Chapter Text
Isn't it interesting how quickly life can be flipped upside down? One minute you're living with your day to day routine and all it takes is a little circumstance to change everything. Good news, bad news, even no news could effect it all. In your case, bad news.
You'd awoken in the late morning, in your barely furnished, basic apartment on your not mentionable island in the New World. Same old, same old. The New World was described as terrifying, always changing, and hardly for the weak. But here you were on a peaceful spring island, one who had not received many visitors since the more common distribution of eternal log poses. From what you heard, decades ago it was more common for pirates and travellers to wind up here because they were just following a standard pose, since the former was not as easy to come across.
But, this is now, and you were on your way to your pale job. You weren't anything more than a housekeeper at a barely running hotel. It was convenient, not too far from your apartment, so the walk wasn't bad. The hotel was aesthetically pleasing from the outside, it was adorned in a smooth terra cotta colored brick and light sand colored edging. The only problem was, no business.
Really the most you had was other islanders experiencing "vacation". People just staying at the hotel instead of their homes. It was kind of cute in a way, but most of the cleaning you did was just clearing out dust from empty rooms.
But this day was different, you waltzed in, in your typical fashion, putting on your "work smile" as you came through the doors.
Now bickering wasn't something you hadn't heard before, it was common for the owners to get into it. But this time it seemed more serious, and you decided to do what you thought was best, and that was to squeeze on out of the general area. You stealthily, in your mind, tried to take against the nearest wall and take the long way around to the back.
"Y/N!!"
It hit you like a brick the way the older owner hollered. You snapped your head around so quick you thought you'd be paralyzed.
"I'm sick of this insufferable business partner and this useless endeavour. We're closing up shop, for good. Tear the whole thing down for all I care!"
"You're sick?! I've had to put up a with you the entire time! And we've hardly had enough business to keep me away from you!" The other lashed back.
And for a short minute they continued. You were a little surprised, not too much though. The owners are not what you would say were, cohesive. And even though you were suddenly out of a job, this did mean a sudden mini vacation until you found your next one. The nice thing was, on this modern and peaceful island, it was easy to get along with others and several in your town knew who you were. You were confident that if you kept your ear to the ground you could find another job.
But. Is that what you wanted?
I mean, not like you could do much else right? You hadn't had any professional training of any sort and it's not like you knew how to sail. Could you even figure out how to use a log pose? Ehhh, it's best not to risk it. And while you were a devil fruit eater, it was hardly of any use.
You had consumed, what you liked to call, the Share-Share Fruit. The disgusting thing was shaped like a cylinder, but it's swirls had enticed you. What this silly fruit gifted you was the ability to share physical feelings. All it took was for a link to be established via eye contact, and bam. If you hungry, they felt it. If you were itching your arm they felt it. If you had a headache, boy did they feel it. And they felt it in your capacity, not based on their tolerance for it. You sometimes wished it let you share how you felt mentally or emotionally, but that's not what it did.
The thing about it too, was that you never took the time to cultivate it, or train it for better uses. Was there even better uses for it? You knew you could make people feel what you felt, they could even taste what you were eating, and smell the room if it was pungent. But having people hear what you were hearing was very hard, and having them see what you could physically see was nearly impossible.
Was this all worth not being able to swim?
And while you mentally tried to get your future moves together, you kindly gathered your belongings at the hotel, said your last goodbyes, and returned home. But you decided not to waste the sunny day. How could you? The air was nice, sun beaming, weather perfect. It was great.
A great day, to day drink for the first time. So you moseyed on to the pub, with your unemployment, hardly anxious thoughts for the future, and a desire to change it all.
Elsewhere in the vicinity of your passive little island, was the disturbing sight of a pirate ship. A particularly aggressive looking one at that. It's front carrying a large skeletal head of a creature you would almost doubt even existed. It's Jolly Roger demanding the left over attention from the forefront.
The members on the Victoria Punk had discussed their next course of action. They were aiming for a summer island a few days out, but due to a lack of foresight on someone on board they were running short on supplies. They bickered like men for a while, a bit of finger pointing was done too, but ceased at the loud yelling offered up by the Captain himself.
