(A/N) : Sorry for the late update. From here on out I'll probably be updating a little late instead of everyday/constantly just because there aren't enough hours of the day to write for me right now and I have other stories to continue, but I will be sure to update as quick as possible. I won't let you guys down. Your encouragement helps a lot so thank you so much. On another note, some of these will have titles so you have an idea of what is to come when you read the chapter. Okay now enjoy~

You woke up early starting your morning routine. You brush your teeth and spit the contents out after your rinse. You raise your head slowly to the mirror and touch your busted lip. Eyes sadden at the memory. You open the cabinet behind the mirror to take out a bandage. You place the strip on your cheek and look yourself in the mirror. You look so pitiful you thought. 'No wonder kids want to beat you up. You look weak.' While you stare in the mirror, you fail to notice Sabo had been watching you from the entrance. You hop down your stool and gasp startled by the boy. You avert your gaze and slowly exit the room in hopes he would not say anything. Sabo observes your body language already having a clue of what you were trying to avoid. His heart throbs. You let out a sigh you've been holding as you pass by him.

"(Y/n)." You pause. There was a deep silence between you two. Sabo contemplates on what to say. "Stay safe." You wanted to cry at that moment but refused. You continue to make your way downstairs. The boy watches your retreating form before being brought to another set of foot steps behind him. The owner belonging to Veronica. She seemed to be a little...ticked. She takes a glance toward the boy with a skeptical look. Sabo felt intimidated. He even gulped. This raises her question about yesterday's purchase. Sabo slowly forces a wide smile and casually walks into the bathroom. Your mother lifts a brow and scoffs. She makes her way down stairs after confirming his guilt face.

The boy sighs after hearing her footsteps vanish. He continues to think while taking a leak.

You took your seat at the table waiting for your mom. Luffy and Ace had made waffles. Luffy was in charge of cooking them and by that just simply popping them in the toaster waiting for them to cook. Ace was in charge of pouring milk. The freckled boy turns to his brother's giggling.

"Oi that's too much. No more waffles."

"Awe but this isn't enough for me." Luffy pouts.

"They're not all for you idiot!" Said boy whimpers. After pouring milk in each glass, he starts setting them on the table. His eyes wander to your gloomy form. Just like Sabo, his heart throbs with pain. Unfamiliar as to why, but he knew he never liked seeing you in pain. That much was certain. He could care less at times, but for some reason you are an exception. He carries a glass over to you setting it down. You raise your head meeting Ace's gaze. You gasp the minute you saw his expression change into surprise. The raven haired boy became furious. You lower your head trying to cover your face with your hair. That didn't stop Ace from gripping the glass tightly activating his powers. The heat increasing in temperature caused it to shatter into a million tiny shards. You flinch covering your face from the spillage of milk and glass. You push yourself off of the chair and look at your uniform. Ace snaps out his thoughts after hearing the snap. He turns to you with concern

"I'm sorry. Are you alright?"

You try to dry your uniform dry to no avail. "My outfit. It's stained." You pout. Your eyes shift to Ace about to scold question him but his bleeding hand caught your attention. You quickly grab it flipping it to find his palm covered in tiny shards. Each one buried in his skin causing a deep cut. "Ace you're bleeding!" The boy shrugs used to me pain. You however remain panicked. You take action in leading him to the downstairs bathroom. You pull out the first aid kit having him sit on the toilet.

"I'm fine no big deal." You could not believe this boy. His injury looked painful.

"No you're not Ace. This could lead to a terrible infection." You start plucking the shards of his hand. He winces. You quickly continue to pluck each and every one carefully. Next you pull douse his hand with peroxide having no time to attend his wound for every long. You did however manage to clean his hand gently. Ace yelps with pain.

"What the hell?" You shush him.

"Sorry. I have to bandage you up before mom shows up." Lastly you bandage his hand. You take your time with it since you wanted to make sure it wouldn't unravel. Ace stares at you in a daze. You were so focused. Thoughts running through his mind in question of how anyone could hate you. Who would dare hurt you? You were kind and shy. Without realizing it, his fingers move a strand of your hair to get a better view of your face. You freeze from his sudden touch. Your voice hitched. Ace returns to reality noting your uncomfortable body language. He retracts his hand.

"S-sorry." Pink dust his cheeks averting his onyx colored eyes. You continue to wrapping the rest of the bandages. Rhe boy observes his hand impressed. At such a young age and you already knew how to mend a wound like an expert. You then grab his hand to give his palm a kiss. This in turn surprises the boy making his cheeks red.

