Coco: Hey, guys, I'm back with the next chapter. The Alabasta Arc should be wrapped up soon because I'll be skipping a lot of the fighting that happened with the others. Mostly focusing on Wren's path to the end of the arc.
Also, I did go back and edited some stuff in the last chapter as a guest review had pointed out a few mistakes I made. It's not a lot of changes. Just small ones, so you won't really be missing anything if you decided to just keep going without going back to reread it.
Also, I know Wren did get the upper hand pretty quick in that battle. I'm working on trying not to make her too OP. However, she isn't a push over either. She's been training to take down Doflamingo and having the position of a commander in his crew just tells you that she's one of the strongest members of the family. She had to work really hard just to get to that level of strength, so she could put herself in a position of power to make her job easier.
And I know Crocodile isn't really a pushover. And it's not because he's the first Shichibukai that's introduced that I make him sound like the weakest. It's just I feel like Logia users set can really get themselves hurt by relying too much on their abilities. And that it can leave them wide open for surprise attacks. Like, they just automatically assume they can't be touched, and with the wrong opponent, that could very easily lead to them dying pretty quickly if their opponent hits something vital enough before they realized their mistake.
So, anyway, I guess in terms of capability and status, I'd kind of put Wren on the same level or maybe a level or two under Ace. Raw power she might not have as much of, but she makes up for that in experience and fighting smart. Like attacking Crocodile before he had time to adjust to the fact that he was fighting someone with haki capabilities. She's not on the same level as a Shichibukai. And I'll work a little harder on balancing her out. Because she is most definitely stronger than the Straw Hats so in fights where they'd struggle, she won't, but I also need to remind myself that doesn't mean she just won't get hurt and dominate every fight.
So, I will work on that in future fights.
Anyway, so for the rant. Just wanted to clear that up a bit. Now, that that's out of the way though, let's get started!
The Straw Hat pirates and Vivi watched in horror as Crocodile's hook went straight for Wren's chest.
"WREN!" Luffy shouted.
Though before the weapon could make contact a black blur shot forward. It kicked the hook away and, in a blink, landed beside Wren. The woman was actually taken off guard as she was lifted up and cradled gently against a warm chest. She looked up with her eye falling on Sanji.
"…Sanji…" she murmured.
Sanji didn't comment as he looked down at her wounded form. He carefully drew her closer with his kind touch shocking her even more. She stared up in confusion as he looked down at her with such a painfully guilty expression on his face.
"Wren-chan, I'm so sorry," Sanji, who had tears in his eyes, said with clear sincerity in his voice. "I promised to be your knight in shining armor, but I allowed this to happen. I'll never forgive myself for allowing you to be harmed."
She just looked up at this human silently. She didn't understand why he was so upset. She's only witnessed such a reaction towards her own wellbeing from a few other individuals before in her life.
—FLASHBACK—
"Wren, wh…what happened?" Corazon asked with wide eyes.
The girl stood in front of him and Law with her outfit ripped and tattered. But that wasn't even the worse of it as the girl sported several cuts and bruises as well. Though she still smiled as she held up what looked like a medical bag.
"I heard you say last night that we need something to sooth some of big brother's pain, Cora-san." Wren said. "And you've been working so hard lately to take care of us, so I thought I'd help out. I didn't have any money, so I did steal this…I'm sorry."
Corazon didn't seem to hear her confession about stealing the supplies she did as he stepped forward with his body shaking.
"B…but why are you injured?!" Corazon demanded.
"…I was caught and the townspeople tried to stop me," Wren confessed. "But I didn't hurt them. I managed to get away without doing that because I knew you'd be upset if I hurt them. I made sure not to lose this though! We can help big brother feel better with this, right?"
She looked up hopefully at the blonde as Law stared at the girl with disbelief.
"You idiot, how could you worry about me with the state you're in?!" Law demanded as he stepped forward.
Wren turned to the boy looking confused as to why he was angry with her. She thought he'd be happy. What she has might not be able to cure him, but it'd hopefully soothe him even if only by a little.
"Don't risk yourself for me ever again!" Law demanded. "You understand?!"
Wren whimpered with tears entering her eyes when realizing she only succeeded in upsetting Law. Though she was then distracted when Corazon, who knelt down to her level, pulled her into his arms.
"Wren, I'm sorry," Corazon said as his body shook. "You got yourself hurt for Law's sake and I allowed it to happen. I'm so sorry."
