Poisoned Waters

By YourNeighbourhoodCat

Pairings: probably none

Timeline: Pre-canon to canon

Warnings: minor violence, angst, and spoilers~

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece, it belong to Goda and I am just a loyal follower

Chapter 1: Awakening

I knew that it was a bad decision. The unknown often hid danger beneath its veil, it's the reason why humans were conditioned to fear it. Yet, I ignored the signs, too curious, too stupid, to do anything but chase after it.

For as long as I could remember, I was haunted by the feeling that something was amiss. My body felt a size too small while the world looked wrongly big. I dreamed of tall concrete buildings and houses made of red brick; seeing language I understood but never learned. Nothing felt out of place there, not the metal machines that dominated the ground and sky, not the glass boxes that flashed endless images and sound, and most certainly not the tall, pale body I inhabited. Long black hair framing the view of the strange world and its people. For a bunch of strangers, they provided an odd sense of comfort and security, but I couldn't figure out why. It was like the truth was being dangled just out of reach.

Just hanging there, mocking me. It was grating to no end.

Since my dreams didn't provide any answers, I could only hope for an opportunity in reality. Most of the world around me sparked no sense of novelty. Flevance was rather stagnate. However, every now and then, some object or word would cause a gut retching feeling in the pit of my stomach, like its very existence was wrong. I knew that it was somehow linked to the unexplainable oddities in my life, so I would investigate these "clues", hoping that it would unveil the answer.

Today was one of those times; tucked away the lowest shelf in the Library was a book that sparked the same that same unease as before. "The Worlds Most Infamous Pirates", printed on the old worn spine. Taking side glances, noticing that nobody was around, I tucked the book under my jacket and hastily sped out the door.

Heart beating rapidly, I made my way through the city and towards the forest near the church. I could never let anyone learn about my investigation, not even my family. The desire crept up numerous times, but whenever the opportunity came, my mouth couldn't utter a sound. Inexplicably, I was scared of telling them, so my only option was to hide where no one would look.

Sitting down against a tree, I let out a sigh of relief and stared at the leaves swaying gently in the breeze, brushing aside bits of amber. After a deep breathe, I opened the cover of the brown woven book. Page after page proving that this was different than all my other attempts; the wrongness and familiarity heightening my desperation. Sweaty hands clenched tightly around the edges as my eyes frantically ate up every word.

"Beginning of the Age of Pirates... Marines countermeasures were... Began with Gol D Roger... Known as King of the Pirates... Only one to reach Rafetal... Public execution in Loguetown... Revealed to hide the -One Piece."

It is that last word that stops me dead. Suddenly, everything clicks.

It is my 41st investigation attempt when I remember everything. Specifically, my life, my past life.

I, Trafalgar Water D Lami, had reincarnated and is destined to die in a few years.

Having 20 years of memories flood back in was terribly disorienting; I can finally understand why Sabo fell into a fever ridden coma for 3 days. Dreaming the influx of information would be bliss compared to this. Instead, completely conscious, I recalled another life before this one, in an entirely different world.

Born to a loving mother and father, I was the youngest child in a middle-class family. It was a boring, if not completely unremarkable life, considering that the books I read were the most memorable.

I had a passion for stories ever since elementary school. It was an addiction that followed throughout my adolescent years, with anime and manga becoming a personal bias. As I grew up, my must-read list was completely checked off, so I waited patiently for my favourite ones to update.

One Piece was one of the them, because I loved the goofy characters, the tragic back stories, the cool abilities, and heartfelt messages of friendship and love. Such an exciting and vivid world held a special place in my heart. I had favourite characters, arcs, and moments, and would always read the latest chapter the day it came out. This continued till the day I had died.

Nearly every piece of fiction got it wrong. Death wasn't pearly white gates or cryptic talks with a transcendent being. You weren't floating in an endless black void, after all, that would require a "you" to perceive it. You no longer existed, so you could no longer think, much less see or feel. It was simply nothingness. Some would consider it calm, peacefully even.