So they decided to stop at the nearest island, and quickly move on before the pose adjusted. Now it was supposed to be a quick run, one possibly led only by a few choice members. But a pregnant silent pause followed after Kid's announcement to also hop off and go the bar. Now it could have meant that the crew would make a mad run through the towns of the island, quickly wrapping it up, drinking and heading back.
But the issue was the information that was input during their original discussion. While the island itself was of no special value, it was near two naval bases. It was ideal for dispatching due to their subtle placements. So the Captain's announcement left the tight group with a slightly problematic feeling, but they were no softies. Whatever happened, would be handle, likely through blood and metal.
So a handful of the crew, led by their captain dispatched upon the island. At the arrival of the ship, many places shut their doors, shutters, and turned out their lights. It wasn't an attempt the Kid Pirates hasn't seen before as the waltzed down the main roads, but luckily for the townfolk, they had "an agenda", so said the reasonable man in the mask, which helped deter the captain a bit.
Their presence dominated everything and everyone around them. Intimidating and harassing the few civilians left around is how they got the directions to the bar at all, otherwise they'd probably level the town out of frustration just to get to it.
A loud and startling sound of entry was made when Kid kicked the doors of the bar in. An immediate hush was settled amongst the fair sized bar, the patrons were almost as frozen as the tables. Except for a few who stood and paced to the walls, some slinking around to the nearest exits or back rooms.
"What does it take to get some damn service around here?" He scowled as they entered and continued on to the bar front.
Other than their footsteps, not much could be heard. Until you noticed something odd. Now the loud entrance and words of the red-head startled you, no doubt. But when you seen the man who had stitching on his face and body, almost zombie-like you couldn't help contain yourself. Especially not after, well, how many shots were you deep in now?
"Whoa", was all you could slur out, and unfortunately for you, your ability to tell just how loud you were seemed to have failed you. You actually didn't notice that, but all the other patrons, including the new entries did.
The squad quickly looked your way, and a grimace grew on the easily upsettable captain as he turned to start approaching your table. But it was the zombie's face you paid more attention to. A little too much attention to, considering you were intoxicated and had an untrained devil fruit. And if things aren't bad, they were about to get worse. Quickly.
He stalked over to you, slowly it appeared, but came to a halt at the zombie's sudden outburst.
"Wh-What the--" he gasped as he slightly stumbled. As he tried to gain his balance it seemed like it got worse. "I-I can't. The room is...moving." he mustered out with much concentration.
It immediately caused the leader to whip his head back around and start the motions they were used to.
"What the fuck is going on?!" He hollered. The majority if not all other patrons hurried out of the bar.
Now, had the man himself drank the amount, there would hardly be a reaction, we're sure. But he was feeling, what YOU felt, and how YOU felt it. His tolerance played no role in your experience.
Your victim's hand grabbed his stomach, "I'm screwed. I'm so--", he was interuppred by sudden gagging. Confusion ensued among the rest of them.
The leader's head turned around in what seemed to be angered panic, and you knew you had to fix this. You stood, or rather, stumbled straight with the assistance of the table, and immediately put your hands up to not seem combative.
"I-I can eshplain." You slurred, as you moved around the table to approach. "I-" you rose a finger in an informative manner, and without delay,
Fell face forward straight down on the wooden floor, unconscious.
And it was within seconds your physically link partner, mimicked you.
"What the absolute fuck?!??!" Kid yelled as he gazed upon two unconscious bodies. Trying to figure out how Heat was leveled by a girl who was now useless, he grunted, "Grab this broad, and get Heat's ass too. We're leaving!!"
And as the orders were shouted out, Killer threw you over his shoulder, and Wire put Heat over his arm. Kid kicked over chairs, tables, and knocked holes in support beams on his way out. This was not his plan for the day. He was supposed to be having a little fun. This was not on "the agenda".
