I am hoping that those of you that read my fic will enjoy this little
annex. It takes place between chapters 6 and 7 (which isn't up yet. but
hopefully will be soon, or I'll just *sigh* rewrite it.) And a thank you to
everyone who has reviewed so far!
**** Annex One Changing of the Wind ****
Nico Robin was anxious. She would finally be able to meet the man she had been writing to for so long. It's hard to picture what the man may look like, but his demeanor was that of a cunning human who watched out for himself at all times. She could relate to that type of personality; she also watched out for herself at all times. The Crocodile was a man of great importance in the Grandline and soon she would be there and become just as important as him, maybe even more so. She wanted to get away form her life as a wanted criminal who killed for cash. It was a repulsive job, but in order to survive in a world gone wrong, you had to make what you were given. In this case; it would be the devil fruit.
The 'curse' was a blessing in some situations, but it also lived up its namesake. When she was alone and depressed she would think of how life would be like without the fruit; with her parents still alive and well. She would be settling out on her own by now, visiting her family every so often. Maybe she would imagine siblings that she'd keep in touch with and had similar interests. Her fantasies were a lifesaver, but they were only figments of something nonexistent. In the real world all she had was Panchi and the written words of Crocodile. In a way, it was enough for her.
Robin knew that her trip to Crocodile in Natamba would take a while, so she decided that the next island she arrived to would be where she would stop for information. It didn't take long for that island to show up. It was a rowdy place where buccaneers and privateers came from all over to drink and get their jollies from the local women. Information and rumors at these hangouts were very easy to get. You could pay, overhear, or just ask anyone for the information needed to get what you wanted in no time. It was an underground business everyone knew about, but did nothing to stop it.
Telling Panchi she'd be back in a little while, she set off to gather some things she may need to prepare herself for the visit to Natamba. She gathered some provisions for her ride as well as some lighter clothing. The heat was already affecting this town, but the closer she got to the area of Alabasta; the hotter it would get.
After she had bought most of what she needed; Robin walked down a crowded street looking for other things she may need for her trip. A bright light from a store window caught her eye and she looked to see what the store sold. It was a nice bookstore that had obviously been there since the first inhabitation of the island. The walls were a faded brick color and the roof looked like it had seen better days. Robin decided that a quick look in the shop wouldn't hurt.
The inside definitely looked better than the outside. It was neatly furnished with soft cushioned seats and shelves upon shelves of books. The variety of books was that of a large library; entertainment, study, or research journals covered the area. An old woman came up to Robin welcoming her inside.
Soon Robin had picked out a few books, sat in a chair and began to skim through the pages. None seem to satisfy her until she came across a book on Alabasta. The knowledge would be useful if Crocodile had any interest in the nearby country, so she decided to read the first few pages. The stories of old legends that were passed down from generation to generation filled the page; even stories of the poneglyphs that lie underneath the city were mention with in the first two pages. The search for the Rio Poneglyph was now closer because of what may be written in this book.
Standing up, Robin decided to purchase the book. The old woman at the counter was more than happy to help her and Robin couldn't help to feel like this had been the woman's first sale for a while. Digging into her purse she pulled out a few thousand bellies and handing it to the woman.
"Here, for your shop."
The woman was speechless she looked as if she had never held that much money before. Robin just smiled as she picked up her bags and left the shop, ignoring the woman's protests. The streets were once again filled with masses of seamen as well as others that came for fun. And this source of fun was centered in the bars that were scattered about the city. Robin knew she could take a rowdy bar, but she didn't what to hassle r be hassle. A nice pub would fit her mood for that day.
The Red Drop Inn was a pub and a bed and breakfast establishment that appealed to Robin immediately. For one, it was out of the more violent areas of the city and therefore would attract less unwanted attention. The pub seemed cozy, and Robin wanted to just relax. She went to an empty table and sat down on the stool. Pulling out her book she noticed that a man had come up to her table asking for something.
"Can I get anything for ya, miss?"
She kindly asked for a glass of ale and began to read the new book. As stories of old and new were read, Robin almost missed the ale that was placed in front of her. How did she know that Alabasta had so much history? She had heard of the country a long time ago, but never had any real interest in the culture.
Robin wouldn't even be going there if t weren't for Crocodile.
Placing the book on the table after marking her page she sipped her ale as she glanced around the pub. It was quiet; almost too quiet. From previous experience and just common sense she knew that pubs and bars were sticklers for those who like to drink, gamble, and be loud. This pub seemed to be an exception to this well known rule. Only three other people were in the room; the waiter, a man at the counter, and the bartender. Robin felt that if her intuition was right she should leave and go back to Panchi. She stood up and placed a few bellies on the table to pay for her drink. She gathered her things and headed for the door, but was stopped by the waiter.
"S'cuse me, miss. I believe you forgot something."
Robin turned to face the man. "What did I forget?"