The worst part wasn't being dead, it was dying.

I was working on a project in the campus student center, drinking a cup of coffee as I mentally ran through what needed to get done. It was a normal, completely ordinary day.

At least it should have been.

An explosion with all the force of an atomic bomb exploded to my left. For a second, I was thrown out of my seat and the world went black. By the time I could comprehend my situation, I became aware of the blinding pain coursing through every square inch of my body. It was impossible to distinguish which parts of me were burned, cut, or bruised, there was too much for my disoriented head. Loud air pops, more explosions, screams, people falling, and so so much red. Utter chaos. Oh god I needed to run! I tried to get up and escape, but I couldn't. I can't. Why won't my body stand?! Not safe, need to get out! Wait, my leg, why can't I feel it? Oh my god, where is it?! Why is my leg not there?! Please, someone, ANYONE, help me! It hurts, I don't want to die! I don't want to die, I don't want to die, I DON'T WANT TO DIE-

The crinkling of the paper shot me out of my panic. I was aware that I curled into a ball, cold sweat covering my shaking body which was gasping for air. My hands were clenched around my legs, to protect myself or affirm that I had my leg, I wasn't sure. The book laid discarded under my foot, page thoroughly ruined the shaking of my dirtied shoe. I closed my eyes and tried to control my rapid breaths.

The pain of your broken body, the fear of losing your life, the desperation of finding some way to live, and the despair of knowing that everything was over, that you would never accomplish what hasn't been done and never enjoy another minute of this world. These feelings made dying far worse than death itself.

It was horrible, a pain no human should ever remember or experience a second time. Yet, here I was, reborn as a side character's catalyst, who dies from an incurable disease, fire, or genocide (take your pick) before she even reaches double digits.

Thankfully I was alone, so I naturally let out my grief. It wasn't for the people and dreams I had lost, I made it an active goal to not hold attachments to such things. Rather, I cried for the trauma I held and the gun that fate cocked at my head.

Eventually, the tears stopped, but I was far too tired to move. All I could do was think.

Everything was screwed up. I just wanted to live a peaceful life and pass over from old age, but instead I was trapped in diseased body, dying in nearly the exact same way but sooner and with prolonged agony. How ironic. If this was a joke, it was the worst one I ever heard. It seemed like the world was mocking me. Clenching my teeth and curling my hands into fists, I could feel my despair change into bitterness and resentment.

God must exist, it is the only explanation for this nightmare. If so, you can hear me, right? Why are you doing this? This isn't fair. I lived as a normal person, I didn't commit any sins to deserve dying tragically in two lifetimes. Then, is this some sick game? Some demented play where you drop your creations in hell and watch them squirm against their demise? Well? Answer me!

I waited for some, any, indicator to my plea. But, as expected, silence was my only companion. 'Bastard,' I thought, managing a weak dry chuckle. Whoever put me here clearly had no intention of helping me, I was on my own.

Fine.

I wasn't some weakling that gives up when there is no one to rely on. If I am alone, I will use my own strength to overcome the odds. I won't go through that hell again, no what I have to do.

I'm not the real Trafalgar Lami, but I'm still a D, and I am willing to crawl my way through hell and back if it means of breaking my fate.

I will do everything I can to survive, this I swear.

YNC-YNC-YNC

To put it simply, the Traflagars are... Odd. Father (can I still call him that?) is known as the best doctor and owner of the most prominent hospital in Flevance. An exceptional individual who can only be classified as genius. Honestly, you would never be able to guess that from the way he acts at home.

"Welcome back, pumpkin! Hmm? Someone is making a long face. That means a visit from the tickle monster!" Father yelled when I finally trudged my way home and opened the door.

"Ahhh! S-st-op father! Ahahaha!" I yelped between uncontrollable laughs as father mercilessly tickled my sides. He did eventually stop, and then proceed to pick me up into his arms.

