Andrea's Awakening Chapter 25: Things yet to come, an one piece fanfic

Thanks to Magic Morgana for your review ^_^ We really appreciate it!

AN: Japanese

hakase – Doctorate title granted after a dissertation passed muster. As form of address, it can thus mean "doctor" or "professor". Natsuko (whose name means Famed Steely Water by the way) is usually addressed as Hakase due to having a proper doctorate (not just a professional) and being chief of the Naval Surgeons' College of Marineford. As her epithet, thus it usually means "Professor".

gensui – Fleet Admiral. Also known as Kumori C. Kuzan XD

koibito – beloved, darling. form of address usually reserved to one's spouse or significant other.

neesan/-nee – older sister. form of address. The latter is rather familiar in nature.

Dai Senmei/Dai Senmeibukai – Great Military Name/Great Military Name of the Warring Seas. Name for a group of clans considered the military equivalent to the Tenryûbito, although why they are so is unknown so far. SPOILERS!

We do not own One Piece - That is property of Eiichiro Oda

Chapter 25: Things yet to come

Never made it as a wise man, I couldn't cut it as a poor man stealing, tired of living like a blind man, I'm sick of sight without a sense of feeling. This is how you remind me. And this is how you remind me, of what I really am. – Nickelback/Avril Lavigne, How You Remind Me

Echoes from a shadow realm, whispering of things yet to come. Thought's strange sisters dwell in night, are swept away by dawning light. Of what do I speak? – Dreams. – Dragon Age: Origins

Burying Zephyr under the eyes of his two most loyal followers (cuffed naturally) and using his weapon as grave marker had been harrowing, even more so as both of them had a thing for crying like a waterfall. "Stop bawling!" Kuzan scolded, pouring another bottle of Jerez onto the grave. "He died doing what he wanted, the way he wanted to live and the way he wanted to die. How many can say that of themselves?"

At that, both Ain and Bins stopped, and lowered their heads, knowing the man to be right. "Goodbye… Z-sensei."

Kuzan clapped his own prayers and turned to the admirals at hand. "Kizaru. I trust you to get these damn nukes somewhere safe, and get these two shipped to Enies Lobby. Let the law decide what to do with them."

The light logia nodded grimly. "Aye-aye. What about you? Staying here for the tally?"

"I… can't go back. Not yet." He turned to Momonga. "Has camp been made already?"

"I even noticed it has and I barely arrived here," a dry chuckle sounded, signaling the arrival of a certain magma logia. "Looks like things got interesting while I was stopping some of the more major eruptions. If only they would actually cease it would be more of a sigh of relief but decreased activity is all we can hope for now. They should burn out in about three weeks."

"Good to know," Borsalino remarked. "Well, I better be off. Fleet Admiral, Shiroyoru." Shushing his prisoners, he left.

-Navy Base Camp-

"That had been… draining," Theo stated tiredly. "I think it's in everyone's best interest to just go down and have a break. Feel free to leave, Mo-yan."

"Where's Andrea?" Sakazuki wondered as he followed his superiors.

"She is taking care of the camp," Momonga stated. "I'll leave things to you then – I have a goddamn base to take care of. Ma'am, sir." And a wife of a doctor that is waiting. A Soru, and he was gone.

I know exactly how you feel, and I agree on that, the older vice admiral thought with a sigh. With all the death that was filling the air and the numbness that came from killing one of their own, one had a desperate need to feel alive, and if there was any proof to the statement, one should just see how far away from the general troops Kuzan's tent stood. Do I want to know? Not really… oh, there she is. Quickly, he made way for her tent, somewhere on the edge of the camp.

"Sakazuki-kun," Andrea murmured as her eyes became fixated immediately upon her husband's form. Her fellow vice admiral noted that while she looked physically fine, mentally she must have been exhausted as her eyes showed what almost felt like outright need to him. "You're finally back," she leapt towards him and was surprised when her husband actually gave a warm greeting back.

"I actually was worried about if you'd be alive at the end of this," he confided quietly as he followed his wife to what appeared to be her designated tent. "Hearing you were on his ship, knowing you'd later lead the charge to retrieve those Dyna… You're making me feel exhausted at this rate." He sighed as he looked at her and his jaw tightened. "I wonder about, not your abilities, but what drives you in the end. How would you feel if you had nothing after all was said and done?"

"That's an odd topic," Andrea wondered as she shrugged off her marine coat. "What brought this on?"

"We could so easily be in the same situation Zephyr-sensei was in. I could be left behind if you died and vice versa, to live our life alone and without a legacy. I want a family with you, stubborn woman, but we're both in such dangerous positions."

In answer, his wife kissed him almost bruisingly, leaving him gasping for breath. "Sakazuki-kun… right now, I just want to live in this moment. Screw what's happening out there." She approached him with a fierce determination. "Now I want my husband since I haven't been able to enjoy you since this whole bloody mess started."

"Be careful or you'll get burned," he chuckled as he threw aside his hat and pulled her properly to him.

"Only because I like it," she replied cheekily as she melted into his warmth and touch. Clothes fell, and soon, they forgot about everything but the fact that they had lived today.

-The next morning-

"Fleet Admiral? Sir– Ah!" The unfortunate Petty Officer who had been sent to bring the Fleet Admiral both the casualties report and his breakfast could hardly dodge any faster than he did, as both occupants of the tent were sending ice darts after him. All he could do was leave everything at the entrance, and try to erase the memory of his supreme commander in bed. With his wife. And from what few things he had been able to see, stark raving naked. I bet my next paycheck that the Chef knew something like that had happened, argh! They're probably laughing their asses off. Screw delivering any more messages at all. They always shoot the messenger! he scowled, desperately trying to fight the full body blush as he ran off.

After the tent flap closed, Kuzan sighed, and, using a streak of ice, he pulled the tray towards the bed. "And reality ensues again. Good morning, hime."

"Good morning, koibito," Theo yawned, her hand extended on a wisp of ice dust reaching for a shirt, if only for some semblance of modesty – with all the Haki flying around, it was no guess for anyone what those who had a partner at hand had done in the last 24 hours, all for the sake of feeling anything again. "What's for breakfast?" She finally had managed to grab her old shirt, and threw it on.

"Looks like some fruit today but let's see what's inside this basket… Ah, he put the heartier foods inside." He paused in perusing the food for a moment. "Love… We should have been more careful, especially considering the vigor we displayed."

"I didn't hear you complain yesterday, especially when I saw it fit to suck off your–"

"I don't think the entire camp should hear that," he interrupted, thanking that his tan hid the slight blush on his cheeks. "And please, I am just trying to be a bit considerate. This can have consequences."

Theo chuckled and reached for a slice of pear. "Dearest, I think we both know how unlikely it is it didn't have them, given who we are. It is why we are usually so goddamn careful. And, frankly… you are not the one who has to deal with that for the next 38 weeks if that has happened, and does it bother me?"

Kuzan raised an eyebrow as he took in her relaxed demeanor. "You mean, since we have already risked it, we might as well go for it? But Via-kun is already 22…"

"I was the eldest of eight, love. Frankly, the major reason we don't have more children is simply the chaos that hahaue's and chichiue's early deaths caused," she gave back. "And also, all the birds have left the nest already. It is terribly lonely at times."

"True enough." He shook his head and chuckled, giving in. "Right. Also, since you overdid it with healing me back then, neither you or I will age for a while…" Grinning, he held up a piece of yubari melon. "Interested in a little game then, hime?"

Constructing a side table from ice, she put the tray aside and pushed him into the linens. "I was wondering when you'd ask, koibito."

-Meanwhile-

Andrea rubbed her head as she heard voices, fluctuations in volume becoming quite pronounced before those became hushed, gradually turning into whispers. "What the hell?"

"I believe that's your subordinates," Sakazuki chuckled. "If you feel with your Haki…"

"Shush you," she chastised with a blush as she tried to sit up but could not and fell backwards. "I know you're smirking so stop that."

The whispers outside the tent turned into dead silence as Sakazuki started to laugh. "You know perfectly well why I'm doing that." He then began to laugh. "And you like it."

"You two are evil!" they heard a shout outside the tent. "I swear if you start doing that right now…"

"Or you'll what?" Andrea responded instinctively, causing her husband to laugh even more.

"Damn it, you corrupted my boss." The pinkette groaned into her palm for a moment, hoping they would just come out and a god must have smiled upon her because soon both vice admirals emerged, thankfully fully clothed. "Finally."

"I don't take kindly to interruptions so what is it?" Sakazuki scowled until he was elbowed slightly by his wife. "And you'll pay for that later."

"Will it be a repeat of last night?" she asked with a smile, causing all of her subordinates to look away with slight blushes.

I swear at times like these, having Haki makes it feel like being surrounded by porn the whole time, the pinkette thought before glancing at her superiors and realizing how tentatively the female vice admiral was walking. "You're hobbling more awkwardly than when we first met. Any bruising from the battle?"

"…Yes," Andrea said as she tried not to blush. "There was a lot going on with that ship and…"

"Bullshit. No one ever got near you," Jabra called her out, causing the magma logia to smirk and his wife to blush deeply.

"And now thanks to this, I know far too much about my CO's sex life," Bonney grumbled. "Stupid camps."

"There's nothing wrong with it. It's healthy," Andrea smiled as she took in her subordinate's reaction. "Unless you were hoping someone was here with you, mm? I saw you eye a couple different marines before this all happened." She noted the pinkette almost trip and outright smirked. "Would you like a formal introduction? He is the son of the Fleet Admiral after all."

"M-maynard-san has nothing to do with that," the captain blurted out, groaning – she had basically admitted she was so into the eldest son of their head honcho. "Argh. Stop laughing you all. I'd like you to be surrounded by that and be unable to sleep for 36 hours."

"I didn't have trouble at all with sleeping," Andrea commented light heartedly, evading a half-hearted punch. "Come on. Let's break camp and get home. The Day of the Fallen is next week."

