Ok so I hope this Chapter is something you all enjoy because I was the unlucky bastard who had to watch the entire Robin flashback MULTIPLE TIMES! Never say I don't try hard to flesh these things out because this was honestly sad to write for the most part.
Anyway onto the reviews
Erasenpai946 – Spandam is gonna get what he deserves eventually don't you worry about that!
Zecr – The main reason he doesn't use it is because he's just so strong that he never really needs to use something like that. That being said I am more than willing to use it more if people want to see it in the story more, comedic purposes or otherwise.
Anyway on with the story!
I do not own Fairy Tail, One Piece or the Nasuverse.
The Fate Of Ohara
We find ourselves twenty years in the past in the West Blue on the island of Ohara, a place that holds the world's greatest library. After having broken into Robin's closed off memories Natsu finds himself standing before a rather small, run down home where the sound of scolding could be heard.
/Natsu's POV/
Peeking through the window of the home Natsu was shocked to see an adorable little girl being forcibly dragged toward the door, her eyes shedding tears as she was roughly thrown out of the house.
"And don't bother coming back until its dark you good for nothing brat!"
"Y-yes Auntie …"
"Get out of my sight Robin!"
It made sense that this little girl was Robin as a child, she literally was just a chibi version of her adult self though her eyes lacked the spark of mischief her adult self possessed up until recently and were instead full of sadness, pain and genuine disappointment.
"That's my Aunt Roji."
"You caught on quick Robin," Natsu said as the adult Robin appeared by his side with a deep frown on her face.
"I had to, you were insistent when it came to sticking your nose where it didn't belong."
"Someone has to," Natsu replied as he began walking alongside the smaller memory of Robin. "This mess has something to do with what happened here and I plan on finding out what it was."
Looking around Natsu's eyes caught onto the massive tree at the centre of the island, a sight that caused his eyes to glow momentarily.
"What … is that tree?"
"The Tree Of Omniscience, also the Library Of Ohara," Robin replied as she tried to touch its base only for her hand to phase right through.
"It's only a memory Robin; we are nothing more than outside observers."
Following the childlike version of Robin into the base of the tree he was surprised to see that there was indeed a massive library built inside of it with more books than he'd ever seen anywhere else. His dazed stupor was distracted by the sound of footsteps belonging to a man with hair shaped like the side leaves and stem of a clover with his bead serving as the top portion.
"Oh Robin, come to read some more books have we?"
Director Of The Ohara Library
World's Leading Authority On Archaeology
Professor Clover
"Professor," Robin cried out as her entire demeanour shifted into that of an ordinary young girl. "I finished reading the last book you gave me, may I please pick out another!?"
"Why of course you can Robin, perhaps soon you'll be a full fledged Archaeologist like the rest of us here eh!?"
"Really, does that mean I'll be able to help you all out soon with your research!?"
"Robin … we've been over this," Clover sighed as he knelt down to the girl's level. "You're too young to be involved in something like that, it's too dangerous."
"But Professor-!"
"This isn't up for debate Robin, your Mother would never forgive us if we did allow you to take part in what we are doing."
"…"
"When you are older Robin, old enough to make a conscious decision about this then we will let you join us but until then I'm afraid my answer shall always be the same."
"Well he seems like a nice guy," Natsu commented as he watched little Robin trudge away in disappointment. "He had your best interests at heart it seems."
"He truly did, more than I could have ever known …"
Walking over to a nearby shelf Robin picked out a book and left the library under the watchful eye of Clover whose face bore a sad expression. Following little Robin out into the woods both Natsu and present day Robin sat and observed her reading from her book.
"You were an academic even at that age eh?"
"My Mother was a lead researcher for Ohara and I wanted to follow in her footsteps, still do honestly."
Natsu's senses picked up on something coming from just outside his peripheral vision as a rotten tomato flew over and struck Robin in the side of the head spilling its contents all through her hair, over her face and onto her already worn dress.
"Eugh look at that thing!"
"What's it doing!?"
"Looks like it's trying ta read!"
"Can Demons even read?"
"Looks like that one is trying!"
Children. Those who carry the most innocence of all humankind yet they are also capable of the most disgraceful acts of bullying. The fact that there was more than three kids was all Natsu needed to know that even at this young age Robin was an outcast.
Standing up from the stump she'd been quietly sitting on Robin waved her arm as over a dozen interconnected arms sprouted forth and lightly punched the kid who threw the tomato on the head sending them running back toward the village.
"You had your Devil Fruit even back then too?"
"I don't quite remember when I acquired it but I've had it for as long as I can remember," Robin replied noticing Natsu's sad expression as her younger self tried wiping away the spoilt tomato juice but to no avail as it began sticking to her hair and face.
"Was it like this all the time for you Robin?"
"My life got worse as I got older, not once was I shown an act of kindness that wasn't meant to grant the one giving it something in return."
Nodding slowly Natsu followed the teary eyed child version of Robin deep into the woods until they arrived at a beach. Placing the book aside Robin waded into the water and began washing the spoilt tomato juice off of herself all the while fighting back her tears.
"I'm guessing that this is where things start to change," Natsu asked as he motioned toward an unconscious form further down the beach.
"…"
"Robin?"
"Please … do not go any further Natsu, I beg you! Any further than this and I'll-!"
The sound of the child version of Robin gasping prompted both to snap their attention back toward the memory as the child began running over toward the downed form. Following close behind Natsu was surprised as the form began rapidly expanding in size until it towered over just about every being he'd met indicating that this was in fact a Giant like the two he'd seen guarding the gate to Enies Lobby.
