I'm a bit wary of this chapter, but I figured why not? I decided not to get intimidated by following along with cannon events, so we can think of this as a non-cannon kind of thing. Thanks for the reviews, follows and faves!
When I wake up I find I'm not on the deck next to Zoro, but instead in the girls' room, on my own bed. Looking around I try to gage the time, judging by the amount of sound coming from upstairs I'd say I've only been a sleep for a couple of hours, everyone is still pretty restless, Luffy even calling for dinner; walking quietly I head to the unoccupied bathroom.
After washing and then drying my face, I look into the mirror. It is rare for me to look at my face; normally the only part of my body I ever take time to look at is my back and only when I'm showering or getting dressed. But I stare at my reflection regardless, my pale blue eyes stare back at me, my left eye has a scar that extends from the top of my forehead down to my cheek at a severe angle, nearly straight down, courtesy of Saint Edward. The scar is a thin and neat, the sword Saint Edward had used was laced with kairoseki. I have freckles flecked across my cheeks, and on the right side under my mouth I have a lone beauty mark. Then of course I have my long light pink hair, two pink buns on both sides of my head letting the tails fall down near my legs, obscuring my eyes are my messy bangs, my hair contrasts against my tanned skin making it look even lighter than it is.
I'm struck by how sad and pained I look, I wonder if I always wear this expression, is this just the look on my face always or when I'm alone?
After a moment longer of staring at my reflection I decide to head upstairs to the deck. On my way up the stairs I run into Zoro, now changed into a long sleeved brown shirt and baggy black pants, on his arm tied over the sleeve is his bandana, and on his right hip as per usual are his three swords. "Dinner, Strawberry," He comments looking down at me casually, and I'm almost tempted to remind him I have a name, but I really don't mind the nickname for some reason.
"Thanks," I mumble maneuvering around him. "You carried me to bed, right?" I ask turning around to look at him, he nods his head; I smile in return waiting for him to follow behind.
It isn't until we're outside the kitchen that I hear how loud it is exactly, before I can open the door, Zoro has moved in front of me and pulling the door open for me.
Crossing under his arm I smile at him as I say, "Thank you." I walk in and take a seat next to Nami and Chopper, Sanji is setting a plate down as I look over to Zoro sitting at the other end of the table.
"And for the lovely Azami-chan," Sanji says setting what looks like to be a special meal. "For beating the shitty-swordsman twice in a row." He says in a charming tone. Zoro doesn't say anything; all he does is ignore the exchange. "And for giving you lots of energy and strength."
I shake my head at the compliment as I pick my fork up; taking a bite I smile again at how wonderful the food is. "Azami, you mentioned that you're from Amonogawa, what was it like there?" Nami asks curiously after a while.
"The island is covered in Cherry Blossom trees that bloom nearly year round, for two weeks they go through a cycle of killing the blossoms off to re-bloom a few days later." I explain. "It's a spring island, everything is always full of life, and the island is famous for the festival for the re-blooming." I tell her while thinking back to my childhood. "It's getting to the island that's difficult; there is a storm that is constantly going surrounding it with the island at the eye of it." I tell her as I eat my food, knocking Luffy's wandering hand away from my plate gently.
"It sounds like a rather beautiful place." Robin says smiling, Nami nodding her head in agreement. "How do people get through the storm?"
"The islanders run a ferry of sorts through it, only skilled navigators can get through the storm, as a result most pirate and Marine ships don't make it through and sink; those that do are in horrible shape." I tell them casually. "My dad had been in charge of sailing through the storm." I say before finishing my dinner.
Sanji this time around grabs the plates and cleans them, while Nami and Robin question me more about the New World, from what I remember and know.
Heading back onto the deck, walking down the steps I head to look over the railing, the dark water below looking rather ominous. That's when I hear it, the sound of another ship and then noticing a thick fog rolling in, quickly walking away from the railings, heading back up I look at Zoro and Sanji arguing, with Chopper, Usopp and Luffy chuckling at something, Nami and Robin had headed to bed shortly after our conversation. "There's another ship out there." I announce looking back out; as I say this I hear the sound of something being shot.
Feeling something clamp around my sides, I feel the claw tug backwards, and me with it, quickly misting out of it I look back at the others, all of the jumping to action.
Zoro pulls me to stand behind him, "Do you know where the ship is?" Zoro asks looking out at the dark sea.
"No, I just heard it." I explain looking around nervously; Chopper had gone to get Nami and Robin.
We're all looking around nervously. We can hardly see anything with all this fog, I'm about to ask Nami something when I see it, the same claw thing that had made a grab for me, sprinting forward I shove her out of the way, this time it's made from something different, this claw is made from kairoseki.