-Terabin Island, two days later-

Staring at the sea, Robin clutched the books and the files her uncle had given her on the matter of her parentage. Uncle, you are a greater scholar than you like to believe. The research had been extensive, and had painted a vivid image of the man whose blood ran through her veins, and of the family he was part of; thus by extension, her own. It had been very clear on the justice they followed, and had also given her an idea of why her chichiue had actually gone through with the orders of a Buster Call, but had not taken her away. Politics. And a clan of Danaran Scholars who had forgotten who they were, committing a kind of treason I think. That would make me the only scholar who is also a Dai Senmei… She shook her head. All my life, I felt like I was not home. Never really home. Luffy opened his door for me… but it still feels at times like I am a guest if I dare to think about that.

"Robin?" Nami interrupted her. "I thought we were going to look for that treasure."

Shaking her head to clear the thoughts, she gave a smile to her fellow female crewmate. "Was just trying to see if I had any information on these ruins. One more moment, Nami-san."

"Sure, don't take too long."

With that, Robin breathed a sigh of relief as she was able to compose herself. Does no good hoping about it now until the opportunity is presented to me. Right now, I should at least help with these ruins. "Alright, I'm ready," the archaeologist announced as she followed the others.

The ruins themselves did not necessarily look like it would hold treasure, but then again, Robin had managed to find Shandora in less than a day while Enel had searched well over a decade for it, so all bets were off. While no Poneglyph was in sight, the rest of the ruins did have fascinating architecture and writing along the walls. Everything seemed to strike a bit of nostalgia and déjà vu into her but she could not figure out how until she made it to the edge of the complex. And came face to face with a sad reality. This is a graveyard, that's why it feels familiar. Right. The people in town said that there had been a major battle between the Navy and some pirates sixteen years ago on this island, driving out the pirates, of course there would be graves. She shook her head and turned away, back to her survey. The battlefield must have been on this coast. Probably, these pirates lived in the ruins – they are not that bad off. The complex is concentric, which means that what we are looking for is likely in the center. She could hear the frustrated sighs of the navigator upon not locating anything worth selling but other than that, everyone else seemed to be making the best of this adventure.

Luffy was happily exploring and had dragged Chopper and Usopp with him as he tried to scale the ruins. This action almost caused Robin to speak out in worry due to the possibility of collapsing buildings but she stayed silent as the last thing Luffy would want was to be coddled right now. Zoro was passed out near the beginning of the ruins which suited the crew just fine. No one wanted to have to locate him afterwards. Franky however was examining the buildings just as carefully as Robin was but to their surprise, Brook was just standing near where the center would be and was playing a dreary tune. "I can't even hear what he's saying, but it makes me feel sad," Sanji muttered as he put out his cigarette without realizing it.

Robin turned to the chef and was equally startled when she heard the music. She too felt an overwhelming sadness and upon actually listening to the music, realized he was playing a funeral march. How does he know this could be a grave? Has he been here before? As if picking up on something in the area, Sanji joined Franky in examining the ruins as well. "We need to get our captain to stop messing around," Robin spoke up finally. "It would be disrespectful if not. I am the only licensed graverobber on the crew." She touched one of the engravings on the wall. "Come on. I think I know how to get to our treasure safely."

"Treasure?" Nami perked up from where she had been moping at not initially seeing anything able to be taken of value. "Lead the way, Robin!"

Chuckling softly, she used her powers to wake Zoro up via a light hearted slap. The grumbling swordsman followed the crew to ensure he would not get lost… not that he would ever admit it. The rest of the trek was a bit quiet, slight interruptions by Luffy who was annoyed at not being able to roam around, but overall peaceful considering they were the Straw Hat pirates. "There's someone ahead," Sanji muttered as he grabbed Nami to stop her from going too far ahead in pursuit of treasure.

Did he feel them out with Haki? Robin wondered as she noted that Luffy and Zoro both looked equally cautious now. "We'll be careful, Sanji-san."

The chef however paused almost in confusion. "Weird. Whatever that was, I don't feel it now. I could have sworn…"

"Stupid cook," Zoro sneered but even the insult was half hearted.

Robin soon stopped however, prompting the rest of the crew to look around cautiously but she merely breathed a sigh of relief. "No one's here. Let's look around carefully, there will be traps."

Unfortunately the mention of traps made half of the crew gaze around in wonder at the thought of even triggering a trap. After Luffy had purposefully tripped one trap, causing some water to spill from above, Nami had shrieked at them to not do that anymore and therefore, they found what they were looking for rather quickly after that. While not necessarily in a chest, most of the random items placed around the site were not valuable enough to be heirlooms worth making a killing over but was sufficient to tide Nami over until the next island. In fact, said navigator was already mumbling calculations of how much to allow the rest of the crew to spend. "You can even get some books too, Robin. Hey Robin? Are you listening to me?"

Robin however was currently engrossed with a stack of smaller boxes that she deduced to be lockboxes. "I cannot get these open, but I think these are what we are looking for. The Tears of the Mermaid Princess the local songs tell of."

At that, the Cat Burglar grinned widely. "Leave that to me." A few deft moves, and the boxes spilt their secrets, leaving even some of the men gasping. "Pearls. Hundreds of pearls," Nami whispered reverently. "And not the grown kind. These are natural. Gems. First class – they're all round. Tears of the Mermaid Princess, indeed."

"That is quite the find," Robin admitted and although she was not into jewelry, she could practically see bags of money form within Nami's pupils. "Wonder why they are here."

"Who cares?" the other woman replied as she hugged the boxes happily. "I might even keep some of these… Let's get them out." Snapping them closed, Nami displayed one of her most obscure abilities: Her insane carrying strength as long as whatever she was carrying was treasure – she was pretty much carrying their entire find alone.

"Nami-swan, you shouldn't carry all of that on your own," Sanji pleaded but Nami was determined for no one to touch her treasure and dashed ahead while laughing.

"That damn witch," Zoro growled as he ran past Robin to chase the two.

"It isn't fair if they have all the fun," Luffy whined as he stretched his arms and slung himself towards them.

This left Robin leading the slightly more sensible remaining Straw Hats up towards the exit but then Brook hummed and lifted his skeletal hand to the side of his head. "That is music to my ears… If I had any! Yohohohohohoho! Oh, am I mistaken, or is someone actually singing?"

He was not. The sea knows the beginning of the world, and knows how its end will come around. The sea knows what is going on, and thus sings its eternal song, it drifted on the wind as they made it to the surface. The voice was a woman's tenor – a mezzo soprano used to speaking low key. If I were to disappear, and one day would be no longer here, the never-ending omniscient Mother Ocean leads the way.

"That's Ocean's Guide," the skeleton marveled.

"Ocean's Guide?" Sanji wondered.

Nami froze, recognizing the song. "I-it's the requiem of the Navy. Genzo sung it for Bellemère at her funeral."

Robin however shivered, feeling they were intruding on something. Discreetly, she employed her powers to look ahead, sprouting eyes to look for something or rather, someone. She gasped almost immediately and sped up and past the rest of the crew. The first thing she noticed was that distinctive coat flapping in the air before realizing who it was wearing the coat. She instinctively bowed her head before daring to come closer. "Shiroyoru-sama," Robin murmured quietly as she noticed the woman had flowers in her hands, facing the sea. Globe Amaranth, Red Spider Lily, Shion – Aster tataricus. 'I remember you dearly' in Hanakotoba. That bunch is meant for a grave. But Dai Senmei have no graves… they all are surrendered to the Sea's embrace, honoring its blessing. So for whom is this?

The answer was strangely obvious, as Theodora bowed to the sea, and cast the flowers into the waves, finishing her song. I have no reason to feel fear, and that is because you are here. I have no reason to be timid: my comrades are waiting for me. We have to keep advancing forth towards that blue horizon. Not turning around yet, the woman greeted her. "Good morning… daughter of my clan. It seems the winds are changing indeed." She nodded at the sea. "For the last fifteen years, I have come here, on this very day of the year… for this island is the place my father found his end."

"May I inquire if it was during a battle?" she blurted out before feeling silly – the graves around her spoke a very clear language.

"The first five rows of pirate graves you are standing amidst were the ones who went down with him in the end. Kumori C. Astern, born Icchi," Theo explained. "It pains me he never met Evermist. While the body was retrieved and we held his funeral on Marineford, I always come here, the place he died, to tell him of the last year. And what brings you here?"

"My crew is searching for treasure," Robin answered simply.

"No, you misunderstand. What brings you here?" As if to emphasize her question, a gust swept through the graveyard they stood in. "You feel out of place, no matter where you go, do you not?"

"I owe them my life. I can put up with discomfort or ill ease for their sake," she defended weakly.

"I can hear your doubts, musume. A conflict, burning in your very veins, compelling as the call of the waves, and, like a pose compass will point at a destination, you found me," the admiral denied. "You may be able to put up with it… but would they want you to be unhappy like that? I wonder…"

"I'm not unhappy either," Robin sighed. "It's not what I ideally want but…" Memories flew through her head of how much this crew protected each other. "I never got to have a peaceful life before. It was always conflict, running, and death. If I'm stuck on this path, I'm willing to be a Straw Hat pirate but would there be another way for me?"

"That is very much up to you. Do you want to have what you have been denied all your life – a home, a family… or stay as you are?" Theo extended her left hand before letting it sink again. "My ship lies on the opposite coast of the island. I am en route for Marineford, and we leave at midnight. You have until then to decide. But as I said, I come here every year."

"I have a choice," Robin said quietly, almost to herself. When the admiral turned to leave, she yelled, "Wait! Why are you doing this?"

"You are family. And maybe, I feel that a part of your predicament is my fault, but this is neither here nor there." And then, just as the Straw Hats had reached the archaeologist, she swept away, in a cloud of ice dust.

