Coco: Hello, Readers,
I just wanted all of you to know that my trip was cancelled, so I won't be taking my hiatus. I'm sorry I didn't inform you earlier since I've been a bit busy since last we spoke. Or rather since last I posted. Now, I do have some chapter updates for some stories, but unfortunately not for others. But I have a small schedule like deal or announcements to let you know about the chapters that I don't have new chapters for.
Deepest of Horrors: I'm rewriting this one...again. I'm sorry for all the rewrites. I just feel as if I don't connect well with Wren's character, which is making it difficult to write for her. And here is the first rewritten first chapter even if it's much like the one before. I promise that the second chapter is much different, and shall be posted before the night is up. :D
Let It Burn: I'm halfway through this chapter, and it'll most likely be posted later today or tonight as well.
Let the Music Flow From the Soul: I just need to edit the chapter, and it'll be ready to post, so definitely expect a new chapter from it today! :D
Not Such a Small World After All: Unfortunately, this one will not be ready for a new chapter today or this weekend. But I promise that no later than Wednesday that you will have a new chapter for this story.
The Knight of Death City: This is the same as Not Such a Small World After All.
Treble Chamber's Beginning: I'm thinking about rewriting this before I get too far ahead, so I'm not sure if I'll have a chapter for it for a while.
So, just wanted to give you a rundown of what's going down, and I very happy to say I won't be without getting to post my stories. Or without hearing from all you lovely readers who have supported me for so long.
Declaimer: I do not own One Piece. It belongs to Oda-san:D. I do, however, own my OC Wren, and any other OCs I might plan to add. Anyway, let's get started :D.
14 YEARS BEFORE STORYLINE
"Abel-nii, wait for me!" A little girl named Wren called as she rushed after her brother through her family's large courtyard.
Her older brother, Abel, laughed with a large grin on his face as he glanced back at his sister. The young girl had red wine colored hair with two different colored eyes. One Black and one red. However, the black eye was behind an eye patch. She had pale skin that was smooth without any imperfections due to her easy life.
Like her, Abel's hair was the red wine color, and it was curly and untamed. However, his hair wasn't long like hers, which currently fell to her waist. His eyes were also a vibrant red, but he always told Wren that her eyes were more beautiful, even the one kept behind the eyepatch that their father made her wear.
Their father, Vladimir, was the lord of their city, and he was very protective of his children. He never let them leave the estate's grounds unless accompanied by at least half a dozen guards, but after Wren had accidently ate that devil fruit, he kept her within the estate grounds at all times. He even covered the eye where the iris had turned black, and told anyone who asked that an accident happened, which is why he keeps Wren at home.
"Come on, Wren, you have to run faster than that!" Abel said with a laugh.
Wren pouted at her brother while trying to get her tiny legs to move faster. Their mother, Xena, laughed from where she sat on the patio with her youngest, Kol, in her arms. He wasn't even a full year old, so he was not yet ready to play with Wren, who's five, and Abel, who's ten. Xena didn't have the same hair color as her children. No, her hair was midnight black, and straight as a pin when left down. However, she usually has her hair up in an elegant bun. Her eyes, however, are the same captivating red, and all her children have them. She was very pale as well, and it was a trait only Wren inherited from her. In fact, many say that Wren looks like a miniature version of her mother just with red wine hair, not black.
Kol had his mother's midnight black hair and of course, her red eyes, but the rest of him was like his father. The tanned skin, and the shape of his nose and mouth. Saturn Vladimir was a handsome man with red wine-colored hair that was short in the back, but his fringe fell down to his chin on either side of his face. His eyes were a dark gray color, and his skin was sun kissed tan. He was tall in stature, and he was muscled, however, he leaned more towards lanky. Abel, besides having red eyes, was the exact copy of his father who was off doing something at the moment.
"Abel-nii!" Wren whined when she still couldn't keep up.
Abel just gave another laugh, but he did start to slow his pace. The two then came to a halt when hearing the explosion, and the family looked to see a large cloud of smoke coming somewhere near the docks.
"Oka-sama, what is that?" Wren asked with a confused frown.
"Abel, grab your sister, and come into the house." Xena ordered as she stood up.
Abel didn't have to be told twice, and he quickly went over to Wren. He gently but firmly grab her arm to pull her inside as more explosions started to happen. The small girl bit her lip hoping no one was being hurt. Once inside, Xena led her two children towards the safe bunker as she carried the third. She didn't know what was going on, but she would not take the chance of her three children being hurt.