You lazily began to stir. Soft, yet uncomfortable moans escaped your body as you made attempts to move. Attempts, we'll say, because your wrists were shackled about you in a small, one person cell. You took I'm your surroundings. The smell of old blood and metal pierced your nose, the room was barely lit, only by a sconce on the outside of your cell. You pulled at your restraints to your regret at the pain, and the noise you made. Wherever you were the situation was bleak. And you had a headache to top it off.
Geez Y/N, you really did it this time.
You tried to recall the last events, and you remembered pretty well. You were drinking, and drinking. And drinking. Then angry guys came in, the look of one startled you so bad you ended up linking with him, and then...
Well, that's what you couldn't remember. But by the looks of those guys, and your situation, you could deduce that this was a pirate problem you got yourself in to.
Your thoughts were interupted by the sounds of boots decscending wooden stairs in your direction. Fear shot through you. You'd heard reports of vicious pirates via News Coos, and by the looks of it, you were in their jaws. There was no way you could fight them, a precise link wouldn't help, even if you could do it efficiently. Tears began to well in your eyes. As 3 familiar men strut in front of your cell.
The leader, the one with the mask, and the tall one in fishnets. You tried to scoot back as far as you could, you felt the disdain towards you as the silently stood.
"I-I'm s-sorry." You whimpered out as tears slowly fell. "I promise I didn't mean to."
"To what exactly!?" The Captain's voiced boomed at you. "You knocked out one of my men! On accident?! Do you think this is a joke?" His eyebrows furrowed as metal began to shake, and your chains began to slowly rise.
"L-Let me explain please!" You shouted, and being unsure you even had a listening audience, you ranted, hoping they'd catch something and exact mercy. "Please, please, I don't know how to use my devil fruit properly. Under stress, it can get a little messed up! I was startled at the bar! I can't fight, I-I can't cause real harm, please listen!" You hurried out with tears streaming.
The masked man slowly put his hand up, palm facing you, as a way to pause your explanation. Him doing so, not only caused a cease, but also time for the Captain to process what you were actually saying.
"A devil fruit huh?" He stared at you, almost blankly, but curiosity behind his eyes. "Tell me."
"It allows me to share my physical status with someone else after eye contact is made. I don't train it or use it intentionally often. I can barely share some of my senses. When I was startled and caught eyes with your crewman, he caught my...my drunkness..." You explained, slowly dying out at the last embarrassing bit.
This explained Heat's sudden feeling of imbalance and gagging. He was reflecting this lightweight's reaction.
The captain couldn't help but chuckle. "Heat was flattened by a drunk girl? I think he's still sleeping it off."
With that the other men's stances relaxed. The tall man sighed to himself, and the masked one leaned against the wall with a casual arm cross.
"I think I could put you to use, so here's your options. I kill you now, or you try your best to keep up with us and you live until something else kills you."
Wonderful options, how could you choose! While it seemed easier to choose the latter, did you rrally want to be in close quarters with these types of men? Would what could happen, be worse than being killed now?
"I'll-I'll stay and do my best." You pleaded before you could continue to go down that mental rabbit hole.
"Killer, let her out. We'll make Heat do the honors of escorting." He laughed as he and the tall one began to ascend. After reaching the top, he yelled back, "We don't take free-loaders on the ship. Ya can't fight, so you better make yourself useful, or I'll have the men make use for you."
You'd practically been threatened, and your releaser was named Killer. Great. Great decision you had made.
The cell soon opened and your shackles we're quickly undone in silence. As you stood up and rubbed your wrist you soon followed the man before you.
"I'm sure there's something you can find to keep yourself busy." He said as he walked up the steps.
"I hope so." You whispered.
You reached the deck of the ship taking in what you could of the route you'd been taken. Upon arrival, stares and comments were offered at your entry. A few unsavory whistles were even peppered in, because of course they were. You were in lawless territory as soon as you arrived on the ship.
You tried to take in your surroundings without looking like a startled rabbit. Skulls and bones were clearly this season's rage according to your new, Captain. While taking in the scenery you failed to notice your escort's sudden stop causing you bump into him.
"S-sorry, sorry." You said as your arms flailed, but he didn't turn or acknowledge your mishap. You tilted your head to get a view in front of him and almost squeaked in surprise.
