"You remind me of my mother's cook."
Keki paused, sending a glance Ginger's way before turning back to the meat she was currently seasoning. Her mouth was set into a small smile as she worked her magic and prepared the dinner that evening.
"Oh? What was that cook like?"
Ginger grinned, watching with a hand propped underneath her chin. "Most of the crew called her 'Blonde Francie', but aside from that she was an excellent cook and had an unusual fighting style too."
The old cook carefully placed the large slab of meat in the oven before asking, "What do you mean by that?"
"Mother never elaborated." Keki closed the door of the oven with one hand while turning to look at her, waiting for her to continue. "It was strange seeing her use it. She used water to send a dozen enemies flying through the air. I remember begging her to teach me."
"That sounds like Fishman Karate."
She shrugged, stirring the spoon inside her cup of coffee as the creamy white swirl turned her drink brown. "I suppose it was, but Francie was great at it." She sighed. "She was great at a lot of things." The memory of Blonde Francie often brought up the memories of the day when Greta surrendered. Aubrey, upon Greta's request, had locked Ginger inside the captain's cabin to prevent her from seeing the Marines fasten her mother's chains. However, thanks to most of the crew being distracted, she managed to slip out past Aubrey and Francie while making her way towards her mother. By the time Dane Ridge took over the ship it was too late to turn back once they realized she was gone.
I wonder where Francie is now. Probably serving another crew no doubt.
The kitchen on board the submarine was silent save for Keki's occasional 'tututut' as she bent down to check the dinner cooking in the oven. The rest of the crew were off doing their own thing while Trafalgar Law was no doubt in his quarters probably tempted to cut her heart open. Just the thought of it beating still enclosed inside its transparent prison as he worked sent a shiver down her spine. It wasn't natural to live and breathe without her heart. Her hand touched her chest, feeling how heavy it felt with each deep breath she took.
Keki took a seat across from her, observing her with a frown. "I would be careful in divulging such information to just anyone. Even if it's us it doesn't matter. I'm sure not everybody would be happy to know that you're Rogiko Greta's daughter."
Ginger grimaced. "You're right. I should be careful with certain information but it's the first time I've really been able to talk about my past with someone aside from my old captain."
Much to her surprise Keki reached forward and patted the top of her hand. Just by looking upon her face she could immediately tell that the older woman was sincere in her intentions. The small action reminded her of Marigold's unwavering kindness throughout her young life. "Your mother seemed like a nice lady," she paused, "and her actions might have made her be hated by the majority, but I can tell you really adored your mother. Be wise, Ginger-chan, not everyone has good intentions."
She had only known the cook for a couple of hours and yet it seemed as though her sound advice should be taken to heart. Ginger told herself before to be wary around Law because he couldn't be trusted. Ironic, however, that he had taken her heart because he couldn't trust her. She had no other intentions aside from surviving but he couldn't be sure of that. The thought of being in this crew while regarding them with suspicion began to make her question her decision. There was no going back now, however, considering that she couldn't very well get off the island unscathed.
"I said no hats in here!"
Ginger turned towards the doorway and saw Law walking in, passing a glance towards Keki who in turn waited for him to remove his hat. When he decided to instead sit at the head of table she stalked towards the oven, muttering underneath her breath all the while. Ginger smiled, taking a sip of her coffee while Law leaned forward on top of the table.
One hand was propped up against the side of his face as he turned his attention to her. "You mentioned earlier you were an infiltrator."
"I didn't put it exactly that way but, yes, I am."
Her remark went unfazed by him as he replied, "What else are you capable of?"
"Knives, and I can also use my Haki as well."
"Your swordsmanship is good but your Haki can use some improvement." Law leaned back then with his arm still resting on top of the table. "No Devil Fruit powers?"
The question caused her to shiver from the mere mention of it. It was unnatural, and perhaps her mother's reaction to Devil Fruit and their users played a part in instilling that same uneasiness into her. It was hypocritical on Greta's part solely for the fact that Dane Ridge was a Devil Fruit user herself. She had eaten the Kaze Kaze no Mi which in turn proved to be a useful power on the seas. She also had the task of being the navigator of the crew, but not even that position earned her favor from Greta. Much to Ginger's sympathy, Dane Ridge was always well aware what Greta thought of her ability, and she made no attempt to hide such a fact.
"No."
The way he stared at her made her uncomfortable. Just by his look alone it appeared as thought he was scrutinizing her down to the littlest detail.
