All Y/N ever wanted to do was sing her songs and be free. Yet somehow, after offering to pay for the meal of a certain boy in a straw hat she finds herself causing havoc through the East Blue.
Masterlist - Next.
Trigger warning: Harassment, canon violence. Word count: 8K
A/N: The only thing I will be describing about Y/N is her hair colour. Everything else you can imagine her as you wish.
Disclaimer: The songs I will be using in this fic aren't mine bc I have 0 creativity. I'm sorry.
Shells Town, 153 Marine Branch.
Y/N, huffing and puffing, speeds walk through the townspeople, she was late for her shift at Food Foo and all because of that absolute idiot.
That little fucking weasel, he is. Ugh!!! just thinking about it makes her blood boil even more. Whatever, itโs her own fault, she should have known better than to get close to Cygnus or any man really.
She scoffs to herself. โSheโs no goodโ As if he was any better. Both of them had their own things, their own faults, Y/Nthought that was part of why they connected in the first place but it seems she was mistaken. And Y/N would have believed that was his reason for 'dumping' her but she has heard the rumours. She has heard the whispers of him charming up the daughter of one of the lieutenants...
It doesnโt matter anyway, she has been in Shells town for about 6 months now, and she should probably leave soon.
When she finally arrives at Food Fo, Y/N sends Ayana a guilty look when the owner of the restaurant sends her the โwarningโ look.
Y/N didnโt wait for her to start scolding her, she quickly walked behind the counter, left her guitar there and grabbed her apron, wrapping it around herself and muttering as she did. โI know I know. Iโm sorry, Ayana,โ
โAt least you're here. It seems today is going to be a busy day,โ the woman said from the bar, nodding at the plenty of marines, most already falling in their cups.
โLovely,โ Said Y/N with no enthusiasm.
The Marines are the worst. The very fucking worst, they are vile and foul.
Ayana hums in agreement as a cook passes a platter of dumplings, she takes it and then passes it to Y/N before pointing at the table on the back. โTable 5, then take these drinks to 11.โ
โGot it,โ Y/N nods and quickly makes her way to it, smiling at the customers, a couple, charmingly. โA plate of dumplings for you, a couple of peanuts. Let me know if you need anything else, okay?โ
With that, she left to take the drinks to table 11 whilst greeting her coworkers with a smile as she walked past them. Hours pass and Y/N continues her shift, ignoring the shameless flirting and other hiccupsโฆ
โHere are your pork chops and Oden Soup, and not to be biased but our Oden Soup is the best in the whole town,โ Y/N said as she softly laid the plate on the table before smiling at the couple and parroting, โOkay, let me know if thereโs anything else I can help with, okay?โ
โYeah, thanks,โ said the guy.
โI wasnโt aware they hire about any skank from the streets,โ the girl says under her breath before glaring up at Y/N.
โBree!!โ The boyfriend looks at his girlfriend With exasperation.
The girl, scoffs crossing her arms, โWhat? Donโt tell me you didnโt notice the way sheโs parading herself around? Everyone here notices it,โ
โBree, please can you not?โ
โCan I not what, Laurent? Can I not call her out for her attitude, huh? Why are you defending her?โ
Y/N purses her lips, holding back the words that want to escape her lips and takes a couple of steps back, โIโm going to go nowโฆโ
โYeah, you do that,โ sharply said the girl, once again her narrow eyes on Y/N.
The girl simply turns and makes her way back to the bar. She leans against the bar and closes her eyes, a tired sigh leaves her.
โBad table?โ Asks Asimi, one of her many coworkers and friends.
Y/N shrugs turning to her, โNothing unusual, but today has not been my dayโฆโ
โIโll switch mine with yours,โ said Rei, another waitress, as she passed a new order to the cook. โI have the most entitled Marines right now, they had me return their meals 3 times already because it's just 'not like what theyโre used to' like one would think they got their swords stuck up their ass or something,โ
Y/N and Asimi laugh.
โIโm being serious, Y/N, switch tables with me. Theyโll be less dickheads to you thanks to that pretty face of yours.โ Rei said pinching Y/N's cheek.
Y/N shakes her head, moving away from the girl's fingers, โThanks for the compliment babes but Iโll take my chances with the match made in heaven,โ
โWorth a shot,โ
Ayana places two cups in front of Y/N and points at the group in the back, โTable 3, please Y/NN,โ
Y/N takes the cups and walks to the table of Marines. She once again smiles at the men as she sets the drinks down. โHere you are! Two beers for the gentlemanโs.โ
โHey sweetheart, can I get another round of sake?โ Said an older Marine from the next table to them.
Y/N nods, โSure thing, sweets, anything else you want?โ
โIs a kiss from you on the menu?โ Laughs the old Marine earning chuckles from others.
Ugh! Disgusting!
โNot on this one, fortunately for me!โ Y/N said as he picked up a few empty cups. โHowever, If you read the menu closer thereโs your captain's number in there somewhere maybe you can call it so he can give you that kiss you want? Hope you donโt mind steel, though,โ
The Marines around them laughed and so did the older man, Y/N was slightly relief because there had been instances where the Marines did not enjoy herโฆ sense of humor.
Y/N didnโt wait for a response she simply took the last empty cups and made her way back to the bar. She turns to Ayana โA bottle of sake for table 4โ
Ayana nods as she looks for the bottle, and Y/N lets her head fall back. She pressed her hands on her shoulders.
Gods, she hates working. Why does she continue working in this job?
Then, as if on cue, Y/N felt two tiny arms wrapping themselves around her middle. Ah, yes, because sheโs a softyโฆ. And money.
โY/NN!!โ Rika, Ayanaโs daughter, looks up at her.
โI was wondering when youโll show up,โ Y/N laughed as she leaned down to return the hug. โHow was school, Rikis?โ
โIt was alright,โ Rika shrugs stepping back, she grins. โI practised the cup trick you showed me,โ
โDid you? Well, in that case, you have no choice but to show me, little miss,โ Y/N smiles at the girl, she nudges the girl with her elbow teasingly as Ayana places the bottle of sake on the bar.
โNoooโฆโ Rika chuckles hiding her face under her hands.
โRika, go change,โ Ayana tells her daughter motioning the door that leads to the kitchens.
โWeโll talk about it,โ Y/N takes the green bottle and winks at Rika as she moves to take the sake to the Marines.
A couple of more hours pass and the bar thankfully the customers flow in and out with ease. Y/N was glad that her shift would soon be over so she could finally play with the band.
โTake the orders from 16, Y/NN, then you're off,โ Ayana says with a nod at the two boys who had just sat down at a table.
โRight on,โ
Y/N makes her way to the two boys, one of them has pinkish hair, and round glasses and the other a dark curls under a straw hat and a red vest.
โHello guys, welcome to Food Foo!โ Y/N smiles at them like she does with all her customers. โCan I get you, handsome gentlemen, some drinks to start before deciding what to order?โ
The boy with pink hair turned a shade of deep red, a shade Y/N had never seen very little in her life, it was kind of funny. โUhโฆ I- Iโฆโ
โNo need, I want one of everything and a milk, please.โ Said the boy with the straw hat, smiling back at Y/N.
Y/N was slightly surprised but nodded nonetheless, โA big appetite youโve got there sweets.โ
โAh, I just love food,โ the boy said, tapping his stomach with a grin.
