Title: Of Dreams and Desires
Pairings: Smoker x Ace, Sanji x Zoro, and other side pairings
Ratings: T - NC-17
Chapter: 35 of ?
Summary: The road to One Piece is a dangerous one and each individual begins at different times and places. Some paths cross for a fleeting moment but the encounter could be so great that it can alter the initial direction. Every meeting is important and is planned by the souls long before the bodies see each other. Follow everyone's story and see what path they take.
Disclaimer: I do not make any profit from this story; all props go to Eiichiro Oda.
Author Note: Ohai! Back at it again with another update; also, congratz to all those who graduated in the last few months.
Shout Outs: Thank you to It's All About ZoSan! for adding me to your community! Thank you jojich for adding my story to your favorites list! Jo! I'm happy you're still around! I was starting to wonder where your awesome reviews were. I hope you have done well on your exams. I'm glad you like my OC's and the idea of Corazon being brought back. When I had seen that Smoker had changed his hair after the time skip, I had wondered to myself what caused such a thing. I'm happy you caught on to it ^_^. Shanks and Mihawk are creeping towards a very deep end lol, so stay tune for that. It makes me feel good that I can get you in your feels lol. You like what's going on in my head and that I appreciate from the bottom of my heart. I have to agree with you, I'll be very thrilled when Oda reveals more about Vegapunk. Hope you enjoy this chapter and the ones to come.
Beta Reader: descriptionsalive21, thank you so much!

Kuzan Aokiji

A hard knock to his door made the admiral's head jerk up. When it came again his eyebrow raised; his visitors weren't supposed to be coming until later, "Enter."

A young, pink haired man entered the room before bowing deeply. When he rose, he pushed his glasses back on his forehead, "Vice Admiral Garp requested these files be delivered to you."

Kuzan watched the boy as he presented a thick manila folder. He held no devil but his aura was powerful… untapped.

The admiral took the documents, "Thank you solider."

He nodded, "Garp also stated that when he receives more information he'll send it to you."

Aokiji bounced the stress ball on his desk, "What's your name?"

"Coby, sir."

The superior grinned, "Coby… a strong name. What's your rank?"

He saluted, "Master Chief Petty Officer, sir."

"Interesting," The admiral slid the file closer to himself while eyeing Coby. "Let him know I want to deal with you from here on out."

A look of surprise crossed the childlike face before he smiled, "Sir!" He clicked his heels together before he spun and exited the room.

When the door clicked shut, he shifted his black eyes to stare down at the document.

Case number MZ9730

Thick eyebrows lifted, "MZ9730?" He thumbed through the pages slowly, clicking his tongue the further he got into the file. Most of the document had been blacked out. "Arara?"

Lazy eyes skimmed until a named popped out at him.

Nico Robin.

He continued to flip the pages until he stumbled across a recent photo. He ran his fingers over the picture of the young woman. He wondered how she was faring for herself.

Two rapid knocks came at his door, instantly followed by handle turning and entrance opening to reveal the visitors he'd been waiting on. Hina slammed the door into the wall as she stalked to the couch in front of his desk, puffing angrily on a cigarette. Smoker followed her in and closed the door behind himself. He nodded his head in greeting before he sat beside the fuming woman and lit his own smokes.

"Kuzan." He muttered.

The blue pheasant eyed his friends, "What's the problem?"

Smoker opened his mouth but Hina cut him off, "The problem?!" Smoker sighed and sat back to let her explain. "The problem is we were told to come to this stupid ass meeting at HQ and when we get here, do we get any information?"

She paused and both men shook their heads at her question, "No, of course not!" She stamped out her cigarette in a mad frenzy before she lit another one, "Hina angry."

Thinking she was done, Smoker took a breath to speak but she started back up with her rant, "On top of everything, all they had to say to us was: 'We are considering a new Shichibukai. If all events go well, we will inform you of your next orders.' Like I needed to come halfway across the damn sea for some shit like that! They could've mushied that bull."

Both men chuckled at their friend and Smoker rolled his eyes, "So really, Kuzan, why were we called here?"

The question flushed the humor of the conversation down the drain and a stale air was left in its wake. Black eyes regarded red and the owner took a deep breath, "Have you spoken to your pirate recently?"

