Well hello everyone it's me again after a long hiatus which prevented me from writing for a while. I really wanted to make this chapter long and I had to cut it short. I plan on making chapter's around 5000-6000 words until I get back in the groove. I was also forced to make a very elaborate timeline for my OC character. In time I will give it a back story until it become relevant in the main story line with other characters. But I always wanted to ask a question to you all. If is he so called magic man what else does he need in the future as a new technique or weakness to balance him. I really like to hear everyone's thoughts on the story so far. I think about restarting the other stories I have in my profile to refresh them. I hope you enjoy this chapter see you guys soon!
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Chapter 6
Unspoken words are finally said
…
Lightning sat inside the kitchen as he sat there cooking food. He was silently replaying the things what happened. He sat there making crepes that had dark chocolate, strawberries, and bananas making it. He noticed the bacon was done and the eggs will be finished soon afterwards.
"My day is getting weirder and weirder lately. Nico Robin suddenly reappears on my doorstep again by now she must know how dangerous I can be. Her years on the run probably made her a good information gatherer. She must have used eye witness reports of Drum Island and Alabasta to track me down. I wonder why she is risking her life on for such a meeting. Lightning thought as he finally finished up.
"Well it seems you have a lot of talents other fighting and being a scientist. You cook like a culinary chef I wonder who taught you that?" A woman's voice called out. He turned his head a bit around to see Robin, who was smiling wearing a bathrobe and slippers to the bar.
"I learned from a friend when I was still trying to become get my scientist degree from the head the smartest man in the world. Your breakfast will be ready shortly…" Lightning explained to her. He finally prepared it onto a plate for her. He quickly grabbed his utensils, napkin, and a coffee in hand. He quickly placed them down for her. He quickly turned back to grab his set of food as he sat down on the opposite side of the bar from her.
She ate some of the food and then took a sip of the coffee. "I am wondering why a person like you would trust me with your food. Obviously running away from the World Government would build paranoia or a sense of caution, especially from strangers like me who worked with them a long time ago." He asked her.
"Most people would go behind their back and their way to try and capture me. Voicing your concern is not what most people do after all especially when trying to capture someone. I had to research what type of person you are as well your background. I did interview the Baroque Works members numbered positions and researched their background before giving them the position." Robin explained. "Now I am running into circumstances that I cannot control and I need a professional on the scene to shift it in my favor. You know Alabasta really well and you're a formidable fighter. I heard that you left a potential job in the World Government Scientist division due to something…"
"It still seems your fishing for something in my past, but something's should just be left alone. Yet to call on other people and gamble on their success is a hard thing to do, considering the fact you are relying on those pirates and the princess to bust up his plan, but none of them have the experience or skill to change a battle on such a scale yet. On top their rash decisions' the trip to Alabasta would be a hard one. The decision using me could have been a fatal one seeing you don't know who I am…" Lightning explained putting an emphasis on it.
"There is a lot about you I don't know, but I rather take a chance with you. Unlike the rest of the company I keep they are unsavory and ambitious. The history with you is the fact you are quite honorable and when you set out to do something you finish it. Your past has a lot of holes in it and the people you met are never mentioned. At best you entered a competition at the age of seven at Karakuri Island for apprentice program under a scientist. Little did you know that the head scientist of the world government was monitoring the program along a panel of top scientists in the world?" Robin explained as he sipped a bit of his coffee.
"Enough about my past… can you please explain why you need my help? Although I know this whole mess is about Crocodile." Lightning surmised as Robin nodded.
"Correct for four years ago I met Crocodile and we made a business deal to go after a certain goal. I traded my services for protection against the World Government. Yet the deal is a fragile one and if I don't deliver… either way I'm disposable to him. On top of that he is employing mercenaries' to solve problems that he cannot touch with the Baroque Works. The mission is rather complicated and long now. I want you to wipe out the mercenaries as part of the job."
"I'm guessing these people would prove fatal to you in some sort of fashion?" Lightning surmised.
"All of them are professional people that don't play around… on top that I don't know their names seeing they use codenames. Crocodile privately monitors their activities seeing that I manage the Baroque Works for him. Though I would like to see if you do have an ability I would like a demonstration, because I'm sure all them have one no doubt." Robin asked him.
