A/N: So, here is the third chapter! I had to fight myself not to upload this too early, but I managed it. Super happy with how this is turning out. After this chapter, things will have time skips every so often. GODS, I love cynical and angry Makoto so damn much. I thought it would be interesting to put an actual historical law on slavery at the start of each chapter, just so everyone can see what the history of humanity had to say about slaves.
A note on names: You may notice that some people have the English dub names, and others have the Japanese names, but one or two actually have the Japanese first name and the English last name. Why? Because it actually fits well for some reason.
Warning: Contains slavery laws, slave abuse, violence, slavery, language, prostitution, and Ami making a very crude joke. *gasp* I know! She cracks a naughty line!
With love,
Korrupted.
Shout outs-
elusivek: Ah, yes. Those horrible hearings to free slaves. Biased, and honestly a bit on the unfair side. However, in this world if the owner doesn't put the slave up for a hearing, then they remain slaves unless they purchase their own freedom. Which, if they are never paid anything, is impossible, and the magistrates can increase the costs of freedom based on how the slaves act/if they are in a pissy mood. Welcome to how shitty life could be for slaves. It was unfair and cruel.
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN SAILOR MOON NOR THE CHARACTERS. Because if I did, I sure as hell wouldn't be writing on fanfiction, now would I?
A slave may be defined as:
One whose mother was a slave.
One who has been captured in battle.
One who has sold him/herself to pay a debt.
- Romano-Byzantine law.
Minako stood at the balcony that looked down over the main area of her establishment, seeing a few patrons already milling about. Duchess Micihru Kaioh seemed to be flirting with Ami this time, the shy looking bluenette clothed in a very modest and understated dress that ended mid-calf, blues, golds, and other soft tones covering the satin surface, a pair of leather sandles on her feet. Haruka was busy with a rather flustered young woman who had to be new, offering her a drink that Elizabeth poured with a suave flourish. Michiru leaned in and kissed the shorter woman on her cheek affectionately, a playful blush settled on the young healer's pale face. The blonde woman grinned at the women below her, seeing a few men sitting at tables, other women tempting them, enticing them. The general Jadeite Metiska was blushing deeply as Rei leaned in to whisper something into his ear, taking a quick sip of his tea as an opportunity to collect himself. Oh how she wanted to tease the former miko over how impish she was with him.
Still, she had to set down rules regarding her newest addition to her humble abode and place of business. With a soft sigh, she strode along the floor and down the stairs, clearing her throat loudly when she was halfway down them and halting, waiting for all eyes to find her. The silence was suddenly crushing her, but she began. "Good afternoon. I just wanted to thank you for coming to The Crystal Palace for some lovely women and lively entertainment. And the music isn't half bad either." There was a bit of laughter, the woman pressing on. "Also, I do have an announcement. Today, I have gained a new member to my staff. Makoto Kino is a new woman here, and I do hope that everyone helps make her feel welcomed." There were a few inappropriate murmurs. "However, she will NOT be one of my working girls. Makoto will be a member of my general staff, and any inappropriate advances made towards her will be met with the same response as if someone tries to force one of my girls to do something they don't wish to do."
Setsuna arched her eyebrow at a middle aged woman who scoffed, tapping her spear on the wooden floor to silence her. After she gave her younger employer a nod, the whip wielder continued. "So, please, just keep that in mind. I really don't want anyone to have to be kicked out for breaking rules. Anyways, enjoy your time!" She finished, casting a wave as she finished descending the stairs, joining the gaggle of patrons and women.
Serenity crossed over to her side as she walked into the kitchen, a bowl of ice cream in her hand as her blue eyes searched Minako's. "Mina, that's the slave we saw, right? The woman who was brought in here earlier? Is she okay?" The pigtailed blonde questioned.
The bordello owner cast a weary smile, nodding. "Yeah, that's Makoto. She's getting cleaned up now." Ocean blue hues darkened. "But, she is so stubborn, and crass, and I swear she's going to get herself into trouble." The memory of Travis losing his temper and striking the tall woman to cause her to crumble to the floor resurfaced. "I really don't like this whole slavery thing. And what's worse is I now have one!"
