Okay, that was something new, Ashley thought as she finally picked herself up from the ground. I've taken plenty of flights, but that was in a whole different ballpark. She had held her breath for as long as possible before giving in, and then realized she had some sort of bubble of air surrounding her so that she could breathe. Looking back on it, I probably would be okay with doing it again, but Kuma is still getting a punch for sneaking up on me like that.

Looking around, it was obvious that she had been sent somewhere new. Besides the fact that she had flown through the air away from Tropska island of course. It was easy to assume she was on an island, based on the way the shoreline curved, however the fog had been thick as she had neared, so she wasn't certain.

Looking up, she was unable to see the sky through the fog, and felt uneasy at not knowing whether it was day or night. Going with her gut, she felt it was more likely evening, as the sun would help burn away the fog. And this fog seems to be thickening, she thought with a grimace.

Walking inland, or along the shore? she asked herself, before deciding to walk inland. There was no guarantee she'd find people either way, but people were more likely to build inland than on a beach. Starting off, Ashley couldn't seem to get rid of an uneasy feeling, and focused more on figuring out what was causing it, then where she was going.

That's it…she thought, looking around. It's too quiet.

Noting there were plenty of trees, but none of the usual insect or animal sounds one would normally hear, she began walking faster. After a short time, the trees opened into a clearing, and she was able to see a large building in the distance, which looked like a castle.

What am I doing? she thought. I'm on a creepy island, complete with a creepy castle in the distance, am I seriously thinking of going there?

Her thoughts turned toward the logistics, and deciding that the castle equaled shelter, with a strong possibility of food, she continued on.

The castle loomed as she got closer and she saw a couple of lights on outside. That's one mystery down, it's definitely dark due to it being late in the evening. "I guess it's not so creepy after all," Ashley said aloud to herself.

That's when she heard the heavy breathing coming from behind her, freezing her blood, though she continued to walk. Nothing good could be making that sound after all. She couldn't call it human exactly, as there was a slight growl on the exhale.

Deciding her imagination was conjuring much worse than what would actually be there, she turned slowly, only to stop and gape at the creature following her. Is that a baboon? Wearing armor?

Seeing the huge sword it was dragging behind it, she stared for another moment as the large primate stared back. Then as her mind kicked back into gear, she turned and ran for the castle as fast as she could. Weaponless was bad enough, but she doubted she would even be able to fight a giant monkey had she had a weapon. And who knew if there was more than one?

Thanking whoever may have been listening that there was some semblance of a road leading to the castle at this point, because running from monkeys in a forest, was a recipe for disaster. Seeing the gateway to the castle up ahead, she pushed on even harder, passing under a stone archway and pushing on toward the castle.

Hearing a shriek that sounded further back, she glanced behind her, and came to a stop, leaning over with her hands on her knees and panting for breath. She didn't understand what she was seeing, the monkeys- there were now three of them- were standing back from the archway, looking as though they were afraid of it.

One would inch forward and just before touching it, would jump back as if afraid they would be electrocuted or something. Is there some sort of electric fence, like people had for dogs back home? She thought. Shaking her head, she chided herself for her foolishness. Yeah, like they were someone's pets, and they were being kept out of the rose garden, you dummy.

Glancing back toward the castle, she thought of the giant man she had met earlier that sent her flying. I suppose at this point, anything is possible.

Since she was no longer being chased, Ashley took her time to go to the front door, examining the grounds as she did. There was quite a bit of vegetation growing… everywhere. But while it didn't look like it was being taken care of, neither was it overgrown on the building.

Walking up the steps, she grabbed the large knocker and banged loudly several times, then waited.

And waited.

She gave ample time before knocking again, knowing that the house was huge, and it would take anyone awhile to get to the door. After almost twenty minutes, she decided to simply try the door, feeling like there weren't many other options.

And… it opened.

Okay, brilliant, now what? "Hello?" she said, though it came out more like a whisper. Clearing her throat she tried again, "HELLO?" she shouted loudly, though didn't expect a response because if they didn't hear the knocking, they wouldn't hear her either.

I've read enough stories to know that people who simply walk into others' houses and make themselves at home, have bad things happen to them. Having that thought, she quickly decided to stay in the entry way.

She had every intention of staying there until the owner of the house came back, but hours later, she changed her mind. Being hungry and cold she could deal with, but needing a bathroom was a non-negotiable.