"Robin!"

"Robin-chwan! What was that lady admiral doing here?!"

The Oharan sighed sadly. While parts of her – the ones who had become attached and grateful to the crew – were still doubtful, a bigger, older part simply accepted the marine's words. "Paying respects… to my grandfather."

"Eh?!"

"Let's go rest," the archaeologist suggested but her eyes made the crew worried. It was the type of grim resolve that Luffy had recognized on his older sister and it almost made him worried but there was one thing that overrode some of Luffy's stubborn attitude and that was his friend's welfare.

"Robin," she heard her captain speak in an oddly commanding tone. The rest of the crew glanced up and saw his eyes and kept heading back towards the Thousand Sunny, leaving the two alone. "If you go… Be careful. You're irreplaceable as a friend."

"She could have killed me in a heartbeat, Luffy. She didn't." She sighed. "It's like my father."

"Well, she is your family, isn't she?" Luffy countered with a sigh. "I want to be selfish and have you, my friend, stay but your family life is important too. You deserve to experience what you never had." He shook his head. "You have been cheated out of too many things in life, and… I could feel her regrets concerning you. I think she is not very happy with the current situation either."

"But how would she even know me?"

"Family is like that, Robin. I'm not blood related to Ace, Andy or Sabo but I still care, worry, and love them." Luffy smiled. "Besides. Unlike Ace and I, you are related to her. Didn't you say she's the head of your clan?"

"She is… and my father is a blood Kumori too. But what should I do?" she whispered.

"I can't tell you what to do, Robin. If I did, you wouldn't drink as much coffee. But the only thing I want is for you to do what you want. That's what being a pirate is about. That's what sailing to sea is about." He quieted down slightly as he seemed to get sadder. "I don't want to be yet another obstacle in your life." His lip stuck out slightly as he pouted. "You need to smile more." And you are more like that admiral than I like to admit.

At that, Robin had to chuckle. "I suppose I do." She then smirked playfully. "I better not hear you giving up though."

"Why didn't you tell me first you had been talking to my grandpa?" he wondered idly. "It's not like I'd have minded."

The raven-haired woman sweat-dropped. "Frankly, you startled me, and the things he told me trouble me still. As you said… he told me of everything I have been cheated out of in life by Spandine."

Luffy shrugged half heartedly. "I guess I understand but if you can do me a favor if possible. Keep my treasure safe. I would feel much better if you watched over it." He paused for a moment as he snickered. "And give Andy a punch from me when you see her. I still don't get why she had to take the damn hat in the first place… Like I do, but I don't. Gah! Just give her a good punch and then I'll think about calling her later."

"I thought you'd be more angry at her. For someone in a family to take something so precious…"

"At least it wasn't that Z. And she won't destroy or burn it either like how he would have. She'll 'use it' or whatever or maybe that lady admiral will have it. I don't know but I have a feeling you'd be able to find and protect it." Luffy scratched his head and sighed. "But enough of my family crap. You're supposed to think about your family now! And what better way to get into a good mood than with a kickass goodbye party?"

"I don't need a party," Robin attempted to intervene but Luffy had already ran out of her reach and towards the rest of his crewmates.

"Sanji! Get your butt in the kitchen and cook some party stuff. We're throwing Robin a goodbye party!"

"What?" Sanji had ran towards where Luffy was and the rubber man barely dodged the fast kick. It was a formidable strike but since facing off against his sister, it looked like a snail's pace in comparison. "Why would Robin-chwan leave?"

Nami glanced at Luffy and realized what must have happened when he gave her a thumbs up and motioned towards the archaeologist with his head. "She's going home, isn't she Luffy?"

"Yep. And we need to be happy for her!" Luffy ordered seriously as he shot a glare to Sanji. "You wouldn't want to make her sad, would you?"

Sanji's cigarette fell out in shock but before he could protest, Zoro spoke up, "Just go cook the damn food, shit cook. You falling all over her to make sure she's fine will only piss me off."

"I didn't ask your opinion, marimo!"

Luffy's laughter however overrode the sounds coming from the rest of the crew as he eventually started pushing Robin towards Nami. "Be happy," he told her with a smile. "Be Robin. Last names don't matter among friends."

"Go pack your things," Nami nudged her. "I'll get these idiots ready to give you a proper go away."

"Yeah those idiots," Luffy chirped happily.

"You're one of those idiots," Nami sighed as she waved away Robin while barking orders to the rest of the crew. "Clean that deck, Luffy. Franky, can you get out the nice table? It's good weather right now and we should eat outside. Brook, got some music ready?"

"I can compose a proper song by party time," the skeletal musician bowed before raising a non-existent eyebrow. "But first, may I see your…"

"No!" Nami was glad she had Sanji stock up on food before going to the ruin as there would be no time to get some in time for Robin to go home. "Chopper, do you have the perfume we were going to give her on her birthday?"

The reindeer lit up happily before almost wilting under his hat. "Why is Robin leaving? Aren't we family enough?"

Nami held the reindeer for a moment as the crew began bustling around them. Despite not having Haki, she had a suspicion that Sanji was attempting to listen in on the conversation. "Family always looks after each other no matter what. Robin… Never really had that at all. We all had our bad times before meeting Luffy but for almost thirty years, Robin's life was nothing short of hell." She petted the doctor thoughtfully for a few moments. "If I could see my family again, I'd be thrilled. But I had my time with them. Robin hasn't had that. Would you want to deny our friend?"

"Never!" Chopper shrieked in a panic while he shook his hooves. "Let me get the perfume. Even if you humans all smell alike, she can smell nice for meeting her family!"

Nami giggled as she watched the reindeer shift forms in order to dash towards his little infirmary a bit faster. "You can come out, Sanji-kun. You're not being really sneaky."

The chef sighed as he held out a tray for the navigator. "Want to try the fruit tarts I was putting together for Robin-chwan's party?"

Nami reached for one of the pastries but she noted that the blonde did not make an attempt to go back into the kitchen either. "Just ask already. I don't want you chasing her because you think it's love."

"Where is her family?" he asked finally, almost dreading the answer. "I… We might want to send her presents of when we're further down the Grand Line after all."

"A few islands ago, before this stuff with that Z and me being de-aged…" She paused as she briefly saw a lecherous look cross Sanji's face. "We met her uncle," the navigator continued, albeit partially disturbed. "He owns an antiquarian bookstore full of many things that Robin was interested in. The island is well protected and she was happy to see him."

"I remember you saying something about that, Nami-swan," Sanji lit up a cigarette and sighed. "She really is going to leave… I won't stand in her way. No real gentleman allows himself to be the reason a lady is crying." He sighed for a moment. "I'll go finish the food. I need to make it extra special."

Nami gave a sad smile as she thought on what she told Sanji. It wasn't a lie necessarily. He did ask where her family is and I told him where one member of her family was. The rest is just an omission of details. It would only be worse if he realized the real truth. He'd do something foolish and I can't let anything happen to worry Robin. She thought of the people Robin was related to and shook her head. Not to mention that she's even more connected than Luffy.

"Nami?" The navigator turned around to see Luffy. "Would it be okay if we gave Robin a copy of our flag? To remember us by?"

Her jaw dropped immediately as she went to punch her captain. "Idiot," she hissed under her breath. "Considering who her father is, there is no way she'd be able to have a pirate flag."

The captain sheepishly scratched his head. "There have been weirder things… like a pirate king's daughter being a vice admiral."

-Meanwhile-

"Stop pacing around. You're making me anxious," Sakazuki scowled as he watched his wife wring her hands nervously.

"I can't help it. Especially now that I'm thinking more clearly," she murmured softly as she ran her hands through her hair. "How can I tell Ace that I took Luffy's hat? Just honestly thinking about what I did, especially after sensei's reaction, disgusts me but I can't take it back."

"Well, you don't have the hat now. Stop worrying," the magma logia reasoned as he resumed the report he was still compiling about the islands, coming to the common conclusion that they'd stop roaring in about three weeks, and then they'd re-seal themselves. "There are worse things that could have been done that couldn't be taken back," he muttered to himself darkly but his wife was still frantically walking the length of the room in a frenzy.

"And sensei understood why but was still annoyed all the same. I can't even call Luffy to apologize either. I broke one of the things I care about the most… Family. Damn, I think Grandfather would be angry even if he wasn't a fan of that hat."

"Least you have a family to speak of," he muttered under his breath as he continued scratching out his report. "Alive at least," he amended as he saw the effect his words had on his spouse. "You could call, apologize or something. Judging by the men of your family, meat. Lots of meat."

"It's more an energy source for him than food," Andy muttered. "I swear, his devil fruit runs on BBQ. And yours runs on curry the way you inhale it." She then glanced down at her gloved hands and sighed. "I used to have to eat a lot too but Ace later on literally burned calories. But things are different now." She glanced at her Den Den Mushi apprehensively. "I'm torn between duty and family yet again. But knowing what I know, I can't just give into family."

"You win some, you lose some. Some of your family's goals and duty do align. I think Ace actually senses enough of the truth to not ask and go about his set goal instead," he mused. "How likely do you think it would be for you to see that Straw Hat brother of yours anytime soon?"

"If he had a way to track me, he would have and tried any means necessary to get that hat back unless he was held back. His crew's injuries perhaps." Remembering that her sensei had taken a detour, she blinked. "It is Astern-sama's obit today… fuck, it would be just their luck to run into Shiroyoru-taishô on Terabin." She then paled further and had to bite back a whine. "Damn…"

"Wasn't going to mention it since I thought you'd know since you've been her student, how long, but yeah. The battlefield was relatively close to Terabin. And with no other marine vessels or bases nearby, it would have been where the Straw Hats likely would have made as their destination." Sakazuki finally sealed the report he was compiling and glanced at his wife thoughtfully. "Maybe this could help in fact. If the Oharan songbird comes back to Marineford, maybe Shiroyoru would forgive you."