Wren looked up with wide eyes as tears that leaked from Corazon's eyes fell against her cheeks. The man looked so upset as he gently brushed the girl's hair back while looking down at her injured face.
"I promise this won't happen again," Corazon said. "I'll keep you both safe, so please, don't push yourself so hard."
He lifted her up to his chest to hold tighter, which put her little head resting against his shoulder. She saw Law had tears in his eyes as well as he pulled his hat down to try and cover them.
"I don't understand," Wren said. "Why…why are you crying?"
—END OF FLASHBACK—
'I don't understand,' Wren thought as she stared up at Sanji. 'Why is he so upset?'
Her injuries were her own fault. No one else could hold the blame for them. So, she didn't understand why the cook looked as if he felt lower than dirt at himself.
"Sanji!" the others cheered when seeing him.
"He's not the only one here," A familiar voice chimed in.
Everyone turned and saw Havel—though they didn't recognize him as Havel—as the familiar was helping Vivi who fell to her knees back to her feet.
"Uh…who are you?" Luffy asked.
"It's me—Havel." The familiar replied. "I might have changed form, but the least you can do is recognize a friend, Luffy."
"Ehhh?!" Usopp and Luffy cried in shock.
Havel only grinned cheekily at their shock before his eyes fell on his injured mage
"Misce, I think a tactical retreat is the best call for now, yes?" Havel suggested. "Chopper should be awaiting outside with our transportation."
Wren, who raised her hand, which caused Crocodile to stiffen since he knew better to underestimate her, nodded.
"Yes, I believe that's best for now," Wren said. "One of you, be a dear and grab Luffy."
She then flicked her fingers with a wail entering the air that caused everyone to flinch. The wail spread out through the room in a powerful burst and hit the walls and windows keeping them separated from the banana gators' tank. The windows cracked open and some of the wall crumbled away, which let in a large wave of water.
"Ah, Wren, what are you doing?!" Usopp screamed shrilly.
"Oh no, water!" Luffy screamed as well.
He then gasped as Havel appeared beside him and swept him up in his hold. The familiar grinned down at the shocked captain before returning to the stairs in the blink of an eye.
"I suggest you all hurry up and follow," Havel said. "The water isn't the only thing pouring in."
The others blinked in confusion before their mouths fell agape at the sight of the banana gators filing in.
"Ah, it's the weird bananas!" Luffy gasped. "Guys, get out of there!"
"Give a little warning next time, dammit, Wren!" Zoro shouted as Nami and Usopp screamed and headed for the stairs.
He was about head for the stairs as well, but Luffy calling out to him had him halting.
"Zoro, grab Smokey!" Luffy ordered.
The swordsman frowned while turning to the marine who hadn't had time to save himself before being swept up by the water.
"Luffy, are you crazy?!" Zoro demanded. "He's the enemy! He can take care of himself!"
"No, he can't!" Luffy argued back as Havel was carrying him away. "He ate a devil fruit so he can't swim!"
Zoro growled looking like he was going to argue, but just grunted in the end and dove under the water. Sanji didn't wait for the swordsman as he hurried to the stairs with Wren in his arms. They needed to hurry before Crocodile, who was currently sitting on some floating debris trying to catch his bearings, tried to attack again. Wren stared back at Crocodile with anger welling up in her chest.
'So close,' She thought. 'How could I let myself fail so miserably?'
She then turned her eyesight back to the Straw Hats as they all hurried to escape. Her gaze softened slightly.
'Well, at least they're okay,' She thought. 'I can still salvage the situation. I just need a moment to collect my thoughts and regroup.'
"Wren, I'm so glad you're okay!" Chopper cried as he held onto the woman. "Ah, but you're injured! You need a doctor!"
"That'd be you," Usopp reminded the reindeer.
"Oh yeah!" Chopper said.
Wren shook her head in amusement at the tiny reindeer as he was quick to let go of Wren and reach into his medical bag. They were currently on the move with Havel steering their new form of transportation—a moving crab—that Chopper had brought to them.
"I'll patch you up right away!" Chopper assured her. "Don't worry!"
Chopper pulled out some bandages and medicine to clean her wounds, but he paused when Wren waved him off.
"I'm fine," Wren said. "We don't have time to worry about me. Now, tell me, why did you all come here? I thought you would have gone after the rebels."
"And leave you behind to do something reckless?" Nami retorted. "No way. I mean just look at the state you're in."
"Yeah, Wren, you might be a monster compared to us but even monsters need help," Usopp added with a grin.