"My powers are a little complicated to explain and their too dangerous to show off. I tend to rely in skill before throwing out my powers." Lightning explained as crossed his arms. He felt a pair of arms push his arms apart as she smirked.
"Well if we are sharing information it's best to clear the air of any suspicion since I'm your employer."
Lightning grunted as he rose up one hand. Fire sparked for a moment then soon electricity. "I'm a magic man…" Lightning explained.
"A magic man, what types of tricks can you perform?"
"Haven't you heard a magician never reveals his tricks? But the ability has a broad range of abilities and what they can do. Playing with magic can also be dangerous as well. There are principals' rules and scientific measurements to what I can do. That is all I can explain at the moment. Without blowing something away and I like to keep the boat I created intact."
"Fair exchange of information, but we you haven't given me your contact information yet. A frequency that I can call at all times." Robin emphasized as he shrugged with a frown.
"I hate using Den-Den Mushis' to communicate with each other. It was the first inventions that I made that steered clear of them using psychic and electromagnetic frequencies to talk to each other. After I learned that frequencies can be tapped or blocked I manage to incorporate it into the device." Lightning explained as he pulled a phone like device out of his pocket. He flipped it open as the screen came online for it. He pressed a few buttons as he pointed towards her. "Can you say your name?"
"Nico Robin, but why do you need me to repeat my name?" She asked him with a bit intrigued.
"Voice recognition software approved: Nico Robin is only authorized for this phone." The phone explained.
"I want to keep my technology exclusive to certain people. I don't want the whole world thrown into chaos because of me. But if an individual other than you or me tries to access the phone it will shutdown at first. If someone wants to see what is inside the phone is will destroy its components will a small explosion." He handed it off to Robin now.
"So you plan on blowing off my head and leave a stain." Robin morbidly joked.
"No, I like to get back the things I create. It does take time, effort, and materials to making these things. You can call me when I am available or message Dot who will take my calls if I am not here." Lightning explained.
"A way to communicate without being traced... I wonder how vast your scientific expertise to your other contemporaries." Robin muttered with interest as she studied the phone. "Is it okay that I keep this one with me for good if it's good as you claimed?"
"I don't boast such a thing without facts or scientific research. But I cannot allow you to keep it… I give it out to close friends and family. You were an exception seeing people are hunting you still…" Lightning explained as he drank the rest of his coffee.
"But I thought we have something special going on?" Robin giggled as he shrugged.
"It's just my policy nothing personal. I met some people when I was younger who taught me my actions can be just as dangerous, by giving out such powerful technology without any restrictions' is quite foolish."
"I also want you to protect the princess and keep a good eye on her. Now… we should move on to the payment you will receive." Robin explained.
"I usually don't talk about payment until results are given…" Lightning muttered.
"True, but if everything doesn't go as planned… I want you play the part of helpful knight for the princess. On top of that the World Government and the marines may be there. I will offer you up something that you can't refuse." Robin offered.
"Go on…" Lightning inquired.
…
It was an hour later as Robin finally disappeared as Lightning sat down in his kitchen. He was looking a piece of paper sitting there.
"Well it seems like Nico Robin's situation might be bad after all. It seems the stories Ivankov told me about the Shichibukai are quite true after all. After Crocodile was beaten in the New World badly he has changed for the worst. To search out for me means she is trying to find a way to get rid of Crocodile and escape the World Government after this goes down.
I'm guessing that I will be playing the middle man again. If Nico Robin knew about mercenaries and assassins I would be inclined to help her out. It poses more than a problem for her seeing that I can easily avoid them unlike her. I have another reason in helping Robin out, but I can't reveal that to her just yet." Lightning thought.
Lightning looked up as he looked out deck sliding glass. "How long will it take just to catch up with the Straw-hat crew Dot, I would hope to make a timely arrival before the next island." Lightning asked his AI.
"Lightning it will take at least a day to get to them in time. So relax until then maybe you should practice your techniques or work on a science experiment for the time being." Dot suggested.