โWho doesnโt?โ Y/N nods, writing on her pad, โFood is the best part of life, Iโll say.โ
โRight?!! Itโs just amazing,โ
Y/N laughed at his excitement, he was like a puppy. He was cute. She then turns to the boy in round glasses, โWhat can I get you to drink, pretty boy?โ
โUhโฆ a- a water would be nice, thank you,โ the bright red was still displaying itself on the boy's cheeks.
โAlright, everything will be ready in a few minutes, boys,โ She told them, โIf you want anything else, please donโt hesitate to call for me,โ
With a last smile she left them. She then went to do a few more rounds, cleaning away the dishes and cups, collecting money and such before she was called to pick up the food for the two boys.
โAlright, here you are!โ Y/N places the plates on the table. โOne of everything,โ
Before she even finished putting the plates on the table the boy in a straw hat was already almost finishing his first plate.
โThank you,โ the boy said, his muffled by the food in his mouth.
The boy with pink hair sends her a small grin, โThank you, miss.โ
โNo problem boys, call if you need anything else,โ
As she left, she glanced at the clock and let out a sigh of relief. Her shift is over, thank the gods. She walked behind the counter took off her apron and took her guitar before walking through the kitchens, where she greeted the cooks.
โYou playing today, Y/NN?โ asks Gunny, one of the cooks, offering her a plate of chips.
She grins at him as she takes one chip, โYeap, and I better see you at least once, dumpling. Even if it's peaking.โ
โYโknow I never miss your performances,โ said the man returning her grin.
Y/N walks to the back of the bar where there is a small room for employees, to change into her clothes. She put in a bit of makeup, some light colour over her eyes, a bit of pink in her cheeks and painted her lips a soft red shade.
โYou look so pretty, Y/NNโฆ can you paint me too?โ asks Rika, she had slithered her way into the small room a few minutes ago and was watching her do her makeup.
โLast I did, your Ma wasn't happy about it, Rikis,โ Y/N told her looking at the girl through the mirror as she twisted her silver locks in a loose braid. โAnd considering she's the one I'm renting my room to and my boss, Iโd rather not risk it.โ
Rika huffs in disappointment, leaning against the wall. โYou think one day I'll be as pretty as you?โ
โWhat do you mean?โ Y/N smiles at her and pulls Rika to look at herself in the mirror next to her. โYou are the prettiest girl I know, Rikis.โ
โReally?โ asks the young girl.
Y/N stands from the old vanity table and sits the girl on the chair. โYou so are, sweet girl,โ She takes the girl's hair to pull it on a half-up style. โSee? You have the prettiest face, and a pretty smile and pretty eyesโฆ and most importantly a pretty heart."
Rika smiles at herself in the mirror, and a giggle escapes her. Rika was such a good child, so very kind. As she stares, Y/N wonders with longing if she has grown to be kind and nice, she should be a couple of years older than Rika if Y/N recalls correctlyโฆ
โAre you going to play a love song?โ asks Rika, snapping Y/N out of her train of thought.
Y/N wrinkles her nose and shakes her head, โDonโt think so, Rikis.โ
โWhy?โ
โIโm just not feeling it,โ
โHow come? Did something happened with Cygnus? Did you broke up with him?โ The young girl inquires, her eyes twinkling with intrigued.
Y/N letโs out a chuckle, โYou are very noisy, sweet cheeks.โ
โIโm just informative,โ Rika shrugs innocently.
โOf course, you are.โ Y/N scoffs a laugh, she nudges Rikaโs shoulder. โCome, letโs go out.โ
โOh, please Y/NN,โ
โNope. How about you go make me something sweet for after the show?โ
They walk outside, Rika complaining about Y/N not telling her but the older girl simply ignores her and leaves her near the counter before walking to the bar band.
โHello, dears, ready for tonight?โ Y/N said as she approached the three older gentlemen, they had been letting her play a few songs a night with them since she arrived, always practising new songs on the slow days and late nights.
Duke, the violinist, nods as he takes a large gulp of his beer. โAs always, lovey.โ
โNever expect any less,โ Y/N grins, she moves to the small wooden stage, guitar on hand and her charm full on.
As soon as she did, a few cheers echoed around the bar.
Using a Den Den Mushi, Y/Nโs voice rings out through the room, with a charisma and ease that speaks of years of practice. "Why, hello everybody!" she exclaims, gazing at the growing crowd of Marines and civilians. "Howโs the day been treating ya lot? Better than me I hope.โ
The audience cheers, and Y/Nโs smile grows wider and lets out a laugh. โVery good, very good.. but how about a song to better it, aye?โ
She launches into her first ballad, her voice rising with the rhythm of her guitar.
โI've been sleepin' in my mind
But now my heart is risin'
Risin' with the tide
Floating on a wave
Buoyed by the sea
Carry me away 'cause the world is not for meโ
The crowd claps along, lost in the music and the charm of the girl on stage. It's a moment of pure joy, as Y/Nโs voice fills the room with sweet melody and a spirit of celebration.
As she continues her song, Y/N noticed someone in between the crowd, a blonde pain in the ass. It took everything in her not to roll her eyes at the sight of Helmeppo.
Out of everyone, the son of the captain (as he always likes to remind everyone about) was the most spoiled, disrespectful, persistent and annoying guy she had come across in her short years of freedom and best believe she had met some annoying people but no one can compare to the blonde with the bad hair.
No matter how many times Y/N has asked him to fuck off, he simply refuses to. Itโs as if he couldn't understand the words that come out of her mouthโฆ honestly, sheโs never one for violence but sheโs getting to a limit.
โNo matter where you land or how far you may fall
You have heart, you have hands
And the highest calling of our lives
Is to find the grace at the very place we standโ
With the final chords of her song, she finishes with a flourish and a cheerful smile. The crowd erupts in applause and cheers, ready for more of Y/Nโs enchanting performances.
โHowโs that for starters, eh?โ Y/Nโs chuckles at the cheers.
She gives the crowd a cheeky grin and strums her guitar with an extra dose of gusto. She launches into another lively tune, her fingers dancing across the strings as she belts out the words. The crowd is absolutely hypnotized, swinging their heads and tapping their feet to the beat. Y/Nโs energy is contagious, and it's not long before the whole bar is rocking with cheer.
The vibe is electric, and it's clear that Y/N is the star of the show. Unfortunately, it didnโt last long because just as she was making her way to the second verse there was the loud distinguish sound of a sword being drawn and the loud pompous voice of Helmeppo ran through the bar.
โOh, come on, tough guy. Three swords?โY/N saw him pointing his sword at a green-headed guy who didnโt seem to care as the spoiled blonde teased. โI only need one.โ
Y/N tried to keep going but it was almost impossible when the guy with green hair deflected Helmeppo's attack and easily pushed him down, and soon after, a brawl between five or so marines and the one green-haired guy withโฆ what looked like three swords. The guy fought them with ease, he never even drew any of his swords only using his hands as a defence.
It would have been impressiveโฆ if he hadnโt thrown one Marine towards her drummer, knocking him back onto the floor.
โHoly- Stu!!โ the band gathered around the man who was under a groaning Marine officer.
When Stu is being helped by the other meme era of the band, Y/N turns to glare at the green-headed guy only to see him grab Helmeppos from the floor and pin him against the bar.
โDonโt kill me, please.โ Helmeppos pleads with the guy, showing his true colours. โMy father will give you anything you want.โ
The green-haired guy asks โWhoโs your father?โ
โCaptain Morgan. Heโs in charge of the Marine base.โ Whimpers Helmeppos.