"Azami!" I hear Nami yell when it starts pulling backwards, by this time Zoro is trying to get me out of it and the others are gathered around trying to help.
"I can't get loose." I say trying to squirm out of it, though I find the whole occurrence to be too exhausting. I look at Zoro worriedly as I'm dragged even farther back this time, to the railing. "Zoro," I mumble out trying to hold my place.
Before anything else can be said I'm yanked over the side. Hitting the water I feel what little energy I had left leave me completely. With the combination of the kairoseki claw and being completely submerged I can't fight back, my body feels limp as I'm barely holding onto my consciousness. Holding my breath I feel my body being pulled through the water quickly and away.
…
"They'll make for a nice sale, don't you think?" A group of men asks looking down at us, each one smiling rather pleased with each other. "A family set, how much do you think we'll get for it?"
"Dunno, but look at them anyone buying is going to put up a fortune to get them, a pretty mother and a strong father, look at their kid, she put up a hell of a fight." Another man replies with a wicked grin.
"Alright, 20 percent as usual," Another man says joining the group of men. "You brought them in just in time, four or five more World Nobles just showed up." He says excitedly. "That makes for fifteen!"
I curl into my mother even more, my stomach sinking more and more at each word. Being captured by slave traders is the beginning of this nightmare. And it's all about to start.
There are all sorts of people here, humans, giants, fishmen, and even a mermaid. My parents are both stroking the top of my head soothingly. The metal collar around my neck is cold against my skin, the chains binding my wrists put on a little too tightly, and everything here is scary.
Being unloaded at Mariejois we're taken to a building, a hot fire burning in the fireplace with a metal rod sticking out, I'm turned around and my shirt ripped off my back. I feel the panic starting to set in as I'm shoved to the ground and held down. I scream out for my parents and then in pain when I feel something pressed firmly against my back then pulled away moments later.
When I wake up my back is still healing and a strange man comes in with a strange fruit, walking up to me he commands for me to eat it.
"Eat it Cherry." The man demands, pressing a button on his remote I feel a shock travel through my body. Feeling tears threatening to fall I take the fruit and shove it in my mouth, eating the horrible fruit. "Now time to get my new slave trained." He says as a leash is attached to my collar, tugging me forward out of the room I'm taken to a room, the stench of blood all around.
…
When I wake up and look around I notice I'm on a very comfortable bed, in a dimly lit room, panic begins to set in again. Everything about this place makes me uneasy, though it could just be that this situation is shockingly similar to being captured by slave traders, though admittedly, it doesn't feel like it. I'm not tied up and I'm certainly not in what I would expect the quarters for captured slaves to be in.
Slowly calming myself and reassuring myself that Zoro and the other will surely come and help me escape from wherever I am, but then again, maybe they already saved me, I ignore any negative thoughts, I can't freeze up here. Getting up from the bed and setting my feet on the ground I shiver from how cold the floor is, stone. Walking hesitantly around the room I see window, quickly walking to it I look out to see I'm on an island. "A castle?" I murmur while gazing out the window, it looks like I'm in a tower overlooking the courtyard; below I can make out a few people making patrols and a gateway to get out of here. In the distance I can make out faint lights, a village perhaps.
Reaching out to touch the glass I notice the bracelet, while it is stylish I realize what it is instantly, a kairoseki bracelet, as my fingers touch the glass a chill runs through me. Where ever I am, it's cold, freezing if I'm right.
Walking with my finger tips on the wall I look for a door for servants if this is an old and traditional castle it could have one or even a secret passage of some kind, I come to wooden door eventually. Which of course, is locked, walking back to the bed and sitting down I glare off to the side; I need to figure something out, I need to get out of here. I have no idea who captured me or why, nor do I know if the others were able to get away safely or on their way to me.
I freeze when I hear the sound of footsteps coming closer, then some jingling of keys until the door opens silently and light floods in. "I told you to stoke a fire, she'll freeze." A man's voice says angrily. "I can't have my princess freezing." He says turning to face me. Walking closer he kneels in front of me, with the fire being tended to I can now see. The man kneeling in front of me has navy blue hair, his eyes appear to be kind, but something about him is unsettling. "My princess, you should get some more rest."
"My lord," Two young girls say from the doorway taking his attention away from me, snapping my focus to them I feel my stomach sink, no, they seem more like servants than slaves. "You called for us." They say bowing to whoever this guy is. He reminds me of the nobles, the same kind of I can have whatever I wish for attitude, the same kind of person I hate.
