Coco: Hey, guys, I'm back with another chapter. This one is mostly Wren and Lorelei's relationship and their past. And it is told by switching between their two views. Though I'd say most of it is Lorelei's view.
Now, before we start, I had a question from a reviewer asking about what kind of sword Wren uses. Like if it's European or Asian, etc. Well, it's a rapier with a swept hilt. The way I picture it is that metal of the hilt sweeps around the handgrip and has molded flowers 'growing' from the metal like flowers on a branch or stem. The grip is pale green in color and the sword is held in a black lacquered sheath. The blade is simple enough and made of steel.
I picture Wren's swordsmanship similar to Brook's but with some Asuna's (from SAO) mixed in. Sorry if that doesn't make sense. It's just kind of what I picture.
But anyway, since Wren's background and character is based off of Ancient Magus Bride in a way, most of her style is very European. A U.K. kind of vibe to be more specific. She dresses mostly in a modern-Victorian kind of way and honestly, I hear her voice with a British accent XD
Moving on from that though, we have a story to start, don't we?
Wren looked around at the mist surrounding her as her hand gripped the hilt of her rapier tightly.
"You're only hurting yourself with this technique," Wren told Lorelei, who of course didn't reply, as the older girl walked through the mist. "Your mist won't hold up long in this climate. You've put a time limit on yourself."
She then twirled around while bringing up her sword to block the mini sickle that was brought down towards her head. Wren shoved the weapon away and it disappeared into the mist.
"Not to mention, the amount of energy you're wasting." Wren continued as she stepped farther in. "You've turned this into a waiting game, Lorelei. All I have to do is wait you out and this battle is mine."
"SHUT UP!" Lorelei screeched as she launched herself at Wren.
She brought down her twin sickles at Wren, but Wren easily deflected the attack and sent Lorelei spinning out of control before hitting the ground. Wren looked down at the younger girl who was quick to get to her feet in a crouched position. For a moment the two just stared at each other. Two girls once like sisters, now on opposing sides.
EIGHT YEARS AGO
DRESSROSA
"She's still having trouble?" Doflamingo asked as most of the family was lounging by the pool outside the castle.
Wren—age 11—looked up from the picture she was helping Dellinger draw as Doflamingo sat with a pensive look on his face.
"Yes, Doffy," Trebol said in a hushed tone. "She hasn't been able to master her abilities."
"Probably due to being raised by humans all her life," Diamante added. "She never had one of her own kind to show her how to act like she's supposed to."
Wren glanced towards the topic of their conversation, which was Lorelei. The little fae, who was completely unaware of the adults' words, was smiling as she too drew pictures alongside Dellinger.
"If she can't activate her abilities, the kid won't be able to help the family." Diamante continued.
Wren frowned at the tall man though said nothing as Dellinger tugged on her sleeve. Wren looked down with a gentle smile at the boy as he was proudly showing her his drawing.
"We might just be going about her training all wrong," Doflamingo said. "She's a quick learner. She's picked up weapon training without a problem. She can learn how to use her own natural abilities as well."
Doflamingo then looked to Wren as the girl was getting more paper for Dellinger and Lorelei to draw and color on. The two youngest members of the family looking pleased with the attention the older child was giving them.
"Wren," Doflamingo called.
Wren held back at flinch at being called by Doflamingo. Though she composed herself as she turned to Doflamingo.
"Yes, Doffy-sama?" She questioned as she stood.
She dusted off her dress before walking over to the large blonde man. She stood in front of his sat figure while still having to tilt her head back to look at him.
"Wren, how did your mother teach you to control your abilities?" Doflamingo inquired.
Wren tilted her head as she tried to think about how to answer the current king's question.
"I watched her mostly," Wren said shrugging. "It's like how a child learns to speak, they listen to what is said around them. It was mostly instinctual. She corrected me where needed and showed me a few things I wouldn't have just picked up on my own."
Doflamingo hummed with a thoughtful look on his face as he cupped his chin. As he thought, Wren looked back to Lorelei who was still blissfully unaware of the conversation happening about her. The girl has always had trouble controlling her abilities. She might be fae, but she was raised by humans. Even taking on a human form as that had been the time of form, she had seen every day.
Lorelei had been found by humans as an infant. A little Wisp left with no one to care for her. However, her human parents had died not long after taking the girl in and along the way, she had been brought into the Donquixote Family by Giolla. The woman seemed to have a knack for finding kids. Wren had sensed immediately the girl wasn't human and though Lorelei knew she wasn't either, she had no idea what her kind looked like, acted like, or what they could do.
