I saw him again today. His bright red hair stood a foot above even the tallest men in the crowd. I'm glad people never look up. It makes it easier to follow them. Of course, most people aren't thieves. Not that I am one, I just feel safer when I can see everyone. Being short has some disadvantages, especially when you live in the Sabaody Archipelago. There are always men looking for pretty girls to catch and sell in the human auction. So far I haven't been caught and I want it to stay that way.

"Hey! You!" a voice yelled below me.

"Shit…" I mumbled. The word had barely left my mouth when I had already jumped across to a different branch and slid down onto a house.

Those disgusting men saw me from below. How did they notice? I sighed. It must be my hair… My hair was a rather vibrant red, somewhat like that one man's hair is. He's so lucky… He's tall and strong and I doubt anyone is able to stand up to him and live to tell the tale. I was envious. I always have to be the one to run and hide because I'm no good at anything else. I could fight, but I'm so small that it's just too easy to be overpowered by others.

By this time, I was already far away from the tree I was in before. I never trust the distance though, I only trust my eyes. I turned my head for a moment and thought I saw a man following me. I swerved in between the people walking around me (one good thing about being small). Unfortunately, I turned to look for the man at the wrong moment. I ran head first into someone in front of me.

"What the hell-" the man I ran into began.

My eyes widened when I noticed who it was. The red haired man was glaring down at me. I was too shocked to speak until I heard the man who yelled at me from before. I tried to get up and run, but the masked man grabbed my arm.

"Let me go!" I tried to sound strong. I know my voice wasn't sounding anything like how I wanted because the red haired man laughed at me.

How weak and silly I must have looked then. A small girl will bright red hair dangling off the ground by a masked man's hand with a small voice trying to command these pirates. The louder the disgusting men's voices got, the harder I struggled. Damn it! I could use my devil fruit, but I can't last very long… The last shout they did made my choice for me. I closed my eyes and released my power.

I heard a small gasp from the red haired man's crew. I had "disappeared" from their eyes, but the masked man still held my arm. Just before they could say anything, one of the disgusting men showed up.

"Have you seen a small red haired girl around here? She ran away from home and we are just trying to take her back before her parents worry too much."

I wanted to attack him. He dares to make stuff up about my family? I glared at him even though he couldn't see me. I was feeling more and more tired but I had to hold on until the man left.

"Fuck off," the red haired man shot at him. The other man only waited one more moment before leaving.

My ability disappeared quicker than it came. My eyes felt heavy but I still needed to escape these pirates. I trusted them more than the other men, but there's no way I would ever completely trust anyone other than myself. I started to fall unconscious when the masked man set my feet on the ground again. I lost my footing before I was even able to try run away. Oh no… Not now…

My eyes shut as the pirate crew moved closer.

I woke quickly in a dark room and tried to get up. A hand pushed me down again before I knew someone else was in the room with me. I strained to be able to see the other shape in the room.

"So. You ate a devil fruit."

I froze. He knows… This man knows and now he'll kill me, just like everyone else has tried to. I shivered lightly, repressing my memories before they could swamp me. The red haired man was in the same room as me. He was so much bigger than me; he could easily squash me with one hit. I tried to get up again when the room brightened suddenly.

It was too hard for me to focus that quickly, so I hid my eyes behind my hands. I could hear the man's steps get closer to me. I felt hands grip my wrists and rip them away from my face. The moment my hands were removed, he dropped them. He's disgusted… I pulled myself into the corner, realizing I was on a bed. I knew my body was shaking, but I kept my face neutral. There's no way I'm showing any fear to any man.

His eyes bore into mine, freezing my movements. I couldn't move if I wanted to. His hand touched my arm and I flinched involuntarily. He smirked at that. He must be some sort of sadist…

He began to get impatient with my silence though. "What devil fruit did you eat?" I refused to answer his question. He glared before repeating himself, "What devil fruit did you eat? Are you stupid or something, kid?"

I glared back. "I am not a kid! I am 18!" Damn it! I didn't want to tell him anything!

He smirked as if he knew I didn't mean to say that. "It's not my fault if you look like a child. Now, answer the damn question."

I sat quietly for a moment before answering. "No."

He rammed his fist into the wall next to my head. I gasped and tried to run away. I got my feet on the ground before being slammed back onto the bed. He leaned over me, my body shaking in response. His face looked dark, and my mind immediately began working through different plans to flee before he could try anything against me.

