Magnolia in his storm: Laurel (Dottore fic)

Chapter 1: Wheel of fate, starting to go 'round

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If remembering the old past means facing your fear, what about the present then? If the time from then and now collides― should it be overcome again? Like opening the wound with one another, should the scars bleed? You were given a chance to live but then it was blocked by a thick wall. You tried to break it with your hands but the wall would never fall down. If only you could stay in reverie, the perpetual sufferings would've lessen down. But as when you move forward, you try hard to search for the light and run towards them, without heeding the wrath of the voices surrounding you. However, at a time where you though it was already over, your feet were fettered with irons and suddenly, it pulled you back― back from where you belong.

“For how many times in a day should I go in that abattoir?” You clenched your hand as you were told to bring your body again. You've been bearing the agony ever since he had found you, obeying his desires to hold on for your life, tricking yourself that everything will be alright once this tormenting prison life ends. But when would that be? Until you turn into dust?

“Miss Laura? Lord Dottore would like to give this to you.” The retainer said as she handed you a box covered with a blue cloth. You noticed how it was adorned with gold patterns. You were hesitant at first whether to receive it or not, thinking that maybe this is some kind of an artifact that could affect one's mind. But when the masked-female plastered a small smile, you didn't have a choice but to accept it.

Your eyes lingered on the box for a second before responding, “Hah, what's this supposed to mean... A gift for someone who's going to meet their demise?”

The black-haired woman let out a deep sigh. “I believe that it is just a small gift, why don't you open it before heading to the laboratory? I'll be waiting outside of your room.”

“Miss Natasha...” you called.

The woman shook her head as you addressed her formally again, “Lady Laura, how many times should I tell you to just call me Natasha instead of adding the miss?”

You huffed.

“Sorry... Force of habit.”

She smiled towards your kind nature, “Please don't bother thinking about it much, Miss Laura. It may look threatening but believe me... It is also strange.”

Her statement made you frown as it slowly sunk in your head. If sounds like she's implying something that only you could understand. For you, it was absurd. The preposterous idea of changing just because of one individual in a span of time is like counting waters in the ocean. Just what worst could happen if she let this go on?

“Haa... I won't bother spilling the blood in my brain anymore.” You watched the attendant leave the room, as when the door closed, you pulled the string from the cloth. Not very excited about the sudden ‘ 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵 ’ except, you were also quite curious what's inside it. But upon seeing the object inside the box, your face displayed bafflement. There was some kind of a silver bracelet but it wasn't ordinary, it was thick but the weight didn't give justice to it's built. However, the bracelet was really designed futuristically as it was plastered with blue highlights, and a screen from underneath.

You were somehow struck in amusement. You couldn't deny the fact that it was really an extraordinary piece. But you were still perplexed why he would give you such a thing out in a blue.

“I somehow don't feel appreciating it...” You silently placed the box on the bunker then sighed, “I'll only wear it once I'm freed from these chains.”