Rose POV

She awoke with a yelp, sweating, tears already streaking down her face. She couldn't remember what she'd been dreaming about, but judging by her pounding heart, it wasn't hard to guess.

It took her a long moment to fully rouse herself from the dream and realise where she was. But that gave her little comfort.

The operating room was much darker now, and she was alone. Only one of the surgical lights was on, and it was facing towards the ceiling, lightly illuminating the room. There was a biting chill in the air.

Breathing deeply to try and calm herself, she clutched the blanket to her chest. You're safe. She told herself, tears still gathering in the corners of her eyes. Everything willbe alright. She didn't fully believe the last part.

Free from the calming effects of the pain medication in her system, and the distracting presence of the doctor, she felt the full eight of her situation pressing on her shoulders. She was alone. She could be in danger. The dull sting between her legs was a reminder of what had happened to her in the cell.

Burying her face in the blanket, she sobbed quietly, the sound muffled in the blanket. Deep inside, she felt confusion, disgust and anger towards the Marines for what they'd done. But the worst part was the shame she felt it towards herself. It wouldn't have happened if I had stayed home, or not listened to them and unchained them, or if I had been stronger.

She squeezed her eyes shut, pressing into the blanket with a sob. I just want to go home.

Finally, after a while of trying to steady her erratic breathing, she felt her pounding heart calm down, and her hiccupping sobs ease. She wiped at her eyes to clear her blurry vision.

She then sat up, despite painful protests from her body. Her eyes travelled to the stool next to her bed. She thought of the doctor. Where was he?

Looking around, she saw that the trolley that had held the medical equipment now had upon it a glass of water. She felt her throat burn with thirst, and reaching out a trembling hand, she brought it to her chapped lips. She closed her eyes as the cold liquid washed down her throat. After gulping the whole thing back, she set it down.

Rose quickly performed a check up of her body. Her head hurt, but the pounding headaches had lifted. Her ribs were still very tender though and it was painful to move. Her foot throbbed too, despite the fresh ice pack that was wrapped around it. The familiar pangs of hunger were also present, but she couldn't focus on that now. What she needed to do was to find a way of escaping this hell hole.

She heard a muffled sound coming from the corridor outside. She jumped, startled, and twisted to look at the door. It was shut, but from the small space underneath the door, she could see the shadows of two figures moving closer. She heard voices conversing in low tones.

The voices hushed before the door was pushed open. Rose watched as the doctor entered, followed by the white bear in orange boiler suit. The doctor wore a different hoodie - a bright yellow and black one - but he was still wearing the furry cap.

They paused when they saw her sitting up. The bear looked like he was about to speak, but the doctor held up a hand to quieten him, watching Rose carefully.

"Get some food and water. Something plain is probably best." After a second, the bear nodded. The doctor flicked the light switch, the dim lights above humming into action.

Rose watched the doctor apprehensively as he approached. She had a lot of questions burning in the back of her mind she wanted to ask, but her trepidation prevented her from speaking.

"You been awake long?"

She shook her head, drawing the blanket closer around her.

"How long was I asleep?" She finally found her voice, and it was a little croaky from lack of use. Without windows in the room, she had lost all sense of time. The doctor seemed satisfied to answer, leaning back against the medical trolley.

"A while. 11 hours or so. It's just after dawn."

Rose nodded, not really sure what to do with the information. She looked down at the ground, swallowing nervously.

"How are you feeling?"

"Sore." Her fingers fidgeted nervously in her lap. "Didn't sleep well."

The doctor shifted, and Rose saw him twist to the supplies behind him. "I have some painkillers, but there are still some health checks I need to do first, to fully clear you."

Rose raised her eyes questioningly as he stood up, moving closer. "T-tests?" She asked uncertainly.

He nodded, holding a stethoscope. "I trust you'll co-operate?" After a second, Rose nodded. He was helping her…right?

The doctor moved behind her. "Sit up straight. Tell me if there is any pain." The doctor said as he lifted the back of her shirt.

Rose tensed involuntarily and jerked away from him, heart clenching. "W-what are you doing?" She stammered, trying to twist to see behind her, but then hissed in pain as her ribs throbbed at the action.

