Yoo~ And we're almost reaching the end! One more chapter to go after this and then I will start writing City of Lost Dreams 2 which will be centered around AcexMarco. Hint: The things that will happen there are a lot more complicated as many more factors play a role. You can see this one (SaboAla) as a prequel haha

(Reviews will be answered at the end of the chapter)

Enjoy!

Koala:

She knew this man. She knew him and yet her mind wouldn't accept him. He was a noble. His father clearly told her this man was her master now. If she didn't do as he told her he would punish her. She already received punishment a few minutes ago. Another one would be her death.

He gave her a strange look. Was he dissatisfied? Did she do something wrong? Maybe he saw some weakness in her? She was smiling right? Crying meant weakness. She couldn't afford to do that. She had to keep smiling just like her mind told her to do. It was the only way to survive. Please the masters was her job since there was no way out of this anyway.

He called her by her name. Koala. He was angry at his father. Maybe Koala wasn't good enough to be a slave. Maybe he would punish her now.

Fear tried to enter her body once more, but she pushed it away. She lowered her gaze again and fixed her eyes on the ground.

They hurt. She wasn't used anymore to keeping them open for a longer period of time. Blinking also meant weakness. Maybe they wanted her to clean up?

She looked around for a lap and when she couldn't find something to clean with, she wanted to rip a part of her blouse.

Hands held hers before she could touch her clothes. She looked up and met with sea blue eyes, one paler than the other. She remembered these eyes looking at her while they shared a bed. Pushing away the feeling that wanted to enter her stomach since she was a slave that specialized in cleaning and not pleasuring the masters, she immediately looked down and stared at their hands instead.

That didn't work either. She remembered them holding her, holding her face, hands, waist and.. her breasts. Koala didn't want to feel this. It was wrong. She wasn't worth that.

'' M-Mas..- ''

'' Don't. '' He whispered. He was kneeling down, making his pants dirty because of the grass. She should clean that too as soon as possible. '' You're my equal Koala. I'm not a noble. ''

He took her hands in his and caressed them with his thumbs. It made her remember when he showed her the neighborhood he lived in. Didn't he live in this house? It confused Koala as two different memories tried to take over. He managed to make her talk to him so easily, pleasure her which was supposed to be wrong and yet so gentle. He was a noble.. It wasn't supposed to be like this.

Koala started breathing more heavily as she tried to keep away the emotions that tried to build up inside her.

'' Why are you doing this to yourself, Koala? '' He whispered again.

I don't know you, she thought miserably. What did his father think? Was he okay with this?

When she didn't answer he let go of her hands and held her face with one instead. He caressed her cheekbone for a few seconds and then brought her face close to his. He hugged her and let her face rest in the crook of his neck.

She was met with a smell she came to love, the regular and heavy breathing as his chest went up and down, his warm and soft hands that held her firmly and that gentle nature.. He was so gentle. She had never seen a noble who was like this before.

They were all cold and inhuman as they thought they were some sort of gods.

Koala felt guilty for thinking like that. The masters would know if the slaves thought in a mean way about them. She was definitely going to receive punishment now.

She didn't answer the hug, she only listened to him speak to his father not knowing what to think of this man because he managed to make her feel things she wasn't supposed to feel as a slave, think of desires only humans were allowed to have and crave for something impossible: Freedom.

He moved his arm and rested his hand on her back. Her mark of the Celestial Dragons was there. She didn't like it when people touched it. It made her remember the pain she felt when they burned it in her. Somehow, she also had another memory. It was a memory of a second time another mark replaced the old one.

'' Fisher Tiger gave you the mark of the sun. The mark of freedom. You owe nothing to my father or me, Koala. '' He whispered in her ear.

More memories filled her mind about her time with her uncles, when Jinbei found her at Marco's place and adopted her, when she and Nami hugged each other crying after they found out about each other's pasts and how Izo promised her no one would hurt her ever again. Her eyes stung but it still wasn't enough for her to start crying. Koala was confused, very confused and was scared. Not of this man called Sabo, but she was scared of his father.

Sabo:

'' What is the meaning of this, Sabo? '' His father spoke with a cold voice.

He wasn't paying attention to him at all. All he could think of was how things came to this. It was his fault Koala had to go through this now. She was starting to trust Nami, Marco, Izo and Ace. She had a father-daughter bond with Jinbei and was close with the other Sun members. But she would have to start all over again if they got out of this safely.

