I have final exams this coming week, so I probably won't be able to update for a week. But Christmas is soooo close!
Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece.
From last time:
However, Luffy freezes and stares at Eli's face.
"Luffy? You okay, there?"
His eyes are really, really wide and what he says next completely blows my mind.
" . . . Sabo?"
Chapter 4: The Inexplicable Things
Dom's POV
"Sabo, eh?" Zoro asks. "Who's that?" Law and I sweatdrop. I mean, if Zoro and Law are the first two to respond to this . . . annoyance, then they would have had to been close by. I smack myself in the forehead. *Of course, Zoro must have been sleeping, as usual!*
"Sabo, is that you?" Luffy asks Eli. "Sabo, you're . . . alive?"
Eli stops his attack on Luffy, his rage and aura gone, and looks up. "If you're calling me Sabo, then . . ." He focuses on Luffy's face and hat, his face brightening in recognition. "LUFFY!"
Luffy immediately runs and does a spectacular leap onto Eli/Sabo.
"SAAAAAABBOOOOOO! You're alive!" Luffy is on the verge of bawling while Eli/Sabo is on the verge of being crushed under Luffy's hug.
I could laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation, but I don't, choosing instead to calmly and rationally analyze the most suspicious person here-Eli/Sabo.
Now that I look at him outside of a dream setting and with less shock than before, I can see that he does indeed look like an adult Sabo. Of course, the distinguishing feature is that clothing resembles the clothes he wore as a child. He's wearing his fancy clothes *I always did wonder why he wouldn't just wear a T-shirt and shorts* and look outright handsome in them. However, he seems to be missing his hat.
"Sabo, I missed you." *Awwwwwww, Luffy is so adorable. Now, only if he was in his little kid state after his Gear Third . . .* My eyes start stinging from the incredibly adorable picture in my head, but I quickly banish it.
"Haha, Luffy, I missed you, too."
By now, almost everyone has come up onto deck to see the giant commotion going on. Several people gawk as the wings on Eli/Sabo's back shrink until they completely disappear.
"Who's that?"
"Where'd his wings go?"
"Oooooh, is he an angel?"
"There are too many people in the way, I can't see what's going on. Ah, but I don't have eyes."
Robin takes one look at the situation, then says the most sensible thing, "Shall we all sit down and talk?"
"That's a great idea, Robin," I speak up, not knowing what else to say.
I turn all of the suspicion that I have felt aimed at me upon my arrival on this ship onto Eli/Sabo. Although I may trust the Sabo side of this man, I can't get rid of my accusing glare that has been trained on him this entire time.
Luffy transfers himself onto Eli/Sabo's back, getting a free piggy-back ride in the process, while Eli/Sabo quickly approaches me and grabs my arm, saying, "Dom-Dom, sit with us." He leads the way down to the grassy deck, and the rest of the crew just follow.
Robin turns to Sanji and asks, "I think today is a nice day to eat lunch outside, don't you think so, Sanji-san?"
"Of course, Robin-chan." After a little of his body-waving, he grabs Usopp by his shirt and heads toward the kitchen, saying, "Oi, you're going to come help."
"Ehhhh? Why me?"
"Because I say so." With that, the two disappear.
When everyone is seated in various places on the deck, Sanji and Usopp bring out the food. Surprisingly, even with food right in front of him, Luffy doesn't let go of Eli/Sabo, and Eli/Sabo, for his part, doesn't let go of my arm, acting blissfully unaware of my glares. One would think that he would take a hint.
*Damn it, am I really related to this Eli/Sabo?*
I continue glaring as Eli/Sabo suddenly stands up and addresses the crew, ally, fellow passengers, and prisoner.
"Good afternoon, everyone. I don't believe I have introduced myself yet. My name is Raphael D. Eli, and I thank you for having taken care of my elder sister and my younger brother." I just watch as everyone is speechless, their gazes collectively transferring from Eli/Sabo to Luffy, back to Eli/Sabo, then to me. Their expressions from Luffy to Eli/Sabo are one of resignation, but are basically incredulous when they look at me. *What, is it really unbelievable that I could possibly be related to these two or something?* Slightly insulted yet antsy from the attention, I decide to break the unbearable silence.