The waiter motioned for the other two men to join him. Robin saw that she was surrounded on three sides. "You forgot to watch your back, Nico Robin."
All three men pulled out gun and pointed them at her. Robin told herself to remain calm. They knew she was wanted by the marines. This situation was only a small setback. She called on her power to take care of the weapons that were in her way. Arms sprouted from the men's wrists and swatted the weapons out of the men's hands. What she did expect was the bartender to throw a small knife at her.
The sharp piercing pain entered her left arm. She hadn't felt anything like this for as long as she could remember. Turning toward the bartender she called upon two arms to come out of his shoulders. They took a hold of both sides of his head as his hands went to grab the new appendages to help release the pressure she held him with. The other men looked at their friend with frightened eyes, wanting to help him, but doing nothing because of fear for their own lives.
"Do you know why I'm wanted?" Robin asked in a low voice.
The struggling man shook his head 'no.'
"Really? I think you should be able to figure it out. There are reasons why people are wanted. I kill for a living, but I'm sure you didn't know that. I may be generous and let you go, but I am contemplating on this decision."
The man rambled for mercy.
Robin sighed. She was mad, but she didn't want to kill the man. He must have assumed he could make a quick thousand with her bounty. Yet, he himself tried to kill her; it was so similar to her own 'job'. Within a few seconds she sighed making her decision. A sickening snap filled the pub followed by the sound of a body falling to the floor.
The men that witnessed the killing fled the pub and left Robin there by her lonesome. She was happy that they'd left. She kneeled to the floor and looked at her injured arm through tear-filled eyes. The blood still dripped down her arm; because of the knife that kept the wound open. She grabbed the knife and bit her lip as she pulled the offending object out of her arm. No screams came, but more tears trailed down her face.
She hated what she had become. She was alone and had been alone for almost her whole life. Robin turned to the man she had killed and crawled to him. She didn't want to kill him, but it was the only way. The only way she knew as an escape or path to follow. Bringing a hand up to him face she saw the lifeless eyes facing nothing in particular, she brought her hand over the eyelids she closed them for the last time.
Robin willed herself to gather her belongings and walk back to where Panchi waited. It was a hard trip back. Robin felt her tears drip down her face and blood drizzle down her arm as she ignored the looks she got from those who she passed by.
Panchi was where she had left him earlier that day. She walked over to him and patted his face. She realized she had a companion and may eventually have another one in a few days. Crocodile would know what she is going through; he was also cursed with the devil's fruit. Robin smiled and kissed Panchi. She wiped the tears off of her face and washed her wound out with some water she had packed. It would only be a few more days till she wouldn't be lonely anymore.
**** Annex One Changing of the Wind ****
Nico Robin was anxious. She would finally be able to meet the man she had been writing to for so long. It's hard to picture what the man may look like, but his demeanor was that of a cunning human who watched out for himself at all times. She could relate to that type of personality; she also watched out for herself at all times. The Crocodile was a man of great importance in the Grandline and soon she would be there and become just as important as him, maybe even more so. She wanted to get away form her life as a wanted criminal who killed for cash. It was a repulsive job, but in order to survive in a world gone wrong, you had to make what you were given. In this case; it would be the devil fruit.
The 'curse' was a blessing in some situations, but it also lived up its namesake. When she was alone and depressed she would think of how life would be like without the fruit; with her parents still alive and well. She would be settling out on her own by now, visiting her family every so often. Maybe she would imagine siblings that she'd keep in touch with and had similar interests. Her fantasies were a lifesaver, but they were only figments of something nonexistent. In the real world all she had was Panchi and the written words of Crocodile. In a way, it was enough for her.
Robin knew that her trip to Crocodile in Natamba would take a while, so she decided that the next island she arrived to would be where she would stop for information. It didn't take long for that island to show up. It was a rowdy place where buccaneers and privateers came from all over to drink and get their jollies from the local women. Information and rumors at these hangouts were very easy to get. You could pay, overhear, or just ask anyone for the information needed to get what you wanted in no time. It was an underground business everyone knew about, but did nothing to stop it.
Telling Panchi she'd be back in a little while, she set off to gather some things she may need to prepare herself for the visit to Natamba. She gathered some provisions for her ride as well as some lighter clothing. The heat was already affecting this town, but the closer she got to the area of Alabasta; the hotter it would get.
After she had bought most of what she needed; Robin walked down a crowded street looking for other things she may need for her trip. A bright light from a store window caught her eye and she looked to see what the store sold. It was a nice bookstore that had obviously been there since the first inhabitation of the island. The walls were a faded brick color and the roof looked like it had seen better days. Robin decided that a quick look in the shop wouldn't hurt.
The inside definitely looked better than the outside. It was neatly furnished with soft cushioned seats and shelves upon shelves of books. The variety of books was that of a large library; entertainment, study, or research journals covered the area. An old woman came up to Robin welcoming her inside.