If they got out of this safely. How was he supposed to get out of this situation indeed?

His father had him. He managed to do something that was beyond crossing a line. This was the last thing Sabo wanted.

Outlook already threatened Sabo once with killing his brothers and back then uncle Edward was there to save the day and prevent Sabo from having to go back.

But now.. Now he had to find a solution himself. If he did what his father wanted him to do, then that meant he had to leave Koala behind and he couldn't have that. He could call Marco, but how long would it take for him to get here? Anything could happen meanwhile.

At the moment he couldn't think of another solution. He promised Ace to come back and he was sure Koala wouldn't like it either if he chose to stay here. Not that she would ever want to build up a relationship with him anyway.. He couldn't see why she would still want him after his father did this to her.

'' The meaning of this? '' He asked with a furious voice in return. '' Finally achieved your goal eh? ''

Koala was completely tense. Her muscles were all hard and she didn't move at all. Normally, a person did move their chest at least in order to breath, but Koala didn't move anything at all. She was like this porcelain puppet. While her body was completely tense, he also thought she was very fragile. He was afraid he could break her very easily if he squeezed her even only a bit harder. He knew that wasn't possible, but it was something he worried about. And it wasn't only her body. She seemed to have completely gone back to the time she thought she was a slave. Koala managed to switch her way of thinking because she thought she had to survive. Now he understood what Marco was trying to explain.

Sabo knew one thing for sure. He wasn't going to let her suffer from this any longer. He wasn't going to drag her down with him. He would at least get her out of this.

He thought of the time uncle Edward threatened Sabo's father. Outlook was terrified of him. Sabo knew one weakness all the nobles had and that was their reputation. What if the country knew about Sabo's mischief? His father would never be able to build up his reputation again. He'd be the shame of the Noble class.

Uncle Edward reminded him of that.. Maybe Sabo could use it this time too? He was nearly not as intimidating as the old man people called Whitebeard, but it was worth a shot.

'' And now? '' Sabo continued, not waiting for an answer. '' What are you going to do now? Brag about how you too have a slave to clean up your pigsty? Are you going to renounce me as your rightful heir? Expect me to stay quiet about all of this? Do you realize what you did? Do you really think you'll get away with this? With uncle Edward's help I could crush you so easily. '' Sabo spit out the words as if they hurt his tongue. He was full with anger, making sure at the same time he wouldn't hurt Koala.

'' I could make it known you mentally abused an innocent person. I could make it known I used to be a noble because I'm sure as hell never going to be one, whether you force me too or not dear Father. '' His smile didn't reach his eyes, nor did he mean it. He was finally saying the words he repeated over and over again in his mind for years.

'' I could ruin everything for you, piece by piece, just like you did with me. Did you know this girl is under Edward Newgate's protection? A member of Sun and used to receive therapy from Trafalgar Law? Adoptive son of Donquixote Rocinante? You were quite the foolish man this time, weren't you? '' He knew it was low to threaten with famous names, but it was the only way for him right now. It was either this or completely giving up and do as his father ordered him to.

'' You dare to talk to me like that? '' Outlook quietly answered.

Sabo let out sarcastic laugh. '' Dare? From who did I inherit this from eh? So what will it be? Let me go, stay quiet about this matter and let you live your happy life or continue until I call uncle Edward here to make sure my threat gets through that thick skull of yours? ''

Sabo hoped this would work. Outlook would try something else later on. He never left Sabo alone but he had to get out of here first for Koala's sake.

Outlook's face was dark red now, sweat dripping from his forehead and panting heavily with anger. Sabo waited for a while but when an answer didn't come, he took it as a choice his father made.

Gently, he wrapped one arm around Koala's back and arm and the other under her knees. As he held her in his arms, he stood up and slowly walked out of the garden without looking back at his father.

For now, it was over and when he was far enough to let down his guard a bit he looked sideways to Koala. She was still holding her eyes wide open but her smile was wavering as if she wasn't sure what to do any longer. She didn't resist either when he picked her up.

He didn't know whether to take that as a good sign or not and decided to wait just a bit longer until he arrived at the car so he could call Marco.