"Who's your sister, you stupid dream-creeper!" I am not a happy girl at the moment.
Man, the blonde's smile is really cute. "Of course, you are, Dom-Dom!" I flinch at the nickname.
"S-s-stop calling me that idiotic nickname an-an-and explain yourself!" My brain has frozen at the nickname and now can barely function. "H-how are you both Sabo and this so-called Raphael D. Eli? Who am I supposed to be, then?"
"Dear sister, I am both Sabo and Raphael D. Eli."
"But how can you be two people at once?" Luffy has his puzzled expression on his face, his eyes wide staring adoringly at Eli/Sabo. *Oh, Luffy, you're so adorable, and can be forgiven for all ridiculous and redundant questions.*
"But, since Luffy knows me as Sabo, it may be easier to go solely by that name again." I facepalm at the complete blow-off to Luffy's question.
He hits his palm with a fist. "That's it, I've decided. I shall go by the name Sabo now." *Like you haven't been only using that name?*
Sabo then turns to face me with a serious expression. *Whoa.* I'm surprised he can make a serious face, from what I've seen of that idiot in the past twenty-four hours. "But you really are my sister. To be exact, you are my elder sister, Raphael D. Omi. We're twins. Of course, this also means that you are Luffy's sister."
"Yeah, by extension, but the Luffy's sister dilemma has already been taken care of before you arrived, you little brat. Just let go of my arm already," I shake my arm hoping to free it from his grip. Apparently, I easily assert my authority as the eldest sister. He lets go, and I move behind him to place my hands under Luffy's armpits. "Luffy, please stop clinging onto Sabo, he's not going to go anywhere." *I feel like I'm forgetting something here.*
"Okay, nee-chan." Luffy is extremely obedient and detaches himself, allowing me to lift him up and set him down next to Sabo, where Luffy excitedly bounces up and down. Somehow, I've managed to gain two younger brothers in one day. Sheesh.
*OH!*
I sling my arms around Luffy and Sabo's necks, bringing their heads in closer to mine. I whisper urgently, "Yo, guys, am I really older than both of you?"
"Of course, you were born first." *Uh, thanks for such a clear answer, Sabo . . . NOT.*
"Okay, then. How old are you Sabo?"
"22."
"That doesn't make sense."
Luffy decides to cut in. "What are you talking about? Nee-chan is Nee-chan!" I facepalm at Luffy's complete incomprehension of the situation.
"Listen, you two, I'm only 19. Biologically, I'm 19 years old, meaning that I've been alive and in existence for only 19 years! Something here doesn't add up. Oh, and the fact that you seem to have wings, Sabo." I give him an accusing glare.
"Ah, I can explain everything. I swear that I'll explain everything. But you really are the eldest out of us three. You can keep your official age at 19 if you want or change it or whatever after you hear my explanation."
I just sigh in defeat. I look around and see that everyone has conveniently 'forgotten' about their food and are all leaning toward us, presumably to listen to our whispering. "Let's just eat, and Sabo, you better explain everything very clearly after we eat, okay? Otherwise, I'm going to give you a headache to remember." Giving Sabo one more glare, I plop down on the grass and start eating. Yum, I haven't eaten sandwiches outdoors in a really long while. The soft green grass, the warm sunlight, a nice sea breeze, and the silence . . . ?
Noticing that I'm the only one eating, I just calmly say, "If everyone does not start eating immediately, I shall release all your deepest, dirtiest secrets to the world." That finally shocks everyone into eating, and I look around, pleased. Then, I notice a dark aura coming from my favorite furry-hatted friend. Of course he'd have a problem with being ordered, or rather being threatened in this case, around. *Sorry, Law, please ignore it this once.* I then pretend to ignore Law by trying to start a conversation with Sabo.
"Hey, Sabo, isn't Sanji's food just great?"