"I-it's a Giant," Robin gasped falling backward onto the sand in shock. "What's a Giant doing here!?"
"Ngh …"
Natsu watched with rapt interest as the Giant slowly emerged from unconsciousness with his first fight being Robin's petrified form. Looking at the tiny human child before him the Giant placed a hand atop his head and rubbed it.
"I must really have the worst luck today … to think my ship would sink like that!"
Slowly rising into a sitting position the Giant then looked down at Robin who had yet to move from her frozen position in the sand.
"Hello there little girl, who might you be?"
"Y-you aren't gonna eat me?"
"Eat you! Where in the world did you get that kind of crazy idea from!?"
"People say that Giants pillage towns and eat the people they capture, you mean you aren't one of those Giants?"
"I don't think I've ever met a Giant who actually tries to eat people, not even the ones on Elbaf do that and they're borderline barbarians!"
"O-oh … sorry Mr Giant."
"Ah it's ok, it's only natural to fear the unknown especially when it's as big as me! Dereshishishsi!"
"M-my name is Robin Mr Giant, Nico Robin!"
"Nico Robin," the Giant replied with slightly widened eyes though it wasn't obvious to the little girl that he had recognized the name. "What a nice name for a pretty little lady like you eh!?"
"Oh … th-thank you Mr Giant for thinking I'm pretty, no one else can even stand looking at me …"
"Sounds like you don't have much going for you eh kid? Honestly I wouldn't worry about what other people think of you too much, in the end they aren't the ones that matter!"
"Really?"
"Oh yeah, you're the only one who should be concerned about you," the Giant said firmly. "Let everyone else have their opinions but never lose sight of yourself! Oh, I almost forgot to tell you my name!"
Former Vice Admiral Of The Marines
A Giant Of Elbaf
Jaguar D Saul
"Jaguar? But you're a Giant not a big cat aren't you?"
"Dereshishishi! You're a funny girl you know that!? My name really is Jaguar D Saul you know, no cats anywhere near me though."
"Oh, well at least you name sounds cool."
"Nico Robin sounds pretty cool too!"
"Thanks," Robin replied with a beaming smile as she looked out toward the ocean. "Say Mr Saul, how did you end up here anyway?"
"Er … well you see I was fishing and my boat got destroyed in a storm-!"
"Liar," the older Robin muttered next to him as Natsu turned his gaze toward the younger one quickly realizing she'd eaten up the explanation as if it were gospel.
"So how are you going to get home Mr Saul?"
"Hmm …"
"You don't know?"
"I guess I'll just have to make myself a raft eh, can't be too hard can it?"
"Do you even know how to make a raft Mr Saul?"
"Well if I strap some trees together it'll float won't it?"
"Hehe, silly Mr Saul that isn't how a raft works!
"Oh? So you know how to make one do you Robin?"
"Well I don't know how to actually make one but I'll bet I can find a book that can tell me how to do it!"
"A book?"
"Yeah, this is Ohara! You know all about Ohara don't you Mr Saul, Professor Clover says everyone in the world knows about this island!?"
"Ohara, the island that has the world's greatest collection of knowledge," Saul said in a slightly saddened tone. "Yes I know all about it."
"Then you know I can find you a book on how to make a raft real quick!"
"Dereshishishi! I'm sure you could Robin, Ohara does have the best library after all!"
"O-ok Mr Saul I'll go find the book for you right away!"
"Hey now Robin you don't have to go rush all that way just for me you know …"
"It wouldn't be right letting you sit here when you've probably got friends somewhere waiting for you Mr Saul. Just wait right there and I'll go get the book!"
Natsu watched the young Robin run off as fast as her little legs could carry her as the entire memory began to distort.
"What's happening Natsu?"
"The memory is moving forward by several days since it deems what occurred during that time to be of little importance to why I'm here."
The memory stopped distorting and shifted to show Saul having built some semblance of a raft whilst young Robin called out instructions from a book.
"It says you need to make sure ALL the logs are secure Mr Saul, what if they come loose and you are in the middle of the ocean?"
Saul was about to respond when his index finger got jammed in between two of the trees he was trying to tie together prompting the Giant to recoil in pain.
"SHIT!"
"You can't say that Mr Saul, that's a swear!"
"G-damn it," Saul snapped before looking over at Robin before the pair began laughing with one another.
"Dereshishishi! Sorry Robin but I've been sailing the seas a long time so swearing just kind of comes naturally to me."
"You said that you were a part of the Marines before didn't you Mr Saul?"
"Y-yeah … I did, why?"
"Why aren't you part of the Marines now?"
"W-well you see Robin I'm not really a fan of all the fighting ya have to do as a Marine, I just don't like hurting people you know?"
"Professor Clover says it's only fair to hurt someone if they hurt you."
"He's not wrong either, not in this near lawless world," Saul sighed as he sat down near the hill Robin was sitting on. "As a Vice Admiral I had to go all over the Grand Line and the New World fighting against all sorts of strong Pirates and crazy strong beasts yet I hated every minute of the fighting."
"Then why did you join the Marines in the first place?"
"I wanted to make a difference in the world; turns out the Marines don't really want the same …"
"What was that Mr Saul?"
"N-nothing Robin I just said that I just wanted to make a difference but was too scared of hurting people that I couldn't keep it up any longer!"
"But you're a Giant so how can you be scared of anything?"
"Dereshishishi! Even Giants can be scared Robin, it's only natural for all living things to fear something!"
"Really?"
"Of course!"
"So … so that's why everyone in the village think I'm a creep and won't play with me, because their scared of me?"
