hiding

This is not the tree...

Alexia let out a moan as she felt a throbbing pressure in her head. She froze at the realization that something was preventing her from moving her hands to her head. Alexia also became very aware that she could no longer feel Marco's warmth. Her eyes shot open, sending her into a panic.

This was not the tree.

Alexia found herself inside what appeared to be a massive tent, on snow covered ground. Her hands were tied behind her back and her legs and feet were also bound. She struggled to get herself in a sitting position, using a tent pole to support her. The tent was not completely lit, but just enough so everything was visible. Alexia swore her heart stopped when her eyes landed on Marco.

Marco was laying on the ground only a few feet away. Dried blood was caked on his forehead and chest, his body slightly shivering at the cold. His eyes were closed as he remained unconscious, his hands and feet cuffed with what Alexia could only assume with almost one-hundred percent certainty was sea stone.

Alexia laid herself on the ground, feeling the pounding intensify in her head, a dull ache spreading through her body. Ignoring the ache and fact that she was bound, Alexia awkwardly rolled herself over to Marco.

"Marco," Alexia nudged her knees against his, "Marco come on, you need to wake up. Marco."

Alexia held her breath as she waited for a sign of movement, only releasing it when he scrunched up his face and slightly moved his head.

"Marco please. Wake up, I need you to wake up."

Alexia let out a small cry of relief as he slowly opened his eyes, slowly coming to his senses.

"What...what the hell?" Marco attempted to move against his restraints, "What in the name of Impel Down?"

"Are you okay? It doesn't hurt does it?"

"What do you mean?" Marco's eyes widened as he looked at her before cringing from his frequent movement, "Everything hurts, it feels like I just got ran over by the Moby Dick and tossed into Impel down. It's cold as hell. What the fuck is going on yoi?"

"I don't know!" Alexia frowned, "I was going to ask you. I don't remember anything except falling asleep next to you, and then I woke up to this. God Marco your covered in blood, I think those are sea stone cuffs."

"I don't recall anything after that. I accidentally dozed off and... shit someone must of snuck up on us. Do you know anything about..."

"Look at that, our lovely little couple is awake." Alexia sat up, scooting closer to Marco as she looked at the new intruding voice.

"Who the fuck are you." Alexia hissed.

"Language brat, buyers don't like slaves with fowl tongues." A short, heavy set woman with a buzzed head walked towards them. "My men said you two would be the perfect sell, they weren't kidding. Two Whitebeard pirates will fetch me a pretty hefty amount of Beli."

"Slave trader." Alexia could hear Marco grind his teeth.

"One in the same boy." She sneered as she bent down to get a closer look at them.

Alexia crinkled her nose at the overwhelming stench that rolled off the woman, grease and dirt highly visible. She was filthy to the point that Alexia wasn't sure if a bath would even save her.

"Your awfully pretty boy, such a shame they scuffed up your face so bad. They know they shouldn't damage the merchandise before the sale is finalized. I might just cut my financial losses and keep you for myself." She reached out to touched Marco's cheek with her greasy fingers.

"Don't touch him!" Alexia let out a deep, almost feral growl.

Pain shot through her jaw as the woman smacked her to the ground, laughing. Alexia could here Marco cussing in protest.

"Oh honey, jealous are we? If you weren't such the perfect product, I'd have a little fun with you too. While Men go for a high price, young pretty women go for much much higher."

"Go to hell." Marco glared at her.

The woman tutted at Marco before turning her attention back to Alexia.

"Now don't go making me damage my product wench. I can do anything I want here. That's why I'm boss. I'm one of the best traders in this part of the sea."

"You obviously know who we belong to. Do you really think you can get away with it?"

"Who Whitebeard? That old bastard? Word is he's just a sick geezer. No one is going to do anything to me. Whatever little rescue scenario that is playing in your head may as well die. No one escapes my group. The only way your getting out, is through the auction house." The woman chuckled before standing up and turning away, "I have more pressing matters to tend to at the moment... but I'll be back for you boy."

Alexia practically growled as they watched the woman walk out. She started working her arms lower down her back, below her butt before working them down the back side of her legs.

"What are you doing?" Marco stared at her as he watched her strange struggle.

"Getting us out of here obviously." Alexia grunted, letting out a small sound of satisfaction as she was positioned to where the cuffs were now in front.

"We can only get so far with both our hands and feet cuffed. We need to think of a plan before we do anything else."

"I've already got a plan." Alexia turned her head to give him a Cheshire grin, a paper clip sticking out the corner of her mouth.

"Have I ever told you how fucking beautiful you are Alexia? Holy hell woman, you keep surprising me." Marco grinned right back at her.

"You can show me how you feel after we blow this joint." Alexia smirked, already working on her cuffs.

"I swear to the blue seas..."