A/N: Dedicated to my one cute reviewer, blacklightningwolf. Your review made my day as I was expecting none for this OC fic. Thank you.
Punk Paradise was an island of experiments, screams, inventions, and discoveries. Four laboratories existed among the leafy vegetation; one for each main (Vegapunk, Caesar, and Aster) and one as the main laboratory for collaborations.
Today, the three were both studying giantification in the main laboratory. Caesar chuckling as he waved his hands in the air with a dramatic flourish,
"Guinea pigs of the century ― thou shall be giant today!" He cackled with laughter as his eyes gleefully watched them all scream from the drug's effects. Vegapunk and Aster, on the other hand, watched with more indifference… yet even the current events couldn't stop them from a bit of curiosity and excitement mixed together into a fantastical concoction.
Vegapunk's eyes gleamed in their own small way as he clenched a black chair, staring beyond the glass window at the morphing humans. As inhumane as the experiment was… damn, was it exciting to see that…
The screams stopped, replaced by slow, thunderous pants. The three prisoners, formerly dressed in the typical striped clothing, now lumbering forth with full bareness. Their bodies seven times bigger than originally was.
...their experiment succeeded. After countless of years ― centuries for all of humanity ― they finally completed the process. Aster too stared in awe at the now monstrously large humans. Caesar smirked and threw her up with a quick grab, cackling again,
"Shurororororo~! This is your success more than anything, little one~ We couldn't have done it without you ― that I gotta admit, shurororororo~"
Though her lips didn't twitch a second, her eyes glowed with a light as she praised him as well, "Your idea of using that chemical was genius as well, Caesar-san."
The mad scientist blushed vibrantly, throwing her up in happiness with more strength. He loved the little girl's praise ― about time someone realized his genius! As crazy as Garp was, he really had to thank the old man for giving them a worthwhile intern~
Vegapunk smiled at the scene. His homicidal co-worker's inhumane urges lessening a bit with the girl around. To think it had only been one and a half years… One and a half years and they came so far with their studies.
His brown eyes shifted to the human turned giants. A fresh mind really was vital to the pool of great minds they had at Punk Paradise. His hands unconsciously rubbed together in anticipation; both co-workers of his catching the movement and following his gaze to their now most recent success.
"Now…" The old leading scientist of the world started, already pulling the gloves on. "Shall we begin the next step of the experiment?"
Dissecting.
Caesar fully agreed, yanking the light green disposable gloves on. Vegapunk could always trust that one to behave so happily about human experiments. Aster, on the other hand, pulled her gloves on with quick, refined movements. Vegapunk, too, could always trust her to behave as a professional ― forever and ever.
Whatever Garp-san wanted him to teach the girl was not here in the laboratory of experiments and discovery. After all, this was a laboratory of inhumane experiments and projects unbefitting for a small child her age as well. And with such an experienced doctor ― not to mention, even better than all of their own ― there was no way he was going to waste resources and let her mind waste away for the time's stay. Though… if Garp really did want them to teach her…
Then, he could be proud to say that he did teach the girl one emotion ― wheedling it out of that suppressed and heavily locked box of hers and letting it loose to the world.
Curiosity flashed across red eyes.
…
Sabo howled with laughter as he bashed a thug's head in and jumped to the next, lashing out a kick at the burly man's gut. Ace, too, laughed as he whacked down all in his way like a bowling ball to its pins. None stood in the way of the two children as they fought together, watching each other's backs while laughing with fun.
Both never felt so much pleasure fighting before meeting each other and becoming close friends and partners.
Ace chuckled as the last thug fell and he began scouring the wallets for cash. Sabo did the same, fiddling with the black leather things playfully,
"We sure got a lot today~"
Ace grinned, "Just a few more years to go―" His onyx eyes gleamed with excitement for the future, "―and then! We'll buy a ship!"
Sabo's own eyes flashed with deep hunger for that day. He could just imagine it. The salty winds tousling his hair ― the sun beating down with bright light ― the waves crashing together ― the ship full of his crew moving forth ― and his eyes seeing the brilliant world of worlds that he heard so much about. His heart thumped wildly as he closed his eyes, seeing the picture he so longed for everyday.
"Just a few more years…"
Ace rubbed his nose a bit in a somewhat humble manner, "Ya know ― I could have never done it without you, Sabo."
Both remembered their horrible first meeting ― Sabo curiously following the other and being knocked to next week with a single pipe thrust. Who knows how many months, the blond spent just on learning how to fight and get revenge. And in the end, they became friends behind the iron bars, helping each other to escape and beat up the kidnappers that almost sold them both into slavery. Sabo teased,
"Not like you, tough boy~"
Ace scowled and then smirked, pouncing on the blond. Sabo's eyes widening before he too smirked and together the children wrestled on the floor. Only the sounds of policemen stomping by making them stop and escape away from the angered policemen's shouts.
Freedom sang in their limbs as they ran together back to their lawless homes.
…
Aster didn't know why she felt something so harrowing around her heart. All the scientists staring into the distance, where Garp's ship came into sight. All of them getting the call that Garp was finally going to pick her up. It was a silent moment as she stepped forth with her only possessions; her white umbrella, headphones, and clothes. She turned back with every bit of nobility ― the traits never leaving her even after a year and a half of disuse.
She paused purposefully before bowing deeply, "Thank you for your patronage these past months. I have experienced and learned much under your care."
Caesar actually sniffed. He really wished he had a say in it. He really wished that… that the only one on the island who actually praised and acknowledged his genius wasn't leaving. Damn, now no one was going to understand his love for weapons of mass destruction anymore. Or even try. Pussies. The lot of them.
His friend was leaving.
