Spoilers: None

Rating: K

Timeframe: Kid Robin

AN: Written because in October (two years ago) it occurred to me that the Tree of Knowledge would have a lot of leaves. And, yes, 2013 was a long time ago, but that's how my writing works sometimes.

The Tree of Knowledge was very big. That was, of course, obvious, but there were some unforeseen consequences to housing the largest library in existence in one of the largest trees to have ever grown. In winter huge piles of snow would drift up against the trunk, and there was a danger of icicle-related injuries. In the springtime wind would break off countless branches, which would later have to be cleared away from the path. In summer long shadows stretched out over the entire island.

And in the fall there were leaves.

When she was six years old and the weather was just cold enough to require long sleeves, Nico Robin noticed that other children got to play in the leaves. Even her cousin, who detested getting dirty, ran and jumped time and again into piles of red, gold, and orange that Uncle Oran piled into the back yard.

She leaned in the doorway and watched. Robin didn't dare go over and ask if she could join, even though Aunt Roji wasn't home at the moment. It looked fun, but Auntie had forbidden her from playing with her cousin. Uncle Oran might have allowed it, but it wasn't worth being yelled at if she was wrong.

Mizuira giggled and tackled her father into the nearest pile. Leaves danced as they played, and Robin had to look away. A feeling she didn't quite understand panged in her chest when she saw her family together. It reminded her of something from a long time ago, something that Robin could never quite reach, like it came from a forgotten dream.

Whatever that something was, it had white hair and a pretty laugh, and Robin missed it very, very much.

Scowling, Robin pulled herself from the doorway. If she stayed then she would be seen, and if Mizuira saw her she would tell Auntie, and if Auntie knew she had been staring Robin would get into trouble. With one final glance around the kitchen to make sure nothing was out of place (it was always her fault when there was a mess, even if she hadn't caused it) Robin grabbed her book and hurried out the front door. Neither her aunt nor her uncle seemed to care if she was gone for hours on end, and the library was always preferable to her house.

Cold wind whipped around her, making Robin shiver. Leaves swirled into miniature cyclones at her feet, carried down the street from either the forest or the Tree of Knowledge. All around her people were getting ready for the festival that would take place later in the week. Parents picked out turnips for their children, or bought pumpkins if they were wealthy enough. Others were buying food for the celebration, the women gossiping and swapping recipes with one another. There were even a few teenagers who mulled around. They were probably planning pranks or tricks for Devil's Night.

During last year's night of mischief someone had spray painted "monster manor" on the front door of their house. Aunt Roji had been absolutely furious, and despite several heated visits to the police station the culprits never were caught. This, of course, was Robin's fault as well. It was her Devil Fruit that made her a monster, and it was her mother who had abandoned her.

Robin shivered again, and not from the wind. Almost everyone called her monster or demon even though she wasn't. At least, she didn't think she was. People automatically assumed she was a demon because of the word "devil" in Devil Fruit, but Professor Clover reassured Robin time and again (and backed up those assurances with written proof) that the name "Devil Fruit" was merely a leftover term from history that didn't really mean anything. Robin was just as human as everyone else on the island.

It was true she could grow as many arms as she wanted, or sprout dozens and dozens of eyeballs effortlessly. That wasn't normal, and by that definition Robin was a monster. It didn't matter that she only used her power to finish her chores quicker or to reach things that were too high up on the shelves. The Flower-Flower Fruit was bad.

Robin would never let on how much the names hurt or how badly she craved the professor's reassurances. She had learned that crying or appearances of weakness only invited trouble, and causing trouble was much worse than being called names. Trouble—even if she wasn't the one who started it—meant punishment, which usually included being banned from the library until Auntie couldn't stand the sight of her face around the house any longer.

Dwelling on it too much wasn't good, either. Professor Clover said so, and he was usually right. Robin lowered her head and clutched her book close to her chest, ignoring the people who stared at her. The only thing she had any control over was herself, and it was a waste of time to worry what other people thought about her.

The professor said that, too, but sometimes it was really, really hard to listen to his advice.