โThen he owes me money.โ
And with that, the green-haired guy dragged Helmeppos and a sackโฆ of something out of the bar followed by a few other Marines.
โFuck, am I bleeding?โ The voice of the Marine woman. She wasnโt bleeding but there was a big red spot in her head.
Y/N helps the woman up and sits her on a near by stall. โNo, you're alright.โ
โHey, Y/NN bring some ice for Stu, looks like he got a bump.โ Said Duke.
โYeah,โ
As she made her way to the kitchen, she came across something more interestingโฆ an orange-haired girl taking the uniform off a knocked-out Marine and hiding it under her clothes, nothing subtle about that.
The girl didnโt seem to have noticed Y/N, much to her surprise, until she spoke. โYโknow if you walk out of here with that uniform youโll get arrested, right?โ
The girl jumps up and turns to Y/N. โMy boyfriend, he got hurt fighting off the drunk guy, I'm just taking it off to prevent it from getting dirtier.โ
Y/N looked down at the middle-aged man with receding hairline and then at the orange-haired girl who was definitely too pretty to be the fallen Marine anything butโฆ sheโll play along.
โRight, well, in that case, let me bring you a bag so you can put it there instead,โ Y/N said, she turned to leave but was stopped by the girl. She grabbed her arm and turned her back around.
โI donโt needโโ
โBelieve me, pumpkin, you do!โ Y/N motions to the bar exit which is surrounded by other Marines who seem to have already forgotten about the fight. โAnd unless you donโt want to get dragged to the cells Iโll recommend you wait for me here and let me bring you a bag, I promise itโs not a trap or anything.โ
โThatโs exactly what someone whoโs planning a trap would say,โ the girl with bright blue eyes said, still not letting go of her arm.
Y/N shrugs, โMaybe so, but I donโt have any reason to do that.โ
โAnd you donโt have any reasons to help me either,โ the girl replies instantly.
โAh, but I do,โ Y/N got closer to the girl and whispered without breaking eye contact, โFuck the Marines,โ
With that Y/N backs away from the girl's hold and moves to the kitchens. She swiftly takes some ice from the freezer and wraps it around a napkin and then a paper bag. She only hopes the girl actually listens to her.
Why are you helping, you might ask well, Y/N has a history with them beyond her interactions with them in the bar and knows their lack of morals. They are good for nothing and always abuse their powerโฆ so, fuck them.
Thankfully, the girl did listen to her. When Y/N went back to her she was met by the sight of a pant-less Marine. โOh, no honey. You do not want to use his pants.โ
โCanโt you just give me the bag and move on?โ Said the girl, clearly annoyed.
Y/N sighs as she passes her the paper bag. โSure but Iโll just say that if you wear his pants youโll look like a clown.โ
โWhy do you care what I look?โ The girl says ripping the bag out of her hand.
โIโm just helping a girl out, thatโs all.โ Y/N shrugs glancing at the girl's legs. โListen, I know itโs none of my businessโโ
โโ youโre right, itโs not.โ
โโ but whatever is it that youโre planning will be ruined because of a pair of pants. So, if you need some pants that go with that shirt, I might have something that could work for you.โ
The girls look at Y/N suspiciously โWhat do youโโ
โY/N, whatโs taking you so long?โ Duke shouts earning the girl's attention.
โYeah, coming,โ Y/N turns to the girl with the orange hair, โIโll be out in about an hour, if you want you can meet me in the fountain just a few houses from here,โ
With that Y/N makes her way to the stage and gives the napkin to Stu. โHere! Press it firmly because it seems like you're growing a horn, dear.โ
โQuit messing with me, girl!โ
After a few more minutes of helping Stu out, it was more than decided he couldnโt play anymore so, they cut the show short. Unfortunately.
So, to kill time, she ordered herself water (Which she dumped a large amount of salt when no one was looking) while listening to Rika theatrically replay what happened with Helmeppos and the guy with green hair, a pirate hunter. It seems Helmeppos finally meet the ass-beating heโs been looking forโฆ. Good.
She should give the guy in green her gratitude.
โAnd he also said my chocolate cover rice balls were delicious,โ Rika blushes.
Y/N chuckles, placing a hand on her head, โDonโt tell me little Rikis has a crush on the pirate hunter,โ
Rika blushes even further, she swaps Y/Nโs hands off her head. โStooopppp, Y/NN, itโs not funny,โ
โRight, sorry.โ Y/N chuckles, and she takes a sip of her salty water. โSo, are you going to let me taste those delicious chocolate rice balls or those are only for the hunter?โ
โMom said I canโt do that anymore,โ Rika said with a huff of dissatisfaction.
โShame, I really wanted to try it.โ Y/NN pouts.
โI can make you somethingโโ
โYou should go home and get ready for school tomorrow,โ said Ayana from behind the bar.
โBut mom-โ
โNo, go home, Rika. Itโs getting late.โ
โFine,โ Rika huffs as she stood up from her seat and turns to Y/N, โNight, Y/NN.โ
โNighty sweet girl,โ She said back, waving as the young girl leave.
Y/N sighed taking a sip of her water and looking around the bar, it wasn't her first time working as a waitress but this one bar, she had become accustomed to. It was a nice place, sheโs never really appreciated it but it was, people here were friendly, caring, kindโฆ Y/N almost does not wish to leave but she has to, she has to keep moving otherwise the past will soon come knocking banging her door down.
โY/NN,โ calls Ayana, making the girl turn to her. The older woman places an envelope in front of her. โThis month's pay plus tips for the performances.โ
โThanks,โ Y/N takes the envelope and looks in it. A happy amount of berryโฆ. This should be enough. โHey, Ayana,โ
The woman hums in response as she passes a bottle of rum at a Marine before moving to wipe something off the bar.
โI think itโs time for me to go,โ
That made the woman stop and turn to her with a frown. โWhat? Why?โ
โIt seems now the time,โ Y/N smiles at the woman, โI did tell you Iโll be here temporarily,โ
โYeah butโฆ I thought youโd stay a bit longer, itโs been what two-three months?โ Ayana moves to face Y/N.
โSix but yโknow what they say, time flies by when youโre having fun,โ Y/N grins at the woman who in return rolls her eyes. โBut, I do need to leave, Ayana. Iโm sorry.โ
She regards Y/N for a moment she purses her lips before nodding, โIf it canโt be helped, I suppose I let you go.โ
โYouโve helped me immensely, I really donโt know how to thank you for all that,โ Y/N tells the woman honestly.
โDonโt,โ said the woman as another waitress came to give her something, โYouโve been a delight toโ what do you mean they wonโt pay?โ
โI reckon the boy with the straw hat said heโll come back to pay you once heโs king of the pirates.โ Said the waitress.
Ayana huffs, and she shakes her head. โBring him here because I swear to the all four blue seas today itโs not the day to fuck with me.โ
The waitress leaves to bring the poor soul whoโs about to get their ass handed today. Ayana scoffs crossing her arms, waiting which she hadnโt had to do for long because the waitress returned not seconds after with two familiar boys in tow. One looking oblivious and the other nervous.
โHello!โ Said the straw hat guy.
