Title- Patience
Author- kawaiichiisaikitsune (pirate-kiari)
Rating- T
Pairings- LuffyxNami, NojikoxOC (may be more later on)
Summary- 'Balls weren't really what everyone said them to be. At least, to this young girl they weren't.' A story about a royal family, a farmer boy, a series of balls/dances, and everything in between. AU, LuNa
Kiari-san was actually surprised how easy and quickly this chapter came to her. She kinda prides herself on its length too; about five and a half pages. Now then, enjoy!
Disclaimer- Mou, she doesn't own.
Patience
-Chapter Twelve: Take Down-
Dawn broke, sending the skies in a whirl of reds and oranges. The sun glittered over the horizon, glowing its bright yellow light on the world around it. The village was just beginning to awaken to the beautiful day.
King Niwa's breath was labored as he held himself up. The castle ballroom was in shambles. Bright red colored the walls in large splatters here and there, dried and wet. Corps of the slaughtered littered the marble floors, bathed in their own blood and disembodied. Alrong's followers stood around with laughing grins and sneers and Arlong himself stood before the royalty looking very much untouched from battle.
Kohza was told to take all the survivors away from the castle, but two never budged as the others escaped and remained just pass the large doorway inside. They looked on with horror in their eyes as the King was getting beaten. More than anything did the sisters want to intrude, but their feet were frozen where they were and they could do nothing but continue watching.
"Arlong!" the king hissed, eyes flaming with anger, "Fight me yourself, you coward!"
The other raised an eyebrow at him. "Coward?" he roared with laughter, his followers copying, "And I thought I was being generous."
"Generous my ass!" Niwa screamed, picking up his sword and maintaining the best fighting stance he could in his condition. His opposers laughed loudly at him.
"Let me finish him, boss," a follower spoke up, stepping from the mess of the others. He was a large, hefty man with a square head and broad shoulders. His skin was very pale, but his body was in perfect condition with well-defined muscles. He wore cut off slacks and a sleeveless shirt, both of a dark color. He wielded no weapon but his fists.
"No, he wants to be killed by my hands," Arlong sneered, swinging his giant weapon off his shoulders again and handing it over to the other. "I shouldn't need this. Watch it for me." The ruler snarled, charging at his opponent with a battle cry. The blade was stopped between two fingers. "Did I say to begin," the opposer growled, releasing the sword and winding back a large arm. The arm swung back, fisting the other in the stomach and sending him stumbling back at a loss of breath.
It did not end there. Arlong plucked a tiny sword from a dead victim and swords clashed here and there. Niwa didn't stand a chance as the other's weapon successfully slashed open his chest in one clean swipe. The blood splattered to the floor in sickening quantities and the injured's breath became quicker and heavier. But he would not give up.
The King's sword clattered on the marble, sharp metal stained with blood. He stood with wracking pants and sweat drenching his battered flesh. His knees crumbled with his heavy weight and he kneeled on the floor, trying desperately to stand once again. Blood oozed from his chest, dribbling down his torso and limbs in a thick red.
Nojiko gasped loudly as she watched the enemy's sword swing down again with incredible force, digging into the base of the other's neck, just grazing over his ear. He gurgled in pain, grasping the new wound with a shaken hand as the weapon drew out from it. The massive amounts of blood seeped through his fingers that pinched the skin in desperate means of somehow closing the cut and stopping the bleeding. She couldn't watch much more.
The Queen raced to her husband's side as the opposing sword was being raised again for another strike, dress flaring behind her as she ran. She knelt down beside him, grasping his arm with both hands in a firm hold. "This has got to stop," she demanded, though her voice betrayed her worry and fright.
"Get back," Niwa gasped, trying to push her away with the arm she gripped closely. She didn't move, not realizing the danger that loomed darkly above her. There wasn't much time to react as the stained sword sliced down the air, aimed at her. The other reacted for her, pushing his whole body weight in front of her to protect her. Neither expected the sight before them when they realized they both were untouched.