Doflamingo has tried many different ways to get Lorelei to discover her natural gifts. Wisps had the power to lead mortals to astray and had some power of the element of fire. However, their prime objective was to safely ferry souls safely from the living plane to the plane of the dead after their passing. Having such a task, gives the ability to communicate with the death, see the life expectancy of those around them, and of course, travel between the two planes of existence. They also have a few minor abilities that most neighbors have.
Lorelei though young and unable to use her gifts, still managed human transformation at an extremely young age. Most neighbors can't pull off such a feat unless given help by a mage or with many, many years of age. Lorelei didn't have either of those things. Meaning the girl had great potential, it just needed to be unlocked.
'And if she doesn't unlock it, there's no telling what might happen to her,' Wren thought as she looked back to the adults.
While Doflamingo actually seemed more understanding of Lorelei's predicament, Diamante was obviously growing frustrated.
'Doflamingo takes what his commanders say to high consideration,' Wren thought. 'He respects and trusts them more than his own flesh and blood. Truly seeing them as his family…if Diamante pushes enough…or even worse Trebol or Pica agree with him, Doflamingo might have Lorelei dealt with.'
Wren couldn't allow that to happen. There had to be some way to help Lorelei reach her true potential. Or at least start her off on the right track before it was too late.
"Doffy-sama," Wren said gaining the man's attention. "Perhaps I could help."
Doflamingo looked at Wren with a quirked brow. Though she wasn't on such a tight leash as before—due to her help of taking over their new home—she knew she still had more work to do before he fully trusted her again. Thus, helping Lorelei would benefit more than just the little Wisp. It could help Wren gain more favor with her captain.
"I am not of the same family as Lorelei," Wren said. "However, I somewhat faced similar difficulties as her when trying to control my abilities due to my human heritage. Also, in the end she and I are both fae. Maybe some of my mother's teachings could help her?"
Doflamingo looked to truly consider her proposition before a grin pulled across his face. He reached out to pat Wren on top of her head.
"Very well, Wren," he said. "I'll leave her training to you. With supervision, of course. We wouldn't want one of you hurt if something goes wrong, now would me?"
Wren forced a convincing smile and a nod before looking back to Lorelei as she was laughing at something Dellinger had done. She had to look after Lorelei. It was her job as the one Lorelei sees as her big sister. Wren would make her useful to the family so that she may a safe life…even if amongst beasts.
FIVE YEARS FROM CURRENT STORYLINE
DRESSROSA
Lorelei stood with the other family executives with a smile on her face as she watched Wren being given the Heart Seat. Doflamingo was standing in front of the fifteen-year-old while holding out a mask to her. The mask was mostly white but had a red heart over the left eye with the red paint bleeding down the cheek. Wren carefully took the mask into her hands. Holding it as if it was the most fragile thing in the world.
"From now on, you will hold the Heart Seat and be a commander of the family," Doflamingo told Wren as the other commanders stood around as well. "You've worked hard for this and have done well for this family. I expect you to continue doing well on the path you're on, Corazon."
"Of course, Doffy-sama," Wren said. "I will continue taking care of the family, always."
Lorelei cheered with the others as it was now official. The Heart Seat was finally filled once again after being vacant for so long.
'Big sis is so amazing!' Lorelei thought as she watched Wren being lifted off the ground by Machvise in celebration.
Doflamingo called for a feast in celebration to Wren's achievement, so the family moved towards the large dining hall. Lorelei took the time to hurry and catch up to Wren who had finally been released by Machvise.
"Big sis, I'm so happy for you," Lorelei said gaining the older girl's attention. "You've worked really hard and got what you've always wanted."
Wren's been working to take over the title of Corazon since before the family came here to Dressrosa. Saying she would bring honor back to the name after it was slandered by that traitor—Doflamingo's younger brother. Lorelei doesn't remember the incident that well since she was so young, but she knows that traitorous Rosinante had kidnapped Wren and held her against her will alongside Law who had been corrupted by Rosinante to betray the family. Wren had stayed true, however, and managed to get through the ordeal. Now she was holding the very title of the man who once tormented her. She overcame it all, and that's another reason why Lorelei looked up to Wren so much.
"I hope that one day that I can be just like you!" Lorelei continued. "Brave and strong! I'll work even harder for the family just like you, I promise."