When his body bent against mine, I knew I had already lost. My body wanted to stay still, but I needed to run. I forgot any plans that could have gotten me out of here. His breath felt warm on my face and it was difficult for me to breath. Wha- what's wrong with me? I began to feel almost dizzy when I heard a door open.

"Kid-"

I was up and out of the room before the masked man could close the door on me. I think I heard the red haired man swear before stomping followed me. I landed on the deck and was close to the edge of the bridge. My hair was yanked back and I yelled as I landed on my butt. My hair was still braided, but it was so long the masked man could hold onto it while I was sitting and he was standing.

"Now, if you try to run away again, Killer won't hesitate to kill you."

The red haired man sounded pissed at me. I stared at the ground instead of trying to meet his gaze. I still felt weak from using my power last time. There was a reason why I avoided using this stupid power… My hair was pulled up again and I yelped lightly. I knew the red haired man was smirking at me again, but I refused to look at him.

My hair was pulled again, "Look up."

The masked man, who was named Killer, spoke calmly. He seemed to be kinder, in a way. I knew I couldn't trust his actions because people always lie. I shook my head. I don't give in to others. He pulled harder this time and I grabbed my hair with my hands to keep him from pulling so hard.

"Crying, little girl?"

I glared at the red haired man. "Why would I cry in front of you? You're just like the rest of them," I spit at his feet. "And to think I thought you would understand…" I whispered the last part.

His eyes were dark as he spoke. "I don't care for your tone, bitch," he sneered. "And what the hell don't I understand?"

I froze when I realized he heard me. Goddamn it, why can't I keep my stupid mouth shut?! I brought one hand down from my hair and tried to look like I was fixing my shirt. I pulled my wrist knife closer to my hand and gripped it lightly. When I brought my hand up again, I pulled my knife out and sliced my hair. I was gone before Killer could grab for me again. I used my ability to disappear for a minute, giving me enough time to escape from the ship.

***on the ship***

"She's gone!" everyone shouted as they searched the ship.

Kid sneered to himself. That stupid bitch thinks she can escape me? He walked back to his room and sat on the bed. He could still hear her heart beat faster the closer he got to her. She looked like a child, but every time he saw the fire in her eyes, he could believe that she wasn't a child. But, the moment he brought his body closer to hers, he could feel the change in her. She seemed to almost want his closeness, and yet he could tell she was trying to flee.

Kid laid on the bed. He could still smell her sent in the sheets. It was sweet, but it had a heat behind it. He refused to turn towards the smell. I can have any fucking woman I want. But… he smirked again. She would be an interesting addition to my crew. Her fate was decided, whether she liked it or not.

***on the island***

I panted lightly. I didn't think they would know where I went, but I had to be sure I was safe. I was sitting on top of a three story house. This wasn't the first time I found the house. I have to stop coming here… Someone will notice and then set a trap to catch me. I sighed lightly. It was the only place I felt calm, besides in the trees.

I heard a sound below and looked over the edge carefully. A man was in the alley next to the house with a girl. She looked terrified of him and he seemed to want something more from her. I lightly landed on the lowest roof to hear them better.

"Come on. You know you want to… Just quit trying to run away," his voice sounded husky and thick with lust.

I scrunched up my face. Why are men like that? Disgusting perverts. I got ready to jump down and help the girl. She tried to run away, but he only pushed her harder into the wall. I hissed lightly before letting my body drop. I landed and jabbed his spine with my fist, making him fall and hit his head. The girl was frozen in her spot the whole time.

"He's knocked out, let's go!" I grabbed her hand and ran.

She snapped out of her frozen state quickly and took the lead. She pulled me into a small shop as we passed by it. I paused at the doorway, unsure if I could trust her. She looked confused at my hesitation.

"It's okay. I just want to do something for you, too," she smiled brightly. I had to keep myself from smiling in return. She continued, "I can hide you here for a while, but I doubt he saw you." She paused for a moment before slowly continuing, "Um, do you want me to fix your hair for you? I am working as a hairdresser part-time…"

I was cautious. I knew my hair probably looked bad. After all, I did use a knife to cut it loose. I took my time to decide, I wanted to be sure I was not walking into some sort of ambush. I nodded my head once. I should be able to use any windows they have as an escape, if I need to. She walked me upstairs to the second floor.