Nami stood right before them, arms held out and feet firmly planted in a defying stance. The blade dug into her shoulder, tearing silk and skin. Blood trickled down her dress in a firey crimson and her face scrunched up in pain. She did not give the other the satsifaction of a cry, biting down on her tongue so hard it nearly began bleeding itself. As the sword was draw out her arm fell limp at her side while her other hand squeezed at the torn shoulder. "Arlong!" she hissed around tightly clenched teeth, eyes screaming bloody murder.
"Oh my, I've seem to hit the wrong target," he roared with sneering laughter, bringing his weapon up to his lips and licking the cold metal, "But it tastes so good." His watching followers laughed and sneered and pointed and murmured, but they were invisible to her. She could see no one but the enemy standing before her.
"Oh my Lord... Nami..." Nojiko gasped, her body shaken terribly. Niwa seemed to be in the same stupor.
Tears stung the princess's dark eyes and her knees quivered with weakness. Her shoulder burned a hot white pain and the blood dripping down her body sent countless chills up and down her spine. Her breath came in short puffs as she tried to recollect her wits about her. "Arlong," she hissed again, breathlessly, "I won't let you kill any more of my family!"
"What makes you think you can stop me?" Arlong boomed in more laughter. He tipped her chin up with the very end of his sharp blade, ignoring the death glare she sent his way. "Why don't we make a deal?" he offered, smirking, "I'll let your family go if you join me and my gang."
The orange-haired girl hesitated, but agreed rather begrudgingly. "Fine, but I expect my freedom of mobility."
"Nami!" Niwa hissed angrily, but was ignored. The large, pale man laughed again in amusement.
"Deal, my dear," he said, withdrawing his sword and slinging it over his shoulder, "Now get these two out of my sight before I change my mind."
Nami nodded and briskly helped the king to his feet with her good arm. The walk to the castle door was silent and awkward and neither Nojiko nor Niwa expected the other to shove them out of the building and close the large wooden doors behind them. They were taken aback, but stumbled on to the village. The wounded came first and he desperately needed a doctor.
"There," the princess panted, her shoulder burning painfully. The winner over the current ruler walked up to her with a quirky grin and smudged some warm blood on his large finger, earning a wince. He turned his hand over, looking at the red before turning to his followers.
"Doctor?" he roared in question. The others all hung their heads sadly.
"Dead, boss," the man holding his larger weapon answered, pointing over at one of the few bodies that belonged to the gang.
"Shameful," he grumbled.
Nami panicked, gripping her injured shoulder tightly despite the hot pain. Breath short and wits scattered, she managed a reply to the giant man. "There's a fine doctor in the village. He can tend to me. If I can..."
"Go," Arlong boomed, "You're entitled to your freedom." Without another word she left quickly, the loud voices catching up behind her until she was out of the castle.
"What use can she be, boss?"
"Nothing but a fun toy to play with."
The horrible laughter spilled shivers down her spine and she felt herself go rigid as she shut the wooden doors behind her.
II
"Nami! You witch!" Niwa screamed, struggling against the combined force of the doctor and his wife to get up out of the bed. He was unsuccessful and the girl walked into the clinic, clutching her wound and ignoring the heated glare she was receiving from the man. "How dare you show your face to us! Traitor!"
"Shut up!" she screamed back at last, hot tears trickling down her cheek, "You don't know anything! I saved your ass!"
"I know everything I need to! Unloyal wench! Are you so afraid of a fight you'd just switch sides!? Answer me!"
"Shut up! You don't understand! I saved you!" she wailed, balling her fist tightly, "I saved you."
"You've saved no one but yourself!"
"Niwa!" the doctor reprimanded angrily, shoving the man roughly back down on the bed, "Cut it out or you'll reopen your wounds!" He turned to the princess with the same hard gaze, "And you, back room, now!"
She scurried pass them all and to the room, thankful for the command. Sitting down on a prim clinic bed in the back room, she curled herself into a ball and wept upon her covered knees, shaking uncontrollably. She ignored the approaching footsteps and the squeak of an old chair next to the bed being sit upon. Her shoulder was silently treated to, her head bowed and masking the pain and guilt on her face. It wasn't until crisp white bandages adorned her shoulder did either speak.
"There," the doctor said, "It may have looked bad, but it was a clean cut. I was able to treat it and stitch it up easily. I request you to change your bandages everyday and to not strain yourself for a couple weeks. The injury may leave a scar."