Vegapunk too had a hard time watching the small girl before them give away her byes. She really was leaving. She who with her own pure talent helped them make so many breakthroughs. Her fresh ideas, sheer intelligence, and obedient nature all giving them the tools they needed to bulldoze the medical parts of the experiments. Sure, both scientists knew their fair share of the human body, but not so much as the doctors within the medical field. They were scientists, preferring the mecha/destruction side of things. Not the other professions… or not as much. And even then, the doctors on the island weren't much help ― not even as close to their standards as the girl…
His valued assistant was leaving.
The blank face even more heartrending as she showed no emotions to her sudden leave. Professionalism too ingrained in her bones to let any signs leave. A sudden wish that they could have taught her more than the sciences flashed within them as they stared into dull red eyes.
("Garp! We're not babysitters!" Caesar shrieked. Yet despite that, he glid around and around the little girl, excitedly envisioning all the experiments he could do with her. He never had a child for such a long time! Vegapunk sighed as he had to agree with the maniac currently (and very shadily at that) twirling around the little girl.
"I have to say… we're too busy for this, Garp-san. What made you think that we'd just take her in like some orphanage anyways?"
"Bwahahahaha~" The old man roared with laughter, ending it with a pick of a nose, "Why she's a doctor of course. Didn't you always wanted one~?"
Vegapunk stared at the little girl; oddly remembered of a time when he was that small and a genius to boot, "I wanted an useful one. That is all. Not a little girl you probably randomly plucked off the streets. They had to be experienced, innovative, and a lot smarter than the marine-issued ones." Vegapunk even scowled at the thought that made him wonder more often than not that all the good doctors were employed by kings who didn't need them or sailing away as pirates. Either that or the entire medical field level was too low because honestly those marine doctors were idiots!
Garp nodded profoundly, "Yes, yes, that's her right here."
"Garp…" Vegapunk began again with narrowed eyes… Caesar, on the other hand, cackling and licking his lips in ― Vegapunk narrowed his eyes further, recognizing the distinct sign of Caesar-brand sadism.
"Then… tell me what is NHC10?"
Vegapunk honestly wanted to bang his head against a wall. That drug was only known to the leading scientists and doctors of countries. The girl however answered without hesitation,
"Nitrogen, Hydrogen, Carbon 10. A highly addictive drug that stimulates the mind and gives enjoyment to the consumers. However, in large doses, NHC10 can cause internal damage. Due to its highly addictive state, withdrawal also causes negative feedbacks such as pain, hallucination, and aggressiveness."
Vegapunk blinked along with Caesar ― the former bounty hunter taking it to exaggerated levels with his eyes and tongue popping out in a gape-like shock.
"Bwahahahaha, see? This is A-chan~"
She curtsied perhaps even more perfectly than a robot, even with that umbrella, "My name is Galanthus Aster. It is nice to meet you, Vegapunk-san, Caesar-san."
And it was at that moment that Garp saw their eyes and left with a carefree laugh and wave, "Anyways, have fun~! I know you'll all love it together~ Gahahahahaha~!")
There was a moment of silence as they remembered the days that passed, the experiments done, the time spent, the life... and Vegapunk finally gave a smile ― a soft nostalgic one, "It has been a wonderful time for us as well, A-chan. It's only too bad that time passes by so quickly. I hope that you have a safe trip back home and that maybe we'll one day meet again."
Aster nodded curtly; a smile almost breaking the surface. "But her parents always said to never show emotions because it was unprofessional" finished both scientists mentally in their heads. Who knows how many times her parents came up in the past two years; the girl's existence practically for whoever the hell they were. Both scientists were already exasperated by how restricted the intelligent mind was.
But both smiled at the sight of her almost-happy face, being able to tell the little emotions through the long time with her. They stayed in a silent, beautiful peace until Garp came along with his boisterous laugh and snagged her back again.
Another silence followed until Caesar scowled, "Always ruins the moment. Always."
"When you're not talking about inhumane experiments and weapons of mass destruction, you're actually quite agreeable, Caesar."
"Tch. I'm always agreeable. You just don't understand the beauty of―"
"Genocide is always ugly, young one. As your superior, I order you to stop."
"Bleh! You have no right over me, Vegapunk! I'll show the whole world how I'm the best!"
They both glared at each other, already reverting back to their feudal disputes.
Meanwhile, Aster bounced in the air with each stomp of the bulky old man, Garp.
"Bwahahahaha, how was the job, A-chan~?"
"...I had an amiable time, Garp-san."
"And what do you think about my statement?"
("There are times where people shouldn't listen to anyone - even their own family.")
"...I still do not understand. Please inform me why I should not listen to father and mother."
Garp's eyes did the sighing for him as even the genius Vegapunk could not teach a little girl the importance to follow one's own will.
"It's… it's something you learn throughout life."
"..." She placed a hand over her heart, feeling it beating slowly, "...sou ka. Garp-san… may I inquire something?"
"Hm?" The old man asked distractedly, not paying attention as he began scheming for another trip for all his grandchildren.
"...what are emotions?"
Garp snapped up from his thoughts before a large grin spread across his face. Perhaps, he really could do something after all.
…
Dadan shook her head as the brat shocked her boys again with a smile across his visage as he bounded into the forest.
Though… she wondered what made the boy so happy nowadays… She surprised herself when she saw a smile looking back at her in the mirror. Damn her accursed womanly instincts.
As if reading her thoughts, a bandit nodded, "Yup, damn them. Not that you have any, boss."
…
She nearly beamed when her parents praised her on bringing in the big bucks with her new knowledge. But she knew how emotions were never allowed…
"Good job, Aster." Her eyes blinked up at the rare praise from a rarely satisfied man ― her father… He grinned; money filled with wads of fresh cash, "I always knew you were better than Lily and Amaranth." She almost froze at the names of her older siblings ― especially that last name… Nii-sama… "I spoiled them too much" scowled the man as he distastefully spat on their names. Troublemakers the lot of them. Only good thing about them was that they gave him experience to prepare the next one… yes… he smiled at his greatest money-maker. So it seems that he won't regret not killing the albino runt with some sort of mental disorder to hear voices after all. "For your service, I will grant you one wish, Aster. What do you want?"