Ayana narrows her eyes, โDonโt hello me, you little punk, whereโs my money?โ
โYou see, I donโt have it yet but I promise Iโll come back once I find the one piece to pay you. With interest.โ
โThe one piece?โ Scoffs Ayana, โWho do you think you are, boy?โ
โIโm Monkey D. Luffy and I will be king of the pirates.โ The boy, Luffy, said with pride and too much conviction that if Y/N didnโt know any better sheโd actually believe him.
Ayana shakes her head in disbelief, โWell, Mr future King of the Pirates, unfortunately, I canโt let you leave without paying so either give me the money you practically inhale in food or Iโll have to call the Marines to take you, your Highness.โ
โI do need to get inside the baseโโ Luffy was cut off by the pink-haired boy.
โNo, please, listen is there something we can do to make up for it?โ He asks, fidgeting where he stands, obviously nervous under the womanโs gaze.
As Y/N watched the two boys she couldnโt help but chuckle. There was something about this Monkey D. Luffyโฆ he is so unique. So, she decided.
โNo need to do anything, pretty boy,โ Y/N said earning everyone's attention. She puts a few berry bills on the table. โThat must cover it, right?โ
โY/N, you donโt have to pay for them,โ
Y/N smiles at Ayana who was frowning back at her. โCall it my last good deed on this bar,โ
Ayana huffs, she stares at the Berry before shaking her head. โKeep it, kid, for your travel.โ
โNo, honestly, Ayanaโโ
โI wonโt hear anything else,โ Ayana sighs, massaging he sides of her head as she walks Into the kitchen. โI need a drink,โ.
After a moment of silence, as Y/N was reluctantly pulling the Berry back into the envelope Luffy speaks.
โHey, thanks for that,โ he said causing Y/N to turn her head to him.
โNo problem, Monkey D. Luffy.โ She grins at him.
The pink haired boy walks forward cheeks comically still red, โW-why did you offered to pay for us? It was quite a lot.โ
Y/N shrugs, โIโll scratch your back youโll scratch mine, right?โ
โYou want us to scratch your back?โ Luffy tilts his head making Y/N laugh.
โNo, stud,โ Y/N shakes her head as she moves to her feet, she smirks at Luffy placing a hand forward. โHowever, I do hope you remember my name when you become the King of pirates,โ
Luffy takes her hand in his and shakes, โWhy donโt you join my crew? Weโll need a musician on board to keep the spirits high, youโll be perfect.โ
Y/N chuckles and shakes her head, โIโll swallow my own guitar before becoming a pirate,โ
โWhat? Why? Being a pirate is awesome,โ asks Luffy, the boy was still shaking her hand.
โBecause I have had bad experiences with them, so, Iโll much rather not be part of that life,โ Y/N said, looking down at the hands that still shake. โYou can let go of me now, stud.โ
โOh, right!โ Luffy letโs go of her, โBut just because youโve had bad experience with Pirates doesnโt mean they are all like that, we can be different.โ
Y/N smiles and looks behind the boy at the clock in the wall. โMaybe but Iโll rather not find out the bad way again. Iโve to go now, Monkey D. Luffy, it was nice meeting you.โ
She turns to the pink hair boy with round glasses โYou tooโฆโ
โKoby,โ the boy informs.
โKoby. It was nice meeting you lot,โ Y/N says before moving to the exit, ignoring the cat calls from drunk Marines.
As she walks to the fountain, she canโt helped but scoffs at the thought of her being a pirate out of all things. Pirates took everything from her, in what world would she ever become in the thing that almost destroys her?
โTook you long enough,โ The familiar voice makes her head snap up.
Y/N grins as she approaches the girl, โI know, sorry. Would you believe me if I told you I just met the future king of the pirates?
The orange-haired girl scoffs, "Another fool who believes they can find the one piece? Right."
"Ha!" Y/N chuckles, shaking her head. She does share the sentiment. "He seems very determined, perhaps heโll actually do it, though I doubt it,"
"I'll belive it when I see it," The girl scoffs again, she then seems to sober up to ask Y/N, "So, the pants you mention?"
"Right, they're in my room, it's not ar from here just a few houses down," Y/N tells the girl who narrow her eyes.
"Convenient,"
"You can stay here if you want?" Y/N offers, with a tilt of her head, "I have no problem in getting them for you, pumpkin,"
The girl stares at Y/N for a moment, trying to figure out if she's lying or not. "... Fine, I'll wait."
"I won't be long," Y/N calls as she continues her walk to the space just in between a shoe shop and a gardening store.
As soon as was inside her room, Y/N lit up a few candles to light the small room. She puts her guitar down and goes to the dresser to search for a pair of pants, she did own quite a bit of clothes so it would take her a minute. Ever so often, Y/N comes across the few vials of poison she stacks in her clothed for safety and a few of her modified hand fans reminding her that she has to buy a few more vials just before leaving Shells town.
After another minute she finally found the black pants and was on her way back to the girl with orange hair.
"Here! They should fit,โ Y/N said, leaning against the fountain and watching as the girl unfolded the pants and placed them over her legs.
When she was satisfied she nodded before folding it back again, narrowing her eyes at Y/N "Why are you helping me? And don't bullshit me with that fuck the Marines excuse. Even as someone who hates the Marines, you're going out of your way to help, why is that?"
"Is it too hard to belive some people just like to see them burn?" Y/N chuckles, she sighs, stiffing a little as she speaks. โThe Marines fucked me over, more than onceโฆ I just want to make their life miserable even if just a little,โ
โAnd what do you want? Nothing ever is for free in this life, so tell me. Iโve got berry-โThe girl huffs crossing her arms.
โI donโt need Berry,โ Y/N interrupts, she shrugged thinking for a moment, โUnless you have a boat I donโt think thereโs anything you can give me,โ
โSay I do, what do you need a boat for?โ
Y/N gazes at her, โA ride to the next town,โ
โFine, be at the docks by 12, and not a minute late or Iโll leave you,โ the Orange-haired girl said sternly.
โDeal,โ Y/N holds her hand out, โIโm Y/N, by the way.โ
โNami,โ she shook her hand once.
Y/N nods with a wink and starts to walk away, โRight, well, good luck tomorrow, Nami. Iโll be thinking about you,โ
Y/N thought she saw a smile on Nami but it was gone as soon as it came.
When morning rolled around, Y/N, with her one bag packed and guitar in hand made her last errands, which included saying her goodbyes to Riki and the employees of Food Foo, it was a teary one but it was better than leaving without saying goodbye. She then needed to get some poisonโฆ
There is where everything went to shit.
She needed poison and to get it she had to buy it from Cygnus, unfortunately. Cygnus owns a fish shop in the market street but it was a cover for other more illicit sells.
When she got there Y/N was met with her ex-fling and his new and very hostile victim. Y/N knew who she was, the girl was the daughter of an influential lieutenant of the base, and she like Helmeppos made sure to use it as a threat.
The girl was known for getting people she didn't like in jail for the stupidest things and out of fear most people rather stay out of her way or let her walk all over them.
Y/N, in all honestly, didn't care about her but it seems she should have at least been a bit careful because it wasn't even 10 minutes into the awkward and tense negotiation when she was being dragged to the marine base because the girl started screaming that Y/N was trying to rob them. And for what? Because she told the girl to mind her business after being spoken over once again.
Foolish on her part, because now, she's in Captain Morgan's/Axe hand Morganโs office when she ought to be waiting for Nami in the docks.
"Trying to rob someone, I heard?" Said Morgan, a large man with a steel jaw. "Didn't think a pretty girl like yourself would commit that petty crime."