The mental strain was starting to show itself but he held it back. He couldn't afford to be weak now. He had to hold on just a bit longer until he was sure she was safe.

The sun was slowly going down and the sea was calm but Sabo didn't pay attention to it as Ace's car showed up ahead.

He walked faster and reached it. He slowly put Koala's legs on the ground so he could take out his keys and open the car.

Holding the door open, he helped Koala inside. She didn't show resistance.. She didn't show anything at all. Only the confused and pained look on her face.

He gulped and took out his phone.

After searching for Marco's name, he dialed his number. '' Marco? ''

'' Yeah? '' He answered and sounded rushed.

'' I found her. Where do you want me to take her? ''

'' How is she? ''

How she was? He wasn't sure. It was definitely nowhere near good. '' I-I.. '' He stuttered not knowing what to answer.

Stupidly enough, his eyes started stinging and he had to take a deep breath to force the tears down. What was wrong with him all of the sudden?

'' Bring her to Law's place. We'll meet up there. '' Marco hung up and Sabo quickly started the car and drove to the other side of the city.

Once there, Law was already holding open the door and approached them. He opened the passenger's door and after a quick look, he sighed. '' Where was she? '' He started as a greeting.

Sabo shook his head miserably, not being able to hold back all the emotions that gathered inside him any longer. He rested his head on the steering wheel and refused to show his face.

Law helped Koala inside and all Sabo could think of was the guilt that took over his mind.

Koala:

She tried to find a logical reason during the ride but couldn't find one. Everything was messed up. There was no logic any longer. What was she supposed to do?

She remembered the day uncle Tiger burned the mark of the Sun on her back as a form of freedom. She didn't have to work for the nobles any longer and was allowed to chose whatever she wanted. After that, her uncle Jinbei patiently helped her open up. When he managed to do so, she let out tears that were held back for years. Hachi gave her new clothes and made her look like a girl again with silky orange hair.

Her body was shaking as Law opened the door and quickly checked on her. He had short black hair and dark circles under his eyes. He always eyed very tired and had a pale skin. It made him look as if he was permanent sick even though that wasn't the case. He told her that was because of a sickness he had when he was a child. His adoptive father managed to find a cure for him and these were the side effects.

She automatically stood up before he could pick her up like Sabo did before. With his help, she walked inside and immediately saw her uncle Jinbei sitting on the couch. He stood up and looked at her with his worried looking eyes.

Koala's legs started shaking and considering what state her body was in, she knew she would lose either her balance or consciousness any moment soon. She held onto Law's shirt to prevent herself from losing her balance and eyed Jinbei confused. After she was freed years ago they met the same way. Back then, she didn't know him at all so she couldn't trust him.

Now was a different situation. She knew him so well and he always took such good care of her. She started to think of him as a parent and told him almost everything going on in her life.

'' It's okay now, Koala. '' He started with a faint smile while his eyes still looked worried.

Her body was shaking all over and she barely managed to hold herself back. '' U-Uncle.. '' She muttered, completely lost.

Did Sabo tell her the truth? Was he really not a noble anymore and was she actually free? It didn't feel like it.. Somehow, her mind was still trying to tell her this wasn't right.

Jinbei approached her and held her face in his wrinkled hands.

Was she really going to let all the years of trust she build up with him be ruined because of the voice in her mind? Because of what happened in the past?

Koala hesitated whether it was okay for her to give in or not.

'' Stop fighting, Koala. Allow yourself to finish the fight and recover. ''

This time he got her. She couldn't hold back any longer. Clutching to Law's arm, she let the tears run free as she started crying out loud. Jinbei didn't mind them at all and wiped them away for her.

They hugged each other for a while until they heard a car outside. She looked helplessly at Law and he nodded. '' C'mon. You can go to my study. ''

She didn't want to go alone however and started to pull Law with her. He got the hint and followed.

In the study, someone else managed to follow too. She expected Jinbei, but it was Marco. '' Koala. '' He greeted in a daze. He closed the door and walked towards them.

She was barely able to stand now and just had to show them. Panting, she held up her blouse and showed Law what he needed to know.

Her legs felt numb and her head was throbbing. A feeling of nausea filled her throat and couldn't look down because the memory was still too lively for her to handle now.

A blue tint was shown on her stomach.