Her red eyes widened momentarily at words she never thought to hear. She froze, not knowing what she wanted… Love came to mind, but she shook her head. Why would she need love from parents that already loved her? What a ridiculous thought…
She already knew what her answer was going to be from the very beginning though. If there was one thing Vegapunk taught her, it was curiosity. And she really did wonder if they were really as sensual as Garp described it.
"Emotions…" She murmured peculiarly before requesting it louder, "Then may this humble daughter have emotions, Father?"
The man blinked before nodding thoughtfully; it was odd that anyone would choose measly emotions when wishes bring promise of dreams, fame, power, and most importantly, money. But if he remembered correctly, he did train her to get rid of them since years back. He thoughtfully pondered before feeling the bills under his hand ― the fat stack sending shivers to his body. If he could get this much everyday, then maybe he really didn't mind after all, "Very well. From now on, you will not be punished for having emotions, Aster. However, you are still expected to be professional among clients and patients."
Three sentences. Few words. And loud thumps resounded from within her as chains that she known all her life unraveled and fell. The loss of such a familiar restraint sent her soul tumbling down, ripping against the shedding locks until finally she stopped and stood up again as a new person. She nearly gasped at how much lighter she felt, how much more stimulating the world felt, how much different her life felt. Her red eyes teared and when she heard her father dismiss her to lay back alone on the mountain of Beri's, she ran.
The wind pushed her white headphones back and instead of the detached voices, she heard the world pulsing with her heart.
…
Garp blinked to see the little girl a lot more… her age. "Heeeh, you've changed."
Aster's eyes glinted before she admitted, "I might have changed a bit, Garp-san."
"Call me Jii-chan~"
"I apologize. I am a noble. I can not shame my family by doing something so demeaning to a Marine Hero such as you."
"Buuu~" Garp scrutinized the girl, still seeing the other chains. But… He smiled and patted her soft head. Slowly. Slowly she was changing to a more free, happy little girl. Slowly… but gradually. "I'm happy for you."
"I am happy for myself as well." The white umbrella twirled, sending ripples in the air, "...thank you."
"..."
Aster stopped in her steps to look back at the stopped marine… who to her surprise looked about to cry.
"Garp-san?"
"A-ah…" Rough, calloused skin went over his eyes to feel the trapped tears before he burst into laughter once again, "Bwahahahahaha!"
"?"
"N-nothing to worry about~" He assured her, still shaking up with laughter, "I just wanted to adopt you―"
"No."
"BWAHAHAHAHAHA, I got rejected~!"
"?"
She tilted her head in confusion before shaking her head, "I apologize, Garp-san, however I am busy. What is it that you have called me for?"
"ahahaha… alright, alright. I have a job for you, actually." She arched a brow to show how ridiculously obvious that statement was. He shook his head, "It's a lot more complicated than that…"
As he spoke, Garp stared down at the little girl… His heart finally at peace from its constant beating.
He almost forgot how… amazing it was to be thanked.
"Thanks, A-chan~"
She arched her brow again, "I do not recall doing you any favors, Garp-san."
"No… you did something a lot… more"
…
"Shanks! Shanks!"
A redhead groaned as his one arm moved the newspaper sheltering his eyes from the smoldering sun. Damn, he hated hangovers… He glared at the culprit to blink at the fear so clear in his eyes. He laughed,
"What's with you, Yasopp? It's only East Blue~"
"Well East Blue's crazy! The Marine Hero's here!"
Shanks froze, widening his eyes slowly. "You got to be kidding."
"Not, not!" Yasopp frantically waved, thrusting his arms wildly at the expanse of sea. And sure enough was the trademark figurehead of Garp's personalized marine battleship.
"Shit."
"That certainly sums things up." Benn replied as he too stared at the ship; gun in hand. "They're not attacking though."
"They're not?" Shanks slapped his head to become more sober and stared, calculating the distance with experience, "They're… not. Garp could easily punch a cannonball here."
Yasopp muttered something about monsters before calming down as well, "Then… what should we do?"
The crew gathered before the man and waited for his command. Shanks smiled, tousling his hair a bit (and remembering that he didn't have his hat anymore),
"Isn't it obvious?" They all bristled, feeling nostalgic of New World procedures already. Even Benn reveled in the thrilling air as Shanks shouted with his full Emperor authority, "Oi, you lazy asses, move! Anchor the ship ― you, bring up the best choko (saucer cup) we have ― none of you are to attack unless hostile!"
…
With each of their crews behind them, Garp and Shanks sat down across each other… plus Mihawk. All parties stared at the random swordsman, who shrugged, glaring at the missing arm,
"I heard." Golden eyes filled with more emotion than ever before, "And I'm listening to your pathetic excuses."
Shanks flinched, remembering that he couldn't fight his greatest rival and best friend anymore… Mihawk having a policy against handicaps. His right hand clenched harder. As much as he didn't regret saving Luffy… he really wished that his arm didn't have to be the price…
He'd pay it… but he'd hate it… not that his bright little Anchor ever had to know that.
Benn and the crew eyed their captain with sympathy, knowing that if each of them were in the same position than they'd do the same. Even if it was give their lives for the little squirt. They didn't blame their captain either.
Shanks had no excuses. But he told the story, even despite the presence of the random marine vice admiral. Mihawk scoffed at the end, though everyone who knew him well enough (or were just perceptive) heard the sad emptiness for the loss of another great swordsman.
Garp eyed the two pirates before sipping his wine cup, "Artificial limb replacements are possible in this day and age, Red Hair. I have access to them."
Eyes widened and soon everyone was staring at the Vice Admiral incredulously ― even his own crew. But soon Shanks narrowed his eyes; years on the sea told him to not trust such proposals.
"And why would you do that, Garp?"