"Xena-sama!" Their butler, Marcus, called as he ran up with a few guards on his heels. "Vladimir-sama wishes for you and the children to go down into the underground docks to get away on a boat wanting for you."
Xena's eyes widened though she quickly composed herself as she smiled down at her children. Abel frowned not being fooled by the smile, and Wren didn't feel reassured by it. Xena sighed knowing they wouldn't be convinced since her children were smart enough to know when something was wrong.
"Oka-sama, where's Oto-sama?" Wren asked.
"I'm right here, my lovely. Did you miss me?"
They all turned seeing Vladimir walked towards them with perfect ease on his face. He knelt down in front of Wren, and smoothed her hair from her face. She smiled at him sweetly, and Vladimir smiled at her in return. He scooped her up, and her arms went around his neck as she rested her head on his shoulder. He easily held her small form in one arm as he placed a hand on top Abel's head.
"I will see you off, but then I must return to work." Vladimir said keeping his tone light.
Xena nodded trying to keep the worry off her face as she smiled at her husband. The family was about to head towards the secret staircase that led to a small cavern below where a dock was built. The cavern led out to the ocean, and Vladimir was hoping to get his family away. He didn't want them to know of the dangerous pirates pillaging through the city at this very moment. Before they could even get out of the foyer, the front door bust open with pieces splintering everywhere.
Wren let out a scream along with her mother, and Vladimir quickly covered his family the best he could. Their guards were already surrounding the Saturn Family to protect them. Vladimir set Wren down, and gently tugged her arms away from his neck as he turned to face the pirates. Xena pulled her two children towards here while holding Kol firmly in her other arm. Vladimir stood tall as he walked to stand past the guard to speak with the pirate in front.
"You are the captain of this crew, I take it." Vladimir said.
"I am." The man in front said with a grin. "I'm Donquixote Doflamingo, and I'm only here for one thing. You give it to me, and your city and family will be sparred."
Vladimir frowned wondering what Doflamingo could possibly want from him or this city. It was known for its exquisite art collections due to many artists flocking here, rich resources, and tourist revenue. However, they had nothing of extreme importance.
"And what is it you seek, Sir?" Vladimir asked.
Some of the pirates behind Doflamingo chuckled looking amused, and Vladimir narrowed his eyes wondering what they found amusing.
"We want the Devil Fruit you have hidden in your vault." Doflamingo said.
Vladimir stiffened for a split second, but he kept his eyes off of Wren because that would give her away. The Devil Fruit that these pirates wanted was already consumed by the young girl.
"I'm sorry, Sir, but I cannot give you that Devil Fruit." Vladimir said. "For you see, I no longer have it."
Doflamingo narrowed his eyes at Vladimir who kept his expression blank. The tall blonde man then glanced at Valdimir's family.
"Gladius." He said.
A man with pale purple stepped up to raise a gun at Vladimir's family. He pulled the trigger without further warning.
"NO!" Vladimir shouted.
Xena screamed kneeling down to shield her children. However, what was hit wasn't her or her children. Everything froze as a large black menacing shape appeared in front of the family. It roared when the bullet hit it, but more in outrage than pain. The monsters disappeared leaving Wren there holding out her hand with her eyes closed. When she opened them she saw her father looking at her in horror...had she done something wrong?
"Oh...I see." Doflamingo said as he chuckled. "You really can't give us the Devil Fruit because your daughter ate it...we'll take her then."
Said girl stiffened with her eyes going wide, and Xena gasped while clutching her daughter closer. Abel stepped in front of his sister protectively, which earned a chuckle from Doflamingo. Vladimir had went rigid, and the usual warm glow in his eyes turned icy hard as his mouth set into a firm line.
"Pardon me, sir, but did I hear you right?" Vladimir asked with a dark tone. "You want to take my daughter."
"That's right." Doflamingo said grinning still. "We were coming for the Horā-Horā no Mi, but since she apparently ate it we'll be taking her."
"I believe you are mistaken if you think you can come into my city, killing the people within, and take my daughter without consequence." Vladimir said as his guards pulled out their swords.
Marcus held out the sheathed sword with the family crest on the hilt to Vladimir, and the lord of the city drew it from the sheath. The pirates laughed at the men in front of them, and Wren whimpered not wanting to watch her father fight and get hurt.
"This is your only chance to hand her over before I kill every last person in this city." Doflamingo said. "Including women and children."
"And this, Sir, is your last chance to leave my city before I kill you." Vladimir said.
Doflamingo chuckled before raising his hand, and the guards stiffened up suddenly. They then turned on Vladimir causing his eyes to widen. They started attacking, and Vladimir quickly fended them off.