"Huh? Why would they be scared of you Robin?"
"Because I can do something no one else can," Robin replied sadly as she waved her hand forming over a dozen waving hands along Saul's arm. "See."
"Ah, you ate a Devil Fruit."
"Y-you aren't afraid?"
"Like I said before Robin I've sailed the Grand Line and the New World, I've seen all sorts of incredible Devil Fruit powers," Saul replied before he began to try and fail to suppress another bout of laughter.
"What's so funny?"
"I honestly envy you Robin, that Devil Fruit power of yours looks quite 'handy' eh!? Dereshishishishi! Dereshishsishsi!"
That really is a weird laugh Mr Saul," Robin giggled in response.
"Dereshishishi! Whatever you say, Robin! But you know, laughter is the key to happiness right?"
"Why?"
"Why, huh? Well when you're happy, you laugh. So, it follows that you'll become happy if you laugh," Saul explained before looking back toward Robin. "You look like you've had it pretty rough, despite your age. Try laughing Robin! When times get tough for you, just laugh!"
"You'll just look stupid if you do that."
"Not at all, Dereshishi! Come on, you try it now, laugh Robin!"
Natsu couldn't help but suppress his own laughter at the intense look of concentration on the younger Robin's face as she tried to figure out exactly how to laugh like Saul wanted her to. Eventually after some effort it appeared like young Robin had figured it out and turned toward Saul.
"Mmmhm. Dereshi!"
"Yeah, yeah! You almost got it Robin, do it like this! Dereshishishishi!"
"Hmm … Dereshishishi!"
"Nice, nice! Dereshishishi!"
"Dereshishishi!"
It was honestly a heart warming moment to witness and he could sense the embarrassment coming from Robin's general direction flowing off of her in droves as she refused to meet his gaze. Watching as the entire memory began to shift he figured this part of the memory was one that defined what was to come.
"I like that guy, Saul; he's probably the friendliest Giant I've ever heard of."
"If the memory is shifting then that could only mean …"
Natsu found himself standing before a now terrified Robin who was currently being detained by a bunch of Government officials that much was perfectly clear based on the way the entire atmosphere felt. Looking around he saw Professor Clover being dragged out of the Ohara library however his heart nearly stopped on who was being dragged out behind him.
"That-!"
You can't do this, you have no right," Clover shouted stopping Natsu mid sentence as a slightly familiar looking man stepped forward.
"You and your fellow scholars knew this was coming Clover, you didn't honestly think you'd get away with committing the biggest crime in this world and get away with it did you?"
"The preservation of history is not a crime; it is a right all living beings have a right to possess!"
"Research into the Poneglyphs is expressly forbidden under the law of the World Government Clover, under penalty of death."
"You have no right-!"
"You people lost your rights the moment you dared to defy the World Government otherwise Cipher Pol would not have been dispatched here to clean up this mess."
Director Of Cipher Pol Aegis Nine
Loyal Servant Of The World Government
Spandine
"You won't be able to suppress the truth forever; someone will figure it out eventually!"
"Perhaps, however today is not that day. Thanks to the capture of this woman we now know that the scholars and Archaeologists of Ohara are capable of reading the Poneglyphs, a skill expressly forbidden by the World Government."
"I'm sorry Clover, this is all my fault!"
"No, none of this is your fault for we have committed no real crime!"
"Oh but it is your fault," Spandine said as he turned toward the woman. "You are single handedly responsible for the destruction of this place today … Nico Olvia!"
His ears picked up simultaneous sobs from both young and present Robin with the younger one however before the younger one could speak Clover rose from his seated position and began to speak.
"You have decided that we are to die simply because we are investigating the Poneglyphs, you fear the true history we could discover from the ancient text left behind by beings far beyond our comprehension don't you!?"
"You all seek to discover the blueprints to an ancient weapon which will be the end of us all you foolish old man," Spandine snapped back.
"Is it really the weapon itself that the World Government fears or-?"
"Chief Spandine, a call from the Five Great Elders," one of the Agents called out whilst carrying a large Transponder Snail over toward them.
"This is a good opportunity," Clover said taking several steps forward. "I wish to speak with the Gorosei before I am executed. Although we have been researching for years and our research is yet to be completed we have formed a hypothesis surrounding the Void Century and I would discuss it with them!"
"Honestly, what rubbish," Spandine sighed as Clover turned toward the shocked Robin.
"Robin, leave this island immediately whilst you still have the freedom to choose. Listening to what I'm about to say is one of the highest crimes in this world."
"Professor …"
"Chief Spandine …"
The entire area fell deathly silent at the words coming from the Transponder Snail as Spandine moved the mouthpiece closer so he could reply.
"I'm here Elder."
"Are the Scholars guilty?"
"Yes they are Elder; a Poneglyph was found hidden beneath the Ohara library along with semi translated documents that are already being destroyed as we speak!"
"Then you know what to do, correct?"
"Indeed Elder however the head of this rebellion, Professor Clover, wishes to speak with the Elders regarding the Void Century. Will you listen or should I begin executing them?"
"A hypothesis on the Void Century? I will hear Clover speak, I am curious to hear what a man who once pioneered the study of world cultures has to say on such a forbidden subject. To think that a man such as you even strayed from the righteous path, it is rather saddening to see."
"The past belongs to the people; no one has the right to stop those who wish to learn about this so-called 'forbidden history,' Elder."
"The mere ability to read the Poneglyphs enables the resurrection of the Ancient Weapons that in of itself is a danger to the world. Even if you have noble intentions Clover should someone desire to take advantage of that knowledge, the end result would be the same."
