First off I want to say One Piece is so near and dear to my heart. I remember watching it as a kid and it's stuck with me ever since. I honestly can't find another show that I enjoy as much as One Piece it's so great! Mushy-ness aside this is my first One Piece story so please be nice! If you like Uta-Pri check out my other story! However updates on that will come out slower since I'm still planning everything out. It's not on hiatus! Updates will just come slower.
Back to the story, the first three chapters or so will be prologue to the main story. I'll move things along though so I really hope you guys enjoy it! I own nothing One Piece!
And for you hardcore Tokyo Ghoul fans yes the summary is a quote from it. I thought it fit perfectly so why not? I own nothing Tokyo Ghoul either! But man that's a great manga, read it if you haven't already! Or if you like to be happy don't, I just like to self-inflict myself with pain…
Speaking of pain this chapter contains abuse so trigger warning read at your own discretion!
Anyway…hope you like it! :D
hiraeth(n.) a homesickness for a place you can never return to , a place which maybe never was; the nostalgia, the yearning, the grief for the lost places of your past
History speaks of a Devil Fruit so heinous, so monstrous in power it comes into existence every other century. The Shi-Shi Fruit grants the user to take life from anything it wishes through a single touch however with each mortal life taken a year from the user perishes as well.
Under the Shi-Shi kingdoms have toppled and has destroyed entire generations. Construed by myth many people believe the user is the Devil itself in human form come to wreak havoc on humanity. Through the decades knowledge of the Shi-Shi has died out into lore until its recent resurgence.
It is also known that regardless of how many lives are taken the user is slated to die by the age of twenty five.
The lively tavern died out like a stubbed candle.
All eyes followed the tall figure as he sauntered up towards the quivering bartender. The men spoke in hushed murmurs hiding behind their mugs of beer as the bartender gulped trying to look busy by wiping down the counter. The stranger leaned over the slick counter casually and whispered into the old bartender's ear a set of directions, a shivered passed through the aged man as he nodded hastily and showed him to the back room.
After the door was firmly shut the tall outsider was met with a familiar scene.
"I have your shipment ready as usual, Joker sir."
Seated around a small circular table was a hardened man with plenty of scars to prove it, from his thin lips lazy smoke puffed out from the tip of a stocky cigar. The future Warlord flicked out his tongue in delight and regarded his business partner with a sadistic grin, usually he sent Diamante or Senor Pink to deal out negotiations but this was a special occasion. In the middle of the table sat a clothed cage that occasionally rattled violently, Doflamingo's tongue darted out and licked his bottom lip as he leered over his prize.
"This better be good for your sake." He shot the seller a look that made him tremble in intimidation. "It is! I promise Joker! Here," He threw off the shroud and the good mood Doflamingo had cultivated for a few days vanished in a flash. Veins began to appear between his eyebrows as he turned to the seller thunderously. "This is it? A child? You're selling me a child?" he inquired tilting his head as he outstretched his hand, clasped the man's head and began to apply pressure. "Wait! Wait! Wait! T-there's more!" He begged frantically as he began to cry out in sheer panic, Doflamingo reveled in his pleas but released him nonetheless.
From inside the cage a young girl threw her weight against the side and fell to the ground in a loud clatter. A blindfold and gag were secured tightly around her gaunt face while a pair of handcuffs held back her severely chafed hands. Her naked body exposed the malnourishment and profuse torture; ribs stood out prominently while her stomach caved into nothing. Every bone, every vein stood out unnaturally. It was evident to Doflamingo the child was dying and did not have much time left.
She let out a muffled yelp as the metal began to dig into her side; the seller hurried over and gave the cage a good kick out of desperation.
"Bring it in," he called to one of his assistants. Doflamingo watched in mild interest as he dragged out the girl by her hair and threw her onto the floor, her body crumpled as she struggled to get up. Suddenly a bandaged young man was hauled into the room, he was bound and frantically struggled against his restraints. He was thrown in front of the girl and whipped his head around trying to get a sense of direction behind his blindfold.
