Red Hair's Daughter

Move

Warning: this story contains several mentions of abuse and implied sexual abuse. If these subjects could put you at risk for a trigger, then please do not read this story. I care more about your health than my views.

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"With the provided evidence, Aisuru's father will have full custody from now on." The judge said. Aisuru's golden eyes looked up at the Judge from the ground.

"Your honor! She is still my daughter as well!" The blonde woman yelled.

"Yes, Hope. And you have done nothing to protect your daughter from your husband's abuseful ways, therefore you are granted visiting days so long as you leave Hono at home." The judge said.

"But her father is a child! There is no way he could hope to-" Hope started.

"Hope, we've done numerous checks on the girl's father. He has a steady source of pay and he never once has missed a payment on his home as well as his job providing proper hours to take care of the girl." Said the judge.

"Your honor-"

"One more out burst, Hope and you will be joining your husband in jail for thirty days." The judge threatened. Hope bit back her protests and scowled.

"Aisuru LeRoux will now live with her father, Shanks LeRoux on the Grandline. This move is to happen immediately. Court dismissed." The judge said. Hope angrily stormed out, sending a harsh glare at her ex-husband. Slowly, the red haired girl turned and looked up at her father as he approached her.

"Daddy..." she said softly, her voice timid. Shanks held open his arms to his daughter.

"Come here, baby girl." He said. Aisuru dove in to her father's arms and tears slid down her cheeks. Shanks hushed her softly.

"It's okay, baby. I've got you. I'm not gonna let anything hurt you again." He said. He looked up at the screen where a single picture of Aisuru's bare back was being shown. He scowled and felt a sick feeling in his stomach.

How could Hope just stand by and let her disgusting husband do that to their baby girl?

According to what Aisuru had told the court with a shaking voice, was that when she refused to sign the adoption papers that would make Hope's husband, Blaze Hono, her step-father, he pinned her to the ground and tore off her shirt, and pressed the flat of a dagger he had put in the fire against her back, burning her so she would agree to sign the papers.

The neighbors had heard Aisuru screaming for her mother to stop him and her scream of pain and called the cops. The police officer that reported claimed he didn't see Hono abusing the girl, but he did see a dagger and he did see the marks on her bare back.

Shanks held his daughter closer to him, gently stroking her hair.

"Come on, sweetie, let's get your stuff and go home, okay?" He asked softly. Aisuru nodded and Shanks lead her out of the Court Room.

"Mr. LeRoux!" He heard. He turned his head and saw a short woman with short auburn red hair, green eyes and glasses walk towards him. He smiled at the woman that was an old friend to him.

"Oh, hello, Dawn. How goes the war?" He asked her. She smirked and chuckled at him.

"Wow, you haven't said that to me since high school. But anyways, since I'm here for work, I'd prefer it if you called me Ms Caramella." She said. Shanks sighed.

"Yes, how can I help you, Ms Caramella?" Shanks asked his high school friend. She handed him a file.

"I have been transferred to your case. Apparently, Aisuru's last social worker, Mr. DeLuca, Tristan knew that Hono had abused her and kept quiet for a certain amount of pay." She said. Shanks's scowl returned.

"I can see the fury in your eyes, Shanks. Calm yourself. I fired Tristan as soon as I found out and had him arrested for being an accomplice to domestic abuse. I assigned all of my most tender hearted workers to his old cases, but I put myself in charge of your daughter's." She said. Shanks withdrew a breath.

"Thank you, Ms. Caramella." He said. Dawn nodded at him.

"Of course. Morning Shadows Child Services are about protecting the children from the abusive and unforgiving world. I will not tolerate someone slandering the name of my business but even to go as far as ignore the cries of a child? I will not allow that to happen as long as I own Morning Shadows." She said. Shanks nodded again.

"Thank you, Dawn, for calling me and telling me about what was going on." He said. Dawn nodded.

"Of course, Shanks. You can expect to see me in two months to make sure Aisuru is settled in. I will pay one more visit after that to ensure she is happy and safe. Though knowing you, I'm sure she will be." Dawn said. And with that, the woman turned and left Shanks to take care of his daughter.

Aisuru was stairing at the ground, holding her shoulder where the burn marks were. Shanks tilted her chin up and looked in to his daughter's eyes.

The gold of her eyes was hazy with sadness and fear. Shanks hugged her again, kissing her head.

"Ms Caramella won't take me away from you, will she, Daddy?" She asked softly, her voice still timid.

"Of course not, baby girl. Ms Caramella is an old high school friend of mine. She'll help make sure that you're safe and sound with me." He said. Aisuru hugged her father tightly.

"I love you, Daddy." She said.

"I love you, too, baby girl. Now, how about you and I go get some Popeye's chicken, then we go get your things from your mother's house and we go home?" He asked. Aisuru smiled softly.

"Can I get spicy?" She asked. Shanks smiled.

"Of course." He said. With that, Shanks took his baby girl and left.

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RT_Strawhat_Ninja: yeah, just so you guys know, Shanks does have both of his arms for this story. Alright, hope you enjoy this! See you next chapter!