Y/N purses her lips, "Because I didn't. Either way, I didn't think the Captain of this entire Marine base would oversee the case of a petty crime, which once again, I didn't commit."
"Only on special circumstances. Take a seat,Y/N," Axe's hand told her, and he motioned with his head to the chair in front of his desk.
Y/N didn't move her gaze from the man with the steel jaw, "I'm okay standing,"
Morgan laughs, "How stubborn of you but I respect it."
His eyes shone with something Y/N had seen many times before and didn't like at all. Desire. Shit, she shouldโve known when she was allowed to keep her belongings.
โSo, care to tell me why were you attempting to rob the fish shop?โ The man asks.
Y/N jaw clutch as she held back an eye roll, โI wasnโt.โ
โThen why Kaori accused you of it?โ Morgan inquires, his eyebrows shooting up in expectation though, to Y/N it felt as if he was mocking.
โBecause sheโs insane and a spoiled brat,โ snaps Y/N, narrowing her eyes at the older man.
โWeโll, she does has the tendency to exaggerate,โ Morgan said as he slowly got up from his seat and made his way around it, โBuy still, itโs her word against yours, a girl thatโs been in Shells town for around what? Six months? You see how I canโt simply ignore the statements of my lieutenantโs daughter. Howeverโฆโ
Y/Nโs gaze didnโt falter as the man stood in front of her or flinched when his axe hand moved a piece of hair away from her face. It was all very familiar, unfortunately.
โIt would be a shame to string you up in the yardโฆ good thing for you Iโm willing to come to an agreement that can benefit usโฆ that is if you manage to convince me, pretty girl,โ
Y/N glared up at him, her eyes hardening as she prepared to send him away but thankfully for her, before she could, there was a knock on the door.
โIโm busy.โ Scowls Axe hand Morgan.
The door opened and a meek Marine girl peeked through. โI-Iโm sorry, Captain Morgan but this situation needs your immediate attention.โ
Morgan sighs tiredly, he nods at the girl waving his normal hand dismissively. โIโll be there,โ
The Marine girl nods and closes the door, leaving Axe hand to look down at Y/N, โIโll be back in a minute so we continue where we left off, sweetheart, donโt worry.โ
Y/N didnโt respond she simply watched him leave and of course, he locked it behind him.
โShit,โY/N sighs, still stiff feeling her heart pound in her chest.
She takes a deep breath, not knowing how much time she has until Morgan comes back, she quickly looks around the veryโฆ ugly, self-centred office. No wonder why Helmeppos is the way he is.
Y/Ntried opening the windows with all her might but the damned thing didnโt bulge. She tried the door, despite knowing it was futile. She tried and tried but there was no way out.
When she heard the sound of the keys unlocking the door, Y/N tensed as she reached for her War fans that were hidden into her waistband and waited. It wasnโt until she saw the familiar Orange hair and straw did she let herself calm.
โNami?โ
The girl's eyes widen as she enters the office, โY/N?โ
โY/N?โ Calls Luffy a smile gracing his face as he follows Nami inside the office. โOh, hey! What are you doing here?โ
โYeah, what are you doing here?โ Nami asks, locking the door behind her. โYou know him?โ
Y/N looks between them, and sighs. โLong story. What are you doing here. Is it part of your plan?โ
โWeโre here for the map,โ Luffy exclaimed excitedly as he looks around the office mumbling โwoah, this guy really likes himself.โ
โNo, Iโm going to find the map.โ Nami said as she moves near Y/N, where Captain Morgan desk is. โLetโs pretend heโs not here.โ
โBut I am here.โ Luffy says.
โWait, what map?โ Y/N asks looking at Luffy and at Nami who was scooping through Morganโs things.
โThe map to the grand line,โ Luffy said, a grin on his face.
Y/N blinks, ignoring the bickering of the two as the information processing. The grand line? Theyโre going to steal the map to the grand lineโฆ her hearts starts to pound again but for a different reason.
"Every idiot dreams of finding the One Piece." Nami's voice snapped her out to another piece of important information.
Looking at Luffy, Y/N asks, "You're planning to travel to the Grand Line?"
"Yeah!" Exclaims Luffy with his usual grin, "To find the one piece,"
"People like you believe in something and you donโt even know what it is." Nami huffs as she continues to scoop through Morgans's belongings.
"Well, yeah. Donโt you?" Luffy fiddles with the telescope, pointing at Nami, "So why did you decide to become a thief?
Nami spares him a glance, "I didnโt decide. I needed to eat. You do what you have to, to survive."
"Ain't that the truth," Y/N mumbles as she as well gazes over Axe-hand Morgan things.
"Youโre right. Nothing more important than food." Luffy moves around, touching just about everything in his way before he turns to Y/N. "And why did you decide to become a singer?"
"I've always enjoyed singing," Y/N shrugs as she decides to help Nami and opens a drawer. "There was a time when I couldn't, so, I made it my mission to sing all I wish anywhere the sea takes me,"
"Is that your dream? To sing around the world?" Asks Luffy.
Y/N shrugs, opening another drawer, "For the most part, I suppose,"
"Can you all just shut up and find the map?" Nami scowls looking through the pages of a book.
"Where you reckon he has it-"
Y/N was cut off by the desk suddenly sliding out of place, displaying a large hidden safe. They all looked at each other before Nami dropped beside it and placed her head near the lock.
Suddenly, an alarm started to blast, echoing all around the base.
"Shit," Breaths out Y/N, she moves to the window again, trying to pull it open.
"Uhโฆ Do you think they know weโre here?" Luffy asks as he lowers himself next to Nami.
"No, I think theyโre after the other thief and idiot pirate trying to steal a map." Nami scowls sarcastically.
Luffy grins, "What are the odds of that?"
Both Y/N and Nami, stop their doing to stare at the boy in a straw hat.
Luffy looks between the girls before uttering with an innocent chuckle "Kidding."
"Nami, not to stress you or anything but can you work a little faster?"
As soon as those words left her there was a banging on the door making the three of them jump.
"Open up!" Morgan's voice rang through the door along with the bangs "By the authority of the 153rd Marines!"
"You need to hurry," Luffy stresses.
Nami grunts, her ear still near the lock, "I canโt rush this!"
Morgan was now using his axe hand to get inside the office.
Y/N moved next to Nami, "There's no time for that,"
"I have an idea," Luffy tells the girl forcing Nami to move as the straw-hat boy grabs into the safe and starts to pull.
"Are- are you trying to pull the safe out?" Y/N asks in disbelief, trying her best to ignore the growing hole Axe-hand Morgan was creating on the door.
"Yeah," Luffy grunts as he continues to pull and pull and much to her surprise his arms were starting to... stretch?
Y/N tilts her head in confusion and amazement. She and Nami shared a look when the safe actually seemed to bulge.
The door bangs again and Y/N doesn't waste a second, she grabs Luffy's waist, Nami following her after her. Before Y/N is aware of what is happening, she feels her stomach rise to her throat. They were falling out the freaking window.
"Fucking..." Y/N grunted when they reached the ground, she felt her side hurting from where she had landed but there was no time for that. She quickly dropped the annoying bags off her shoulders and stood up, shaking off the pain.
"How did you do that?" Asks Nami as she rips the Marine's shirt off.
However, before Luffy could answer, they were surrounded by Marines. Y/N quickly pulled out her two war fans and took a defensive stand next to Nami who was holding onto her staff.
