A/N: Hey everyone, just want to apologize as I did some more editing and therefore have to re-upload this chapter. Chapter 2 should follow shortly. I have written several fanfics before but this is my first One Piece attempt. I really hope you stay for awhile, grab a coffee and enjoy. Please don't forget to leave me a review/feedback on how did you like it.
Disclaimer - I do not own any of the character in this story.
The Noble and the Slave
In the Kingdom of Goa, there lives the Outlook family in a mansion situated in one of the more upscale district. Outlook III runs a business and is well known among the socialites. He has a wife who indulges in elaborate gaudy home decor and the latest noble gossips. And just like the other nobles, they point their noses up high towards the sky and sprout arrogance and selfishness towards those who they deem are lesser of them.
In the mansion, there also lives a young man at the ripe age of 17. The boy is different than the other nobles. In fact, he despises the stereotypical noble attitude and found their snobbish behavior quite distasteful. His appearance resembles nothing like his parents, except for the wavy blond hair that he inherited from his mother and he wears the traditional gentlemen top hat and long black coat similar to his father's. The boy grew his hair long and was blessed with prominent facial features which occasionally attracts a few attention from the opposite sex.
He had big dreams of travelling the world with his sworn brothers that he had met back at the Gray Terminal, a poorer part of the kingdom. It was a little over seven years ago, the boy exchanged his own freedom for his two brothers to live and sail the seas. Yet, he hasn't given up on his dreams. He would never. It was this very dream that kept him alive and living in this society that he despises so much.
Oh, and let's not forget, the young man has a stepbrother. Although the two boys grew up in the same household, there is pretty much zero similarities among the two. The Outlooks have made backup plans in case their own son doesn't become their successor. Recently, the stepbrother was given the special treatment to live abroad to attend an ultra exclusive private college. As for the boy, he was given private lessons in his own home. This way his parents can keep a close watch on him as they felt he still cannot be trusted.
"Young master Sabo, Professor Tudor is here." the butler announced and the boy will head towards the study to begin his lesson of the day. There were several times Sabo thought of running away from this hideous lifestyle. There was one particular day that he even built a raft so he could sail out to the sea. But for some unknown reason, the weather turned from a sunny day into a thunderstorm. Thus, he had to postpone his plan ... at least for now.
In the past seven years, Sabo spent most of his time coped up in his room. His room is like his sanctuary, away from all the other nobles. It was peaceful and tranquil as his window faces the garden in the back of the mansion. His room is spacious, consisted of two full size walk in closets and a private bath. His decor however is simple. Powder blue walls, a desk and a chair completed with a king size bed is all he ever need.
On several occasions, Outlook III do take his son out to attend his business meetings. He wanted him to gain exposure to his networks in hopes that Sabo will one day take over the family business. Aside from meetings, there were dinner parties at the palace and white tie events that he was forced to tag along. Sabo hated it all as that is where the socialites flaunt their wealth and brag about their successes. Everything about nobles were superficial. Despite how much he dislike these events, Sabo still went along; after all, he has his own agenda.
At these gatherings, Sabo would eavesdrop on some of the more interesting conversations that are exchanged among the nobles. Illegal weapon trades, embezzlement, money laundering, to drug trades. All these hidden agendas that are being carried out and blanketed underneath the sparkling champagne and crystal clear chandeliers. The bigger the parties, the easier for Sabo to maneuver among the guests, secretly collecting information and gathering evidence to put together a solid case against these people who are exploiting others under the power of money and influence.
There were times that he couldn't contain his excitement and spoke out at some of his father's meetings. Sabo really hope he can expose the ugliness beneath those who take things for granted by exploiting others. On these occasions, he would simply be sent to his room and was told to remain there for very long periods of time.
Between his studies and his father's work, Sabo will always make time to plan and record his investigations. He rolled up the sleeves of his light blue shirt and began preparing to conquer the stacks of paperwork on his desk. Then one day, while he is diligently reviewing some of the documents, a knock came behind him.
"Sabo." Outlook III appeared from behind the door. "Lately ,you have been taking on more studies and responsibilities from my business. To reward you for your hard work and dedication, I have a gift for you." Sabo looked up from his desk and starred at his father in surprise. He had never receive any praise or reward from his father ever before. He doesn't think he will like this one bit.
Following behind Outlook III was a girl. She was small in stature. Her head hung low and coarse orange brown hair draped across her forehead casting a dark shade over her face.
"Is time you are assigned a personal maid to attend to your day to day chores. She will be occupying one of your closet as a living quarter from now on, and will solely be dedicated only to you." Outlook III signaled the girl with a snap. The girl took a few steps towards Sabo. She was wearing the Outlook household maid uniform. A long sleeve periwinkle blue dress with white ruffles trimmed around her shoulders, sleeves, and along the edge of her dress.
"Thank you young master for letting me take care of you." she bowed deeply and smiled. It was not a genuine smile. Sabo took note of the doll like wide smile plastered on her face. He closed his eyes and sighed. This is the last thing he wanted. His only sanctuary to escape from the noble life is now invaded.
Outlook III saw the disappointment on his son's face and felt a glimpse of satisfaction in his heart. "Remember you will be taking over my role one day. Is time you start acting like one of us and put this slave to work." He remarked before closing the door leaving the two alone.
There was an awkward silence as Sabo is still sitting on his chair facing the new occupant in his room. The girl finally spoke quietly. "Your command,... young master."
The boy looked at her intently and asked her a question which she least expected. "So, what is your name?" His voice was gentle and genuine.
Taken back she lifted her head up to look at him. Her bangs parted revealing large dark blue orbs filled with surprise.
"Do you have a name?" He continued.
"I..I... do." She was stumbling. "Is... Koala" Her fingers intertwined as she clutched both of her arms tightly to her chest and awkwardly looked away.
Sabo chuckled and try to brighten up the mood. "You mean Koala as in like a Koala bear? That is a pretty cute name." He leaned forward and reached out a hand to her. "By the way, call me Sabo. "
Koala was more taken back than ever. No one ever asked for her name back when she was a slave in Mariejois, let alone extending a hand to reach out to her. "But... you are a noble. I mustn't... " She protested profusely and backed away from his invitation.
"Don't worry, I am different than the other nobles." He extended his hand further to her while his other cupped the back of his head. "I know I am a little bit of an odd ball that way. I believe in equality among the people. There is no one that should be more superior than the other, be it aristocrats or not. Since you will be staying in my room from now , let's try to get along Katrina." He gave her a reassuring smile.
Koala hesitated for a moment before she slowly reached out her arm to shake his hand. She didn't know what to think of her new master. The fact that he already forgotten her name only made her more suspicious of him.
I hope you enjoy this story so far. It was only intended to be a one-shot but seems like I might have to roll out another chapter later on. Please let me know what you think, leave a review or PM me. I will be happy to reply to all your comments and chat about anything Sabo or Koala. I love those two characters. If there is enough interest in this story, maybe I should continue? Reviews are always helpful and encouraging. And yeah I noticed the story pacing is a bit slow. I am hoping the next chapter will be more dialogues and interactions to make up for this. Thank you so much for reading!