"There. All better right?" Ace was too speechless to answer. All he gave was a nod. You give him a relieved smile. "That's good. I'm glad. I guess I did a good job then." The boy simply stares at you dazed with your smile. Too love struck to do anything but mumble his words. The loud footsteps of your mother emerge from the stairs. The first thing she sees is a mess on the table. She gasps worried for her children.

"What on earth happened here? Luffy are you hurt?" Veronica check up on Luffy. Said boy shakes his head.

"No not me. Ace." He blurts out. Ace cringes toward his blabber mouth brother. He face palms knowing what is to come. An annoying lecture from the woman. He makes his way out of the bathroom with you following behind. Veronica turns around to face the injured boy whom seemed to be taken care of.

"It's okay mom. I handled it." Veronica kneels down taking the bandaged hand to examine it's security. Ace expected an angry stare or something from the woman, but instead gained something different. Veronica cups Ace's cheek wearing a concerned expression.

"Oh! Thank goodness are you alright sweetie? It's not that bad is it? Does it hurt?" Multiple questions continue to be asked non stop. Honestly Ace felt flattered. Almost loved. Of course he felt loved. No one had ever worried for him besides his siblings. He felt so vulnerable all of a sudden. Like an actual child being cared for by his mother. Just like Luffy felt that day.

"Y-yeah I'm fine. No big deal. I'm used to the pain. I-hey!" His face burns bright from your mother's multitude of kisses on his palm. The boy retreat his hand away. He was completely embarrassed. Luffy in the background laughing in mockery. Ace snaps at the boy. "Shut up!" Is all he's able to spout.

Veronica chuckles in awe. Her attention returns to you. She notices the wet stain on your uniform. "Oh no! (Y/n)! What happened?" Ace becomes guilty for causing all this trouble, but you didn't mind one bit. You sighed.

"When I dropped the glass I accidentally spilled some on me." You lied. "Ace tried help pick up my mess but got hurt in the process." Veronica frowns. Ace was completely baffled by your lie. Why would you cover for him after the way they treated you?

"Oh no! This won't do. You're going to have stay home to stay home today until I-"

"No! It's fine. Let's just got. It's just milk it will dry out." You say. Your mom tilts her head.

"O-okay. Are ya sure?" You nod and quickly run off to gather your things. "Well I guess I'll see you in the car."

"But I made waffles." Luffy approaches you with a plate already holding one in his mouth. You smile.

"No thanks Luffy. I'm fine." You drop a sweat seeing his puppy eyes begin to water.

"(Y/n)-chan won't eat my waffles."

"Okay! Okay! I'll take one." You grab one making the straw hat cheer. Ace smirks amused by his brother's antics. He indeed was great with lightening up people's hearts.

Your mother notices the remaining bottom half of the glass on the table and the spillage actually dripping like a waterfall. Your story didn't quite add up. How could you drop something that's still at the table? Clearly you lied to her and cover up for whatever Ace really did, but in time she would either get an answer or question it later. Right now it was time to pick up the mess and head for work. The door bell rings. Your mother walks on over to answer. Sabo finally makes his appearance downstairs and notices Ace's injury. Before he could ask, he is countered by his question.

"Ready to start building our fort?" Sabo nods.

"Hell yeah. I got the blue prints here." He lifts the notebook in his hands.

"Shanks!" Luffy cheers seeing his hero.

"Yo! Luffy!" He greet.

"Shanks! I'm glad you're here early. That's a surprise." Veronica raises a brow looking him up and down to see if anything is wrong with him, but to her surprise nothing was wrong. She peers over his shoulder just to check. Still nothing.

"Hey that hurts Vee. You should really trust me."

"Last time I ended up trusting boss like you I ended knocked up and in prison." She huffs.

"Hey! I'm not like that and you know it. I would never do what he did to you. I think I've proven myself time and time again." Veronica rolls her eyes.

"Yeah. I know. Thanks and thank you for doing this. You know you don't have to." The red head simply grins.

"I know, but I want to. No go ahead and go. I got this." Veronica grabs her things, but not before turning to face the boys.

"I have a question for you all, but I guess it will have to wait till this afternoon. Now behave and if you need anything here is my number." She pulls out a card with her number and office number. It was all artsy. Sabo takes it off her hands.

"Okay."

"Good. Any questions?" They stare blankly at her. Luffy continues to munch on his waffle. "I'll take that as a no. Bye! We'll back by two." She waves to them only to get a wave back by Luffy. Veronica stops in front of Shanks giving him a smile yet it felt dark. "You and I are gonna have a talk when I come back."

