The Puppet Master [One Piece]

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~Shanks’ POV~

                Echo had withdrawn herself once again. Some of the crew said they could hear her crying in her room, but she wanted to be left alone. She needed time to heal. I felt bad for traumatizing her like I did, but it needed to be done. She needed to realize that she was a part of the crew and therefore everyone would accept her. However, I had a feeling my display may now make it harder for her to trust anyone.

                Benn, Yassop, Lucky Roo and I were in the common room drinking and playing a game of cards late one night when Echo finally ventured from her room after the incident. She shuffled into the common room, wearing a simple black nightgown, silent as the grave and nearly startled all of us as she suddenly appeared at the table.

                “Where the hell did you come from, brat?” Yassop jumped as she appeared beside him.

                Echo bit her lip nervously as if she were battling with herself over what to say.

                “Echo, are you alright?” I asked her curiously as she turned her full attention to my sniper.

                Echo bowed her head suddenly, “I’m sorry.” She mumbled softly.

                “Eh?” Yassop stared at the petite girl in awe, “What are you apologizing for?”

                Echo fidgeted uncomfortably with the hem of her nightgown as everyone focused on her. “For threatening you.”

                Yassop peered around the girl and threw me a questioning look.

                I shrugged in response as I held back a laugh.

                “Will you forgive me?” Echo asked adorably as she finally raised her head enough to meet the sniper’s gaze.

                Yassop gaped at the girl, his mouth wide like a fish out of water gasping for air.

                Lucky Roo chuckled, “You can’t refuse that face.”

                Even Benn was staring at Echo in awe and I cursed myself for being in the wrong seat. Her back was to me so I had no idea what the others were seeing right now.

                “You don’t have to apologize.” Yassop finally regained basic motor function, “I forgive you.”

                Echo must have done something else miraculous as all three of my men stared at her in awe, “Thank you.” She said softly before turning and bolting out of the common room.

                “What the hell just happened?” Yassop groaned.

                “What did she do?” I asked slightly annoyed.

                “She pouted.” Lucky laughed.

                “And smiled.” Benn added.

                “I seriously can’t deal with that kid when she’s like this.” Yassop grumbled, “Honestly the hostile side I can handle, I know what to expect. But that right there,” He waved dramatically after the girl, “that’s just scary.”

                Was this sweet demure side the real Echo? Is this what she was truly like deep down when her mind wasn’t clouded by hatred and revenge?