"I owe Robin a bit… And maybe she'll tell me about how Luffy has been. I know I'll need to suffer her anger to at least find that out," Andrea said as she scratched her head thoughtfully. "But we need to get home first. I have an unusual feeling." Her stomach then rumbled almost angrily. "And I'm a bit hungry too."

"Ask Blueno to fix you up something. He made an interesting drink lately he had me try that you might like. Goes well with curry actually."

"No thanks… Sakazuki-kun, for some reason the thought of alcohol makes me a bit queasy." Those words made the magma logia's blood almost run cold as since her recovery, she never had gotten sick or felt weak other than the normal fatigue of battle or intense training. For a moment he contemplated if it was due to the alcohol not being sake putting her off but she did not even feel disgust or nausea, but rather confusion, when tasting other types of alcohol. She then almost swayed for a moment, causing him to frown as she was by now used to moving on a ship. "Maybe I'll ask him for a coffee and I can see if Bonney knows something about Terabin's ruins and the battles…" she yawned and immediately fell asleep.

"Just her mentioning something that might do with history really makes her sleep. Odd, that's not like you, love," the vice admiral sighed as he scooped us his wife and placed her back into their room's bed. And it seems like she needs an appointment when we get back immediately. I better set it up myself or she'll try to ditch it.

-Terabin Island, fifteen minutes to midnight-

In the past, Robin had wondered why pirates considered the phrase "Black Ships are coming" the sign of utter doom while civilians and Navy alike would sigh in relief, but seeing the admiral's STOC battle cruiser MF Revolution (odd choice) ominously lying at the shore gave her a pretty good idea: It was the promise of justice and salvation in ship form, its color stemming from the use of kurokaya and a very dark blue paint job (but not black and grey like the Neo Navy). Before it, her stepmother stood, the coat fluttering in the breeze as a similar promise. She felt her heart skip a beat as she felt Luffy and Nami shove her closer before backing off cautiously. "Good luck, Robin."

"You two," she attempted to reach out towards her friends but they were waving at her sadly as they still were backing off. Luffy was going out of his way to not turn his back on her. "I'll miss everyone," she said loudly before she felt tears prick her eyes. "This isn't a goodbye!"

Luffy chuckled while Nami sniffled before stumbling slightly. The two knew they did not have long before they had to arrive on the Thousand Sunny otherwise the rest of the crew would go looking for them and thus, ruin Robin's journey home. After a moment, the archaeologist heard a throat clear, stopping the two pirates in their track. "Monkey D. Ruffy," Shiroyoru stated, the speech betraying an old tongue speaker. "Catch. It is highly likely that for the time being, this one is yours."

With some surprise, Luffy caught the object the marine tossed and froze as he realized what it was. "My hat?! How… why…"

"Well, your sister hardly had any authority to do that to you from where I stand, but really, next time, try to have your priorities straight – you cannot become Pirate King if there is no world in which to be that. Even Shanks does that," she answered with a tad of Haki, turning away. "Come, musume. We have some distance to cover."

"Wait!" the two heard Luffy protest but the admiral kept on her path back to her ship. "Thank you for my hat!" Luffy shouted, using his hands to make his voice louder. "I'll try to pay more attention!"

That should be enough for now then, it drifted on the wind. And then, they were gone, like a mirage, and the mighty marine ship set sail.

"And she's gone…" Nami whispered.

"But not in our hearts. After all, she is one of us in her heart as well." Luffy shook his head. "Let's go. We have our own journey to return to."

-MF Revolution, Main Deck, the next day-

The crew of this ship was different than anything Marine Robin had ever experienced. First off, they had not even batted an eye at her presence, and second, they had instead treated her as if she was royalty, giving her a cabin of her own that adjoined that of the admiral. The only one who had dared to make a cutting remark – an apprentice cook who seemed to be new – had been publicly punished for it in an unusual way, as he now had to wait both her and her stepmother on hand and foot. Them keeping lawn chairs on the ship was about the least weird, given what she knew of its commander. As the paramecia reached for a cup of coffee, she mused on the situation lightly. "This is unexpected."

"Why? Do you really think I would only keep one lawn chair? With that husband?" Theo answered, not lifting the newspaper from her face. "When even Garp-sensei keeps a pair of them on his ship, you may guess what is stock for any ship under my command."

"That I actually do not think that weird; I have seen chichiue sleep standing straight after all. I mean their attitude – the only one who reacts as expected save for you is that cook," she gave back.

"You are Kumori, and my guest. That is all they need to know to act accordingly. This is an STOC crew, they are not your run of the mill mindless fools who believe in that Absolute Justice crap. I handpicked them personally," she explained. "Even my occasionally negligent student knows better." Taking finally the paper off, she shot a look to the young cook. "Where's my coffee?"

"Ma'am," the apprentice borderline whimpered as he offered up the drink with a bowed head.

"Let us hope this is less bitter than your manners, boy," she muttered, taking a sniff and recognizing it as chocolate mocha. "At least you remember that one. – So, what else do you want to know, Robin-kun?"

"I don't wish to sound foolish but… your name," the archaeologist began. "It is never mentioned in the news what your actual given name is. Why?"

Theo chuckled and sat up to face her. "I was wondering when you would ask about that. My given name is Theodora, an Ancient name that means The Gods have given. But most people these days have no ties to the older ways, and are simply put incapable of pronouncing that mouthful – it usually comes out as Teiô Tora, Sovereign Tiger, which, while flattering in its symbolism, is about as far from the meaning as it can get. Hence, I took very early to an alias, it being Shiroyoru." She shook her head. "I know you would probably be uncomfortable to call me anything related to mother right now, so, most of my friends and my siblings call me Theo-hime." Sipping her drink, she took a look at the sky. "We should arrive shortly at the Northern Blue Gate. After we pass it, it is only eight hours until Marineford, so we should be able to dock at nightfall." She gave a thoughtful look towards the young woman before speaking again. "There will be some expectations of you but please, relax. I'm not taking you to your death by any means and, as far as I am concerned, you are one of my own."

Robin, who had also sat up, lowered her head at that generosity. "Thank you. Theo-hime." Finishing her coffee, a thought occurred to her. "What's a Blue Gate?"

"Have you ever wondered why the Navy can reach any destination of this world so quickly, even from HQ?" the elder Kumori smiled. "The reason the we can do so to all the Blues are the two Great Blue Gates. These are literal water-gate-locks, as big as the Gates of Justice, marked with the emblem of the Marines, located at two points in the Red Line: The Northern Gate, which connects North and East Blue, located about eight hours north from Marineford, and the Southern Gate, which is the link between South and West Blue, four hours south from Reverse Mountain. The Northern Gate is the result of a natural phenomenon being taken advantage of – the Red Line Island it passes is an extinct volcano, and one day, one of its former magma chambers collapsed, leaving a hole so big in space over and under water a strike fleet can pass through comfortably. As such, it is the older of the two gates, built in a similar fashion to Tequila Wolf – 400 years ago, it was a common punishment for criminals of the seas to be sent to help building the Northern Blue Gate; however, it was a matter of choice if one would rather face the death penalty/life in prison or work until you couldn't any longer. Also, if the original sentence was life without parole, it was reduced to 25 years of labor. The Northern Blue Gate needed 30 years to be built, including the rock surface Marine Base BG-G-1, built into the sheer walls of the Red Line around and in between the double gate, which is basically a giant hydrolock. Compared to that, the Southern Blue Gate was not created naturally, but in fact, the Marines went and sought out a similar Red Line Island as the one overarching BG-G-01, punched a hole into the Red Line through the empty magma chamber, and then built the gate and the Marine control point base BG-G-2 in the same manner around the resulting tunnel. This was 300 years ago, and improvement in technology saw the end of construction in only 16 years."

"That reminds me of Tequila Wolf," the younger woman commented. "Forced labor…"

"While this sounds similar to Tequila Wolf, both constructions were completely done without the use of slaves, relying mostly on prison labor," the admiral denied. "It is, after all, a military installation, not like that Sisyphean bridging task. For civilians, use of the gates is heavily restricted in times of martial law, as passports are needed, and a complete crew manifest to match. The fortifications of the gates are comparable to that of G-8 Navarone or G-1." She nodded ahead. "And there it is. We shall be home soon enough."

"I can't wait to see it," Robin admitted with a smile. "But you'll be too busy to take me around so I wonder how I'll pass my time."

This caused the admiral to smirk. "I have already taken the time to secure you a combination of a body guard and guide to be at your disposal any time you need it." Not to mention that Evermist will be over the moon once she meets you.

-Meanwhile-

Andrea sneezed, causing herself to wake up in alarm as she realized that she was no longer on a ship. "You're in our yard and I don't think Chives would appreciate you having a devil fruit style panic attack right next to his pond."

"Sakazuki-kun," she touched her head gently as she rolled away from the water and the super penguin floating nearby. "How long do I have until sensei arrives?"

"How would I know? Call her daughter if you don't remember. It wasn't me that volunteered to watch over the Oharan."

"Evermist is possibly busy, and even if not, she'll be probably excited. I'm just supposed to watch over Robin and stop anyone stupid," she paused as she watched Sakazuki snicker slightly. "Alright I'll clarify. Anyone with less of a brain to action filter than I apparently possess from speaking out of turn and being rude."

"You'll be fine unless you're underestimating what kind of task this would be." His tone lowered slightly with an edge of caution. "Speaking as a former follower of Absolute Justice, just putting this out there, you will be busy. At least until she adheres to her clan's traditions and joins up."

"That would be interesting but I will certainly be busy then," she sighed before giving a grim smile. "Maybe I'll find out how Luffy is doing."

"What was it that you were told? Bright and early, on time, with a cup of coffee at the ready for our newest guest?" Sakazuki inquired as he threw some fish to their pet.