"Oooooh~ I can't wait." He chirps disregarding her threat.

"Neither can I." With that she leaves with you following behind.

"Bye! Drive safe!" He waves. He closes the door. "That was odd. She must suspect something. I wonder what."

"Shanks you want some waffles?" Luffy calls out from the kitchen table. Said man shrugs.

"Sure why not."

You were driven to your school. You lean against the window. With each passing day you went to school the light in your slip away. It was currently dim, but for how long before you break? Your mother constantly taking a quick glance at your depressing form. She pulls up in front of the driveway of your school. Before you could leave, you are held back by the arm. "I want you to know that whatever is going on with you, you can always talk to me and if you want to come home just give me a call." You nod.

"I'm fine. There's nothing wrong with me."

"But..." You snap your head over to your mother.

"Stop asking me the same question! I told you a million times I'm fine. Now leave me alone!" Your mother releases her grip completely stunned by your sudden outburst. You've never rebelled against your mother in that tone. You were always so obedient and sweet. You take this opportunity to grab your back pack and make a run for it. Your frame retreating into a crowd of children. Veronica's face contorted in pain. She slams the steering wheel with her fist. She bites her lip trying to repress this helpless feeling. Her head rests against the steering wheel. Countless thoughts swirled in her mind. All of them regarding you and how she could think of a loop hole to help. Nothing came to mind. All of them held closed doors. Frustration strains her. How could a mother sit back and watch her daughter fall deeper into this darkness alone when you denied her of any help. That's why you were suffering. You felt alone. You've always been alone and there was no one to blame but your mother herself. Something you were never supposed to suffer for her past actions. Truly this was torture to your mother more than it was to you. The honk of a car derails your mother from her subconscious and into reality. The snow haired woman sits up and sniffles wiping her tears away.

"O-oops. Sorry." She waves from her mirror as the driver behind her gestures her to move; and driving away from the curb she did.

Meanwhile, you scurry straight to your classroom and take your seat. You drop your bag beside you and pant pulling out your notebook and a pencil to write with. You stare at your notebook for the longest trying to avoid any eye contact as kids start to enter the room. Each owner of their foot steps made you nervous almost paranoid. You hoped everyday to be either left alone or awaited for this day to end. Just as you doodled away, you failed to notice a trio of foot steps halting around you until a hand slams over your notepad. You're startled by the abrupt slam. Your whole body freezes afraid to even make eye contact.

"You're here early as usual. That's good. Just enough time before the teacher walks in." You stay silent setting your pencil down to clasp your hands. "Look at me when I'm talking to you brat!" The girl clutches a fist full of your (H/c) hair to yank your head up. You whimper from the slight pain.

"Owe!" You manage to say.

"Owe~ oh I'm sorry did that hurt? Well next time acknowledge us dumbass!" The two girls beside you giggle amused by your pain. You wanted to cry already feeling weak. All three of them notice your pitiful face. "Awe look she wants to cry. You wanna cry?"

"No way! Is she really?" All eyes turn to two boy's a row down from where you're sitting. He seemed to have spiked, green hair and the other boy held a Burgundy color curly like hair. The green haired kid leaned against his chair casually grinning at you. The boy's seemed to be in cahoots with your bullies.

The leader of the girls replies back with a devious look. "Yeah look. Her eyes are already glossy and ready to cry." She makes a mocking sad face.

"What a wimp." Everyone laughs watching your reaction. You look down biting your quivering lip. You tried to at least not give them the satisfaction of crying in front of them. The girl had releases her grip on your hair long ago being able to move around freely. The girl in puffy, pig tails to your right points to your uniform.

"Hahahaha! Look she wet herself! Gross!" You panic and look at your outfit forgetting it was still soaked.

"Ewe! What the hell is the matter with you? Who comes to school all nasty? Don't you know the rules?" The brown haired leader says.

"(Y/n) apparently." The other answers.

"N-no it was an accident. I..." The brown haired girl leans close.

"What was that? Speak up I can't fucking hear you." You were about to repeat yourself, "Ugh! You're so damn pathetic! You can't even talk right."

"Yeah she's like um..um...uh..." You shrink lower while digging your nails into your thighs. A chubby boy enters the room panting.

"Yo! The teacher's coming!" Every student takes their seat but not after the brunette throws your things on the floor. You sigh picking up your things off the floor. The teacher finally enters the room to start the class.

