Disclaimer: Godzilla and One Piece are the sole properties of Toho Co. LTD and Eiichiro Oda respectively. KP360 claims no ownership of anything save for any OCs, abilities, and locations.
Water 7 opening: Inferno by 9mm Parabellum Bullet (Berserk 2016 op)
"I want to apologize, I had thought that you guys were after the same secrets that the World Government is seeking, and I've misjudged you all."
The fires were still raging, and those who still remained at the mansion were in bad shape. Betrayed by people they once consider their own, it's clear that Galley-La will not be the same as it once was. At this point, they're aware that the Straw Hat Pirates, or whoever's present at the scene, were no longer their enemies.
Nami herself had multiple bruises, while Chopper was busy attending to everyone's wounds despite his own injuries. The crew is broken apart, either intentionally or not. Luffy and Zoro were both soundly defeated and thrown to the storm, while Gian was captured. Sanji was still out in the city somewhere, possibly trying to find a trail on Robin, whom after tonight even she could not believe her actions.
And of course, Usopp still remained on her mind.
It was then that Nami was snapped out of her musings by a sitting Iceburg, bandages now wrapped around parts of his body. When the other carpenters stood at attention, the Mayor gestured for them to leave, indicating he wanted to speak to her alone.
"Iceburg-san, what you've done we can understand completely. The situation you were in, it must've scared you out of your wits!"
"Regardless, I've accused you all of crimes you didn't commit, but that will have to be for another time. For now, I wish to ask you a question about your crewmate Nico Robin."
Nami's was surprised by the statement as Iceburg continued.
"I want to know, did Nico Robin show any changes before you all came to Water 7?"
Nami's face dropped at that "It all happened, after we encountered that Marine Admiral. I don't remember what happened, but ever since that time, Robin has not been herself. And the moment we got to the city, she's disappeared, and apparently tried to kill you. The events earlier was the only time we've seen her in two days."
Iceburg nodded slowly "So it is, then it all falls into place. The World Government must've been tracking her, and when you've arrived in the city that's when they put their plan into action."
"Plan?" Nami asked.
"You are aware of Nico Robin's ability to read the ancient texts? The truth is that the World Government is also seeking to interpret them. One of their plans is to reawaken the Legendary Weapon Pluton. Nico Robin is one of the last person to do so, and I am another."
Iceburg pointed to a few ripped up papers on the ground "I tried to throw them off with fake blueprints, but it seems they're already ahead of me." the mayor gritted his teeth "No doubt they're going after Franky now, the real plans are with him. Both of us would rather die than hand them over, we have far too much to hate them for."
"And Robin-?"
"-Was just another chess piece in all this. In fact, the real reason all of this is happening is precisely because of her. You should know, before the events of tonight, there was something else that took place."
Flashback:
"You are resourceful, Iceburg, and perhaps rather aware of the world." The mayor was bound by a crisscross of arms, glaring up at the woman currently looking through sheets of papers "But these fake blueprints of Pluton can only work for so long, they will eventually notice something will be wrong."
"Then damn them then!" Iceburg spat "I will never hand the real blueprints over! If you think you can threaten the entire world, then I'll take that secret to the grave!"
"I want no part of this, I just want to learn history." Was Robin's reply.
"History? Your seeking of knowledge will put millions in danger!" Iceburg shouted "You… you really are the Devil's Child! You bring nothing but misery to people!"
"You know nothing of the dream I have!" Robin snapped "What I saw, what I lived through? You can't imagine what I'd do for this dream!"
"I know all about Ohara! They tried to seek forbidden knowledge to bring ruin to everything else and were wiped off the face of the world!" his accusation brought Robin's face warping into one of rage.
"If you knew how much everyone has suffered, you wouldn't be saying such things!" Robin snapped "The World Government took everything from me! An entire island disappeared off the map that day!"
"Then why? Why are you helping the World Government if you hate them so much?!" silence filled the room as Robin closed her eyes, her mind in turmoil.
"Because this dream is all I have left, and for it to come true I will do anything." Robin finally spoke "CP9 said they could help me get what I want, on the condition I do 2 things for them. One is that I have the assassination of the Mayor of Water 7 pinned onto the Straw Hat Pirates, and the second is giving myself up to them."
"You're turning yourself in?" Iceburg asked in shock "After 20 years on the run?"
"I have no choice, CP9 was given permission to unleash the ultimate military attack the World Government has to offer, this is the only way I can make sure that doesn't happen."
"Ultimate military attack…?" Iceburg narrowed his eyes "What does that mean?"
"I'm saying that CP9 now has the authority to release a Buster Call upon all of Water 7. Normally only the Admirals are able to have this Authority, but CP9 have been granted special privileges by one of them. Should that ever happen, then nothing short of total annihilation would be brought to that island. Ohara went through the same fate, only because they were attempting to find the truth."
Iceburg's eyes widened "But there are still civilians on this island! For capturing a pirate crew, they'd go that far?!"
"You can't see people on a map, so why should they care when they wipe out an island?" was Robin's cynical response "To destroy anything they deem a threat, they will rain fire down until nothing is left."
Iceburg held his head in his arms "How could… I've always thought the World Government could not be trusted, but for them to go that far…!" his head shot up "You said turn yourself in and they will belay that order, what came over you to do that?!"