"It all depends on what Robin or rather, what sensei would have me do. I mean, her initiation will have to wait until after the Day of the Fallen after all." She glanced towards their home and sighed. "At least our dress uniforms are ready without hassle. That day is coming soon though but in a way… It opened my eyes to the world. It will be a good experience for Robin, even if a somber one."

"Honoring our lost ones is important and if she cherishes history as much as I hear, she'll appreciate it. Besides… that day is in her blood," he mused. "Anyway. Since you saw it fit to sleep all the way, I made dinner."

"Thanks. I don't know what's come over me. Hopefully this works its way out of my system before sensei arrives with Robin. It would be embarrassing to fall asleep while on duty." She stumbled slightly before touching her forehead with a scowl. "Seriously, this is annoying."

"As much as you won't like to hear it…"

"I've sent a message already to get an appointment," Andrea said, surprising her husband to the point that he dropped the chopsticks he was holding. "While not urgent, this is bothering me enough. I'm not suicidal and to ignore my body after all this time would be that."

"Day full of surprises. Just please be careful. Hopefully it's just stress… Or something unthreatening…"

"Better just be damn stress. I'm tired of headaches, feeling dizzy and my back is hurting for no damn reason at all," she grumbled. "What's for dinner?"

"Steamed sea devil monkfish, fried potatoes and mixed salad. We need to get some new groceries delivered soon." He inspected the pantry with a sigh. "Your grandfather keeps cleaning our stocks out every time we're gone and his chef isn't there to feed him."

"It could be worse. Would you rather the whole of his attention be focused on you?" his wife fired back wryly with a chuckle. "Thought so. Besides, there is the chance he'll start to refocus on Luffy soon."

-Marineford: Kumori Mansion-

"Tadaima," Theodora stated calmly as she entered her home, Robin in tow. "Tadaima."

Both Kuzan and Evermist looked up from their respective seats, and promptly, they choked on the 'Okaerinasai' as they saw just who was with her. "…how?" Kuzan finally managed hoarsely.

"Tadaima," Robin managed after a quiet moment of the family looking at each other. "I'm home, Chichiue," she finished carefully.

To her surprise, it was not Kuzan who reacted first – he was about as stiffly frozen as his own element – but her half-sister, who shot out of her seat on the sofa and hugged her fiercely. "Welcome home, Robin-nee," the younger woman whispered before stepping back, bowing gracefully. "Should I show you to your room? You must be tired after the long journey."

"I…" Robin started with shock as she took in the genuinely happy and curious expression of her half-sister. After being used to having to read people, even after dealing with the honesty of Monkey D. Luffy, it still was a shock at times to see someone who looked not only happy but pleased to see her. "After a coffee and a light dinner if I may?"

That shook the fleet admiral into action. "I'll get the staff started on that right away… or should I send them away and order in?"

"I haven't eaten much today but I was too anxious to even think of food but… I'd like to have dinner with my family."

"I think that calls for sukiyaki. Have them prepare it and then send them away," Theo advised, hanging her coat and sword on the rack. "And while we wait for the food, you can unpack your belongings, Robin-kun. Ever-chan, I hope the room has been dusted."

"I've looked forward to this long enough to keep things in order properly. Come on, I want to show you."

The sight that would greet Robin did surprise her just how out of their way her family had gone for her homecoming, despite being on short and unexpected notice, and just how long they had hoped for her to come home. While mostly undecorated, the room she was presented with was more than suitable, both in size and furniture, all made from high-class wood, to be precise, Kôtetsu (Crimson Ironwood). The walls were one huge landscape painting that showed the sea surrounding Marineford on a fair day. Beautiful. Astonishingly, the most dominating feature was not the bed (which was more than generous in size though), but a full-wall bookshelf, already loaded with a couple of books.

"I am afraid that we do not know much of your literary interests, other than history, so we stuck to a few of the house library of that subject, but feel free to fill the wall. Andrea-san only is responsible for one of those books but she knows where we could go more tomorrow." gestured at one of the doors. "There's your bathroom. Walk-in closet is the other door, but the house has a main dressing room for the more formal stuff. We keep our dress uniforms there, as well as all the kimono." She pointed at the wall that held the bookshelf. "My room is beside yours, so if you have trouble, just ask." She scratched her head in a manner that reminded Robin immediately of Kuzan. "What else… oh, yeah. I have to get another bed for my room at Aunt Luna's place – our parents like to play house-wide games once in a while, and staying at her place is then preferable, if you catch my drift."

Robin's jaw dropped slightly before she finally laughed in relief. "Peaceful times, relatively speaking, should be celebrated. And that's better than them ignoring each other. But I'm sure they'll give us advance warning… right?"

"Oh yes but it is always good to have a backup plan. Sometimes I go over and feed Andrea-san's super penguin before heading to Aunt Luna's. She's pretty nice about it."

"I suppose she has no choice but to," Robin commented darkly. "I know about what she's done."

"She's different now. Still has to watch and catch herself but she is trying. She even apologized to Father…" Evermist shook her head. "But, while he won't say a thing, it's the major reason hahaue won't forgive her any mistake. Anyway, I'll leave you to your unpacking, neesan. And again. It's good that you're finally home. There were times I thought this room would never get used."

Robin shook off her shock and filed that one for later to ask either her father or her stepmother. "Well, I am here now. And thank you." At that, her half-sister left with a smile.

Robin sat down on her bed for a moment to absorb her room. She flicked her arm and manifested her power to reach for a book on her shelf. Without intending to, she had reached for the book that Evermist mentioned was brought over by Andrea. Inside was a small note. "I don't know if you'll ever get to read this but if you do, wow, you're actually here in Marineford and welcome to being a big sister. If you ever need to talk or let out some rage, you know how to get me or Evermist-sama can send over a gull. I owe you a lot more than I let on but if anyone had to be welcomed into the Kumori clan, it's you. You deserve the support that family gives. I'm only under a matronage and I feel much more secure than I would have without it. Sincerely, Gol D. Andrea."

Is this the closest she gets to extending an olive branch? Robin thought before she flipped the note around to see if anything else was written on the back. To her surprise, it was a little drawing of a happy face. "Unexpected for sure."

"We aren't friends but… I'll look out for you. If you have Evermist-sama as a sister after all, you can't be bad. Welcome to Marineford."

I have family now… Without realizing it, a few tears came to the archaeologist's eyes. They had set all this up for me and everything. I'm not alone but…

A knock interrupted Robin's sniffling and the Oharan composed herself and dabbed at her eyes daintily. "Neesan? Dinner's ready." Evermist's voice sounded outside the room. "Are you coming or do you rather want to rest after all?"

"I need to be out there," Robin reasoned as she left her room but she felt her younger half sister hug her slightly, causing her to almost freeze.

"But what do you want to do?"

"I want to eat with my family," Robin admitted in a small voice. "I want to laugh with you and share silly stories…"

"Well we have plenty, so come on!" A smile graced Robin's face as she dedicated the next moment to memorizing the layout of her new home. Throughout the elegant house, she could see the personal touches of generations around, ranging from art to the way the entrance had been configured (betraying its occupants as soldiers with the extensive weapons rack). Also around the house were pictures of the family and even framed calligraphy which made her stop for a moment. "Our parents wrote those. It's a hobby of theirs. Second to sleeping at work."

"But they are so effective at their job. It's hard to believe at times that they're that lazy."

"It's because of the efficiency they show. They both can do roughly three weeks of paperwork in advance. And with the things on their plate, they take every break they can get," Evermist explained, stopping at Robin's surprised face. "What is it? Surprised I am not a sheltered girl, huh?" At the tentative nod, the warrant officer chuckled lamely. "Sheltering your children doesn't work in Marineford, or in a Dai Senmeibukai in general. Too many relatives and friends die young for that to work. Also… our parents never lie consciously to any of us. And, frankly, it's unavoidable to sense their eternal worry if the entire household has Haki from age eight." Not to mention being Danarans.

"With all the coffee I drink and how my lifestyle is… or rather was, myself I never felt inclined to be lax in anything but I suppose that could change. I mean, there was no time for that…"

At that, Evermist had to chuckle. "Just you wait. Give it time, and you are one to keep lawn chairs around. Come on. It's sea king sukiyaki."

-Thousand Sunny-

Luffy sat in the crow's nest, desperately wanting some peace and quiet. Inside the book Robin had given him, he had slipped a picture of her wanted poster inside the cover as a reminder to himself. Bowing his head slightly, the straw hat he wore slipped slightly and obscured his vision. I hope you're home now.

He heard the shuffling of the crew below but merely clutched the book closer to him. He did not even want to answer Nami yet the navigator understood as she was moping in her own way. But he also had promised that marine admiral that he'd think a little more, and he knew they would need someone to take Robin's place, someone who was good at finding treasure and information. And if we're lucky, someone who's a logia. He stiffened slightly at the thought of finding someone based on devil fruit or combat ability, but then, he remembered just how many opponents they had with one, starting with Smoker, and ending with the man's eldest sister if he remembered the relation between the White Hunter and Shiroyoru right. Damn it. That woman makes people think, even me. And it is just a fact of the New World that having one of these is just too useful. And then there's the Bluebird and Jimbei – they said it too. I'm supposed to be the captain… but I rarely act the part. Time that I do it for once huh… well, first things first. A treasure hunter is the next thing we need on the crew. And then we should look for some devil fruit that has logia powers if he or she doesn't have them already hmm… gah. So much thinking… I need dinner first.

"Oi, Capitano!" Sanji shouted as he flung a big chunk of meat on the bone towards the crows nest.

Thanks to a careful usage of Haki, the rubber man stopped it from ever hitting the mast. "Thanks Sanji!" he yelled. Huh, it's tasty but it tastes sad too. Is it his cooking or me feeling it? Or both? Gah, I'm hungry. He bit into the food again and chewed thoughtfully. It's a bit spicy today. Sort of like a curry. I wonder if Andy would make something like this… He drooped slightly on thinking of his sister. Will Robin see her?

