Brothers (One Piece x My Oc)

Chapter 2

As I emerged into the bright sunlight, I shielded my eyes with my right arm. Looking at the sky, I could see the clouds still moving peacefully. I brought my arm down and wandered about, Fire Fist Ace's face popped into my head. Suddenly, I realized I had forgotten to ask him about something, but then again it was of little importance.

It’s fine; he just rejected it.

A few streets away, I turned the corner and saw a couple wailing on the ground beside a smashed wooden cart. They seemed to be a bit over 30 years of age, but their wounded, fearful faces made them look much older. Fruits and vegetables were scattered all over the street and pavement, some crushed under the feet of passersby. Nobody minded them, so I ran and knelt down beside the woman. She was using her torn and soiled veil to wipe her husband’s bruised face.

“What happened here? Why are all of these scattered?!” She was shaking, so I held her by the shoulders to calm her down. The woman stopped crying and then inhaled sharply before telling her story.

~ Flashback ~

The couple stopped their cart of produce at their usual spot along their usual street. Their daughter, Shaiana, who was already a little over sixteen, helped her father set up the awning above their cart. Shaiana had grown into a fine young woman with a wit, budding beauty, and clear voice that certainly helped the family business.

“Good morning, y’all! Get your fruits and vegetables! Taste that farm-fresh goodness at your table for less, less, less!” Shaiana shouted her slightly different sales pitch, throwing in an angelic smile or two. It was therefore no surprise that men joined their wives or mothers crowded around that specific stall every day. More than the success of their modest business, the couple praised the heavens for a daughter who was filial and hardworking.

Shaiana handed some money to her father as her mother laid fresh tomatoes in a customer’s basket. “Thank you, Madame, and see you day after next! Everyone, get your fruits and vegeta–”

A gang of men jumped out of nowhere and lunged at the cart, tipping it over and smashing anything they laid their hands on. People screamed and ran for cover, while Shaiana and her parents fled around the corner. It was too late: some of the men had chased them down and trapped the family in a dusty alley. One of the miscreants, named Sierioss the Extortionist, glared at Shaiana’s father.

"Well, well. There's so many people buying your rubbish, Mister Arenian.”

“Sierioss! You again?” came the defiant retort. “I thought we’d agreed that I’ll pay you next month?” Mr. Arenian said, his voice shaking a bit. He defiantly stood between the men and Shaiana, who was cradling her distraught mother.

“But you know, Mr. Arenian, we can't be patient for too long. We're running out of money, so I came here to remind you.” He fingered the handle of his sword as a sinister grin spread across his lips. “If you'll not be paying us, then we'll have to renegotiate the terms of the agreement. Why don’t we take a deposit instead of cash, say...your precious daughter? You know, she has glowing skin, nice curves, and luscious lips.” He licked his own lips in a disgustingly seductive manner. “Her tasty little virgin body will sell well, and maybe I can have a go at her when she’s not servicing clien–”

*THWACK!*

Mr. Arenian would have none of it, so he took a nearby piece of wood and swung it at Sierioss’ left cheek. The impact was so strong it shattered the jaw of the larger man, who stumbled before sitting on the ground. Everyone stood still as he cupped his mouth, spitting out blood. He pointed at Mr. Arenian with his free hand.