Serenity watched her boss sit down hard, sighing heavily. She had been working for the blonde about five years now, and respected the woman greatly for her honesty, loyalty, and watchful eye. The brothel worker sat next to Minako and continued eating, knowing that there was more that would be said. "She's so angry, and she hates me, and I have no idea what I'm supposed to do. I mean, a large part of the kingdom would say for me to beat or whip her, but I refuse to do that. I just... I wish I knew what the hell I was doing."
The young prostitute tilted her head thoughtfully, the spoon in her mouth still as her sky blue eyes narrowed. It wasn't often Minako was this unsure, but the woman also had a heart of gold, and this was against everything she stood for. "Mehbeh ewe sthould haph her mwet sthom oph the gilhs..." She muttered around the ice cream and utensil still in her mouth, garnering a withering glance from the other blonde before retrying. "Maybe you should have her meet some of the girls. I mean, she will be living with us, and working around us. Perhaps that could help her adjust and be less... Hate-y about things?"
The whip wielder had to admit that it was fairly sound advice, nodding absently in agreement. Maybe after the woman was done with her bath, then she would have her start meeting some of the other girls. However, she still had to figure out duties for Makoto to do as general staff. Obviously, running errands within reason would be one, maybe also running guard duty? Minako thought against it; after seeing her temper thus far, she feared the busty slave would haul off and pummel a patron to near death if one so much as slighted her. Cooking was also nixed, as the idea of putting the woman in close proximity of blades made Minako concerned even more. So, for now she would run errands and help her with the upkeep of the brothel. "Earth to Minako..."
Minako jumped slightly as she found a spoon waved a scant inch in front of her face, leaning back swiftly. "What is it, Serenity?" She responded irritably.
"I said that General Kunzite informed me that the Prince just called for me and I require an escort to the castle. Think Makoto might be a good choice?"
The woman blinked a few times, mulling over the option in her mind. She would need to send someone to accompany them both as Makoto was unbranded, but it didn't sound like a horrible prospect. In fact, she already had the perfect guard in mind. "I'll have Luna escort the both of you. And keep an eye on her. Go get yourself ready, Princess." The madam teased.
Serenity squealed happily and hugged her employer, rushing off to get herself presentable for the prince while Minako stood far more slowly. It had been a good twenty minutes and it seemed that Makoto was still holed up in her room, the businesswoman sighing as her blue eyes turned to the stairs, moving towards it as her mind whirled swiftly. Was she okay? Did the girl try to run? Had she injured herself? Her mind was jumping to all sorts of horrible conclusions as she climbed upwards, finally knocking on the woman's door. "Makoto? Is everything alright?" She called, growing concerned.
When there was no answer from her charge, the anxious blonde tried the knob to find it unlocked, cautiously edging into the room. Ocean blue eyes spied the old clothing on the floor, noting the dim lights from the washroom and wandering closer, smelling the perfum of roses wafting from there to her nose; it wasn't used by many of the girls, so she knew exactly which one it was. She peered in through the doorway, seeing the auburn haired woman laying in the tub, submerged up to just past her ears, her eyes closed peacefully. The shifting bubbles told her that her charge was alive and well, enjoying what was likely her first decent bath in months, walking closer to lean over the water filled object. "Hey. Hey, Makoto?" She questioned, gently touching Makoto's shoulder.
Emerald green eyes snapped open in an instant, the tall figure surging up to grip the offending hand and twist it behind the blonde's back as the other gripped the pale throat, pressing her rather unwilling master's back and twisted arm against the stone wall with an expression of fury, hate, and calculating cunning. Minako gasped and struggled against the painfully iron hold, unable to reach her boot knife to defend herself, and too close to use her whip. Fearful ocean blue orbs locked with verdant hues, and suddenly the slave released her grip, glaring at her. "Don't do that again, you damn fool. What, did nobody ever teach you to knock?"
The Madam rubbed her wrist as her body shook, clearly unnerved by the aggressive outburst. Her eyes looked at the stone floor, but found themselves slowly dragged up long, tan legs, seeing scars here and there along the surface as her line of sight traveled up until their eyes met again. If nothing else, she could admit that the now clean slave was quite beautiful, water running down her injured and thin but sturdy form, the golden cuffs and collar glinting in the oil torch light. However, where had that outburst come from? Makoto's expression had been fierce, but it had been more like an instinct; like a warrior reacting to a possible threat. 'And another reason why she shouldn't be in the kitchens.' Minako thought firmly. "I... I did. You didn't answer so I grew concerned. I'll try not to do that again though."