Soon Robin had picked out a few books, sat in a chair and began to skim through the pages. None seem to satisfy her until she came across a book on Alabasta. The knowledge would be useful if Crocodile had any interest in the nearby country, so she decided to read the first few pages. The stories of old legends that were passed down from generation to generation filled the page; even stories of the poneglyphs that lie underneath the city were mention with in the first two pages. The search for the Rio Poneglyph was now closer because of what may be written in this book.
Standing up, Robin decided to purchase the book. The old woman at the counter was more than happy to help her and Robin couldn't help to feel like this had been the woman's first sale for a while. Digging into her purse she pulled out a few thousand bellies and handing it to the woman.
"Here, for your shop."
The woman was speechless she looked as if she had never held that much money before. Robin just smiled as she picked up her bags and left the shop, ignoring the woman's protests. The streets were once again filled with masses of seamen as well as others that came for fun. And this source of fun was centered in the bars that were scattered about the city. Robin knew she could take a rowdy bar, but she didn't what to hassle r be hassle. A nice pub would fit her mood for that day.
The Red Drop Inn was a pub and a bed and breakfast establishment that appealed to Robin immediately. For one, it was out of the more violent areas of the city and therefore would attract less unwanted attention. The pub seemed cozy, and Robin wanted to just relax. She went to an empty table and sat down on the stool. Pulling out her book she noticed that a man had come up to her table asking for something.
"Can I get anything for ya, miss?"
She kindly asked for a glass of ale and began to read the new book. As stories of old and new were read, Robin almost missed the ale that was placed in front of her. How did she know that Alabasta had so much history? She had heard of the country a long time ago, but never had any real interest in the culture.
Robin wouldn't even be going there if t weren't for Crocodile.
Placing the book on the table after marking her page she sipped her ale as she glanced around the pub. It was quiet; almost too quiet. From previous experience and just common sense she knew that pubs and bars were sticklers for those who like to drink, gamble, and be loud. This pub seemed to be an exception to this well known rule. Only three other people were in the room; the waiter, a man at the counter, and the bartender. Robin felt that if her intuition was right she should leave and go back to Panchi. She stood up and placed a few bellies on the table to pay for her drink. She gathered her things and headed for the door, but was stopped by the waiter.
"S'cuse me, miss. I believe you forgot something."
Robin turned to face the man. "What did I forget?"
The waiter motioned for the other two men to join him. Robin saw that she was surrounded on three sides. "You forgot to watch your back, Nico Robin."
All three men pulled out gun and pointed them at her. Robin told herself to remain calm. They knew she was wanted by the marines. This situation was only a small setback. She called on her power to take care of the weapons that were in her way. Arms sprouted from the men's wrists and swatted the weapons out of the men's hands. What she did expect was the bartender to throw a small knife at her.
The sharp piercing pain entered her left arm. She hadn't felt anything like this for as long as she could remember. Turning toward the bartender she called upon two arms to come out of his shoulders. They took a hold of both sides of his head as his hands went to grab the new appendages to help release the pressure she held him with. The other men looked at their friend with frightened eyes, wanting to help him, but doing nothing because of fear for their own lives.
"Do you know why I'm wanted?" Robin asked in a low voice.
The struggling man shook his head 'no.'
"Really? I think you should be able to figure it out. There are reasons why people are wanted. I kill for a living, but I'm sure you didn't know that. I may be generous and let you go, but I am contemplating on this decision."
The man rambled for mercy.
Robin sighed. She was mad, but she didn't want to kill the man. He must have assumed he could make a quick thousand with her bounty. Yet, he himself tried to kill her; it was so similar to her own 'job'. Within a few seconds she sighed making her decision. A sickening snap filled the pub followed by the sound of a body falling to the floor.
The men that witnessed the killing fled the pub and left Robin there by her lonesome. She was happy that they'd left. She kneeled to the floor and looked at her injured arm through tear-filled eyes. The blood still dripped down her arm; because of the knife that kept the wound open. She grabbed the knife and bit her lip as she pulled the offending object out of her arm. No screams came, but more tears trailed down her face.
She hated what she had become. She was alone and had been alone for almost her whole life. Robin turned to the man she had killed and crawled to him. She didn't want to kill him, but it was the only way. The only way she knew as an escape or path to follow. Bringing a hand up to him face she saw the lifeless eyes facing nothing in particular, she brought her hand over the eyelids she closed them for the last time.
Robin willed herself to gather her belongings and walk back to where Panchi waited. It was a hard trip back. Robin felt her tears drip down her face and blood drizzle down her arm as she ignored the looks she got from those who she passed by.
Panchi was where she had left him earlier that day. She walked over to him and patted his face. She realized she had a companion and may eventually have another one in a few days. Crocodile would know what she is going through; he was also cursed with the devil's fruit. Robin smiled and kissed Panchi. She wiped the tears off of her face and washed her wound out with some water she had packed. It would only be a few more days till she wouldn't be lonely anymore.