"Because I can no longer keep running, not when the people I've come to care for will be caught in the middle of my darkness." Robin said sadly "Before I had nothing to lose, but I can't bear the idea that the Straw Hats would perish because of me! That's why CP9 can make me recognize my wish, my wish that all 7 Straw Hats Pirates will make it out of Water 7 alive."
Realization slowly dawned over the mayor "To think you'd go that far just to-" his face hardened again "You're still awakening an ancient weapon far more destructive! One that could lead to the devastation of the world!"
"I am aware, and to me it no longer matters. The Straw Hat Pirates are too important to me, I can't let them be tangled in my shadows. I can't let Him of all people die because of me."
"You're talking about-?"
"In a way, he was right, the two of us are connected in the fate of what we have. Both of us, connected by ancient secrets now lost to the world, secrets that threaten everything we hold dear. But whereas he discovered the light, I remained in the darkness. To me, that light will never be extinguished. I want him to live, as long as he and the rest of the Straw Hats survive, I no longer have any regrets."
Iceburg was shocked; before this he had thought that the woman who shot him last night was exactly like how the world described her. What she'd said brought new light to everything, one that he didn't know how to process. There would be no further dialogue though, for CP9 marched into the room that instant. But even as the interrogation began, Iceburg knew one thing:
He had been wrong about Nico Robin.
Flashback End:
Nami had tears in her eyes when she heard all that, she dropped down to her knees as Iceburg finished his story.
"No way… Robin would do all that just for us?" she stammered "Even if means giving up her freedom, she'd go that far just so we could live?"
"I found myself unable to blame her for anything." Iceburg stated "She'd sacrificed so much, yet she'd still go another step to see the people she care about live." His face grew stern.
"Though now we have more problems. 'Beast Warrior' Gian is now also a target of the World Government. Nico Robin mentioned the ancient secret he is bound to, and it seems that others are aware of it now too. Even knowing the danger he was in, he still chose to rush after her, even as it led to his capture."
"Gian, Luffy… they all didn't spare a second thought. They were going to save her from the very start." Nami stated.
"The two of them have secrets that could truly bring the world to its knees. I only became aware of 'Beast Warrior's' nature this morning, but he's had eyes on him too."
"Then we need to go help them!" Nami shouted.
"You plan to go after them, to Enies Lobby?" Iceburg asked "that's the judicial headquarters of the World Government! Going there would be seen as a declaration of war against the World!"
"We can't worry about that now! Robin, she's our friend, and after what she did for us there's no way we can just leave her behind to meet her fate! Gian already saw that, that's why he's there for her from the start! We need to help both of them!"
"Then hurry, gather your allies." Iceburg nodded "I may have a way to help you."
Meanwhile:
"So, are we actually going to talk properly now?"
Robin was brought out her daze in a start. They've been travelling by Sea Train for some time now, on the way to the judicial tower, Enies Lobby. As the rain fell in sheets outside, it was only then that she realized how she's underestimated everything.
She's underestimated the darkness of the World Government, she's underestimate her own ability to keep things in control.
And most of all, she's underestimated the tenacity of the people who she cares about.
"This is what I was afraid was going to happen…"
"Well, maybe you should've expected it then." Was Gian's raspy reply. His throat was parched, the metallic taste of blood still in his mouth and even though the massive gash on his chest has closed by this point, there was little he could do. Robin was unrestrained; CP9 has far too much leverage on her for the archaeologist to even attempt to rebel. He on the other hand was bound in seastone shackles, the rock making him unable to use his powers. When you have a potentially dangerous element on board, containment is vital.
"I was going to come after you one way or another. I told you already, when one of us is in trouble, we do all we can to help them."
"What makes you think I need help?" Robin tried to sound disinterested "I've already told you, didn't I? My dream is more important to me than any person in this world. Your attempts at trying to convince me only got you into further problems."
"Yeah, yeah, I heard you the first time." Gian scoffed "In case you haven't noticed, I'm kind of on the hit list as well."
Robin stared at him for a bit before closing her eyes "I did not plan for that." Gian's capture has thrown her off completely. She'd hope for all of them to get off the island safely, but she never expected the outcome.
"No, you didn't. But it goes to show you that nothing is ever just skin deep. Just like how I'm still certain that this whole thing is much deeper than just you wanting to translate some stone blocks." Gian said softly.
"Ever since we met, I've been bombarded with information on Kaiju-Zoans that I haven't known in the years I've had this power." When Robin didn't respond, Gian instead spoke out into the open "I don't know the right words for it, but you're like a catalyst. Something that opened the gates to newer discoveries ahead."
"I wrote it off at first as something irrelevant, but then you joined the crew. After that, it was like what we were searching for began to mesh. The history you seek interlocking with the legends of Kaiju… we even went to an underwater kingdom unknown to the rest of the world! I guess this might be me looking too deep into this, but Robin you and I met for a reason!"
"So what are you trying to say?" was her reply "That I led you to today's misfortunes? That if it hadn't been for me you'd never have been targeted for your power?"
"Robin, you can keep this uncaring façade up as long as you like, but you know just as well as I that from what happened earlier, the World Government already knew about my power, or at least they're making sure nothing worse comes out of this." Gian shook his head "But meeting you was never a mistake, and it's something I've been glad about ever since Alabasta."