"What are you doing?" Vladimir asked parring away another blade.
"We're sorry, sir!" One guard said. "We can't control our bodies!"
Vladimir frowned then kept fending away the blades that came out him, but he did not go on the offense.
"If you keep that up, you'll die." Doflamingo said. "What's wrong, Lord Vladimir? Can't kill your own men?"
Vladimir grit his teeth together, but he refused to cause harm to the guards. He grunted in pain when one of them managed to cut a deep gash in his chest. He stumbled slightly as blood spewed from his chest.
"Vlad!" Xena cried with tears in her eyes.
Kol had long started crying due to the noise, and Wren, who was also crying, and Abel, who was stone-faced, watched silently. Vladimir spared his family one of his warm smiles as he turned towards them.
"Do not worry, my darlings." He said. "Everything is alright. It is merely a scratch."
He then had to dodge a sword that had been going for his neck. He knocked a few of the guards back, but they would get right back up to fight. He was cut in the shoulder with more of his blood hitting the ground. Wren watched feeling completely horrified as she watched her father's blood stain the floor, hear her mother and younger brother cry, and feel Abel shaking beside her. She couldn't let this go on.
"STOP!"
At her cry everyone froze before turning to look at her as she stepped away from her family. They reached for her, but two large monsters blocked their path.
"I...I will go with you." Wren said. "As long as you promise no harm will come to my family or the people of the city."
"Wren, no!" Vladimir shouted.
Her mother and brother called for her two, but she kept her eyes on Doflamingo. He stared at her a moment before he lowered his hand, which had the guard going slack. Vladimir went to get his daughter since he no longer had to worry about fighting the guards, but a large frightening black monster blocked his path. It snarled at him threateningly as Wren looked up at Doflamingo.
"You will be part of my crew, and be loyal to me." Doflamingo said to Wren. "If you aren't, I will come back to slaughter everyone, understand?"
Wren swallowed thickly as the tears continued down her face, but she nodded her head firmly. Doflamingo nodded in return before turning Gladius.
"Gladius." Was all he said.
Gladius, went over to Wren, and he picked the five-year-old girl off the ground. Wren, not really caring he was part of the pirate crew taking her away at the moment, buried her face into his neck, so she wouldn't have to see her family's hurt and stunned faces. She didn't want that to be her last image of them until they met again...if they ever did.
"This is going to be your room from now on, Wren." Doflamingo said.
Wren looked around her new room. It wasn't much. Just a small little piece of space that she would have to share with the other kids. However, she supposed she should be grateful for any place to sleep.
"Thank-you." Wren said keeping her head down.
Doflamingo chuckled while patting her on the head, and it took everything she had not to flinch. She had to be brave and strong now for her family. She couldn't show this man fear.
"Just remember this is where you belong." He said. "You are a member of this crew. A part of the family."
Wren nodded her head knowing that she'd never truly see her real family again. The man knelt down to look her in the eyes, but his own were covered by glasses.
"And remember what will happen if you ever try to leave." He said.
"...I will remember...Doflamingo-sama." She said.
Donquixote Doflamingo grinned patting the girl on the head once more.
"Good." He said. "Don't worry, Wren, you'll like it here."
He then left the room leaving Wren there to her own thoughts. As she looked around she knew one thing for sure. She would not be here forever...she would make Doflamingo pay for taking her away from her family...for everything. She just had to find a way to get away.
SEVEN MONTHS LATER
Wren was cleaning up the 'headquarters' since she had nothing better to do when the front door opened. Diamante and Trebol came in through the door, and Wren blinked when seeing a boy with them. He looked about ten or eleven, and he was very dirty looking. He also looked quite scary with the way his eyes were hooded due to his hat.
"Welcome back, Diamante-sama, Trebol-sama." Wren said politely as always.
Diamante pat the girl on the head, and it took everything she had not to flinch.
"Wren, this is, uh...Law." Diamante said as he and Trebol sat down on the ratty furniture. "He wants to join the crew. Law, this is Wren. She's a kid as you can see, but she's survived..."
Wren blinked curiously at Law, and he looked back at her curiously as well. Wren offered a shy sweet smile, which seemed to shock Law as his eyes widened.
"Hello." She said. "It is nice to meet you."
Law nodded curtly, and that's when Buffalo and Baby5 appeared in the window.
"That's Buffalo and Baby5." Wren said to Law. "They are the only other children here...besides, Dellinger, but he just turned one."
Law frowned in confusion at why a pirate crew would take in a baby. It'd get in the way, right?
"Niin, Diamante-sama, Trebol-sama!" Buffalo called.
