I've decided to rewrite Mark of Freedom, mainly because I've improved my style of writing, and when I started out with this I got intimidated by following canon events, now I'm more or less over that. I'm sorry for the sudden change, the first chapter has been updated as the new one, and I've changed quite a few things which will affect succeeding events. AND lastly, I hope you all will continue to read and support this story!
Turning over in my bed I find that it is still dark out, in fact I'd be willing to guess I've only slept a couple of hours, sitting up I glance over to see Robin still reading by a candle. "Trouble sleeping Azami-san?" She asks me curiously from her seat. She hasn't looked at me, but then again she's seems to know more than she leads on.
"A bit," I confess as I get up and take a seat across from her. For a moment we sit in a mutual silence, Robin has her book closed and looking at me with an observing gaze. I do the same to the woman before me. "How did you know I'd made the mist?" I ask her, tilting my head to the side.
Robin chuckles as she taps her fingers along the table. "It was a hunch," She answers with a coy smile on her face, but it quickly changes into a serious expression. "Why are you running from the government, the whole truth I mean?" She questions me; her expression is trained on me.
I stare at Robin nervously, biting my lip slightly as I try to say what I need to, I still haven't decided how much I can tell these pirates, or even if I can trust them. "It isn't exactly what you would just say to anyone you happen upon. It isn't something that you would want anyone to know." I answer her quietly, trying to phrase everything correctly. "It isn't something I'd wish on anyone." I answer looking away from her; I adjust my shirt before I meet her gaze again.
Robin seems to consider this for a moment before nodding her head. "Then aren't you heading in the wrong direction?" She poses carefully, leaning forward slightly. "We're heading for the New World, doing so will gather quite a bit of attention. Not to forget that as pirates we run into our fair share of government officials."
I look down at my lap, I had already thought about all that. After all the Straw Hat Pirates aren't exactly unknown, in fact they're on the rise, rather infamous already. "I don't have a choice, and I'll do anything to keep what I have left. Strangers or not I'll do what it takes." I tell Robin, looking into her brown eyes.
Smirking Robin stands and motions back to the beds. "Kenshi-san seems to have trust in you." She comments as she places the book she'd been reading back on a shelf. Standing myself I sit back on my bed. "You should try to get some more sleep." She says blowing the candle out and heading to her own bed.
Closing my eyes I try to get some more sleep, the ship rocking me back to sleep. Maybe this will all be different for me; maybe I can get the freedom that was stolen from me back.
…
"I want Cherry to clean this up." I hear his wail, the fear strikes back into me, I hate him the most. Saint Edward. The man is despicable, though all the World Nobles are. "CHERRY, CHERRY," He screams for me in that nasal voice of his. "Where are you?!"
Running through the passages I open the door, with a rag in my hand already I quietly begin cleaning up the tea he'd spilt, undoubtedly on purpose. I feel his hand slap me across the face, the sting barely bothers me anymore, it's happen far too often for me to even notice anymore.
"Cherry what took so long? You trash it'll stain, and who do you think will be the blame?!" He yells angrily as I finish wiping the tea up, using my ability I dampen the surface and clean the stain away. Saint Edward continues to scream at me, going on and on about his stupid heritage until he finally dismisses me. Walking back through the corridors I drop the rag in a bucket and begin to clean it.
It's the same nearly every day, he'll make a mess and demand I clean it up and blame me, and he'll hit me and continue to take his anger out on me. Guest or not, they'll just compliment him on how obedient I am or turn a blind eye to everything. I've met a few of the other World Nobles and all I know is that they're all equally vile and it isn't like I can count on the Marines to help.
"CHERRY!" As my name is screamed again I roll my eyes before running off to see what exactly he wants this time, though I do wish he'd learn my name. Walking in silently I see his wicked grin, the first time I'd seen it I flinched away, I learned not to do that as he's fond of beating anyone for any little thing he deems 'disgraceful'. Seeing him pull out the baton I inwardly grimace, he's in a bad mood; his father probably told him he couldn't get another slave or maybe one of the guards told him it wasn't safe to go outside. Whatever it was he's not pleased with it and of course he wants to take it out on his favorite slave.
Swinging his arm high I gulp in anticipation.
…
Jolting awake I look around the room; Nami is holding my hand, a concerned look on her face. "You were crying in your sleep." She murmurs worriedly, helping me to sit up she grabs a glass of water and hands it to me.
I take it carefully, my hands trembling terribly as I bring the cup to my lips. "Thank you." I mumble as she takes the glass from me. I try to relax myself, but I can't get the dream out of my head.