"No matter what the past holds, it is our history and it is our duty to accept it all for good or ill. If you study it openly, you can prepare for anything."
"What you speak of Clover is pure idealism"
"Is it? Or is it simply unfavourable to you!?"
"Excuse me?"
"The entire reason the Poneglyphs were created in the first place weren't just created to preserve history for history's sake were they, no they hold a much deeper purpose than that which is why we are so interested in deciphering their contents! What were they of the past so intent on passing on to the future that they created cubes that are nigh on indestructible to anything mortal kind can possibly throw at it? Scattered throughout the world are these indestructible texts bearing information that was deemed so vital that their creators ensured absolutely no method could lead to their destruction!"
"…"
"It is clear, even without the text itself, that those who came before had an enemy!"
"What exactly are you implying Professor Clover?"
"If we suppose those people were hunted down and eradicated by that enemy-whomever it was, that enemy should still exist in subsequent history."
"Clover …"
"And how coincidental is it that it was just eight hundred years ago, right after the Void Century, that there was a certain organization that rose to power … known as the World Government!"
"…"
"If those people's enemy happened to be today's World Government then it would only make perfect sense that the Government itself would try to bury the inconvenient events stemming from the Void Century wouldn't it? By decoding the ancient history which is inscribed on various Poneglyphs we quickly discovered the existence of a certain Kingdom of great power and wealth which appears to have been systematically wiped from the pages of history."
"…"
"The culprit was most likely an allied force calling itself the World Government, a force so vast not even this Kingdom could survive and so the people of this Kingdom inscribed everything they were into these great Poneglyphs and entrusted the knowledge to the future generations … or so you would want us to believe!"
"You do not believe that the Poneglyphs are merely ancient texts from the lost civilisation?"
"They are indeed however it wasn't until we found the Poneglyph that now lies below the Ohara library that we made a shocking discovery that could very well crack the mystery behind the Void Century wide open!"
"That is a bold claim Clover, to think that you possess the knowledge that so many have sought after despite not laying claim to the complete picture. However we shall humour you, tell us what you believe you know of the fabled 'Void Century' and enlighten us all."
"Eight hundred years ago there was a vast Kingdom as outlined in the various Poneglyphs scattered around the world proclaim however its inhabitants were not of any of the races currently present in our world! This Kingdom, lost to time and history, was home to beings known as Devils who wielded power far beyond anything the world has ever seen or shall ever see again!"
"…"
"These Devils were the ultimate form of life in our world, possessing even immortality through longevity and the ability to perform feats that are incomprehensible even by today's standards through the use of Devil Fruits! These beings came here from beyond our world and made this one their new home unknowingly encroaching on the territory of a being so powerful, so infinitely terrifying that it ensured their absolute destruction!"
"And the Poneglyph beneath the Ohara library told you this?"
"It spoke of a being said to be capable of empowering what would become the World Government with equal if not greater power than those of the Devils themselves. With but a thought this being bestowed a power known as Aura onto five chosen mortals who had been eternally loyal to it and ordered them to eradicate the threat to its control over the world, of course the Devils had integrated themselves into this world and would not go quietly however … would they?"
"You are implying much Clover …"
"The war lasted centuries with countless super weapons being constructed by the Devils in order to combat the threat the newly formed World Government posed toward them. Poseidon, Pluton, Uranus, Mercury, Mars III, Eos, Katon Ra are but a few of the names referenced within the text however what became perfectly clear was that these weapons were but a means to an end!"
"Professor Clover, answer us this one question if you can."
"Of course."
"Do you know the identity of the being said to have been the threat that wiped out the Devils?"
"The identity of the unfathomable one who drove an entire race to extinction, the identity of the one who sits above the world pulling its strings is-!"
A gunshot rang out as Clover began to fall backward having been shot right in the heart, his body hitting the floor within seconds as the various scholars began to openly riot against their captors.
"Ohara … knows far too much. Chief Spandine, initiate the Buster Call!"
"At once Elder," Spandine replied as he pulled out a solid gold Transponder Snail and pressed the button on top of it. "It is done Elder."
"Good. Ensure none leave Ohara alive, not even the civilians."
"Understood."
The Transponder Snail fell silent signalling the end of the call as Spandine and the Agents with him began walking back to their ship, ignoring the battle behind them as Natsu watched on completely stunned not only at what he'd learnt but what he'd just seen transpire.
Cannon fire began to smash the island from all sides with smoke beginning to coat its surface, looking around Natsu began trying to find young Robin and discovered her running toward the woman whom he knew was her Mother.
"Mother!"
"Hold on, did that kid just call you Mother," one of the guards called out prompting Olvia to shake her head defiantly.
"This isn't my Daughter, I have no child!"
Natsu openly winced at Olvia's words. Of course he knew exactly why she would declare something like that since Robin would have likely been shot instantly had she said it was indeed her Daughter however the destroyed look on the little girl's face broke his heart.
"B-but Mother I've worked so hard to be just like you, I even became an Archaeologist and learnt how to read the Poneglyphs just so you'd take me with you next time!"
"You what," wheezed the somehow still barely alive form of Clover. "Robin …"
Within seconds Olvia had overcome the Agent holding her down and sprinted toward Robin, scooping her small form up into her warm embrace with tears flowing freely from her eyes.
"I-I've always wanted to meet you Mother, even though I never got to meet you I always knew you loved me! Professor Clover always said so!"
"Robin," Olvia cried as she tightened the grip on her Daughter.