She used her quick reflexes and agile movements to evade their attacks while landing swift blows with her fans. With a quick flick of her wrist, she knocks one Marine to the ground and uses the momentum to twist her body, dodging another. Her movements are as graceful as they are deadly, and she slips through the chaos of battle with remarkable ease.
Meanwhile, Luffy and Nami are in their own battles, each utilizing their unique skills to take down the Marines. Luffy, with his fists and legs, dodges and attacks at will, while Nami wields her staff with expert precision, taking in multiple Marines at once.
However, more and more Marines kept coming. It was starting to get overwhelming. Y/N suddenly felt a sharp pain in her back making her stumble, she turned to fight off the Marine but to her surprise, someone else had joined the fight and sliced the Marine off of her.
With a final fierce strike of her fans, Y/N takes down the remaining Marines and is quick to meet with Nami, Luffy and-- "Hey, aren't you the guy from the bar?"
"The drunk?" Nami added to the question.
"Glad I made an impression." The guy said, sparing the girls a glance.
They turned their attention to the man who had just entered the yard. Axe-hand Morgan.
"The imposter, the pirate hunter, the thief and the prisoner." Called the Captain as he approached them, looking between each of them. "Fancy that. The four of you working together."
"Yeah. Weโre a crew!" Luffy declared to which the three others were quick to deny.
"Nope, not a crew."
"Nah-uh,"
"Not together."
"No enemy has ever escaped my wrath. I alone defeated the Black Cat Pirates." As he brags, Morgan begins to take off his Marine vest, displaying his scars from past battles, "I alone captured Kuro of the Thousand Plans. And I alone keep Shells Town safe from the scum of the East Blue."
He takes a fighting stan and so do the four others.
Y/N held into her sharp war fans, hoping some of the paralyzing poison she had covered the blades with hadn't all worn off.
Morgan's first strick was met with the guy with green hair swords but was thrown off, then Luffy tried to strike him but was unsuccessful. Y/N was going to slice his face off but a grunt from Nami stopped her, noting she was fighting the upcoming Marines off herself Y/N decided to help because even if all her impulses were yelling at her to cut Morgan's dick off she wasn't about to leave Nami to fend for herself.
Nami uses her staff to block the Marines' attacks, while Y/N uses her fans to deflect and dodge their strikes. The two work in unison, their teamwork making them a formidable force to be reckoned with.
Nami strikes out with her staff, taking down one Marine after another. Her strikes are powerful and precise. Y/N uses her fans to take down the others, she strikes with precision, her movements fluid and graceful and when all of the Marines are down, Y/N turns to Nami, both girls sharing a look of respect for one another.
"Gum Gum Whip!" Luffy's voice rang through the yards forcing them all to turn to watch as his leg stretched inhumanly before kicking Axe-hand Morgan, knocking him off.
"Whoo!" Luffy celebrates his victory.
Y/N shares yet another look with Nami as both girls put their weapons away.
"Gum Gum Whip?" Asks the green-haired boy.
Luffy nods excitedly as he approaches the other guy, "Yeah! All the great fighters call out their finishing moves."
"No, they donโt."
"Some do," Y/N breathes out, turning to him, "What's your name, Hot Shot?"
"I'm Roronoa Zoro, pirate hunter," The guy, Zoro, said as he put his three swords away.
"And the future greatest swordsman in the world," Luffy added with conviction.
"Well, I'm Y/N. Nice to meet ya,"
Nami interrupted, looking over at the safe, "Hate to break up this beautiful moment, but we need to get this safe out of here."
"Some rope might be useful." Y/N hums, looking about while taking back her disregarded things.
But then, as if it were nothing, Zoro grabbed the safe and hauled it up into his shoulders.
"Or we can do that." Y/N mumbles, gazing at Zoro, impressed. It was kind of hot.
Soon, the four of them were jumping into Nami's small boat. She gave Y/N instructions to pull up the anchor as she unfolded the sails
"Careful with that!" Nami scowls Zoro when the guy all but throws the safe down.
"Whatever you say." Zoro tells her as he continues to roughly move the safe into the small boat, "Oh, wait. I donโt work for you."
Nami glares at Zoro prompting Luffy to speak. "Iโm sensing a little bit of tension amongst the crew."
"Not a crew!" They all rebottle.
Ignoring them, Luffy stands on the dock looking around, "I canโt leave without my friend."
"Koby?" Y/N asks as she finishes pulling the anchor up.
Luffy nods, "He should be around somewhere,"
"Canโt wait,โ Zoro tells him, "The Marines will be here."
"The Marines are here already." The annoyingly familiar voice of Helmeppos made the four of them turn to him, he was holding two guns up, "Youโre under arrest."
"What happened to you?" Y/N, unfazed by the guns, laughs.
Luffy nods, laughing with her. "Yeah, whatโs wrong with his hair?"
"Yeah, I mightโve done that," Zoro informs them, proudly.
"Nice work, Hot Shot" Y/N chuckles approvingly.
Helmeppos fires a shot near Zoro forcing a shriek out of Y/N, however it seems that she was the only one to have a reaction to a gun being fired because not even that fazed the pirate hunter, Nami or Luffy.
"I wonโt let you make a joke of me. Iโm taking you in and handing you over to my father." Helmeppos said, an air of superiority oozing out of him. "Iโll be the hero. I might even get a medal or something--"
Helmeppo's rant was cut short by Koby, who had satisfyingly punched the blonde down.
"Koby?" Luffy exclaims, impressed by his friend's actions.
"God, that hurt!" Koby looks down at his fist but then he smiles, "It also felt really good too."
Luffy swiftly urges Koby near the boat, "No time to explain, but we gotta go. This whole island is trying to kill us."
"Iโm not coming with you," Koby said causing Luffy to halt his steps.
"You sure?" Luffy asks.
"Before we met, every choice was made for me. But now Iโm gonna do what I want to do." Koby said with determination making all the others stare at him, "Iโm gonna be a Marine. I want to help people that canโt help themselves."
Y/N smiles at him. She can tell he has a kind heart which is more than what half the Marines will ever have. She can only hope that he protects it.
"Next time we meet, we might be enemies," Koby tells Luffy but the straw hat boy didn't seem bothered by that.
"But for nowโฆ weโre friends."
Luffy nudges Koby in a friendly manner before getting into the boat where Y/N, Nami and Zoro are working to unravel the remaining sail to begin their travel.
And the boat finally starts to sail, leaving the decks and island behind. Y/N looks back at Shells Town, what was her home for six months, half a year, is now a memory. Usually, leaving a town leaves her with a bittersweet feeling until she gets to the next one to do it all over again but now, knowing that the Map of the Grand Line is within reach, she has a new plan in mind.
Find her sister.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Lots of love, be safe.
Divider by @cafekitsune 3
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๐๐๐๐๐๐๐! ๐๐๐๐๐๐ + ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐! ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฑ ๐๐๐๐๐๐! ๐๐๐๐๐๐ (๐๐๐ ๐๐)
tw/cw: this act alludes more to reader being amab (because breeder reader era wont be ending anytime soon) so beware. off-screen seggs. worldbuilding and lore stuff. yandere themes, mentions of forced prostitution. misandry.
status: unedited
[ ACT I ] โข [ ACT III ]
MOTHERS HELD A HIGH SOCIAL RANK IN YOUR SOCIETY. They were the bearers of children; held with a status akin to gods. As such, those who were able to give birth were favorable.
