Chapter Text
Snap! The bloodied wooden floorboards creak and bend, before being snapped from their hinges, water dripping from the edges as the festering flames tickle at their fingers, burning. Inferno fires reaching for the sky and tearing through skin and bones to get there, pleading desperately for salvation. The flesh being torn away revealing bruises and scars from months of torment.
It's the nonchalant expression on her visage as she lets the flames lick at her clothes, edges being swallowed by ashes. Her limbs were heavy from exhaustion, but nothing could stop this tumultuous rage from reaching a breaking point.
They knew what would've happened had they continued to perform such transgressions, didn't they?
They were warned. They couldn't fault her for doing exactly what she "promised," she'd do. If they expected to be given a chance of a merciful end, they should’ve spent their nights praying to the stars and not torturing human beings for sadistic satisfaction.
“No, I didn’t mean–!” They choked on their words as spit fell from their lips, dripping with venomous contempt. Inside their mind, they attempted to construct sentences they could use to pacify the enraged monster in front of them by justifying their irredeemable actions.
However, when she negligently threw the injured body strewn over her shoulders like the blood staining her clothes meant nothing, he halted. They harshly landed on the broken floorboards as their head tilted revealing an expression of unadulterated horror, their bones fractured and bent at unnatural angles.
The lightning flashing up the night sky, and thunder crackling like a whip accompanied the grotesque scene. The brief respite of the petrichor lingered in the air as the shining stars watched this continuously repeated cycle of racism be committed. Those atrocious actions are easily perpetrated like they were just breathing. The horrendous, vile sights they forced her to see, unable to physically tear her eyes away from the scene. It'd disgusted her to no end.
"I told you, I don't make threats." The man stepped backward, stopping briefly before they glanced over their shoulder. They reached the edge of the boat, one more step and they'd fall overboard, but wouldn't that be more favorable- then the literal monster seething before them?
She reached behind her hips, bloodied fingers reaching around the hilt of her sharpened katana. "I make promises."
"Wait, please! I'll do anything you want, wait— we can discuss this!"
If these disgusting words from a man, more shrewd and corrupted than the fallacies they completely believed like an ignorant fool, whispered, or even uttered another godforsaken word, she'd slice his tongue from his mouth where he stands. It didn't appeal to her morality that she'd be stepping down to their level, becoming just like them in doing so.
However, whether the moon shines or hides, she could never erase their screams from her mind. Those horrid sounds pierced off the walls, bouncing around like ping-pong balls, before being swallowed by silence. It terrified her. The mere idiocy these humans managed to show, from their vile, contemptuous beliefs, to their satisfaction with being a part of something as revolting as human trafficking, not that she was one, anymore.
"Hah." The sheer mockery they'd made of her.
"Clean this floor, you dirty slave." She'd rather smash their head on this floor, and watch as blood spills from their bashed-in head.
"Shut up! You don't get to tell me what to do." If she had warned them beforehand, they wouldn't have listened, she only tried to save them from the unnecessary pain and bloodshed.
She didn't like this either. If anything, she hated being like this more than anyone. They didn't understand, they never would. The bloodthirsty whispers that shriek whenever she resists the urge to fulfill her desires, surrender herself to her instincts.
"Did you ever listen to them, when they'd begged you not to? When they screamed out, before being silenced? Did you?"
His breath came out rushed and harsh, his throat clogging up as he attempted to speak. Tears prickling at the corners of his eyes like he was the victim. The man tripped over his feet falling on his behind and scrambling backward like some dirty rat. Inside his expression the vestiges of fear and terror override his sense of rationality, waiting for her to slice his head or bare her fangs at him like some wild animal without a chain.
It didn't matter, she tried to convince herself. This man sealed his destiny the moment he shipped her off onto another boat, severing the line of sanctuary that kept them bonded to each other, relinquishing his life to the devil that lurked beneath her skin.
It's this sapling of hatred that continues to grow, sinking her further towards a spiral of insanity.
This devil whispering inside her mind tried to make Seraphina let go, submit to her desires, and relinquish this nasty feeling of guilt. They didn't understand it. Seraphina did, that despairing morality of ethics that kept her from directly killing any living, breathing being— tethered her to this world and allowed her to sink in her regret. She preferred that over becoming the very thing they berated her for. The reason for her existence wasn't some secret or a fairy tale. It's reality, despite the fact that she desperately wishes to reject that.
Seraphina, you aren't the devil that burns through you. Trust me.
Isn't that worse? If she continues to reject her existence, to erase the vestiges of her lineage, " she ," only gets angrier, seething behind her while remaining sidelined and passive, immortalizing her contempt.
Seraphina might've pretended to have liked this overwhelming feeling of potential, the innate talent that runs through her veins, dripping from her open wounds. However, she was simply living her life before, content to ignore her lineage and heritage, remaining nothing but a living legend to the people who scorned her kind, extinct.
Seraphina hesitates, horrid sick thoughts plunging her further into murky depths before she clings to the ledge, regaining her sense of morality. She’s not the devil that burns through her.
“Tsk,” surprisingly she sheathes her bloodied katana, whispering unheard apologies of negligence for previously refusing to rise to usurp their abusers. It haunted her at night, remembering their distraught expressions when they were carried to that distasteful room. The children weren’t spared and neither were the women. It remained to be a miracle when someone returned, devoid of their individuality and sanity, unfortunately. But, not often did the souls dragged there, ever return.