Everyday it was like this. One horrible experience after another. What was worse is they threatened you. Yes and usually it wasn't scary but this was extremely scary. Especially since this group was more dangerous than a typical bully group of popular kids.

It was time for recess. You preferred to stay in, but you were always forced outside mostly for teachers to take their quick break from kids. You sat alone on a swing set kicking your feet. Your esteem has been lowered so much you couldn't even look around you without accidentally making contact with your bullies and whenever you did, they would approach to pick on you more. It was like a reminder of not to look at them in any way. You hear someone take a seat beside you. You peer over your shoulder cautiously. To your surprised, there was a curly haired blonde boy who met your gaze. A smile plastered on his face. You tilt your head wondering why he was smiling toward you. You even looked around for anyone near you. Nothing. He chuckles.

"What's wrong? You look surprised." You were speechless. Unable to say anything, you divert your attention to the ground again. The blonde pouts. "Are you okay?" You shrug in response. "Okay, um my name is William. What's yours?"

"(Y-Y/n)." You whisper.

"That's a nice name (Y/n). A pleasure to meetcha!" Your curiosity peeks to his bubbly attitude. It honestly reminded you of Luffy. You couldn't help but be drawn to it. Your dimed eyes starts to regain a little brightness.

"Nice to meet you too William." Your voice starting to sound audible.

"I've noticed you're out here all alone. Why is that?" You tense to his question. "It's okay if you don't want to tell me. Say do you want to hear a joke?"

"Okay."

"Why was six afraid of seven?"

"I don't know why?"

"Because Seven eight nine." He chortles. It took you awhile before you giggle which then becomes a genuine laugh. It was a cheesy joke, but it was funny. The blonde laughs with you and for the first time you felt at ease. "You have a cute laugh (Y/n)." You blush by his bluntness. The bell rings. You both turn to the yard duty calling in all children back to their classrooms. William hops off his seat. "I'll see ya later (Y/N). He waves to you. You wave to him while also returning to your homeroom. A small smile creeps on your lips. Have you made a new friend? Was this truly real? Were things about to change for you now? Your smile widens and you couldn't help the hope lighting your eyes. You couldn't help for your next break. Nothing could ruin you after that hopeful moment shared with your new acquaintance, William.

Lunch arrived. You sat alone at a table forgetting about your new found friend taking a seat across from you. You look over your sandwich and notice the familiar blonde. He gives you a wide smile greeting you. "Hey (Y/n)! Whatcha got for lunch?" You peer down your sandwich.

"A ham and cheese sandwich. What about you?"

"I got pizza." You spent the time talking and getting to know each other. Your eyes looked over the crowd from time to time as if searching for someone. You eventually paid no mind continuing to get lost into your conversation with William. After awhile, William tossed the rest of his food away. He held your hand and tugged you. "Come on (Y/n)! I have something to show you! I think you might like it." You wondered what he wanted to show you. You gladly oblige tossing your remaining food away. You follow your friend down the empty hall of the school.

"William where are we going?" You ask looking around for any teachers. There were none at the moment. Said boy stops in front of the girl's bathroom. You do the same questionably. His eyes seemed to be filled with guilt. Your body reacts to his look. You become scared. "William?" The boy averts his eyes and balls his hands.

"I'm sorry. Please forgive me for this (Y/N)." You back away and just as you feared, the door opens revealing all three girls. They catch you by your arm dragging you inside. You fall backwards onto the floor. The trio of boy's were there too casually watching. One on the sink, the other leaning against the wall and the chubby boy beside him with arms crossed. Everyone of these bastards held a mischievous grin. Your attention turns to William standing just outside the entrance. One of the girls hands him a sack of what seemed to be candy. You gasp. You've never felt so betrayed. You felt so hopeful only to have it crushed by these demons. Olivia, the main leader of the trio of girls yanks you by the hair again to get you to acknowledge her.

"Awe what's wrong? Did you expect William the freak to be your first friend? Sorry to burst your bubble but we hired him to deceive you. We wanted to play a little trick on you. All it took was some candy to get him to do our bidding." William looks at you with guilty eyes as he takes his payment. The door slowly shutting behind him.

"Sorry (Y/n). Candy is kind of hard to get around my house. Nothing personal. Just business." You could not believe him. How could people be so cruel to you and why? What have you ever done to deserve this? Once the door closed, the real run began. You reached out to William shedding tears. How could you have fallen so low? Your hand is squashed down by Olivia's heel. You cry in pain. Your eyes roll up to look at the owner.