"That's the smile I have been waiting to see. What's got you so down, pumpkin?" He beamed down at me. Towards us, he put on the persona of an extremely silly and clumsy father. Probably so he can spend time with his children and make them laugh. Seeing such a bright, innocent face, I hesitated.

"It's fine. Feeling better." I lied with a small smile. Despite my determination, the weight of my memories was difficult to bear. My head was throbbing, and my body wanted nothing more than to curl into a ball and hide. Every bit of strength I had left was needed to conceal the paralyzing stress and fear.

How could I reveal my inner turmoil to such a loving father? Well, I was either an amazing actress, or he was an incredibly gullible man, cause he showed no traces of doubt as he twirled me in the air. My mother came from out of the kitchen and joined us in the living room. Sporting a warm smile, she placed a kiss on my cheek and a hand on my head.

"Welcome home, Lami. You were out later than usual today, I was getting worried." Mother said.

"Don't worry, dear. No way our smart little girl would get hurt on this safe island. Besides, she has charmed everyone she has met, if someone does try to hurt her, they will have to deal with Flevance and me coming after them." Father proudly declared.

If only he knew that the entire population of Flevance wasn't enough.

Mother looked at him with a bemused expression and ushered us into the dining room for super.

Mother was the head nurse of the hospital dad ran. Her warmth and kindness made her the perfect caretaker, beloved by all her patients. I used to idealize her. It's not like I stopped admiring all the hard work she puts into her job, but I doubt my current personality will be a good match with the nurse occupation. I have always been rather blunt and lacked high levels of empathy. Lami might have been a good fit, just not me.

Already sitting at the dining table was a young black haired boy engrossed in a textbook half his height. The scene would have been rather comical if I didn't recognize his identity.

The most infamous (and only, cause he lives, while everyone and me are dy-) person from Flevance, the Surgeon if Death himself, Trafalgar Water D Law. Also known as my older (younger?) brother by 2 years.

I adored him, and my old memories only added to my appreciation. He was the kindest brother I have ever met. Most siblings, due to self-centered immaturity, should be at each other's throats around this age. However, Law seemed to adopt a heightened maturity uncharacteristic for a 5 year old. He would never complain if I wanted to play with him while he was studying, sneaked us out to buy us ice cream with his merger allowance every Sunday, and took good care of me while father and mother were away.

He was an honest kid who loved his family and wholeheartedly dreamed of saving lives just like our father. I didn't want my view to change but...

After I sat down in my chair, I turned to glance at his profile. Just like any other 6 year old, he was small with baby fat rounding his face. My eyes naturally gravitated to his oversized white furred hat and the dark circles under his golden eyes. Suddenly, the ache in my chest became unbearable.

Just by looking at him, it was painfully confirmed that I died and now living in a world run on corruption, slavery, and crime. A piece of fiction where I, and everyone else on this godforsaken island, were created solely for the purpose of dying.

We were only catalysts for my brother's growth. That's why my name meant little sister, my entire value -entire reason for being created, was for him. If he wasn't there, just maybe I could forget about my miserable past and future, pretend that it was all a horrible nightmare. But that wasn't reality.

Staring down at my plate, I did my best to ignore the presence beside me and focus on eating, left hand curled into my pant leg to hide the trembling. I cared about my brother, and it wasn't his fault for being born a One Piece side character. I just wish it hurt a little less...

Both mother and father animatedly asked about our day and patiently nodded as we recalled what we did. I gave them the filtered version, talking about how I played with some friends and then studied in the library. Due to my old memories, I could make up some bullshit about learning how to multiply. It might seem weird for 4 year old to be learning such advanced math. But not to my parents. My memories may have been locked away, but the curriculum still felt familiar and I kept my high level of comprehension.

Thus, I became known as the Trafalgar's second prodigy. My parents were ecstatic when they learned of my "intelligence". To think that both their children were showing promise of becoming great doctors at such a young age. If they knew the reason behind their so called "genius daughter", I don't think they would feeling so blessed.