He closed his eyes then just as Keki had reclaimed her seat. "You hold some grudge towards Devil Fruit users," his realization caused her to look at him with a raised eyebrow. "If that's the case you need to get over it."
Irritation was the first to come about as Ginger glared at him. She made sure to keep her anger in check, refusing to react in such a manner that would make him think twice about having her on board. "That's not my problem."
The way Keki looked from her to Law added further to the irritation rising inside.
"Then what is it?" He asked, opening one eye to look at her.
Her glare remained as she answered, "It's just not natural. The kind of power that comes with eating a Devil Fruit can go either way."
His sudden barrage of questions not only caught her off guard but proved challenging to answer. She had the answers, but he would determine them through her delivery. It was almost as if he was pushing her buttons to see exactly what she had to say on such matters.
Law heaved a sigh just then. "Would you feel the same to a Marine who had eaten one?"
His question plagued her thoughts, making her feel guilty almost immediately.
Ginger didn't know what it was like to be a Devil Fruit eater. Perhaps if she came close to one then she would change her mind. Dane Ridge was a special exception she supposed because she never used her ability when Ginger was around. Greta made certain of that. However, now that she thought of it, Greta's treatment of her ability was no different than how Ginger was now. Thinking back to when the feelings of uneasiness arose back on the island, she realized that it was similar to that. She was relying on her feelings, and not taking anything else into account.
"I would feel the same."
Once again a smirk came about Law's face as he propped an arm on the back of his chair. In one instant he switched his attention to Keki who had been too busy avoiding eye contact with either of them to notice his stare. Ginger was all too relieved that the talk was over, noticing at once that her irritation had dissipated. When it came to these situations she had to remember to always keep her anger in check. It was funny now that she thought about it; Greta's quick temper was something she had been cursed with.
"Keki-ya, she'll be bunking with you for now on."
"EH?" Keki's eyes looked from him to her.
Ginger immediately felt embarrassed at the thought of intruding in the cook's personal space. "Oh, that's really not-"
"What are you trying to do, Law?!" By this time Keki was standing upon her chair with both hands flat on the table accompanied by a look of annoyance. "There's plenty of room on this submarine!"
Law was nonchalant about her raising her voice at him, and the longer Ginger looked at him the more she found that he was completely at ease. He didn't seem threatened nor annoyed by the yelling. In a peculiar sort of way it was almost as if he enjoyed the reaction that he intentionally provoked.
Nonetheless, he gave a short laugh before flicking his hand at her. "I need someone to watch her for now. Why not have it be you?" Both women deadpanned at his remark. On Ginger's part it was mainly because he didn't bother to keep it a secret that he wanted eyes on her the whole time. She didn't care much for being watched, but this was his vessel and his word was final. Keki sat back down, scowling all the while as he continued to look at her. "What's with that look?"
"I'm not a babysitter," she growled. "I have children and grandchildren. I may think of you, and the crew, as my own but I know well enough that you don't need me to watch you."
"It's temporary until I know for sure she isn't hiding anything." Law turned to Ginger then. "Do you mind?"
It was then that Ginger found herself as the center of attention. He would no doubt be expecting her to fight him on this while Keki merely waited in anticipation for her answer. The sudden scrutiny caused her to fidget in her seat as she blurted out, "I'm fine!" Her blunt response caused Keki to laugh while Law remained cool and composed.
"So it's decided," he quickly added before Keki could protest. "She'll share your room for the time being, Keki-ya."
The cook sighed in defeat as she hopped down from her chair and muttered, "Unbelievable".
As she went to check on the dinner that was being prepared Ginger slumped forward with her chin resting in the palm of her hand. Her eyes watched lazily, becoming bored suddenly at having nothing to do. She supposed she could tour the submarine to familiarize herself with it, but the thought of getting up now didn't sound pleasant. Her other hand reached down to adjust the skirt of the dress she wore, pulling it forward to cover the top of her knees. If entertainment had come to fixing her clothes then she really had hit rock bottom.
"Come with me."
It was a sudden command, and she found herself begrudgingly following him from the kitchen to wherever he was leading her. They walked down the narrow hallway and Ginger was surprised that she hadn't run into any other crew member. The heels of her shoes clicked against the floor almost in sync with Law's steps. They had passed the eighth door when Law opened the next one and went through while she followed. Ginger found herself in the medical wing of the submarine with different kinds of machines and utensils scattered about the large area.
"Hey," she turned and saw him inclining his head to where he was at. "Let's go."