The seller suddenly placed a tender hand on her shoulder and helped her up, "Reach your hand out." The girl shook her head defiantly and his hand cracked like thunder across her face, she collapsed on the floor utterly drained of any energy to protest. From her lips a splatter of blood sputtered and coated the floor with its' metallic.
He got her up on her feet and repeated himself firmly, Doflamingo began to grow bored of the current situation but then the girl complied. With a sigh of relief the man carefully undid her chains and held out the young man by his hair.
The girl tentatively reached her bony hand out but then swiftly took a firm grip of the sellers arm, he fell to the ground in a heavy thud; eyes glassy and utterly still. The situation grew exciting as Doflamingo sneered in glee at the girl; she hastily clawed off the blindfold and looked about her. Her eyes fell on the underground dealer and she stumbled back in surprise at his sinister appearance. He sauntered forward and black dots began to expand in her vision as she slipped from consciousness.
Glimmering red shades and a dazzling smile imprinted in her thoughts.
"Another sniveling brat young master?"
Diamante leaned over the sleeping girl in disgust and turned to his captain for answers. Doflamingo sat bedside and regarded his subordinate from behind his book he closed it and looked between him and the young girl. "I'll explain later." He spoke cryptically much to Diamante's chagrin, he snorted and left without another word. Baby 5 and Buffalo burst past him and crowded around the bed as they spoke exuberantly overlapping each other, cradled in Baby 5's arms Dellinger sucked on a bottle gleefully.
When Baby 5 began to reach out to the girl Doflamingo snapped. "Don't touch her!" Rage flickered across his face in protruding veins as the children ran off crying. It took him a moment to calm his breathing as he looked back at the young girl; her face was bruised in an explosion of amethysts and sickly yellows. Flares of deep mauve erupted down her neck and stained her chest in patterns of cruelty. In this state she reminded him of his own suffering as a child, he took a seat and opened his book of mythical Devil Fruits.
The evening stretched into the long hours of the night.
Sometimes the girl would wake up in a start completely drenched in sweat and then drift back into an unpleasant slumber. It wasn't until the early stirrings of the morning did she completely come to. Drawing herself up she still felt incredibly weak it took a moment for her vision to clear up when she looked about her surroundings. The bed and sheets felt heavenly on her body that was surprisingly clothed, then she noticed the familiar chains on her wrists.
It was nowhere near as painful from the ones she was used to but it riled up memories nonetheless, memories buried in the dark recesses of her mind. Regardless she felt…relieved, the feeling was strange and indescribable. She looked towards the window and was met with a fully awakened Doflamingo, she held his prolonged gaze slowly remembering the pair of shades and shivered in anticipation. From inside his coat he took a loaf of bread and handed her a slice, she stared at it and sucked in her lip.
Silent tears began stream down her bruised cheeks as she took a tentative bite, she bit back her tears and swallowed quickly. Every chew was excruciating but the reward of warm bread down her throat trumped the pain. He placed the entire loaf in her lap and watched as she secured it between her knees and took large mouthfuls, she couldn't remember the last time she was given food other than rotten scraps. The measly loaf was her equivalent of a king's feast and she ate it heartily, she finished with one last gulp and Doflamingo reached out to brush back her short hair when she flinched out of reflex.
He retracted and got to his feet, he signaled with a jerk of his head and she promptly followed him out the room. She wobbled slightly but kept up with his long strides until they arrived at a small room, she warily poked her head inside and saw a small bed and bed stand. "This is yours, rest." The air escaped her scrawny body as she looked at him incredulously, with that he said no more and left.
She surveyed the room and wondered if this was a sick delirium she was having in her cage. "He gave you a room?" A sleepy girl appeared in her doorway, her bow was slightly askew as she yawned before rubbing her eyes groggily. Baby 5 gave her a once over and commented on her tattered appearance, "You look gross, were you a slave?" Before the girl had a chance to respond Doflamingo returned and asked for Baby 5 to join the rest of them in the main living area as they left the girl heard him lock the door.
