled deeply before urging the redhead to show him the video he was referring to.
"I'm sure mister Law is curious as well." Ross glanced at Law, smiling a little before operating his device to find the said video. "It's actually the talk on famebook today, since there was a full footage leaked in the net."
Elka swallowed hard as the realization hit her. It was what frightened her the most - technology. Internet was a powerful tool for everything, good or bad, and she'd been wanting to avoid trouble in order to shun away from watchful gazes that is the internet.
Later, Ross handed over his phone to Elka. "I apologize beforehand if it brings back bad memories. And man, we're about to eat breakfast too. I just thought you have to see it if you hadn't yet, Elka."
Elka was anxious since the beginning of the video. Law also peered over the phone to see what made Elka so nervous. He was surprised to see himself in it, making him wonder how far different their technology from his world was. Everything was caught on camera until the part where the man holding Elka hostage fell back dead. Suddenly, the camera went black until it got tossed over and was now showing one of the masked men standing before it. The video stopped and showed static, hinting the camera might have been broken by then.
At first, Elka was confused about it until she caught a glimpse of Law from the corner of her eye, reminding her of Law's ability to switch things. He might have taken notice of it and switched it over with one of the men's gun but she could never be sure. Law looked like he was fascinated with what he was witnessing, a smirk plastered on his face.
"So that's what it was." Law muttered to himself in understanding. Elka heard this, prompting her to elbow the man. She shot him a knowing look before looking at Ross.
"Ross, is this the whole footage shown in the news?"
Ross's eyes widened in surprise when he heard her question. "You mean you really didn't check?"
Elka forced a smile before returning his phone. "I didn't exactly want to see it, Ross..."
"Right. Sorry about that." Ross took the phone and kept it in his pocket. "Well, no. The news only showed the part where mister Law stabbed the guy pointing a gun at him on the neck. They cut it there."
Elka nodded solemnly, her gaze drifting to Law who remained quiet and apathetic about the matter at hand.
"Mama said mister Law just did what a normal person would when threatened but I think he just knew what he was doing." Ross stated. He appeared to be pleased. "I mean, that swift movement was decisive. He was certain his opponent won't be able to retaliate." Ross looked at Law in amazement, blue eyes glinting in awe. "And he had quick thinking. Who would have thought to cover themselves with their opponent's body in that sticky situation? I bet he's one of the FBI, CIA, whatever secret big shot people, right?"
Law was surprised at the redhead's keen observation. From that angle, and even without sounds, he figured out what was going through his mind. It just strengthened his suspicions, and also his curiosity about the young man. He didn't look it, but Law knew the kid had something up his sleeves.
Elka, on the other hand, was not pleased by this. She frowned at Ross's remarks. "So that's why you wanted to meet my cousin." Elka sighed. "Look, Ross, he's not some kind of mafia or whatever. If he was, then I will be too."
Ross giggled at the thought. "Right. Ain't too realistic." he stared at Elka fondly. "I'm just glad mister Law had great instincts. I'd be sad if you got hurt, Elka."
"Really? You're hurting me right now, though." Elka replied, her tone laced in sarcasm.
"Right. Sorry about that. I'll stop here." Ross grinned at the gal, his eyes looking playful rather than apologetic. He then glanced at Law and said, "Mister Law, I hope you don't mind my company."
Law lightly nodded his head, giving Ross the acknowledgment he had been seeking since. The redhead looked fairly pleased by it, and Law noted how that tiny hostility he'd been sensing up to that time completely vanished. It turned out the lad was just as simple as the next guy, although he still felt there was something different.
=/=
When the trio finished, Ross volunteered to wash the dishes and Elka decided to wait for him to finish before they all part ways. Law didn't mind as he still wanted to know more about the redhead.
"So Ross, what were the comments to that footage? I didn't get to read them earlier..." Elka asked, slightly scared with the lad's answer. She had a good grasp of what people might say about it and she was thankful their faces weren't too clear in the video, otherwise it'd be hard for them to walk outside.
"Well, everyone was curious about mister Law." Ross began. "Most of the comments was asking who he was and if they could get a clearer image of him."
Elka rolled her eyes. She should have expected that much from the internet. "Great. What else was there?"
Ross glanced at her over his shoulder. "They were praising mister Law's actions, saying it was cool and all that jazz."
"I don't know if I should be happy about that." Elka sighed.
Ross returned his focus to washing dishes. "There were a few critics though, saying it wasn't right and that mister Law deliberately hurt and killed those masked men." as he was done, he dried his hands on a towel hanging by the fridge and approached the two. "Personally, I think mister Law did the right thing. Intended or not, preserving your own life should be number one."
Elka seemed hesitant but she couldn't deny the truth behind the redhead's words. Even in court, they might still consider it as self-defense, especially since Law was indeed held at gunpoint several times. He even got scraped by a bullet; fighting back was already a given.
"Anyway, we're going to the convention today, right?" Ross asked.
Elka was shocked. "Convention?"
Ross wondered. "You forgot? You've been telling me since Monday you were excited for today's convention, Elka."
"Wait, what? What convention? What day is it?"
"1st of October?" Ross frowned. "It's the biggest Cosplay Convention, right?"
Elka put her hands on her head in panic. "Oh my fuck! I totally forgot!"
Ross gave a short laugh. "I guess that means we're not going anymore, huh?"
"I'm sorry, Ross! I think I do remember saying we're going today, ugh..." Elka looked like she really regretted it, making Ross feel a bit guilty for reminding it to the gal.
"Don't worry about it. We can go next year." Ross reassured, lightly patting Elka's shoulder.
"I'm real sorry, Ross. You see, me and doctor had plans today."