The doctor immediately let go of her, but didn't move. Wincing, Rose took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart and letting the pain subside.

"I'm not going to hurt you."

His voice was low. The timbre of it was almost gentle. Almost.

After a second, Rose nodded, gripping the table.

"S-sorry…" She breathed timidly. She heard the doctor shift behind her, and felt her top being pulled up to reveal her back.

She couldn't help tensing up a little. Whilst she now trusted that didn't have bad intentions - if he had truly been heartless, he would have left her to the men in the dungeon - he was still a stranger. Still a pirate. Yes, she was grateful to him for healing her, but that didn't mean that she wasn't still intimidated by him.

His fingers kneaded her back, tracing her spine. It was strangely relaxing and not at all painful. His fingers became gentler as he reached level with her broken ribs. Rose tensed up in anticipation for pain, but was surprised when none came. He seemed to have avoided the tender part of her back.

"What are you checking for?" She asked timidly.

"Disturbances in the neurological pathways." He replied. The medical terminology threw Rose slightly, until the doctor explained. "Your nerves." He felt the bones a few more times before she felt his hands retreat. "Do you have any dizziness or blurred vision?"

Rose shook her head. "No." After a hum of satisfaction from the doctor, she felt something very cold touch her shoulder blade. Flinching away, she looked over her shoulder. The doctor had the stethoscope's ears in and was frowning as he listened.

"Breathe normally." He told her, focusing his attention on her back. Rose turned forward again, doing as the doctor said. After repeating the check-up, this time with Rose breathing deeply, the doctor came back around the table into her field of view.

As he searched the trolley for something, she watched him closely. The dark circles under his eyes were more pronounced than before. His hair, although mostly covered by his hat, seemed tousled as if he had been running his hand through it repeatedly.

"Look me in the eyes." Rose raised her hazel eyes to his grey ones as he turned around. Almost instantly, she felt the same sensation she had felt last night - the weird trance. Despite everything, something was drawing her to this man again. "Try not to blink." He raised the object up to her face and flicked a switch. A bright light flashed in her right eye.

She instinctively squinted, but kept eye contact with the doctor. After examining one eye, the light switched to the other.

"Alright, good." He set the torch down. Rose watched him as he didn't move for a second. He seemed to be contemplating something, staring down at the torch on the table, his jaw working. Then he lifted his eyes.

"Do you have any memory loss of the attack? From your head injury?" He asked, watching her carefully. His eyes flickered around her face, reading her expression.

Rose's heartbeat picked up in was the first time he'd directly addressed what had happened. He's not going to make me tell him...right?

"S-sort of..." She murmured, trying not to recall it. "It's a little blurry, but I think I remember most of it…" She trailed off, feeling her voice catch as emotions threatened to overpower her. The doctor's mouth tightened as he watched her, and she dropped her gaze, feeling uncomfortable.

He spoke in a low voice after a minute. "Alright. That means there's no serious damage to your brain from your head injury." Whilst this was obviously good news, Rose felt numb to it in that moment. She was just thankful he did ask further questions about what she could remember.

Just then, the door opened, and both Rose and the doctor turned their heads. The white bear entered carrying a small bowl. Rose's stomach made a loud sound as an enticing smell met her nose, but she barely noticed. She hadn't eaten in at least a day. Her eyes fixed themselves on the food as the bear approached. She didn't even care what she looked like or how she was acting. She desperately held out her hand for the bowl.

As soon as it was handed to her, she began to eat ravenously. What she was eating barely registered in her brain, but it tasted like rice and fish and she spooned it into her mouth. Her jaw ached as she chewed, and she found swallowing painfully hard, but her eating pace remained the same.

Just having something in her stomach made her feel better. Warmth seeped from her core out to her fingertips. Her shaky limbs felt stronger already.

It was only when she had nearly finished her bowl of food that she realised she was being intently examined by the doctor. He had sat down on the chair a few feet to her left, surveying her quietly from underneath his furry cap. It was such an intense look that Rose halted for a second, her spoon hovering in front of her mouth. She felt like an animal in the headlights, almost frozen under his gaze.