She made good time. No one threw things at her or tried to trip her or pointed while whispering hurtful things they thought she couldn't hear. As always, Robin's spirits lifted when she saw the giant tree. She practically had to wade through the enormous pile of leaves that had blown up against the library. One got stuck in her hair while another brushed against against her face and tickled her nose, making her laugh.

Once inside, Robin was greeted with a much friendlier image than she had seen in town. Hack smiled and murmured a quick greeting before returning to his research with Gram. Roche took the book Robin came to return, absentmindedly plucking a leaf-stem from her dress as he promised to put it back where it belonged. Hocha was on one of the upper levels with a massive cart full of books that needed reshelved, but paused to wave as Robin passed.

This was home. She didn't have to worry anxiously or tip-toe around like some sort of criminal. There was no name calling or thinly-veiled insults. The Tree of Knowledge was the only place Robin could truly be Robin without repercussions.

With that happy thought, Robin tried to fulfill her reason for coming to the library. She searched up and down for Professor Clover, checking his office, favorite nooks, and even the artifact room to no avail. It took quite some time, and by the end of it she was grumpy and cross. The professor was always at the library doing something. So where could he have gone to?

Eventually she tried the door to the basement out of desperation. It was locked, just like always. It was a stupid place to try, anyway, for she could never remember actually seeing someone go into the basement. Rebuffed, Robin picked a book at random and stomped most obscure hideaway spot she knew, in one of the farthest away branches that had been turned into a study.

Originally only the trunk of the Tree of Knowledge had been hollowed out, but as time went on and the library expanded, the biggest branches had been utilized as well. Common sense said that the roots would have been given the same treatment, and in the past they had, but it had been explained to Robin that most of the rooms in the basement were no longer safe. Besides, the tree needed its roots to survive and grow, destroying them for a little more space wasn't smart.

Even so, Robin thought that there was something down there, though the archeologists wouldn't confirm her suspicions. There was too much mystery and allure surrounding the forbidden door for there not to be something special hidden just out of sight. It was Secret and Important, which piqued her burgeoning instincts as a researcher. It was like an itch she couldn't scratch, and the only way Robin figured she could satisfy her curiosity was to become an archeologist herself.

Which was why it was so frustrating that she couldn't find the professor. He always was teaching her new lessons about archeology and history, each one bringing her a step closer to her goal. Learning from books was fun and good, but Professor Clover made it real in a way no book could. Plus he was always cheerful and took time to listen when no one else would. He was her favoritest person in the world, even though Robin knew "favoritest" wasn't a word, and she wasn't a baby that needed coddling.

But the professor wasn't just her teacher, but the teacher to everyone who worked at the Tree of Knowledge. As one of the world's leading scholars, he was constantly researching something or writing articles for scientific journals. As much as Robin wished it weren't true, there was no way he could indulge her whenever she wanted a little bit of attention.

So Robin read alone in her alcove, feeling unwanted and lonesome even though she knew in her head that the archeologists liked her. She loved the library and the people in it, but it couldn't give her the one thing she truly wanted. Despite how hard she tried to distract herself, Robin's mind kept going back to the image of her uncle and cousin playing.

"Ah, there you are!" Robin jumped at the unexpected noise of the professor's voice. Stooping through the doorway of the little room, Professor Clover made his way beside her. "I heard that you had come in. You can be a hard one to find, did you know that?"

"So can you," Robin said, refusing to look up from her book.

"Years of working in a library have taught me the art of stealth," he agreed in good humor. "But that's neither here nor there. Did you want to continue our lesson from yesterday? I've got some things that we can use for a practicum on different dating techniques."

"Okay." Robin slid out of her chair and headed for the main chamber of the library. A firm hand clasped on her shoulder.

"Robin, dear, is something bothering you?"

"No." When she saw his eyebrows quirk upward, Robin looked away. "It's stupid. Nobody wants to play in the leaves with me."

Robin didn't see Professor Clover's heartbroken look as she pulled away from his hand and made her way to the artifact room for her lesson.