Ross raised his brows in shock, blue eyes drifting towards the Warlord. "Doctor? Now that I think about it, you mean, he's a doctor?"
"Yeah." Elka glanced back at Law and smiled a little. "A really good one."
"Really?" the redhead hardly believed Elka's claims. He looked at Law once more, carefully studying his face. "Wow... You're a doctor? I mean, with that kind of prowess in battle I never would have..." Ross paused to completely admire the Warlord. He then took notice of Law's tattoos on both arms and hands down to his fingers, morphing his expression into confusion. "Hold on, those tattoos look familiar."
Elka flinched at Ross's reaction. She knew the redhead would recognize Law's tattoos sooner or later for he was also a fan of One Piece. Although not as hardcore as her, Ross was well versed with One Piece characters.
"You probably saw it on a book." Law finally spoke, his voice smooth.
Elka nearly yelped when she heard Law's voice. And to think he would even hint at Mangas being books, the Warlord clearly wanted to start something.
Ross stared hard and long, thinking deep until he decided to say out loud what was on his mind. "You're a fan of One Piece?"
Law smirked. "Probably."
"Oh. I can guess who's your favorite." Ross sounded excited but suddenly, he froze in the spot. "Wait, you're called Law too?"
Elka decided to butt in. "Yeah. Auntie had a huge obsession with one syllable names." her voice came out even despite the forced smile on her face.
"I see." Ross nodded at Elka. He stared at Law and grinned. "But man you're lucky! You get to carry the name of your favorite character, mister Law!" Ross happily exclaimed. It seemed the lad was warming up to the Warlord by then. "You even look a lot similar, same goatee and sideburns. You must be a huge fan!"
Elka had never been thankful to Ross being as innocent as she'd be at times. She was also glad Law didn't take his hat along with him that time, otherwise it would have made Ross all giddy with Law's 'obsession' with One Piece, or something like that.
Law got curious about the people idolizing their personas. It was true he disliked it at first, but as he conversed with another person besides Elka regarding his world and the well-known figures in it, he began to find it funny.
"So, who's your favorite, Ross-ya?" Law asked, making Elka turn her head to him in shock, gawking at him in utter disbelief.
Ross looked glad. "You probably would hate me since you like a pirate. For me, I like Admiral Akainu. Yeah, he could be very extreme and cold, but he's just doing what he deems right. I really loved how he became Fleet Admiral. I bet he'd make the Gorosei mad for the rest of his reign as Fleet Admiral."
Law's eyes widened as he listened to the redhead. Knowing that, he had a good grasp of the lad's values and morals. Fleet Admiral Akainu was ruthless, and he could see the similarity between the two.
Amused, Law gave him a light pat on the head. "Good choice."
Elka didn't understand why Law was pleased with Ross's revelation. She herself felt so disappointed in Ross when he told her who his favorite was. She even argued with him for a whole week to make the boy change his mind but his beliefs were firm, until she just gave up and accepted that every fan views One Piece differently. After all, what's important was that they all enjoy the story.
Soon, the trio went on separate ways. Elka told Ross they could at least go tomorrow since the convention runs in two days. Ross agreed, wishing her and Law the best of luck for their plan that day.
"Doctor, do you, maybe, like Admiral Akainu?" Elka abruptly asked, making the Warlord halt in his tracks.
Law glared at her. "What is it now, Elka-ya?"
"You told Ross he was a good choice. Why?" Elka looked intently at Law. "Honestly, I hate Akainu. He killed Ace."
"So you knew that." Law stated, delighted that Elka's knowledge wasn't a bluff. "You're telling me you like Fire Fist-ya, correct?"
"Of course! Ace is Luffy's brother!" Elka exclaimed pointedly. "Akainu played dirty! They should've been able to save Ace if he didn't trick one of Whitebeard's men!"
Law rolled his eyes and resumed walking, making Elka yell angrily at him. It didn't stop him though, forcing Elka to run after him.
"Hey, what's this?! What's this kind of reaction?!"
"Look, I don't know what exactly happened in that war, and I'm glad you had inside intel, it makes you an invaluable ally. But know this, Elka-ya." Law stopped when they reached Elka's door. With a piercing glare, he sternly stated, "It doesn't matter which world. Good and evil never really matter, for there is only the strong and the weak. Justice, Elka-ya, only the strong can claim it."
Elka was flabbergasted by Law's statement. She understood Law only acknowledged the strong considering how his world worked but she also realized by then, power was also everything in their world. Money, weapons, fame and connections - they represented power, and people who possess all at once were the law. Elka gritted his teeth in frustration. She refused to agree yet what the Warlord had stated was true.
"So you're telling me, you admire the Admirals?"
Law sighed. "No, but I do recognize their strength, and I respect it. As a Warlord, I got to talk to them at least once."
"You're still a pirate. You can't possibly be saying you're afraid of them."
"I will overcome them." Law decisively declared. "I never said I was afraid of them. I like the strong. There's no thrill defeating the weak, Elka-ya."
Elka seemed satisfied with Law's answer, making her brighten a little. Still, what he said about power, about good or evil, it hit her hard. In Earth, she was aware of it, only she kept ignoring it as it didn't really impacted on her life. But there existed the poor, the condemned, and the deceived who couldn't obtain justice as they were considered weak, dumb enough to fall for such trickery and eventually, falling into depravity, making them evil. It saddened her, but despite this, she told herself there was nothing else she could do. She was not a hero. She didn't have the power to help them, to tip the scales. She was just a simple student with problems just like everyone else. She was nothing special, and because of this she had to work hard. Elka decided to bury those feelings and thoughts for the time being as they were unnecessary. She had to focus on the problem at hand that was Trafalgar Law.