Angry eyes narrowed more. "Good. Now, can I get some damn clothes on, or do you need your new slave to stand here naked for you to ogle a bit longer?"
The venom had not been missed, but Minako tried her best to ignore it. "No, go get dressed. You've got to help Luna escort Serenity to the palace to see the prince."
"Escort?"
"Yeah. When a patron requests one of the girls to come to them, I always have at least one guard escort them. Just in case." Golden eyebrows furrowed slightly. "But, if you have a problem with it-"
"No, no it's fine." The still naked woman crossed her arms under her breasts, her expression a bit eased. "I just didn't quite understand what you were talking about." Once more, it darkened just as quickly as it had relaxed. "Now, let me get dressed so I can do your bidding, O gracious master of mine."
Minako scowled slightly at being called 'master', the ill sensation from earlier returning. "Luna will be waiting for you in the main bar when you are ready." She informed the stubborn woman before hurrying out of the room.
Minako released a huffed breath as she stood in the hallway, her right hand going back up to her throat. What had Makoto been thinking? If it had been another master that she had turned on like that, it would have been at the very least a beating. But, Minako wasn't another slave owner; she was just as reluctant about this as it was clear Makoto resented her. With a final shake of her head, the madam lowered her hand and went to her chambers, her thoughts now on trying to get her paperwork in order for the next day.
Makoto smoothed out the tight leather pants, her midnight blue tunic bringing out the green of her eyes even more, a simple leather belt cinching it slightly. This Haruka woman certainly did have an eye for colors, and the slave tugged on the boots before standing to appraise herself in the mirror. Her skin was far cleaner, her auburn hair in it's usual wavy horsetail, the golden restraints almost like pretty jewelry instead of identification of her being a slave. Her stomach was full for the first time in a long time, and while she wanted to sleep, she had to do a task that blonde imbecile of a master had given her. She loathed the very existence of that woman, fuming silently as she exited the room to take in her surroundings better. The halls were wood with masonry accents, clearly top quality in every detail. Her eyes scanned the beams of the ceiling, looking at the strange chandelier that seemed to have some sort of magical candles that had no flame in wonder. How on earth did it work?
The slave slowly made her way down the stairs, a few patrons eyeing her up with the unmistakable gleam of desire in their eyes. She put on her best sneer, watching with satisfaction as they scurried off to find solace in the company of the working women, reaching the bottom of the stairs when a smaller form ran into her quite suddenly. Due to her swift reflexes, Makoto quickly steadied the female, blinking at the slim bluenette before her with a barely noticeable concern. "You alright there?" She inquired.
"Yes, I believe so. Oh! I apologize. I wasn't paying attention. I'm Ami Anderson, one of the... Errr... Workers." Her deep sapphire hues glanced at the golden restraints on the taller woman. "You must be Makoto. I hope you aren't too terribly put off by all this."
The auburn haired woman tilted her head slightly, her hands gently resting atop the smaller woman's shoulders. This one seemed rather frail but had a kind, soft voice. She made a mental note of it for later. "I uhhh... I dunno yet. Not my first choice of living arrangements, but it's not like I have much of a fucking say. I need to find some woman named Luna. Do you know where she is?"
Ami nodded, gesturing with her hand towards the bar. "Yes. She's right over there. Do you see the redhead serving drinks? That's Elizabeth. Don't take drinks from her after hours unless you really enjoy drinks stiffer than some of the men we entertain in our rooms." Makoto felt her lips twitch in a smirk; the polite sounding woman was blushing at her own crude comment. "The woman with long, wavy black hair next to the bar is Luna Mau. I must get back to my patron now, but I am sure I will see you in the morning."
The slender woman slipped away politely, emerald eyes tracking her back to a table in the room to her left and joining a rather wealthy looking female. The aqua haired woman leaned in to kiss Ami's cheek, the oddly friendly brothel worker shyly grinning and blushing as she spoke to her guest. The slave folded her arms and watched the duo with her brow knit in thought. The girl seemed nice enough, but she would hold off putting her in any sort of good or bad bracket until later; one two minute conversation was not enough to form a proper opinion. After a moment more, the auburn haired woman turned and walked towards the woman in a yellow and black dress with short length skirt, a dagger on her hip and a spear in her hand, walking over as she studied the weapons. "Luna? My name is-"
"Makoto. Yes, Minako has already informed everyone of you." The woman had an accent that spoke of the English kingdom to the west, but the slave silently filed that information away. "Serenity already told me about you joining us. She will be down shor- Oh. Here she is."