Kaliyah never did.
“If I ever see you doing this shit again, you’ll wish you died today.” The terrified man shivers under her spiteful watch, before diving overboard. She doesn’t regard him another glance, having previously sensed a Sea King lurking beneath these waters— his blood curdling screams of panic being thrown to the wind.
It’s retribution for the lives he freely took without regard, like pirates. In retrospect, she shouldn’t be surprised. In this world, there are only a couple of people out there who disregard the brutality that makes a pirate inhumane.
However, Seraphina would rather be a pirate than a marine. She couldn’t even think about what they'd done to her without wanting to throw up. When her ancestral home was wrestling with a necessary evil, like being crushed by the World Government which demanded they all be silenced for their “ crimes .”
They didn’t deserve that.
Seraphina released the tension from her shoulders, crumbling onto the deck beneath her, exhaustion painting her skin. She felt her head hit the floor, hands trembling as they reached out to the sky. It reminded her of Kaliyah and the nights they’d spend curling up against each other to steal warmth. Or, the nightmares she’d chase away like a burning light at the end of the tunnel.
Kaliyah. She desperately missed her.
The raging inferno compliments the twinkling stars, the moon shining brightly behind them. It’s scalding flames burn the remains of her dirty clothes, relinquishing her of the pitiful memories of her endured torment. The billowing smoke doesn’t spare her lungs, hacking up breaths of fresh air. Despite the bitter taste staining her tongue, Seraphina didn’t despair or grimace, she smiled. This burning ship marked the end of a lifetime of generational racism, whether she burns on this ship— she’ll never stop fighting for freedom, for the people .
“—bring the doctor, I’ll carry them onboard.” Seraphina could faintly hear multiple unfamiliar voices pierce her ears as she drifted towards a state of unconsciousness, the broken piece of wood she was floating on that kept her from drowning while she slept on the ocean’s remorseful waves, being pulled towards someone. Then she could feel her lethargic body being lifted and delicately placed onto a soft surface. “They’re barely breathing and they’ve suffered serious injuries.”
The bloodied wounds and bruises covering the entire length of her forearms and shins were being bandaged softly as she felt dainty fingers tickle alongside her skin, making her discomfort of strangers touching her come to the forefront of her mind. It sent warning signals through her entire body, and she felt her fingertips burn as fire danced at the edges of them.
It’s like she was being burned at the stake for her crimes, being a martyr publicly displayed as the representation of everything wrong with this horrible world. It wasn’t like she was a harbinger of evil and death, she didn’t satisfy her hunger with the grief of humans, nor did she prey on lesser beings for some wicked satisfaction. Seraphina may not have been a “humans,” but she wasn’t the fucking devil. Despite what “they,” brandished her as.
Shin was astonished as he quickly backed away as the flames of her sidelined resentment burst to the surface, like a phoenix being reborn from the ashes. When he picked her up from the sea while on a fishing trip, he didn’t expect to examine a patient that had extremely different body properties than that of a normal human. Granted, he had taken on non-human patients before, but he’d never met or seen a draconian before. He’d truly believed they’d gone extinct, like the rest of the world assumed.
Yet, here she was in the flesh.
Shin didn’t have any expectations or fear for her kind, he was only a doctor who had a responsibility to care and protect his patients while they were under his tutelage. Understanding that she most likely has a phobia of physical contact, he took caution when he handled the scars present on her chest. They were horrible and he could feel the delicate tissue poking through her muscles, they represented the injuries a marine or pirate would get after a desperate fight for survival. It horrified him to think what happened to them for her to get such serious wounds.
“Just what have they done to you,” he whispered empathically while applying some pressure to her shoulder wound and dressing the gunshot hole, as the skin was extremely sensitive and couldn’t handle any stitching of the muscle.
Seraphina blearily opened her eyes that looked like a golden Arabian sunset, an endless abyss of swirling darkness surging inside of them— like a monster lurking in the dark, waiting to strike. Regardless, she felt like one whenever that eerie voice decided to whisper intrusive thoughts of relinquishing control to “ them ,” but she’d never let them steal her freedom.
“It doesn’t matter to you.”
The sharp venom that dripped from her lips reminded Shin of a hostile cat. Seraphina really didn’t like receiving attention from anything that lived and breathed, apparently, and she especially despised doctors given by the expression of disgust and contempt present on her visage.
“It doesn’t , you’re right.” His validation of her words surprised her. It wasn’t often that people attempted to validate how she felt. As a “monster,” she didn’t have any feelings or emotions and therefore, was the perfect punching bag for people to unleash their scorn on. “But, I’d like to know how my patient got such serious wounds.”
A sparkly-esque feeling erupted from her chest, making her think she was having a premature heart-attack, except she knew exactly what kind of feeling this emotion linked to, warmth. It wasn’t like a motherly embrace on a shivering winter night, but the sensation you get when you drink a delicious cup of hot chocolate by the fireplace.
Silently, she resigned. “Thanks.” It was common courtesy to be grateful when someone, who has no obligation to you, decides to save you from drowning and suffering a terrible fate. However, Shin didn’t do this to receive gratitude or a gift. Just, he didn’t like seeing people sacrifice themselves and their youth before ever getting a chance to experience life. So, when Seraphina nervously mumbled her earnest gratitude, he lightly chuckled.