-Marineford: Kumori Mansion-

A part of Robin had expected to feel out of place at the dinner, especially with something as group-oriented as sukiyaki, but the fact was, she didn't. When the jokes started flying, she couldn't help but laugh and join in. Compared to the Straw Hats, this was more quiet, more refined, but it was relaxed and… homely. She did not expect the sheer openly happy and overjoyed behavior at her presence and most of all, she felt honored. "This is truly unexpected, at least from my view. The thought of having family accept me so easily…"

Theo shook her head. "Two people here feel terribly guilty most of the time if it comes to you. But, if you want an idea of how long we've been looking forward to meet you… well. We've known of your existence for quite a bit longer than the Buster Call. The room you have been in earlier is, in its current setup, even older than Olivia, the heiress."

"And I would have been welcome, even back then?" Robin thought about her aunt and cousin's ill treatment of her and unwillingly, felt bitter. "I wish I had known… but why?"

For the first time this evening, Kuzan addressed her directly. "I am a vagrant of this clan, and eventually, you would have become one, it is just who we are. The call of the waves is in our blood, it pretty much supersedes everything but coming to Marineford, the call to arms. You would never have felt at home until coming here and would have sailed to sea with twelve at the latest. Knowing this, we had hoped you to come here one day, and then, we would have welcomed you." His voice turned bitter. "Of course, that never happened due to circumstance…"

"The Buster Call…" Robin's eyes turned down as she thought on the sheer amount of death that occurred on that day.

"Ne… father. Don't you have to make a life pose for Robin-nee?" Evermist wondered, blowing away the gloom before it could take hold. "Since we don't have one in the archive yet."

Thank you, musume. "In fact I do," he admitted easily. "Arara. So much to do… sends your mind for a spin…"

"Oh, I know a way to take it off it," his wife smirked, eliciting a groan from Evermist, and, as soon as their elders had begun visually consuming each other, a face palm by Robin.

"Are they always like that?"

"It could be worse. They could be ignoring each other. I've seen that often enough in older pairs, so, I'd rather have them somewhat raunchy like that," the younger woman admitted. "But you should see them in company at times."

"My powers make me see too much at times," Robin reminded with a quick demonstration, duplicating an arm. "There are things you don't want to see."

"I don't need that, I have Haki. Hence the room at Auntie Luna's. And the quarters on base."

"Does anyone of our generation but me have powers?"

"Ane-ue. Heir's privilege – the Hyôsho-Hyôsho no Mi. Via-nee's a wandering ice crystal. And I think Maynard-nii is still contemplating if he should eat the Sora-Sora no Mi." She clapped, snapping their parents out of their little interlude. "Alright, dad, mum, food's burning!"

Robin half expected the couple to immediately chill the pot, but instead, the entire episode of gloom, stress and innuendo dissolved like mist, and they immediately returned to the relaxed atmosphere of earlier. Well, at least I have an idea why in the world you're called Evermist. Picking her chopsticks back up, she snatched another piece. And why do I not find this weird? This is so surreal… This just feels right. Can't believe I've been missing this.

"Do you two have plans tomorrow?" the fleet admiral inquired politely.

"Andrea-san is accompanying us to go shopping and show neesan around Marineford. I have enough free days racked up to last a few months, so it should be fine."

The ice duo looked at each other and Theodora's eyes conveyed the message well. "Andrea-kun is watching over Robin and being their bag-hanger on their bonding time."

"Any destination in mind?"

Evermist frowned and glanced at her sister. "Not sure. I heard you like coffee and books but other than that… some more appropriate clothes maybe, with all the soldiers around, dressing like that is out of the question."

"We'll manage I'm sure," Robin rushed to reassure her sibling.

"We sure will. Shame you can't come, hahaue, but that's the Day of the Fallen for the First XO of the Navy."

At that, Theo made a face. "I do not mind the Day of the Fallen, but what I really want to do is to strangle the person who made it compulsory to fill out all that paperwork for a set of standing orders."

"Hear, hear," the other marines at the table agreed.

"Is it just me or would the Navy cease to work without requisitions?" Robin wondered idly, earning a series of grimaces that confirmed the notion.

"Scary thought indeed," Theodora sighed before glancing towards the two younger. "Sleep well you two. Tomorrow may be busier than anticipated."

"Do everyone a favor, and don't be so loud, fubo-sama," Evermist muttered under her breath.

"Our house, our rules. Hush ye now, and I pray thee goodnight, musume-tachi," Kuzan stated with a raised eyebrow before leaving after his wife.

"Is it difficult to get a house around here?" Robin inquired curiously, prompting a chuckle from Evermist while they were clearing the table.

"We can ask Andrea-san tomorrow. When her husband was house hunting, I heard it was quite the trial, but he's no Dai Senmei. Our clan has a few places around here. Oh, just leave it there, the staff will do the dishes tomorrow."

"I've never experienced being waited on, hand and foot," Robin commented before frowning slightly. Even back in Baroque Works, I wouldn't count that compared to this.

"We're perfectly capable of managing ourselves, just, nobody around here has the time for it," the younger woman shrugged, leading them back upstairs. "Half the time, most of us are on missions or some last minute meeting. You've seen mother putting down her sword and coat by the door, right? That's a ritual. It means that the owner has come home alive and well from a mission. Normally, we keep our personal weapon in our own rooms or the armory if unclaimed."

"I have no weapons," Robin commented quietly. "I've had to serve as my own weapon and have no attachments to anything that could be lost or that was worth less than my life." She sighed. "I also have near zero combat training that does not have to do with my devil fruit."

"Don't worry about that too much. Worrying is hahaue's and chichiue's domain. Everything will sort out, just you wait." Evermist hugged her again before retreating to her own room. "Welcome home, Robin-nee, and good night."

-The Next Morning-

When Robin opened her eyes, she flinched slightly at the unfamiliar room before calming herself instinctively. Despite the chaotic life she had led up until becoming a Straw Hat, she had craved familiarity and having that yanked out from underneath her was a bit disconcerting but she calmed quickly and looked around. This is my home now…

Glancing within the closet, she saw a dress that was more appropriate and blushed slightly remembering Evermist's remark. Grabbing that, she quickly dashed through the bathroom and relaxed as she eventually changed clothing. She was barely brushing still wet strands when she heard a polite knock on the door. "Nee-san?"

"A moment please," Robin commented as she manifested her ability and opened the door from afar. "Is it time already?"

"A bit early but I sent a gull over to Andrea-san's home. She'll get us a coffee and escort us to a breakfast. Then we can plan your day in full."

Robin blinked in wonder. "I don't want it to be all about me. We can do something fun that you enjoy or I'll even endure Gol D. Andrea's demands."

Evermist bit her lip slightly. "She's not that bad. And it's your homecoming. Stop acting like we won't treat it as something special." She squirmed slightly as she saw her older half sister raise a skeptical brow. "She even seemed excited in trying to find a place for your breakfast."

"While I have my preferences, I'm not picky by any means. I have survived on far worse things than pirate rations," Robin pointed out but this seemed to make Evermist sigh slightly.

"You won't have to live like that ever again. This is the new page in the book of your life." She stopped for a moment as she felt a presence and seemed pleased when even Robin blinked curiously. "Andrea-san just flared her power slightly to get our attention. She is here."

"Is that what I felt? It was as if someone scratched my head or the wind blew on my hair type of feeling," Robin mentioned as she found a thin jacket to wear over her dress.

"We can get your Haki trained so you're used to it. It's most useful and considering who you are, I'd recommend it," Evermist added as they made it to the front of the house. The sight was quite unusual as it was a lot of Andrea's subordinates behind her. "Quite a big escort for a coffee run."

Andrea shrugged before bowing low to both Robin and Evermist. "They insisted at least escorting me here so who was I to deny?"

Evermist glanced at the subordinates and noted with perceptive eyes that they were looking at the vice admiral with worry and she watched the steps taken and saw they were not quite as firm and certain as usual. "This is the fleet admiral's house. But we need a small group for today."

"Once we get you two the coffee, they'll go about their duties," Andrea promised. She then turned to smile at Robin. "It's good to see you arrived safely."

Robin did not realize what came over her but a flaring anger seized control of her. Without manifesting her power and maneuvering on sheer instinct, she approached the vice admiral and gave her a punch in the face. The slight chattering of subordinates behind the vice admiral ceased immediately as if in shock. Andrea however did not comment or even touch the spot before nodding in acknowledgement. "I…" Robin began but Andrea raised a hand and at first, she thought it would be in retaliation until she noticed there was a coffee.

"I deserved that," the vice admiral said dismissively after handing the coffee to the Kumori. "And at least a couple more but I'd rather not take too many blows. I've had too many cases of idiot ball myself lately."

It took a lot of restraint for Bonney to not protest at the fact that she knew her superior officer allowed herself to get hit. Even if injured or feeling unwell, she could dodge that easily. She never would allow us to hit her, even in jest but yet…

Evermist took a coffee from the vice admiral and nodded towards the subordinates. "Shall we?"

"I took the liberty to make reservations. I thought Robin-sama would enjoy sampling different coffees and the place has a reputation for soufflé. And don't you have a ship to clean?" She gave shooing motions towards her subordinates and with a groan, they all dispersed.

"Agenda in mind?" Evermist inquired as she sipped her drink. "And this is good."

"Blueno brewed this. Good thing too since I can't even sniff a drop of alcohol or coffee lately for some reason. I took him to Seastars before and made him watch the baristas. I want everything to go right with those under me. Even the damn drinks." She then chuckled. "Is it a waste of CP9 training…? Possibly but I cannot deny the results. Besides, lately, they've shown to be more comfortable with the skills of their former cover than being my personal pack of Yôjinbo."