"I've said it once, and I'll say it again. You're the light that leads me through a seemingly endless fog of questions, you're the one person that I can turn to regarding all this. Perhaps this is too much right now, and it really isn't appropriate given the circumstance, but I guess what I'm trying to say is that… well… I might have gotten quite… attached… to you."
And indeed, despite the situation they're in, Robin couldn't help but gasp.
"I think it's too late for words now, but I'm coming clean with everything. I don't even know when or how it began, but I've grown fond of spending time with you, of your company, of seeing your reactions whenever you find a new discovery in a book or text." Gian smiled "I don't want to go back to a crew without you in it. I mean I like them all a lot and I'll still travel with them but if you're not there it's just not the same."
He was really dragging out what he was trying to say, but the effects were obvious, and Robin caught on exactly what he was trying to convey.
"Gian…" Robin breathed "You have to realize by now, we're far too different kinds of people. How we came to be, our outlooks on the world, as much as I would like to believe I'm destined better things, the truth is my past will always come and hunt me. I will only hurt you further…"
"Are we?" Gian questioned "maybe you're right. But it's what I feel. And at this point in time I realized I really need you, Robin. I've been through hell more than once, and I'll tell you right now that when you've spent your childhood as a lab rat you'd be 100 percent sure that whatever you're feeling is genuine."
For the first time in a long while, Robin truly didn't have a reply for that. All her life, people told her she's unwanted, she's treacherous, and while all that was true to an extent, she's always felt that she never belonged anywhere.
But here was someone who said straight to her face that he valued her, and not only that cherished her as well. Not just him either, an entire crew of shipmates all see her as a comrade, as someone they can rely on, as a friend.
It was because of that that she knew she needed to leave, she can't let her demons bring them down.
But even despite her pushing them away, they still chose to pursue her.
He chose to pursue her. Even as it led to his own incarceration.
And that's what pained her the most, despite all she tells herself, Robin realized that she can't deny it anymore.
She cared for Gian, and in his words she's grown fond of spending time with him too.
"As I was saying, I'm well aware that whatever you're going through, you don't want me, Luffy or anyone else getting caught up in all that." Gian continued "But as you can see, clearly the World Government realized something was up with me too. So I don't want you to blame yourself for this, I would've came after you, regardless of whether or not the Gorosei wants my power or not."
Robin was about to say something back when they suddenly heard a tapping on the window beside them. Gian's breath caught in his voice as he saw who it was.
"What…? What is he doing here?"
"Can it be…?" Gian had to inch over due to not being able to move much.
"Long Nose-Kun?!" Robin gasped.
"Why is he wearing that mask?" Gian questioned.
It was Usopp, his body still covered in bandage wrap, but this time he's wearing a clown mask over his face. The sniper crawled in through the window before bowing to them.
"Hello, Robin-san, Gian-san. It's good to meet you at last."
"Usopp… why is your voice like that?!" Gian questioned "What's with the mask?!"
"Ah, I should probably explain. My name is Sogeking! I'm Usopp-Kun's close friend. He told me that you've ran into some trouble but he's got his hands a bit full right now, so I offered to come in his place!"
"What is he talking about?" Robin frowned. But Gian only nodded. Of course, it was just like his old friend to make an entrance like this. The disguise was actually quite understandable for his situation. Gian smiled inwardly; even after the events of yesterday, it's good to see that he still cared.
"Usopp, thank you. I knew you wouldn't let us down!"
"Alright 'Sogeking', what's the situation?" Gian smirked.
"Sanji-kun and a thug named Franky is here with me, they're currently preoccupied with other foes and are holding them off. I've snuck on ahead to find you two, if we hurry we can get out of here before they even know anything!"
"Wait, why is he here?" Gian frowned.
"Sanji-kun has been trailing you since the incident at the mansion. Usopp-kun briefed me on everything before I left." 'Sogeking' explained "He-"
"No no no, I know that's probably something Sanji might do, but what the hell is that bastard Franky doing here?" Gian growled. The incident with Usopp was still on his mind, and the cyborg wasn't exactly on his good list.
"Apparently he was captured too, CP9 wants something only he knows. Sanji-kun managed to free him and he joined up with us."
"Huh, who would've thought?" Gian grumbled "Ah well, might as well make something of it. You got any ideas, 'Sogeking'?"
The masked sniper nodded before revealing from his robes a few octopus like suckers.
"Wear these, we can climb out and hold onto the sides of the train that way."
"Might as well, except there might be a little problem…" Gian muttered sheepishly. 'Sogeking' was confused until he saw the handcuffs that were restraining Gian's wrists and put two and two together.
"…You're kidding?"
"Nope, and they're kairoseki as well, so if Usopp told you anything about me he'd-"
"Yeah, he explained it all." 'Sogeking' sighed "And here I was hoping we can rely on you a little if things go south, Usopp-kun told me you're one of the best fighters in his former crew." He knelt down before producing a needle.
Gian had to smile at that "He said that huh..?"
"It's been a while since I picked a lock, I hope I still remember how."
"Have you picked any lock before?"
"…You don't know that, in the meantime, Robin-san put those octopus on your hands and feet."
"No." and Robin's denial was swift "This is ridiculous! I thought I told you I already left the Straw Hat Pirates! I'm not one of you anymore!"