"You might want to consider taking it slow, or it won't stay in your stomach for long."

Rose blinked, feeling her face heat up slightly, then looked down at her bowl, before finishing her food - slower than before.

She saw the doctor give the bear a small nod, dismissing it. She watched the polar bear depart, leaving her and the doctor alone.So many questions.

"I…" she began hesitantly. "I'm not hallucinating that talking bear, am I?"

She could have sworn the doctor's mouth twitch upwards, but if she did it was gone in an instant.

"No, he's a mink. They're from Zou."

Rose blinked quizzically at the doctor. Was she supposed to know what either of those were? "Oh. I've never heard of a mink."

As she finished her food, he finally handed her the painkillers and a fresh glass of water. She took them appreciatively. "T-thanks…" she smiled timidly at him.

The doctor folded his arms as he leaned back against the medical trolley, eyes glinting inquisitively.

"Tell me - how did you find this island?"

Rose was taken aback at first by his question. Why does he care? She hesitated to answer. How much should I tell him about myself? Then she thought, maybe he could help her get back home.

She briefly explained how she'd left her home island on a tiny wooden boat, and how over the course of two days had found herself in rough waters, and eventually been caught in the rough currents surrounding this island. He watched her intently as she spoke, hanging on to every word.

"I came from Agea, my home island." The doctor's eyebrows furrowed. Her hands fiddled anxiously with the hem of her shirt.

"Agea?" The word sounded strange coming from his mouth. Rose nodded, eagerly waiting to see if the doctor knew of its whereabouts. Her heart sunk at his next words. "I'm not familiar with it."

Rose looked down at her hands with a defeated sigh, which were clasped together. "I was hoping you might know how I could get back there..."

The doctor didn't say anything for a moment. "The Marines here have been observing islands nearby. Perhaps your island is one of them, and is on a map somewhere."

Rose raised her eyes quickly to his. "Observing? What do you mean?"

"I found evidence of an operation being ran here by the Marines. They've been observing and visiting nearby islands for years it seems. Apparently for valuable resources."

Rose was reminded of what one of the Marines had said in the cell, about having visited Agea for resources. Was this true? Had that been the reason behind the Marines regularly visiting her home island since she could remember?

"Really?" This surprised Rose - she had always been told the Marines were checking on them. Had it all…been a lie? "They do visit us a lot…maybe we are one of those islands."

"Do you know why they were visiting?"

"No," she shook her head. "I just thought they were protecting us from pirates…"

The man gave a short huff of derision at that. "They don't care about protecting people. They only care about themselves."

Rose didn't know what to say. Overall her experience with the Marines has been pleasant, apart from what had happened to her. But he's a pirate, and he saved you from them.

It was all deeply confusing to her - it's like what she had grown up believing was being turned on it's head.

She caught the doctor's eye. Even if he was a pirate, she realised she felt more safe with him now than she had felt with the men in the cell, even before they'd assaulted her.

"Do you know much about pirates?" He asked then, studying her with pensive grey eyes.

"N-not much," she admitted. "Just that they exist. I couldn't name any."

"Really?" The doctor seemed shocked at her response. "Your island must be isolated then?"

"I-I don't know…" She stammered. Was she showing her naivety? "Did you say there was a map showing where Agea is?"

He shook his head. "Not that I have found yet."

Deflated once again, Rose bit her lip and looked down. Please let there be a way for me to find my way home. She prayed inwardly. The prospect of never being able to return home…she didn't even want to think about it.

"I'll let you know if I find anything." He said then.

Rose raised her eyes to him in surprise. Would he help her get home?

"…thank you." She said quietly.

Silence descended upon them. Rose was still anxious about the whole situation she found herself in, but she felt slightly more at ease following the doctor's explanation.

Watching him now, she felt more questions fighting to bounce off her tongue. Who was this man? Why was he here? Would he help her?

She swallowed in preparation. "Who are you?"

He stiffened slightly.

"I'm not going to tell you that." The same response as last time.

"Why?" She asked quietly.

The doctor's mouth tightened. "I can't have you rat on me to the Marines."