"This cannot be … Robin … I've doomed your entire life," Clover wheezed as he slowly crawled toward the Mother and Daughter. "Can you truly read the Poneglyphs …?"
"I'm sorry … I just really wanted to learn how to read them and-!?"
"To think you could accomplish something like that Robin, I'm truly impressed," Olvia said softly as she gently cupped Robin's cheek. "You must have studied really hard, after all it isn't something just anyone can do you know? You're truly amazing, Robin!"
At this point young Robin broke down in her Mother's arms at the praise she'd no doubt waited her entire life for.
"Olvia … take Robin … and run," Clover ground out as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "If you can manage to sneak her onto the evacuation ship she'll be able to leave the island before the Buster Call … kills us all!"
The ground began to shake with audible thuds as Saul emerged from the smoke panting heavily.
"ROBIN! SO THIS IS WHERE YOU'VE BEEN, I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE OK!"
"Saul!"
"Looks like you found Olvia, thank goodness!"
"Saul! What are you doing here," Olvia asked in shock and confusion.
"It must have been fate for you see Robin was the first person I met after my ship sank and I drifted ashore! But forget that for now because things couldn't be any worse right now, we've gotta get off this island before the Buster Call reduces it to dust!"
"Saul … take Robin. Please, make sure my Daughter makes it through this!"
"What … no! Mother, aren't you coming with us!?"
"Olvia, are you-?"
"I still have unfinished business here Saul," Olvia replied with a look almost identical to one Robin had given Natsu on numerous occasions, frighteningly so.
"Mom no, I don't wanna leave you! I just finally got to meet you so I'm staying RIGHT HERE!"
"Robin … If you're an Oharan scholar, you should understand that history is mankind's treasure. You must live and create a brighter future for everyone because if someone isn't there to pass on that history then it will be lost forever …"
"Mom …"
"Isn't it our purpose to uncover our history, to protect the voices of the past!? Our research is over but even if they destroy Ohara, we can't give up on the future to which you belong!"
"I don't understand!"
"One day … one day you will understand Robin," Olvia said with teary eyes as she slowly rose to her feet and looked up at Saul. "It's time, take her Saul!"
"Are you sure," Saul asked shakily as he reached down and picked up Robin's tiny form.
"Yes."
"NO! I'M STAYING HERE! MOM, MOTHER PLEASE!"
Robin's cries to an ordinary human were barely audible however Natsu could hear them clear as day, frozen stiff as he felt something wet stream down his face.
"What right did they have to do this …"
"They didn't have any right, not a single damn shred of it!"
"Wh-who are you," the older Robin gasped at the person who materialized next to Natsu.
"Natsu chase after Saul or you'll be ejected from the memory."
"I know," Natsu sniffed as both he and Robin shifted to stand on Saul's shoulder as the Giant ran across Ohara.
Some of the cannons managed to hit Saul however he powered through even as blood began to flow down his face from multiple head wounds until finally …
"Ice Ice – Ice Time Capsule!"
Natsu and the present day Robin found themselves warped onto the ground before the now downed Saul as young Robin was tossed through the air, crashing into the ground though thankfully mostly unharmed.
"Saul!"
"Damn … Kuzan! Robin, run away!"
"What!"
"Run as fast as you can," Saul panted as ice slowly began to encompass the lower half of his body. "If you stay on this island you'll die for sure so set out to sea on my raft!"
"But what about you Saul?"
"This is the end for me Robin; I've been caught so just go!"
"NO! There's nobody out there at sea for me!"
"Listen well, Robin! You might be alone at the moment, but someday you'll definitely find friends!"
"Friends?"
"Yeah … the sea is vast so someday, without a shadow of I doubt, friends who will protect you will appear!"
"Saul …"
"No one is born into this world being completely alone! Now run, Robin!"
"But-!"
"Don't look back Robin and remember what I taught you when things get rough! When times get tough Robin just laugh like this!"
Looking behind Saul Natsu now realized where yet another fear of Robin had originated as Aokiji placed his hand on the frozen leg of Saul.
"Saul, look out!"
"Dereshishishishi! Dereshishishi!"
Natsu watched as the Giant laughed whilst being frozen solid by Aokiji using something called Ice Time.
"SAUL!"
"Dereshishishishi! Go meet the friends … that are certainly waiting for you … somewhere out there … Robin …"
Again Natsu had to watch as Robin burst into tears now fleeing for her life once more leaving behind yet another person who had no doubt made an impact on her life as the memory began to distort once more.
When the memory refocused itself Natsu found himself standing amidst what little remained of Ohara, the giant tree that once housed the library completely engulfed in flame along with the rest of the island that was being smashed away by cannon fire.
Young Robin ran right through his form however she froze prompting Natsu to look up at Aokiji who sat on a stump before a tiny rowboat placed between what appeared to be an ice lane of sorts.
"Absolute Justice," Aokiji said as he looked over at Robin. "It's been known to sometimes drive a person to madness. To that extent I've decided to let you escape from this island."
"What …"
"A seed that was protected by Saul, my friend, I wonder what it'll grow into? Of course it's your choice to hate whoever you want, but consider yourself lucky to still even have your life. If I were you I'd try to live as quietly as you can …"
"I don't-?"
"I left a line of ice on the sea; follow it in that boat and you'll eventually reach land. Afterward always remember that I am not your ally, Nico Robin, and that if you put one toe out of line in this world I'll be the first enemy to come capture you."
"M-my Mother is still on the island!"
"No one will be spared, if that's too painful for you then feel free to die," Aokiji said as he stood up and walked back into the inferno.