"Yeah, it is." But then any more attempt at conversation is interrupted as Luffy's regular antics of grabbing food start up again. The normal ensuing racket follows as Luffy begins to grab food from others' plates. Surprisingly enough, he leaves my plate alone.
I just laugh a little, shaking my head and become increasingly interested in the make up of my sandwich as I feel the distinctive dark aura come closer. When I feel it stop next to me, I sigh before I talk to the aura. "What do you want Law?"
"A word, please, Miss Raphael D. Omi." Yay for gritted teeth. Looks like I managed to get more than 'a little' under his skin. My brothers turn their heads to give me concerned looks, mostly Sabo and his over-protectiveness, but I just glare at them to shut up and eat. They meekly obey, and I stand up.
"Well, lead on, Law."
He leads me upstairs into the kitchen, then up the ladder onto the deck where I see Nami's mikan trees. We're away from prying eyes and ears, though I can't guarantee about Robin's eyes and ears. I move to one of the side railings to stare at the beautiful view of the ocean, preparing myself for the worst interrogation ever.
*Oh, please, inner fangirl. Do NOT give out any smart remarks. I do not need to add onto my troubles at the moment.*
"Miss Raphael D. Omi, please explain yourself." *Yay for a happy Law.* My fantastic day is going haywire.
I turn to face him with my most polite-yet-you-can't-read-my-emotions smile. I even clasp my hands behind my back so he can't see my fingers if I start fidgeting. "What exactly would you like for me to explain, Mr. Trafalgar Law?"
"You appearance here and that winged male to begin with." Now that I think about it, I'm surprised no one else had noticed the dark aura surrounding this man. It just screams, "DANGER. Highly dangerous man wearing thin on the last threads of his patience."
"Law, you have just named my two problems."
"And what do you mean, Miss Raphael D. Omi?" He really can't let go of this whole your-name-isn't-what-you-said-it-was thing, can he?
"I mean that I CANNOT. I cannot explain anything about how I got here or what my relationship with Sabo is. Everything you have so far managed to learn about me in the time that I have been aboard this ship is about the extent of what I myself know. Trying to explain would be like a first grader trying to explain the the mechanisms of alkene chemistry." I sigh. "I hope that idiotic so-called brother can provide you with a satisfactory explanation."
"So putting all the responsibility on another, are we, Miss Raphael D. Omi?" Ouch, that glare's really killing my poor inner fangirl.
"No, I am not, and my ignorance is nothing to apologize for."
"Y-"
"No, it is not." I cut him off with a hand before he can say anything else. *Oops, an unspoken order.* The dark aura is almost solid now. "Please, Law, just will you please listen to what I have to say?" I add the question at the end to make it hopefully sound like a request and not an order.
He glares at me but thankfully keeps his mouth closed.
"I believe that I have no obligation to apologize for my ignorance because what Sabo has said is basically that my whole life so far of 19 years has been some sort of lie. Therefore, whatever I happen to not know at the moment is by no direct fault of mine." I sigh, pausing to collect myself. "Although my ignorance is to be unconditionally excused, I believe that I have three things, specifically, that I should apologize for." I cross my fingers behind me, hoping that this will dispel the ridiculously thick black aura around him. I take a deep breath and look him in the eyes. "I, Raphael D. Omi, formerly known as Kim Dominic, sincerely apologize for number one, causing any problems or setbacks in your plans, number two, ordering you around, and number three, for making fun of your name by calling you Lawl-"
"Apology accepted." The black aura immediately dissipates as he interrupts me and turns around quickly. He makes his way back to the ladder and disappears down the hatch. I start to follow Law back down, but then perch myself on the railing overlooking the group. I watch Sabo and Luffy animatedly telling stories from their childhood. They look so happy and relaxed. Usopp, Brooke, Chopper, and Momo are so into the stories that they have these sparkling glimmers in their eyes. I smile at their antics and continue to enjoy my view of these adorable pirates.