"Cora-san is back!" Baby5 said.
Law noticed how Wren stiffened at the mention of this 'Cora-san' as the door opened again. Wren had to jump practically right into Law to avoid the blonde man that tripped on his way into the room.
"U...uh, C-corazon-sama, a-a-re y-you al-alright?" Wren asked hesitantly as she leaned over to look at the man.
Her answer was a slap to the face, and she hit the ground harshly. Law stared in surprise as the man got up off the ground as Baby5 and Buffalo laughed at him for tripping. Corazon slapped the both of them too before going to sit down in the spare chair. Law could understand why he hit the two who laughed at him, but he didn't understand why he hit Wren. He watched the girl get off the ground as she rubbed her cheek.
"I am glad you came back safely, Corazon-sama." Wren said with no sarcasm or malice in her tone. "Would you like some tea?"
Corazon nodded his head in a curt manner without speaking, which had Law frowning curiously.
"I will immediately get you some." Wren promised him then looked at Law. "I hope you like it here...Law-san. Good luck."
Wren walked away with Law's eyes following after her. What a weird girl.
Law, who had been with the Donquixote Pirates for nearly a month now, stood outside a large steel door. He had witnessed Wren being placed behind this door a few days earlier by Diamante. He hasn't seen her since.
"Law, what are you doing here?" Baby5 asked. "It's lunch time."
"Why is Wren-san inside?" Law asked.
Baby5 frowned as she glanced around as if looking for any of the adults.
"Wren didn't join the crew willingly." Baby5 said when seeing the ghost was clear. "She was blackmailed by the Young Master to join...Doflamingo-sama is trying to get her to understand that she belongs to the crew now...so when she acts up for even the littlest things..."
Baby5 trailed off as she looked to the large steel door with a sad look on her face.
"She gets thrown inside." Law put together. "Does she get fed while she's in there?"
Baby5 shook her head vigorously as she clasped her hands together in front of her.
"She's just sits in the dark the entire time...and she's not allowed a meal while inside." Baby5 said. "No light can get into the room while the door is shut...at first...she used to scream and cry and beg to be let out...now she takes her punishment silently."
Law frowned because none of that sounded fair, and it was very unhealthy for Wren to be starved...as an aspiring doctor he couldn't turn a blind eye to this.
Wren whimpered sitting in the dark room alone. She had accidently angered Diamante, and it was all just because she brought him the wrong tea, so here she was again. She hated it in here...she was terrified in here, and she just wanted out. When she heard the door creak she stiffened, and her eyes widened when seeing Law stepping in with a tray of food. He walked forward to set it down in front of her.
"It's unhealthy to go without food." He said.
Wren was surprised because Law has never shown any kindness or friendliness to anyone in the crew. In fact, not even a week ago he threatened to kill Corazon...why was he being nice to her.
"Go on." He urged.
He pushed the tray towards her even more with his foot. Wren blinked thinking this might be a trick, but she saw no reason that Law would try such a thing on her. She very cautiously reached forward to take a piece of bread off of the tray. Law watched her eat a moment while nodding in satisfaction. He closed the door behind him putting them in complete darkness, but he brought out a flashlight to turn on. He set it to the side to give them some light.
"How'd you end up in here?" Law asked. "Baby5 said it was for punishment."
"I brought Diamante-sama the wrong tea." Wren said softly.
Law's nose wrinkled...she was punished for something as stupid as that? Law just shook his head as Wren continued to eat.
"Baby5 also said you didn't join the crew willingly." Law said.
Wren paused in eating to look down at her lap as if it had become very interesting. Law waited while trying to remain patient though patience wasn't his strong suit.
"...No..." Wren said finally. "I joined to protect my family. Doflamingo-sama said if I joined the crew that he wouldn't kill them."
Ah, that explained so much. Law always wondered how someone like Wren ended up here. She was too sweet and innocent...and too proper for a pirate. It made more sense that she was hear against her will than her joining willingly.
"But why would he want you?" Law asked. "You obviously aren't a fighter."
"I ate the Horā-Horā no Mi*." Wren, who took no offence to Law's blunt statement, explained. "He had wanted the fruit, but once he realized I ate it, he took me instead."
Law nodded guessing this Devil Fruit must be pretty important for Doflamingo to bring Wren along just to have the power in his possession.
"I really don't want to be here." Wren said. "...And the moment I get the chance...I'm going to get out of here...no matter what."
PRESENT
Trafalgar Law sighed running a hand through his messy black hair as he sat up in bed. He had stayed up all last night again, and had tried to get some sleep. However, sleep was still evading him. He shook his head while reaching for his hat that was sitting on his desk by his bed. He was putting it on top his head when his door burst open.