Both Marco and Law stayed quiet and stared at the bruise. She decided it was enough to explain the situation. '' D-Don't tell S-Sabo.. '' She mumbled, not wanting to see his face if he saw her again.

They made eye contact for a moment. Marco wrapped his arm around her shoulder and guided her to the couch so she could sit on it.

Koala was absentminded, not paying attention at all to her surroundings. Her mind was quiet and all she could think of was how tired she was both mentally and physically.

'' You're going to need therapy. '' Law stated as he kneeled down next to her to check on her. '' You'd normally need more than at least three months for full recovery, but I could also try just one month. ''

'' What? '' Marco replied surprised. '' You can't expect her to recover in just one month. This could take years even! ''

'' What about it, Koala? '' Law continued unimpressed.

'' As long as is needed. '' She muttered in response. She didn't care any longer. Koala was tired of having to live like this.

Law made his final decision. '' One month it is. ''

Marco sighed. '' You're unbelievable. '' He gave Koala a squeeze in her shoulder and made his out of the room.

'' You'll stay here during the month and won't attend school in the first two weeks. '' That meant she wouldn't go to the beach with the Club, but that was a minor worry. '' I want you to trust me this once, Koala. '' It never failed surprise her how few people she fully trusted in her life. The only one who knew her true self was Jinbei. She did show herself to some extent to Nami for example, but the annoying, curious, prank pulling Koala almost never showed herself. The terrified one however, that one showed herself almost always.

The young adult nodded in response and gulped, trying to back away the new tears that wanted to come out. She knew she could trust Law, but therapy meant something was wrong with her. '' I'm mad. '' She concluded.

'' No you're not. ''

'' The voice is definitely not a sign of madness. '' She fired back sarcastically.

Law sighed in response. '' No, Koala. It's something many people develop when they're scared. For example, someone with Anorexia Nervosa. Many girls and boys with this have a voice in their mind telling them what to do. When you're scared you start either convincing yourself or encourage your fears. It's really not such a strange thing. '' He explained soothingly. He wasn't really the kind to sweet-talk things, but he was getting close to it now.

'' It won't go away. '' She still tried stubbornly.

'' It will go away, that, I promise you. '' He squeezed her hand and urged her to lie down. '' I'll check your physical state for now and then I'll let you rest. You deserved at least eight hours of sleep. ''

Koala did as he told her and was left alone short afterwards with her thoughts.

Sabo:

The tears wouldn't back down. He was so mad with himself. He felt guilty and stupid for crying. He didn't stop whoever was opening the car's door. A strong hand rested on his shoulder but Sabo didn't look up. He was still crying and refused to show it.

'' Sabo.. '' Ace's voice said. When did he come here? He must have come along with Marco.

Sabo shook his head in response, still refusing to show himself.

'' C'mon, move to the passenger's seat. I'll drive you home. Koala is going to be fine. Law just told us. ''

It still didn't convince Sabo to come out. He didn't feel like doing anything.

Ace sighed deeply, losing his patience. '' Oi, drowning yourself in your own sadness won't help you and neither will feeling guilty help. ''

'' Just leave me alone. '' He muttered, frustrated Ace didn't understand him and yet knew very well what was going through Sabo's mind.

'' No one will allow you to go back. I know you're planning on that, Sabo. You want to prevent others from getting hurt by your parents. I'm telling you, that's not the solution. ''

'' Then what is?! '' He finally looked up. Snot and tears were smeared on his face, but he couldn't care less about that. His brothers have seen worse of each other.

'' Showing your parents you can be happy and lead a good life without them trying to ruin it. ''

It sounded like the perfect scenario. Not feeling anything at all as his parents tried to make his life miserable. Only one thing was missing: He wasn't a damn robot.

How was he supposed to be happy while his parents did this to him? '' Ain't gonna work. '' He muttered again.

Ace snorted. '' Since when do you use that kind of accent? '' He knew he was persuading Sabo. He knew it worked, but Sabo simply refused to give in. He was stubborn like that.

'' This isn't as easy as that.. '' Sabo tried again.

'' Oh, now the depressed blond agrees to the fact there is no simple solution for this matter? That it isn't simply about you but something that involves an entire country? ''

Sabo took a deep breath to show his frustration and still refused to move.

'' And in case this doesn't convince you, this is my car. So move. '' Ace patted on his back as was meant as a friendly gesture but Sabo didn't buy it.