"I'm sorry," the princess whispered, touching a bloody hand to the clean wrap. She didn't look up, but kept her gaze trained on the floor.
The old man with the bandana tied around his head with a little cross on the front patted her head as though she were a little child. He gave a small smile around his mustache, "No need to apologize, kid. Niwa was wrong to yell at you; we understand. Maybe next time, you should think things through just a mite more. Could make a difference." When she finally looked up, eyes red and cheeks stained with tears, he gave her a full grin. "Be expecting a talk with your sister though. She's not too pleased, but do remember we understand fully your intentions."
The door which separated the room creaked softly open and the occupants of the room looked over at it. The doctor laughed, "Speak of the devil." He stood from the chair he'd been sitting on and headed to the door the newcomer still stood at, ushering her inside and bidding his good lucks to the pair.
Nami expected her sister to yell at her or to reprimand her or something similar. She did not expect the tight bear hug she was suddenly caught in. It took her a full minute or so to cautiously return the sisterly affection and relief.
"That was such a stupid, idiotic, rash thing to do, Nami," she cried, "But I'm so glad you're still okay." As Nojiko finally pulled back, her whole persona changed and she gave the other the most stern, motherly look she could muster. "What were you thinking?! He could have damn well killed you!"
"Better me than my whole family! You guys are all I have left!" the orange-haired girl argued.
"The same goes for me!" she replied angrily, "Tell me, how would you feel to see two of your loved ones injured; one so badly to the point of near death! That's what you did, Nami! You gave me the satisfaction of seeing another person I love dearly injured! Do you understand?"
"I understand."
"No, you don't! You really don't! But I'm not going to waste my time trying to explain myself to you. Instead, I want to know what the hell you were thinking when you made that deal with Arlong. What was going through your thick head?"
"He was going to kill us all! I couldn't let that happen! You're all I have left!" Nami screamed, pounding her fists on the bed, "I don't care if I was being brash, or stupid, or idiotic! I couldn't watch my family be killed right before my very eyes! Arlong wanted me and now he has me, but you all are safe! That's all that matters to me!"
"Nami, you're such an idiot; such a stupid idiot!" Nojiko cried, gripping her little sister in another tight hug.
The queen explained the princess's reasons to her husband, wiping away a couple heavy tears with the sleeve of her dress. Her sister could be very rash and pigheaded when it came to big importances such as her family and friends and sometimes even trivial importances like her love of money. The king understood and apologized whole-heartedly. She accepted it warmly, just glad to see everyone fine and well even though she might have to spend the rest of her years with the devil himself.
Prince Kenji was returned to the royal couple by the loyal friend ViVi and her fiancé. Unfortunately, the two were called off on their own unfortunate business, apologizing excessively as they left. And with nowhere else to go, Niwa, Nojiko, Kenji, and Nami were invited to stay and live with the doctor at the clinic. Nami was the only one who had to decline the kind offer. As part of the deal she made, she was now one of Arlong's followers and most likely had to stay with the beasts.
"I have my own freedom, but if I never return Arlong might think I'm going back on the deal and could seek you out and kill you all," she exlpained before she left.
On her walk back up to the castle, she thought somberly, watching her feet shuffled through the dirt and gravel. Just before reaching the large gates, she stopped to look up and find the early morning sun glaring down upon her pale flesh. Somewhere, on the outskirts of the village, was a rather flat hill with a hut and barn sitting upon its hump. Inside that hut would be two farmers eating an early breakfast and getting ready for a healthy day of work. They would talk and laugh with each other on how it was such a nice day and everything would be nice. She wished she could be with them. Their life now sounded grand.
III
News traveled very fast in the small village. The king and queen were spotted helping around the clinic in the ordinary clothes of the villagers. Theories were conjured and the truth was revealed. Everyone was outraged at the intruder who beat their loved king and took over the castle. The gossip still spread about the village by late noon, but the voices were quieter than the earlier ones. Only one curious person went to see the royal pair at that later time.