Wizened eyes just scanned them detachedly, ignoring the question, "Are you going to take it or not?"
The pirates bristled, having mixed feelings. Mihawk however was a solo pirate. For that sole reason, he was free from responsibilities and he immediately replied,
"Take it."
"Mi―" Shanks began in protest, only to be cut off with sharp eyes,
"I'm not losing my entertainment. Take it and use it. You're not just going to stop here, are you?"
"Of course not―"
"Then take it! Seize every chance and overcome all odds ― that is what you do, aye?"
"Right…"
"Then there's no reason to hesitate. The Marine Hero is not one to joke or deceive. You know that."
Shanks widened his eyes, remembering that tidbit from the old shouting days of Garp and Roger. He almost forgot with the foreign look on normally happy-go-lucky marine. And Shanks, this time, eyed the old man to see the conflict within the man's eyes. Garp was still the same except he was going against his side and doing him a favor―
"I'll take it, but why?" He continued curiously. Garp shook his head dismissively, standing up and leaving the empty sake cup on the ground,
"The boy you saved… was my grandson."
Eyes widened ― all understanding immediately and even respecting the old man even more. Even the marines were awed that while Garp could have ignored that debt because of Shanks being a pirate, he still honorably went ahead to pay it back. Ignoring the stares, Garp watched as the girl appeared on the ship's deck. An overly large purple travel cloak hiding all her features; even the hood falling over her eyes and its shadow covering the rest of her face. She gazed up at the old man,
"So the man?"
"He approved." Garp answered, nodding his head towards the Yonkou, "Red Hair Shanks. And… this is Galanthus Aster."
She curtsied politely; eyes dulling to professionalism as always as she stepped forward, "It is nice to meet you. I will be working on your arm, Shanks-san."
Shanks recognized the name ― Luffy and Makino had once mentioned it to him, "The kid medical genius of Goa?"
She nodded, "Yes, that would be me. I have heard about how you rubber-fied Garp-san's grandson."
"Dahahaha…" Shanks chuckled nervously; eyes darting towards Garp's back, "That was Lucky's fault actually. He left the chest out there."
Lucky did not comment under the ominous aura leaking out of the scary man.
Aster shook her head, dispersing the aura as she crossed over to the pirate, "What is done is done. I wish to see the wound."
Shanks nodded, taking off his shirt to reveal the full glory of the stump. Aster observed it for a second before commenting,
"You are quite lucky. I would have charged a normal person 200 million Beri for the operation and arm―"
"What?!" Many pirates and marines couldn't help but shout at the high price. Shanks though grinning,
"So I'm not a normal person, little girl~?"
"You are. Garp-san is not." Just as they all processed that information, Aster turned to him, "I will give you a 25% discount however… do you still want to continue?"
Garp nodded, "It's fine. How long will the operation take?"
"There is no need to pick me up. Vegapunk-san recently gave me a robotic raven that ate a Devil Fruit."
He nodded curtly again and walked away without turning back to see the pirates again. His mouth loudly barking out orders,
"All of you are to forget this ― not a word is to be leaked, got it?!"
"YES SIR!"
"Then, get ready to set sail already!"
"HAI!"
All the marines quickly moved with their leader. Garp only stopping once to hear the accursed pirate call out,
"Garp! Thanks."
"..."
He scoffed and they left. Aster left alone on the pirate ship; Mihawk eyeing her,
"How long will the operation take, girl?"
"It will take about 1 day to make and attach the port, 2 days to make a prosthesis personalized to his body, 3 minutes to attach it, and 1 day for rehabilitation. The material will be carbon fiber and Adam Wood. If you want anything attached, then do by all means ask."
Yasopp gulped, "This is probably stupid because I heard Vegapunk, but… can we trust you with this? You're just a little… girl."
"I have never made a mistake in my operations before. My success rate is 100%. I have also done this operation 54 times aleady."
Shanks smiled, "I believe you. So how to start? I don't really need anything attached."
She nodded, "Then I would appreciate if you sit for a while so I can design better."
They sat together in the shade with her studying his arm and asking a few questions of his duties and amount of arm usage. Seeing them already starting, Mihawk quietly sat against the mast. His mind intent on seeing that his rival will definitely be back fully intact to the New World again.
…
Patch watched with amazement as the girl worked quickly in attaching the curious machine to his captain's arm. Benn and Mihawk stoically watched the operation, having been allowed in after Aster guided them through the sanitation process. Though the girl had coldly protested for a long time in having people with no medical practice in the operation room. Yasopp was allowed as well and the sniper cringed at the captain's muffled screams ― his mouth clamping on a towel throughout the entire time Aster opened his wound, evened out the wound, and began attaching the mechanical thing.
Yasopp shivered at the thought of an operation without anaesthesia, which was this one as the nerves had to be active during the process. If this was required then… He'll never lose a limb ― ever!
Finally, at the end, Shanks panted, staring at the thing in his stump of an arm. Damn nightmare ― he honestly never felt more pain than this operation… but… he was getting his arm back.
Patch, the ship's doctor, was ignored with a single statement from the little doctor who began cleaning the room,
"Father has instructed me to not tell anyone of our medical knowledge and secrets."
"What?! That's ridiculous ― you should spread the information out to save more lives!"
Though the cloak still covered her face, all in the room could imagine a steely look of emptiness. The girl having been a calm, emotionless professional for the entire stay so far.
"What makes you think that all doctors heal to save lives?"
Mihawk and Benn stared impassively while the others stared at the little girl with an incredulous gape. Yasopp asked hesitantly, not sure what answer he wanted to hear,
"Then what do you heal for?"
"The Galanthus Family heals for money. That is all."
…
Kor's eyes gleamed as he saw the robotic raven ― his mechanic instincts coming to life at the sight. Shanks watched as the girl received the little metallic thing with an extended arm and went back to her room.
To him, the girl was a lot more robotic than even the robot itself.