"Actually, he wasn't here for that…" Gian quipped, but his heartstrings were tugged. Even now, he could still see his Robin sticking to her original plan, whatever it was. Clearly, it involved them in some way.
"Robin-san, they all know the real reason of you leaving. Ice-ossan apparently told them all about it." 'Sogeking' explained, much to Robin's shock "Don't worry, you don't have to protect them anymore. In fact they're on their way right now."
"H-How… No! Even then I can't go back with them!"
"Hold on… WHAT?!" despite his cuffs, Gian was alarmed "What do you mean by protect?"
"It's nothing, it doesn't concern you at all." Robin said swiftly.
"Oh my, I forgot you were apprehended as well. You see-" 'Sogeking' was about to speak but found himself bound by arms and pinned down.
"Actually, this concerns me greatly now!" Gian snapped "In the beginning I just thought there was something you couldn't think though, and I assumed you were forced to do this against your will. Now I'm finding out the real reason of you leaving with these clowns is because of us?"
"It doesn't matter! You weren't supposed to be here in the first place!" Robin shouted "It wouldn't have gotten to this point if you'd just left me!"
"You know I can't do that Robin!" Gian shouted back.
Before they could continue, they heard the door clicking, the sound it makes when someone's trying to open it.
"Talk later, hide!" Gian barked. 'Sogeking' yelped; there wasn't much of a hiding spot in this train car.
The door opened to reveal a man dressed in a brown suit, eying the two criminals without interest. Corgi was tasked with watching over the two during the escort, he was ever so careful to see things.
"What are you two yelling about back here?" the guard questioned.
"It's fine, we were having an argument about something trivial." Robin replied curtly.
"I mean really, it was a private conversation." Gian scoffed, not a complete lie technically speaking.
"Huh, starting to regret your decision, Nico Robin?" Corgi sneered "A bit too late for that, don't you think?"
"Not if we pull this off." Gian thought.
"Both of you quiet down, we'll be at Enies Lobby soon." Corgi was about to leave before pausing and looking back at the archaeologist "Wait a minute."
"Wait… WHAT THE HELL IS HE DOING?!" If Gian could facepalm right now, he would've. Of all the places 'Sogeking' could've thought to hide in, it was under the robes of Robin. And right now he was waving one of his arms as if to shoo the guard away.
"I said everything is fine, leave me alone." Robin's face remained stoic, but those bandaged arms are now waving all over the place.
"I don't buy it…" Corgi grumbled "Something weird is going on here."
"Shit… he's going to get found out!" Gian cursed; he had to do something quick. Aside from that, he also felt a slight tinge of annoyance at something else "And I know the situation is dire and that this shouldn't be the first thing on my mind, but WHY UNDER THERE GODDAMMIT!"
Corgi was about to observe further when a loud cough alerted him.
"Hey Mutt? Is this supposed to take long? I'm was thinking about taking a nap, but you had to come here and yap away, didn't you?"
The man growled at the nickname "What was that, punk?!" roughly he then hoisted the Kaiju-Zoan user onto his feet before dragging him out of the car. Gian met his eyes with a smirk
"Just you wait until we reach Enies Lobby in 20 minutes." The man growled as he tossed him down onto the train cabin floor "Maybe then you'd learn to shut up!"
"Well I'm sorry! Your name is Corgi and you look nothing like one so what else am I supposed to call you?" was Gian's retort. He'd be lying if he didn't enjoy the barely restrained scowl on the official's face.
"You sure talk big for someone that just got captured!" the man snarled.
"Well you know something? I'd prefer you not to be named after dogs that look nothing like you!" Gian snapped back "Why couldn't your mother name you something like Rottweiler or something? Wait, never mind you look nothing like one of those either!"
"That's it! You're-" *BONK!
"Phew, thanks for distracting him." 'Sogeking' said, twirling the hammer he used to knock the guard out. Gian smirked before slamming his handcuffs down on the man's head for extra measures.
"Great, now hurry we don't have much time." Gian pointed to his cuffs again "And you, Robin, are coming with us no matter how many marines come after us."
"Look at what you're doing!" Robin snapped "You don't understand, I can't go back!"
"Robin-san, did you honestly think that your nakama would let you make a decision like this before consulting them first?" 'Sogeking' responded "Did you actually believe they would willingly let you sacrifice yourself like this?"
"I still haven't gotten the whole story, but now that I know you did it for us, I'm taking you back with me." Gian responded firmly.
"I never asked for you guys to save me! You've already tried to Gian! Look what became of you!"
"And I've told you, it was going to happen regardless, just like how me coming after you was going to happen regardless." Gian brushed it off "Somethings happen not because what you want, but because you believe it is right!"
"Well then you were foolish enough to believe in that then!" Robin shot back.
"You know, in most cases that would've actually stung but knowing the situation we're in right now I can understand you're quite emotional" Gian responded cheekily
"You are impossible to deal with…"
"Well, I'll let you know now that if you're not coming back I'm gonna carry you just like back in Alabasta." Gian retorted "'Sogeking', hurry up with the cuffs."
But then the door suddenly burst open as a large blue haired man slammed into the back of the train car with a pained grunt. Not a minute later another one flipped back, skidding across the floor on his feet. Gian blinked, before turning back to 'Sogeking'.