"I have to go up." Nami says getting up slowly. "Do you want me to wait with you?" She asks worriedly.
I shake my head and try to smile at her. "I'll be fine." I whisper taking a deep breath, I'm still trying to get my body to relax, but it doesn't seem to be working. Nami sits back down and takes my hand.
Squeezing my eyes shut, my breathing becomes heavy and labored, my hands are trembling even more, and I can feel the rest of my body starting to shake. It was one of the more psychological memories, the ones just before anything violent happened, letting me lead the memory on. I should be happy that it wasn't the actual beatings or any of the fights, I would have been screaming. It's strange though, during the actual act I remained silent and felt nothing, but now it's as though my bones are being ground to dust, my skin being peeled off, poked by thousands of needles, and burned all while being kept alive. I can't bring myself to move, the things I've kept in, the memories all have me paralyzed.
I didn't even tell my Uncle anything, I've always refused to talk about any of it. Everything that happened there was a nightmare, one I thought would never end, and even now I feel like I'll be pulled back in.
I hear footsteps leave then a yell for someone and then more footsteps coming all as I stay rooted to the bed; I'm trying to grasp what is actually happening. I can't move; my body won't let me.
"Azami-san, are you alright?" Chopper asks, I force my eyes open, I see him walking over to me slowly and very carefully, he waves for Nami to leave. "I'm going to pick you up and take you to the deck." He says transforming, lifting me up. I look at my hands, them still trembling terribly. I focus on the scars left behind from the five years I was there in that horrendous place; I feel tears falling as we leave the bedroom. It isn't until we're on the deck and I'm being set down that I realize everyone is staring at me worriedly, Chopper waves them off in his smaller form. "Azami-san, you went into shock." He says as my breathing returns to normal and I've calmed down.
I nod my head numbly, I look around to see the others watching from a distance. "I apologize; I didn't mean to cause such a fuss." I say automatically, another habit from Mariejois. Zoro is the first one to go back to whatever it had been he was doing before, the others all slowly follow his lead. Chopper keeps me out in the open, letting me get some fresh air. "I'm fine now, thank you." I tell the doctor quietly. "I'm going to walk around a little, if that's alright." I tell Chopper as I get on my feet, leaning against a wall for a moment.
Chopper nods his head, but I suspect only because he'll be following me around as well. Walking carefully around I venture down the stairs carefully with Chopper trailing behind me worriedly still, I walk towards where Usopp is busy working on something, talking a seat in front of his platform I watch him quietly.
"Oh, welcome to Usopp's famous inventing factory!" He shouts proudly upon noticing me, I smile at him as he begins to show me things and telling me how they got these 'dials'. I don't really understand them but he shows me how they work and explains it. "We got them from an island in the sky." He says excitedly.
I glance up and look to the clouds far above us. "So there are islands in the sky too?" I question as I keep looking up at the rich blue sky. "That's amazing." I murmur as I focus back on Usopp and Chopper, who is sitting next to me.
"We were really surprised too." Chopper explains while his eyes sparkle. "But it was kinda dangerous there." He mutters losing his amazed look, one for more concern. Chopper continues to tell me about their adventure in the sky, Usopp adding in every now and then.
"Well, you're pirates; you all must have plenty of stories of all the dangers you've faced." I say smiling. "From Sky Island to anywhere else in world," I say amazed by the stories from Sky Island, the Straw Hats must have plenty of more, all equally exciting.
Usopp and Chopper begin telling me all of their adventures, of Giants battling for a hundred years, saving a kingdom, and even some from the East Blue. "That's where we got this ship, from Kaya; she's a good friend of mine." Usopp says proudly. "We'll travel around bravely, becoming brave warriors of the sea!" He shouts happily, only for Chopper to echo this sentiment.
"Lunch is ready!" Sanji calls from the upper deck. I stand up with some help from Usopp and Chopper, quickly heading to the kitchen. By the time we get there Nami and Robin are already seated with food on their plates, next to them is Luffy, who does not have food yet. "Azami-Chan, are you feeling better?" He coos setting a plate in front of me with food already on it.
Simply nodding my head I smile at him thankfully. "Thank you, the food looks delicious." I comment as I wait for everyone to be seated and served before I eat; the last person to come and take a seat is Zoro.
"Oi, Marimo you could come to the table on time, Azami-chan was waiting for everyone to be seated!" Sanji snaps at him before he sets the food on the table.
While Sanji and Zoro fight, Luffy begins inhaling food, I can't help put watch slightly amazed at this. "You should eat before the black hole eats your food too." Nami comments as she stabs Luffy's wandering hand.