It won’t satisfy you.
Seraphina abruptly lurched forwards, bile rising from her throat as she went from complacent to panicking, like she’d seen a ghost. The sensation of nails scratching at her throat from the inside out had her choking on fabricated blood filling her lungs.
They’ll end up betraying you and reporting you to the marines.
Seraphina grasped onto her silver hair, strands ripping from her scalp from how tight she pulled, wishing that the voice taunting her would vanish from her mind. It wasn’t her. This “ creature ,” invading her headspace never failed to inject poison into her brain. They’re the reason Seraphina had lost her ability to trust others, despite the sincerity that shined through their smiles. If they hadn’t been right when her homeland was destroyed and proclaimed a wasteland, she would’ve never fallen victim to their evil schemes.
It’s like they thrived on her pain and anguish.
They might’ve shared a consciousness, but they didn’t share a mind.
If you let me out, I can take care of everything for you, Sera.
Seraphina wasn’t a blind fool, she knew their words were nothing but empty promises. She wouldn’t fall blindly to a deceitful scheme, again . Shin could sense her panicking and quickly retrieved a solution of water and sleeping pills and handed the concoction to her. It didn’t even take a second for Seraphina to drown the thing down her throat, sensing the medication secretly mixed in.
She tried to spit the “water,” out, not wanting to succumb to her subconsciousness once more. “I can’t believe you–!” Then, she could feel her heavy eyelids closing as she attempted to keep them open and focused on the visuals in front of her. It didn’t help as her limbs became like a sack of potatoes, making her lean back onto the plush bed as she stared up at the ceiling, resigning herself and feeling ultimately defeated. Despite the whole unethical drugging situation being used for medical purposes, it reminded her of when those monsters snatched her up for a price on her head.
Seraphina remembered the day exactly, the entire thing engraved into her mind, forcing her to reject entering her thoughts which used to be a place of solace and silence. It disgusted her when the sensation of poison being shoved down her throat as they bound her like a rabid “dog,” came crawling back to her. The scarlet blood that spilled from her lips down her chin and onto the concrete floor as she heaved— the memories came rushing back like a record on repeat.
Kaliyah was terrified when that happened, feeling powerless and utterly defeated as she had to standby and watch her cherished sibling be treated like vermin— it was all her fault. If she hadn’t watched them sacrifice themselves, and had fought her hardest for the people that raised her, then perhaps they’d still be alive. Maybe she’d still have, parents.
If Seraphina had a nickel for every time she was kidnapped, she’d have three and that wasn’t many— but that was beyond the “normal,” limit for being kidnapped, repeatedly. It was like she was a serial offender for being the perfect candidate to kidnap.
They weren’t pleasant memories by any chance, but as Kaliyah’s smile emerged from the depths of her mind, Seraphina was quietly roused to sleep, as Shin released a heavy breath. He didn’t exactly prefer knocking out his patients like this, especially when they didn’t consent. However, he didn’t what to experience first-hand what a Draconian breakdown would have looked like, especially, the end result.
Shin had exhausted all his energy while taking delicate care of Seraphina that he’d exhausted any cognitive thought process. He figured he’d be more liable to deal with this in the morning.
When he became a doctor, he wasn’t very keen on the sleepless nights and tireless working. Which was exactly the reason behind his reluctance to work for any organizations or hospitals throughout the East Blue. He liked the self-employment life. It had more benefits, except for complete strangers sort of barging in on his privacy.
Granted, he most likely wouldn’t be able to keep up this lifestyle for much longer. His own health was declining as he was rapidly aging as the repetitive days passed him by like a cheetah racing to be King of the Jungle. He didn’t have much of his youth anymore, but he preferred the wisdom and knowledge he had over the childish, naive man he used to be. Back when he believed everything was black and white and there wasn’t any grey line blurring over the edges— making things “look,” black and white but underneath the surface everything was so much more complicated and complex.
It was ultimately better for both of them that Seraphina didn’t experience a mental breakdown against herself while attempting to find sanctuary amongst her polluted mind. It’s honestly like living through a simulated version of yourself you don’t recognize. Seraphina didn’t usually let her emotions get the best of her, she preferred being practical and not rational. After all, she let her brain decide, not her heart.
If she wasn’t so frightened of losing herself to the monster that lurked beneath her shadows like a stalker, she might’ve opened up herself to people more— let the abandonment and trust issues discard themselves for a singular moment. Except, whenever she built up enough courage to latch onto that rope, another wispy hand grasped on and clipped the thing in half. They’d grin eerily as they watch Seraphina fall back towards her pit of despair.
If her life experiences were anything to go by, she seriously doubted she’d ever find someone worth living for. There wasn’t anyone left that cherished her— they were all slaughtered like fish on a chopping block. Seraphina didn’t have any expectations, but she would’ve liked to experience normal affectionate love. It was simple, really. The Gods may have given her another chance, but they hadn’t blessed her. They’d forsaken her.
It’s okay. Seraphina didn’t need their blessings.
She’d be fine, eventually. If she could withstand months of verbal racism, excruciating persecution, and the crushing guilt of being a bystander amongst weaklings. She could handle anything they decided to throw her way.
