The Last One (One Piece x Reader)

Chapter 20: What Lies Behind

WARNING: Mention of gore, blood, violence, torture

The sounds of blood splattering against a hard surface, bones breaking, pained groans and gasps, and the clinking of chains filled the air. The four Pillars stood silently, emotionless and rigid, like part of the cold wall behind them, as they listened to the dreadful noises. Their expressions remained impassive, betraying no hint of what they felt inside.

The metal doors opened with a loud hiss, and a tall, bulky, dark-haired man stepped out of the room. Blood splattered his body and clothes, dripping from his fists as he looked at the young Pillars in front of him.

"Remember your duty and our honor," he said coldly before turning to walk away. The four young adults bowed in respect, and when they could no longer sense his presence, three of them immediately entered the cold, dimly lit room.

They were met by the sight of a shackled (h/c) woman sitting on the ground, her wrists bound and her body covered in blood. She looked almost unrecognizable, her face pale and bruised, her strength nearly gone.

Maki couldn't hold back her tears as she approached her friend, her fellow Pillar. With trembling hands, she gently lifted the woman's chin. The woman slowly opened her eyes, offering Maki a weak, pained smile.

"I-I'm fine..." she managed to whisper, her voice barely audible.

Louise and Leo carefully removed the chains from her wrists, their faces a mask of control as they fought to hide their emotions, though their hearts ached.

Dark, who had stood emotionless at the door, watched the scene with darkened eyes before silently turning and walking away.

"You should have killed that brat from Cipher Pol. You shouldn't have let the Pillars know about the incident. You should have done it on her behalf!" Maki angrily yet tearfully exclaimed, her glare piercing through the two males.

The two could only look away, remaining silent under her furious gaze.

"Let's get her to the infirmary," Louise whispered softly, gently lifting the beaten woman into his arms.

It was a routine that had become all too familiar to them—a life none of them had asked for, yet one they were forced to live.

•••••

Lying on the soft mattress, you stared blankly at the black ceiling above. Your whole body ached, covered in bandages, with your face the only part left untouched.

Yet, the pain didn't matter. All you could think about were the boys back home. Was your grandpa eating well? Was he sleeping enough? Were the boys happy? Were they safe? Was Dadan resting properly? What about Magra and Dogra? Were your team members doing well? Had they been promoted yet?

Just thinking about them brought a genuine smile to your face, one that you weren't allowed to show anymore.

But you were alone this time. It was fine. No. No, you weren't alone.

"How can you be at peace after killing all those people?"

"How much innocent blood stains your hands?"

The whispers of the souls filled the room, circling around you like a cold, uncomfortable breeze. Souls you had reaped yourself, a constant reminder of the person you had become over these past two years.

The Perfect Pillar of the World Government.

The whispers swirled around you, taunting and accusing, a constant reminder of the power you wielded and the price you paid for it. Your Devil Fruit had granted you unimaginable strength, but it had also cursed you with an unending connection to the souls of those you had taken. Each voice was distinct, each one a life snuffed out by your hand, and they all demanded your attention, your penance.