He did not hesitate when he fled. The great cage of strings had settled around Minion Island, enveloping his father's base. Diez Barrels and his crew's cries were echoing throughout the town. Drake knew that he was supposed to feel rotten. He was supposed to feel guilty for leaving his father behind to be murdered. But he thought back to the happenings just 6 hours earlier, and they steadied his mind. No, he was completely justified in his escape.
"Get over here, Dory," Barrels called, beckoning his son over. Drake padded towards him, wary of his father's big, calloused, and brutish hands. His father was perched on a wooden crate, holding the Ope Ope no Mi.
"What exactly do you think this is?" Barrels asked, holding the treasure out for his son to see. Drake examined the fruit. Heart-shaped and red, it was a hypnotising thing to look at.
"That's a Devil Fruit, father," Drake answered, shuffling in place.
"Of course it is!" his father snapped. "What kind of Devil Fruit do you think it is?"
"I wouldn't know father," Drake replied, and as the words left his mouth, he prepared himself for retribution.
SLAP
Drake held his stinging cheek, and looked down at the floor.
"Don't give me an attitude, boy," his father snarled, kicking him in the chest and knocking him to the floor.
Drake curled up, trying to make himself smaller.
"Look at me, boy!" Barrels growled, yanking Drake up by his hair, "If you're going to take over this crew one day, you have to know how things work around here. Do you understand?"
"Yes father," Drake whispered, exhaling out of relief when his father released him from his grip.
"This," his father gestured at the fruit, "is worth a lot of money. So much money, in fact, that the Marines-" he spat the word 'Marines'.
Drake frowned. It had not been so long ago that his father was part of the group that he was now actively working to spite as a pirate.
"The Marines," his father cleared his throat, "are willing to pay us a considerable sum for it."
"What do you mean, father?" Drake asked, tilting his head.
"They're coming here today," Barrels grinned, "we're doing the exchange at midnight."
Drake bit his lip.
"Father, please, this sounds like a trap."
"Are you mocking me, Dory?" his father growled, "As if the Marines would try and trick a powerhouse like me. Besides, even if they had the nerve, the Barrels Pirates outnumber them by far."
"Father, the Marines are strong, I don't want you-"
Barrels fist came flying at Drake's face. It connected with his jaw with a resounding crack. Drake caught a glimpse of his father's face. It was dark, and unsmiling. How dissimilar he was to the man Drake had once loved and admired…"How dare you insinuate that I might even have a chance of losing," Barrels snarled, "You're no son of mine. Get out."
Barrels pointed at the door, and Drake scrambled towards it. He began running to outskirts of the island. He had no doubt in his mind; his father would lose for sure. He had to escape. He couldn't stay here any longer.
Drake looked up at the pink figure, swinging through the sky on invisible strings. That person would be responsible for his father's demise-to-come. His father. The man he'd spend the majority of his life looking up to and following. Somehow, he couldn't care less that the man was about to die. Perhaps, he might have even felt relieved.
A.N.: Fun fact- The 'X' in Drake's name is pronounced 'Diez'. His father's name is Diez Barrels. Drake's abuse as a child was the main motivation for this piece. I hope I've handled it appropriately, and if not, please don't refrain from pointing it out to me. Reviews, Favourites, Subscriptions, Reader Birthdays, and Requests are welcomed and much appreciated! I'll see you tomorrow for Koala!