Makoto turned to see a young blonde woman descending the stairs in a very lovely gown, golden embroidery across the bust accentuating her corn yellow pigtails, a grin that seemed to be full of innocence on her lips as her blue eyes swept over the main bar. Many of the patrons whistled, some winked, but none dared to touch her; she was for the Prince unless she otherwise stated, and it was like an unspoken law. Those baby blues zeroed in on the tall slave and the spear carrier, almost bouncing on her way to greet them. "Hi, hi! Oh, you must be Makoto. I'm Serenity, and it's really nice to meet you. We can talk more on the way, but I really don't want to keep Prince Endymion waiting. Let's go, girls!" The woman said in a cheerful rush, locking arms with a rather bewildered slave and all but dragging her out with her enthusiasm, Luna giggling as she joined them.
Makoto was tense, walking between the raven haired escort and the short prostitute, all the while waiting for a sharp insult, or deft threat to be lobbed at her from either side. Instead, the excitable blonde was happily chattering away to the woman she had linked her arm with, grinning like an idiot the whole time. "And so when I was about sixteen, I figured that this was as good a job as any, and started working the night. Mina found me when some guy tried to rough me up, and I've been working for her ever since."
Luna was trying very hard not to laugh at the auburn haired woman as she tried to keep up with the lovable brothel worker, her senses sharp as they made their way to the castle. Serenity was someone who could put anyone at ease, and judging by the slightly relaxed posture of the newest addition to the Palace, even Makoto couldn't resist her bubbly charms. "What about you, Mako? Oh, is it alright if I call you that?"
The guard glanced at the slave who was blinking at the younger woman as if she was a particularly strange creature that she found fascinating. "I uhhh... Yeah, that's fine." Makoto placed her free hand behind her head and glowered at nothing slightly. "Not much to tell. I can't recall what being free was like anymore, been a slave for about five years now, and I don't even know my own birth day. Been to three different masters," she spat the word out like acid. "before this one. She seems okay so far, but I'm not holding my breath."
Blue eyes widened in shock. "Minako, be mean? She is the nicest person I ever met. She would only be mean to keep you safe, and never hurt you, I promise."
A soft smile graced Makoto's lips, the small gesture lightening her entire face. "Whatever you say, Serenity. But being a slave owner changes people. As a slave, I have seen it, and lived it." Her expression darkened substantially. "Any case, nothing about me matters to the kingdom. To the law, I could be whipped to within an inch of my life for sneezing wrong, and no one bats an eye. If I tell someone to kiss my ass, it's as if my words have just brought Heildar's wrath upon us all."
Luna opened her mouth to speak when a dark figure stepped out of an alley silently, gripping her spear tightly. Out of the corner of her eye, she vaguely noticed Mako backing the young prostitute against a wall, placing her own body between the blonde and the man, her right hand briefly going to her hip as if on reflex before simply clenching in a fist. "Just doing my rounds, ladies." A brisk male voice assured, continuing on.
Red eyes softened before her body relaxed, glancing back to see Serenity's eyes peeking around the thin body of her other protector. It was almost comical to see the floating blonde buns and blue hues lurking at shoulder height on the taller woman. Part of the guard suspected that she was standing on her tip toes to even manage that, but she said nothing. They continued on their way in relative silence, though upon entering the castle itself, the black haired woman noted that the slave had grown visibly anxious. Was there something in there that she didn't want to see? "Do I need to go in with you two?" She asked in mild irritation.
"Yes. Since you are unmarked, you can't be unescorted without reprecussions. It won't be long, I promise." The English guard stated kindly.
With a tiny nod, Makoto grumbled and followed, crossing her arms over her chest. As they reached the main receiving hall, the two guards saw the trio, and stiffened to salitue; which struck Luna as odd since they only ever had smiled before. However, a man in military armor passed from behind them, the green eyed female frowning at the guards who now looked as if they had gotten their hands caught in the honey jar, her expression unreadable. It seemed she didn't care for the military at all, or was unimpressed, but Luna had no idea which it was. Serenity waved them goodbye before walking into the hall, one of the guards announcing her before glancing at Makoto once again. "Let's go." Luna stated, not wanting to give the man any more time to look at her auburn haired charge.