Wren went to reply, but never got the chance when Vivi threw herself at Wren. The older girl's eye widened in surprise as Vivi held tightly to her and cried.
"I'm sorry," Vivi said. "I should have listened. You tried to guide me down a better path, but I ignored you. And now you're hurt. If I had listened, maybe you wouldn't be in this state."
Wren looked down at the top of Vivi's head as the girl's hands clenched tightly to her shirt.
"However, I still don't want anyone to die in this war and that includes you!" Vivi said as she looked up at Wren.
Wren sighed at the distraught girl while gently making Vivi let go of her. She even moved her back a little.
"You're still quite the optimist." Wren said. "As hard as it might be to hear, Vivi, people die. That's just how the world works."
Vivi frowned though nodded her head in understanding as Luffy had told her something similar on the way here. It had caused a fight between them, which had delayed them getting to Wren. But it was something she had needed to hear.
"Though I'm at fault as well." Wren said getting Vivi to look at her in surprise. "I didn't listen to you just as much as you didn't listen to me. So, I have a proposition for you, Princess. From here on out, we work together for real to take down Crocodile."
The others seemed surprised by Wren's words, but soon smiles spread across many of their faces. Vivi's smile was the widest as tears collect in her eyes.
"Yeah," Vivi said with a nod.
Wren then cut her eyes over to Luffy as the straw hatted boy was just glad to have everyone together again. Wren pointed at the boy.
"If you are so dead set on fighting Crocodile, Luffy, I suppose I'll humor you this once." Wren said. "Consider it payment for foolishly coming to my aid. You might have failed miserably, but I owe you for risking yourself on someone like me. However, if I allow this, I want you to at least listen to the advice I have to give."
Luffy blinked before staring into Wren's steady gaze. His expression became uncharacteristically serious as he gave a nod.
"Good," Wren said. "I bought us some time by injuring Crocodile and trapping him momentarily in that room. But he will recover, and you should be certain he'll head for Alabarna as soon as he does. Meaning our time to come up with a strategy is limited. Now, Havel, while you were out, did you run into that associate of mine?"
Everyone turned to Havel as he continued to steer their new companion in the direction of Alabarna.
"Yes," Havel replied. "She was nearby just as we were told. And she had some interesting information on a project known as Utopia. Crocodile's end game if you will. She's awaiting further instruction as she and her team handle that wounded fellow I came across."
Zoro frowned wondering who this mysterious new player was. The more time they spent with Wren the more he realized just how little they knew about her…and her secret motives.
"Good," Wren said. "Tell us everything."
Luffy frowned as he stayed back with Wren as the others distracted the officer agents who had been waiting for them at the base of Alabarna. He was making unhappy noises as he impatiently tapped his foot.
"Wren, do we really have to wait here?" Luffy asked as he looked at the mended Wren.
Chopper had finally managed to convince Wren to let him patch her up. It wasn't as solid as he wanted, but it'd hold her wounds together for now.
"Yes," Wren said. "You promised to take my advice, Luffy. You're not going to break your promise, are you?"
Luffy pouted at her words before turning away with his arms crossed over his chest. Wren shook her head at Luffy's actions as the others had the officers' complete attention.
"You're the one wanting to go after Crocodile," Wren reminded Luffy as Havel, who was happily back in his natural form, circled around her feet. "If you get involved now, you'll only get mixed up in pointless fighting. Let the others handle the officers and let Vivi handle stopping the rebels."
"Fiiiinne," Luffy whined. "But when do we get to go in?"
Wren looked up at the sky as the sun was rising even farther into the sky. The pale blue light being replaced by its bright rays.
"I'll be going in to aid in the distraction soon enough." Wren said. "However, you are to remain here with Havel until my friend comes here with our newest ally. By the time he arrives with them, he should be filled in on the situation and they should have what you need to fight Crocodile."
Wren still didn't wish to leave Crocodile solely to Luffy. However, the Shichibukai was wounded and Luffy knew his weakness now. Luffy should at least be able to hold him off until Wren can return to Luffy's side. Wren had no doubt that the others could handle the officers. She won't underestimate them again. However, Lorelei was her responsibility.
"Do not leave from this spot after I leave." Wren said sternly to Luffy. "Do as your told for once, Luffy."
She pinched his cheek as she spoke, and he cried out in pain when it actually hurt.
"Ah! Stop it, Wren!" He cried. "That hurts! I get it, okay?!"
Wren narrowed her eyes at him though did finally release his cheek from her grip. He rubbed the sore spot, which was quickly growing red.