"HURRY UP WITH THE DAMN CUFFS USOPP!"
"I'M TRYING! I'M TRYING!" 'Sogeking' yelled back, dropping the charade for just that moment.
"Shit… they really got the drop on us." Sanji panted as he got back into a fighting position.
"You know I was kind of hoping you and the Flasher would stall them for just a bit more!"
"Well it's good to see you too!" Franky grumbled from behind them as he got up as well "In case you haven't figured it out, we've been the ones doing the heavy lifting!"
"Shut it, pervert!" Gian snapped "You're still not forgiven for what you've done!"
"Gian, not the best time to dwell on past grievances!" Sanji reminded them "Franky, we have to guard them while Usopp tries to uncuff him!"
"Your attempts at a rescue have already been failing, why persist?" the voice of Rob Lucci spread across the room as the assassin strode into the car, back by the other agents.
"You should be aware that, by now, there are matters in the world that threatens its balance. It's not something a few insignificant pirates like yourself can understand." Lucci narrowed his eyes "Those two, namely."
"I'm aware that you took them from us!" Sanji snarled "And you call that justice?!"
"Oh? You're not even aware of the dormant destruction your crewmates can unleash?" Lucci snorted before pointing to Robin "Even at the age of 8, that woman already possess a power that can lead to the downfall of the world. A demon like that that threatens the entire world, such a person must die for the sake of everyone else."
"HOW DARE YOU IMPLY THAT?!" Gian roared "JUST BECAUSE OF SOMETHING SHE CAN'T CONTROL, YOU AUTOMATICALLY SENTENCE HER TO DEATH?!"
"Yes, her very existence is a crime." Lucci stated "Only by her death can the world be at peace." His eyes then zone onto Gian "Then again, we haven't addressed you yet. I do find it quite interesting that a seemingly average islander out of East Blue suddenly came to the limelight not too long ago, when there hasn't been any information on you at all before that. Would you agree, Gylzar?"
The black-clad assassin sneered at his fellow Kaiju-Zoan user, his broken visor now removed. Without it, Gian saw his face for the first time: while one eye was a functioning one made of flesh, the other was a red mechanical implant, unblinking and peering into his soul. His gloves were off too, revealing smooth steel; artificial appendages that proved to be just as dexterous as a human hand.
"The few details we have gotten are quite informative" Gylzar responded "We now know indeed that you possess a Kaiju-Zoan, and according to the information given, it is a Kaiju that once held immense power, power enough to truly bring the world to ruin."
"As with Nico Robin, you are a danger to this world. You can be contained, the World Government can use you as they wish." Lucci stated "Meanwhile, it may take a while for them to get everything out of Nico Robin. It'll be slow and painful." The assassin smirked at the rage that took over Gian's face when they heard that "Then, when that's all over, they'll kill her and all will be done with."
"You can go to hell!" Gian spat "There's no way you'll get a single bit of power from me!"
"He still thinks he has a choice." Kalifa sighed.
Gylzar chuckled at that "You don't listen very well. I recall telling you that if you don't comply, you will die too. Then they'll simply give it to another subject once it returns to circulation. Their goal is to contain the power of the Goji-Goji no Mi so that it will become theirs, what happens to you after matters little."
"Then that's no better than slavery!" Franky shouted "Damn the World Government! You just use people for your own gain! First it was Tom-san and now-!"
"It's what must be done to insure order in this world. Everything else is secondary." Lucci stated.
Sanji growled at this "Eat shit! I won't let that happen to either of them!"
"I'm not letting the World Government get me!" Gian snapped as Sanji and Franky got into a fighting position in front of him and Robin. Lucci growled before giving a sneer.
"Really? Well, it doesn't matter what you want. After all, the woman you tried so hard to convince seemed to think so otherwise."
"Wha-?" Sanji gasped when he heard 'Sogeking' yelp as he was flipped onto his back. A moment later, Franky was sent tumbling as well.
"Robin… Don't do this…" Gian pleaded. The woman only shook her head, before beginning to walk over to the assassins.
"Cook-san, take Gian and get out of here." She mumbled without looking at said Kaiju-Zoan user "At least, he deserves to live."
"Robin-chan! Please think about what you are doing!" Sanji shouted.
"Duck!" 'Sogeking' shouted as Gylzar's eyes flashed red before a searing laser shot out, cutting into the train car.
"Sorry, Nico Robin." Gylzar growled "I don't like it when my prey are released."
"The deal was that NONE of the Straw Hats were to be harmed!" the archaeologist snapped "What you're planning is not something I've agreed to!"
"Likewise, our Chief made that deal. I'm answering to a directive above him!" Gylzar scoffed before drawing one of his blades.
"Shit… we can't fight them here!" Sanji cursed.
"Well maybe we don't have to! Because both of them are leaving with us!" 'Sogeking' took this moment to spring into action. Heaving his arm back, the assassins did not notice what was about to transpire until a cloud of smoke obscured their vision to which the sniper chose to grab Robin and run. Gylzar seethed and fired his ocular laser, intent on striking something, but the smoke managed to help them avoid the beam.
"Franky! Dislodge this car!" The cyborg wasted no time cracking open his left hand into a rocket launcher and blowing the connectors apart, thus dislocating them from the rest of the train.