She couldn’t, apparently.
However, she hadn’t meant for them to literally throw “someone,” her way. It was a metaphor to describe her shitty fortune and how despite her constant worship to her Gods when she used to have semblance of a “normal,” life– that they didn’t give a single fuck and decided to cheerfully cackle at her continuous pain.
It wasn’t exactly how she pictured starting her morning. Seraphina expected another day of physical therapy, while Shin drank his disgusting black coffee and scolded her for straining her muscles when she began to breathe heavily. It was supposed to be like that.
Experiencing the normalcy she desperately craved since she was a child. They weren’t any disparaging stories that forebode a future of misfortune because they had a rich legacy and heritage engraved in history. Seraphina didn’t really listen back then whenever Haku spoke. He might’ve been her biological father, but he acted like that one extremely displeasing neighbor who thinks that you’re friends.
It was a bittersweet memory for her, now.
Seraphina had discovered while recovering at Shin’s humble abode that they’re both like ancient souls. They were definitely similar, almost like siblings from another life. He hadn’t liked anything overly sweet and didn’t particularly enjoy sugary treats of any kind and Seraphina despised anything that contained sugar, claiming they were tricks from the devil. Shin only blankly stared at her like she was a foreign alien from outer space for that ridiculous statement.
It wasn’t much that they shared, but Shin never encouraged her to do anything. He let Seraphina decide the pace she wanted for her life, while he accommodated her. It might’ve been part of his new philosophy as a doctor— but, perhaps the Draconian had grown on him. Shin was glad he didn’t listen to those nasty rumors about her kin, she was the furthest thing from a “monster.” Seraphina was only one thing in Shin’s eyes.
A desperate child searching for her purpose in life.
So, Shin leaned back while smiling as he witnessed her growth. She’d learned to smile while managing to not look like the devil, he’d been able to hear the melodic tone of her childish laughter. She even managed to be able to stare at herself in the mirror, she might’ve frowned when she did but, he no longer was required to shield the mirrors around the house with curtains. She’d grown and recovered the shattered self-esteem she’d lost on that ship .
He was extremely proud of her and her achievements, they might have been minor from an outsider’s perspective. However, he wasn’t graced with her angelic smile for an entire eight months. It took the entirety of the year she’d been here for Seraphina to even crack a laugh from her rosy lips. He wasn't lying when he mentioned to her that he’d been proud of her for coming so far from the damaged, and hypervigilant woman she used to be when they first met.
He’d never admit this, but Seraphina was like his child.
Amidst the necessary chaos and impulsive decisions they’d made together, Seraphina had found someone she decided was worth living for, and Shin found his meaning in life— his lifelong fulfillment bringing him a sense of peace and solidarity. If he left this world behind to continue moving forward, he’d be alright. Seraphina might be distraught by his abrupt death, but she’d move on and find wonderful friends who cherish her for “who” she was and not what she could do.
It was something that Shin would bet his life on.
Shin decided that he gained a sixth-sense, considering he’d had the feeling that last night might’ve been the last chance he had to see Seraphina and genuinely have a normal conversation without the main topic surrounding her recovery and any plans she had for when she finished her treatment here. Granted, her initial treatment had been completed months before this, but he believed she’d stayed despite that for his company. She’d confided in him and confessed the reason behind her reluctance to allow others to get close enough to her that she’d been vulnerable to them.
Kailyah’s disappearance had shattered any semblance of normalcy that Seraphina retained. It’d taken her soul and crushed it between their nimble fingers. Seraphina didn’t trust another human following that “ incident ,” and then Shin barged his way through the sealed door— proclaiming that she needed to be able to forgive herself before she could practice vengeance against those who scorned her. If she didn’t believe herself that she wasn’t a monster, then no one would.
Seraphina leisurely traipsed down the concrete-lined road, or what remained. The entirety of this settlement had been destroyed like the effort they’d used when building this place had been for naught. It was horrific what that man was doing to these upstanding people. If she wasn’t seriously injured, she would’ve easily fought him the moment he arrived on that forsaken shore, with his ensemble of circus freaks.
She grimaced as she stared at the remains of Shin’s house, wood burnt and seared like someone committed arson to get rid of the disease plaguing the household. It wouldn’t be the first time someone tried to inflict pain onto those Seraphina cherished to hurt her.
“Woof,” at the sound of an extremely disgruntled bark, Seraphina glanced over her shoulder at Chouchou. He’d looked positively miffed, like someone had spit in his breakfast. She smiled and approached the displeased dog, reaching under his chin to give him some deserved scratches. He leaned towards her delicate touch and licked her on her hand once she pulled away. Chouchou might’ve only been really affectionate around his deceased owner, but he particularly enjoyed Seraphina’s company.
“What a good little boy you are, Chouchou.”
Unfortunately, Seraphina did have a previous destination when she left the temporary camp they’d set up outside of town— so, she decided to keep heading towards there. In her haste, she’d given Chouchou a sweet kiss on the head, ruffling his fur.
“I’ll see you again,” she murmured before grasping her sparkly scarlet staff that helped her balance herself whenever she’d feel faint. Then, turned towards the district of houses that weren’t completely demolished, yet. She doubted that they remained stable for long, considering Buggy’s reign of terror. Seraphina blocked out the world and the noises that continued on in the background, as the sunlight shined down on her figure.