"No argument from me," Evermist giggled, causing Robin to raise an eyebrow. "That ship cleaning tick of theirs is ridiculous."

"They seemed apathetic to me. As if the idea of being dragged around was abhorrent." Robin then recalled how she had to behave as her Miss All Sunday persona. "I suppose though they don't want trouble with chichiue. So what's for breakfast?"

"This island makes Sanji look like a rank amateur, although I won't deny that pirate has potential; but then again, he's not half as insane as any chef here in Marineford is," Andy chuckled. "Out of the presence of women that is."

"I hope for him he never goes and hits on one of us in front of father. He's somewhat territorial if it comes to his girls to say the least," Evermist snickered. "But you didn't answer the question, ma'am. What's for breakfast? Since it's long past the usual hours of HQ. Where are we going?"

"Three guesses and the first two don't count."

"Seastars. Why not Faren's Café if I may ask?"

"Faren's doesn't serve tea," Andy admitted. "And since I somehow can't drink coffee these last few days, I thought we better go somewhere they serve tea." Leading them down to the commercial district, she asked, "So what's the plan for today?"

"Trip to the tailor's and a few books, maybe some paintings if you like, neesan," Evermist listed.

"Not to a boutique?" Robin wondered.

"Never worn anything like that in my life. It was either tailored or standard issue. Only type of thing that's mass production in our house if it comes to clothing that's not a uniform is underwear."

"Books before the tailor hopefully. So I can read while the tailor is working or something. Just please, let me get something of my choice so I don't fall asleep. Don't want to be dead weight." She then looked thoughtful as she rolled her shoulders, seemingly missing the weight of her staff. "Do you want a weapon, Robin-sama? I could escort you to the blacksmith unless Shiroyoru-sensei would prefer to make that trip with you herself."

"Row back, follower," Evermist ordered sternly as they entered the Seastars branch. "That's neither here nor there. Tomorrow is the Day of the Fallen, that comes first. And it's hardly your business. How about you get some breakfast going instead?"

"Apologies and of course," Andrea bowed her head as she made herself scarce, blushing furiously as she hushed off to the register.

"Seriously. Always overdoing it. That woman doesn't know how to relax or not step on someone's toes," Evermist shook her head. "The reason I cut her about weapons, can you guess it?"

"The clan armory is probably well-stocked with high grade weapons," Robin mused. "And thanks. This was getting a bit much. Is it just me, or does the mere thought of Theo-hime put the fear of the Sea Gods into her?"

"Nope, she really is that scared of mum. For fun, mention anything that could anger hahaue, and you have her raving madness mantras. I think mother is channeling all her teachers at once if it comes to her. And about going to the bookstore first, sure, we can do that."

Managing two trays of food, Andrea bowed quietly and claimed a table for them. "They had some fruit. I can pack that away if you two would prefer."

"No, it's fine. Anything else you'd like to know, neesan?"

"What's the Day of the Fallen?" Robin asked after a while, finishing her coffee and sandwich. "It has been mentioned several times so far…"

"Ah, that… basically, it's the Naval Memorial Day. A funeral for everyone lost or killed to the struggle for justice," the younger woman sighed. "The main ceremony is marines only, and is at nightfall. As a Dai Senmei however, you will be expected to act accordingly. You need to share a drink with the Gods of the Sea and then pour the rest of the bottle into the harbor. That's about it. It's just such a fuss since mother is the one organizing it."

"I'm sure you'll find it interesting," Andrea interjected with a nod. "I don't think there is too much written about it. It's just something that reading it cannot describe."

"True enough. It's probably the biggest collective prayer in the world."

"It's very important but you'll be fine. You're always proper anyway, Robin-san," Andy assured her. "So, books first?"

At that, Robin had to smile. "'Lead on, MacDuff.'"

-Three days later-

The Day of the Fallen had been… interesting to say the least for Robin, more so as she felt out of place with the civilian traditions, but had felt an intense longing as she had watched the parade. I can't believe that I've felt so… left out. I really am a Dai Senmei it seems. Wonder though if Theo-hime has sorted out my amnesty already. She should be back from Mariejois by now.

Robin wiped her brow of the slight sweat she had built up as a result of attempting to train today – practicing the very basis of Eight Shadows that Evermist had taken it upon herself to show her – when she opened the door and paused with confusion. "What's wrong?" her younger sister pondered until she saw the sight for herself.

On the main sofa of the primary lounge, Theodora was lying in what would have been a fairly undignified heap, judging by the disheveled state of her hair, but their father, who sat on the loveseat of the lounging set, opposite of his wife, had probably corrected the matter, as she was covered up with a light blanket. "What could have happened?" Robin asked in confusion as she stepped closer to the sofa.

"She never would be like this if things weren't alright so it likely isn't anything bad. Right? Chichiue?"

Kuzan looked up, seemingly snapping out of a long train of thought. "Why don't you girls try to feel for yourself? I know, you two probably don't know what to listen for, but… just keep the number of people in mind that is supposed to be in this room, and then take stock of the presences. And yes Robin, you have active Haki. If I had to take a guess, you developed the Colors of Observation subconsciously for survival, to tell who you may trust and who not. But really, just try to feel her, we're not difficult to sense," he told them quietly.

Robin bit her lip as she attempted to feel but she had to clamp down on the fact that she had overanalyzed when she later attempted to after hearing the theory but she tried to scale back, like how her sister had advised before. 'Just a warning, neesan. Don't use a lot of Haki around the house – you'll get the archmother of all headaches. Chichiue and hahaue are simply put overwhelmingly awesome, it's a fact'. Well, I have been on the receiving end of that power before, so… he said number of presences. The number of voices… Not just anyone would be here so therefore… "She's… pregnant?"

"I get to be a big sister?" Evermist blinked. "With all due respect, father, just what have you two been doing?"

"I think that calls for cake," he sighed, getting to his feet. "Come on. I'll tell you on the way, she needs some rest." Bewildered, the two younger women followed him through the winding streets of the flag officers' district. "Basically, we forgot the whole protection and over-fertility issue of our clan on the night after we took out Zephyr-sensei, and figured we might as well go for it." He chuckled. "I know, it's somewhat strange of us, but–"

"That's who you are," Robin finished, sensing the core of the matter. "Why?"

"We hate each other, we love each other. We are peace and harmony amidst the chaos of a storm. We are family," he answered. "Codex Nubilorum Iustitiarum. The four virtues of our clan."

At that, Robin had to blink, but Evermist nodded. "Then I must apologize for speaking out of term, chichiue. The four virtues are love, honor, duty and justice. Without them, we are dead, like a lone cloud above a desert."

"What's the highest in rank?" the raven-haired wondered.

"They're equals, since we consider them interrelated," their father denied. "Come on. Theodora loves chocolate truffles cake, especially in that state."

"Are you trying to avoid mum's temper? Via-nee had quite a few stories on that."

"So what if I am?" Somehow, he had managed to guide them to Faren's Café and Bakery. "Getting frozen is not fun at 60 Kelvin. It takes hours to get warm again, even as a freeze logia. I learnt that lesson 23 years ago when she was pregnant with Olivia, thank you for asking."

"Does she like this cake for a specific reason?" Robin asked.

"Not really. It's just the biggest orgy of chocolate available. And maybe it's an association with pregnancy – it's the first thing chocolate I had been able to find in the house back then," he shrugged, ordering two of the tortes for takeaway and three slices for consumption on the spot. Leading them to one of the tables, he sat down and sighed. "Frankly, we could do without the stress of the last few days, but it is as it is. At least, your records have been erased."

"Erased? I thought there was a law on amnesty…"

"There is, but mother didn't want to hear anything of that. Said she has enough people owing her so much that our great-grandchildren would be still collecting on the debts, or so," Evermist mused, spearing a piece of cake with her fork. "Oh. That's why she's so out of it."

"Politics. More exhausting than any battle," Kuzan confirmed, munching on his own slice. "Anyway. Robin-kun. Are you aware of what is expected of you to prove your loyalty?"

"If I understood it correctly, joining the marines is expected but beyond that, I'm unsure of what else." She nibbled a piece of the torte. "In becoming a marine, would there be a rank expected of me?"

"Whatever lies within your power. I know for a fact that Evermist is just biding her time… but musume, Luna won't abdicate any time soon, and the post is a Vice Admiral's."

"I rather turn 20 first. You know what I saw on my last assignment at sea, chichiue."

"It won't get better, dear." He shook his head and turned back to Robin. "Since you already have seafaring experience, you would start as an officer's cadet, which means once you pass the academy finals, you will be an ensign… and, if you allow it, I shall train you myself in all that you need to know."

Robin's eyes widened at the sincere offer and the pull to immediately accept it was almost overpowering. "No one would dare call it favoritism right? Since we're blood related and everything, it would be silly but I wouldn't put it past a World Noble…" She watched her father raise an eyebrow in understanding. "I would love to be trained though. I look forward to it."

"Then I expect you to rise with me every morning. I make the habit of training at sunrise. Beyond that, there are some academics you have to learn, but seeing that you passed the finals of the Oharan scholar clan at only eight, that should be little problem," Kuzan mused. "And no. It would not be favoritism. I am your father, it is pointless to deny that, and so nobody would dare to say so. Frankly, had you lived with us, the one to teach you would have been yours truly, conceding for a certain portion of the training. And… let's say I am trying to make up for all the moments that were stolen from us. Oh, and do everyone a favor. Never mention the inhabitants of Mariejois unless necessary when amongst Marines. These things do not deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence as us."

"What kind of training?" Robin changed the subject as she noticed his aggravation and her sister's annoyance. "Physical training I mean." She motioned with her hands before frowning. "My power is limited by my own abilities and strength…"

"He means all that makes Kumori the pinnacle of what it means to be a Marine, neesan. Eight Shadows, Navigation, Compass Making, Haki, leadership skills," Evermist listed. "And I suppose you will be responsible for checking up on mother's condition as the eldest. Speaking of which, shouldn't we get back home by now?"

