Whispers of the Heart's Blade (ONE PIECE LAW & FEM & ZORO)

17

Lila's body was pulled from the water, lifeless and cold. Shanks' crew sprung into action, performing CPR and desperately trying to revive her. Water gushed from her mouth as she coughed and spluttered, her chest heaving as she struggled to take in air.

Amidst the frantic efforts of the crew, Shanks stepped forward, his expression a mix of concern and determination. "Easy now," he said soothingly, raising his hands in a non-threatening gesture. "You're safe here."

Lila's gaze darted around the unfamiliar faces, but when she locked eyes with Shanks, something in her seemed to calm slightly. She shrank back, her fear still evident, but Shanks took a step closer, his presence somehow reassuring. "No harm will come to you," he assured her gently.

As his crew continued their work, Shanks ordered them to prepare a room and bring food. He approached Lila slowly, reaching out with a hand to help her up. "Let's get you somewhere dry and warm," he suggested.

Lila hesitated, then took his hand, allowing him to guide her. Her legs were shaky, and she stumbled slightly, but Shanks supported her with a firm grip.

In his private quarters, Shanks gave her a warm smile. "You can use the bathroom over there to change," he said, indicating a door. "I'll find you some clothes in the meantime."

When Lila emerged from the bathroom, clad in dry clothes that Shanks had provided, she felt a mixture of vulnerability and gratitude. Shanks motioned for her to sit, pulling up a chair for himself as well. "Now, miss, mind explaining how you ended up in that situation?" he asked, his tone gentle yet inquisitive.

Lila's fingers played nervously with the fabric of her pants as she recounted the events leading to her capture. Shanks listened attentively, his eyes fixed on her as he absorbed every word.

"So you have a devil fruit that controls memories?" Shanks mused. "That's quite the power."

Lila nodded, her expression troubled. "Yes, but I can't control it. It takes over sometimes, and I lose control of my own body."

Shanks leaned forward, his brows furrowing in thought. "And those sea prism gloves you mentioned, they helped you control it?"

Lila nodded again, elaborating on how the gloves allowed her to use haki without triggering her powers. Shanks seemed genuinely intrigued, asking more about the mechanics of her abilities.

As the conversation continued, Lila's guard began to lower. Shanks' curiosity and genuine interest put her at ease, and she found herself opening up about her past. She recounted the night her family was murdered, her own survival, and the sparse memories she held onto like fragile treasures.

Shanks' eyes softened as he listened, his expression a mix of sympathy and understanding. "To not know your own family or where you come from, that must be incredibly tough," he remarked.

Lila nodded, her voice catching slightly. "It's like I'm missing a part of myself. I don't even know my own last name. Just 'Elara,' that's what the man who took me said."

Shanks leaned back, his gaze fixed on the ceiling as he contemplated her words. "Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for fallen kingdoms to have their histories erased," he said after a moment. "Finding your family won't be easy."

Lila sighed, a mix of frustration and resignation in her eyes. "He told me that too. It's why I've been searching on my own."

Shanks met her gaze again, his eyes determined. "What if I told you that I could help? Train you to control your haki, your powers?"

Lila's eyes widened in surprise, her heart skipping a beat. "You'd do that for me?"

Shanks grinned, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Absolutely! You've got potential, and I love a good challenge."

A mixture of gratitude and disbelief flooded over Lila. "Thank you," she said, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.

Shanks stood up, gesturing for her to do the same. "For now, let's get you settled in," he said, leading her out of the room.

As they walked, he turned to her with a playful grin. "Oh, and from now on, I'll be calling you 'Elara.' Helps with the training process, you know."

Lila chuckled softly, her tension dissipating in Shanks' presence. "Elara it is, then."

**To be continued...**