It was a wide open room with light pink walls. I could see the different chairs each facing a mirror. It looks pretty. I smiled slightly. The girl laughed when she saw my smile. It was unexpected and made me jump. She pulled me over to the first chair and got me to sit down. A long cloth was placed over my body and was wrapped lightly around my neck. She noticed when I tensed.

"It's okay. This is just to keep the hair I cut from falling on your clothing. I hope you don't mind, but I was just going to cut your hair so it looked better…" her voice trailed off.

I nodded. I wouldn't know what else to do with it anyways. She seemed happy that I was fine with her decision. As she was cutting my hair, she talked about small things like her name (Minny), her job as a hairdresser, and her life (16 and used to live with her aunt and uncle). She asked me a couple questions, but I didn't answer much. I told her my name (Seraphina) and she had squealed at that. She told me I had the name of an angel. I just shook my head. I am certainly not an angel. I ate a devil's fruit.

When she finished cutting my hair, she let me look in the mirror. I gasped and widened my eyes. My hair… It's beautiful… It was longer in the front and very short in the back. She had layered it so it looked curved and it shimmered in the sunlight filtering through the window. I felt like the angel she called me a few minutes a- No! Stop dreaming. I am part of the group of devils now and I will never be an angel.

Minny wanted me to stay the night, but I had to refuse. I've been in one place for too long and I was being to worry that someone had noticed again. She gave me a quick hug before sending me off. I ran as soon as I was around the corner. I stopped when I reached the end of the block and hid around the corner. Killer was standing across the corner and looking around. I don't think he saw me…

"You!"

Shit! I ran forward, right past Killer. He looked my way, but I didn't care. Those disgusting men had found me again. They either wanted me to sell as a slave or they were looking for women to give to their Celestial Dragons. I shook at the latter part. I never want to be owned by a man. Especially not one who only wants me as another wife… I wanted to run faster and farther, but I was stuck on this island. Stupid devil fruit! If it weren't for you, I would already have left this place months ago!

I swerved around people in the crowd, jumped over fallen trash cans, but I still felt that I had not lost the men. I finally turned down an alleyway. I reached the end and stared at the wall. Oh no… No no no! Why did I have to choose the one with the highest wall? I heard a chuckle behind me and turned sharply. Two men were standing in the entrance. I shook when I saw the look in their eyes.

They were worse than I thought they could be. These men didn't work for anyone but themselves. They looked at me with nothing but lust in their eyes. No, please no… I turned again and looked for anything that could help me. The walls may be close enough together… I could try to do a wall jump… I backed up slightly, but the men must have had an idea of what I was going to do. They ran forward and grabbed my arm before I could move.

"We have you now girlie…" the first whispered. I shook when his breath hit my ear. Get away from me!

I shook my arm, trying to loosen his grip. The second one slammed me into the wall, taking my breath away. Both of my arms were pinned and their bodies were so close, I couldn't move. I screamed for the first time in years. I haven't screamed in fear since I left my home. My scream echoed in the alley, but I knew no one would answer it. A tear fell down my face before I could stop it. Why won't someone help me? Why does no one care? I took a shuddering breath. If only I hadn't used my powers to escape from the pirates! Then maybe I would have been able to use them now! I shut my eyes and prayed, hoping something would answer me. Where's the angel that Minny thought I was?

I heard a small crunch of gravel under someone's feet. A thud followed soon after. My arms dropped, but I couldn't run. I just fell forward. I hit the ground and slowly looked up. I saw fiery red hair glowing in the sun. Why… is he here…? My eyes closed and I fell unconscious.

This time when I awoke, I barely moved. I remembered the last time I woke in this room, and I didn't want to be thrown on the bed again. I rolled onto my back and gasped. Pain shot up my spine. Those men… They hit me against the wall… I tried to sit up from here, but it hurt too much to actually do it. I heard a chuckle from the corner and the red haired man stepped forward. Light flooded the room again, but I didn't try to hide this time. I just stared back at him.

"So," he stepped closer again, "That's why you don't run away from me. You realize I could have waited until after those men raped you before bringing you here."

My body shook at his words. I knew that, but it was worse to hear it from him. I couldn't stop the shaking; I was terrified of it happening. I wasn't paying attention when he sat next to me and didn't even notice until he was leaning over me again. I immediately froze, but he noticed.

"I guess you don't like being close to people," he whispered close to my ear. I shivered at the warmth.