She smiled widely as she said this as Wren turned to look at the younger girl. Lorelei was briefly taken back by the flicker of sadness that appeared on Wren's face. However, it was gone so quickly that Lorelei had to wonder if she had just been seeing things. Wren gave her small smile in return.
"You shouldn't strive to be someone like me," Wren said. "Be yourself and become someone much better than I ever can be."
Wren then moved on with the rest of the family as Baby 5 called out for her to hurry up. Lorelei stayed behind for a moment as she watched the two older girls talk. Baby 5 was talking excitedly about something with Wren just nodding along. As the two continued the conversation, Lorelei tilted her head.
'Big sis is strong and I look up to her…but it seems every year she gets…a bit sadder,' Lorelei thought.
Lorelei didn't know what could make Wren so sad. The family was together. The family was safe and becoming stronger every day. They lived in a castle on an island that is beautiful and full of life. They had so many blessings, so she was confused as to what Wren could be so sad about.
'Does she worry about our future?' Lorelei wondered. 'Perhaps, she's taking on too much and it's causing her stress…that means I have to get even stronger to support her!'
With that in mind, Lorelei hurried forward in determination. She'd train even harder and become strong enough to relieve Wren of some of her burdens. That way Wren could be happy again.
'She might be the older one, but that doesn't mean I'm unable to take care of her as she does me,' Lorelei thought as she entered the dining hall with the others. 'I want us all to be able to live happily together. Our family…forever united.'
TWO YEARS BEFORE CURRENT STORYLINE
"Big sis, welcome back from your trip." Lorelei said with a smile as Wren entered the castle.
Said woman removed her mask from her face and passed it off to a servant who bowed their head to Wren. Other servants took the woman's coat and luggage.
"Did you enjoy your vacation?" Lorelei questioned.
"Hmm?" Wren hummed absentmindedly as she passed the younger girl. "Oh, yes, it was lovely."
Lorelei blinked at the odd reply before whirling around to watch Wren walk away with thoughtful look on her face. The halfling was holding something in her hand and studying it closely. Though what was most shocking was the small, barely-there smile on the older girl's face. Lorelei rubbed at her eyes wondering if she was seeing right. Once her vision cleared once more, she looked at Wren and still saw the smile there.
Curiously, Lorelei jogged to catch up to Wren to see what had Wren's attention. Lorelei's brow quirked when seeing the oddly shaped porcelain in Wren's hands. Lorelei believed it was to be a cup of some sorts, but it was…hard to tell.
"Big sis, where'd you get that thing?" Lorelei asked.
Wren finally took her eyes off of the cup—and Lorelei was using the term lightly—in her hands to look at Lorelei. Any trace of the smile before, gone.
"Oh, it was a gift." Wren replied. "You see I might have run into fellow pirates during my time away and one of them gifted this to me."
Lorelei frowned wondering why a pirate from a rival crew would give a gift to Wren. Though they probably had no idea she was a pirate herself. She also had to wonder why Wren would accept such a gift.
"What is it?" Lorelei asked. "A cup?"
"It's supposed to be," Wren said. "Though I'm not sure if I'll be trusting it to hold tea anytime soon."
Lorelei wouldn't either. The dips at the rim of the cup would make it difficult to drink any liquid without it spilling out. Lorelei then looked back to Wren as the woman chuckled. Another action Lorelei hadn't expected.
"It looks ridiculous, doesn't it?" Wren asked as let Lorelei get a closer look at it. "Good for a laugh at the least."
"…yeah…" Lorelei agreed. "Who…who gave it to you?"
Wren didn't answer it right away, which had Lorelei hoping it wasn't a man. Doflamingo could be a bit…overprotective as shown through all the men he's had killed for showing interest in Baby 5.
"Just some idiot man," Wren said causing Lorelei to frown. "He gave it to me as an apology for breaking my favorite set."
Wren then continued on her way towards her room where she'd probably rest until dinner. As she disappeared up the stairs, Lorelei turned her head to where Gladius was walking up.
"Was that Wren I heard?" He asked.
"Yeah, she's home…and acting funny," Lorelei added.
But she seems happier, so Lorelei wouldn't question it. And if some guy is what is making her big sister happy then Lorelei would keep him a secret from the family. After all, if Doflamingo finds out, the guy—whoever he is—won't be alive for long.
"Acting funny how?" Gladius asked.
