It hurts.
The pressure constricting and crushing upon her heart ravaged the life within. The burning within her chest, begging, whimpering for the sweet breath of life. But it struggled to save her.
Run.
There was nowhere to flee. Even if she did, he would surely intercept her within an instant. Those sharp, predator eyes pinned her in place. There's no running.
Fight.
The arrogance. The audacity of even entertaining the thought was cut into nothingness. He was above her in every aspect. Ending her own life would be the more merciful solution compared to that. That's just the difference in strength and how he lorded over her.
"Dracule Mihawk."
"In the flesh." His voice, sharp, cut, and to the point and brimming with confidence. Mihawk's face aged like the finest of wine. Immaculate and clean mustache with a goatee, groomed to perfection underneath the shade of his wide-brimmed black hat with a rare plum attached.
"Who would have guessed, you'd be found in this backwater ocean. Quite a few annoyances keep pestering me if I've seen their wayward Hatchling in my travels. What ever will I tell them now?" His exposed chest purred in a hum, wearing only a long black coat with long red velvet sleeves that matched the interior, a golden cross adorned his neck, and simple white pants.
Nami, unaware of who this man was, stepped around the helm, "Hey, who the hell are y—" Ashe immediately blocked her path with an out-stretched hand, motioning the navigator behind her protectively. Making herself into a human shield. "Ashe—" Nami bit her tongue at the sight. Pale, covered in sweat, struggling to breathe, an expression of fright masked her face.
Ashe whispered, "Shut up, let me handle this." The knot within her throat refused to budge, gazed locked into his predatory yellow eyes. "Why are you here, Mihawk? There's no sport for you in the Blue Seas."
"Just passing the time." The slightest of head tilts, "Color me surprised, to find you in this humble backwater. How ever will your Master react to this information, I wonder."
"He's not my Master." Ashe's teeth clenched in grit, "Just my instructor, nothing more. What I do in my spare time is nobody's business, but my own. I've only ever seen you observing my training sessions. Why?"
A pause, as if choosing his words. "I am…curious." Dracule slowly stalks toward her, staring her down from his imposing height. "But not in you, per say."
Ashe twitches as he reaches out in her direction, grabbing onto a hilt of her dagger before drawing it unchallenged. "I don't understand."
Disappointment mares his handsome face into a frown, "Such…fragile fangs you have. Sharp, they may be…but a beast without a drive. Shame, perhaps I was wrong in my observations."
She reached out to take it back, "If that's all, then please leave us in peac—" Only to be answered with her own blade poised at her throat with ease.
"Draw steel, I will evaluate you myself."
"I don't want to fight, lets just talk this out."
"I will not repeat myself. To arms, or your friend dies. Either way, I get what I want. I am strong. You are weak. Such is the way of the seas." The point dug into her throat, driving it home at how serious he was. He had no qualms about taking Nami's life and he was correct.
Either she does as he says and fights, or he kills Nami, and she still fights. Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place.
With a heavy breath, Ashe surrenders to her fate. "Very well…I accept." Stepping back, she draws her remaining blade. It took what strength and pride she had to keep from shaking.
Mihawk remained calm and stoic, a lax and bored stance, if it could even be called one. "Attack me. If I find you…adequate…I'll keep your location secret. Fail…" His head nudges toward the navigator. "She dies. Don't disappoint."
There was no signal, only her thrusting forward, clashing her blade against his. Testing his strength and reflexes. Barely a flick of his wrist is all it took to rebuff her attack. She repeated the process a few more times, only for the same results. 'Defense or offence. Either path is the same…However, if I only stay on the back foot, it's a guaranteed defeat. My only choice is an endless assault and hope I get lucky.'
Easier said than done. Once more, she dashes forward, using her forte of speed as her main weapon. Blades clashed in sparks and blurs. Mihawk, easily keeping up with her pace, not even needing to move from his position.
