The Puppet Master [One Piece]

Acknowledging The Captain

~Echo's POV~

                What motives could these pirates have? Why would he say such cruel things to me? How dare he give me hope! He made me think, for the briefest of moments that everything would be okay. And in that one glimmering moment of hope I felt an inkling of happiness. It was as if I'd finally taken a step forward, in that euphoric moment, and my past was just the slightest bit easier to bear.

                I wandered the cabin aimlessly as I lost myself brooding over the motives of Captain Shanks. There was a big storm brewing outside, so most of the crew decided to lounge around within the cabins. A few crew members called out to me as I meandered about, but I was so engrossed in my warped thoughts to even acknowledge them in return.

                'Whether you accept it or not, you're a part of this crew, which means we'll look after you.' His voice echoed across my mind.

                There was so much hidden meaning revealed within that single statement. Though he was accepting me it seemed like he was really urging me to move forward, to live my life the way I wanted. Why would he do that?

                "Echo! Look out!" Someone cried.

                Before I had a moment to react a strong hand lashed out gripped my wrist and with a gentle yet forceful tug I was toppled into someone's lap. An empty sake bottle whizzed past where I had previously been standing and smashed into the wall shattering into thousands of tiny glass shards. I looked up to mumble a thanks to my rescuer and froze as I found myself face to face with Captain Shanks.

                "Are you alright, Echo?" He smiled down at me.

                I felt my cheeks grow hot from embarrassment and quickly scrambled out of his lap, "I'm fine." I managed to stammer out as some of the other crew members began laughing at my predicament.

                "Are you sure, your face is red, do you have a fever?" Shanks asked concerned causing Yassop to fall off his chair laughing.

                "Stop laughing at me!" I snarled and released my wires. They lashed out and seized the weapons of every pirate laughing at me and turned them upon their owners.

                "AH!" One of the cabin boys squeaked as he stared at the floating weapons in horror, "GHOSTS!"

                "Nobody is laughing at you Echo." Shanks chuckled.

                "You're doing it right now!" I growled.

                Shanks smiled ruefully, "I'm just glad you're alright and acting lively again."

                I stared at him dumbfounded for a moment as my heart fluttered in my chest and I felt a small weight being lifted from my shoulders. Why? Why did he care? My wires slackened and everyone's weapons clattered to the floor.

                "Echo?" Shanks asked worried as I struggled for composure.

                "Stop being nice to me!" I snapped, "I don't want your pity so just leave me alone." With that said I turned and bolted out the door and onto the main deck. I'd rather brave the storm than deal with everyone being so cheerful and easy going.

                The door slammed shut behind me in the gale force wind. I fought my way through the hellish winds and pelting rain and made my way toward the stairwell. Heavy waves sloshed against the ship throwing us back and forth and occasionally reaching heights high enough to splash aboard. I wondered if Linda, the giant sea serpent my family had been caring for throughout the generations, was having a hard time braving the storm's heavy currents.