"Finally. Yeah, let's go."
Together, the duo briskly walked out of the castle and hurried back to the bar. Once back inside of the laughter and chatter filled walls, Luna heard the other woman's voice inquire, "Will she be okay up there? When should we go back to escort her here?"
"She'll be fine. The prince will send her back here with a bloody troop of guards come morning. Fret not, my dear." She stated with a smile, motioning to the kitchen. "Now, go get some meat and pudding from Ari. You've earned it in my book, and you look too thin to me. I'll check in with Minako before heading home."
"Home? You mean you don't live here?"
The guard laughed. "Oh, bloody hell no! I live with my husband and daughter a tick away. Most of the guards, and Elizabeth, aren't actual brothel workers. We're just hired on as staff, or the like. Could you imagine my little one underfoot with the girls taking high paying patrons up to be entertained?" She tried to stop her laughter, now only chuckling. "Oh, oh hell... That was a good laugh. But I work most days. I'll see you tomorrow evening." At the confused expression, she went on. "Brothel opens at four bells past midday."
"Oh! Yeah. I'll be here unless Madam Blondie decides to have me lynched during the night. See you, then." The slave huffed out and walked into the kitchen, leaving Luna to watch her back for a few moments before turning to the stairs.
The raven haired woman climbed the staircase as her wary red hues watched the crowd over the bannister, making her way to the large maple door of Minako's personal bedroom. Her fist firmly rapped on the door, a soft voice replying, "Come in."
Minako looked up from her paper as Luna entered, laying comfortably on her bed with her ankles neatly crossed, smiling kindly. "Hey, how did it go?" The bordello owner questioned.
The shrug she gained was a good sign, better than a fuming complaint of how brash the young woman had been. "She was fairly good. A sentry spooked us both, and she actually reacted by placing herself between Serenity and the possible mugger. But, I think she has some weapon knowledge."
The blonde head tilted slightly to the side. "What do you mean?"
"Well, she reached for where a sword would have been on her waist by instinct. I know it's none of my business, but what do we actually know about her?"
A deep frown creased Minako's features. "She's got a temper, no patience, a penchant for speaking her mind regardless of it getting her into trouble, and my GODS is she stubborn. But... Nothing else, really. She's not one who will trust me. Maybe not anyone."
"Well, she actually seemed to get on well with Serenity, and was worried about her once we were back. She's also got a bloody chip on her shoulder about being in the castle. She didn't want to go in at all, but didn't raise too much of a protest. Mina, just who is she?" The English guard spoke the last question quietly.
'Just who is she is right.' The woman lightly rubbed her throat where the auburn haired woman had gripped it earlier. She had seemed to be reacting on instinct, trained to defend herself. The more she tried to discover one answer about her new charge, the more she found herself with more questions than she had started with. It was good that Makoto had gotten along with the young prostitute, but would her trying to mingle with others prove to be a disaster? She couldn't tell. "Thank you, Luna. Elizabeth has your pay for the night, and Arianna made some cookies for Diana. Tell Artemis I said hello, please."
The guard grinned and nodded before leaving, closing the door behind her as the whip wielder looked back at the papers in her hands. As much as she wanted to, she could no longer focus on the numbers of income; her mind was busy being plagued with questions of a certain busty slave she now owned much to her own great disgust. Luna had noted she might be trained in weapons, but just what else? Who was she? Who were her parents? Did she have family? Where was she born? How had she aquired so many scars? Why had she become a slave to begin with?
Her head buzzed with curiosity, Minako abandoning her papers to change into a loin cloth and breast band under an orange and red sleeping tunic, muttering incantation to dim the oil lights in her room. She had spent a small fortune on the best mages to spell the oil fires in her establishment, and she honestly was happy with the result. The gold chandelier had been both mages and the local alchemist, enchanting the incredibly expensive material called 'glass' to light the bar without fire, and was her favorite item by far.
As she settled down, her thoughts remained on the stoic, angry, volitile slave in her care. Just how on earth was she supposed to take proper care of her? Neither of them were happy with this, but it couldn't be undone at this point. In the morning, she would put her best foot forward and try to break through that cold exterior. Gods help her in the morning; she had a feeling she would need it