'' We're going to solve this somehow. You can't possibly think you can come up with a solution in this state. ''

Sabo moved to the passenger's seat, still not giving in nor did he agree with Ace, but listening nevertheless.

Ace started the car and drove them home.

'' What about Koala? '' Sabo asked curiously after a while. He had a tissue in his hands with which he had cleaned his face.

'' She'll stay at Law's for a month to recover. She won't come back to school for a while. Anyway, Law said she'd be fine and better than before actually. ''

'' How? ''

'' I have no idea, he said this time she already had people she partly opened up too while the first time.. She had no one. Somehow, this should enable her to get over this incident easier. '' He parked the car before the bar and turned to Sabo. ''Don't give up on her. It started off great between you two, don't let your parents ruin it for you. ''

'' I can't even look her in the eyes anymore, Ace. How am I supposed to build up something between us if I feel so guilty all the time? ''

'' Talk to her. '' Ace simply stated.

'' Hah? ''

'' You heard me. Talk. It's seriously the only thing you can do to know what the other is thinking or is going to do. Who knows what she will tell you? ''

Again, he knew Ace was right, but it couldn't be so easy. Besides, even if Koala was completely back to her old self, which he found strange because one month was nothing for such a trauma, who said she would actually forgive him? Could she face him considering what happened earlier? Recovering didn't mean not being scared anymore of nobles. Sabo was a noble, even if he didn't want to be one. He still carried their blood. Koala would forever be reminded of the incident.

Sabo shook his head.

'' Then I'll do it. ''

'' What? ''

'' If you're not going to talk to her, then I'll make sure to figure out what she wants. '' He stepped out and Sabo followed him.

'' You can't be serious! ''

'' Then what are you going to do? Just come inside Sabo. We'll figure out what to do later. You need some rest now. ''

He slammed the door shut. '' No, I don't! What's wrong with you today, Ace? ''

Ace opened the door to the bar and walked in. Sabo didn't feel like going inside feeling hurt his brother acted this way. He sat down on the pavement feeling empty all of the sudden and having a headache.

The fear that was shown in her eyes.. He'd never forget that. He doubted she would suddenly be happy after only a month. He just couldn't bring himself to have hope for that.

Luffy ran outside and wrapped his arms around the man's neck from behind. '' Are you alright? Please don't go back to them, Sabo! It will be fine, I'm sure Koala will be fine too! '' He said with a muffled voice because he was snuggling his face in Sabo's shirt.

'' Luffy.. I'm alright, but I can't assure you Koala will come back again. '' He didn't know why he said it, he didn't even know it for sure.

'' Huh? Why? You like her right? And she likes you. Nothing else matters! ''

'' It's not that easy, Lu.. ''

'' Then make it easy! '' Ace shouted from the door opening.

'' Oh and now you answer?! '' Sabo shouted back offended.

'' He's right. You like her. Nothing else should matter. '' Even though it was always a surprise when Luffy said a smart thing, it still didn't change Sabo's mind.

'' Listen, I'll see what- ''

'' No! '' They both shouted now. They never failed being loud.

'' I won't back down until you tell us you're not going back to these damned parents of yours and will talk to Koala. ''

Sabo took a deep breath. '' FINE! '' He yelled. '' I won't go back. I will talk to her. Happy now? ''

They both grinned like idiots and Ace joined the duo. He ruffled Sabo's hair. '' Good. ''

Luffy sat down next to Sabo. '' Can we eat now? ''

With that, Sabo couldn't help but let out a smile.

Answers:

nakcabttak2: Thank you so much! I'm glad you like it! There is a lot more to this univers however as will be shown in the second City of Lost Dreams!

LittleMissTraffy: Sarcastic or not, it's still good to have thought that because they do share a history hehe. And about Koala being a slave at the household: I have to disappoint you with that one. She wasn't. Sabo would've remembered her as he remembered the other slaves he'd seen at the Nobles' houses too. The dream is really some sort of fate twisting reality or maybe something from 'above' to show the readers how parallel Sabo and Koala's characteristics are. ^^

If y'all are interested in more, then please follow me as the author so you can wait for the updates. The second part won't be uploaded in this story, it will be an entirely new one.

This one, the first part, will have a epilogue!