Eating the food I smile happily, it really is nice to have meals like this, a bit of a treat really. I compliment Sanji happily as I finish my plate. Again I help Sanji with the dishes, drying the last plate as Sanji puts them up. "Azami-chan, you really don't have to help me." He says happily.
I smile handing him the last plate. "Honestly, I don't mind. I don't want to freeload off you guys." I tell him placing the rag back in a drawer.
Sanji smiles as he steps closer to grab my hand. "You're a very kind and delicate young lady!" He coos leaning closer; well he would have, if Zoro hadn't hit him on the head again.
"Oi, I told you: Hands off Pervy-Cook." Zoro says grabbing my arm and tugging me out of the kitchen, completely ignoring Sanji and his protests. "I'm not going to protect a defenseless brat, so you're going to train." Zoro says seriously. "No whining, no giving up, or I'll toss you off the side of the ship." He threatens unknowingly.
"I'll drown," I tell him honestly, Zoro seems to consider this before shaking his head. "I'll do my best." I tell him quietly. Zoro pulls out one sword and stares at me, a demonic look taking over his face. Chopper and Usopp stare at us, both shouting for him to stop. "It is fine," I say while holding my arm out to stop them, I look up at Nami and Sanji, both looking at me worriedly. "I'll be okay. Besides it is more remembering than learning." I reassure everyone, Robin and Luffy stand near Nami and Sanji watching on.
Zoro smiles at me, it's chilling to see him smile like that before a fight. I stand ready. I may not be completely useless or defenseless and this swordsman seems to be aware of that. Running at me his blade ready to cut, I jump up; I use Zoro's shoulders to propel me even high as I flip in the air so I land facing him. I'm not really sure how to explain how I know what Zoro will do, but it's like I sort of see it just before it actually happens, or maybe I just feel it, whatever the case I've always been able to do this when fighting.
Zoro's eyes narrow as he comes at me again, this time on the offensive, this is different, he'll attack and much faster, I can't jump out of the way. Grimacing I feel my body come in contact with the blade, but instinctively it comes apart, it feels strange to me, though I suppose it's the first time I've ever had anyone slice through my entire body like this.
Zoro's eyes bulge slightly as his sword makes a clean slice through me, he recovers quickly though, ready to attack again, ducking out of the way this time, then leaping over Zoro's head I stand behind him and position my hands around his head. "I snap your neck." I say releasing his head and stepping away.
"Not bad," Zoro says facing me; he glances at me before pulling another sword out, "Again." He commands running at me. I turn and run back, jumping on the railing I run along it with Zoro following me, turning around quickly while keeping my balance and dodging Zoro's attacks I jump up, I flip over him, and grab his shoulders in the process, using his weight I knock him off balance enough to swing down and slide between his legs, coming back up behind him I take off running in the opposite direction. He'll come from the right then left. I slide to a halt, bringing my legs up I kick Zoro in the chest hard, this only seems to have provoked him. He gets a more satisfied look in his eyes, his smiles borders on demonic, and his movements seem to be sharper, a bit more refined, more like he's striking to kill.
He pulls out a third sword, placing this one in his mouth, Zoro comes running at me, I release a thick mist around Zoro, running forward at a stunned Zoro I run up, hands on either side of his face and I hold them, demisting the area around Zoro, I stare him in the eyes. "I snap your neck." I answer releasing my grip.
By this time Luffy, Usopp and Chopper are surrounding me, stars in their eyes going on about the mist. "You're a devil fruit user!" Luffy says poking me hard enough that I mist. "You're like Smoky!" He says completely amazed.
"She'd been cut in two!" Chopper says looking at my stomach where Zoro had cut through me. Usopp has taken to poking me along with Luffy. "What one did you eat?" The doctor asks excitedly over my abilities.
Stalled for words I try stepping away from the three, none of them backing down. "I ate the Misuto-Misuto no Mi," I answer flying up and over the two, landing next to Zoro.
By now Nami has punched both Luffy and Usopp, turning to me she smirks. "You made the mist from yesterday, you're the only reason we escaped." She says smiling approvingly.
"That's what the old man was talking about, you're not helpless." Zoro says matter-of-factly. "You freeze up in front of Marines seems to be your problem." He states seriously.
"I wouldn't leave my Uncle behind unless he made me like he did, and I'm not exactly fond of using it." I explain frowning at my hands, I'd had Zoro twice.
Saint Edward had a rather unhealthy hobby of pitting slaves against each other to battle it out. There was a reason I was his favorite, I didn't lose. I'm not proud of it, nor am I happy remembering those fights. For the most part though, they're blank, I can't see anything; all I can do is hear what is happening. But right before the end I see, hear, feel and live the final strike over and over again in my nightmares. I see their lifeless bodies on the ground or in my hands.