It would’ve been extremely peaceful, except a lithe figure brushed against her shoulder as a shot of electricity coursed through them.
“Oi! Get back here woman!” The enraged shouts of men chasing a beautiful woman attracted her attention towards the front. They’d taken up guns and swords as they fervently attempted to catch her, while she dodged their advances by weaving through the street like an experienced runner.
Seraphina glanced ahead of her as she darted past her, the familiar woman stealing a glance towards her. It had been as though the world paused momentarily for them, allowing them to have a brief respite from the chaotic dangers that lurked around the corners for them.
Seraphina noticed the crazed look of desperation hidden beneath her sheer determination, she couldn’t understand why she’d continue to put herself through situations that could’ve easily taken her life. Nami hadn’t been a fucking fool— she did this for her family, for those who’d been taken from her ruthlessly at the hands of rotten pirates.
The sentimentality and desperation to earn the right to sail the high seas without worrying about her family had consumed her soul. It remained akin to a moth to a flame— the seas beckoned to her, but she remained complacent despite the urging to return their calls.
The pitiful expression of her visage reminded Seraphina of a kicked puppy. That aching anguish, she’d understood exactly the emotional turmoil destroying her from the inside.
Seraphina felt a string cling to her, pushing her towards a sapling that held onto the reins of destiny. It remained an entire conundrum of what Seraphina planned to do when she recovered completely under Shin’s guidance. Except, this string wrapping around her wrists might’ve been a clue to, perhaps— a better future of promise and faint happiness.
No. She’d promised them, didn’t she? She’d never become a pirate, under any circumstance. If she betrayed that promise, it would’ve been like murdering them by her own hands.
Nami had begun to continue her fervent chase, then they’d both heard a very distinctive scream rousing Seraphina from her slight trance.
Surprisingly, she’d known exactly where that scream originated from— and unfortunately for her, he was heading directly towards her rapidly astonished form. Seraphina didn’t even know how “ he ,” managed to get himself wrapped up in these ridiculous situations. Then, just as his expression morphed into one of surprise and curiosity, they collided like a couple of dominos. The displeased expression on her visage spoke volumes of how she felt regarding this incredible, ( horrible ) situation. Seraphina swore she heard her spine crack when she crashed onto the concrete street, loose pebbles grinding against her backside as this moron laid on top of her, crushing her lithe frame. How did he even weigh that much?
“G-Get off of me,” she groaned as she tried to shift his weight to the side while failing entirely. Then, she grabbed ahold of her staff and shoved the edge of the metal “weapon,” towards his side, eliciting a scream from the depths of his soul. Oops, she might’ve pressed the wrong button, and possibly could have stabbed him? It was an honest mistake.
“Ouch! What the hell did you stab me for?” he screamed directly at Seraphina while pressing a hand to his side, a newly-opened hole piercing his hips. Then, he glanced up at her golden sunset eyes, mirroring his own reflection deep inside them. Unaware of his eerie staring, Seraphina thrusted her staff at him, again . He snapped out of his momentary trance.
Seraphina felt her skin tingle and a chilling sensation ran down her spine. She would’ve continued this conversation or avoided any kind of confrontation concerning him— this man and his determination and drive to accomplish his dreams terrified her. She didn’t want to ever interact with him.
However, before she could’ve quickly slipped away, a stray bullet went soaring by her head. Seraphina could feel blood trickling down her cheek, a minuscule scar forming onto her visage. Ah. That’s right. Nami’s pursuers were here and looking positively bewildered at the scene.
“Oh. Captain, you’re here.”
“Huh?”
( If she hadn’t been distracted by his predictable reaction to a thief’s bold admission— she would’ve noticed the grinning pirates lurking amongst the shadows. If only she hadn’t decided to go for a leisurely walk this morning . )
The abruptly fleeing ginger spared them a glance before tossing a sapling of betrayal their way. If she hadn’t mentioned— “lied,” — that Luffy was apparently her captain, Seraphina wouldn’t be here attempting to persuade these violent pirates to turn a blind eye to their peculiar situation.
They didn’t.
Seraphina seriously wished she’d just stayed at the settlement, residing to practice her physical recovery, regarding her wrists and hands— they’d had been practically destroyed when properly exclaimed as her tendons and tissues were torn apart and redeemed unrepairable. Except, she’s a Draconian. They had miraculous healing properties. It’s honestly terrifying how resilient they were. It’s no surprise they were slaughtered like sheep.
“So, you’re that thief’s captain, huh?”
“No? I’ve never met that woman before.”
“Covering up for her? How charming,” this simpleton clearly didn’t understand English. He’s like the definition of a fucking non-playable character. He didn’t have any personality or depth to himself, regarded only as a tool for furthering the plotline, except there were some deep plot holes lining up alongside the script. If Seraphina hadn’t been here, things would have proceeded as she faintly remembered.
It shouldn't have continued like this, they should’ve already been knocked unconscious, right? It wasn’t normal for Luffy to regularly entertain conversations that were threatening to him or his friends.
So, why hadn’t they been beaten up already?
Granted, she’s been living in a surreal world of fiction for the past decade or so— she wasn’t going to remember much from her past life that she despised for her freaking abysmally boring experience there.