"We have to get Robin a lawn chair first though."

"Is it really necessary?" the archaeologist asked just to get the others to laugh.

"Trust me, one day, you'll be glad for it. Even Uncle Smoker has a deck chair, complete with coffee table," Evermist chuckled, carrying the boxes full of cake.

-Meanwhile: Marineford Infirmary-

Just what is it with all these smirks today? I feel like I'm on a walk of shame! Andy thought angrily. I have no pending reports, my clothing is fine, and I haven't offended anyone lately so what the hell is everyone looking at me for? Unknown to her, all the people who were smirking incidentally were high-class Haki users, who, unlike her, knew exactly why Andy had been feeling so off lately, and subsequently, there had been bets on how long she or Sakazuki (for this one again called Bakazuki) would need to realize… and on the reaction. Thus, when Andrea entered the office of Theo's Surgeon General, Natsuko, the Harpy Eagle Zoan had a very hard time not to fall out of her chair laughing, even more so as the younger Vice Admiral described her symptoms.

"And how long has this been going on?" the Zoan chuckled with amusement.

"How many damn times are you going to make me say it?" Andrea groaned. "I even went out of my way to write when it started when I requested this delayed appointment. Must I say it again?"

"So, for the last eight days, hmm…hihi…"

"That's the same smirk everyone is wearing," the vice admiral sighed as she rubbed at her head. "I should be used to people's looks but for some reason, it's just pissing me off more than usual. Like, it's becoming hard to restrain myself too."

"Difficult in what way?"

"Not even just when I'm angry or annoyed now. And it feels like an emotional current or something. Stupid stress."

Natsuko had to raise an eyebrow at this. "You really think stress is the cause of this?"

"Well, aches in my body, mood changes, loss or change of appetite as well as nausea are sometimes caused by headaches. It felt logical given the timing of when it started. The aftermath of Z's battle."

Here, the smirk grew to sea king size. "And what exactly have you been doing after that battle, beyond stealing stupid pirate captains' hats? I leave the two plus two to you and hope you get five too…"

Comprehension dawned like an adhesive bandage being ripped from hair, slow at first then sharp and sudden. "We took no precautions against them. Like we weren't trying but we weren't not trying. Just… wow." She slumped into the chair and shook her head in shock. "Another chance," she murmured quietly before collapsing.

As answer, Natsuko put down the blood work she had been about to hand Andrea, and took a photograph instead. "Sorry people. Looks like the Fleet Admiral and the Admirals win the bet. And I for the matter. But you really should have sensed that, Andrea-kun."

"I knew I would be able to have children after my… healing but actually being confronted with the reality of it afterwards is something different," Andrea thought faintly as she fell completely unconscious.

Shaking her head, Natsuko marked her down. "And that's number 769 who's fallen pregnant recently. And that's just the marines. Seriously, who cares for birth control when there's war? To quote Kuzan-gensui… arara. What am I going to do with all you ladies?" Using her personal substitute for smelling salts (you wouldn't want to know what that smelt like), she woke her current patient up.

Who immediately complained. "YIKES! I told you before not to use that foul concoction on me, Hakase-san!"

"You fainted in my office," the Zoan pointed out. "Here's your blood work. hCG levels are up to it too. And: Congratulations. You are still considered a risk patient, so it's every week. I suggest you talk to your husband, and I will see you next week, same time, same place."

"Anything I have to consider?"

"You are off the active duty rooster, effective immediately. Standard protocol. They'll assign you as mission coordination officer since you are STOC," the doctor answered. "Beyond that, you will have to scale back your training to simple kata practice I'm afraid. Highwind use is forbidden, and I suggest you get yourself a practice staff made from rattan."

"So nothing fun for roughly nine months, paperwork and being stuck on Marineford… Any upside to being pregnant, Hakase-san?"

"Ask your sensei, she went through that three times so far. Me myself, two times, and I never regretted it," the Zoan shrugged. "Seriously, if you want some tips, ask Theo-hime. And let's put it like that. It's always worth it. And oh, it might have an interesting effect on your sex life."

"I'm not questioning the value of children by any means but these damn symptoms are hitting me hard and it's only the start!" Andrea rubbed her forehead out of annoyance. "There has been only one decent side effect and Sakazuki isn't complaining about it." She gave a slightly sad smile afterwards though. "But I know I must have been a right pain as of late…" Seeing the doctor's dismay, it clicked. "I'm panicking, aren't I?"

"Just a little. Relaxing usually helps. As I said. Talk to your husband, and to your sensei, if only to amuse her." Getting up, she forced the taller woman to her feet and pushed her out. "You have some explanations to do, and I got work, so shoo!"

"I think he'd know how it'd happen and I wouldn't have to explain," Andrea chuckled as she walked away from the infirmary. She yawned almost peacefully and felt her body a bit more relaxed than it had been for a few days. "Knowing is half the battle, I suppose." He didn't know I bet… Gah, still can't believe I didn't realize what was happening to me. Seems to be a theme with me – obliviousness, geez! Sensei would have my head. And then laugh herself silly! Guess we have a reason to remodel that spare room in the house now.

She took to the roofs to avoid too many of the chuckles that seemed to follow her and her husband in order to head home. The route was not unfamiliar as she had taken it before at times and found it exhilarating to feel the wind rushing through her hair and flickering at her coat. It only took a few moments to arrive at the gates of her house and to the pleased honks of her pet. Before Andrea could even greet her pet, she felt the presence of her pleased husband. "I was waiting for you."

"I have the results of that appointment," she announced as she let herself be pulled in by his arms.

The magma logia noticed that unlike the tense coil of anxiety that his wife had been, she was rather collected and almost ecstatic. "Do tell."

"We're having a baby," Andrea began bluntly but in a soft tone, hoping to not alarm her husband. His jaw loosened as well as his eyes widened but there was no other response. "Sakazuki-kun?" A quick thud to the ground made Andrea curse as she was unable to catch her fainted husband. When a few loud honks from their pet was unable to cause him to stir, Andrea dug through the papers she was given and found something that made her raise an eyebrow when she read the note that accompanied it. "Just in case he reacts like I've bet he would. Hakase. Sheesh. Is it really that funny?"

As predicted, when her husband stirred, his face scrunched very much like a dog that encountered an unpleasant smell. "What the hell is that?"

"Hakase Special Anti KO. The Hakase's personal substitute for smelling salts, since those have been forbidden for 200 years," Andy smiled. "I know how you feel, I hate that stuff too."

Shaking himself, he sat up, and, this time a bit more weary, made way for the bench on the front porch, where he sat down. "So. Can you repeat that one please? Because I am not quite sure you said that."

"We're going to be parents," Andrea repeated and she did not realize how the notion made her smile until she felt her husband's hands touch her face almost in disbelief. "I… can scarcely believe it myself but it explains a lot."

"Good thing you haven't touched any alcohol then. Better safe than sorry." He paused as he tried to think of a way to be supportive. "If you'd like, until the pregnancy is over, I could abstain from drinking myself."

"That's not necessary, love. Adorable you would offer but not necessary."

"I am not adorable," the magma logia hissed as if the word was poison. "Now onto this parenting thing. How?"

Andrea's eyes widened in shock of the question being asked as well as the fact her husband would so easily admit that he was clueless about it. "What do you mean how? How would I know?" Thoughts of her own childhood filled her head and left her about the same amount of practical knowledge that Sakazuki had on the matter.

The way Sakazuki saw it though, his wife would certainly know more about children and family than him and that had to count for something, right? "Where do we start?"

Start? Beyond feeding and providing a home? "How the fuck would I know?"

"And we can't curse in front of our child either." I refuse to have any child of ours embarrass our family with a foul mouth at a young age. They'd learn that soon enough… the contract made it pretty clear what Dai Senmei and followers are – Marines.

"…" Andrea bit her lip before snickering with laughter at the silly conversation that erupted. The sound made Sakazuki's lip curl up in amusement as well but he contained himself from outright laughter. "We'll manage. We both adapted quite well to our lives thus far, given the circumstances."

"I would like to do better than just manage." He scowled quickly. "Borsalino didn't, and he's about the biggest cloud cuckoolander and bohemian in the Navy. And don't get me started on any of the Dai Senmeibukai in the city. Fuck that. Even your grandfather did better than just manage. Dragon was just too smart for his own good."

Unfortunately, the mention of her brother's father darkened much of Andrea's good mood. "We'll do better. Family stick together, support and love each other. I refuse to let our family become broken like that."

"You're rather fierce like this. I like it," Sakazuki smirked as he gave her a brief kiss. "So we celebrate then find out about this parenting thing?"

"We do have quite the resources to draw from in terms of parenting experience. Besides, is this not part of our matronage contract?"

"While convenient, that is the last thing I was thinking about at the time. I just want this go to smoother… than the first time." Her husband's words caused Andrea to stiffen almost immediately with the mere mention of the memory, but he was having none of that, drawing her into his lap. She relaxed within his warm hold and her tenseness seemed to melt away. "I think I'll talk to everyone's favorite cloudcuckoolander tomorrow, and I'm pretty sure the professor had great fun telling you to amuse our princess with that one soon."

"So celebrating how? Some curry actually sounds like a really good idea now. A really meaty curry too…" Sakazuki chuckled at hearing her words and ran his hand through her hair.

"Let's go then. We can make an official announcement later this week or so. The Stewed Sailor okay?"

"If we get to have some cheesecake afterwards. With lots of berries."

"I refuse to eat money cake," he murmured jokingly as they made way for the popular tavern. "And at least you don't get weird combinations of food for your cravings. One blessing it seems."

"Maybe I'm just restraining myself… and it's still really early…"

Great Gods of the Sea, I hope you are entertained enough, for I have the feeling these will be the longest nine months of my life so far!