The next day Robin wasn't able to get away to the library until after lunch, much to her dismay. Her chores would be so much easier to finish if she were allowed to use her power, which Aunt Roji had explicitly forbidden. That didn't stop Robin from experimenting when no one else was home, but most of the time her already difficult workload was made worse by the senseless rule.

So for the second time in as many days Robin was in a foul mood as she went to the library. The glares of the townspeople seemed darker today, the air colder. Devil's Night was approaching, and people were already lumping her with the miscreants that would use the night for an excuse to commit petty crimes.

Robin didn't like it when so many people stared at her, like she was one of the freaks in a carnival show, and kept her head low so she couldn't see them. I am not a monster, I am not a monster, I am not…

The Tree of Knowledge came into view, and at once it became a little bit easier to breathe.

…a monster.

She wasn't, no matter what anyone else thought. Stomping through the leaves, Robin entered the library.

"SURPRISE!"

Robin jumped at the shout. Then she looked at the main auditorium, naked surprise on her face. Streamers were strung on the model solar system, balloons were tied to every chair, and a large banner hung on the wall, the words First Annual (Belated) Equinox Celebration written in bold black lettering.

There were sandwiches and glass bottles of soda on the tables. A giant red and black checkered mat was laid out on the floor, accompanied by equally giant checker pieces. In the background the gramophone was playing a jazzy tune, and someone had even put a party hat on the model tyrannosaurus rex.

Robin couldn't help it. She laughed.

"The equinox was last month," she managed to giggle. "Why are you celebrating now?"

"We were in such a rush to get that article ready for publication and didn't have time to commemorate the occasion," the professor explained with a shrug. "As they say, better late than never."

Robin looked at the words First Annual and said, "It looks like you don't celebrate, ever."

Professor Clover smiled at the rhyme. "That's what makes it so exciting. We're starting a new tradition! For generations to come, historians will look at this group as the first archeologists to have fun!" He paused for a moment, tilting his head. "Not that archeologists don't have fun, but I'm sure you get my meaning."

Robin wasn't sure she did, but she nodded anyway.

"Once again your brilliance shows itself. Now let's stop jawing and start eating. Those potato chips won't consume themselves!"

It didn't take long for Robin to realize this celebration was had been haphazardly thrown together at the last minute. Some of the balloons said Happy Birthday, and the tablecloth had little graduation hats printed on it. Robin had no idea why her teachers had decided to take a day off of their very important work, but she couldn't bring herself to care. Root beer floats were a rare treat, and she was quickly proving herself to be an expert checkers player.

"How long do you think you can stay?" Professor Clover asked quietly as Robin took a break to fill her plate with food.

"I finished my chores already." Robin said before taking a sip from her drink, wondering if they would let her take the twisty straw home with her.

"That's great. Gram is going to grill some hamburgers and hotdogs for supper later." He clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Everyone gather 'round!"

The archeologists looked up at the professor. It was about three in the afternoon, and everyone was feeling lazy and comfortable as they sat in small groups to play cards

"It is a wonderfully nice day, and it would be a shame to spend it inside."

Several of the archeologists frowned at one another, and Robin hid a giggle behind a hand. They spent most of every day inside.

Noticing the effect of his words, the professor cleared his throat. "We have cleared out a space on the north side of the tree for a game of slow pitch softball."

"What!"

"You're kidding."

"That actually sounds kind of fun."

"No one is forced to play, obviously, but if you would like, we shall be starting in a few minutes." Professor Clover's eyes twinkled as he gave Robin a small glance. "Naturally, I will be acting as umpire. Those who do not wish to participate are more than welcome to watch."

In the end, most of the archeologists did indeed go outside, some only with a little good-natured teasing. As the professor said, it was a nice day, clear and cool. The sun shone brightly, and a brisk wind threatened to overrun their baseball field with leaves. But they had picked their spot well, in an area where very little would accumulate regardless of the wind.

They picked teams, and Robin hung back. She wanted to play, but didn't know how. Card games were easy to learn, but sports required repetition and practice.