Smoker's eyes narrowed, "Not recently… why?"

Aokiji sighed and rubbed his eyes, "You didn't hear anything from me and nothing was said about this."

Hina waved her hand, dismissing the disclaimer as she leaned forward in her chair, "Just tell us the gossip."

"It's…" his eyebrow twitched at her eagerness, "It's not gossip… but… the person we're considering for the next Shichibukai position is Marshall D. Teach."

"And what's that got to do with Portgas?"

The normally dally male cleared his throat nervously. "The offer he pitched to us was the capture of Portgas D. Ace in turn for the position."

Smoker's jaw twitched and his hand went to his pocket. Gloved fingers traced the shell of the snail in his pocket, "And if he succeeds?"

"We haven't gotten that far yet."

The commodore exhaled deeply out his nostrils as he stood, making his way towards the door. He swung it open and was about to walk through it when Kuzan's voice stopped him, "You know it'll be treason if you tip him off."

Smoker paused at the door before he closed it behind him. Hina hummed then turned to her friend, "I hope for his sake everything works out ok."

Aokiji pulled down his sleeping mask as he leaned back in his chair, "He just started to… ya know…"

"Open up… I know." Hina walked over to Kuzan and kissed the top of his head, "It's nothing you can do about it. Hina thinks you should take your bike out for a ride."

The admiral waited until she left the room before muttering, "A bike ride sounds relaxing."

K.A

Aokiji called upon Hie as he pedaled near the shore. He didn't quiet have a destination in mind but he knew he needed to get out and clear his head. So much information had been piled up on him over the past few days.

Nico Robin was by far the most interesting.

He hummed as he turned into the ocean. Nearby were a few clusters of islands that wouldn't take long for him to cycle around. His mind began to wander as he pedaled. Judging off the picture alone, she'd grown into a beautiful lady. That is, if she was still alive, the picture was three years old after all. She was last sighted in Alabasta working with Crocodile. How she'd managed to escape the clutches of the Marines was beyond him.

If.

If she escaped.

There's a rumor that she found herself another crew to run with, but there weren't any documentation revealing who she was with, nor were there any recent sightings of her.

He'd reached one of the inhabited tropical islands and decided to take a break there. He made a ramp of ice up to the shore before he drew back in his devil. The rocks on the ground jostled him enough to make the ride uncomfortable, pulling a sigh from the man. The last time he'd seen the Devil Child he had saved her life.

The wheels went over another rock, making the bike bump the admiral off his seat. When he landed back on the cushion, he clicked his tongue and summoned his devil to create a smooth path to a clearing he'd spotted.

Parking the bike next to a tree, he walked to a huge rock in the center of the opening. He closed his eyes upon reaching it.

Nico Robin.

Eight Years Ago

Chaos surrounded him.

The newly appointed admiral was just a touch beyond frustrated; just enough for him to begin freezing any and everything in his path. For months now he'd been chasing the Masked Pirates. They'd become skilled in concealing their human trafficking. Anyone from women to teenage boys was picked up off the streets and out of brothels just so those bastards could make a quick beli. Aokiji side-stepped an oncoming attacker before encasing him in ice then pushing the frozen body to the floor and stepping on the shattered fragments.

He didn't have time for games; he had a destination to reach.

Finally approaching the door that was said to lead to some captives, he allowed Hie Hie to coat his hand and upon touching the handle, the entire door froze. He gave a slight push and the frozen wood swung open. He walked into the filthy room and sighed before he leaned his upper body out into the hallway, "Hey."

A nearby solider jumped at the sudden voice after killing an assailant, "Sir?"

"Get medical in here."

The man saluted then took off and Kuzan leaned back into the room. He observed the dead faces of the many women cuffed to beds and attached to IV lines. He clicked his tongue. Drugs too?

He walked the length of the room, taking count of the victims. He neared the back of the room when his eyes caught the gaze of blue irises. He slowly approached the female so he wouldn't frighten her, "What's your name?"

Her eyes shone with recognition. She began to struggle but she couldn't go anywhere, she was bound to the bed. Aokiji reached out to calm her but she jerked out of the way when he was near. Her movement caused the blanket to slip off her, revealing her naked and grimy body. They both became motionless and she clenched her eyes shut.