Lightning opened a small book in his pocket as he looked at it. "Well I was working on a new beauty product using the Sube-Sube no mi. It seems I didn't finish it yet and the data and blood I collected from Miss Valentine is something I should pass by my mother. I also should study more of the mirror effects and the scrolls based off my ancestor. It could provide me of a way to actually control my powers. After the incident ten years I had some time to rethink my powers, but I end getting more questions." Lightning muttered as he closed his book.
"Would you like me to patch it up your mother Rain? It's been awhile since you last talk to her." Dot asked him.
"Aside from your usual report to her Dot… well I do need to tell her now before things get too complicated." As a screen on the living room wall came alive. He saw was connecting to the other computer on the other side. He closed his book as he looked up at the screen. He finally saw a woman on the screen as she had a bright smile. She had a long blonde hair and brown eyes as she waved to him. She wore a blue top with a grey tear like crystal hanging and black trousers.
"Hello my son! I was wondering if I was going to get a call from you lately. I was wondering if you were going off a suicide mission like last time." She joked as he cracked a smile.
"Well I picked quite the odd jobs lately and Dot suggested I should have a talk with you. I decided why not… I do have some things I need to talk to you about." Lightning joked.
"Well since I have some free time from the family business. I have quite a lot of free time since your little sister is helping me out let alone you sending new creations to help the business. So what do you want talk about my favorite son?" She giggled.
"For starters I found two new devil fruits that might be applied to some cosmetic make up." Lightning opened his book to look again. "I found the Sube-Sube no mi and it I will make it cream to help make smooth skin again despite the damage the body has taken. Though it appears it will need several applications to have a good effect on extremely bad skin."
"Well that sounds like a good discovery to be made. I bet you will send over your findings after you're done. What else you got to offer?" she asked him.
"This one is more recent one I found called the Kilo-Kilo no fruit. It allows the person to control their weight that can go up 10,000 kilos so far… right now I was going to help turn it into weight control drug."
"I always wondered why you collected the blood of devil fruit users before… it's just to replicate the ability in some form or fashion. I bet your sister Terra will be glad to hear as it well. I have been sending her to several branches on the Grand Line to see she can improve their sales. I hope you can meet up with her after the ordeal in Alabasta. On another note it seems you got a few of my technicians to help out with your special project in Alabasta."
"Oh that…" Lightning rubbed the back of his head. "Well it helps out the store in Alabasta since the war started to care more about food, water, and weapons. I have some of them monitoring the progress of my project and assemble certain parts that come in. Then I let my robot maintenance team carry out the rest of the job for me."
Her mother giggled as she nodded her head. "Well at least you're a thoughtful son to think people still need a job to live. It seems that King Cobra asked you to help solve the water crisis in Alabasta seeing as you worked your magic on Erumalu." Rain theorized.
Lightning nodded closing his book. "Well I still have the plans and the specs a secret until the project is done. I may have some mercenaries and assassins' chasing me now for that reason." Lightning muttered as he saw his mother sighed.
"So that's why you called… Lightning you sure know how to enter a fight that is not yours. So is there anything else you're not telling me?" Rain asked her son.
"I met Robin for you…" Lightning word went out of his mouth.
Rain's eye popped open with shock and hope. "Was Robin ok did you tell her about me?
"That's the true reason why I called you. It seems Robin asked my help to eliminate mercenaries that boss has hired. Making my job on Alabasta a lot harder now and it seems that palace leaked my information about the honorary knights of Alabasta. It seems she works under a criminal organization that threatens Alabasta. It seems like her partner will try to kill if she fulfills the deal or cannot deliver on it. I didn't want to give up your hopes." He told his mother as she dropped her head in disappointment.
"Damn… but I knew something might like this would happen one day." Rain muttered in disappointment.
"By completing this mission it gives a less likely chance she may meet her end by some mercenary or assassin. Yet the partner in question can still kill her while I am away. I have my present my findings and make sure the project is being finalized. On top of that I may have to join the war to buy some time for the Royal army." Lightning informed her.
Rain lifted her and shook it as she smiled. "It seems you can never stay out of conflicts like this my son. I was hoping it would be just the routine bounty jobs you get. But do you know why I wanted to see Robin right?"
"A woman named Olvia was your friend when you were kids. She was at my birth during her six year expedition."
