One Piece (Love Story) [Part One]

Chapter One [Rewritten]

-Chapter One-

Sucking a deep breath, I heaved a tired sigh as I lay sprawled out on the ground. Peering through the gaps in the branches and tree leaves above, I lazily watched as the clouds drifted by.

"I'm bored..." I murmured, unable to enjoy the peace of today. "Maybe I should head back to the restaurant...?" I snorted at the idea.

What was the point of even hiding this far out if I was going to go back at the first signs of boredom?

Heaving another sigh, I grunted as I pushed myself back onto my feet. Placing my hands on my hips, I looked around. There wasn't much to see aside from the trees and foliage of the surrounding woodland.

There were trails.

Many of which were overgrown and faded due to lack of use. Around me, I could hear the faint sounds of life as birds chirped in the distance and critters scurried about nearby, adding to the serenity of the day.

"Hm...which way...which way...?" I murmured despite already knowing the answer. Looking between the various trails, my gaze brightened. Well hidden amongst the undergrowth was a trail that one wouldn't have even known existed if they weren't already looking for it. At the very end of the small trail was a grassy cliffside hill. One which gave the best view of not only the shoreline, but the wide, open sea as well.

It was my favorite spot on the entire island—the one place I liked to go to, to just sit and stare whenever things got bad. There was just something comforting about the crashing waves as they'd lap against the sandy shores.

Plopping down, I softly sighed as I watched the gentle waves of today. It almost felt like the sea itself was content with how peacefully quiet it was.

'Wonder what it'd be like to explore the high seas...' I hummed as I stared out towards the horizon. Despite how dangerous she was—how cruel she was towards those who were reckless and inexperienced. She was also merciful at times. It was her mercy that had led my brothers and me here to this island...

A mercy that I still didn't know whether to feel thankful for or not.

Huffing at the thought, I fell back with a heavy sigh. Pressing my hands against my face, I attempted to rub away just how tired I truly felt at that moment. I groaned as the tips of my fingers suddenly brushed against the bandana I was forced to wear to help create the illusion that my hair was much shorter than it really was, reminding me that it was there.

God, how I hated this thing.

It made hot days unbearable, and it made my head unbelievably itchy anytime a stray strand would fall out of place. I know it would be easier to just cut it all away like that asshole had suggested. But the mere thought of doing anything else that idiot demanded of me makes my blood boil. It's already bad enough that I have to wear this stupid binder because of him.

"No one takes swordswomen seriously..." I mockingly muttered as I repeated back what the leader's eldest, Aaron, had said to me. 'I mean...he's not wrong, but still...' I grumbled in reluctance, hating how I couldn't even bring myself to fully disagree with him. There were days when I'd look into the mirror and scoff at the sight of myself...

I still remember the day Aaron had suggested that stupid little game of his to the entire village three years ago. A game that he promised would bring in more money. A game that he promised would make outsiders think twice before ever setting foot on this island again. A game that he promised would be fun for all.

One that was simple yet so painfully cruel.

Most of the people who had the misfortune of stopping by this island were just normal, everyday people. Sailors and first-time adventurers who were in desperate need of restocking or directions because they misjudged or misread something. Although not hidden, it has always amazed me how many people have found their way to this island despite it being on no known maps. But I guess when desperate, unknown territory was better than the wide, open sea.