She tried every angle of attack. Diving low to strike his legs, only to lift it out of the way calmly. Rebounding back with a thrust to his spine, just to blindly grab her wrist and flick her over his shoulder in an effortless throw.
Rolling out of his reach, she pants and tenses up for another round. Dracule calmly stared at her with the dagger loosely in hand. "Is this all you amount to? I must wonder…why someone like him would choose to be your Master. Surely, there were better candidates. Perhaps…you need more motivation?" Mihawk flicks the weapon to the side, causing Ashe to raise a brow.
"Ack!"
The startled cry of pain caught her attention. Nami clutched at her arm, a small trickle of blood streaming down from just a small, shallow cut. Panic and desperation flooded into her body at the sight of an innocent bystander being caught up in her mess. "She has nothing to do with this. Leave her out of it!"
The Warlord merely shrugs, "What about it, Hatchling? Are you going to stop me? Do you have the strength to make me relent? No, you are weak. There's nothing you can do about it. I will kill her, and you will watch." Turning in Nami's direction, he points dagger at her before assuming a thrusting posture and lunging forward.
The sheer terror upon Nami's expression made Ashe's body move before she could command it. A vial that once held a green liquid dropping onto the ground, empty. "Mihawk!" Wood cracked and groaned when she kicked off, a small clap of thunder followed by a clash of steel.
It wasn't much, but she forced his attack to veer off course. Though he held back substantially and was his weakest blow, he had to commend it. But that wasn't what caught his attention. No. It was something much simpler. More subtle. As their blades locked and clashed, their eyes met. And what he found were slit pupils, promising him pain.
Hidden under the brow of his hat, he vaguely smirked. "Wonderful. Show me more." Parrying her blade to the side, it did little to slow her down. Ashe only increased the pressure, wedging in between Nami and Mihawk. Her attacks were quick and rapid. Each strike was meant to kill. The jugular, liver, lungs, even his kidneys and artery veins were not safe.
The gaze that promised him death, only brought excitement into this bland world.
The silhouette of a beast was slowly taking shape in his mind's eye. It was thriving, the heart beating and awakening. For now, it will have to do. She's not yet ready to make it reality. After all, he still has unfinished business with Don Krieg. He does so loath having his naps interrupted.
Dracule Mihawk, allows himself to take a step back from the relentless assault. "You are fast. I doubt you will find much of a challenge here in the blue seas. Enter the Grand Line and see what this world has to offer. Only then will I be able to see what manner of beast you will become."
Unrelenting and blinded fury, Ashe roared before lunging at the Warlord of the Seas. He could easily see it. The blade poised to strike his heart. Stepping forward in a lunge, he easily intercepted the attack.
A splatter of blood painted the deck of the ship.
Unexpected.
His blade instead found itself piercing through her palm, his observation skills already showing him the true manner of attack. Leaning his head to the side, her blade splits the air where his jugular once was. Their eyes met and what he saw brought an exciting grin to his lips. Eyes that once promised him pain have been replaced.
Those beastly eyes were now sentencing him to death.
"Beautiful."
Lifting his leg, Mihawk easily drop kicked her away while pulling out the dagger from her palm with a shower of blood on the deck. Ashe cried out as her back cracked against the mainmast of the ship and collapsed. "I find myself satisfied. Your journey will not end here. I will make sure of that." Dracule Mihawk, one of the seven Warlords of the Grand Line held her dagger out in a grand fashion, letting it drip her blood onto the wooden floor.
"I sensed it. I saw it." Boring into her depths, his piercing gaze is unrelenting and excited. "With every slice you cut, with every thrust you asunder, with every blow we crossed, I felt it. Something slumbering, stirring within. I will see it evolve and manifest." The blade slid from his fingers, letting it fall from his grasp with the glint of the sun in a red stream. "Hatchling, who's flown the nest. What will you become? You, without direction and purpose, for whom do you sharpen your fangs? What destruction will you cause in your wake?"
