~ His Last Flame ~

It took me almost 3 weeks to get there. I blamed him for being the reason I wasn't there on time… That's wrong… I blame my self for not even going to the battle to save him. Granted I was told of his capture and impending execution days after everyone had set out.

I didn't even question him when he left the mansion saying he had to tend to Shichibukai business…I should have… I could sit here and blame many people but that won't bring him back.

When I asked for his reason for hiding it from me… he said he didn't want me there in my condition… that it was bad for the babies. Maybe he was right… in my condition I would be of no use in a battle. Ids only serve as a bother to him, pops and my crew.

Yet at the same time I feel horrible. That's why I requested I be brought to their grave sight for the funeral. When I arrived all of my brothers and sisters were lined up on either side forming a path and down that path as I walked and grew nearer to their graves… I saw Shanks and Marco standing in front. Both turned towards me and I could see the pain and sympathy in their eyes. I kept my chin high as I neared them but I could feel the tremble in my hands. I walked past Marco and Shanks both muttering their sympathies. Looking up I saw Fathers Santo and jacket and was reminded of when he first took me in knowing full well whose blood was in my veins. Tears welled up in my eyes as I remembered the strong man who raised me. Turning I looked my dear little brother's grave… His orange hat sat atop his favorite dagger…the dagger I gave him before he left his island to be a pirate.

I remembered learning I had a little brother and of learning that my 'Father' had been sentenced to the gallows and died. I shed not a tear for his death for I was simply his bastard child and unknown to the world of whose blood I carry.

The tears started to fall down my cheeks as I remembered our first meeting. He didn't want to believe I was his elder sister… It had taken him so long to accept it. And then dear Luffy our treasured little brother I so worried about him but from the news I heard he was alright for now.

I could feel myself breaking the longer I stood there. It was Marco's hand on my shoulder that broke me. I feel to my knees screaming my rage and sorrow to the heavens. Swearing revenge on the World Government, when my tears were spent and I felt I could cry no more I stood and placed the wreath of flowers I had made at their graves then turned and headed back to my boat. As I passed by everyone they all had tears in their eyes.

When I made it to the boat my husband stood on the bow waiting for me his long sword strapped to his back his hat with its feather plume shadowed his unique eyes from me. He helped me up onto the ship and as we set sail a silence had befallen us.

It was a few hours into our trip home that he spoke to me. "How are you feeling My Dear?" I knew I couldn't remain angry with him. He was after all only looking out for his wife and children and I had half a mind Pops would have beaten him senseless if he learned I had joined the fight.

"I'm fine Love. The children are both fine…it won't be long till they are born…" And I had been right not even a week later after we returned home I went into labor. I ended up having a Boy and a Girl they both had their fathers unique eyes. I sent word to luffy of his Nephew and Niece. I knew he was busy training and also knew the news would be good for him.

It didn't take me long to settle in to taking care of my children thought I kept up my training with my husband when I was free. I have a feeling the story isn't over yet… in fact… I know it isn't. So I await the day to act and while I wait raise my children to be free and joyful while it lasts.

Signed,

Selda D. Mihawk (Gol)