He looked down at her flushed face before picking up the sheet and draping it over her body, "I swear I won't hurt you."

When there was no reply he sighed and turned his back on the woman, he'd let the doctors deal with her. As he took a step away, a firm but velvety voice sounded behind him, "That's not what you said all those years ago, Vice Admiral."

The altitudinous Marine slowly turned around and stared at the woman. The doctors had come in and began to check on the other captives and when one brushed past him, his devil, Hie, gave a hard tug, guiding him back to the stained cot. He sat on the bed and the rusted springs contracted with a groan. Kuzan leaned forward, whispering a single word, "Robin?"

She didn't respond as she stared at him. Her eyes were hard but her body trembled like a leaf. Aokiji looked around the room before he took off his jacket and placed it over her. Her brows furrowed but otherwise no complaints were heard. The admiral leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees as he linked his fingers together in thought.

He'd told her he'd kill her if he ever saw her again, but…

"How did you end up here?"

She hesitated before responding, "Seastone cuffs and drugs."

Hie Hie flared up in aggravation. For a woman such as her—with the reputation she has—to be belittled like this. "Can you move?"

Robin lifted her track mark covered arm and the seastone cuffs that bound her banged against the steel frame of the bed. "Not much moving I can do."

He couldn't touch the shackles either; she'd have to wait on the doctors. He stood, "Were you–"

"Raped?" She questioned for him, "What I go through is none of your concern." The raven bucked her hips, causing the thick jacket to fall to the floor. The owner, who was looming over her, stared down at his coat as he muttered under his breath at the woman's actions.

Hana Hana no Mi chided her partner. Be nice.

Robin sighed at the remark, "But… thank you for your concern."

Full lips pulled into a smile at her response, "You're welcome." He picked up the jacket and draped it over his arm, "The doctor will check you out then you'll be free to go."

Her head shot up in surprise, "What happen to your promise from last time, Vice Admiral?"

Kuzan chuckled, "It's Admiral now and the promise still stands; just after I leave this room."

The outcast watched the Marine fix his sleeping mask, "Although before I leave."

Almond eyes narrowed, "What is it?"

"I hope you weren't raped." He sighed, "No one should have to go through that… even you." With that he walked away, leaving a speechless victim behind him.

K.A

A thump on his leg pulled him from his thoughts. The Marine lifted his sleeping mask, "Oh, a raccoon."

The animal puffed out its chest and yelled, "I'm a reindeer! See, horns!"

The dark skinned male leaned down and squinted his eyes, "Looks like a raccoon to me."

Just as the brown furred creature was about to speak another voice sounded, "Are you alright, Chopper?"

A male wearing a straw hat came from the other side of the rock and the mere presence of him caused Hie to awaken. So this is Garp's grandson.

"Who's this guy?" The hatted boy asked.

Kuzan tilted his head to the side, "Who are you?"

Luffy scoffed, "Who're you?!"

The pattering of feet against the ground alerted Aokiji of more people and after another round of "Who are you?", tired eyes caught sight of a figure near the rock. He turned to fully face the woman and when their eyes met she stumbled backward before falling to the ground. The surrounding people—her friends, he assumed—gave her questioning looks.

Robin began to shake, her fingers clutching blades of grass in her hand as she stared into the eyes of her worst nightmare.

Time… it seemed she was out of it.

The strongest of the small pirate group crouched into defensive positions around their archeologist.

Sanji's eyes darted between her and the Marine, "What's wrong, Robin-chan?"

Usopp crouched next to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. When he made contact she jumped, "Why are you shaking?"

"Arara?" He raised an eyebrow at their actions, "Don't get frightened, ladies. I'm not acting on orders." The Marine scratched his head looking up at the sky, "The weather is nice, so I'm just taking a walk."

A clicking sound was heard as Zoro pushed Wado from her sheath, ready to draw. "Orders? For what organization?"

Snapping out of her stupor, Robin told her crew what she knew, "He's a Marine, and one of the World Government's greatest powers."

Her captain looked the tall man from foot to crown, "Him?"

Robin nodded, swallowing a little to moisten her dry throat, "He is Marine Base Admiral Kuzan Aokiji."