The blade sunk easily into the wooden deck of the ship with a dull thud. Mihawk, disappearing from the ship as if he was a phantom of the imagination. "Struggle. Survive. Thrive. Sow discourse into this bland world."
Wiping the small amount of blood from her mouth, she slowly rises to her feet. Leaning against the mast for temporary support as green steam evaporates from her body. The burning in her palm is quickly ignored as her instincts flare into a danger sense. The distance of his ship shines a piercing light as the ocean begins to part in elegance. Dracule proved his strength of a Warlord in a single vertical cut on collision course of their ship. Panic ruptures through Ashe's being before shouting a command to Nami.
"Move the ship out of its path! Now!" Nami, proving to be ever the more capable person, obeyed without question. Perhaps it was due to her own sense of danger as well.
The ship tilted and rolled into the ugly sea, but not fast enough. Tugging her bloodied dagger out from the deck of the vessel, she rushes toward the stern and back of the boat. Reaching for her beltline, Ashe quickly grabs a small vial of a dull yellow liquid before chugging it fully.
It burns down her throat before throwing the now empty vial onto the deck while arming her second blade. Her muscles tighten and grow with a labored and pained snarl. Even with this strength boost, there's no way she can block it.
The best she can attempt is to deflect. Which isn't even guaranteed.
Using both blades in a horizontal strike, they clash with Mihawk's projectile slice. Crackling and sparking against her blades as she struggles not to skid back. Her weakened palm screaming in agony and burning hot. She can't hold it for long, only for another second or two. Her wrists hurt and muscles strained.
But it was enough.
The vessel completed its turn before Ashe was overpowered. Deflecting the projectile, a small enough margin to narrowly avoid the ship. It at most caused the new paint to peel and prick. The force knocked Ashe onto her back while both blades stabbed into the deck, crooked.
Panting and desperate for air as her muscles spasmed and shrunk to their normal size. Small amounts of yellow steam evaporate from her pores due to the heat released from her body. Everything ached and her mind was a haze. She shouldn't drink potions so close together, but it was an emergency. Dull steps echoed in her head before a certain shade of tangerine eclipsed her vision in worry.
"H-Hey, are you alright? What's going on?" A band-aid was already covering the shallow cut on the arm.
Ashe waved her off, purple hair clinging to her sweaty forehead, "I'm fine…Just need a moment. Talk later. Get us out of here."
Nami bit her lower lip before nodding, struggling to bite back her remark for now. Rushing off to take command of the vessel once more, Ashe is left alone to catch her breath. Ignoring her bloody palm staining the wood. Staring up at the bright blue sky with clear clouds, floating aimlessly.
A familiar voice, echoes along with the waves that pricks against her ears in promise. "I will be observing you. Entertain me. I want to see what manner of beast you will become. Do try not to disappoint."
Wiping the sweat off her brow with a forearm, Ashe rolls before staggering to her weary feet. The Baratie is now nothing more than a spec in the distance. Retrieving her weapons, she properly sheathes them upon her belt before collapsing against the mainmast. Staring up Ashe found Nami to be observing down at her from the helm.
"Are you alright?" Questioned Nami.
Stretching out her legs with heavy breaths, she clutches her palm firmly. "Yes, I just need some rest and a first-aid kit if you have one."
In a display of agility, Nami leaps over the railing from above to land upon the deck, disappearing within the cabins. Not a moment later, the navigator returns with a cup of water and a first-aid kit. Kneeling beside her, the navigator forcefully grasps the alchemist's slender wrist before getting to work. Earning a painful cry when she applied a disinfecting agent. "Well, are you going to explain who that was and what the hell that was about?"
"Dracule Mihawk." Trying to relax, her head rests upon the hard wooden mast, biting down the pain as Nami attempts to do what she can while Ashe gives proper first-aid instructions. "One of the seven Warlords of the Grand Line and as for what he wants. Well, your guess is as good as mine."
"A Warlord?" A whimper of laughter in disbelief, "You're joking, right? What's a Warlord doing all the way out here? Is he pursuing you or something?" Hardly been at sea and already Nami is regretting the decision of bringing Ashe along.