Rose cocked her head, confused. "I don't understand… what would I tell them?"

He seemed to be contemplating whether to tell her, grey eyes searching hers. After a second, it seemed he decided to enlighten her. "That operation I mentioned? It's classified - I shouldn't know about it. They can't know I was here."

He wants to protect himself. Why exactly still wasn't clear.

"I -I won't say anything! Please, I just want to get back home…" she whispered pleadingly.

"Then you'll have to trust me." He said it earnestly. "Can you do that?" The way his grey eyes were watching her made her response surprisingly easy.

"Yes."

He was holding her gaze unflinchingly. It made her heart beat quicken, and she had to look away.

She then felt a sudden pressure in her abdomen. It took her a few seconds to realise what the urge was.

"I need to use the bathroom" She said, breaking the silence.

After a second to process her sudden question, he stood.

"Follow me."

Rose slid down from the medical table. As she put weight on her injured foot, she felt it give way.

"Wh-!" With a gasp, she felt an arm loop round her waist and catch her. Blinking in surprise, she looked up. The doctor had reacted quickly to catch her.

Rose's stomach flipped as she caught his grey eyes. He was warm against her. He smelled of disinfectant and sea salt.

"Careful." He muttered with a frown, pulling her back up, arm moving to avoid her tender ribs. His deep voice sent small vibrations through her.

"T-thank you..." Rose stammered, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks as she leaned against the doctor's chest to balance.

"I don't have a crutch, so you'll have to steady yourself on the wall."

Rose just nodded. Her heart wouldn't stop pounding, and she couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze. Why am I reacting like this? She thought to herself. She didn't understand why she felt oddly...lightheaded. Was it been the warmth of his body against hers, or his strong arm holding her up...?

As he helped her to the wall by the door, Rose was very aware of his hand steadying her by her upper arm. He was staying close, so close that Rose could hear his breathing, and Rose couldn't shake the strange fluttering in her stomach.

As she approached the door, she felt some of the weight on her shoulders lift. The corridor ahead was white, plain, but to Rose is screamed freedom. She hated this room, she wanted out of it.

The doctor reached around her and pulled the door open. Even the air outside was different - colder, yes, but cleaner and crisper. Rose took a deep breath as she entered the hallway.

"It's this way."

The sound of footsteps approaching them jolted Rose, and she looked over her shoulder. Judging by the heaviness of the feet, it must be a man approaching. Just as she saw a figure round the corner, she felt her heart drop.

The white uniform was all that registered in her mind before images of dim lanterns and dark corners flashed before her eyes. Her body screamed RUN!

She grasped the wall with trembling hand as she took a step back, away from the figure in white, away from danger. Then, her other hand found a warmth covered by soft material behind her. For some reason, one word sprung to her panicked brain.

Safe.

Rose acted without thinking. She ducked behind the object her mind was too startled to register, seeking comfort and protection from the man in white, and a terrified sound escaping her.

"Captain! Is that the girl you were talking about?"

It was only then she realised it was the doctor she was hiding behind. Her hand was curled into the side of his hoodie, her forehead resting against the centre of his back.

The doctor himself was tensed up, his arms raised slightly in surprise. He ignored the other person, turning to look over his shoulder at Rose. The one eye she could see was wide with astonishment. She stared back at him, shocked and embarrassed.

"Captain?" The voice made them both start.

"Yeah," The doctor's voice was distant as he turned away from Rose. His posture relaxed slightly, but Rose could sense an undercurrent of discomfort. When he spoke again, he did so stronger. "Yes, she is."

"Shouldn't she be in the pris-"

"No." A heavy pause ensued in which Rose untangled her hands and peeked out from behind the doctor's arm, observing the other man. He was wearing a white jumpsuit and a black hat with a fluffy bobble on the end. The word 'PENGUIN' was sewed into the hat. She realised then - it wasn't the garb of the Marines.

The man's head turned slightly towards her, and Rose locked eyes with him. She quickly ducked behind the doctor again.

"I need to get past. Could you please move out of the way?" The doctor said it in a way that wasn't a request. After a pause, Rose heard some shuffling.