"Yes help our fair lady here dress for bed," Looking back at me he reaches out and caresses my cheek. "You'll be woken for breakfast; we'll talk more than my sweet." He say rising. He strides out of the room, the door closes behind him.
"My lady," The two girls say curtsying to me. One of them heads to an armoire on the other side of the room; opening it she pulls a long white sleeping shirt. "Miss, we'll help you change out of your clothes."
"No," I say pressing my back against the headboard, "I can do it myself." I demand holding the edge of my shirt down to my hips. Both girls look at me and share a look. "I don't need help getting dressed." I insist feeling my heart racing, the thoughts swirling in my head. I haven't changed in a room with anyone since I escaped, I don't change when I think someone could see could see.
"Miss, if there is anything you don't want us to see we could just not see it." The younger of the pair says slowly. "We can keep our eyes closed." She continues on when I shake my head.
"We have to help you change my lady." The other says watching me with an impassive face. "Our Lord asked us to make sure you're comfortable." She explains. Somewhere in what she's said I understand what she's trying to get across. The pair doesn't have a choice.
I hold out my hand for the white garment. "You can fold my clothes right, that'll help me." I mutter nervously, though I understand all too well that they mean by not being asked to, but ordered to. I set the garment that was handed to me down in front of my and slowly take of my shirts, shorts, I slip the garment over my head and pull the sleeping shirt gown thing on. The two girls fold my clothes, keeping their eyes trained to my shirts and shorts, I finally slip my bra off once I get my back covered, handing it to them after I've finished adjusting the gown.
"Miss, is there anything else?" They ask setting my clothes aside. "Lord Charles has designated us as your handmaids."
I shake my head, still terrified about anything that could happen. "Just, stop calling me 'Miss' or 'My Lady' my name is Azami." I tell them feeling my head spin from how nervous and terrified I am.
"Miss Azami," The girls repeat, I know this is the closest I'll get, so I let out a sigh. "Would you like to retire for the night?"
"What are you names?" I ask, while I am tired, I'm not sure I want to sleep. "I'm a little too wound up to sleep." I answer them when neither says anything.
The one with long rose-red hair speaks first, she's the younger. "Camila, Miss Azami." She answers curtsying and taking a step back.
"Liliana, Miss." The elder answers following the same as Camila. Liliana has short inky black hair; both girls from what I can tell are pretty, and young, younger than I am. "I implore that you get some rest before breakfast, Our Lordship likes to have an early breakfast." She explains.
Hesitantly I lay back on the bed and wait for them to leave, after a few moments I head their footsteps, a knock on the door for it to open and then for it to close soon after from the sounds of it from one leaving.
When I wake up, light is flooding into the room, early morning light. "Your Ladyship, it is time to get dressed, Lord Charles will be expecting you to join him shortly." Camila says from the bed side. "I'll be assisting you during the day; Liliana will stay with you through the night." The young girl explains as I sit up.
The room looks mostly like I had expected it to, well furnished, warm with the firing going strong. I'd slept in a four post bed with its own curtains already drawn back, the sheets being white and the blankets a rich red, the curtains match the red. The rest of the room's furniture is made out of wood with rich tones varying from dark to reddish, all matching and very tasteful.
As I step out of bed Camila places slippers on my feet. "The floor is still very cold I'm afraid." She explains with her hands crossed in front of her, she turns around slowly and walks towards the armoire, pulling out a wine colored outfit, a sleeveless top with black lace on along the top of it; the back covers the mark on my back well enough, though it still makes me nervous. A pair of ruffled shorts the same color of the shirt, a thin pair of black lace tights and black garters of some sort.
I frown at the clothing choice, as I glance outside my frown deepens. It's snowing, heavily. This is far too little to wear. Before I change Camila leads me to a bathroom to let me brush my teeth and wash my face, shower, alone after some argument, and change back into the sleeping shirt and a fresh set of undergarments. When I step back out I stare at the clothes still set out for me.
I don't object, I already know it won't do me any good, whatever this Lord guy wants, he obviously gets and I'm still trying to figure out what exactly I am doing here.
I slip the shirt on under my sleeping shirt and then the tights and shorts before I remove the sleeping shirt. Camila adjusts my clothing, straightening it out and letting out a relieved sigh. "Just a few more things before we head downstairs." She says smiling at me, leading me to a vanity in the conjoining room through a door, one behind a curtain. After being seated, she does my hair, letting it fall down my back and probably to the floor. "It'll help keep you a bit warmer." She answers after a moment.
I nod my head grudgingly, I'm not sure what this place is, and I'm not sure I'll get the answers I need from Camila. I need to get some kind of an idea of where exactly I am, so I ask her anyways. "Where exactly are we?" I ask her in a quiet voice as she slips a pair of black boots onto my feet one at a time, then lacing them.