Lorelei looked at the pale-haired man while knowing he'd blow his top too if he knew Wren had met a boy who was making her act odd.
'Better not mention it to him either,' Lorelei thought before saying out loud, "Oh, it's probably nothing. She did just get back. Most likely tired."
Lorelei didn't want to take away anyone or anything that could possibly be making Wren feel better. But she also wanted to contribute in her own way of bringing smiles to Wren. Which meant she had to continue to work hard.
"Anyway, Gladius, are you busy?" Lorelei asked. "I need someone to train with."
ONE YEAR BEFORE CURRENT STORYLINE
NEW WORLD
Wren watched as Lorelei and Dellinger ran from window to window in excitement. A small smile pulled across her face as she saw the two youngest members of the family enjoy themselves. It was a beautiful day on the island they were on, and Wren was enjoying some leisure time with some members of the family. Lorelei, Baby 5, and Dellinger were with her in the shopping distract while Gladius and Senior Pink were off doing their own thing. Neither one wishing to be used as 'mules' to carry all the things their crewmates would probably buy.
"Is there anything in particular you're looking for today, Wren?" Baby 5 asked.
Wren shook her head as she and Baby 5 walked the streets at a slower pace compared to their companions.
"I suppose I'm more here for the fresh air than anything," Wren said honestly. "Besides, if I had said no, those two wouldn't have forgiven me."
She looked to said two as Lorelei was tugging Dellinger towards a store that sold hats. Both looking so carefree and happy. It brought Wren a sense of peace when seeing their happiness. Especially Lorelei's bright smile. Things could have gone completely different for her, but Wren had made sure to push her until she finally grew into her potential. Now, Lorelei was a useful member of the family, so she'd be safe amongst them.
'Though these peaceful times won't last forever,' Wren thought sadly.
She told herself not to become so attached to any of them. Not after what happened to her predecessor and considering her future plans. But she's spent almost her entire life with these people. None of them were perfect. Of course, she wasn't either. And though it may seem twisted, she did see some of them as her family. She wanted them happy and she wanted them safe. However, she knew the chances of things ending like that were all but impossible.
'So, I'll enjoy what time I do have with them like this,' Wren thought. 'And hope they know just how much I care of them.'
She then shook away such thoughts as tuned into whatever Baby 5 was saying to her. She nodded along with the older woman's words as she was talking about grabbing some new shoes.
"Perhaps I might buy a pair as well," Wren said. "I was never able to get the blood off my boots."
"Hmm? Which pair?" Baby 5 asked.
"The ones with the needle-point heal." Wren described.
"Oh, the back ones with the open toe?" Baby 5 guessed. "If it'd be of help, I'll try to clean them for you. I know how much you like those boots."
Wren went to reply, but she was interrupted by a voice calling out her name. She turned her head as did the other three to see who might have called out to her. It wasn't often she was recognized by someone when out on their outings. Wren's eye widened slightly when seeing Ace.
'Why did that idiot have to be here now?' She thought.
She went for a very long time of never even catching a glance at any Whitebeard Pirates and now she can't get rid of them. Especially a certain freckle-faced one who was heading her way now.
"Isn't that Portgas D. Ace of the Whitebeard Pirates?" Lorelei asked. "What could he want?"
"How does he know you, Big sis?" Dellinger added.
"We've had the unpleasure of meeting each other," Wren replied with a frown.
Dellinger and Lorelei exchanged a glance as Baby 5 stepped closer to Wren. She placed her hand on Wren's shoulder as Ace stepped in front of them.
"Hey, it's been a while," Ace greeted Wren before looking to her companions. "You must be her crewmates. It's nice to meet you. My name is Ace."
He then grunted in pain when Wren grabbed his ear and started dragging him away. He tried to ask what was wrong, but he was ignored as Wren dragged him into an alley and out of sight. She didn't let him go until she knew the others weren't following.
"What are you doing here?" Wren asked as she stood in front of him with her arms crossed.
Ace, who was rubbing his sore ear with a frown, gave her a look of confusion.
"What do you mean?" Ace asked then grinned. "Last I checked, I am a pirate and we kind of go where we please, right?"
Wren gave him a look as she wasn't in the mood for his teasing. Actually, she was never in the mood for that.
"Just stay a good distance away from me and my crew," Wren said. "We are a crew of pirates headed by a Shichibukai. I would rather not the government see us associating. Knowing them they would automatically assume my captain is up to something, which would cause us trouble."