It’s something akin to existing, but not living. Seraphina didn't have pleasant memories of her experience drifting through life before. She’d suffered from a chronic illness that was determined to strike the gong at midnight, relinquishing her soul for the reaping. Seraphina had even tried to end it all. It failed.
So, when she arrived here and became aware of her sickening situation, she felt the ocean beckoning for her. However, she was already too far deep to see the sunlight reflecting on the waves' surface. The stinging sensation filling up her lungs as her eyes burned didn’t remind her of agony, just desperation. She didn’t understand why only horrible things befall upon her. Was she— cursed?
It didn't matter, not anymore.
Unfortunately enough, it seemed like her streak of increasingly terrible luck brought forth another reckoning.
Monkey D. Luffy, the devil’s incarnate.
Seraphina decided that she didn’t want to be wrapped up in the chains that was the fucking plot. So, she attempted to sprint away and disappear from the face of this god forsaken planet. Ignoring the excruciating sensation of pain flooding her central nervous system, as she aggravated the actively healing wounds on her thighs.
She’d briefly noticed someone being punched towards the ground, hearing the concrete crack under their face. Then, Nami had gracefully fallen to the ground to resume her ornate conversation about her “hobbies,” concerning stealing, strictly from pirates.
She didn’t hear anything when Seraphina disappeared around the bending road. It appeared as though she’d be able to get away from this disastrous situation that was rapidly escalating to a point she’d have no escape from. Seraphina had known of the apparent dangers of twisting the timeline she’d entered. It’d been her main motivation to avoid any characters pertaining to the plotline, except for one .
Seraphina hadn’t meant to, particularly— ruin, his life, per say. Then again, he’d been the one who mocked her kin and something sort of snapped and she kind of, might have, given him an irreversible scar that trailed across his chest for life. It’s an honest mistake, really.
She didn’t regret her actions.
However, when she rounded the sharp corner directly entering a secluded alleyway, she didn’t expect to see such a sickening-familiar visage suddenly pop up into her field of vision.
Shit .
Shanks should’ve let him drown in that vast ocean.
“Shin. I should’ve listened to you when I had the chance, sigh .”
Plink. Plink. Poof. The sparkling fairy creature twirling around while grinning resembled a manifestation of happiness— an emotion Serpahina couldn’t garner any fascination for, especially not in her current situation. Plink. The repetitive dripping sounds were slowly driving her towards the brink of insanity. The faint scent of rotting flesh nearby had her clenching her nostrils and grimacing. It might’ve been her naivety for believing that all pirates were similar to “them,” but she was dearly mistaken. Pirates were criminals who committed monstrosities without regard for the lives they ruined or the people they’ve murdered. They blindly regarded life and other people’s cherished memories as grime underneath their feet. In their eyes, people were like vermin crawling around their shoes. Ready to be squashed like a bug that was disgusting to their sight.
( Do you need help, master? I’d love to be of service to you! )
Lottie. It didn’t take an expert to figure out what Seraphina’s response was going to entail. Seraphina regarded her very lightly, attempting to pretend the fairy wasn’t there, hovering near her visage, as those circus freaks observed her like hawks scouring for prey. She didn’t want them to use their brains and figure out her secret by talking to herself and have them view her as clinically insane.
It only enraged her as they partied on like nothing mattered, the burnt corpse by the corner of the roof, had been disregarded by everyone as they celebrated retrieving the Grand Line Map and finding a new crewmate, Nami. Seraphina normally would have escaped by this point, considering they hadn't taken any precautions when capturing her, like putting a rope on her or even using reinforced steel bars— not that would’ve mattered either. Except, this particular situation had her reeling from a massive headache and she couldn’t focus on anything aside from the pain tormenting her.
They boisterously laughed and cackled like animals while drinking copious amounts of alcohol, pirates passing out from left to right, landing on cracked pieces of glass, knocked over tables, and even the cold hard concrete.
( I only wanted to be of help to you, master. )
Lottie didn’t have any ulterior motives as she wasn’t nothing but a figment of her imagination, a manifestation. Seraphina understood her situation, but her priorities weren’t concerning the feelings her “ creation ,” might’ve been experiencing. Seraphina had been dealt a card that wasn’t pertaining to minor injuries. If she failed, it meant death. So, she was definitely more concerned about her life being stripped away from her by the Grim Reaper, than Lottie not being of any practical use except moral support for Seraphina.
Approaching the cage while having a smirk on her visage had been none other than the Cat Burglar, Nami. She’d crouched down before Luffy who’d been previously munching on the cage out of frustration. He’s definitely not a very patient man, considering he should have some notion that his crewmate was on his way to find and or save him from being murdered by Buggy.
“How ya’ doing, “ Captain .”
“Let me outta’ of here!” He murmured, teeth still attached to the metal cage as Seraphina stared at him with disgust in her expression. “And get me something to eat, I’m starving!” He’d been making some seriously bold demands for someone who was chained up behind bars. He definitely didn’t understand the whole hostage situation.
They continued to bicker back and forth about being a part of his crew, despite her continuous refusal to become a disgusting pirate. Seraphina had mentally agreed, considering she’d seen her fair share of horrible pirates who didn’t care for the beauty of human life and regarded other species as vermin— she had experienced a considerable amount of racism from the moment her parents had given birth to her.