Kor pouted with a whine, "I wanna see her make the arm~ Whhhhyyy?"
Patch sighed, "You and me both."
Many of the crew sweatdropped at the dejected duo, who were unable to learn how to make the artificial arm replacements by secrecy of A-chan. Especially when Mihawk sat beside the front of her door as watch, preventing them from sneaking in to see the blueprints. Of course, the swordsman was only doing it so that the proceeds will go faster without nosy idiots slowing her down though.
…
"You need to eat more meat!"
"I do not require more than one plate's worth of food."
Lucky shook his head, "More meat!"
"Vegetables are more healthier."
"More meat!"
"You have become obese on meat, Lucky-san."
As the two argued ― or really Aster doing the logical arguing ― the other pirates watched with sweatdrops.
…
Mihawk shook his head at the partying pirates. Always. He could always trust them to party every second of their lives.
Idiots.
Glancing at his seatmate, he could tell that the little girl agreed as well. It was odd how the only one to agree with him on that perspective would be a girl much too mature for her own age. It intrigued even him to wonder why she was like that.
But no matter, "Wine?"
"Thank you." She nodded, sipping from her glass.
They both indifferently watched the idiots of the century.
…
"Gaaah!"
Shanks yelped as his nerves connected with the arm ― Mihawk and Benn helping her hold him down. Aster still flew in the air from the kick of his jerk though. Yasopp deadpanning, "Ah, we forgot to pin his leg down… AH! AHHH - A-CHAN!"
He ran to the railing to sigh in relief when she popped up above the ocean surface, shaking her head in a futile attempt to dry. Lucky threw down the ladder to help her climb up. Shanks, on the other hand, groaned,
"Damn that hurts like a bitch. Sorry, A-chan! Are you alright?!"
Aster nodded her head, entering the shadows to finally take off her cloak to dry. All of them blinking as they finally saw her uncloaked ― her white hair tumbling out like silk, almost blending with smooth vanilla skin. Under the dark purple cloak was white, white, and white. White uniform, white scrubs, white bandages, white pants, white headphones ― her entire body practically white except her wine red eyes that emotionlessly stared back at him,
"It is alright. Such a reaction is normal. How is the arm?"
All stared at her… the girl's elegance of a noble's and emotionless visage even more apparent with everything revealed.
"?"
She tilted her head, sending all of their hearts pounding… "Cute…"
Shanks coughed before flexing his fingers; all watching with awe as his movement returned back to normal ― the left behaving just like the right.
"It's cool! It really works!"
She arched a brow as if they were stupid, "I would not be here otherwise."
They sheepishly grinned back and she shook her head, "If it is alright, then I do not need to stay any longer. To know my Den Den Mushi number, I require 30 thousand Beri. Replacements for the prosthesis costs 10 million Beri."
They all went back to deadpans at the prices. Shanks sighing while Benn tossed a wad of bills for the number just in case.
"You drive a hard bargain, A-chan. And why do you wear that cloak anyways? You're too cute to cover up~"
Aster raised a brow before moving her hand up so that it went out of the shadows and directly under the light,
"I thought it was obvious with my appearance. I am albino. I have to wear contacts or glasses to fix my astigmatism and stay out of the sun's rays or burn with possible attraction of skin disease."
Their eyes widening at the sight of her hand literally sizzle, steam, and burn up (exaggerated in One Piece as always). Shanks rushing up to drag her back under the shadows,
"Idiot! Don't demonstrate something if it's that serious!"
Aster shrugged, calmingly applying salve to her hand and bandaging it, "It hardly matters. Pain is fleeting. Also, I left my umbrella at home so Garp-san bought me a cloak for my time's stay."
Mihawk blinked as he remembered, "Shanks. We need to fight before she leaves."
"Eeeeeh? Now? Don't wanna~"
"Now. Or we fight never―"
"I'll do it!" Shanks immediately answered ― having feared that they may never fight all along. He didn't want to lose his arm because of that. But he lost it and nearly lost his only rival. The swordsman smirked a bit before pointing in a general direction,
"There should be an abandoned island around there."
Shanks smiled in relief. They were going to fight again. He grinned, "Na, A-chan, I'll show you how awesome I am as thanks~"
Aster looked away, "Whatever."
Even Benn snickered at his captain's resulting pout of dejection.
…
Aster, back under her dark purple cloak, watched with wide eyes at a literally world-shaking fight. Only the tight hold of Benn preventing her from flying away or crumbling like the many other things on the island. Even the sky split with each slice of their swords. Her headphones long fell down, allowing her to hear their power and see (though barely) even the movements of what should be impossible speeds.
Yasopp grinned, "Amazing, isn't it? Not everyday a person from East Blue sees a New World level fight."
She didn't answer, entranced by the dances of the swords, the sheer power exuding from their souls, and the completely ecstatic smiles of joy.
Benn chuckled, translating her silence, "It's awesome."
Later, they ended with a tie; blades at each other's necks. Mushroom clouds appearing every now and then from their pants and steaming sweat. Mihawk nodded curtly,
"The arm is good. I owe you a favor for giving the idiot an arm, it seems."
Aster blinked, snapping out of her trance with the end of the fight to tilt her head, "Garp-san paid for it."
"He would not have been able to do so if the doctor and inventor did not exist. My favor to you still stands."
"..." She eyed him before nodding curtly, "Very well."
Shanks grinned, "Then I owe you a favor as well―" Before she could protest, he walked away laughing, "Dahahahaha, a little girl with both of the world's currently strongest swordsmen in debt to her~ Imagine if the marines hear about it DAHAHAHA~!"
The Red Hair Pirates joined in the laughter, rejoicing for the return of two-armed Shanks. Their eyes filled with relief that everything was alright in the end. Aster smiled,
"If the marines find out, then they will kidnap me to use against you two."
"...that's one dark humor, A-chan."