Robin watched him go before turning and hopping into the boat, slowly rowing away as she looked upon the smouldering remains of her home. Floating alongside the boat Natsu watched in a depressed state as she tried to keep herself together.
"Dereshishishishi! Dereshishishi! Dere…shishi! Dere …"
It was evident that this was the child's absolute emotional limit as she began to crack, her entire expression morphing into one he himself had once adopted back in Scarlione as she let loose an anguished cry to the skies which thankfully was overshadowed by the cannon fire.
"Do you see now Natsu … do you see why I want to die," Robin asked as they floated alongside the young Robin. "My life never improved from this point, I was hunted by the World Government relentlessly, attacked by civilians who thought me a Demon for a made up crime. My life has always been this Natsu," she said as she motioned back toward the inferno that was Ohara. "Hell!"
"Robin … you believe you deserve to die because of this?"
"Wherever I go I leave nothing but death and destruction in my wake, I'm better off dead-."
Robin recoiled in shock as Natsu slapped her, hard, knocking her off of her feet and onto what was supposed to be the ocean though it acted like a solid floor.
"What …?"
"In all my years Robin I've only heard self loathing on a scale like this from myself, and that is definitely not a benchmark you want to surpass!"
Placing a hand on her reddened cheek Robin looked up only for her eyes to widen at seeing Natsu's full of tears, his Aura control going berserk prompting his eyes to continuously activate and deactivate constantly.
"How was any of this your fault Robin, how could you have prevented any of this!?"
"…"
"Tell me how," Natsu growled as he grabbed her by her leather coat and dragged her to her feet, getting right into her face. "GO ON, TELL ME HOW-!?"
"WHY DO YOU EVEN CARE," Robin screamed in response as she punched him in the face. "YOU BARELY EVEN KNOW ME YET YOU BREAK INTO MY MIND AND LEARN THINGS NEVER MEANT TO BE KNOWN!"
"I CARE BECAUSE YOU'RE SOMEONE I'VE GOTTEN ATTACHED TO," Natsu roared in response. "I REFUSE TO LET SOMEONE I CALL FRIEND DIE JUST BECAUSE THEY'RE STUPID ENOUGH TO BELIEVE THEMSELVES RESPONSIBLE FOR A CRIME THEY NEVER COMMITED!"
"THAT'S NOT YOUR DECISION TO MAKE-!"
"THE HELL IT ISN'T MY DECISION!"
"WHO ARE YOU TO DECIDE ANYTHING FOR ME!?"
"Who am I … I'M CLEARLY YOUR VOICE OF FUCKING REASON IN ALL THIS!"
"…"
"Why … why are you so determined to do this? Why are all of you so set on bringing me back from this?"
"You're our precious friend Robin," Natsu replied in a much softer tone as he cupped the cheek he slapped earlier, channelling his God's Aura into it and healing it up completely. "When you hurt, we all hurt and when you're in trouble then you know damn well the rest of us will be right there in the thick of it with you."
Robin's eyes widened in recognition at Natsu's words as tears began to form at the corners of her eyes.
Yeah … the sea is vast so someday, without a shadow of I doubt, friends who will protect you will appear!
"Don't you see yet Robin, Saul was right all along …"
"I don't-!"
"Robin, stop fighting and let us into your heart," Natsu pleaded as he placed both his hands on her shoulders. "You've seen our resolve already Robin, you've seen how we all refuse to break our bond with you even if it means taking on the whole world so pardon my bluntness but just let us the fuck in Robin!"
As he spoke his final words Natsu went to head butt Robin but suddenly she found herself standing on the Tower Of Justice, not even several seconds having passed by as tears began to flow freely from her eyes.
'Can I really hope for this? Can I truly state my wish aloud for the world to hear? Can I finally dare to believe my dream is finally coming true!?'
"Robin," Natsu called out as all eyes turned toward him. "What's your answer?"
Her lip began to quiver as she felt the warm gaze of all the Straw Hats upon her warding off the cold one from Cipher Pol. Her eyes met Natsu's once more as she felt something in her chest begin to hurt which prompted her to do something she'd never dared to do before as her composure finally snapped.
"I WANT TO LIVE," Robin cried out shocking Spandam who nearly fell over from how loud she was. "SAVE ME AND TAKE ME OUT TO THE SEA WITH YOU!"
Inwardly Robin was about to berate her moment of weakness when suddenly she saw the ecstatic looks on the crew as they all sent her reassuring smiles.
"Then Robin, Luffy said as he clenched his fists. "Leave the rest to us! Everyone, let's save Robin!"
The crew roared in approval save for Natsu who was content with simply sending Robin a reassuring gaze prompting her to only cry further in response.
Indeed Robin had finally come to accept that Saul was indeed right and friends who could protect her had appeared to challenge the ghosts of her past. The Straw Hat Pirates Versus Cipher Pol Aegis Nine, the stage was set and all the key players were now in place.
"You fools just signed your death warrants," Spandam snapped. "You'll all die trying to save this trash; the World Government has power far beyond anything you could ever possibly comprehend!"
"Power eh," Natsu asked in response. "I assume by power you are referring to weaklings like this?"
Silence.
The entire area fell completely silent as Natsu sent a body flying across the gap between the two groups which landed right before Spandam and CP9.
"Th-this can't be," Blueno gasped now sweating profusely.
"That's Maddox," Kalifa gasped as Lucci's gaze hardened.
"B-b-but that's impossible," Spandam stuttered out whilst pointing to the barely recognizable shell of a body. "He's an Agent of Cipher Pol Aegis Zer0!"