Rain nodded her head. "Well before I married your father I came and gave up my family name. My family ran a merchant business that was quite prosperous on the seas. My mother's family came from West Blue and I lived there for quite a time before I moved. Olvia was a good friend of mine as a kid until the day she died. I was the one who help funded her expedition despite my constant warnings. She pleaded to me it was her husband's dream to find the Void century. I made sure the boat and its supplies could not be traced back to the island."
Lightning raised his eyebrow in shock.
"I always wondered why my mother asked me to find Robin… I always knew the incident at Ohara was due to the World Government destroying the island. It seems I don't know everything still to this story yet." Lightning thought.
"I'm guessing it was hitch in the plan…" Lightning wondered.
She nodded yes. "It seems the Cipher Pol knew about the expedition during the six years they were traveling. All the archeologists except for Olvia were killed though she escaped without telling a thing to them."
"I'm guessing that going back was the real problem seeing they followed her back to Ohara." Lightning theorized. "So finding her was top priority seeing an eight year old can't tackle on the world. Plus you fell responsible for helping making this possible, but either way it would happen despite your involvement."
"It seems you figured out the reason, but it seems like Robin will make the mistake the archeologists' have made. They all rushed trying to find out what true history may have led to their bad ending." Rain thought as Lightning shrugged.
"By chance she searches out for me because I have the most interesting name on the list. Mom you do realize twenty years have passed…"
"I know her mental state will be not hold well for strangers. She may not want to remember the days before the incident quite well and may leave before you meet her again."
"I already know she might try to die on me or run away from me. It seems the war of attrition with her partner in crime left her drained. I was insisting on trying to collect the money or discussing the deal after the incident is over."
"I see… Lightning, do your best to finish the task at hand." She smiled dimly as Lightning frowned.
"I never knew you can throw such an upside down frown in front of me. I will try my best to help save the Kingdom of Alabasta first and save Robin. It seems you two are overdue for a talk for twenty years." Lightning muttered.
His mother smiled a bit more and nodded. "Well I look forward to actually talking to her in person next time. So make sure she doesn't die ok my son." Lightning nodded.
"I will do my best, but I always suspect failure before success happens.
Her mother waved it off. "The scientists' mentality one day you will need to have a normal day without using science, fighting, or training yourself. I do remember you write and produce art as well make books for people to read."
"I tend to do that on the side when I have the time… I do present papers on my findings to the science to community." Lightning scratched his head in embarrassment.
"Your books are very famous and people are dying to see another book come out. They always sell out in my stores along with several of your creations." She smiled as he smirked.
"Who knows I might have another one coming out soon… but I need time to finalize some things. I still need to learn about this weird mirror I got from Mr. D." Lightning pulled the mirror in front of him. As it appeared as she turned her head a bit.
"So this mirror belongs to your ancestor Hecate or I think it's her name?" Rain thought.
"Well technically it's a code name for her real name, but it's her mirror after all. It has a special ability that makes it useful even in battle. It has a special connection to her as well and I might catch on reading those scrolls I got for more answers."
"I'm thrilled to see you have a lot on your plate, but remember to take it easy. Your powers are dangerous still and the last time you did…"
"I know mom I will be careful… Dot reminds me always to be careful. I will try to make it out of the conflict in one piece." He assured her as she nodded with a smile.
"I will see you later my son be safe." As the video cut off as Lightning sat back on the couch. He inspected the mirror to see strange mirror again.
"Rain Farron or Rain Mikamura is what my mother goes for in the business world. She owns the business Ryujin Enterprise which started in West Blue long ago by her family. Over the years from a store to merchant business sailing the Four Blues. Her parents decided to make the business span over the Grand Line. My mother helped made it successful business when she was young. She was a bright scholar and trained to combat pirates at early age. She expanded the business on selling medicine, cosmetics', weapons, survival gear, books, and various other things depending on where the stores are placed.
My mother was one of the reasons why I became a scientist and supported my cause despite some of consequences. She may be a kind and caring mother… but she was the one to help educate. She also helped trained me as a child seeing the sea was a dangerous place to be on. Her friends and coworkers often taught me things though I was left on the island to be raised by my grandfather and Grandmother at times. I always ask her for blessing seeing my father is fan of freedom and choice.
Lightning got up from the couch as he looked out at the sea.