Giving herself a time limit, she tried the doors nearest the entry, hoping for a small powder room, but had no luck. Picking a direction, she moved down the hall, determined to turn back after four doors.

At the third door, she stopped and gaped, mesmerized by the sight of the dimly lit room, before stepping in.

It looked like the most awesome home gym ever. It was basically a dojo, in the castle. There were weapons hanging on three walls with a mirror running the length of the final wall, as well as mats on the floor. Knowing she shouldn't touch anything, though she really wanted to, she turned to the mirror and grimaced.

Wow, I was looking good! she thought. Taking off her life jacket, and finger combing through her hair, trying to tame it back into style, she shivered. A hot shower sounded amazing, but she was still an uninvited guest in someone else's home.

She backed out of the room, closing the door. Trying the next door, she found the bathroom, and immediately forgot the other room in her need. Returning to the entry, she decided to curl up on the chair closest to the door, and even found a blanket draped over a sofa.

Warming up and sleeping sounded like the cure for her curiosity, so she did her best.

He stared at the humandrills. They never came this close to his castle, and indeed, once they saw him, they ran off, back to the woods from whence they came. Still, it was odd that they would even be here, as if waiting for something… or someone. He looked up to his castle. He wasn't sure if he left the outside lights on, but one thing was certain. If anyone dared to invade his home, they would sorely regret it very soon.

He found himself simply staring again. There was a girl, of all things, asleep on his armchair. The insanity of this day continued to rear its head. First, the pirates he encountered were more than happy to have him destroy their ship and leave them floating on the remains, then he spent his afternoon with Red-Hair and his crew, which was by definition insanity, and to top it off, he now had a little girl in his home. These types of days were the reason why he secluded himself here. He really didn't want to deal with this now, so he simply walked past the girl, and continued up the stairs to his room, where he promptly forgot all his problems and went to sleep.

She opened her eyes and watched him stride up the stairs. It took a moment for her fuzzy brain to engage, but once she realized what had happened, she smiled. The owner came home, and didn't kick her out, yet. Tomorrow may change that, but for tonight, she could stay. She changed position and fell right back asleep.

"What are you doing here?"

Though the words were not spoken loudly, Ashley jerked awake and looked up for what had startled her. Her eyes widened as she focused on the tall, dark man looming over her. Staring, not quite sure what to say, and knowing how well sarcasm flew from her mouth she thought it better to stay quiet.

Her thoughts took a turn as she wondered how difficult it was to shave in order to get those exact points on his mustache and sideburns. Tilting her head to get a different view, she saw his eyes narrow.

What… his eyes. They were… golden. And piercing, so much so, that they seemed to pierce right through me. They made him that much more intimidating, and she quickly looked anywhere else. He fit any imaginings of a pirate she may have had; with his black boots and pants, white pullover shirt with the frilly collar which was open and showing his chest. He also wore necklace of some sort, with a large cross pendant.

"WELL?!" he snarled suddenly.

"Oh, um, sorry… what?" she stammered out in reply, because her thoughts had kept her from understanding his previous words. She looked up again, only to freeze when when his eyes locked onto hers.

"What… are… you… doing… here?" He said slowly, practically growling in his anger, and Ashley wondered if she would even be able to survive this encounter.

"Yeah, okay, so we ran into this humongous giant guy, and he hit me- or something- next thing I know, I'm flying and then crash landing on this island!" She was talking quickly, her words only getting faster as she continued, in her haste to be able to explain. "It was dark, and some crazy monkeys were chasing me, I ran up here, and they left me alone, so I decided to stay and wait for whoever lived here to get back, so I could get some help and then I fell asleep on the chair -sorryaboutbarginginbytheway."

She took a few panting breaths, as she hadn't taken a breath through her tirade. He didn't say anything, just continued to glare, though one dark eyebrow was cocked up in a questioning fashion. Deciding to press her luck, she added, "So, if you can help me get a ride out of here, I'd like to find my family."

"No."

"Wow, that's final, though I can't really blame you, I mean, it was a pretty big favor to ask. Alright, so do you know how often ships come in? Maybe I can catch a ride out with one."

"This is my island, no one comes here," he stated. He crossed his arms and glared at her like she was a bug.