The entire world had rejected her existence.
“—picked the wrong partner, little thief!”
“Partner? She's not my partner.”
“Not anymore? I can’t say I blame you. She betrayed you, after all.” He smirked triumphantly while the words spilled from his scarlet red lips, resembling blood. “The punishment for stealing my treasure’s severe. I’ve already decided what your fate shall be.”
Seraphina whispered underneath her breath, lamenting her life choices. However, she’d recaptured his attention by continuing to speak once he finished his speech.
“I haven’t forgotten about you, little birdie,” he mocked her lineage and the nonchalant expression had been replaced by a sneer of deep contempt for his lackadaisical words. Seraphina wished she hadn’t been restricted or she would’ve ripped his larynx from his throat.
“I’d been wondering what “rat,” was wandering through my things, prowling around my town,” the underappreciated and un loved clown started talking, taking a seat on his throne directly facing the metal cage that kept them from hurting or attempting to escape from Buggy’s clutches. “I should’ve known, Seraphina Alpherasea.”
If only she didn’t have a fucking bounty. She’d honestly forgotten that the Marines or the World Government had desperately desired her head slashed from her neck and thrown to the depths of the sea, so she could mourn her volatile life alongside her dead relatives, as they returned to their ancestors.
“Hm?” The ever-curious monkey tied up beside her was extremely confused about the current situation. He’d been captured by Nami despite that they’d managed to escape from Buggy’s stupid cronies and was caged like a wild animal alongside some stranger he’d had the misfortune of almost knocking out when he was being hurled from the sky by that accursed bird being shot down, via cannon. Except she’d stabbed him and proceeded to, or tried— to quickly run away from the escalating events. She didn’t get far before some ridiculous, looking buffoon had gotten a hold of her.
Deliberately stealing what he’d assumed was a cane she used to help her walk without limping.
He’d hadn’t noticed before, but she was slightly trembling whenever she put pressure on her right side, especially on her thighs while confined to this tight space that they shared. He tried to compound himself and take up less space, so she’d be able to freely stretch her legs and relieve herself of the uncomfortable feeling. It wasn’t really working considering he’d been securely tied up by his navigator. Talk about betrayal.
“I could say the same for you. I wasn’t aware that pirates were so petty.” Seraphina painted a smirk on her visage, disregarding the throbbing sensation in her right thigh. It felt like a continuous stinging of needles prodding her skin.
However, she’d rather focus on her pain when her life wasn’t in danger of being extinguished despite her suicidal tendencies. Seraphina didn’t want to live— but she’d hate to die at the hands of someone else, especially a fucking pirate.
“Huh, you two know each other?”
“No.” Seraphina responded curtly, observing the clown accompanied by an expression that looked as thought she’d eaten a bug.
The aforementioned clown didn’t elicit a response to the enormous walking box of stupidity, seated beside her— who was curling in on himself to conserve space. Seraphina didn’t understand that, perhaps he had claustrophobia. Except, his personality doesn’t exactly reveal that he had any fears. The only thing she’d barely remembered that frightened Luffy, was his fearsome grandfather who’d readily beat him to a pulp, as “ training ,” and she was almost positive that it wasn't legal. Then again, he survived, right?
“I don’t even understand why I’m here. I didn’t steal your freaking map, that thief over there did.” She blatantly pointed at Nami who’d been quietly observing the scene, probably considering possible escape routes. She visibly flinched when Seraphina mentioned her, quickly attempting to persuade Buggy that her captain had forced her to commit such an act.
“I’m aware and for both of your disobedient actions, I’m going to make you both suffer a punishment that you’ll wish you never crossed me.”
He prepared one of his special cannon balls that delivered an enormous amount of firepower that demolished half of the town square when he’d arrived, only because a couple children had mocked his nose. Seraphina had been shocked at his demonstration of power that marked a reign of terror, and had Shin not stopped her, she would’ve tried to fight him while only managing to die suffering more from the extent of her injuries than anything he could've done to her.
The display of destruction had garnered similar reactions from both Nami and Luffy. It roused some contempt for pirates, furthering her hatred as Nami felt extremely remorseful for the people who used to live here without something breathing fear down their necks.
He decided that he wanted Nami to prove her loyalty to him and gave her the decision— more like, demand to send both Seraphina alongside Luffy to the afterlife by blowing them to smithereens and leaving nothing behind to remain. She’d clearly hesitated, not prepared to murder anyone, refusing to stoop to a pirates level of disregard. She tried to get everyone to go back to partying except her attempt ultimately failed as Buggy pressured her.
While weighing her decisions of whether she should light this match and watch as someone was killed by the actions she committed, or stay determined to her goals and remain loyal to morals despite her unethical actions regarding being a thief.
“Your hands are shaking,” she flinched as he addressed her, visibly trembling. “That’s what you get for going up against pirates unprepared.” He bared a smirk on his visage that expressed his determination and daring attitude he carried with himself.
“What? Being prepared means being ready to kill anyone like they don’t matter.”
“No.” He’d suddenly turned serious as though he clearly meant what words spilled from his lips, “ it means being prepared to risk your own life!”