Which is what was so odd about this situation. "That's what I don't understand. There should be no reason for a Warlord to be out on the blue seas. And most of all…That was the first time we've ever spoke."
Nami snorted in disbelief, "Yea, well, he seems to know you quite well. Are you going to explain the history there?" The tangerine woman tightens the bandages into a snug fit. "How's that?"
Ashe nodded and held her wounded hand close to her chest while withdrawing into herself, staring into Nami's brown eyes, guarded. "Depends, are you going to explain why we just stole your friends' ship?"
She's not the only one with secrets here.
Silence reigned between the two, an obvious chasm that neither is willing to bridge as the vessel quietly crashes against the waves. Nami sighed first, gliding slender fingers through her hair. "Is he going to chase after us?"
"No, we will be safe for a while."
"Fine." Nami clutched at her shoulder, covered by a pink shirt in quiet contemplation. "That's good enough for me. Let's just focus on reaching our destination." With a sigh, Nami walks away, leaving the purple haired woman by herself.
Staring into the remnants of her water, a distorted reflection gazing back. Nothing is making sense right now. Best not to worry about it too much. Back on her weary feet, Ashe takes a quick self-tour of the ship, washing the cup before returning it properly after finding the kitchen. There wasn't much time before daylight vanished.
A glimmer of orange is beginning to spread along the blue ocean.
Deciding to put herself to practical use, she returns to the kitchen. Thankfully, it was stocked with basic utensils. A simple dish is always the best in her mind. Fried rice with a few veggies and sea food mixed in. At some point the door creaked open, indicating Nami quietly entering the cantina, and finding a seat at the table.
"It's almost ready." Peering over her shoulder, Ashe caught a glimpse of Nami resting an elbow upon the table and head in her palm, quietly reading a small book. Returning to the task at hand, the soft sound of sizzling food and croaking wood filled the silence between them. A moment later with the dish ready, Ashe finds two plates to serve before striding to the table.
"Sorry…it won't be as good as Sanji's or the Baratie's, but it should pass."
Closing her book, Nami smells the aroma from the dish, earning a soft smile. "That's fine. Honestly, I'm just glad I'm not the one doing the cooking. Ever since…Well…I've been cooking for myself for a long time now."
Sitting opposite from each other, the alchemist and navigator enjoy their dinner in quiet solitude. Only a rhythmic clink of porcelain echoing soundly. Ashe noticed Nami was slowly eating and picking away at her food, while she finished her own. The chair scratches upon the ground as she stands with empty plate in hand. "Since the trip will take a few days…I'll handle the cooking. Consider it as an apology, for what happened."
Back within the kitchen, Ashe begins to clean and scrub down the utensils and stove. A discipline that remains entrenched within. She must be more tired than she realized, unable to notice the shadow that approached from the side.
"That's fine with me. I'll handle the cleaning though."
Ashe's brows scrunched in question, "Are you sure? I don't mind, I'm used to it."
The tangerine woman chuckled, playfully shoving the woman away from the sink before confiscating the sponge. "Accept it before I change my mind…I'd be bored otherwise."
Staring for a moment, she sighs, drying off her hands with a towel. Whether that was the truth of it or not, Ashe wouldn't know, nor does she care at the moment. "Alright, if you insist. I'll be on deck if you need me."
A wave over the shoulder is all she got in response.
Shadows quickly consumed the sky in a cool breeze. Clusters of stars popping into view from their hidden existence as the moon is only illuminating at a quarter radiance this night. Climbing the stairs toward the bow of the boat, the handcrafted sheep head comes into view.
It's beginning to grow on her, the curious thing.
Laying upon the still warmed deck, it soothes the aching body as the cool ocean breeze tickles the skin. Fluttering her purple hair, only to earn a sigh of content. Caressing at the jewel around her neck, she holds it up into the sky. Positioning the clear, spherical gem to fill the incomplete moon, the light giving it a tender but warm glow.