"Unfortunately, I am not joking." She flashed a smile so big that the stunned pirates saw it under the hood. So she wasn't emotionless after all..."My parents will use me to extort money out of you two… however they always taught me the importance of secrecy between professionals and clients so I will not say anything."
"...you really do have dark humor, A-chan."
"Unfortunately, I am really not joking―"
"You really do have dark humor, A-chan!"
She laughed; a adorably childish one that sang like the birds, "Hihihihihi~" And when she stopped, she looked up at all of them and bowed, "Jya, it seems that my patient is fully healed and thus my doctor self is unneeded here. Call me if there are any problems and we shall meet again."
Shanks's smiled turned small, "You're leaving? You're mean, little A-chan, only letting us hear your cute laugh and see your smile at the end."
Who knows how many times they tried bonding personally with the girl ― only to fail with the exception of the more stoic ones like Mihawk and Benn. She was eerily too mature and professional for her age…
"Do not take it personally. Professionalism is a must for any career. Father always taught me to never show any emotions around a client or patient. As our relationship is over, I find no need to heed his wise words anymore."
Some dramatically facefaulted as they finally understood the reason. Shanks a bit more hurt that it was because of himself that he failed to make the girl laugh until the very end.
"You know, parents aren't the only things in the world ― those are not wise words if anything else! Bah! We're pirates ― Patch's a doctor ― and I know countless of professionals that are professional and show emotions. We're not robots, you know!"
"I apologize. I fail to understand that. I am a noble and a doctor. Perhaps our society is different, Shanks-san. Is there anything else before I leave?"
"...yes. This is a Vivre Card and our own Den Den Mushi number." The redhead handed her the two things he didn't give even to his year-long friends at Fuusha. "I'll give you 10, 000 Beri when you understand those words so you better visit me one day on the seas! Call me if you ever want to get away from that stuffy life of yours."
Aster eyed the grinning pirates who all easily agreed with their captain's actions and took the two little papers before smiling at the warmth she felt,
"Ne… would you be offended if I said you were similar to Garp-san?"
They all blinked at the random statement before realizing that Garp must have said the same thing ― but the way she phrased it ―
"DAHAHAHAHAHA, so you do have a funny bone inside of you~..." Shanks drooped when remembering his meetings with the loud idiot marine, "...though I do feel offended."
Mihawk smirked, "I think she's right, Shanks."
"What?! No way I'm like that―"
"It makes sense." Benn added with amusement at his captain's betrayed and indignant look. The redhead sputtered as his other mates agreed. Mihawk shuffled his clothes a bit before finding and retrieving his own Vivre Card ― the swordsman not liking the snails that annoyingly, loudly rang when called. Or having to care for anything. Shanks gaped before grinning,
"Lucky! Only people that Mihawk acknowledges gets those~ You're really giving her that?"
Mihawk stoically ignored the bumbling fool behind him, explaining, "I owe you a favor. I do not back out on them."
Aster accepted the card without hesitation, nodding, "I have accepted your gift, Mihawk-san. Thank you."
Shanks wondered if he should cry at the total difference in treatments. He blinked as he remembered,
"Do you know how to use the Vivre Card, A-chan?"
Somehow, with her and Mihawk around, it felt as if they were already in the New World. Despite the completely peaceful weather and setting of East Blue.
Aster nodded, holding it in her palm, "Vegapunk-san told me about them. The New World sounds fascinating."
Shanks ruffled her hood and hair, "It is~ It's the best sea in the world~!"
Yasopp added, "Giants and dwarves and rain of lightning and kingdoms and sky paths ― everything you would have thought was impossible ― you name it and it's there~!"
Aster stared at the two cards in her hand before nodding, "I will trust your statements. For now, I shall take my leave. It is getting late."
A blink and the sun turned into the moon. Shanks frowning,
"It is late. Shouldn't you wait until tomorrow to head back?"
"It is alright. Not many are foolish enough to waste ammunition on birds. Fewer are able to actually destroy Mor."
Mor cawed as she flew down from the Red Force's sails; her metal panels shifting to enlarge. And soon the normal-sized raven became a medium dragon-sized bird. The raven's robotic red eyes stared attentively down at her master.
Shanks still frowned, "Even if it's East Blue, I think it's dangerous to travel alone, A-chan. No offense to Mor, but there's pirates."
Aster arched a brow, "Then what do you suggest I do, Shanks-san?"
"Let us take you home―"
"I'll watch her."
Mihawk jumped, landing lightly on the bird before settling down cross-legged. Aster blinked when she heard something she thought the swordsman would never have before nodding,
"Very well. I hope we see each other in the future then, Shanks-san."
Shanks froze in shock before yelling, "Traitor Mihawk! I wanted to take her home!"
All his mates behind laughed at their childish captain's pout. Benn grinning, "So… to the New World?"
Eyes widened as they remembered one year's worth of memories. From meeting Luffy to visiting the many places to befriending Yasopp to now. Their hearts thrummed as one as they felt shivers across their spine.
"To the New World." affirmed the redhead, unable to stop the shaking he felt to finally go home, where their hideout was, to where adventure was all around.
…
Aster left the headphones down as they soared in the skies and among the wisps of clouds, staring down at the world beyond. As good as Mihawk was at hiding his fascination… she could see through it right away. His fascination with flying and the quiet world around. As expected of the guy to like some semblance of his namesake.
"Mor. Take a long detour around."
Mihawk's eyes flashed with gratitude; the man unperturbed as he showed the girl a side of him that no one knew.
When they finally arrived at Goa Kingdom, Mor released the ship he traveled with him back down on the shores. The raven holding hammerspace with her Devil Fruit. Mihawk murmured a few words as he passed her and headed back to the ocean, having finished with watching the girl head home. Aster smiled as she placed her headphones back on her ears.
("That makes it two favors now.")
"Mor. Bring Al-san out."