"Good," Wren said. "My associate's name is Obispo. She'll be sure to help you as I requested, so please trust her as you do me."
Though she had to question why the boy did so. The others as well. The only one smart enough to question her was still Zoro. The man had even called her out on it on the way here.
—FLASHBACK—
"I know right now might not be the time," Zoro said after they finished discussing the plan. "But who are you really, Wren? Or should I address you as Corazon?"
Things grew quiet amongst the group as Wren and Zoro silently stared at each other.
"Marimo, watch your tone," Sanji spoke up first. "Don't speak to her like that."
"Stay out of this, love cook," Zoro retorted. "If she's a threat to us, we need to know now. You weren't there. Crocodile and that Smoker guy knew her. Maybe not her face, but they knew her well enough to know she's dangerous. As soon as she introduced herself by that name, both men had grown edgy."
He said this while not taking his eyes off of Wren. The girl, who was currently being treated by Chopper, sighed.
"It's a long story that we don't really have time for." Wren said. "However, I will tell you this, Corazon is the name I used as a member of the Donquixote Family. It was a name given to me by the head of the family—Doflamingo; my former captain. Under that name, I committed many heinous acts. Things I can never atone for. However, I would do it all again because all that I've done in the last decade is for the sake of someone who was very precious to me."
The others didn't know what to say as their eyes widened at Wren's confession. Zoro didn't reply for a moment either as he held her gaze as if looking for any sign of deceit.
"You might not be able to trust my words, but I truly mean none of you any harm." Wren said. "However, being associated with me will surely paint targets on your back, which is another reason why I left you all behind in Yuba. Either the people in my life have betrayed me or have been hurt because they associated with me. Which is why when all this over, I will part ways with you all once again and I won't allow you to catch up with me a second time."
—END OF FLASHBACK—
The others had protested loudly against her words, but Zoro had said nothing. Wren then had gotten everyone back on track as they didn't have time to worry about what would come after this battle. Now, that it has started, she'd worry about her role and nothing more. Another issue with staying with these pirates is that her affection for them caused her to make mistakes. Mistakes she can't repeat in the future. Not when so much was on the line. Though…she would miss them, and she could admit that.
"I'll be heading out, Luffy," Wren told the pouting captain. "Behave and listen to Havel."
Said feline looked up smugly at Luffy who was giving him annoyed look because he was left in charge instead of Luffy. And Luffy was supposed to be the captain around here.
"Havel, keep him back by any means necessary until the appointed time," Wren said. "I'm leaving you the hardest task, so I apologize. But I trust you to handle it."
"Of course," Havel purred. "Leave the babysitting to me."
Wren nodded then disappeared in a single leap with the capital being her destination. There she would find Lorelei.
Sanji sighed walking away from his fight with Mr. 2 while loosening his tie and unbuttoning a few of his top buttons.
"I think I cracked a few of my bones again." He said.
At least the fight was over. Now he just had to return Usopp's goggles to him then they could meet up with the others.
"Well, well, it looks as if you rookies are pretty strong." A voice came from behind him.
Sanji stiffened before turning his head to see a young girl sitting on a barrel casually. Sanji recognized her from the ship when she came to fetch Mr. 2 from the Going Merry. Sanji believes Wren said the girl's name was Lorelei. She was glancing over at said man with an unreadable expression on her face.
"First you all defeated Mr. 5 and Ms. Valentine." Lorelei said as she turned her gaze back to Sanji. "Secondly, you and your crewmates handled Mr. 3 and Ms. Golden Weekend while re-defeating the previously mentioned two all before arriving in Alabasta."
She moved from on top of the barrel causing Sanji to stiffen. She might be the enemy, but Sanji didn't wish to fight her. In fact, he was certain he wouldn't be able to bring himself too.
"Then just moments ago the Long-nose and the pet reindeer defeat Mr. 4 and Ms. Merry Christmas." Lorelei added. "And now, Bonbon has been defeated by you. Not to mention all the billions and millions you've all taken out since you got here. As always, Big sis knows how to manipulate strong opponents to do her bidding."
Sanji frowned while guessing the one this girl referred to as her big sister was Wren. Meaning this was the former crewmate that Wren had mentioned to them. The one Wren told them to avoid at all costs.