Wandering over to the window she watched in awe the waves lap against the heaps of metal and the billowing smoke trail out of nearby factories. Watching the constant swells made her drowsy from repetition, she climbed into bed and rested her head gently onto the pillow. Bundling up in the sheets she drifted off peacefully wondering if this was all a cruel dream.
After everyone had gathered in the living space Doflamingo began to address his crew. "Is it true you nabbed another brat young master?" Senor Pink spoke bemusedly as he twirled his cigarette around. "If none of you are aware yet I did in fact pick up another child the other day." The rest of his crew judged his tone and waited for him to continue. "The reason why I brought her is because I believe she has the Shi-Shi." His grin widened gradually as the older officers gaped at him. Baby 5 along with Buffalo looked between everyone confused; she tugged on Jora's dress and asked for an explanation.
The Ato-Ato user looked perplexedly at the young girl, "The Shi-Shi is a legendary Devil Fruit that many believe to be a myth. It grants the user to…" Her voice died down as Doflamingo rose from his seat chuckling, "It grants the user to kill anything with a single touch. The Devil Fruit that has the power to rule the entire world is now mine." His laughter intensified as he looked at his unsure members, "How is the child to live with us young master? If she can't touch anything-" Gladius was silenced as a thick volume was thrown onto the table.
"I've been researching," Doflamingo began, "The powers of the Shi-Shi can surprisingly be neutralized by the Adam and Eve trees and sea-prism stone of course, which is why I ordered for something to be specially made." Everyone listened in anticipation as Doflamingo flashed another menacing grin, "Gloves; gloves infused with the fibers of both ancient trees. With that I believe she can live among us. If not then," he danced his fingers about as invisible strings appeared in his vision, "I guess there can be only one other option."
After he dismissed everyone and attended to business the underground ringer let himself into her room. It was already dark save for the soft moonlight streaming in from the window. He sat on the edge of the bed and the shift in weight woke her up, at first she squinted in his direction and only saw a solid mass of damask. As her vision cleared up she saw the small bowl in his hands and sat up slightly but then faltered when he urged her not to overdo it.
She watched his half illuminated figure for a moment, the moonlight gave a soft glow to his hair and gleamed on his shades. She could make out the tender smell of ash and something earthy that stirred her insides. He held up a spoon full of steamy liquid and waited patiently, "Here," he began softly urging her to oblige. Her mouth parted slightly as her senses with overwhelmed by the tender flavor, the warmth traveled down her throat and settled.
After she had finished every spoonful Doflamingo struck up a match and lit the bed stand candle. "Do you know why you have those?" She followed his gaze to the handcuffs and she nodded into her chest, "Those will come off soon, I promise." She said nothing as he got up and regarded her with interest, "I'll be gone for a few days in the meantime rest and get something to eat." Only silence.
"Do you know who I am?" She shook her head.
"Do you who you are?"
She stared into her lap listlessly as he made his way to the door. She surprised herself with her voice that she hadn't heard in a very long time, "Dess…a." He turned his head slightly at the sound of her small voice and left without another word.
From inside the small confines of a room Corazon paced endlessly. The situation was beginning to grow from dim to dark rapidly, not only did Doflamingo acquire a new Devil Fruit wielder but arguably the most powerful Devil Fruit was now under his control. If he made any moves now it would be too obvious and regardless of what he did Doflamingo would stop at nothing to retrieve his newly found prized possession, he gnawed at his lip furiously. What was he to do? Maybe this wasn't as a setback as he thought. Plopping down on the bed he figured he could allow the child to live among them for now, all he had to do was to keep a close watch on her.
A puff of smoke trailed from his cigarette as he fell back on the bed, this might prove near impossible.