The corner of pink lips turned upwards into a grin, "You remember my title!" Kuzan stared at her with honest eyes, "You've become quite a beautiful lady, Nico Robin."

Celeste and onyx scrutinized each other while Nami observed her friend. She's scared but… She watched the historian's breathe hitch. It's something else. Whatever it is… to be able to make Robin falter like this…

Her voice was no longer the soft yet assuring tone that they were used to; instead, it quivered, "There are only three men who hold the title of admiral: Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru. Only the Marine's top Fleet Admiral Sengoku can command them."

Usopp peeked out from behind Zoro, a position he'd placed himself in after the identity of the man was revealed. "Why is a guy like him here?" He muttered under his breath before speaking up, "Can't you find more famous pirates?" When Kuzan looked at him, the long nose gave a less-than-manly squeak and crouched lower behind his human shield, "G-go somewhere else!"

Aokiji chuckled before his attention went to the orange haired woman next to him, "Oh?"

"Wh–" Nami took a step back as he leaned closer to her, "What is it?"

The admiral smirked, "Another captivating super-babe!" He gave her a wink and nodded his head, "Good day."

Sanji's eye twitched at the Marine's boldness, "What the hell are you doin' asshole?!"

When the cook was ignored, Usopp yelled, "Listen to what we're saying!"

Sensing their annoyance, Aokiji straightened and threw his hands up in surrender, "Hey, cool down guys. Did you listen to what I said before?" He paused and when no answer came, he sighed, "I said I was only out for a walk. Don't get so burned up." He trailed off, squinting his eyes and rubbing his chin, "Aren't you… that… well…"

Luffy raised an eyebrow, "That?"

Chopper looked at Kuzan in anticipation, "Well?"

He scratched his head before shrugging his shoulders, "I forgot, but it's alright."

Usopp's eye twitched and Sanji's veins appeared on his forehead, "Your speech is a mess!"

The sharpshooter grumbled to the woman still on the ground, "Oi, Robin, haven't you mistaken him for someone else? There's no way he can be a Marine Admiral."

"Oi, oi," He held out a hand halting the long nose's rant, "Don't judge people by their appearance. My motto as a Marine is: justice with laziness."

The Mugiwara Pirates muttered, "We can see that."

"Well anyway, pardon me." He dismissed the comment as he laid down his jacket on the grass before making himself comfortable on top of it, "I'm tired of standing." He looked at the pirates in front of him, "Yokkorasho. So, to make a long story short, I don't have any plans to capture you, so take it easy. I just came to confirm Nico Robin's whereabouts after the Alabasta incident."

His devil shifted before whispering, Liar.

Kuzan cleared his throat, shushing his devil, "As I expected, she's with you guys. I'll only report it to headquarters because with the additional bounty head, the total bounty will change." He pointed to Luffy, "100,000,000 plus…" He looked at Zoro, "60,000,000 plus…" He smiled at Robin, "79,000,000 will be…" He attempted to count on his fingers but then shrugged, "I don't know, I've lost count."

The bushes rustled near the group as Luffy tried to break away from his crew to hit the sleepy Marine's face. A batch of people emerging from the jungle and into the clearing halted all actions. The man in the front leading the group sighed in relief, "You're a Marine?"

Kuzan nodding pulled a sad chuckle from the man, "If only they'd said that earlier…"

Nami took in the hurt and worn group, asking the question of the hour, "Who are you?"

"They are probably passengers who've drifted from the shipwreck to this island." He answered for them, "I heard a report about a missing passenger ship in this area."

Chopper guided the group to the rock that the government official was against earlier so he could evaluate the extent of their wounds. One of the passengers looked up at the Marine, "Our ship, Pucchi, was damaged by a frog doing the crawl stroke."

Sanji wrapped a bandage around an elder's arm, "Don't frogs do breast strokes?"

Aokiji, who had taken stand near a tree so he could watch the pirates work, chimed in, "That's Yokozuna, or otherwise known as the Grand Sumo."

Another passenger spoke up, "We saw a man riding a bike on the ocean."

Kuzan slightly raised his hand, "Ah, that was me."

A little boy gasped as Chopper patched up his leg, "Then we saw a pirate ship!"

"That was us." Nami confirmed.