The raven cawed before shifting to a smaller size and letting the Den Den Mushi escape. A gift from Caesar, who found it boring to have no one to talk since she left Punk Paradise. A variety of colorful blue asters decorated its shell. The snail itself a snow white with little cherry red eyes. Aster didn't know what Caesar did, but no matter the distance, Al-san could connect with anyone tuned to his frequency. Even if they were on the other side of the world. Al-san also couldn't be intercepted, even by the black snails, due to Caesar's dislike of people listening and criticizing his words. Though… now that she did have emotions, she had to sweat-drop herself at how often the topic of genocide comes up.
She tuned Al to Shanks's Den Den Mushi before leaving for home.
No one greeted her. Instead, she was placed in another operating room to work on the patients coming in ― their hospital growing famous around East Blue.
…
Sabo walked like the dead as he entered the streets of High Town once again. Even after all these years of freedom… he returned. His eyes dully gazing back at the sheriffs and then front at his father's tall back.
It was for his brothers… It was for his brothers… It was for his brothers… No matter how many times he thought that, he still didn't want to be here. He might as well be dead if he was to be a noble's son again. Only his parents' tool. Only smiling when a deception was needed. Only good enough to be married off―
"Ah, Sabo."
He gazed up as his father's indifferent eyes, listening indifferently himself.
"Just before you ran away, your mother and I had made a deal with another important family. We have arranged a marriage and now that you are here, it will commence as usual."
…
Sabo hated how he was already married off. Sabo hated how they actually got a new son just to replace him ― Stelly the kid even the same as all else. Sabo hated how he had to study thrice as hard to 'catch up'. Sabo hated his parents. Sabo hated―
"This is your fiance, Sabo. You may take the day off of your studies."
She curtsied, "My name is Galanthus Aster, Winston Sabo. It is very nice to meet you."
―how much he couldn't really hate his fiance anymore. Once away from both their parents' sight, she broke her blank composure to question,
"Your father was lying. Where did you really go all those years?"
"What did he say I did?"
"Your father said that you studied abroad like me. I can tell the difference. Rather than the sea breeze, you smell like the forest herbs… and many other unsanitary things above all."
Sabo's eyes widened, "Seriously?! You can smell that goo―"
"No." She crinkled her face with a smile hinting of laughter, "Of course not. I could tell the difference though. Not that I will tell you what that something is." Even after all these years, she would never forget the voice that yelled into the well. She had listened and what she listens to, she did not forget.
"Buu~" Sabo pouted before grinning, "You were right though, I ran away!"
She blinked, "Why?"
He stared incredulously, "Why not? Don't you hate this kind of life ― don't you hate how they think of us as property and control us our entire lives?! Don't you―"
And he stopped mid-question as he remembered that they were in High Town. She was a noble ― just as much as they all were…
"Is it not natural? Parents have the right to shape their kids for the greater goal of their future profit. We are made for our parents. By running away, you are merely ignoring all the sacrifices one makes to have a child - some even dying from childbirth or even overworking so that their children may live. You forget that parents brought us into the world and save our lives everyday by providing us food, shelter, and every other necessity; sure, we are property to them. Our lives are theirs. By being family, we are supposed to love them no matter what."
"..." Sabo stared at the girl lost… before tilting his head down and shaking his head, "That's just wrong. That's just―"
Soft hands covered his clenched fists and slowly, gently tried to open them, "If you clench them too long and hard, then you will cut off the circulation."
He couldn't take it anymore. "STOP!" And he ran from the first noble that made him question himself. His blue eyes widened from horror… that she may be right.
In the end, he really was just running away like a coward.
…
"Ace… Luffy…" Sabo clutched his pillow for dear life as he groaned with a nightmare's wake. "What if she was right? I was just being an ungrateful brat. What the Low Town and Grey Terminal people wanted ― I threw away it all. What fath… What they worked for years on end ― I spat on it and ran. I…"
("It's alright to disobey people every now and then."
An old man sat down near his latest grandson ― a blond noble most unlike the noble he knew back on the other side of the island. Sabo gazed up in disbelief,
"But―" He paused before gazing at his brothers in the distance, peeping from the bushes and being frustrated by being out of hearing distance, "What about your grandsons then? If they disobey you?"
"Bwahahaha~" He stuck a finger up his nose nonchalantly, "That's alright too."
"But you―"
"Punch them? Yeah. Because I want them to listen. However children should be able to do whatever they want… How do I explain this… hmmm… there's no future without change?" Garp laughed at his own words, not understanding it as well, "Bwahahahaha, I'm no good with words~"
Sabo sweatdropped, but smiled in relief.)
"...it's alright to disobey people every now and then." Funny how he was remembering Garp's words now, but he repeated them under his breath in awe. "I'm… I'm no good with words too, but I'm entitled to them in my own right! I wasn't wrong!"
The next time he was going on a formal outing with the girl again, he repeated the words. To which, she nodded thoughtfully,
"We all have our own opinions and thoughts. As it is too personal, let us not argue on the subject anymore."
Sabo nodded, laughing as he remembered, "My father yelled at me a lot for leaving you behind. Today, want to go to the concert hall?"
She nodded, taking his hand.
…
Despite their differences, Sabo and Aster slowly became closer. Sabo actually finding the girl a great breath of fresh air after everyday of stuffy nobles. They also found out more about each other.
Aster helped Sabo get more studies on navigation and writing when she mapped out the pros of being a navigator to his father.
Sabo stopped her parents from slapping her every so often by stepping in each time.
Aster found out about his brothers and real dream. Though she still did not understand why he ran away in the first place.
Sabo found out about her cutting problem. Though he did not understand why she always listened to her parents to the point of habitually cutting herself. And despite the many times as he tried to stop her from doing so, she would never stop.
And then came the day, they both learned of the burning of Grey Terminal. While Aster watched apathetically, Sabo cried as he ran but failed to get to the fire. Both meeting the cloaked man, who had a will brighter than the fire itself Aster noted.