When she reached him she found that he was holding a stack of papers in one hand with dozens of folders scattered across the top of a desk that was tucked away in the corner of the wing. He pulled the chair out, motioning for her to sit down as he walked around and grabbed a few more folders from beneath the desk. Ginger complied, finding herself becoming awkward at the situation. Her hands were folded neatly in her lap when Law returned with the next stack.
"Double check the names with the diagnosis. Then stick them in a folder and label them." His directions were clear and straight to the point. Nothing she couldn't handle.
It was a mundane task, but if it kept her from being bored then so be it. "Why do you keep records?"
Ginger was surprised when he sent a glance her way and answered, "I need to keep track of everything I come across. From a cut to a disease. It doesn't matter." She nodded, licking the pad of her index finger as she began separating the countless pages. "Are you gonna ask anymore obvious questions?"
"I probably will in the distant future, captain." She said with a smile as an amused glint passed through her gold eyes.
Rather than continue to amuse her Law instead stepped off towards the medical equipment. He adjusted a few wires here and there as she worked at a steady pace. The silence hung in the air, same as before, where it was comfortable with no words needed to be exchanged on either part. It was when she was putting together Penguin's medical records that he passed her another glance.
Just as she was about to comment on Penguin's allergic reaction to fruit he turned his hand upside down. "Room."
The blue sphere returned and enclosed Ginger just as she jumped from her seat from its sudden appearance. Her uneasiness began to set in, and as she looked at Law with a questioning stare she found that he had not yet moved. He too was encased in the bubble he created, eyes staring at her impassively while his arms were folded in front of him. She stayed rooted in her place, afraid to move in case he decided to do something. The papers she had been busy with laid forgotten on the desk.
"What are you doing?"
Law unfolded one arm, finger extended, as he pointed it straight at her before it quickly darted to the side. When she followed the movement she saw that the chair rolled away from the desk. "If I wanted to hurt you I wouldn't have brought you on my submarine, Ginger. Calm down."
She swallowed again. "I can't." Her words came out in a sharp hiss.
"Calm down," he repeated, the authoritative tone came once more. "You'll be seeing my devil fruit powers often if you're going to stay on board."
"That makes sense," her voice rose steadily as she forced herself to relax. The ominous sound that the sphere gave off did little to help in that regard. "Why couldn't you explain it instead of showing me?"
"It's easier this way." Somehow she doubted that. "You'll come across enemies with different devil fruit powers. You have to learn how to not let it affect you while in their company― to not lose your focus."
"You could've just eased me into it."
"They won't give you that chance." He moved the chair back in place. When he looked back at her he saw that she had still not moved. "I said I'm not going to hurt you."
Ginger's nose crinkled. "I don't know that for sure." The impassive look was still present on his face, making him appear as though he was unconvinced by her statement. Overall, he seemed unimpressed that she wasn't giving in and forcing herself to be completely relaxed around his power. How could she? Her mother stated clearly that Devil Fruit users were unnatural, and had been drilling it into the young girl's head that being one was a fate worse than death. Greta made it clear that she should never partake in the temptation of eating one. From day one it had been "evil" this and "unnatural" that up until the point where she became scared at the thought of ever coming across one.
She cleared her throat, and slowly reached up . Her eyes were narrowed, and she gulped down the lump in her throat as she went until her fingers went through the sphere. Her hand retracted back almost instantly as if it burned her. Slowly, she relaxed, watching the sphere she was encased in warily.
After a few more seconds it disappeared, leaving her completely at ease again as her eyes turned to Law. "Which fruit did you eat?" If she wanted to get over the fear of the Devil Fruit she might as well start with knowing her captain's. From the information she had gathered as a Marine she only knew him as the 'Surgeon of Death', assuming at the time he was merely some mad doctor who enjoyed doing crude experiments.
His face was devoid of any emotion. "The Ope-Ope fruit." He replied calmly, saying no more.
Ginger sat back down upon the chair while straightening out the papers that were left scattered across the desk.
Her eyes were on the task, licking the tip of her thumb, she began separating the sheets as she said, "I see you're not gonna say anymore on it."
Law went towards the doorway in four quick strides. Once he reached it, he stopped though didn't turn to look at her. The trust was not completely there yet. That much was obvious among them, and even though they were comfortable in the silence it didn't signify that they were sure of each other. It was a very chancy risk to ask her in the first place at Sage's Island, and once they were sure that deal wouldn't fall through he quickly forgot about it. When she suddenly asked him the full realization of it seemed to bother him.
The repetitive sound of paper sliding against paper met his ears as he walked out of the room, leaving Ginger alone.