Not a womb-less being like you.
You spent a couple decades or so in denial. Hoping that one day youโll be accepted. That maybe society itself would change and youโd have a place in the world.
Only for reality to ruthlessly slap you in the face.
โ[Y/N].โ
Your motherโs voice, no matter the content of her speech, always made your heart rate soar. Cold sweat appeared on your palms and forehead, but before it could even be discerned on your form your hands make a swift movement to dry yourself. Your could feel your shakiness intensify as she drew closer.
โYes, mother?โ You greeted back. You cursed inwardly as your words came out hoarse; without its usual confidence. You could already hear her admonish you.
How could you be anything less than perfect? After all you were already born a failure. Might as well make up for it by being the best.
Throughout the decades of your parentโs unfavorable treatment, you had gain a semblance of self-esteem. At least enough to give them cheek at times. Although your subconscious always reminded you of what they were capable of if you werenโt engaged.
Your teenage self could never imagine talking back to them. With that, in spite of the unwarranted attention you were somewhat happy with the circumstances you were given.
โYou went to the countryside, again.โ Her arms crossed over her chest, and tar colored blouse. She always wore black clothes and a solemn look wherever she went, intimidating many that dared to gaze at her direction. Her graying hair was tied into a tight bun. Pointed, cat like eyes behind thick glasses. But she was beautiful. Annoyingly so. The very reason why so many fell at your feet.
โI am here now.โ
โHer Highness was looking all over for you.โ
โThatโs the point. I was hiding from that witch.โ You crossed your arms. You did not like that woman at all. You remembered repeatedly enforcing your boundaries and personal space to which she repeatedly broke down and disrespected.
โ[Y/N]! Stop being such a brat. Act your age for once. This is a golden opportunity. For you and our whole family!โ
โSelling my body wasnโt enough? Your greed really knows no bounds.โ
You shut your mouth immediately. Youโve gotten too far, if her heels clacking on the ground wasnโt already an obvious indication her thin, banshee like screech should be.
You expected a slap, maybe even her pulling your hair out once again, perhaps her nails would tear into your skin once more leaving a scar that would make at least some of your clients change their mind. However before she could even get close enough to touch you, her husband pulled her away.
โEstella . . . if you hurt them, her highness might . . .โ He held her back.
You used to think you loved him way back then. When heโd halt your motherโs actions and take care of you after youโd been used. But then you realized that he only saw you as an object he could benefit from as well. Once the princess asked for your hand in marriage he was ecstatic. Waxing on and on about how happy itโd make him if you went with her, even allowing her to defile you in your own bedroom at times. The only reason he didnโt actively hurt you was because your motherโs ego was so fragile that sheโd take him getting physical as a sign of defiance and ill will.
Swarms of hatred encircled your heart. To think you were so blind and hungry for an ounce of their affection only a year ago.
Hours passed before your tears showed signs of stopping its flow. You hoped the streetslights that barely gave vision at least hid you from prying eyes.
โWitch, huh?โ
A voice tore you away from your moment of sadness. In fear of anyone else seeing you in this state you hurry to fix yourself as you heard heeled clicks grow louder.
โI should have known.โ You turned your head to face the soundsโ source. Only to see the reason why so many tears of yours were wasted this day. โSo, does this mean our engagement is off? Or shall I be executed for sullying your name?โ
Third Princess Kalliope Mikiavella Levantine. If her name was a nightmare then her presence in your life was evermore.
She was your highest paying client. Ever insatiable. Ever spoiled by her mother the Empress. The only saving grace of this whole situation was that she was not the Crown Princess, yet. Otherwise you might have already been made an imperial concubine or consort.
โUnfortunately not.โ She smiled, a little solemn in a way to empathize with your situation, but nonetheless ruthless knowing her power. The princess was beautiful, her blazing red hair that curled immaculately lightly bounced in her steps towards you. Bright amber eyes that almost appeared like the dim streetlights.
โI am unclean. Impure. Why would you want someone like me?โ You keep your eyes to your legs lest you fall for her beauty. You always looked somewhere else whenever you two slept together. Always in fear that youโll grow to love your assaulter โ captor.
โI . . . do not know. But everytime I hear you sing my heart feels at ease. I want you in my life, [Y/N]. For as long as I live.โ
โThink of it this way, as my spouse you will be ruling over the entirety of this country. Every thing, every one, will be yours. Even those parents who sold you to me. And youโll give that kid a bright futureโโ
โ[Y/N] . . ?โ
You do not think before your lips crashed upon hers.
โAthanaxious? Athanaxious! โ
Vasileious searched high and low, in every corner of the ocean Athanaxious usually dwelled in. He even swam the shores, close to those wicked human hunters called fishermen to find him. But with no luck.
โLet him be, Vasilei. Heโll come back in due time.โ Aurelius, the pairโs eldest brother, comforted him. Aurelius had a beautiful tail of pure gold, unlike the flecked one Vasileious and Athanaxious owned. His hair was a beautiful, long and curly brown with a lock of blond that made it all the more stunning. His tan skin glimmered akin to the surface waters at day, and almost glowed at night.
โSay that when you get scolded by Mother. I dare you.โ Vasileious spat, nerves fried from stress. He would have never interacted or approached a human if it werenโt for his stupid younger brother. But now heโd seen several. Do you know how horrid that experience would be for him? It was downright terrible.
Aurelius, ever the only serene one in the family, massaged the small of his brotherโs pale back, โYou seem on edge. More so than usual.โ
โAthanaxious was meeting with a human, Aurelius. A human!โ
โHuh, so you finally found out.โ
โYou knew of it?!โ
โAll of us did.โ Aurelius shrugged, slightly curling his tail as a gesture of ease. โOh come on, we all know how much of a snitch you are. Besides, Athanei canโt be dissuaded. Telling him not to do something will only make him want to do it more.โ
โHe used his siren song on them.โ
โNo way! How did he sound?โ
โ. . . It sounded โ โ Vasileious ashamedly could only remember your own voice that day, unable to give a proper remark he gave a simple, vague response. โalright.โ
โHow utterly anticlimactic. Although you saying something aside from terrible means it must be good.โ
โMake of it what you will.โ
โIrenaeus!โ
Another merman appeared. Younger than Aurelius but his beauty unlike any of the other brothers. His tail a beautiful ivory color that slowly transitioned to grey and blacks at the tip. Long dark hair and golden eyes. Irenaeus was known to have the biggest body count of all siblings โ bringing thousands of humans to their doom. If it werenโt for his carefree attitude and the god he was named after, one would think he loathed humans more than Vasileious himself. โThe human Athan was meeting . . .โ
โWhat about them?โ
โApparently they are to be married off to a human princess. Sailors across the ocean have been speaking of it so. And. . . well . . . โ
โSpit it out.โ
Irenaeus looked left and right, his tail flicking in an anxious manner, โI believe Athanaxious might be meeting with the Sea Witch shortly.โ
โWhat? You didnโt stop him?!โ Vasileious screeched. The ocean floor that surrounded them tremors in his cries, large waves rippling, barreling towards land. His two brothers flinched in pain.
โLess time scolding more time on looking for our brother.โ Aurelius broke him out of his moment of panic. โIrenei, inform the rest of our family. Vasilei, let us depart.โ
Deep within the Abyss of the ocean, Athanaxious found himself swarmed with feverish determination and anger. The pressure of the waters always felt suffocating but now? It was nothing to the looming dread that drowned his heart.