Zadie and Roche were team captains. There weren't enough people for two full teams, but there was enough to make due. Robin's stomach clenched when she remembered that the ship her mother was on held over thirty of Ohara's best archeologists. They probably weren't taking a day off their work (so Secret and Important) to have fun.

Robin shook her head. Today was a good day; she wasn't going to sour it by overthinking.

"Robin, did you want to join?" Roche asked.

"I don't have a glove," she said softly.

"Oh, that's no problem. The professor found a box of the things in storage. Come on, you can be on my team. It'll be fun!"

"Okay," Robin said, tentatively stepping forward. Professor Clover handed her a baseball mitt. The leather was old and soft, and though it was too big for her hands Robin could move it easily. Someone else placed a ball cap on her head. It slid down over her eyes before she could fix the band to fit her properly. Robin looked up at the archeologists and grinned enormously. She had to look ridiculous in her faded purple dress and a baseball hat and glove, but she didn't mind. Robin rushed out to the makeshift field with the rest of her team. It didn't even matter that she didn't know all of the rules. The archeologists were doing something, and they were including her.

Besides, as Rint waddled up to home plate with a bat held awkwardly in her hands Robin was sure there were several others who didn't know what they were doing either.

Two outs, last inning of play.

Robin wiped her forehead as she stepped out of the batter's box. The shouts of her teammates faded into the background, her focus solely on the pitcher. No one had bothered to actually keep track of the score, but that didn't stop her from wanting to keep the game going just a little bit longer.

Zadie cocked his arm back, and Robin tracked the ball as it arched through the air. She hitched her arms, and at the exact right moment swung as hard as she could.

She hit it, kind of. Instead of making solid contact, the bat hit the top half of the ball and drove it sharply into the ground. Robin didn't wait to see if the ground ball made it past the pitcher, sprinting as fast as she could towards first base.

"SAFE!" Professor Clover shouted, kneeling down to the ground as he made the call with a wild gesture, nearly hitting Robin as he threw his arms out.

Panting, Robin walked back to the bag. Hocha, playing first base, smiled. "You're quick. Not many could beat out a dribbler to the mound like that."

It took a moment for Robin to translate the unfamiliar baseball lingo, and she shook her head. She was sure that Zadie could have gotten her out if he wanted to. "I've got lots of practice running."

Hocha's smile faded and a sad look entered her eyes, but Robin didn't notice, her focus back to the game.

The sun was sinking too fast. Night came early this time of year, and all the fun and excitement made time seem to go that much faster. Robin looked out at the horizon, wishing she had eaten a Devil Fruit that would let her keep this feeling forever.

"Here, take this. It will help keep the chill away," the professor said, handing her a cup of hot chocolate. Robin accepted it, although she was uncomfortably full from everything she had eaten. She noticed someone had thought to add marshmallows and smiled. If nothing else it would help keep her fingers warm.

"Thank you," Robin said, taking a polite sip.

"I know you have to go home soon, but I do have one more activity planned."

Unable to think of anything else that the archeologists could have possibly planned, Robin looked up at the professor, curiosity written on her face. "What is it?"

Professor Clover smiled a mysterious smile that could have meant anything. "Follow me, dear, and we'll find out together."

Robin trailed the professor as he walked around the Tree of Knowledge. It didn't take long before a few of the other archeologists came into view, and with them their surprise. Robin stopped in her tracks when she saw what they had done.

"For me?" she asked hesitantly.

"For you," the professor said with a nod.

With a laugh of glee Robin sprouted some extra hands to hold her drink before throwing herself at Professor Clover, wrapping her real arms around his waist in the strongest hug she could manage.

"Ooph," the professor gasped as he staggered back a step. "Be careful. You'll knock me over." Despite the stern tone in his voice, he returned the hug, and bent down low to whisper in her ear, "Go on, dear. Play a little before you have to go home."

Robin didn't need to be told twice. She broke the embrace before running towards the pile of leaves the archeologist had made for her. The pile was massive, taller than most adults, and made of the giant leaves that fell from the Tree of Knowledge.