"Man you are just too easy (Y/n). I can't believe you felt for that crap. You think anyone wants to be friends with you? Please! You're and pathetic that no one wants to risk being friends with someone like you."

"B-because of..." The girl leans closer to listen.

"What was that?" Out of no where you snap and give her a furious gaze. Fire somehow returning with such hate.

"Because of you! No one wants to be around me because they are afraid of you and your threats! No one likes you!" Thr girl snaps while Chester, the green haired boy gasps intrigued by your sudden fight in you.

"Why you little prick!" She yanks you up and pushes you into one of the stalls. You fall against the toilet bowl managing to catch yourself before you crash. Olivia kicks you down into your knees while you hold the seat of the toilet. She grips your hair again making you writhe in her grasp. You hiss holding her wrist attempting to get her to release her tight grip, but she was too ticked to show any sign of doing so.

"You owe me an apology but first I'll have to punish you!" She dunks your head into the toilet bowl making you squirm and fight to break free to no avail. You couldn't breathe. You banged against the bowl struggling to pull away. Olivia watches amused by her work. She pulls you out. You gasp for air desperately trying to get as much as possible. After a feeling seconds, she dunks you in doing this five times. Once she pulls up you dig your nails into her hand causing her to his and retreat her hand from you. You cough violently attempting to pick yourself up and get back to your senses. The girls huddle around their friend worried.

"Olivia are you alright? Oh that looks bad." Said girl pushes her friends back snagged. Her stare towards you were like daggers. You didn't care. You focused on getting the hell out, but before you could get even the slightest chance to sprint out of the stall, you're socked in the face and sent back to where you started. Tears shed from your eyes feeling scared as you feel the pain of that one punch. The pain throbbing every core of your being. You hold your left eye for a brief moment only to once again be yanked by the hair by not Olivia but Chester. You hear a, 'clink' from other hand. Your breath hitches realizing the clink belonged to a pocket knife. Where he got that no one knows. The blade is now resting against your neck. The cold feeling of the blade made you terrified and Chester coulf hear your shaky breaths.

"My, my you're quite feisty aren't you? You really don't know when to take orders. When someone tells you something you're suppose to listen. So when Olivia gives you an order..." The blade moves slowly up your cheek making another small cut. You gulp awaiting for something to happen. You yelp.

"You do it! Got that?" You nod unable to make a word. Satisfied the boy pulls away. The bell rings to your relief. Chester clicks his tongue. "Damn already? Well at least it was a lot more fun today." He shrugs and nonchalantly put's his knife away shoving his hands in his pockets. The group walks out of the bathroom talking about your reactions making rude comments. William watches the group make their way down the hall. He felt so guilty he couldn't even bother to eat his reward, if he can even call it that. He wanted to enter and check your condition, but he couldn't. He knew you wouldn't want to see a traitor like him. What did he have to offer after what he did.

He knew you only for today, but felt he could truly say you were such a kind and trusting soul. You truly don't deserved to be the victim of those popular kids. William heads back to his classroom with his head down. You on the other hand cried silently to yourself curling up in a ball and rocking yourself. Soaking wet from their terrible torture. You wanted to just die or something. You just wanted this pain to go away. You felt so alone truly. You felt like you have no purpose. Your cry becomes loud unable to hold back. A teacher walks in hearing your cries. She kneels down gasping in horror at the sight before her. You were drenched in water, shivering and crying.

"Oh my goodness! (Y/N)! What happened? Oh poor dear let's get you to the nurse's office." She picks you off the ground walking you to the office where you are attended. You refused to speak or say anything to these people. Unable to do anything else or keep you for more than you were supposed to, they call your mom to pick you up for the day.

Meanwhile, Shanks lounges around the house. The boy's were away doing whatever the hell. He could be nosy about it if he wanted but he trusted then to come back safely like they did yesterday. Knowing Luffy he probably will drag his brothers too just because he wanted to see Veronica. The red head makes his way to your mom's room and whispers as if to say he was impressed by your mom's taste in décor. He scans the room of it's details making his way to the bed where he takes a seat. He bounces slightly a few times to get the feel of the mattress. He throws himself back completely flat on the mattress and lets out a sigh. After laying there a couple of minutes, his eyes continue to wander until his curiosity peeks to the dresser in front of him. Slowly, the man makes his way toward the dresser. He takes a quick glance around him to make sure he was in the clear. Shanks starts to open a few drawers searching for the one he was looking for. The middle drawer which held your mother's lady garments. He smirks and pulls out a lacy black panties. Taking in all the details of the frilly garment.

