The Puppet Master [One Piece]

Funesto pt. 3

~Echo’s POV~

                I woke with a start and for a fleeting moment I thought it had all been a dream, the massacre and the torture, as I spotted the familiar surroundings. I was in my bed back home. My heart fell as I spotted a familiar red haired man scrunched up on the small sea foam green chaise lounge at the foot of my bed. It was Shanks. It wasn’t a dream; it had all happened and would forever be etched into my mind.

                He stirred as I attempted to sit up. My brain was hazy and the moment I sat up the room started to spin. His strong arm slid around me catching me from toppling out of bed and I closed my eyes as I was pressed against his muscular torso. He smelled like teakwood and sea salt mixed with some other exotic scent I couldn’t quite place and I instantly wanted to wrap my arms around him and inhale deeply, but resisted the urge. My head was still swimming.

                “Are you alright, Echo?” He asked worried as I remembered bits and pieces of what had happened last night. Why? How did he know I needed help? Why would he try to help me?

                My gaze was drawn to the window as I suddenly realized how bright it was, the sun was high in the sky meaning it was well after noon. “What time is it?” I panicked as I shoved out of his hold and darted to the window. “I have to get back to work.”

                He cut me off before I could make it to the door and offered me a gentle smile, “Don’t push yourself, Echo. Go get cleaned up and we can go together.”

                I looked down at my current attire to find my clothes were caked in dirt, dried blood and other questionable grime. My hair had to be a ratted stained mess and I hated to think about all the dried dirt clad sweat clinging to my cheeks. Before I could protest about the urgency of the situation, Shanks nudged me toward the bathroom connected to my bedroom. He closed the door behind me blocking my escape and I could faintly see him leaning against it, preventing me from leaving in the back of my mind.

                Defeated, I sighed in resignation and turned to the shower curious if the plumbing would still be in working order. Hesitantly I turned the knob on the shower and jumped when water splashed out, it was cold, but it was clean. The bandages took awhile to remove and I looked down at my cut up palms in dismay, the wounds were deep and once the bandages were removed they began to bleed again. My clothes clunked to the floor, stiff from the sweat, blood, dirt and other grime that had worked into its fibers from my relentless work.

                The cool water felt good on my hot grime covered skin as I finally braced myself enough to step into the cold stream. I closed my eyes as I felt the dirt and grime wash away and pool around my feet before disappearing down the drain. There were still a few bottles of shampoo and soap my mother had made. The shampoo smelled of coconuts and the body wash smelled of citrus and instantly made my heart hurt as I thought of my mother. It had been five years since I’d been home. My body shook from the sudden racking sobs and I sat in the bottom of the tub and pulled my knees to my chest and allowed myself to weep.

                Once the tears subsided I dragged myself to my feet and turned off the water. I found a soft fluffy towel beneath the sink and wrapped it around myself before an alarming thought crossed my mind. None of my old clothes would fit me; I’d gained curves and a figure since last I’d been here. I’d have to wear something of mom’s, but I still had to leave the bathroom.

                I took a breath to steady my nerves and made sure the towel was securely wrapped around me before opening the door. Shanks was standing next to my bookshelf looking through an old photo album with a small smile dancing on his lips. He looked up as he sensed my approach and I felt my cheeks grow hot as his eyes widened at my appearance. Tactfully, he cleared his throat and averted his gaze. My face felt hot and I knew it had to be a brilliant shade of red by this point as I quickly scurried out of the room and headed toward my parents’ bedroom.