"Ok… that was too close." Sanji panted, though he smiled a bit. It really wasn't Usopp unless he still used an old trick like that!"
"We need to get out of here, soon." Gian reminded them. With 'Sogeking' being unsuccessful with his attempts to dislodge the handcuffs, he had to resort to bashing the stone against the chairs to similarly little effect.
"Damn, I originally just thought Robin-chan had something to do with them, but I didn't expect the World Government to put a target on you too." Sanji shook his head "This rescue has a lot on the line."
"Yeah, I didn't think it would get like this." Gian sighed "For the first time in my life, I didn't expect my devil fruit to be something of a hindrance."
But then suddenly, the train car lurched before coming to a skid. The sound of metal latching onto the sides was enough to bring their attention. It wasn't until a steel cable shot through the glass and stuck into the back wall did they realized that the assailants weren't letting them go.
"Shit! They got us!" Franky shouted as he saw Kalifa and Gylzar, the former wielding a spiked whip while the steel cable extended from the latter's wrist. With one pull they managed to hoist the train car back to them.
"They got us again!" 'Sogeking' yelped.
"'Sogeking'! Defend Robin-chan with your life!" Sanji shouted.
"Damn! I can't fight with this!" Gian growled as the door was sliced open by a curved blade. Sanji and Franky both took a step back, as Gylzar emerged, the single eye of his Partial Transformation glowing red with energy.
"That was a really dumb trick." Blueno growled as he followed him. Behind him, the rest of CP9's silhouettes can be seen.
"Now I thought I told you 'Beast Warrior', I don't let my objectives get away!"
Before anyone could do anything, Gylzar already appeared in front of Gian with a single Soru, the blade that meshed with his arm raised about to deliver yet another slice. Gian, with nowhere to go, had to raise his shackles in order to even attempt to block.
CRACK!
"Well… guess that was a smart decision!" and the train car was rocked when Gian, now Partially Transformed with a burst of blue fire, slammed Gylzar into the walls of the train. That last swing proved to be forceful enough to cut through the seastone, shattering them to pieces. As the blades of Gylzars arms were metal, the Devil Fruit nullifying rock did not hinder him, but it did even the ground out a little.
"Gian, Be careful! You're going to tip us over!"Sanji shouted, but it was as if the Kaiju-Zoan user hardly heard him as he put everything behind his punches, clashing with his foe's blades. In his worry, Sanji was only barely able to avoid an oncoming attack from Blueno's Shigan as he spun around and slammed out with a kick.
"Tekkai!"
Only for the bull haired man to not move.
"Damn! It feels like I'm kicking steel!" Sanji gasped.
"That's the martial arts they use!" Franky warned "You have to watch out for that!"
"Or I could just bust through!" The cook snarled as he did another flip before lashing out with even another kick "Concasse!"
This far more vicious attack actually sent the man flying back into his own tram, giving the CP9 unit a small start. A cook, just nearly busted through the Iron Body technique. Blueno staggered up, a glare in his eye.
"So… it seems that those moves you use do have weaknesses!" Gian growled, an idea forming in his head. As Gylzar dashed towards him again, he knelt down before charging his tail up with atomic energy.
"Atom Whiplash!"
"Tekkai!"
Gylzar, expecting the hit, merely forced his body into its usual steel hardness; all he felt was the heat. But this time, it turns out that his opponent wanted him to do just that as he felt arms wrap around his waist.
"Shit, during Tekkai I can't move my body! He baited me to use it to try and block that first attack, before he'd-"
"Get off of my train!"
The rest of CP9 almost got hit as Gylzar was sent flying back as he slammed into the back wall forcefully.
"Franky! Cut us loose!" Gian ordered as he transformed back. The cyborg was about to repeat his action, when suddenly he yelled out in pain and spat out blood.
For a razor saw disc flew right into his back as he collapsed, much to his comrades' horror.
"Oh no!" 'Sogeking' shouted "His back isn't made of metal, he's still human back there!"
"Where did that c-!" Sanji yelped, until Kaku sent a Rankyaku in his direction and knocking him into a row of seats.
Gian didn't have a chance to react at all, for another spinning saw blade soared though the air and slammed into his chest, causing him to gasp as his flesh is cut apart. A heavy thud landed in front of his before a vicious kick pushed the disc further into his chest.
Gian's scream could be heard even above the waves.
"That was a nice trick… too bad it didn't do you any good." Gylzar growled as he stood over him, retracting the blade back into a slot in his chest. "I don't let my prey get away from me that easily." Gian's eyes widened as the assassin raised one of his blades.
"I think it'll be better to cut your spine in half during this time, you will be unable to move, and in the time it takes for you to heal… well then, we'll already be at our destination by then."
"Treinta Fleur: Clutch!"
Gyzlar growled as his body was suddenly immobilized by 10 arms, all sprouting from multiple angles, restraining his arms and legs. But it was not only him: Sanji and Usopp were also held down, a total of 30 arms grabbing them.
"I already said I was coming with you, and I never planned to escape." Robin stated "If you must complete your mission, I ask that you do no more harm to him."
"Robin…!" Gian wheezed "This is what you decided? After everything we've gone through?" his voice was full of pain, but it was not from the injury. Even with all this, Robin still refused to look at him.
"Please… they all came to save us… to save you…!"