"Honestly, I don't care if you defeat Baroque Works," Lorelei told the blonde. "My objective is simple. Steal the powerful weapon from Crocodile before he even knows what's going on. If I happen to gain control over this kingdom while I'm at it, it'll be a bonus. But really, Doflamingo-sama doesn't have the time to worry about governing two kingdoms. So, I'll settle for the weapon. If you stay out of my way, I'll leave you and your crew be. Oh, and if you hand over the traitor that would be appreciated."
Sanji narrowed his eyes because there was no way he'd give Wren up. He'd die first.
"No." Sanji said as he glared. "I don't know all the details, but I do know Wren-chan is in pain. I also know she's a kind person because she would rather isolate herself because she believes being with us will put us in danger. I won't let anyone hurt her if I can help it, which means you can't take her. She's staying with us."
Lorelei narrowed her eyes at Sanji when seeing he wasn't budging. Lorelei shook her head.
"You're only setting yourself up for betrayal, Blondie." Lorelei said. "I once cared for her just as you do. I looked up to her and thought of her as family. But she had been lying the whole time. She spent almost her entire life with us, but she was just biding her time to stab us all in the back. What do you think she'll do to a bunch of nobodies like you that she's barely known a few weeks? Don't be foolish and hand her over for your own sake."
Sanji shook his head not believing it. He knows Wren has had to do a lot of things he probably would never even think of, but she did it to survive. She didn't have to worry about that now because he and the others could keep her safe. He would help her…he would protect her.
"I said no," Sanji said. "I promised her that I would protect her, and I won't fail her a second time. Please, just give up."
He couldn't hurt this girl. He'd never ever harm a woman, but he couldn't let Wren be taken either. This was certainly a terrible situation.
"I appreciate the sentiment, Sanji, but I can take over from here," A newcomer entered the conversation.
Sanji and Lorelei both stiffened before turning their heads to see Wren, who was standing on top the building next to them, had arrived. It was tensely silent as Lorelei stared up at Wren with the shock on her face turning to one of pure unquestionable hatred. Wren looked into Lorelei's hate filled eyes with a saddened expression finding its way to her own face. As she gave a sigh, Wren jumped down from the building to land between Sanji and Lorelei.
"Such a cold look doesn't suit you, Lorelei," Wren said to the girl. "I'm sorry I had a hand a play in causing you to feel such pain."
"Shut up, you filthy traitor," Lorelei snarled. "You have no right to keep pretending like you care about me! Or any of us!"
Despite her cruel words, Wren's gentle gaze did not waver. It only caused Lorelei even more anger.
"Sanji, you should go on," Wren said as she kept her attention on Lorelei. "Luffy will be joining the fray soon, and the fighting is only growing worse. Please, continue on with the plan. I assure you that this won't take long. Besides, this is a personal matter that I would like to handle myself."
Sanji wanted to insist on staying though slowly closed his mouth when Wren turned to give him a small smile.
"Please, trust me," Wren said.
Sanji held back his protests as he reached forward to grip one of Wren's hands tightly in his own.
"I'll move on, but please, be careful, Wren-chan," He requested of her. "I still have to make it up to you for failing to protect you like I promised. It's mistake that will take me a lifetime to repent for, so you have to win this fight and return to us, okay?"
Wren blinked up at this strange man as he stared at her imploringly. His grip firm but gentle as he tightened his hold on her hand.
"I'm sorry, but I can't promise you that last part," Wren said then turned her head to the side. "Take him, please."
Sanji's duck from earlier that was supposed to have left to get Karoo to safety, appeared, and swiftly swept up under Sanji and ran off with the cook.
Hey, no!" Sanji shouted. "Stop, duck!"
His protests fell on deaf ears as the duck continued its speedy get away, which left Wren and Lorelei alone. The two women stared at each other for a long moment as the air grew still around them. Then in a flash, Lorelei's body dispersed surrounding Wren in a cool, eerie mist.
"So, this is how you want to fight, is it?" Wren questioned. "Did you forget, little Wisp, that I'm the one who helped you develop this technique?"
Coco: And that's the end of that. Now, the next chapter we'll be leaving this soon to be battle and jumping back into the past to learn more about Lorelei and her connection to Wren. So, it'll be like that one I wrote for Ace and Wren. Just some back story between these two former crewmates to give more context, ya know?
I plan to be doing more of those kinds of chapters in future. Like, I know Corazon and Law's backstory isn't until many, many, many chapters later, but we'll be doing their story kind of early on in this one as Wren becomes more open with the Straw Hats.
Now, until next time, my friends. Stay safe and remember to keep being your wonderful, beautiful selves!