Kuzan sat back and watched the group as they continued to chat amongst each other. He felt his devil stir as he looked over to Robin just in time to see her eyes dart back to the young girl next to her. The archeologist smiled and started to apply ointment to her wounds. He'd told her next time he saw her he would bring her in. No… He shook his head slightly when Hie poked at him. You'd said you'd kill her.

He clicked his tongue, she looks good… He followed her curves, black eyes stopping at her smile; she's fitting in so well…

He felt his body react to her. Nope. He shook his head, I need to go.

"Alright, I'm going back but before that…" He pointed to the surviving passengers, "You guys get ready to leave. Lucky, there's a populated island not far from here. It's best you get proper treatment there."

As the group packed their belongings the Straw Hats huddled together to discuss something before Luffy, Sanji, and Zoro disappeared into the forest. The orange haired woman along with Robin, the long-nose and the animal stayed behind to usher everyone through the jungle and toward the ocean. When they reached the shore, Usopp started to create a makeshift flatbed for the traveler's goods. With Kuzan's assistance they completed the shallow box just as the cook, captain, and swordsman emerged from the trees.

As Marine and pirates worked together, they made sure the passengers and their belongings were safe to travel. Aokiji passed a bag to Sanji, "You guys aren't too bad to work with."

Luffy laughed, "Yeah, you are a sensible man." He looked out to the ocean, "So, how are you gonna get them to the other island?"

Aokiji dropped his jacket and approached the edge of the shore. He crouched down when he reached the water and called upon his devil as he submerged his hand into the ocean. With a whisper of "Ice Age" the water began to freeze over, creating a frozen path as far as the eye could see. "It'll last bout a week, I think."

He walked past he awestricken group and Robin let out a shaky breath, "This is the power of a Marine Admiral."

The pheasant picked up his jacket, "If you walk along the path you'll get to a populated island within four days. It's quite cold so wear something warm."

The pirates bid the passengers farewell, waving and shouting "Goodbye!" until the last person was out of sight. The Straw Hats played on the ice for a while before returning to the shore to gather their belongings. When they made it further inland they spotted the admiral sitting cross-legged on the ground.

"Your grandpa caused a lot of trouble for me."

Luffy stopped at the mentioned of his relative and Kuzan continued, "What I came here for was Nico Robin and to have a look at you." He began muttering to himself, "Maybe I should…" He looked the captain in the eyes, "kill you off right now."

He eyes traveled over the now defensive crew, "See, the government is still ignoring you but if we study your backgrounds closely, you're a dangerous group." He counted them in his head, "Even though you are few, gathering so many villains will be troublesome. From the first bounty imposed upon your crew… to the deeds of your crew… up to this point, your progress has been staggering. Thus far…" He looked up at the sky in thought, "Thus far, you've only opposed criminals, but that makes your progress even more dangerous."

Usopp tilted his head in confusion, "Why are you saying this suddenly? Some time ago you said you were just here to confirm some information."

Aokiji shook his head slowly, "What makes your crew regarded as dangerous, especially now, is you, Nico Robin."

"If you're after Robin you can't have her!" Luffy growled out, "I'll kick your ass!"

The Marine ignored the loud boy, "Her bounty not only shows her strength but it also reflects her threat to the government. That's why you, as an eight year old child, gained a bounty of 79,000,000."

She stared at him down the bridge of her nose, throwing a hard glare his way. He continued regardless, "You sure did well to survive as a child. You betrayed your partners and used them as tools. Surviving in the underworld concerned with only your self-interest." Cold eyes regarded Robin, "Is this group the next hiding place you've chosen?"

Robin gasped and her eyes widened a fraction. Seeing her spooked sprung Sanji into action, "Hey man, you're saying things that are really pissing me off. What's your grudge against Robin-chan?"

Kuzan shrugged his shoulders, "I have nothing particular to grudge. If I have any connection to her it's because I failed to catch her once." Their eyes met and the fire burning behind blue eyes made him sigh, "It's an old story. But you, too, will realize sooner or later when you take up a troublesome woman the time for regret won't be too far away. To prove that," He looked at the captain of the small crew, "every organization Nico Robin's been involved with has been totally destroyed except for herself…" He stood and his attention turned towards the raven, "Why is that so, Robin?"