"Shit…! They're going to take them again!" Sanji hissed as he strained to get up, but the arms held fast.
Gylzar titled his head, before giving a scoff "No more tricks."
"Kaku, retrieve Cutty Flam. This game of ours is over." The long nosed assassin nodded before hoisting up the massive cyborg. With one hand Gian too was picked up, but Robin's actions completely took out all motivation from him. Even though the wounds remained, it was his heart that was the victim here.
"Robin…!" but then one more voice shot up, the archaeologist looked back to see 'Sogeking' straining against his restraints "I know there's something you're still hiding… that's all fine! But know this one thing about pirates: you can't leave a crew without the captain's permission. So what I'm trying to say, Is that you should have trust in Luffy!"
And even Robin had to give a small gasp at that as they were led away, Gylzar and Kaku instantly leaping onto the other train, their prisoners in tow. Sanji and 'Sogeking could do nothing as the train disconnected, leaving them stranded as they moved further and further away.
"Surprised to be back, 'Beast Warrior'?" Lucci asked as CP9 surrounded them. Gian didn't respond, only looked up at him with an unreadable expression.
"Heh, it seems like battle scars won't bring you down, but the words of a woman is enough to break your spirit." Gylzar chuckled "Molding you into a tool might be easier than I imagined."
"Oi… 'Beast Warrior'! Snap out of it!" Franky shouted.
"If you truly know the real reason Nico Robin is doing all this, then maybe you'd understand her reasoning." Blueno spoke "20 years ago, the Marines unleashed a Buster Call on the island of Ohara, wiping out all but 1 individual, an entire island disappeared off the map"
Gian blinked; he's heard about Robin mention Ohara once or twice, but he never particularly thought of it too much. He glanced at the woman he's come to love, only now making the connection.
"Yes, that individual was an 8 year old Nico Robin." Kalifa followed up "Her crime was surviving it, and it has caused her to turn on the people around her ever since." The head assassin closed his eyes "This, is the existence of a devil. It is a rather unfortunate experience."
"Robin… the reason you left… was to save us?" his whisper was soft.
"She would not leave you to the fires of her sins, so she did the only sensible thing." Kaku explained "Your crewmates can count themselves lucky."
"I always knew there was another reason, but to think she'd risk that much?"
"If there was one thing redeemable about her, is that she's willing to accept her own cursed existence" Lucci finished "Not wanting a fate like that to befall the few people willing to accept her, she'd sooner sacrifice herself for the greater good."
"Robin… If only I knew…!" his whispered hoarsely before his vison was then obscured by Gylzar, leaning down with a condescending smirk.
"Don't' worry, with the short time you do have left together, you can get all the explanations you want." The assassin sneered "If it eases your heart, you're for a completely different reason." He took in the empty look of his captive with satisfaction.
"Robin, I'm so sorry, if I knew there was this much turmoil and pain within you, I would've done more to help."
The mood was suddenly shattered when loud laughter filled the train car. The assassins looked back at Franky, the large cyborg shaking his head.
"Really, you guys can talk a lot about Justice but miss so much about it, I'm just shocked!" Franky sneered "It's so amusing seeing you missing what's right in front of you!"
"I do not expect you to know anything, criminal." Lucci seethed.
"Oh? Then let me tell you this: That woman over there? Her comrades aren't the type to just give up on people! If you didn't see that when you fought them then you're truly blind!"
"That matters little, their resolve means nothing in the face of action." Kaku snapped.
"Yeah, well they're stubborn to a fault when it comes to their comrades." Franky snickered as he slipped on his sunglasses "And that includes him!" he pointed a huge hand at Gian, who was more or less being confused by all this.
"'Beast Warrior', I still have some mixed feelings over what you guys did to my house and my followers, but I can see the devotion you have to everyone in your crew, including the woman you're in love with!" Franky laughed "Yeah, I could see that clear as day. You've got heart, just like that kid Usopp! And I know one more thing, despite all Nico Robin's done tonight, deep down she cares about you the most, I don't think she'd like dragging you down with her problems!"
"Franky, what are you talking about?"
"Explaining right now would just ruin everything, I think you already know! Go and meet up with your friends! Don't you worry a thing about me!" and before Gian could do any, Franky already grabbed him by the leg with his right hand.
"Weapons Left!"
A cannon blast blew the rear of the train open, to which Franky then heave with all his strength and literally tossed Gian out of the cabin.
"Now, I'm gonna give you a SUUUUPER sendoff!"
"Stop him!" Lucci shouted.
"Cien Fleur: Wing!"
It was only when the flower petals floated did he finally figure out what was really happening. He looked back at the 100 hands formed into the shape of two angel wings, spread wide about to do their job.
"R-Robin?!"
Even above the howling wind, he heard the words clear as day.
"Goodbye, Gian." try as he might, the draft was already carrying him backwards
"Live for me."
"ROBIN!"
And even this far up, he could still see Robin's face, the faintest of a smile on her face as a teardrop fell from her eye.
But he could do nothing as Puffing Tom sped away, while he was blown backwards.
It was only when Sanji and 'Sogeking' caught him as he drifted back to the marooned section did they realize what had happened.
"Gian… What did-" Sanji began, until he saw his First Mate's face.