Light filtered in through the small window of her room in inviting beams.
The ache was overwhelming, she felt as if her limbs were made out of lead. Drawing herself up she panted slightly from dehydration, her mouth was completely dry as cotton. She steadied her breathing and leaned against the pillow heavily, a sharp knocking made her jump in surprise as someone let themselves in forcibly. A similar looking tall figure approached her armed with various assortments of medicinal supplies suddenly he slipped and everything fell around him in an obnoxious clatter.
Dessa watched in disbelief as he quickly gathered everything up and sat down heavily on the edge of the bed. He beckoned and she scooted near the middle until he pointed at her shirt, judging from his hardened expression she raised her arms wincing in the sharp shots of pain coursing through her body. He took her shirt off roughly and tossed it carelessly, as he spread a white paste across her sores and bruises he watched her face intently.
Despite being horridly discolored she was an interesting thing to look at. Her eyes did not belong on a young child, they were hawkish and held no feeling. Her features were precise and clean-cut leaving a naturally prideful disposition, despite her appearance she was still a child and her expressions still harbored a sense of untapped innocence.
The smoke from his cigarette made her throat tickle in discomfort but she braved his rough hands and bit back when he bandaged her wounds tightly. Every now and then she would steal a glance at his face and would immediately look away when he caught her she couldn't help that his appearance captivated her attention. He was strong and she felt trepidation whenever she felt his touch, she wondered why he bore such resemblance to the man from last night.
It would be too easy to break a bone. With a flick of a wrist her femur would be in two or her neck. He fought against his better judgment and rested his hand on her shoulder feeling the fragility beneath and traced his thumb against her protruding collar bone. No matter what Devil Fruit she possessed he couldn't kill her so heartlessly it wasn't the child's fault she had such bad luck, he watched in confusion as she began to swat the side of his head feebly.
A heat spread on the side of his face and from her frantic expression he realized he was on fire. Taking of his cap he stomped the flames out and saw the tips of her champagne hair were singed. He handed her back the shirt and left without another look, he had to watch over her closely. He wouldn't allow his brother to use her as his puppet of destruction.
The next few days passed in a haze.
Along with Doflamingo many members were out performing various stake outs and collections. For most of the time Dessa was left alone in her room until Corazon would come to treat her injuries, by the third day his brusque disposition was replaced by a surprising gentle demeanor. No longer were his hands brisk but he took care in dressing her wounds and even went far enough to get her food and water. They were an odd pair, neither of them exchanged any words but in a way it was better in that manner.
It wasn't until the fifth day that changed.
Dessa along with Baby 5 sat on the floor of her room conversing pleasantly. Of course Baby 5 did the talking while she listened on patiently. Baby 5 was beginning to grow on her, while flighty she provided company which was what she had craved for so long. On top of that Baby 5 made her laugh with her silly stories, something that she had almost forgot to do.
After much trial Baby 5 had convinced Dessa into braiding her short hair when Corazon appeared in the doorway unexpectedly. Without so much of a word Baby 5 judged the expression on his face and mouthed a small goodbye to Dessa, after she left the undercover marine fastened the lock swiftly.
Dessa watched him curiously seeing as he already treated her wounds earlier. He crouched down and held a finger to his lips as he fished out a piece of paper. 'Don't speak.' She nodded slowly realizing the situation was turning serious, he turned the paper over and urged her to read on. 'Do not trust him.' Her eyebrows knit together as he crumpled up the paper, he gave her a swift nod and patted her shoulder before leaving casually. "What was that about? Did he beat you up?" Dessa merely shrugged at Baby 5 and wondered who he was talking about.
The throb from her wounds commanded more bed rest. Despite the daily treatment, healing was taking longer than expected however she felt content. Never did she dream of a life outside the cage and now she had everything she had hoped for. However small underlying thoughts stabbed at her mind. Why? Why did that man take her in and why shouldn't she trust him? Sleep was beginning to overtake her senses and she drifted off in ease.