"Okay…" she replied, wanting to hurry and leave. "I realize that this is inconvenient for you, but I'm trying to get out of your way, honest! I just need a way off this island!"

"And then what?" he asked. "Where will you go?"

She paused, "Okay, so I haven't thought that far yet. I have things I need to do, and I can't do them here, so I have to go, it's that simple. And obviously you want me gone as well."

He snorted, "Hmph, good luck with that. I doubt you'll get very far before the humandrills kill you."

"The what?" she asked, bewildered.

"The monkeys as you called them."

She frowned, thinking that his default setting must be disgust, or perhaps anger. He wielded both of them like a champion as he looked at her. Her own annoyance spiked, it wasn't like I asked to be here! she thought.

"If you want to be rid of me so badly," she stated hotly, "you might try helping me instead of sneering at me."

"It is not my duty to help you," he replied. "If you are staying here, you must do your part. There are meals to cook, the entire castle and grounds to maintain, the garden to weed and water, and laundry to clean." With that, he turned around and walked further into the castle.

"What… wait just a minute! If you think I'm going to be your maid, you are sorely mistaken!" She yelled as she jumped up to follow him. Rushing through the doorway she had to stop suddenly as he had turned and was glaring at her again.

"If you want a place to sleep and food to eat, you will do so," he said stonily. "I did not ask you here, yet you were sent nonetheless. You will not be able to leave until you have the ability to do so without dying. Those are your options. Stay or leave. You know the consequences for each." He turned again and went out the back door.

Ashley simply stared after him. What a pompous, rude… Yet, what kind of choice did I have? If I left, those humandrill things would tear me to shreds! If I stayed, I'd become Mr. Bighead's servant! She didn't like either of her options. He had said something about leaving once she was able… did that mean he would help if she got stronger? No, she determined. It wasn't his duty to help me.

Looking around the room she had run in to, she rolled her eyes. Of course, he would lead me into the kitchen, she smirked. He'll probably change his mind once he samples my cooking.

Taking her time, Ashley looked through the cupboards and drawers, familiarizing herself with the room. Then she went on a much more in depth tour of the castle, and eventually discovered a room that she claimed for her own, since it had an adjoining bath.

Looking through the closet, she found clothes that would work, although they were quite old and too big, and reveled in the hot shower she was able to have. By the time she made it back downstairs, it was late afternoon, and her stomach let its disapproval be known, loudly.

Returning to the kitchen, she made two sandwiches- one for herself, and one for her host. If he didn't eat it, then she'd have another for the next day. However, she didn't realize how great her hunger was, and ended up eating both.

Feeling guilty, though she couldn't fathom why, she made another sandwich for the man. I don't even know his name, and I'm feeling bad for not making him food! This is so ridiculous!

Deciding that she'd rather just do as he asked, no demanded, she went outside to determine the work that needed to be done. Perhaps once I helped him, he'd be more inclined to help me after all, she thought.

She didn't truly expect that to happen, but knowing that she couldn't just waste her days away here, and that the man seemed to get through the humandrills without a problem meant that she could at least learn something from him. Plus, I would be less than friendly too, if some stranger invaded my home.

Glancing at the large vines that were slowly taking over the portcullis in the backyard, she went searching for tools. Finding only rusted items, she picked the one in the best condition- an old shovel- and started hacking at the vines. By the time she finished- hot, sweaty, covered in scratches and blisters on her hands- she felt better about her situation.

It's not much, but I'm working my way back to my family, she thought with a smile. And I'll work as long and as hard as I have to, to get there.

The next few days seemed to blur together for her. Ashley continued to work around the house, and didn't see Mr. Bighead once, which she could admit was kind of nice. She did note that the extra servings of her meals that she made and put into the fridge were gone, so she could at least say that she was keeping up her end of their strange agreement.

She also started adding in workouts to her daily routine. It started mostly as stretches to prevent injuries, or to help with the soreness she felt after hours of landscaping, but soon evolved. Heavy discarded items became weights, ropes were used with pulleys for a rowing exercise.

Staying awake in the evenings became more difficult, as she exhausted herself during the day. Back home, she had had multiple dance and karate classes, as well as regular gym workouts, but she had never used her muscles as she was now. Feeling out of shape was new and embarrassing feeling.

Of course, that embarrassment paled compared to the following day, when Mr. Bighead showed up during a workout and corrected her form. She desperately wanted to tell him off, but he looked as if he was expecting that, and stopped herself just in time. She wouldn't let him bother her, if it was the last thing she did.