"See that body Spandam, yours is going to look a thousand times worse after I'm done with you. Then I'm going to find your Father and I'm going to do the same to him for what he's done, DO YOU HEAR ME!"
With a wave of his hand the drawbridge was forced downward by Natsu's Gravity Magic allowing the Straw Hats to cross over to the other side as Natsu slowly began floating into the air.
"You lot have no idea how pissed off I am right now … I'm taking Robin back and we're all leaving this place alive Spandam and there's not a damn thing you or anyone else is gonna do about it!"
"You've really gone and done it now Dragneel, CP0 Agents are the right hand of the Gods of our world! To strike one of them down is to openly defy the world itself!"
"Oi I thought we made it clear we don't give a shit about that," Luffy snapped back.
"Enough of this! Lucci, kill them all!"
"Right."
Just as the Straw Hats were about to begin making their way down from the roof yet another hole was blown in the roof behind them as Hessian Lobo emerged and tackled Natsu across the gap into the Tower Of Justice.
"HAH! THAT'S WHAT YOU GET DRAGNEEL! Now come on Lucci we've got to get Nico Robin past the Gates Of Justice!"
Lucci said nothing instead choosing to simply grab onto the now struggling Robin and dragged her out of sight spurring the rest of the crew into action.
"Mordred was the first to go as she leapt across the gap and onto the balcony where CP9 stood, her blade alight with flame as she prepared to try and get Robin free from Lucci's clutches.
"Did you already forget about me, Saber?"
"No I didn't," Mordred growled in response as the CP9 Agents began to disperse throughout the tower. "I'd hoped to get one shot in on that bastard Lucci before you showed up."
"It appears you've learnt nothing from our last encounter, you cannot win against me Mordred Pendragon. If it were your Father perhaps things may have been different however you stand no chance against this version of me."
"Show's what you know," Mordred replied as she rose to her full height whilst giving the Archer a cold glare. "Last time you were stronger, I won't deny it, however this time things will be different!"
"Oh? Then prove it to me Saber and show me an impossibility made real," Archer replied as he summoned two handguns and pointed them in her direction.
Gritting her teeth Mordred was about to charge when she caught a glimpse of someone moving past her at high speed. Tracing the movement she was surprised to see Blueno land on the opposing rooftop and land a kick to Luffy's chest just as he was about to jump down and join the others.
"Luffy!"
"I'll be fine Mordred, focus on that Servant guy," Luffy replied bouncing to his feet. "Things aren't gonna be like they were before!"
Blocking several shots from Archer Mordred found herself diving through the window into the Director's office in an attempt to get Archer as far away from Luffy and the rest of the crew as possible.
'There can't be any collateral around for when I start going all out …'
"Running already Mordred, I had expected more than that after you talked so big-!"
Archer was stunned as Mordred pulled an instantaneous one eighty and landed a fierce kick to his chest knocking him through the opposite wall and out onto the outer wall of Enies Lobby.
"There's no more running Archer," Mordred said as she emerged from the hole, her clothing shifting to the red battle robes she'd worn against Alphonse back on Skypeia as her Spirit Origin began to explode with power. "This time I'm gonna prove myself an equal to Father but more importantly prove myself worthy of Natsu's service!"
"Is that right," Archer grunted as he pulled himself free from the small crater he'd ended up in. "Perhaps things may go slightly different after all …"
Jumping down from the hole in the wall Mordred landed with an audible crash, cracking the ground beneath her as the two Servants charged toward one another as she began yet another fated battle for the Realis Holy Grail War.
Tales From The Tale Verse
Alucard's Worldwide Tour – Now With 80% More Vampire Nazis IV
Transylvanian Homecoming: I'm Count Dracula And This Is My Castle
"Man those old wards were an absolute bitch to shift," Alucard sighed as the trio wandered inside. "Guess that's what happens when you don't perform routine maintenance on them eh!?"
"I did try telling you numerous times my Count."
"Ah well it doesn't really matter, now then we've got some work to do!"
"What work is that," Seras asked confused as Alucard motioned for the pair to follow him up the grand staircase.
"Why do you think The Major wanted to get in here Seras?"
"Well this castle is your alleged seat of power, the symbol of Count Dracula, so it would only make sense to take it if you wanted to prove a point wouldn't it?"
"You aren't wrong Seras however there is something far more important held within this castle, hence the ridiculously strong wards and all."
"So you've got something here like an artefact that The Major needs?"
"Bingo!"
"To be more specific the Count has an artefact that dates back thousands of years locked within his vault," Dimitri added as the group walked past several animate armoured statues that saluted them.
"Something that old? What could it be?"
"You'll find out in a moment," Alucard replied with a grin as he snapped his fingers opening a set of double doors to reveal a large throne room.
"Whoa …"
"As I said earlier Seras, the seat of our power!"
Walking over to one of the thrones Alucard sat down in what could only be described as a regal like pose, his eyes wandering over to Seras and raising an eyebrow.
"Well?"
"Well what?"
"Aren't you going to take your seat?"
"M-my seat," Seras squeaked as she looked over at the empty throne next to Alucard's own.
"You didn't think I called you Draculina because I thought is sounded cool did you? This is your bloodright now Seras, so sit."
Seras quickly did as she was told as Alucard moved his gaze toward Dimitri who was now kneeling before the pair.
"You know what to do while we're in the vault?"
"Of course my Count," Dimitri replied as both Alucard and Seras' bodies began to twist and distort.
"Good."
Vanishing and reappearing in a small entryway Seras was slightly dazed and confused. The method of movement was vastly different from that of Aura Travel and moreover she wasn't prepared for it making the experience all the more worse.
