𝓑𝓮𝓪𝓾𝓽𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓑𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓽| 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒄𝒆

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉ℯ𝓇 7

"Where the hell is the house?" Zoro grunted as his eyes skimmed his surroundings, unsure of the dark area.

"We're in this mess because someone kept taking detours!" Ayame yelled back, her teeth as sharp as a knife.

The two strolled to their destination. Initially, the streetlights illuminated their path, but they soon found themselves in near darkness. The night was still young; passerby dwindled as they ventured deeper into their way.

Zoro peeked at the child and focused her attention on the path ahead. His eyes roamed on her form; although dirt no longer garnished her attire, her shirt filled with holes and ripped shorts told another story.

His mind travelled to their encounter. There wasn't much life in the area where they met. Broken homes, shops and the unclean regions. Though he may not remember much, but he did remember the taste of the riceball.

It may not have been mouldy, but it wasn't fresh.

"We're here!"

Zoro lifted his gaze to the single light in the small place, the shop he had seen Ayame in earlier. His eyes examined the desolation of the area. Much more dirt occupied the space while the stillness of night, along with small whispers, filled the air. Devoid of liveliness and colours, the scent of alcohol tickled his nose, scrunching its form.

It was clear to Zoro that this area was nothing like the town he was in previously.

"This place looks like a dump, doesn't it?"

The swordsman landed his eyes back on the little girl, who gave him a sad smile. Ayame's gaze landed on a group of people roaming the cold streets.

"It wasn't always like this...This place used to look like the other side of town."
She reminisced on the chimes of bells when customers entered her mom's shop. Freshly rolled rice balls ready to be served to customers. Breeze blew in, the scented shops inviting more hungry bellies.

Yet all of it was snatched away, all because of disobeying the great captain Alex.

"Anyone who didn't follow the captain's orders...Are all sent here...."

Ayame hated being controlled like this by that weird man. She clenched her fist; why did he take away people's lives over petty things?

Zoro frowned at the thought, not surprised the weirdo would be involved judging by people's reactions alone. He knew marines were sometimes a problem, but this was something else.

"I should get going; Mom is probably worried," Ayame whispered, her eyes back on the swordsman with a small smile. "See ya around!"

He couldn't get a word out as the girl sprinted back home while she dodged incoming folks coming her way. Zoro could only watch as her figure slowly disappeared. He lingered for a moment longer before he turned and walked back, an unsettling sensation crawling up his back.

Unknown to him, Zoro took the wrong path once again.

Meanwhile, a small shop designated at the corner of the street, dull in design, yet blooming with many diverse attires, ranging from the most colourful to simple, to a sight for sore eyes, to a bore of style. Some uniqueness spread throughout the place, welcoming its customers as they entered. Though the merchandise caught many regards, its bleak open sign completely darkened, leaving no outside light indicating its closure.

However, the shop owner kept his establishment open thanks to the demanding marine captain. In turn, other customers entered, making him grunt in frustration as his hands slid down his face slowly at the number of people entering the shop.