The New World

Chapter 7

Word Count: 7,236 

Law gets off the tang while I follow close behind, the waves below us shining like glass. The smell of stale tobacco filled the air, as the blond man lit a cigarette while staring at the ground in front of him. Law's distaste of Sanji only escalated on the beach. Sanji was begging and pleading with Law on his knees asking if he can leave this island, while Law just glared. When the blond noticed I was standing behind Law, he could barely get his words out fast enough.

"Is that a real woman? Am I hallucinating? Am I dead, Law I swear there is a gorgeous lady behind you-" Cut short with Law extending 'Room' over the beach into the forest and swapping with two bushes.

Leaving me with who looks like the ruler of this island because of their crown, but the rest was strap-y leather that barely covers anything and a smaller half orange half white dressed man drinking wine.

"Well don't just stand there, pictures are encouraged! I am the magnificent Iva of the Kamabaka Kingdom and this is Inazuma, one of my beautiful newkama warriors. Don't be shy, introduce yourself to everyone!" Iva announced in a singing voice that could reach the heavens.

"Hello everyone, My name is Violet, and Law said that this would be a good island to build my strength and remember more about, uh, myself?... I was told there's a strong General here?.." I fidget with my hair not knowing what to say. In front of me is a large intimidating person with a right hand man that looks like he'll cut me down yet indifferent. As well as 30 to 40 other dressed up characters of many shapes and sizes, all of them looking over their Queens shoulder as they sized me up. The blood racing through me was pounding in my ears waiting for Iva to cross the short distance of the beach towards me.

"Hmmn~ sweetie these rags looked nice a month ago, so we'll refresh you and make you feel like a new woman! Welcome to the Kamabaka Kingdom of Sweethearts. As for all the other stuff, that's all up to you. Where did you hear I was a General?" Iva was moving my hair around playing with different hair styles as she was analyzing my look.

"Um, Captain Kid said there was a General that recently broke out of prison that could help someone as weak as me get strong enough for the Grand Line, but to be completely honest I don't know what the 'Grand Line' is. Then he asked Law to bring me here since he didn't know how. But I want to learn ways I can be strong enough and have a purpose other than extra hands on a pirate ship. If you'd have me, I don't want to be a burden." I feel cold sweats spread down my neck making my knees shake. Fear of rejection sunk in for the first time and it was adding a layer to the emotion cocktail brewing in my stomach. These people have no responsibility or reason to take me in, I'm knocking on their front door asking for charity they didn't know existed.

"I also heard that there is a revolutionary army that takes in people like me. If I need to go somewhere else to join then I'm sure Law wouldn't mind another detour." I rush out my final plea hoping for the best.

"Oh nonsense, I'd be happy to take in another lost soul of the grand line. Feel free to look around, any one of us would be happy to show you the sights. I will get a feast together for your arrival and your room situated later tonight. Can't turn down an opportunity for a good party! Everyone is invited, maybe it will convince our sweet Sanji to stop running and face his truth." Iva danced around and sang in a strong voice, making me smile at their enthusiasm. Law was right, this was going to be a good place. I might get stronger in more ways than one.

Walking around the island felt surreal, the ground sunk softly with every step along the tree line. The offshore wind was gentle as the sun was setting, the glow of the forest in the golden hour painting the beach with shadows and glittering waves. Pulling at the plush leaves contemplating the life I'm trying to live, and whether I want to know the answer or to see where the journey leads me. On one hand the thrill of not knowing what's around the corner is exciting, but on the other the curiosity is figuratively killing me with every misinformed step I make. No one has talked to me since the conversation on the beach, all the citizens of this island going about the rest of their day. They go about their tasks with grace for one another, laughing and enjoying their evening preparing for dinner. The bliss they emanate is unsettling me for some reason I can't quite place. The serene atmosphere should be inviting, but it feels like something catastrophic is about to happen.