"And this Seras," Alucard said ignoring her currently dazed state. "Is Dracula's fortune!"
"Snapping his fingers Alucard opened the solid stone doors to reveal a room filled to the brim with treasure unending however there was one that almost instantly caught her eye above all others as she slowly began stumbling inside.
"You can feel it already Seras I see, the ancient artefact that The Major was after."
"What … is this," Seras said breathlessly as she reached the small pedestal but dared not move any closer.
"This is an artefact that could cause the next World War if its existence was ever discovered Seras. Blood so powerful, so potent, merely tasting a drop would grant immortality to the most ordinary of humans."
"Whose blood is this Alucard?"
Seras saw Alucard's grin and subconsciously shivered, she couldn't help it whenever she saw the more bloodthirsty side of him no matter how many years they'd been together. It was simply natural instinct.
"This, Seras, is the blood of the saviour himself."
"The saviour … you don't seriously mean to tell me that this is the blood of-!"
"Oh what those bootlickers at The Vatican would do for this, the blood of Jesus Christ himself! Only one drop of this blood has ever been used before Seras, care to take a guess as to whom got to taste this delicacy?"
"You?"
"Actually it was Anderson," Alucard replied in a slightly more subdued tone. "Before I acquired this The Vatican actually was in possession of it and had it locked down there in their wonder vault until I caught a whiff of it. Back then I was pretty reckless and I wanted it for myself however the then still human Anderson stood in my path and tried to stop me, getting cut down in the process of course."
"Wait so if you killed him then how did he managed to consume the blood?"
"As he lay dying he recited prayer as most of those bootlickers do, however his were of a different sort. Instead of praying for safe passage or forgiveness or whatever he instead prayed for the power to kill in the Lord's name. Somehow, through some miracle, when I picked up the vial the slightest drop escaped the top of it and landed right in Anderson's mouth."
"How could something like that possibly occur, isn't this thing sealed?"
"I had wondered the very same thing Seras for quite a few years. Needless to say Anderson who was moments away from death was morphed into something beyond human. He wasn't quite alive anymore yet his body simply refused to stop moving and so he became the Anderson you know, a Frankenstein's Monster of sorts that couldn't be killed by just about anything."
"All that power from one drop of blood …"
"Yes, so imagine what would happen if The Major drank the whole vial?"
"W-we can't let that happen! If he managed to do that-!"
Seras froze as the entire room began to shake prompting Alucard to begin chuckling darkly.
"Wh-what was that!?"
"Of course, naturally this was only the next logical step in this tale wasn't it?"
"I don't understand, why is this place shaking!?"
"Isn't it obvious Seras," Alucard sighed as they both began to shimmer the moment Alucard picked up the vial.
Vanishing and reappearing in the throne room Seras was shocked to see the entire place was completely trashed. Just as she was again about to voice her confusion the sound of clapping could be heard echoing throughout the room.
"Well done indeed my Count, you predicted it exactly as I knew you would. It appears even under that annoying new persona the old tactful Count Dracula still exists."
"It was only natural I'd suspect you given the fact that somehow after every last soul killed or recruited YOU somehow survived."
"Yes indeed The Major wasn't very smart on that front I'll freely give you that however you had to have known this was coming regardless of The Major's influence!?"
"Oh please enlighten me as to why all my staff have decided to betray me?"
"The time of Dracula has come to pass, the age of myth and legend needs to come to an end my Count! We creatures of the night no longer have a place in this modern world, we who are born only to rip, tear and kill! Maim and slaughter to our hearts content we must yet in this modern world our methods are no longer as useful as they once were!"
"Who fed you that line? The Major?"
Millennium may have been founded by a madman but their goal was admirable! Purge this world with the last of our ancient strength, one last hurrah for those of us destined to fade into myth and legend!"
"Are you done?"
"Not quite my Count," Dimitri replied with a grin showing of his jagged teeth. "The vial of Christ's blood, The Major would have it!"
"The Major can go ride a bicycle with no seat and swivel instead, doesn't that sound like so much more fun?"
"You must hand over the vial my Count; the end of this world depends on it!"
"Yeah I'm gonna have to go with no …"
"Very well then," Dimitri sighed before letting loose a monstrous amount of power. "If that is the case then there is only one option remaining!"
From the holes in the walls all manner of beings from Werewolves, Spriggans, Homunculi, Vampires … creatures of the old world began flooding the room as Alucard summoned his guns to his side.
"You may be Dracula, Devil of this world however we would cast you out so that this world might truly end before our own existence fades for eternity!"
"You would all be so selfish as to condemn all life on this planet simply because you can't act like ravenous beasts anymore?"
"It is our nature Count; it is our bestial desires to rampage across the world! To deny this is to deny our very selves!"
"Alucard," Seras called shakily. "Are they for real?"
"This has been brewing for quite some time, even before the whole Millennium incident the creatures of this world have been growing restless …"
"But to condemn the world itself to extinction, how can they justify that!?"
"Many of them justify it with the same bestial desires that led them here," Alucard sighed as he pointed one of his guns at Dimitri. "As Devil of this world and Servant of Integra Hellsing I won't allow this to go on any further!"
"Then you condemn yourself to the abyss Count," Dimitri hissed as many of the other beings began to openly growl or hiss in anticipation for the coming fight. "This is goodbye Count Dracula, ATTACK!"
"Are you ready Seras?"
"No …"
"Good, because neither am I," Alucard sighed as the pair prepared to fight their way out of their own castle.
Hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one!