Heat, who you learned was the name of the unfortunate man, was approaching. You tried to hide your body behind Killer, and it was fairly easy.
Easy until he gave you up.
"You're on escort duty. Captain's orders." He said as he cleanly side-stepped, revealing your cowering body.
"S-sorry...I didn't mean..."
"Tch. Don't mention it." He verbally shrugged. "I'm fine, the guys and Master Kid will be on me about it for a while but, since it looks like your one of us now, it'll pass."
You hoped he was being honest, it seemed like it. But you didn't want grudges held against you. You nodded and kept your eyes down, more so out of shame than fear it'd happen again.
"Follow me, I'll show you around and well figure out a space for you to stay. Doubt you'll wanna sleep with the rest of us. Don't seem like that type." He commented. It didn't seem like he was against it, just a comment. "I'm Heat by the way."
"Y/N." You said kindly, slowly regaining yourself and losing your intense fears. You were still anxious of course but now you could at least breathe.
He took you thought the ship, explaining rooms, rules, who was who, and who you were now. A member of the notorious Kid Pirates. He explained the crews dominating style, the Captain's temperament, and how to stay out of trouble.
This originally frightening man, was now the one you were warming up to the most as he seemed to have your genuine interest in mind. It seemed like all it took was to know you were on the same team too.
You told him a little about yourself, and explained all what happened and your fruit to him. He led you now to the kitchen, which held a fair sized pantry in the back.
"I know it's not ideal, but, the pantry can actually be locked from the inside. I think that's a plus. We can set you up in here temporarily until we can get a proper place." He informed you.
The concept of a lock set you at ease, regardless of the room you'd be in. Besides, it's not like it would be that bad.
"Thanks. I appreciate it." You offered a soft smile. "By the way, do you know if there's any jobs that need to be done regularly?"
He tilted his head in thought and looked down at you. "Hmmm. I take it you're looking to make yourself useful."
"Yeah, I have to. For my sake." You grimaced a little exaggeratedly. "I used to be a housekeeper." You tossed in.
He chuckled, "A maid'll work. And help in the kitchen's always appreciated."
You pouted slightly at the demotion he'd given to you. "I'll do my best. Thanks for the tour, and all the tips."
"No problem, I'll find some blankets and stuff for you for the night. Be back in a bit." He said with a quick wave.
You smiled a bit and looked about the pantry. You could definitely tell it was stocked by men, and none with great culinary expertise. There was hardly a variety of things, just basic staples to make a lot of similar dishes, which wasn't bad. They had to keep themselves full with the knowledge they had.
You continued to survey the area. Exiting the pantry out you in a small kitchen. Sink, stove and oven, cabinets for dishes and drawers for silverware. Not expensively furnished, just what was needed.
A small eating area was sectioned off across from the kitchen. Because the ship wasn't massive, you could assume that some men ate in their quarters or they must've rotated through at times. Only 3 small tables fit in the area, it was clear the room was made for eating and getting back to whatever was needed to be done. Hardly a place of comfort in your opinion, but it must be working for them.
You turned back to return to your "quarters", only to be startled by a blue and white mask.
You let out a squeak before you could process who was before you. Killer stood as silently as he appeared despite your audible shock, he was holding blankets and a pillow.
"Heat asked me to bring these." He said plainly as he held them out towards you.
"A-Ah I see. Thanks so much." You said as you reached out for them, holding them close to you so as to not drop them, you walked around the stoic man and head to your tiny room.
You started to seperate the sheets and created a make shift linen cot on the pantry floor. Killer had followed you to your area and observed your handiwork. As you finished and had a look of pride of your ability to make do in a less than ideal situation, Killer grabbed the outer doorknob and began to close it for the night.
"Lock up. Someone will wake you in the morning. Goodnight."
"Goodnight." You replied but he had already closed the door. You followed his instruction and locked the door behind him. You pulled the lightswitch and were enveloped in darkness. Lucky for you, your cot was directly beneath the centered string attached to the light.
You crawled into bed, and while it did take a while to fall asleep due to your running mind, once you did doze off, you were out.
The first night, survived.