"Portugas D Ace," he bowed lowly, long messy locks falling in his freckled face. Standing straight once again, he replaced the cowboy hat on his head and smiled quite warmly at the two. "I'm sure you're very tired of retelling your unfortunate story over and over again to the villagers who stop off, but my little brother and I live in the farm just outside of town. He would really like to hear the news going on about the place this morning, but I should like to have the real story opposed to the tall tale I'm sure the village maidens have made it out to be."
Nojiko blinked at the man, taken aback by his manner and attitude. It was so much unlike all the other visitors they'd had all day long. And as much as they've told their story, they didn't mind as much because they realized the village had a right to know certain events. So, she summarized the brutal tale to him. He was very different from the villagers who gasped and muttered angered remarks about Arlong and such as he just nodded with interest.
"Can I ask you to elaborate on Princess Nami's status? He would really like to hear more upon that."
The blue-haired woman hesitated. No one had asked them to elaborate on anything, having been satisfied with the geralizations made in their own heads. When she was finished explaining more, she was rather surprised to find him frowning deeply and shaking his head. "May I ask..." she hesitated, "May I ask what's wrong?"
"Luffy really won't like hearing that," Ace replied. The queen jumped from her seat at the familiar name, the other not at all startled by the reaction. "I thought you might recognize the name," he admitted with a small smirk, "He's spent a couple nights at the castle."
"He has! They actually managed to join us at the breakfast table one morning."
"I hope he wasn't any trouble."
"Not at all! I think Nami was rather fascinated on him," she smiled warmly. The farmer grinned back.
"Well, I've wasted enough of your time. Thank you for everything," he bowed in goodbye and left the woman to ponder upon his oddity.
Ace wheeled the cart back into the barn before entering the hut to find his younger brother slumped upon the wooden table they ate at. He laid on his stomach, head turned to one side and limbs spread out carelessly. His expression was a mix of serenity and grumpiness. The older laughed and nudged the other, sitting himself at one of the three chairs around the table. "I've got important news for you."
Luffy slid off the table and into a chair of his own, slouching terribly without a care. The other frowned at him.
"How about I make you a late lunch first?" he offered, which made the younger perk up instantly. The long haired farmer stood from his seat and sauntered over to the general kitchen area. Quickly he prepared a simple meat dish, knowing well the other only thought of meat at the mention of any kind of meal.
He set the plate before the straw-hat clad boy who instantly dug into the late meal and took his seat once again. "Would you like to hear my news now?" he asked innocently and was replied to with a nod. So, he explained in words very similar to the queen's about the whole event that took place between late that night and earlier that morning. Luffy was not pleased to hear the story.
"She's pretty much a prisoner to Arlong now," he finished, looking over expectantly to his brother. It was silent for a long minute. "Well?"
The other looked up at him in confusement. Ace returned with a stern look.
"What are you still doing here?"
"It has nothing to do with me," he answered, looking back down at his plate, "I can't just barge into someone else's business. It's wrong."
"Aren't you mad?"
"Of course I'm mad!" he glared at his food, "But I can't do anything! It's not my business!"
The older farmer looked at the other with a light smirk. His little brother was amazing. Even as he battled against the anger inside of him, he remained calm and indifferent. He knew what he could and couldn't do without permission and he was completely right. How a person like him, being so normally childlike and reactant upon his own emotions, could understand it all so well was baffling. But Luffy was just that sort of kid.
At that same time, far away, leaning against the door of the sacred secret room, the orange-haired princess sat in a tight ball. It'd been nearly half a day and she couldn't even begin to stand the beasts and their barbaric ways. They watched her like hawks, lustrous hunger dancing in their eyes. No one even touched her without Arlong's word, but still she could not stand it. Therefore, she snuck off to her latent room just to get some time by herself. She knew that at any moment one of the strong men could burst through the door she sat against, but right now she tried to enjoy what peace she had.
Because she knew it would not last long.
-TBC-
--Review Replies--
-Prologue-
The Dragon Hollow Vaizard, thanks for the review! Kiari-san don't think he's ganna show up at all. There's just no point in putting him anywhere by now. Sorry.
-Chapter Eleven-
Mysterious Man, thanks for the review! lolz Plan on it. C:
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Flames are ignored, constructive criticism is highly appreciated, and praise is great for Kiari-san's ego.