"Damn Vee if I knew this is what you wear all the time I would..."

"...Be called a pervert." Shanks jumps at the sudden voice behind him. He drops a sweat finding Ace glaring at him with arms crossed. The red head chuckles being caught in the act as he stuffs the garment back in it's place.

"Ace! Welcome back. What's up?"

"I should be asking you that but I got my answer. Anyways I came back to get some snacks. When you were no where in sight I came to look for you."

"Awe Ace you were worried about me?" A tick mark appears on the boy's head.

"No I wasn't! I just didn't want you snooping around and doing something stupid like right now!"

"Right, right. If that's what you tell yourself, but you're one to talk since you guys were the first to snoop." Ace grumbles still Irked.

"Whatever."

"Hey what happened to your hand?" Ace peers at his bandaged hand then hides it behind his back.

"Oh nothing. Just broke a glass cup that's all." He makes his way downstairs with Shanks following behind him. His phone starts to vibrate in his pockets. He recovers his cell and reviews the caller ID. He smiles seeing it was your mother.

"Vee! What's up?" Ace grabs a bag of chips and some sodas stuffing them all in a bag. His ears perk when your name is mentioned. Worry strikes his being. He nears close enough to eavesdrop on the conversation. "What? They did that to (Y/n)? They assume? Well what use is that? So she won't talk huh?" He sighs. "Calm down Vee. I know you're pissed, but there is nothing we can really do. They're kids. I know it's frustrating. I want to also, but you have to think about your daughter now Vee. Just come back home and maybe we can figure this out. Okay see ya soon." He hangs up and stares intently at his phone.

"(Y/n)...what's wrong with her?" Ace held a serious tone mixed with concern. Shanks turns to the boy seeing the determination to get an answer.

"We don't really know yet, but it's obvious (Y/n) is being bullied and she's been attacked today." Ace clenches his fist. Flames spark from his body. He grits his teeth.

"That's it? Are they not going to punish those prices of shits for hurting her?" Shanks shakes his head

"She won't talk. She refuses. So there is nothing we adults can do about it. We have no evidence as to who is doing the damage on her."

"Bullshit! You're a fucking mafia boss! You can do something about it!"

"You think I haven't? Veronica refuses to let me help her or at least do it my way. I can't go against her wishes Ace this is her decision."

"Who cares. You never listen anyways so why is this any different?"

The red head closes his eyes trying to keep calm. "It's complicated Ace. Everything is."

"Don't give me that crap!" His flames ignite more like a flare. Shanks is intrigued by the sudden sparks. He figured the boy was also a devil fruit user. By his examination, a Logia type.

"Oi, kid calm down your fire is going high. You'll light this whole place on fire if you don't settle down." Ace looks at his body noticing some sparks wavering around his body. He sighs trying to get himself to relax. His flames die down. "Let me ask you a question kid. From the stories Luffy tells me, you guys always hop from home to home. You never truly bond with anyone and make a decision to stay longer than you do now. So why is she any different." Ace stiffens unsure how to answer. He was caught off guard. He's never really thought about it but all answers were clearly. They all connected to you. He stares at the ground.

"It's complicated." He replies. Shanks nods in understanding.

"Exactly." Ace couldn't hell but feel so angry because he was helpless to not being able to help you. The boy turns making his way back into the kitchen to carry his things. "Just a heads up, Veronica I coming home early with (Y/n)." The boy nods making his way outside then stops.

"Oi...don't tell Veronica about me having powers. Same with Luffy and Sabo. She doesn't know yet. So I would appreciate it keeping I a secret." Shanks nods his head. With that, the boy leaves the house returning to the forest.

Ace makes his way back to the hide out where the base or outline shape of their fort was already done. It took a lot of work, but at least they managed to get things done quickly than expected.

Sabo hammers a plan of wood with Luffy being the support. Nails held in Sabo's mouth keeping focus not to injury himself. Ace was already wounded and it was difficult piecing everything together at it is. Luffy being the optimistic he is notices Ace and a bag of promised goodies. Dropping everything in sight, the straw hat makes his way down earning complaints from his brother.

"Yay foods here!" He chirp. Sabo is left unbalanced causing him to drop the plank and catch himself. He sighs and glares at the boy.

"Luffy! What did I tell you about support? I could have hurt myself you jerk!"

Luffy simply chuckles picking up a can of soda. "Sorry. I was hungry." Sabo huffs in disbelief. As if on cue his stomach growls. A dust of pink ricks from his cheeks. Sheepishly he rubs the back of his head.