After a long grueling journey Doflamingo had procured the gloves. It took an exorbitant amount of extortion and bribery but he managed to have them made illegally. Upon his arrival the crew celebrated with a lavish feast of exotic foods after the banquet he made his way to Dessa's room and let himself in quietly. The various bruises across her body were beginning to fade and he saw her face had more color than he remembered. He smoothed back her hair from her forehead and watched as she stirred slightly.
He studied her a bit more and left to retire for the night.
Screams from down the hallway woke Dessa up in fright. She hopped out of bed and cautiously padded her way towards the awful noise, stretching out her hands she realized her cuffs were somehow gone. Shadows lingered in the darkness as she peeked through a crack in the door, a pair of bodies surrounded a shrouded figure as they laughed maniacally. Air left her hollow body as she saw their hands were drenched in blood they removed their hood Dessa cried out. Suddenly the faces on the bodies became clearer.
It was her. She had killed them, she had killed her own-
Dessa shot up and panted with reckless abandon. Her hair stuck to her face from profuse sweating as she tried to calm her trembling hands and racing pulse. She peeled back the sheets and convinced herself it was just a dream, judging from the gleaming moonlight it was still late at night. Dessa laid in bed unable to fall back asleep afraid she would see them again.
Doflamingo woke up early the next day.
The morning gulls greeted him with their calls and flew about the compound. After downing the rest of his wine Doflamingo walked about the lively place and ordered everyone to meet him in the living area. He deftly let himself in her room and saw she was wide awake, the bruises were nearly gone and she looked revitalized which brought him piece of mind. No longer was she devoid of emotion but saw various expressions flicker across her face.
"Hello," He began and studied her intently for a reaction. She looked down in her lap shyly and fidgeted under the sheets, "Hullo," she murmured unable to face him. He crouched down and fished out a key from his pocket, "May I?" Without her consent he unfastened her chains and watched as she rubbed her sore wrists. "Follow me." She obeyed his order and felt a surge of relief being freed from the weight of the chains, is he really the one that man warned her about? How could she not trust the man that saved her?
Entering into a large open living area Dessa was met with the entire Donquixote Family. Baby 5 waved at her with glee while the rest of the older officers grimaced at her appearance. She caught Corazon's eye and he regarded her with a quirked brow to which she hastily looked away. Doflamingo took a seat in a grandiose looking chair and beckoned for her, "Put these on child." In his hands was a pair of sleek dark gloves, Dessa looked hesitantly at him and shook her head slightly.
"Do you trust me child?" Her insides tightened as her head pounded uncomfortably. She glanced at him and saw there was no malice behind his words, she tentatively reached for the gloves and wondered why her heart beating so fast. She touched it once and quickly drew back her hand anticipating for the cloth to disintegrate, she waited and astoundingly nothing happened.
Her eyes grew wide as she reached for them again and greedily ran her fingers across the sleek fabric. Her breathing grew jagged as Dessa realized she could touch them, her eyes began to well up seeing as it's been so long. "Put them on." All the while the grin on Doflamingo's face widened while his crew looked on in shock, she hastily wiped away any tears that managed to escape and slipped on the gloves with ease. She turned her hands over and over in amazement at how soft it was to the touch without warning Doflamingo gripped her by the wrist and brought her closer.
She fought desperately seeing as he was trying to put her hand on the side of his face. "No!" she struggled pointlessly as she looked away with eyes screwed shut as her clothed palm made contact with his face. A warm pulse still flowed steadily as her eyes flew open in shock as she whipped around to find her hand resting easily on his cheek, his grip slackened as she framed his face with her small hands. Like the blind her fingers danced across the hard planes of his face and mapped out every detail drinking in the wonderful masked touch of the living.
Her fingers found his mane and entangled themselves in the softness, Doflamingo's face stretched as he took the child by the wrists and whispered her in ear.
"You are mine."