"Our Lordships' island, as you probably know is a winter island, Belle Neige," Camila answers shortly. "We're at his castle, Château de Verglas. Standing in front of me she applies a little bit of makeup. "Your glovers," She says slipping one under the bracelet. Finally slipping a chocker around my neck she leads me to the door. Just before we leave she helps me into a black satin hooded cloak that reaches the ground, with a fur lining on the inside to help keep we warm.
Camila knocks on the door in a different pattern than she did last night, being allowed out she leads me through the door. Standing outside the door are three guards, each dressed warmly in jackets and pants, averting my gaze to the back of Camila's head I follow her through the winding halls, completely aware of the third guard following behind.
"Through here my Lady," Camila says as an ornate set of doors are pulled open. The room that's been revealed is a large dining room, a large and very long table is set along the center of the room with a large fireplace, a warm fire going and providing the warmth for the room, on the other wall is a large window overlooking a very large estate several floors below us.
"Ah, my princess, you look ravishing," The man from the night before says motioning for me to join him; he's standing at a much small and more intimate table set much closer to the fire. "You must be famished!" He exclaims as Camila leads me to the table.
Being helped into the chair I stare at this lord as he takes a seat. I watch the man carefully; he gives off a very dangerous and calculating air. "I seem to be at a loss for how exactly I came to be in you care," I say as I'm served a warm breakfast. "And as to whom you are." I add watching the man seated across from me.
"Ah, how rude of me, I'm Lord Charles Wells, I rescued you from those dreadful pirates." He answers watching me, his lips curve into a smile. "Who might you be my sweet?" He asks, though his tone is more demanding.
"Azami" I answer in a clipped tone, I'm not exactly free to leave is the feeling I'm getting, adding in the kairoseki on my wrist. This is very much a prison, or at the very least, I'm being held captive. "And what pirates did you save me from?" I ask him slowly as I eat a little of the meal.
"Why the notorious Straw Hat Pirates of course." He answers smirking. "In return I'll expect you'd like to stay in the comfort of my humble home."
I watch the man very carefully; finishing my meal I set my napkin down on the table and stand. "I'm sure your Lordship has many things to do." I say excusing myself, letting Camila and the guard from before follow me out of the room. "Would you mind if I explored your humble home?" I ask stopping before I leave. "I've never seen a castle like this one before."
The smirk sent to me is rather unsettling as I wait for a reply. "Look as you wish, I intend to make this your home as well."
I turn my head and walk out of the room. My heart is racing and not from some veiled threat, or his false my home is your home act, I'm not just terrified, but I'm now angry. This guy intends to keep me here trapped. Isn't this what I escaped two years ago?
"Miss, you're walking towards the stairs," Camila says hurriedly. "If you'd like we can take you to any one of the floors below on the lift."
Stopping I turn around and watch the pair behind me. "I want to look around outside, I've never seen so much snow before." I declare, I may be terrified, but I don't plan on staying here.
Camila nods her head hesitantly and whispers something to the guard, who nods his head, both turn. "We can take the lift if you'd oblige." The man says heading off in a different direction. Sighing I follow him.
I only have a few things to do if I'm going to get out of here, one of them being to get this stupid bracelet off. It'll be troubling to deal with later on. Stepping onto the lift I wait patiently as we descend. I count the number of floors we pass; we'd been on the ninth level, with two above that, not counting the tower where my room is.
"My lady, it is quite cold outside, and while the grounds are vast, I wouldn't recommend pushing yourself." The guard says leading me to the door; Camila has a thick cloak waiting for her as we approach the door. The doors are pulled open and I take notice of how clear the sky is and how vibrant the blue is, the snow that has piled up, and how crisp and fresh the air is.
"This is the highest point of Belle Neige," Camila informs me. I turn to her and force a smile. I'm not too sure what this Lord has planned for me. I'm wondering why exactly he 'saved' me. "Is something wrong miss?"
I shake my head and step out, walking down a large staircase, the snow crunches under my weight, and the cold air seeps into my skin. I can see the point of dressing me like this; it makes it nearly impossible to stand the frigid temperatures and wind.
I spend most of the afternoon walking the grounds, finding that the only way as I thought, is to leave via the gateway I'd seen. "Miss, we really should go in before you fall ill." Camila pleas as I walk the way from my tower to the wall again. Finally giving in I follow her back in, along with Damion, the guard. "There will be hot tea and lunch served in your room," She says as we step back into the castle.
I nod my head still uninterested. I'm not here to play along with whatever game this guy has going and quite frankly I don't want to live here, not like this and probably not ever.