He slowly brought his mouth closer to my skin and I still couldn't do anything. His closeness was driving me crazy. I couldn't concentrate on anything if I tried. When his lips brushed my skin I gasped lightly. Heat burst through my veins and I knew my face was bright red.

He pulled away slowly. I felt confused. What's going on with me? Did… did I want him to do that again? There's no way I could like a pirate! He looked down at me after standing up. His face looked different this time though. He looked almost… thoughtful? Confused? He didn't give me any time to wonder about it, though.

"You aren't getting away this time. And your little disappearance trick won't work with me." He smirked and nodded towards my clothes. I looked down, confused. There was a black belt that wasn't on me before now attached to my skirt. Metal? I don't get it… I looked back up at him and opened my mouth to ask.

He lifted his arm and spoke, "Attract."

My belt pulled me upwards towards him. I squeaked and tried to grab something, but I just slid off the bed. I fell and the impact jarred my spine. I scrunched my eyes closed and tried to block out the pain. I could hear him laughing at me. Then the door slammed open and someone walked in.

"Kid! What did you do to her?" I felt arms pick me up and I tensed. I relaxed slightly when I was placed on the bed again. "Her back needs to heal and it won't do that if you injure her further."

Killer sounded as if he was only making a suggestion, not as if he actually cared. I tried to curl my body to be smaller, but he placed a hand on my head. I stopped and tried to relax a little. If he wanted to hurt me, he could have by now… I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I can do this… When I opened my eyes again, both men were looking at me.

"Will you answer my question about your devil fruit yet?" the red haired man glared at me.

I shook my head. "I… I don't know what it's called." I tried to keep my voice from quietening.

The red haired man looked pissed again. It's not my fault… At least I answered this time. He looked like he was going to say something again, but Killer cut him off.

"What is your name?" Killer's voice was calm and even.

"S- Seraphina," my voice broke. Damn it. I looked down unhappily. Killer just nodded in response.

"Your name is befitting of you, Seraphina," he spoke after a moment. I looked up at him to ask what he meant, but he caught me off. "I doubt we have been properly introduced, but I am Killer and this is Kid. He is our captain."

My eyes widened when I heard Kid's name. This is the infamous Kid of the Kid Pirates? How did I ever think he would understand me? I felt a little shocked and it clearly showed on my face. Kid burst out laughing.

"Who the hell did you think I was?"

I looked away. "How was I supposed to know? It's not like I was around people that much." I mumbled. I don't feel comfortable here anymore…

Kid looked a little angry that I hadn't heard of him before and I couldn't tell what Killer was thinking because of his mask. I could almost hear him talking to himself, but I wasn't sure. I closed my eyes, trying to block out Kid's glare.

I woke up again later on. Crap, I fell asleep? I slowly got up. Awesome! My back feels a lot better! I tried to move slowly still to keep any other injuries from occurring. I looked down at myself and felt somewhat disgusted. I was still wearing the skirt and t-shirt I was wearing when I found Minny. Minny! Damn it! I need to get out of here to be sure she's okay! I opened the door and walked out slowly. I remembered the way I ran to escape last time, so I just followed my memory. When I reached the deck, there were two men standing there: Killer and a massive man with light blue hair. I shook slightly and backed away. I don't like men, I really don't like men.

Killer turned to me and I froze. He motioned to me to go down to where he is and I slowly complied. I was sure to stay on the side closer to Killer and away from the other man. The other man looked at me a little funny, but I ignored him. I can get out if I try… I don't need to worry about the man… I was almost chanting to myself. It was something I did around most men.

"What are you doing?" Killer suddenly asked.

I jumped at his question. "Um, well, I wanted to walk around…" I was avoiding his gaze. He seemed more intelligent than most people and I didn't need anyone to know I was afraid of men.

He grunted in response as if he didn't believe me. I need to get out of here before Kid comes out! I shut my eyes and relaxed. When they opened, I could feel the fire that was usually in them reignite. I walked slightly closer to the bow of the ship and crouched. Killer realized what I was going to do, but he was too late. I jumped up and flipped off their ship. Landing softly on the deck below, I ran again.

***on the ship***

Heat watched the girl run away. "Fuck…" he swore quietly.

Killer was silent. Kid was going to be pissed when he found out. He turned to Heat and nodded. He flipped off the deck and walked the way Seraphina ran.