"Yeah, sorry." Then the doctor stepped forward, his hoodie pulling from her grasp. Rose started forward and followed at a close distance, but turned to look at the other man. He seemed to be frowning.

"Here," the doctor said, nodding towards a door on the right.

"Oh, thank you." She pushed on the door, a sweet smell hitting her. After hobbling in, she pushed it closed behind her. As soon as she heard the door click, she finally relaxed. Finally out of sight from everyone.

She went about her business, then washed her hands and face in the sink. Looking at herself in the mirror, she saw the dark marks on her face and neck were extremely noticeable. Her usually blonde hair was a brown-ish colour, stained by blood and dirt. The sight shocked her down to the core, and she gasped. Then, with a trembling hand, she lifted up her shirt to display the red and blue blotchy skin of her torso.

Tears welled up in the back of her eyes as she stared at the broken girl in the mirror. That was her. She bit her lip, her mouth quivering. Then she let out a silent sob, covering her mouth with her hand as a single tear escaped onto her cheek. They were right. The world is dangerous. I should never have left.

~ x ~

Law POV

He stood with his back against the wall, staring at a spot on the wall as he began processing his thoughts. In all honesty, the fact that Rose and her island seemed fairly sheltered from the outside world shocked him. He would have at least expected her to know some of the Worst Generation names, such as the Straw Hats, or at least Blackbeard. The name of her home island echoed in his thoughts. Agea...

"Captain?" Law blinked out of his pensive state at the mention of his name. He pushed off the wall and turned the corner where Penguin was still standing.

"Penguin-ya." Law greeted him as his crew mate approached. He seemed to want to ask him something.

"So that was her? Why was she with you and not in the dungeon?"

"Because," Law said after a pause. "It is safer for her up here." Law explained briefly to Penguin the situation, leaving out the details of the rape. That wasn't necessary for Penguin to know. Penguin wore the same expression Bepo had – one of horror and indignation.

"Damn the Marines..." He muttered quietly, rubbing his chin. "Is she okay?"

"She will be."

"So is she not a prisoner anymore?"

"No, she is. Of sorts." Penguin cocked his head to the side, indicating for Law to explain. "She still can't learn who I am. I don't think she will as she apparently can't name a pirate. So the plan for now remains the same. If we can leave her hear for the Marines to deal with without risking her exposing me, that would be ideal."

"So she's not even heard of you? The Trafalgar Law, Surgeon of Death?"

"No," Law said, a little quietly then. "She's not a threat to us at all. I see that now." His words made his stomach clench a little. He didn't like admitting he was wrong.

Just then, Bepo came down the stairs.

"Ah, Captain!" He said, approaching the pair. He looked between them for a second. "What's going on?"

"Bepo-ya, I need to know something." Law turned to his navigator. "Have you ever heard of an island called Agea?" Law watched his first mate closely as he spoke.

"Agea?" Bepo shook his head. "I've never heard of that one. I'm certain it's not on the map."

"That's what I thought," Law said, frowning, "but it can't be far. She was out at sea for about two days in a tiny wooden boat. It must be close."

"If it's not on the map, you don't suppose it's undiscovered? Or one of the surveyed islands?" Bepo ventured.

"It's possible. Let me know if you find anything about it." Bepo nodded. Law turned to Penguin. "How's the submarine coming along?" Penguin sighed in response to Law's question.

"There's still a lot to do. We need at least another week. So far we've managed to salvage the lower floor – luckily the water didn't reach the top level. We're reattaching the wing now. Then we need to repair the underside and fix the breach."

Law nodded. "I'll help out. It will give one of you a break to watch her. Bepo-ya, you've been working on it every day?"

"Yes, Captain."

"Switch with me. I'll come check on her, but you watch her." Bepo seemed anxious about this news.

"M-me? But..." Law waited for him to continue, watching the bear closely. "You're the only one she trusts." Law unwillingly froze at that.

"Even so," he muttered, looking down. "I need to help fix the submarine. It'll only be for a few days." Bepo nodded then, still uncertain. "Just remember – she doesn't know who we are, and it needs to stay that way."