"She save us… she saved us all…"
"Gian-san…" 'Sogeking' tried to comfort the man, but Gian could only stare forwards. Slowly his hands balled into fists, even as his tears mixed with rainwater.
"Robin saved us… even in her darkest hour we were what were on her mind…!"
"Damn it…" Sanji grimaced. He himself came to rescue both of them, but it seemed like Robin's darkness was more than he could imagine.
"She saved us… and I couldn't save her…!"
Without warning the Kaiju-Zoan user slammed his fist down as a burst of blue flames erupted from that blow. Sanji and 'Sogeking' could only watch as Gian reared back his head and screamed his anguish and frustrations out towards the heavens, each with their own sorrow.
They can only let him vent, knowing that he took it harder than both of them.
A/N: With the last little bit of Water 7 concluded, we move onto the second half of everything. This is really the first time I've tried to make something more emotional than anything I've done before, or at least it's my attempt at making something theme emotional. Regardless, we are now at the shifting point, Enies Lobby is coming up next!
G: I am just not having a good time here, am I?
Suffering is a part of life my friend.
G: You're a sadist.
Anyway, tell me what you think about this. I had to actually go through a few revisions about this chapter; it actually went a lot differently than originally! For example, the first iteration was supposed to show Gian and Sanji having a verbal spat around the end of the chapter regarding the events that happened, before the latter managed to talk some sense into him and strengthen his resolve. After that, another version would've shown Gian somehow flying into a rage, unleashing a new dark aura that took over his actions causing him to kill many of the soldiers on the Sea Train in order to get to Robin, only to have CP9 beat him down and ending around the same way with Franky knocking him out, taking his place to be captured and him waking up with no recollection of the event. Then there was also a mix of the two revisions, which ultimately I decided none of them really fit the chapter and scrapped the idea entirely, instead deciding on what happened here. Overall I hope the thought process worked out, because not gonna lie, trying to make two characters show feelings for each other was harder than I thought.
Anyway, enjoy this for now. I'm heading back to Uni next week so I'll try to get one more chapter out before the schoolwork gets too hectic, as well as the second entry of Monster's Log. We'll be seeing you soon!
Responses to Reviews:
To Darkmaster100000:
G: Fun fact, it's been 10 years since Justin Bieber's debut EP came out!
What? The hell? It's been that long already.
G: Yeah, and apart from him being a questionable human being at times there's way worse music out there. I'd even say some of his tracks are bangers nowadays.
Yes, he truly has grown in that regards
To Matt:
I think it's pretty obvious to Godzilla fans, but I'll have more descriptions on it next chapter.
To Ethan:
Thank you so much!
G: KP360 has a great friend named Ethan IRL as well!
To Guest:
G: Wade Wilson is an icon
That he is.
To The 1 and Only Logan:
G: But bugs are an important part of the ecosystem…
Oh, that guy will be seeing a lot of pain soon.
To Guest:
G: Now I'm sad, the loss of coochie made me sad.
Why are you like this?
To Johnny Spectre:
Unfortunately, Megalon's Kaiju-Zoan will be elsewhere. I know I missed a really big opportunity here, but I planned out Megalon as another role, and besides that was just low hanging fruit. But who knows, the two users might still meet eventually.
To Chance Green G King:
G: They truly are some sick sons of bitches.
You don't know the half of it, Gian.
To Guest:
G: what the fuck is bigin supposed to mean.
Yeah I can't understand this I guess he means the power levels? Well, as you can see, each time they enter a new area there's a stronger enemy, so naturally there's going to be power level differences at first. As for changing Gian's powers, you got to remember he still hasn't fully grasped how much the Goji-Goji no Mi truly has, every once in a while he'll discover something else about it. It's no different from Luffy learning his Gears or how everyone learned how to use Haki.
To Guest:
G: NOW LISTEN HERE YOU LITTLE SHIT MY GIRL IS THE SMARTEST LADY ON THIS PLANET I-
You're way too attached.
That wasn't the intent at all, I planned to have Robin play a more of mysterious role early on, as in her quest to find the True History she also came across Kaiju-Zoans. Of course, that being secondary to her dream, her knowledge on the subject itself is limited as well. When she met Mr. 0.5, she only had some slight introspective into Kaiju-Zoans, and by the time she met Gian she knows a little more but still very little. The few things she did know she's told Gian for the most part, after all she's trying to reach the Rio Poneglyph while Gian is the one looking into the whole Kaiju mystery, they simply realized there were a few things similar between them and bonded from there. So I'm sorry if you thought of it like that, but I assure you it wasn't the case.
To JayH120:
G: Jou I have learned that humans lead very miscellaneous lives.
You just made that phrase up.
Yeah, everyone's getting busy. As we get older we have less time to do the things we like. But thanks for still following this story! Gian's bounty will see another increase soon, and as for his status, we'll get into that in the following chapters.
G: The years start coming and they don't start coming-
STOP
To Kristopher b:
Mothra will have her form that's more in line with how she looked in the Japanese movies. To be fair, I'm not as big of a fan of the new design, not while there's nothing wrong with the old one. As for a Full Transformation full Timeskip, that will be based on Legendary Godzilla for sure. His awakening, if we get there, is still underwraps.
G: You are biased.
Deal with it.
And that's all for now, we'll see you next time!
Leave a review and Gian will go hiking with me!
G: I know more than you.