In Chains

Ties That Bind

As unbearable as it was, Samira tried her best not to move as Law examined her. She was in so much pain; her chest and back were on fire, and breathing was hard.

What did she expect? Daiane slammed her into the ground so many times; Samira was surprised that her head was in tacked. Lucky for her, she was saved. However, she had come to terms with her death. It was strange how content she was with dying in that place. Perhaps she felt trapped, unable to escape her fate. Arsenio had a point; as long as her nightmares lived, she would never be free. Her heart was in shambles.

A sharp pain tore her from her thoughts.

"Agh!"

Law ignored her sudden gasp and traced his fingers along her bruised side.

"I need to do an x-ray to be certain but I'm sure your ribs are fractured," Law mentioned.

Samira frowned. She wasn't too surprised. But did Law have to be so rough with her?

"I've been nothing but trouble for you since I got here," she uttered.

"That's an understatement," Law snorted in annoyance.

Samira opted not to comment, averting her eyes to the floor in shame as Law retrieved his sword and scanned her. She wasn't used to his power yet, but it was indeed handy.

"And the verdict?" she questioned.

Law put away his sword with a sigh.

"You have a hairline fracture in both your 4th and 5th ribs."

Samira puckered a brow.

"Meaning?"

"It means to heal you need to rest. Are you familiar with the RICE method?" Law asked.

The food? Samira hadn't a clue.

"It stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. That is what I am ordering you to follow, he explained.

Samira was in no position to disobey, but she was annoyed by how cold Law was being; his entire demeanor had changed towards her throughout the course of the night. Did something else happen? Perhaps he was mad that she put his crew in danger.

"I'm sorry Law. I never meant to bring danger to––"

"That's on me," Law interrupted. "I let you stay aboard my sub and I put my crew in danger."

Samira frowned. He was wrong; it was her fault. She never should have stayed with the Heart Pirates. Things would have been easier for her and them if she had continued to run.

"I should leave," Samira uttered.

Law narrowed his eyes. He crossed the room and retrieved the Pose, showing it to her. As he expected, her eyes lit up.

"How did you get this?" Samira asked.

There were only two Eternal Poses made for the Isle of Red Sand – her country. Her brother held on to one, and the man responsible for her torment held the other. So, how did Law get his hands on one?

"Daryllyn came here," Law answered.

Samira narrowed her eyes.

"What did she tell you?"

"More than you told me, Princess," Law retorted with a sharp tone.

He knows. Samira tightened her jaw.

"And for what? Daryllyn had to have given you something in exchange for information about me. Was it the Log Pose? Are you taking me back?"

"In due time. I need to hear the truth first," Law mentioned. "There is something I need to know."

Samira sighed.

"She was correct about me being a princess. I am the 2nd daughter of Amunet Baron from the Isle of Red Sand. He is the former king."

"Go on," Law ordered.

What did he want to know? Samira didn't even know where to start. Perhaps he'd be more interested in knowing when she first gained her power. Her countries business was not his own.

"Our kingdom was on the brink of war when the Saviors came. At least that is what my people called them. They were pirates none the less and their captain, a man named Vane offered my brother the chance to regain the power our father lost during the overturn," she explained, checking to see if Law was listening.

The said man nodded his head.

Samira took an uneasy breath.

"It was a Devil Fruit, but at the time I didn't know that. Our country had never seen a fruit user before, nor had I ever heard of one," she continued. "My brother made a deal for the fruit, to take back our country, then to leave it. I overheard him speaking to a buyer about it; he was no more than an asset, but still, he agreed. And I couldn't allow him to go; our people needed him, so I snuck into his room and I ate the fruit."

Tears stung her eyes. Samira shook her head. She didn't want to relive the horror that was to come.

"I never expected him to act so cruelly. He handed me over to Vane and they forced me to do unspeakable things with it as the buyer watched."

"Who was the buyer?" Law asked.

Samira cleared her eyes.

"Vane called him Joker."

Law widened his eyes. What Daryllyn told him was true. He took her as a misinformed idiot. But then, who would dare to pretend to be Joker?

"Did you ever see him? What did he look like?" Law asked.

Samira puckered a brow. What was wrong with Law? He seemed panicked.

"I only ever saw part of him; his smile."

It was unforgettable.

Law tightened his jaw. What did that monster want with the Devil Fruit Samira ate? Was he planning something? He needed more information.

"In two days we will be at the Red Line. We're going to the Isle to end this with or without you," Law mentioned.

Samira gritted her teeth.

"I can't go back there. You have no idea the––"

"Then get off my sub. I have no time for your excuses," Law interrupted in a sharp tone.

Samira stood up with a grunt.

"I hate that tone."

She left the room and went to the laundry room, sitting on the floor as the sound of the washers drowned out her sobs. Why didn't Law understand? There was no home for her anymore. Her people abandoned her and so did her brother. She swore that she could feel the tattoo around her waist burn and sting as she poured over old memories.

"I hate him," Samira hissed.

But she didn't. If something were to happen to Law, or the others, then she'd never forgive herself.

That's why I am going to help them.

She was terrified, but the Heart Pirates meant so much to her. Standing up, she wondered if Shachi was still awake. There was a favor she wanted to ask of him. She had questions of her own she wanted to know.

In two days she'd be home. There wasn't much time to prepare.