"Shachi, Penguin, what did I tell you about knocking?" Law asked as he frowned.
"Sorry, Captain." Penguin said.
"But you told us to tell you immediately if there was any word or news on Saturn Wren." Shachi finished. "She made the front page of the newspaper."
Law turned towards them with a quirked brow. What could Wren have done to wind up on the front page of the newspaper? She never liked the spotlight. Shachi held out the paper to Law who took it. He read the headline with his eyes widening partially.
"Saturn Wren Leaves Donquixote Pirates." Law read. "Saturn Wren, also known as the Princess of Horrors, defected from the Donquixote Pirates without warning. The marines, who do not know why she suddenly vanished, have reinstated her bounty with a promise to double it for anyone who brings her in alive."
Law looked at the wanted poster they had put on the page. It was when Wren was much younger. However, anyone would be able to tell it was her if they compared it to her older self. His lips turned up into slight smirk as he chuckled.
"Captain?" Penguin asked curiously.
Law didn't answer as he set the paper down on top of his desk out of the way.
"You two can leave." Law said.
Shachi and Penguin left immediately knowing his suggest was more of an order. Law sat on the end of his bed with his fingers clasped together as he rested his chin on them.
"Finally decided to run, huh?" Law murmured. "It took you long enough, Wren. Nearly eleven years too late."
Law sighed once more then reached towards his desk to pull open a drawer. He reached inside to pull out a small old and worn photo. In the photo was a 13-year-old Law, an 8-year-old Wren, and a man that cared for them. Law was scowling with a light blush on his cheeks as Wren hugged him frown behind with her head resting on his shoulder. She was smiling widely despite the scowl being sent in her direction. Knelt behind them placing bunny ears behind their heads was a blonde man, who was grinning broadly, with his face painted. He remembers that day quite well.
-FLASHBACK-
Law was grumbling as he walked along Corazon. He had a displeased expression on his face as he looked around at all the noise. Corazon thought it'd be a nice change of pace to go somewhere fun to lift Law's spirits. Really he was just annoyed by it all. However, Wren seemed intrigued by the festival going around them.
"Law, come on, have some fun." Corazon said grinning down at him. "It's a festival."
Law's frown just deepened then was placed by surprise when Wren latched onto him.
"Niisan~" She sang smiling at him. "Smile!"
"No." Law sat stubbornly.
Wren pouted at Law as Corazon chuckled at the pair of them. Wren was constantly trying to cheer Law up, but he would have none of that. Wren looked around for something to do that might put Law in better spirits. She saw a man taking pictures for people. She smiled brightly while clapping.
"Cora-san, can we take a picture?" Wren asked as she looked up at the tall blonde.
Corazon looked over to where Wren pointed to watch a couple getting a photo from the photographer. He smiled at Wren nodding his head. She thanked him while grabbing Law's hand.
"Wah!" He gasped in surprise as he was pulled along.
Wren went up to the man then tugged on his sleeve. He looked down at the young teen and the little girl as she smiled up at him.
"Sir, could you take a picture of my Onii-san, Cora-san, and I?" She asked politely.
"Of course, little lady." The man said grinning at her. "Just go stand over there for me."
He pointed to where he had a backdrop set up, and Wren made Law come over with her.
"Wren, I don't want to do this." Law said frowning.
"Too bad!" Wren said as she placed her hands on her hips. "We are going to do this."
Corazon just knelt down behind while watching in amusement. Whenever Wren put her hands on her hips she meant serious business.
"Why?" Law said.
"So, if anything ever happens to one of us, the others will have something to remember of the one of us who is gone." Wren said seriously.
Law looked at Wren surprised because he thought it was going to be some kind of stupid reason she wanted a picture.
"Now, smile!" Wren said as she put her arms around him.
Law scowled at her as she smiled at the camera with Corazon who was making bunny ears behind their heads. The flash went off, but Law's eyes remained on Wren.
-END OF FLASHBACK-
Law stared at the image one last time then put it away back in his drawer. He stared at the wall across from him knowing that Wren would most likely try to find him now that she's out of Grand Line.
Coco: I hope you liked the first chapter's newest rewrite. I know it was more centered around Wren and Law, but I just wanted to show a bit of Wren's past before going into the main storyline. And Law is part of her past. Anyway, next chapter Wren will meet the Straw Hats!
Horā-Horā no Mi means the Horror-Horror Fruit. It will be explained later all of its powers through other chapters.
Imōto-little sister