The archeologists—some of them still holding rakes—took a few steps back as she blew past them. When she got close enough Robin leapt into the air, arms spread eagle. She turned at the last possible moment, falling on her shoulder into the pile of leaves. They crunched together under her weight, and the musty smell of earth filled her nose. Robin laughed as she sunk, before rolling out of the pile and onto her hands and knees.

"Well?" Zadie asked. "Was it as fun as ya expected?"

"Better," Robin said, the excitement flushing through her. "Can I do it again?"

"May I," Professor Clover corrected, walking over at a more reasonable place, her hot chocolate in hand. "And yes, of course you may. It would be a travesty to let such a magnificent pile of leaves remain un-jumped in, don't you think?"

Robin thought about it for a moment before nodding. After all, the words had come from the professor himself, and he was usually right about such things. She stood and dusted herself off, before remembering her cousin's actions the day before. A mischievous smile spread across her face.

"A travesty," Robin agreed, trying to replicate the aura of mystery the professor had exuded just moments earlier.

"Robin?" Professor Clover asked warily.

Without warning, Robin tackled Zadie into the pile of leaves, copying Mizuira's interaction with Uncle Oran. The action caught him off guard, and Zadie swore as he fell. Robin froze, afraid she had gone too far. Zadie struggled to get back to his feet, but only managed to sink farther unto the pile.

"Sorry," Robin said anxiously as she used her power to help him stand. "I didn't mean…"

"Why you little…" Zadie said, and after a moment Robin realized he was laughing. "I'll getcha for that!"

He dove into the leaves a second time trying to splash them at her as if it were water. Robin let out a sigh of relief, glad she hadn't crossed over some invisible line she didn't understand. Calling up extra arms, she tried to stuff some of the leaves down his shirt, eliciting a yowl of protest.

Before she knew it, another archeologist picked her up by her armpits and threw her into the pile. One by one, more people entered the fray until everyone except Professor Clover was laughing and playing in the leaves. He stood off to the side and watched the mayhem with mock disapproval, every once in a while shouting out ideas to try.

Robin didn't know how long they played, but it seemed like only minutes had gone by when she realized it was getting too dark to see and the air was growing cold. They stopped their games and tried their best to get the leaves out of everybody's hair and clothes.

"I haven't done anything like that since I was a kid," Rocha said.

"Yeah, we should definitely do this again next year."

"Next year? That's way too long. Maybe something during the solstice…"

There were murmurs of agreement, and the professor cleared his throat. "We can discuss this at a more appropriate time. I'm going to take Robin home."

Home. The word made Robin's stomach sink, but she obediently put her hand in the professor's and let him guide her down the path.

"Thank you," Robin said quietly.

"No, my dear, thank you," the professor said. "I think sometimes we get so wrapped up in the trials of life we forget what it means to truly live. Everyone needs some good-natured fun every once in a while, or they forget."

"Forget what?" Robin asked.

Professor Clover stopped in the middle of the street and looked up at the sky. Pointing to the first stars of the evening, he said, "Do you remember when I first had you look through the telescope, how excited that made you?"

"Yes."

"There are some people who study the heavens every night, so much so that they forget how to be amazed. They think to be grown up you have to abandon childish things like dreams and the thirst for adventure. It's a very cold and dreary way to live, Robin, and I hope it never happens to you."

"I'd never give up my dream," Robin said.

"Not willingly, I know, but sometimes the world tries to steal it from you," he said. "Don't let them."

"I won't," Robin promised, though she still wasn't quite sure what the professor meant.

"Good girl," the professor said, giving her hand a small squeeze of encouragement. "Now let's get you home before your aunt disembowels me for keeping you out so late."

Robin giggled at the mental image and allowed him to take her the rest of the way home. Indeed, Aunt Roji was not happy to see a dirty, disheveled Robin walk through her front door, and as the days until Devil's Night passed her temper only grew, to the point where Robin hardly dared to leave her room.

The hateful words hurt, as did the suspicious glares and cruel tricks from the people in town. But Robin was able to ignore it like the professor said she should, because she knew there were people who would take time out of their busy schedules to play with her in the leaves.