"Ah, come on, you're worrying too much." Ace said. "I just don't think you want your crew knowing we're friends."
"Big sis is trying to do you a favor, ya know." Lorelei's voice pipped up.
Ace, who hadn't noticed the girl join the conversation, jumped with his heart nearly stopping in his chest. Wren just sighed since she knew at least one of them would follow.
"The Young Master would probably try to kill you if he knew you were friends," Lorelei continued as she narrowed her eyes at Ace.
"Lorelei, I don't like that tone," Wren said. "It implies too much."
Lorelei pursed her lips as she looked between Wren and Ace.
"Are you the one who gave that cup-thing?" Lorelei asked.
Ace's face lit up slightly at the mention of the gift he had given Wren as said woman sighed once more.
"Yeah, does she still have it?" Ace asked.
Lorelei didn't reply as she stared even longer at Ace. She then looked to Wren when the taller girl ushered her along.
"Go back to the others," Wren said. "I won't be long."
Lorelei looked as if she wanted to argue but bit her lip as she did as she was told. Wren waited until the girl was gone before looking back to Ace.
"Let's talk," Wren said.
"Do you think something is going on between them?" Dellinger asked. "Oooh, the Young Master won't be happy~"
But this information is definitely something to gossip about later. Their Corazon having a thing with a Whitebeard Pirate of all people. And a division commander to boot. Lorelei just frowned more as she crossed her arms over her chest.
'To think the mystery guy, who gave her that cup, is Portgas D. Ace of all people.' Lorelei thought.
Lorelei wanted Wren to be happy. And though she didn't seem happy to see the man, Lorelei knew he was somehow involved in Wren opening up more. Though subtle there have been obvious changes in Wren's behavior. She spends more time with them like she used to when they were younger. She got out more and just didn't bury herself in work. She didn't hide what she was feeling and it seemed to by thanks to Ace. Lorelei was grateful to him, but she was also…worried.
'What if something really is going on between them?' Lorelei worried as Wren was making her way back to them. 'Why if it's serious? What if he wants her to join his crew? This could start a war between us and the Whitebeard Pirates. Nothing would be worse than that…No, something could be…Wren could want to go with him willingly and leave us.'
Lorelei was so lost in her thoughts she hadn't even realized Wren trying to speak with her. She didn't snap out of it until Wren shook her shoulder gently. Lorelei flinched in surprise before focusing on Wren.
"Lorelei, are you okay?" Wren asked concerned.
Lorelei stared at Wren for a moment before tears entered her eyes. She then let out a cry while latching onto the confused Wren.
"Big sis, don't leave us for the Whitebeard Pirates," Lorelei begged as she comically shook Wren back and forth.
"Leave us?" Dellinger parroted. "What are you talking about?! As if she would leave us for some guy. Right?!"
Dellinger looked to Wren for reassurance, but Baby 5 butted in before she could reply.
"Oh, will you two be getting married?" She asked excitedly. "You're so lucky, Wren. To be needed like that!"
Her words only made Lorelei cry even more as she clung tighter to Wren whose brow was twitching at this point.
"Married?!" Dellinger repeated while sounding even more hysterical. "Don't be ridiculous! It can't possibly be that serious between them yet, right?"
Again, he looked to Wren, who was trying to console the blubbering Lorelei, while hoping to hear Baby 5 was wrong.
"There isn't anything going on between us at all," Wren told the three. "You all just jumped to conclusions. You know better than that."
Dellinger looked relieved to hear this as Baby 5 actually looked a bit disappointed. Wren shook her head at the latter before turning her attention to Lorelei who was hiccupping pitifully by now.
"I'm not going anywhere," Wren assured her. "I promise."
PRESENT
'But that was a lie!' Lorelei thought heatedly as her eyes glowed an eerie blue causing balls of flame to appear in the mist she created. 'Everything was a lie. She never cared about any of us, and I'll make her pay for betraying us!'
Coco: I know the ending was kind of abrupt, but I wanted to cut things off before they actually got into the fight, which will happen in the next chapter. And hopefully in about three more chapters the entire Alabasta Arc will be over, and I can finally move on to something else XD It's not that I hate this arc, it's just in all my time ever writing One Piece stories, I've never gotten past it (at least not far past it anyway), so I'm ready to put it all behind me.
But there's some time before that. Now, until next time, guys. Remember just keep being you and I'll see you all next time.