"You're not has helpless as you lead on," Zoro says sitting against the mast. "You're well trained, your reflexes are good a bit rusty, but good. Your control over your devil fruit needs the work." Zoro says analyzing the practice we've just had.
"I obviously haven't mastered it." I say staring at him before I walk back up the stairs. In truth I have to know or see the attack coming for it to phase through me, if I'm not paying attention I'll get hurt by the attack. And while it has saved me many times from getting seriously injured, I don't like using it, too many bad memories.
"You should have more faith in your abilities." Zoro calls to me. "We'll focus on your close combat skills, they're developed the most."
I glance at him and frown. "That's what got people killed." I answer before heading to the back of the ship, taking a seat in the rear. My heart clenches as the faces of the other slaves I'd killed simply to stay alive flashes through my mind.
Robin follows behind me a few moments later. "You're trained in a style to kill, assassination or something close to it." She states taking a seat next to me. "You could easily survive on your own." Robin says gently.
I shake my head; the thought of facing Marines makes the blood in my veins run cold. "They terrify me," I mumble rubbing my neck absently; I feel the small scar on the side of my neck, the ones from the shock collars. They're part of the reason why I can't just go back home or settle down, they're hunting me and many other slaves down for the Nobles.
"You must have been through a lot." Robin says in a very soothing tone. "Azami-san, you seem stuck in the past." She comments off handedly. I turn to look at Robin; she's said something so profoundly true.
I've never thought of it like that. But now that it has been said, I can't help but agree. So I not my head, because Robin is right, I'm still stuck there in Mariejois, I'm still trapped. "I haven't figured out how to move on from my past." I mutter looking down at the water below us. "I'm not sure I can."
Robin doesn't say anything, but she watches me carefully, getting up from her spot next to me Robin begins to walk away. "Azami-san, you're stronger than you give yourself credit." And with that she leaves me alone with my thoughts.
I stay seated at the back of the ship for most of the day, just trying to figure out what I should do next, how long can I actually stay here on this ship. Hearing a voice break through, I look around until I realize who is talking and from where. "You know, not just anyone can beat Zoro like that." I hear Nami say from above, looking up at her questioningly I realize that she's surrounded by trees. "Come on up." She says waving me towards her. Getting on the railing I jump up, landing just in front of a tree. "They're tangerines." Nami explains as I cup the fruit in my hand gingerly, she has several trees up here and all looking very healthy.
"I've never seen them before." I murmur looking at the fruit carefully, Nami looks at me curiously. "I'm from the Grand Line, Amonogawa an island in the New World." I explain with a sigh, while I'm not particularly sad about acknowledging my home island, it just reinforces how far lost I feel. Nami's eyes light up with questions. "I was only a kid and I haven't been on that ocean for a long time." I remind her as I sit down in the shade of the trees.
"How much different is that ocean?" She asks me taking a seat near me, leaning forward in anticipation.
I let out a long sigh, looking off into the distance. "The storms are bigger, the sea kings are meaner, just everything there is much more dangerous." I explain remembering the trips my dad had taken me on when I was just a kid. "The New World is the real challenge." I tell her finally.
Nami looks at me worriedly, and then off in the distance. "We need to get out of here," She mutters getting up, yelling orders to everyone, I glance where she had been looking; huge dark clouds are forming, swirling down. Jumping down to help, she'd predicted a hurricane, it's practically unheard of. Nami guides us to safety and far ahead of the storm, the ship quickly returns to the usual tempo, easy going. While walking up the steps I hear Nami, "Azami, catch!" She calls, looking up I see an orange ball flying at me, quickly catching it I note that it is in fact the fruit from her trees. "They're delicious." She tells me easily, walking to the front of the ship where Robin is.
I find Zoro sleeping against a wall, very soundly. Sliding next to him I roll the tangerine around in my hands, unsure what to do next. Just as I think this, Zoro's hand reaches over and plucks it from my hands, peeling it and then handing it back to me. "Thank you," I murmur smiling at him. The scent from the fruit is crisp, taking one of the little slices and eating it I smile happily, just as Nami said, they're delicious. "Want one?" I ask Zoro tentatively after a moment, holding one out to him, Zoro looks at me questioningly, leans forward, eating it in one go. "Thanks," I mumble looking away.
Zoro simply grunts in reply, and promptly falls back asleep. For a moment I listen to him sleep, closing my eyes and leaning my head back, the sounds of everyone on the ship, along with the sounds of being out on open waters lulls me to sleep.