She’d tripped slightly as someone pushed her aside, attempting to light the cannon as she’d been stalling while debating her choices that’d helped her retain her humanity without having to disobey his demands. She didn't want to become his target and lose her life, not when she was the closest she’d been to achieving her goal.
When she noticed that the man had snatched the box of matches from her lithe fingers, attempting to light the fuse that she’d been contemplating about, wasting seconds that could’ve easily decided her fate. She’d quickly assembled her wooden staff and smacked him across the back of his head, unsuspecting a surprise hit, he toppled on the ground, unconscious.
Obviously, she’d instantly garnered hatred from every pirate around. It was instinct the way she’d beaten him down and only understood her mistake when they’d drawn their weapons and directed them towards her. Seraphina attempted to stifle a cackle under her breath at the ridiculous expression on Buggy’s visage at her betrayal.
Birds of a feather— flock together, right?
“Traitor! And after I welcomed you into my crew!” He roared like an angry child. If she easily “betrayed” Luffy like he was nothing, what did he expect when she so readily and eagerly abandoned her past loyalties to become a part of his crew. Once a traitor, always a traitor. Isn’t that how the old shtick goes.
“I only got a little carried away, I’m not rescuing you two.” She responded indignantly, like the mere suggestion disgusted her. “You pirates took someone dear to me. I’ll never become what I hate!”
Seraphina wanted to refute her statement and reveal that she does abandon her previous contempt for pirates, to become a part of something greater than herself. To sacrifice her only chance at normalcy to follow someone who’s charisma blinds anyone from refuting his illogical nonsense. However, his sheer determination doesn’t only frighten, but inspire.
“Oh, so that’s why you hate pirates,” he slowly trailed off, glancing towards the cannon that had been lit up by mistake, bringing both Seraphina and Luffy a step closer to meeting the Grim reaper, her best “friend,” apparently with how often they got to seeing each other. “I’m gonna die!” He screamed like a hooligan as he started biting at the cage, again .
“Can you like, stop. I’d rather not die hearing you screaming in my ear.”
Seraphina had been slightly nervous that things would deviate from the storyline and she’d die, without ever finding out the truth of what happened that eerie night where the sun didn't shine and smoke choked her half to death. The flashing of murky memories of unnecessary bloodshed and ancient secrets being burned to the ground as the youngins remained unaware of the treachery they’ve committed. She’d only remembered one thing, the last words she’d ever heard her parents say to her.
“Seraphina, you’ll be the one to remember our legacy, our heritage.”
She didn’t understand what they meant by that, and she doesn’t think she ever will. They hadn’t been the best parents for delicate children who needed an upbringing without consistent reminders of the monstrous blood running through their veins, coursing through their heart and plaguing their mind. She needed a mother, not an “ educator .”
“Darn! We’ll be blown to bits at this rate! Instead of sitting there, why don’t you help!”
She’d only glanced at him then towards the metal bars and deadpanned. “What do you want me to do, bite them? I’m not a freak like you.”
“I’m not a freak!”
“Considering you're biting and attempting to eat metal bars, I’d say you’re not the brightest or most normal.”
“I’m plenty bright.” He did not say that. She’ll pretend she didn’t hear that ridiculous shit. It was honestly surprising how he’s managed to live this long. She's positive that Makino couldn’t have helped to remedy his stupidity when making impulsive decisions that could’ve gotten him killed a thousand times over.
They continued to bicker— correction; Luffy continued to argue while Seraphina blatantly ignored him. However, Nami attempted to fend off the vicious pirates from sending her to an early grave as she continued to watch the fuse grow shorter as the seconds passed, the world spinning a little slower as she’d knocked out another pesky pirate from slashing a knife across her throat.
She didn’t see the rock behind her and tripped as the staff was thrown from her hand, her body spinning around to see the fuse almost finished and decided to save those bickering pirates from being blown to smithereens.
Fsss! Fissh! She didn’t think as she quickly placed her fingers over the handle of the rope, burning her hand and as she screamed out in pain, a sickening sizzling sound came from where she tightly gripped the rope. The scent of burning flesh piercing Seraphina’s heightened senses, feeling a sense of pity and indifference towards her. She’d made her choice.
“Oi. If you can’t handle the heat, don’t play with fire.”
Seraphina stared directly at her while speaking, an expression of nonchalance displayed on her features while she conveyed an facial expression of fear at Seraphina’s words that revealed the raw emotions hidden beneath her buried heart.
“Hey! Look out, behind you!”
Nami didn’t have enough time to react, given her weapon had been tossed aside. She didn’t bother turning around or glancing over her shoulder only to see the vicious expression of her attacker as they slit her throat or chest to satisfy their machiavellian desires. However, she heard a distinct voice directly behind followed by an abrupt squelching sound as blood splattered at their feet, the concrete being littered by bodies splayed across the tavern roof.
“How many pirates do you need to handle one girl?”
“Zoro!” The infuriating monkey beside her stopped bothering her to revel the appearance of his friend, beyond elated at his vice-captain saving him from complete destruction at the hands of a clown who looked as though he’d passed his expiration date.
Seraphina didn’t share the sentiment.
( Kyah! Isn’t that, Roronoa Zoro? )
He’d turned around and they had stared directly at one another, mirroring expressions painted on their facial features.
“Kaliyah?” Shit. She’d really fucked up, didn’t she? Welp, not like things could get worse than this, right?