As usual, they showed a lot interest in our lives and filled us with praise when we performed an accomplishment. I would have felt warm seeing their adoring gazes, but now, it made me squirm with unease.

Even though they were busy running the hospital, they still tried to spend as much time as possible with us. They were always encouraging us, consoled us when we were upset, apologized if they were short with us, and gently scolded us if we made a mistake. Towards each other, they were lovesick newlyweds: complimenting instead of insulting the other and showing daily physical affection.

Was this some sort of trick to get their children to work harder, or do all parents act like that when their kids are young? Is that why they are so different from my old parents? Maybe I just forgot as I became an adult.

I kept my mind occupied with these pointless thoughts, cause I knew the alternative was far worse. Acknowledging the fact that everyone was chatting happily as though we weren't destined to die and suffer.

It was absolutely suffocating.

"I'm finished, going to go practice writing in my room." I stated as soon as the last vegetable was consumed, not bothering to hear their response as I hurriedly ran up the stairs. Once settled into my desk, I took out a fresh notebook and began writing.

The language of this world was entirely Japanese with not a trace of English to be seen thus far. I might be fearful of writing down literal prophecies and notes of secret government corruptions if that weren't the case. Maybe Robin can read this, or some lost civilization, but that is a distant problem. Right now, I need to write down everything I can remember about One Piece- it's characters, time periods, settings, arcs- before I forget. Most importantly, I start off with everything about Trafalgar Lami's future.

An hour passes, and I grit my teeth in frustration over the minuscule notes I managed to procure. Barely over half a page. Unless I spontaneously remember more details, this was all the information I had to prevent my tragic end. Damn it, I wish I paid more attention to Law's backstory. He wasn't a character I particularly cared about, so even though I reread the Dressrosa arc multiple times, I only paid attention to his story the first run-through. The thought of combating a disease with a 99% death rate and a full island genocide with a couple of vague, uncertain bullet points wrecks me motionless in fear. The hurdle I need to overcome just to save my own life looked insurmountable.

Taking a shaky breath, I began writing down the other information I knew. "There's no point in panicking about what I can't obtain," I repeated to myself. It didn't stop the slight shake of my hand, but it did encourage me to continue.

I don't bother writing anything about my old life. Bitter memories will remain bitter, and the happy ones will only remind me of what I lost and never see again. In that case, wouldn't be better to just forget about them? Sadly, if it were that easy to forget significant events, I would have done so a long time ago. Hoping for those memories to disappear again was as pointless as praying for God's aid.

God clearly wasn't on my side if he put me into this miserable hell.

As soon as I finished, I fell into my bed with the desire to end the most exhausting day of my life. If this is a dream, that is all it will be.

If it isn't, then the harsh days were just beginning.

I knew which of the two were more likely, and I prayed that for once I would be proven wrong.

.

.

.

Of course I wasn't.

A/N: Hello readers! Welcome to my first installment of: Law and everyone else in this godforsaken world deserves to be happy with their family goddamn it. (Except for my OC)

Anyway, this is a One Piece fan who reincarnates into Trafalgar Lami with the goal of surviving. I have been saving this in drafts for about a month now, with no courage of actually revealing it. Finally, I had the guts to do it. I wrote this with 2 goals in mind: creating more Lami fanfiction cause there seriously isn't enough , and making an OC Insert that was different from the norm. I plan on avoiding many of the troupes, such as mastering all forms of Haki and becoming insanely overpowered by age 8, being beloved by all the characters, etc. Just some forewarning, she will NOT be joining the Straw Hats in the future, so this story will not be a rendition of the story arcs.

If you enjoy this, please leave a review! I am happy to here any critiques, recommendations, or hear what people liked!

I have a bunch of chapters already written up (with just editing required), so they will probably come out within the month. Thanks for reading~