Dragon himself looked down at the odd combination. A boy torn and despairing from the horrors of the world… and a girl who seemed fine with the world albeit detached. A rebel and a product… or no… they were both products of the horrors of Goa Kingdom. Just one faulty and one completed by the nobles' standards.
He clenched his teeth, seeing the pure reasons why he had to change the world in the two innocent children.
…
"I actually thought you were different! But in the end, you're still a petty noble! Were you laughing at me this entire time?! Oh, that silly boy that stupidly wants to be a dirty commoner ― let's not talk about parents because you're just a fool ― let's stop him from saving his brothers ― was that how it is?!"
"Sabo…"
"Don't talk to me! You did nothing when that fire happened! Just like the others in this rotten town, you didn't care even though I told you about how much the others outside means to me ― Ace and Luffy could have died for all we know!"
"Sabo…" She watched as the blond ran towards the harbor. She knew where he was going. She knew how forbidden it was to follow… yet… her heart throbbed at the sight of the ocean. But her parents told her to stay inside. But she wondered what…
"Did you know that the Tenryuubito are coming today?"
She left hurriedly without another thought. A bad feeling overriding her. Sabo's stories were… never that simple.
…
Sabo's eyes widened when the ship exploded in splinters and flames. His body sent deep into the ocean… slowly… but surely… he was dying…
His entire world blacked out.
…
For once she ignored her shocked parents to run away; headphones hurriedly taken off and she heard the sole soul she wanted to hear. Her heart thumping as the soul slowly weakened. She had to hurry. She had to hurry. Once near the shores, she dove into the water, following that sole voice that called.
Despite her burning lungs, her instincts told her to never surface above the water until on shore and away. There were Tenryuubitos playing whack-a-mole in town.
The girl swam quickly and absently; her red eyes solely focused on one blond's sinking body. Red elixir floating out of him and into the water. She ignored that as she grabbed him and despite her pained body, strained it once more for the return trip.
She probably needed treatment as well. Her lungs burning from the lack of oxygen, her muscles strained from over-exhaustion, her brain aching from over-concentration, her mouth dry from constant deep gulps of air, her skin burning under the sun's merciless rays. However, she ignored all of that in her ascent from the waters as she dragged him into the forest. She ignored the world for the sake of the one unconscious boy in her arms ― her emotions telling her that she had to heal him no matter what. And from her emotions… erupted a new concept foreign to her.
Morals.
…
Two days passed and Aster finally returned home to be slapped relentlessly by her parents. Scolded and punished for leaving the house despite her orders ― it was only lucky for her that the others didn't see her, their ungratefully disobedient child. She sat alone in the bright, isolated room that was locked on the outside.
Despite the immense pain from the light, she slept to the best of her ability out of exhaustion. She healed him. He was alive…
Thank goodness.
…
To her luck, she was only in the chamber for one day. Garp destroying the door and glancing down at her pained figure with sadness. His hands gently heaving her up and carrying her out after helping her into the comfortable purple cloak he had bought her. Mor cawed, following him out of the place. Aster was strong enough to ask,
"Where are we going, Garp-san?"
"Somewhere away from here… A break of sorts. I have a new job for you actually."
Aster gazed at him weakly before nodding, "In that case, may I request that you bring another?"
"?"
…
The marines all felt something within them shift as two more additions appeared in the infirmary alongside with Garp's grandchildren. A blond with half his body covered in third-degree burns and a girl covered in minor burns all over. That same girl that they watched cross over to the pirates to heal Red Hair Shanks and then they heard return home after.
Being marines, they would have called this karma… if it wasn't so serious and real. It pained them to see children involved in such madness… just because a Tenryuubito came to town. It really made them question their ideals.
Garp sighed as he watched his two latest grandchildren-figures. Eyes shadowed though a bit in relief as the other two had told him that the blond had died. Considering how Aster was being… punished, she probably saved him.
He wondered if she understood now…
"...What are you talking about, Garp-san? I did not disobey them."
"..." He stared down at the girl who looked away; black curtains surrounding her sickbed to keep the light out for her comfort, "Then what happened?"
"I was ordered to protect my family assets since birth. It is a shame that my fiance has died, but I had protected a potentially great navigator that will save my family millions of Beris due to the debt he owes us from saving his life."
"Sou." Garp chuckled with laughter, "I get it now."
She nodded before tilting her head, "I apologize for so rudely falling asleep. May I inquire what your request was again?"
"...you know Haki, right?"
Aster nodded, unsurprised that the marine could tell even if the Yonkou and Shichibukai seemingly did not. Then again, Garp had been with her for years back and even talked with her parents a lot to hear that she had a 'disorder' that allowed her to hear voices.
"I do."
"Then I am going to send you four to the New World for three months. I trust you to find Whitebeard and avoid sea kings until then with your ability ― do not mention anything about me or why you are really there besides an old man sending you all for training on the ocean. Don't tell the boys either. Live with the pirates and we'll figure out a way to pick you all up later. It's… it's anti-pirate training."
Aster could sense another reason, but didn't question. "I understand. This is a job to further train your grandchildren."
"Yes…" Garp nodded, eyeing the girl who so needed to see what a family on the other side of the scale was really like. And… after all that, the kids really needed a break from that island of deceivingly peaceful East Blue. "Now, rest. You'll need it for the trip… Don't die."
Aster nodded, falling once more asleep. Her muscles still weak from over-exertion and skin pained from the intense light of both the sun and the room.
…
The three boys woke up to find themselves in an expanse of thick fog and rippling waters. A girl, who two didn't know, gently paddling the dinghy through the waters,
"Ah, my name is Galanthus Aster, Ace-san, Luffy-san, Sabo-san. Nice to meet you."
A/N: The Meaning of Flowers
Entry 1: Viscaria = will you dance with me/an invitation to a ball