Luffy let the silence hang in the air for a moment before he retorted, "Shut up, the past doesn't matter!"

Usopp agreed, "If we cared 'bout the past how could we travel with something like a pirate hunter and a cat burglar?"

Nami slapped the back of the long nose's head, "'Something like' was unnecessary!"

"It's not the past," Sanji straightened his tie, "but the now that's important."

Chopper clutched the straps of his backpack, "Right now, Robin is our nakama! So don't speak poorly of her!"

Aokiji chuckled, "I see." He smiled at the raven haired woman, "You have become quite popular with this group."

Robin grabbed her hand to keep it from shaking. She didn't know how to take his remarks. He would say one thing but his body language would say another and on top of it all, her devil felt coiled when he was near. She didn't understand and she didn't like it, "What are you trying to say?" She crossed her wrists, "If you want to arrest me then do it! Treinta Fleur!"

Hana sprung out in glee and attached herself onto the Marine. Multiple pale-tone limbs sprouted from his body and the ground before they gripped his shoulders, arms, and legs. A feminine hand quickly covered his chin, forcing his head back and pulling his body into a backward arch.

Usopp grabbed at his hair in disbelief, "Robin! Stop!"

Kuzan looked upside-down at the trees, "Arara, did I say too much?" He bent his neck to the side so he could see the pirate crew, "How disappointing… I've overestimated you. I thought you to be a more intelligent woman."

What?

Black brows furrowed before the owner shook her head, "Clutch!"

Strong hands gave one last clench before they folded the Marine.

Or…

What was supposed to be the Marine. Robin looked down at her hands to see a thin layer of ice on her palms.

"No." She whispered as she sank to her knees.

Chopper pulled on Sanji's pants leg in awe, "He turned into icy pieces and died!"

Noir shook his head, "I don't think so, kiddo."

The Straw Hat Pirates watched the admiral pull himself from the ice debris and rise as a solid ice statue. Kuzan called off his devil before he let out a sad sigh, "Robin, such a cruel thing to do." He reached down near his foot and pulled strands of grass from the ground. He tossed them into the air, letting the wind carry them, "Ice Saber." As the words were said the air around the grass froze making an ice sword.

He glared down at Robin, "I hadn't planned on taking your life, but…" He reared back to swing but was stopped by a metal object.

Aokiji looked down to green eyes and just as he was about to speak his sword was knocked out of his hand. It dropped a distance behind him and he let out an irritated huff as he looked at the smirking cook.

A chuckle pulled his attention back to the swordsman, "You're butting in too?"

"My ass, you airhead!"

Kuzan grabbed Zoro's arm and Sanji's leg before either could react. He grunted when an unexpected punch to the gut came. He looked down at the fist on his stomach before calling on Hie, giving an icy prison to each man.

He drowned out their screaming from the burning ice by watching it progress up their arms and legs. He allowed Hie to travel up midway then reeled her in before throwing the pirates to the ground. Zoro, Sanji, and Luffy clutched their limbs, yelling in agony.

To see the three powerhouses of the crew fall in no time snapped Chopper out his daze, "This is serious! If we don't treat it at once they'll get frostbite, the tissue will rot!"

Nami's heart beat loudly in her ears. Half of the crew is gone. She swung around, catching her friend's attention, "Robin, run away!"

Aokiji smiled at the camaraderie, "You've found yourself some good nakama but you're still the same, Nico Robin."

Robin ground her teeth, "You're wrong! I'm no longer…"

Her words trailed off as he approached her. Kuzan called upon Hie and let her encase him and the pirate in ice. As it traveled up their legs he leaned in, wrapping his arms around her in an icy hug.

She could faintly hear Luffy screaming for her to run but it was too late. She felt the cold in her core. Robin looked her killer in the eyes and tried to speak but he pressed his forehead to hers, "Hush now."

When she was complete, Aokiji towered over his beautiful creation and smiled, "Nico Robin, you truly did turn into a gorgeous woman."

Ya know, when you think about it, poor Robin just can't catch a break. Even during the two year time skip she went through shit lol. Damn Daniel... anywho! I hope you all enjoyed and leave a review if you can. Stay tune for next chapter: Cutty Franky Flam - Huredhiel