He reaches his destination before his mind could properly think. He thought long ago that the last time heโd come would be that, the last. But here he was again, far more desperate than he was afraid.
โBe welcome, Than.โ The low, gravelly voice of the sea devil danced across the murky waters.
โYou must know of the happenings on land.โ
He comes out of his hiding, long winding tentacles slither across the walls covered with barnacles and seaweed, as He moved towards Athanaxious, โMm, Iโm afraid not. Please enlighten me.โ
โTch. My human. Theyโre going to marry some rich lady up north. This cannot happen.โ
โYou want me to help you ruin a wedding?โ
โYou know the drill. A price for a boon. This will be quite expensiโโ
โI offer you my voice.โ
The Sea Witch found themself speechless for moments on end. For a siren to sell their voice would be akin to dooming themself to a lonely, wretched existence. Unable to lure their prey or be of any โworthโ in their society. They were aware of Athanaxiousโ infatuation over you. Just not self-sacrificing extent of it. โโฆAnd in exchange for your precious voice I offer you a new identity as a human.โ
โBeware, as every step you take will feel like daggers going through your feet. You will however, be the most graceful dancer upon the land. A perfect fit for our little singer.โ An apparition appears between the Devilโs fingertips as it flicked across the waters. It was you, on a platform of sorts surrounded by other humans. You were bringing joy to their faces, as you did with him. โShall I add a wager to spice up the fun?โ
It took a lot of willpower for Athanaxious to rip his eyes away from your โmagical formโ and all he could muster was a nod.
โShould you succeed your voice shall return, and you wouldnโt have to keep giving me your scales to brew love potions. Their heart will be yours forever more, guaranteed by both their feelings in your triumph and my very own magic.โ The apparition shifted; Athanaxious appears within the image โ human. The two of you looked joyful as you embraced underneath what seemed to be the moon.
But then it all lasts for a second before it shifted once more. The vision of your happy ending swiftly turned bitter as this apparitionโs Athanaxious slowly dissolved and disappeared, before you turn to someone else and embrace them instead.
โIf you fail to win their affection before the wedding, I will keep your voice and you shall turn into sea foam.โ
Athanaxious felt his stomach grow weak at the illusionโs show. Moreso the possibility of your romance with someone else than his death. He only had one choice.
โI understand. I accept both the deal and the wager.โ
โOh, how magnificent! I hope you donโt go on to regret this.โ The Sea Devil lips tugged upwards.
โNow, sing for me.โ
โWhere will you be going?โ Kalliope tugged at your sleeves.
โOut. Iโll be back before sundown.โ You gently pulled your arm away from your admirer, as you buttoned your clothes and put on a pair of trousers.
โButโโ
โMy seed must take root for our marriage to be guaranteed, no? Keep your hips raised.โ
โCan we go for another bout before you leave?โ
You loop your finger around a lock of her hair, lending her a final kiss to the forehead. โNo.โ
Your town was not one to write about in history books. It was like any other the Empress was able to conquer under her rule. A quaint village just west of the capital city known for their great alcohol and folks to bed.
In such a small population, everyone knew you and you knew everyone. People even knew of your clients, every single one in fact. They werenโt surprised to see you in much more extravagant or expensive clothing as you passed by the street in an equally gaudy carriage.
It was moreso the armored guards that surrounded you that alerted them of something different.
โ[Y/N]!โ
Clearly that wasnโt enough to deter your childhood friend from running towards you.
โFirst you impregnate my sister and leave her all alone to take care of your mistake, now you go and get married without a word to us! Do you even care at all?!โ The young man wore overalls. Soot covered his skin from what you assume was the mines he started recently working in.
Yiorgos used to be a lot kinder. Softer. Almost puppy like with his admiration towards you. But after a series of misunderstandings he grew resentful of your existence. You never bothered to correct him.
Or perhaps you were just too busy and hurt by his assumptions.
โOut of their highnessโs way.โ A guard put their arm between you and your former friend.
โTheir . . . highness ?โ Yiorgos looked at you, baffled. His hung wide open. He then leaned forward to no doubt shout at you once more before you finally put a word in.
โNo, I know him.โ You shook your head at the guard. Your focus left the man as soon as a familiar mop of [hair color] entered your vision.
A small girl dressed in clothing akin to your own, left Yiorgosโs side and ran up to you with no regard to the armored knight that loomed over. Excitement clear in her eyes. โDonโt listen to your uncle, you arenโt a mistake alright? Go on in, Iโll be with you.โ You gently pushed her towards the siblingsโ house. The girl shook her head, unwilling to let go of you. But her grip slowly loosened and she eventually shied away, leaving you and the rest.
โYour sister paid me to sleep with her and insisted not to use protection, we both know I pay for that night every single day since it happened both reputation wise and monetarily. And lastly, as you can see I had no choice.โ You tilt you head to the small army of knights made to watch over you and your carriage.
Yiorgos shook his head. Brown hair swaying side to side. โYou always have a choice.โ
โAnd my choices are life and death. Donโt bother arguing about my situation!โ
โHereโs my last payment and goodbye. Iโll be taking the kid with me to the castle soon.โ You throw him a bag filled with gold coins and then proceeded to make your leave.
If there was anything you were proud of in your town however, it would be the opera house you worked at. Thousands of people all throughout the world often came here to watch your shows amongst the other singers and performers.
Due to its popularity it was even funded by the Empress directly. That is how you met the princess.
โ[Y/N]! Iโve heard the news. Congratulations.โ Your employer, Lady Anastasia โ a noble woman โ, runs her hand in your hair. She used to be a regular person your mother sold you off to until she eventually hired you as a singer at her Opera House. Of course, that didnโt mean she wouldnโt pay you a little extra for your services after hours.
โWhatโs with the fuss?โ You gestured to the boy servants fussing over a young man. Who seemed a little too familiar, nostalgic maybe. You couldnโt quite put a finger on it.
โOh, we found a young man out on the beach you frequented. We thought it was you at first but upon closer inspection . . .โ
โHeโs a mute that one. Ainโt no further thing from our theaterโs star.โ Her Father, a rather old and gruff man, huffed. He was always so prideful of you. Despite his rough demeanor, you knew that he cared deeply. After Anastasia would bed you, he always came by to give you a cup of tea. You didnโt know how to repay the man except use your body, so heโs had a taste of you as well.
In fact, you wouldnโt be surprised if youโve bedded half of your town and then some.
โWill you keep your scathing remarks to yourself?โ Anastasia lightly slapped him, โHe is incredibly talented on the art of dance, light on his feet.โ
โAnd weak on constitution. He barely finished a piece before falling to his knees and panting!โ
โIโll take care of him.โ You put a hand to your chin. The man gave you a weird feeling in your stomach. Something tells you that the fates have your threads intertwined.
โAre you sure? With all these wedding preparations. . .โ The old man grabbed your shoulders, making you flinch.
You unknowingly glared at him.
โAh, sorry to be so presumptuous.โ He rubbed the back of his neck.
You coughed, unsure how to or if you should even apologize. You decide on focusing at the task at hand. A final show before youโre eternally doomed to the Imperial Palace.
โWell then, why is nobody ready?โ
ยฉ๏ธ hana.no.seiiki - yun | 2023
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