Overall, Ashley quickly adjusted to her new life, spending her time as she pleased, and hardly seeing her new roommate. As long as she did the daily tasks, he found no reason to complain about her activities. She noted on several occasions that she had no idea what he did with his time, but he would never tell her. In fact, the only times they seemed to speak, was when he corrected her on something.

One night, after she cleaned up after dinner and started toward her room, she stopped in front of a familiar door, one that she hadn't looked in since her first night in the house.

Opening the door again, and lighting the space, she simply looked around in awe. Walking slowly around the room, she took in all of the different weapons. There were swords of all shapes and sizes, as well as a few axes, and some daggers that were hanging like trophies on the walls.

None of the weapons were pristine, in fact all looked like they were used, though well cared for. After examining each one, Ashley reached for a smaller curved blade that looked like a movie version of a pirate sword. Grinning, she said, "Aargh, ye landlubbers! Make way for Captain Ash!" and began an imaginary duel.

He watched from the hallway as she picked up the small sword. This girl has some sort of death wish, he thought, but paid closer attention anyway. It seemed she had a small amount of skill, but she was doing everything wrong. Her posture, her grip, her swing, even her thrusting was pathetic. Was she self taught? He noticed how she would incorporate her non-sword hand, and even kicks to her movements, and he wanted to either face palm, or demand that she stop.

There was one thing, however, that made him continue to watch. Her face. Her eyes had a glint that he had yet to see during the weeks since she had arrived. She was smiling, thoroughly enjoying this; this solitary moment between her, and her sword. He looked a moment more, then silently exited the hallway and went to his room. The journey would be incredibly long, he mused, but she has taken the first step. Now the real work can begin.

With a huge bang, the bedroom door flew open, and Ashley immediately jumped up, into a crouched position on top of the blankets, ready to fight whatever was attacking. Her eyes fell on the doorway, where Mr. Bighead was standing with his arms crossed. Did he really just…

"Did you seriously just kick my door in? What is your problem?!" she yelled.

"My problem, as you call it, is that your work here is unsatisfactory. Therefore, in order to have you leave as soon as possible, it is apparent that I must assist you in your attempt to survive. Starting today, you will train in addition to your other duties." She gaped at him as he continued. "You have much to learn, and it will take time, years even."

"Listen here, I don't know who you think you are…"

"Not that it matters," he interrupted, "but I have many titles. Swordsman, Warlord, Hawkeye… but you can call me Master for now."

Did his head just expand? she thought. And what did he mean start training. He knows I have been working myself into the ground. She tried to speak, but her anger just caused her to sputter.

"Hmm…you must learn to not wear your emotions so that your enemy may so easily read them." He continued, "answer me this then, do you wish to leave this island?"

"You know I do." she answered through gritted teeth, trying to figure out his game.

"And do you want to be able to protect yourself, and your family as you search for your homeland?" he asked.

That gave her pause, so he had been listening that day I poured out all my troubles… but really, the only answer to this was, "Yes."

"Then you will follow my instructions without question or complaint, and perhaps someday in the future, you will be able to do so." He practically growled the last part, and she could see that this was not something he wanted to do. So, why was he? Was it as he said, he simply wanted me gone?

"Why?" Such a loaded question. There were so many answers that she needed. Why was he doing this? Why had he let me stay in the first place? Why not just leave me to my fate?

"That is irrelevant," he answered, still facing away from her. "Just know that I do not give second chances, Ashley."

"Wait, you know my name?" He looked over his shoulder with a scowl. Right, irrelevant. "Fine, so you know my name. And yours is?" she asked.

"Dracule Mihawk. Now get dressed, you are wasting time." He started to walk away again, but she wasn't able to let him go before giving gratitude. He didn't have to help, yet he was.

"Thank you, Master Mihawk," she said, and he stopped. "You are obviously able to defend yourself against the humandrills, and who knows what else, so for now I will swallow my pride and learn." With that done, she moved toward her closet. She needed to find something that wasn't as baggy as what she had been wearing lately.

"We shall see," he replied as he finally walked away. Ashley wondered what he had in store, but if the wicked sounding tone of his voice just now was any indication, she was in for a grueling day.

"Perfect," she muttered with a sigh.