Robin's POV
Having kept an eye and an ear on Domi for most of the time onboard, and having talked to her, I am not too surprised when the man from her dreams (literally) appears. I watch from my position up on the opposite deck as the furious winged brother lands on the deck and charges toward the captain. However, he freezes before he reaches Luffy, instead, Luffy latches onto the winged man.
I close the book in my hands, setting it down on my chair, and move to the other deck where everyone is gathering. After nudging the crew in the right directions to welcome to new stranger, and many angry comments on Domi's part, I enjoy my lunch.
However, when a displeased-looking Trafalgar Law leads Domi to the dining hall, I get curious and follow. When they climb the ladder to the upper deck, I stay in the dining hall, pulling out a book to read while using my devil fruit ability to listen in to their conversation.
Domi does a good job holding her own against him, and she even apologizes to him. After he cuts her off abruptly to say "Apology accepted," I hear him moving to the hatch. As he comes down, I see that his cheeks are slightly pink before he notices me. The pink immediately disappears as he puts his usual smirk on his face and continues walking toward the door. Once he leaves, I climb the ladder, looking for Domi. I find her leaning on the railing overlooking the lawn deck.
"How are you, Domi?" Domi turns to look at me, a satisfied and knowing look on her face. *She knows that I've listened in to her conversation. But I won't tell her about Law's blush . . . yet.* I move to stand next to her.
"As well as I'll ever be with my life all topsy-turvy." The smile turns into a wry one. "Say, Robin, whose clothes am I wearing right now?"
"They are Nami's, I believe."
She takes a look at the T-shirt I'm wearing, then at Nami's figure before voicing her thoughts. "Why would she have a shirt this size? I mean, she's obviously bigger than me, but I'm thicker, if you get what I'm saying."
I chuckle. "I believe that she has a very large wardrobe."
"Oh yeah, she probably tends to go shopping a lot, doesn't she?"
"She does."
Domi crosses her arms on the railing and puts her head on her arms. She seems to be staring intently at something down below. Then, I hear a soft, "Awwwwww, I kinda wanted to wear one of Law's shirts."
I snort at the absurdity of her comment. She turns her head to look at me, eyebrow raised. "What?"
I just smile and shake my head.
" . . . I just said that thing about his shirts out loud, didn't I?"
I leave the amusement in my voice as I say, "Yes."
"Oh. Well, I'm thankful to Nami for lending me her clothes and all, but his shirts just look soooo comfy and cool. I love the colors and the simple designs. Plus, the clothes are probably really soft too." She giggles.
"I do not think Mr. Trafalgar would appreciate your speculations about his wardrobe. Afterall, you sound eager to . . . get into Mr. Trafalgar's clothes."
Domi gives an unladylike snort. "Haha, he'd probably kill me if I tried to take his clothes . . . " She trails off, straightening and turning a bright pink as she realizes what I meant by my last sentence. "No, no, no! I don't want . . . I mean, I don't mean . . . ARGH!" She waves her hands in denial, finally just grabbing her hair.
*She really does like him.* I just laugh aloud.
She pouts at me. "You know what I mean. Don't go twisting my words around." She sighs. "ANYWAY, I can't undo my hard work of placating him. After all, I'm a completely suspicious stranger. An unknown variable in all his plans."
"Isn't Captain an unknown variable?"
"Haha, that's true. I'm the second unknown variable. I guess that makes Sabo the third? Well, whatever. No time for brooding, let's go find out what my life's history is, shall we?"
Domi suddenly vaults over the railing to land on the walkway below.
"Ouch, gotta work on my landings. No matter! I've always wanted to do that! I feel so ninja." She looks up at me. "Come on, Robin-nee-chan!"
"I'll go down the normal way, Domi. Go on ahead."
As Domi goes down, I walk back to the hatch, lowering myself on the ladder and pick up my book that I had left on the table. Once I find myself back on the grass, I see Domi give Sabo a pointed look, and he stands up, clearing his throat.
"Well, if everyone is settled, I will begin explaining things. . ."
A/N: Yay, finally an explanation in the next chapter! Please review!