"Yeah I guess I am too." Sabo drops everything and hops down making his way up to the bag. He notices his brother conflicted, lost in his own world. "Hey is everything alright Ace?" Luffy opens the bag of barbeque chips getting right down to stuffing himself. All eyes land on the freckled boy. He shakes his head coming back.

"Uh...yeah sort of." Sabo pops open his drink and takes a chug. "It's about (Y/n)." Sabo slowly pulls away from his drink and grows a little worried. Luffy does the same stopping himself from eating.

"W-what's wrong with her?" Luffy asks.

Ace balls his hands on his lap tightly. "She was attacked again. She won't speak or tell anyone of her situation. No one knows who did it so everyone is stumped."

"What? Are you serious?" Ace nods. "How could they not have any suspects by now. What in the hell kind of school allows such a thing to continue. If this has been going on for awhile, don't you think they would keep an eye on her?"

"Yeah!" Luffy abruptly stands outraged. "Why doesn't she fight back? Why won't she talk or ask for help? She knows we're here for her."

"I don't know Luffy! I'm just as curious as you."

"Well that's because she doesn't seem like a fighter or maybe I'm wrong. Maybe there is something else?" Sabo shakes his head growling in frustration. Damn! Nothing seems to come to mind! We don't really know her."

"I do! She's kind, caring, really smart and cute." He chirps. The two boys blush towards their brother's bluntness. Cute you indeed were to them.

"Those are just characteristics. They don't have other stuff like her favorite food, what books she likes, music and such. Every small detail about a person counts to get an idea of who they are. Otherwise we're just as clueless as anyone else." Sabo groans and punches the tree. All three agreed on how pissed they were towards this predicament.

"I know it pisses me off too and honestly it's got me thinking about other stuff. Shanks isn't even able to help because just like (Y/n) refuses to let him help. Its as if they're so damn prideful or something."

"Its the mafia Ace. They aren't exactly a friendly approach so I don't blame Veronica. Which begs the question of who Veronica is and how does she know Shanks? Is she also in the mafia? It would explain a lot as to why they're so isolated."

"Maybe. That would be a trip." He sighs remembering what the brute told him. "Come on. Shanks said Veronica and (Y/n) are coming early so we better head back." all three set the materials into the tool box before departing.

Back in school, Veronica makes a mad dash inside the school worried. She enters the office ignoring the secretary complaints as she forces herself through the small hall and into the principal's office. The chunky principal snaps her head to your mother and the secretary behind her. A hand is lifted to dismiss the assistant. Your mother pants and kneels beside your soaking form. She lifts your head up moving your hair away from your face. The minutes she spots the bruised eye and another cut on your cheek, every being within her boils with rage.

"Who did this to you?" She turns to the principal for an answer. "Who damn it!"

"Mrs. Suzuki! Please watch your language. This is a children's school may I remind you?" Said woman slams her hands on Halsey's desk.

"The hell with language! I am outraged! Someone beat the crap out of my baby girl for no apparent reason! Why the hell should I calm down? I know this has been going on for awhile and you people just let it happen? So much for the greatest school my ass. Your job is to protect students as well."

"Mrs. Suzuki, I understand you're frustration, but we are doing the best we can. Now please take a seat before I am forced to take security measures." You felt guilty. You could hear the pain you're inflicting by keeping quiet, all because you were afraid. You were truly a burden to them is the first thing in you mind. To your mother's dismay she takes a seat attempting to keep calm. Her arms and legs crossed glaring daggers towards the principal to which she sighs. "I know you're upset. This isn't fair, but as we previously said we cannot do anything without your daughter speaking up."

"What about the cameras installed almost everywhere huh?"

"We don't have that many. This is a children's school not prison. Bullying at a young age doesn't happen too often here Mrs. Suzuki."

"Well it's happening now." Your mother retorts. "

"I know, and we have yet to figure out who they are. I was hoping (Y/n) would be able to talk after having another attack." Your mother turns to you. You look down avoiding to look at their faces.

"(Y/n) can you please tell us who's doing this to you? You don't have to be afraid. This can all end if you give us their names. Baby please." Your mother begs rubbing your back to encourage you. You shake your head.

"I just want to go home."

"(Y/n). Enough is enough you need to tell us before you wake up at a hospital. Please." You shake your head. There was silence in the air.

"If I tell you can we go?" Veronica's eyes light up.

"Yes." Halsey answers.