"Enough reminiscing… I might as well work on making the weight loss and smooth cream formula now. Get in some afternoon training with my powers, weapons, and physical skills. I don't need to be a slack off and let my skills get rusty." Lightning walked back into his boat.
…
The sun was shining in the sky as the Going Merry as the crew was sailing on the sea. Vivi was looking at the crew who were not worried about their current situation. Nami was checking the sky as she sat down in a lawn chair.
Sanji was giving her drink only to receive her praise as he did a noodle dance. Luffy sat on the figure head of the merry looking on beyond the sea. Usopp sat in the crow's nest looking around the sea with his telescope as he looked off in the distance. He noticed a white hull with a detailed logo on the side of it.
"Hey everyone we have a boat coming in the distance!" Usopp shouted as everyone tensed up as Luffy looked back calmly.
"Is it the Baroque Works Usopp-san?" Vivi asked him.
He lowered his goggles down to look far in the distance.
"The last thing we need is to have the Baroque Works follow us to the next island and attack us." Nami muttered.
"Don't worry Nami-san I will protect you from them along with Vivi-chan." Sanji reassured her.
"No, it seems to be that scientist's guy boat." Usopp muttered.
As everyone calmed down as Zoro closed his eyes again. "It seems like the guy is stronger than we think. It seems the Baroque Works are still sending chumps after us." Zoro muttered before going back to sleep.
"What happens if they are using his boat to prepare a sneak attack on us?" Vivi muttered.
Usopp noticed a man wearing a white cloak step on the deck.
"It looks like only one man is aboard the ship… though I am still wondering how one person can man such a huge boat. We are struggling on the sea just to make sure we don't sink." Usopp asked someone.
"He must have simplified the boat mechanics all by himself. It must show his skills as scientists to make something like that." Vivi pondered. "But to be an honorary knight by my mother I wonder what type of man he is.
"Well he is a good guy after all." Luffy spoke up as they looked at him. "He helped us back on Lost Island; he also fixed our boat, and stayed behind for Chikuwa-ossan." Luffy smiled as Sanji shook his head.
"Just despite your assumptions this guy is dangerous in his own special way. He even states that he could be good or bad." Sanji reasoned.
"Well he is pulling up along our ship rather fast. Are we going to greet him?" Usopp asked him.
Vivi dropped her head a little. "I wonder if he found Igaram…" Vivi muttered as Nami patted his shoulder.
"Let's hope he has good news to bring." Nami tried cheering her up
They noticed waving to them as he pulled aside as they still couldn't see his face under the white hood. The only visible part on his body was only dark blue pants and blue sandals.
"It's good to see you guys made it ok. I had some unwanted guests catch up to me. Is it ok If can board your ship… if only catch up and plan our next course of action?" Lightning asked them. As Luffy laughed as he nodded.
"Sure… you can even stay for lunch as well." Luffy offered.
Lightning shrugged. "I don't mean to impose, but your struggling on the sea by just giving free handouts. Even for first timers on the sea such as yourself. I can make my own food and have it here." Lightning explained as Nami, Ussop, and Sanji sighed in relief.
"Someone that understands that we are broke… we don't have supplies to do such a thing." Nami muttered.
"Well he was quite well mannered… I thought he was trying to act cool."
"We do have a hard time feeding Luffy, but I insist you eating here at least once. We don't want hospitality to guy that at least helped us out in pinch."
"See why don't you join us for dinner?" Luffy asked him.
Lightning paused for a moment. "I might as well do so seeing I live on this big ship alone at months a time. I will hand you some money to accommodate your lack of resources." Lightning offered.
Money signs appeared in Nami's eyes now. "I knew were such a nice guy… how much are planning to give us?"
Lightning scratched his head for a moment as he looked towards the men of the crew. "It seems she really likes money…" he muttered.
The crew nodded along with him as he looked over to Vivi who was sad somewhat.
"Is Igaram…?"
"Igaram is not dead, but seriously wounded. Apparently the bomb in question didn't have enough explosive or shrapnel. It was more of concussive shockwave with a fire effect. You can call Mrs. Monday and Mr. 9 to confirm this." Lightning assured her.
Vivi sighed as she looked back at Sanji, Nami, Ussop, and Nami who still had a smile on her face.
