The White Flame [One piece x Reader x Oc]

[Chapter 3] Unfortunate Fate

[3rd POV]

"So that's what really happened... Hey, Roujin, do you think my dad is still alive?" F/n's eyes were hopeful.

Roujin shook his head. "I'm not sure if he is, but just know you have only two years left. Don't worry, though, because I'm here to teach you all that I know about the Lunarians' race!" Roujin pointed his thumb at his chest with a proud smile.

F/n scoffed at him but smiled nevertheless.

Hours passed, and the two conversed intently, one asking questions and the other providing detailed explanations about the Lunarians' race. Their engrossing discussion was suddenly interrupted by frantic yelling in the distance.

As they turned towards the commotion, Mei came into view, rushing towards them with a look of desperation. She halted in front of them, out of breath, her hands clutching her knees, and sweat dripping from her forehead.

Roujin swiftly rose from the grassy ground, concern etched on his face, and placed a reassuring hand on Mei's shoulder. "Mei, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with urgency.

Mei finally caught her breath, her words tumbling out in a panicked rush. "The village... it's under attack... by a pirate crew!" She inhaled sharply, her eyes wide with fear. "I think they're searching for something or someone, but please, Roujin, you have to save our village!"

Tears streamed down Mei's face as she grasped Roujin's hands tightly, her voice cracking with desperation. "Please, Roujin, you're our only hope!"

Roujin's expression transformed, his jaw setting in determination. With a resolute gaze, he nodded his head.

"Go on and take the children and the women to the emergency boat," Roujin instructed Mei, his voice firm and resolute. "I'll rally the men to help me protect our village!"

Mei sniffled, composing herself, and grasped F/n's hand, urging her to follow. But F/n recoiled, her eyes flashing with determination. "No! I'm staying here. I'm going to help you, Roujin!"

Roujin's eyebrows furrowed, his expression darkening with concern. "Mei, just go on without her. Don't worry, I'll ensure she boards the boat before you sail." His tone brooked no argument.

Mei's face reflected her worry as she gazed at F/n. She opened her arms, and to F/n's surprise, enveloped her in a warm hug. F/n stiffened, unaccustomed to such displays of affection. She had never received a hug before, and her instincts screamed to pull away.

Mei's voice whispered softly in her ear, "I never hated you, dear. None of the villagers hated you. We understood that a young child like you never received the love the rest of the children did, and for that, I'm truly sorry. I wish I could have given you that love, shown you the care you deserved."

Mei's words stirred unfamiliar emotions within F/n. She felt a lump form in her throat as Mei gently patted her head. With a final, reassuring squeeze, Mei released F/n and turned to hurry away, tears welling up in her eyes.
Roujin's smile interrupted F/n's thoughts, his voice filled with warmth. "You know, Mei helped me take care of you all these years. She saw you as her own child, since she couldn't have one of her own. She always wanted to be a mother, to love and care for her own baby."

Roujin paused, his eyes clouding over for a moment before he continued, "She poured her heart into helping me raise you, making sure you were safe and healthy"

F/n's gaze dropped, her emotions swirling as she processed Mei's selfless love.

Roujin's voice snapped her back to reality. "Let's not waste time, run with me! We need to gather my men and prepare to defend our village." As they sprinted towards the village, Roujin explained, "F/n, I'm sure the pirates know something valuable is hidden here, something the government wants. They won't stop destroying everything until they find it."