You sigh. "It was me. Okay? It was me. I'm unhappy and I wanted to kill myself. I'm alone and nobody likes me here so I tried to hurt myself. That's all." You peer up at them and drop the towel on the seat as you take off from the room. "Now can we go?" Your mother was completely stunned. She didn't know weather or not to believe it because it sounded like a reasonable alibi. Veronica sighs.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Suzuki. If this is truly what she is going through then therapy is your only bet." The snow haired woman nods dismissing herself from the office and signing you out.

Back home, the boys came back greeting Shanks in the living room again. He seemed to be watching TV while also on his phone doing business.

"We're home~!" Luffy shouts.

"Welcome back. I guess Ace informed you of your mother's early arrival."

"Yep!" The straw-hat answers. A black Camaro car pulls up into the driveway.

"Speaking of which there she is." As if on cue, you hop out of the car to avoid your mother's questioning. You storm into the house making a sprint to your room. Your mother chases behind you, but you don't bother looking back. Once the door slams and locks your mom groans. She marches upstairs knocking on your door turning the locked handle.

"(Y/n)! This isn't over. Open the door!"

"No! Go away! I don't want to talk about it!" You cry. You drop everything on the floor and open your laptop. You click on Spotify and bump music loud enough to drown the outside world. You curl up on the ground and rock yourself. Veronica lets put a frustrated sigh. She bangs her head on your door. She was capable of knocking down a door, but at what cost? You simply refused to talk and torturing or anything else isn't going to work.

Defeated, the snow haired woman walks downstairs to meet several eyes on her. She wipes a tear away and sniffles. This pained everyone.

"Sorry about that." Shanks walks up to her and hugs her.

"Hey no need to apologize. Do you want to talk about it?" Veronica shifts over to the boys. Their face held with concern.

"Um boys why don't you got upstairs and play or something I'll make something to eat."

"But we want to know too. We want to know if (Y/n) will be okay. What happened." Luffy starts.

"Yeah it's not fair if you won't tell. We deserve to know too."

"We want to help Veronica." Sabo says. Your mother was touched. A small smiles falters her face.

"Thank you boys, but this matter is something you cannot help with. It's something I have to figure out." Shanks sighs a little annoyed. He figured she would refuse help. Like mother like daughter.

"But Veronica..."

"This isn't up for discussion boys. Please just do as ain't say." Ace clicks his tongue being the first to obey. Luffy follows behind then Sabo. Each of them filled with annoyance. Helpless to do anything. They felt like they were going in circles when the solution to Veronica's and your problem is right in front of them. The woman watches her adoptive sons head upstairs and out of sight. She sighs.

"You know we're all trying to help."

"I know, but I don't want the mafia being involved in a prestigious school because of mine and my daughter's affair. It will ruin our reputation. I made a decision a long time ago Shanks, the minute my baby was born that I will handle things normally no matter how stressful it is. I don't want my past involved my future." Shanks scoffs.

"I get it but that's a big ass contradiction on your part. You may have left his gang, but you're still in another organization. How is that for normal?" She growls spinning on her heel to confront the fool.

"Don't give me a fucking lecture! If I wanted one I would have asked you, but I didn't. I don't need this right now." She marches off into the kitchen. The boy's eavesdrop on their conversation. They were surprised to find Veronica was someone perhaps important. She even belonged in a gang? Shanks follows the angry woman.

"Woof! Okay, okay relax. I'm sorry to bring up the past. I was simply trying to clear things up. You have the ability to get answers easily, but I suppose you want to do it the clean way. I get it. So tell me. What happened to the kid?" The brute leans against a pillar watching her back move from spot to spot.

"She uh...got bullied again as I told you. When I found her she held a black eye on her left eye and a cut on her right cheek. A blade by the looks of the cut.

The trio grip hard on the wall gritting their teeth attempting to keep calm about their new information.

"She was soaking wet. One of the faculty members was walking around and heard her wailing cries. By the time they found her, she was cradling herself..." Veronica holds the edges of the counter slapping a hand over her mouth muffling her choked tears. The red head frowns approaching her from behind. He rubs her back. The boys sadden watching from the sidelines. "...crying her heart out and shivering violently. She was frightened. Filled with so much fear and I can't do a fucking thing about it, because she won't talk." Veronica buries her face into Shank's chest clenching his shirt tightly. Arms wrapped around her holding her close while comforting her.

"Shh...it's okay Vee. We'll figure this out. I promise." He coos. The boy's stay silent in despair. What could they do to make you feel better? What would happen if they're too late? Something had to be done and it was up to them to solve this problem on their own.