She became enthralled by its shine and melted against the wood. Resting and letting time slip on by. A wine bottle was soon thrust into view, brown eyes and orange hair appearing afterward with a grin. "Looks valuable, how much is it worth?"
Broken from a trance, the jewel slips from her grasp, thumping against the chest. How much time has passed? "Not much, its fairly worthless."
"Shame, figured I could fetch quite a few Beri with it." Plopping onto the deck with Ashe, two wine glasses are set before Nami begins to uncork the bottle. "Thought you'd enjoy a drink after the day we had. My treat."
"I'd never say no to alcohol." Slowly sitting up, Ashe finds both glasses being filled, but raises a brow at the familiar bottle. "That's from the Baratie, isn't it?"
Nami shrugged with a wink, "So what if they're missing one. They have plenty. I doubt they'll even notice." With a now filled wine glass, she holds it up toward Ashe for a toast.
A low chuckle escapes her breath, taking her own glass to tink it against Nami's. "They noticed alright, but I'd bet Sanji let you get away with it. I'll be sure to give them my thanks next time I see them."
The cat burglar snorted in amusement before the two drank. "If they noticed then I should consider a new profession. I'd be losing my touch." The two shared a quiet laugh, enjoying their beverages in each other's company.
Once more, tranquility brought stillness between them. Ashe couldn't help but notice Nami fidgeting to herself, knees up against her chest, and a hand ruffling through her silky hair. It was as if she had something to say but didn't know how.
Another swig of liquid courage seemed to have done the trick. "The place we are going to…Conomi Islands. It's where I was raised."
Wine glass frozen at her lips, Ashe lowers it a moment, tilting her gaze to Nami. She was staring out into the ocean, hugging her knees tightly. "I see…What is it like?"
Brown eyes stared at the near empty glass, reflecting the light of the moon upon its fragile surface that could shatter at any moment. "Quiet…peaceful…Cocoyashi Village is my home. What about you?"
Setting her cup down, Ashe leans back on her good arm and legs stretched but crossed. Staring up into the darkened clouds as a bright and flickering star reflected within her eyes. The flickering grows stronger and brighter for a quick moment.
Then snuffs out of existence.
"I…don't have a home. It's gone."
Resting her cheek upon her knees, Nami's orange hair caresses her face. Sanji was correct in calling her beautiful. "What do you mean, gone?"
A sharp pain stabs and squeezes at her heart, refusing to loosen its grasp from years of abuse. Clutching the neck of the bottle of liquid courage, Ashe chugs straight from the tap. "Gone. Destroyed. Village, island, animals, people, everything!" Ashe didn't realize it, but her voice was rising as she went on, nearly shouting in rage.
Only when she noticed Nami hiding her face between her knees did she realize how she lost control. Disgust filled her with a hint of shame. "Sorry…It…It still hurts to talk about."
Resting her chin upon her knees, Nami shrugs her shoulders with a forlorn expression. "Its alright…If…something happened to my home…I'd…I'd probably act the same way."
"Even so, that's no excuse for me raising my voice, I'm sorry." Still, Nami humbly gave personal details about herself. It's only fair that she gives something in return. Ashe ruffles her shoulder length hair in stress. "For the middle part of my life…I was taken in by the Marines. They took me in, gave me a name, and trained me. That's where Dracule Mihawk saw me. My time spent there is mostly a blur. It is not my home. Never will be."
Nami hummed quietly in half lidded eyes, processing the information quietly. Her spine snaps straight before leaning toward Ashe with a palm on the ground. "Wait! What do you mean, named you?"
Pouring wine calmly fills the peaceful air, both glasses once again full. Delicately plucking the glass between her fingers, Ashe holds it out toward Nami to toast. Facing away from her, out to the cloudy and dark ocean. Amethyst colored hair fluttering into the salty sea breeze. A guarded wall formed between them once more.
"Another time."