"Well it seems he made it after all thank goodness." Nami was a bit relieved.
"Do you guys have a Den-Den mushi? I really want to see if he is ok." Vivi asked them.
Nami nodded. "Sorry, but we don't have one."
"I have a way of contacting them without a snail phone…" Lightning produced an advance phone from his coat pocket. He handed to her to open it as she looked perplexed on how to use it.
"How do I use this?" Vivi asked him with a blush on her face.
"Since you worked with the two agents you obviously know their frequency. Unfold and turn the dial to the frequency that displays on the screen. Then press the green button to call and the red to cut the call off. This phone was developed since I hated taking care of Den-Den mushi when I was a kid. It uses radio waves and telepathic waves to connect with a snail phone. The call cannot be monitored by marines who use Black Den-Den mushi." Lightning explained.
Vivi nodded going over to corner of the ship for more privacy.
"So what about that money you talked about Hikari-san?" Nami reminded him.
"Give a moment to get it together then…" Lightning walked off for a moment.
Lightning waved him on to his boat as he headed for his helm. He pressed a button as the cargo bay opened up as he pointed to cold area of the bay. Vivi came back over with a smile on his face.
"You're in good spirits Vivi." Usopp noticed her.
"A smile of Vivi-chan's face always brightens up my day."
"Well it seems Igaram will make a full recovery… I was glad to see Miss Monday and Mr. 9 are taking care of him." Vivi explained to him.
Lightning walked back to them on the deck as he jumped across with ease. "I see you made the call to them, but here you go Nami. Please remember this is for your crew." Lightning explained to her as he got his phone back. He pulled a stack of money out of his coat.
Nami smiled brightly as she quickly counted it. "He gave us 25 million beri! This is more than I got in that at Whiskey Peak with ease. I knew something was good about you."
"This is just some spare change I keep around to buy miscellaneous things at times. I just got another huge haul of treasure the other day when the Baroque Works ship came to port." Lightning deadpanned as Nami smiled.
"I knew this guy was rich and he shrugs it off like it was nothing. I wonder what type of schemes or tricks he has up his sleeve to gain money so easily." Nami thought.
"Nami is a very greedy person Hikari and she is a thief too. She will try to scam you in the future." Usopp warned him.
"I am well aware of her nature Usopp-san… I am not some regular person that she can fool easily. I may need to explain the situation at hand and explain some things about Alabasta's state."
"My home country do you know what is going on?" Vivi asked him.
"Well this situation at hand is different than what your expected since I got involved. I might as well explain why I became a knight and the purpose of why it happened. Then explain why your father called me out of the blue two years ago to get a clear answer. It seems I made the Baroque Works hit list as well." Lightning explained.
"You're being hunted too, what did you do? Did you know the bosses identity?" Usopp shouted in fear.
Lightning shook his head. "Not quite, but a certain project in Alabasta will warrant a hit on me. Luckily no one knows my name, seen my face, or knows of the project at hand." Lightning explained.
Luffy giggled with a smile on his face. "Hey Hikari join my crew! You're a really good fighter and I need scientist on board my…" Luffy shouted as he was interrupted with a fist to his face.
"Fool!" Lightning shouted as Luffy was sent across the deck of the ship as Zoro woke up. Everyone looked in shock from his action as they looked at Luffy. He grabbed his head in pain.
"That hurts!" He shouted.
"What do you mean that hurts you? You're a rubber man!" Sanji shouted.
"There are things in this world most can't understand that can hurt all devil fruits… but to blandly ask a stranger such as I to join a boat as this presents a big problem. Nor do I want to be a pirate seeing what good I can do for this world." Lightning lectured him as they turned back to him.
"Who the hell is this guy?" Zoro asked them.
"Maybe I should actually give my real name this time… the name is Lightning D. Farron. I am not rookie like you and I have trained in many things such as combat and the scientific field. I also have the pursuit in mind to learn more outside my scope at times. I am not such a push over Monkey D. Luffy and not some naïve fool as well. Do your best to remember just knowing their names or a bit about them… it doesn't make them your nakama."
Luffy looked up at him rubbing his head. The crew looked at Lightning wondering who he really was.
